Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Director of Kansas Emergency Management

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1/4/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov County Officials Urged To Consider Burn Bans

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security and the adjutant general, and State Fire Marshal Jack Alexander are urging officials in Kansas counties to consider issuing burning bans.

"In light of the grass fires in Oklahoma and Texas and dry conditions in Kansas, I am recommending that officials in Kansas counties issue burning bans for citizens in their jurisdictions," said Bunting. "This is a precautionary recommendation. It’s better to head off a disaster than to endanger lives responding to one."

"It is important that we prevent fires from occurring and for our citizens to heighten their awareness," said Alexander. "Respect burning bans and do not discard smoking materials or start open fires."

Bunting said that Kansas has not received any requests for assistance under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multi-state, mutual aid agreement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it had approved requests from Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico for assistance from the nation's Disaster Relief Fund to aid in firefighting efforts.

News reports indicate that more than 600,000 acres have burned in drought-stricken areas of Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico in the past week-and-a-half. Five people have died and at least 470 homes have been destroyed.

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1/5/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov After-Action Review of Kansas' Assistance Effort For Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Over 200 personnel who deployed and/or supported the deployment as part of the state of Kansas’ assistance and relief effort for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided through the multi-state Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), made recommendations for future response missions during an after-action review in Topeka on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

The top recommendations coming out of the review were:

Create a statewide database of emergency management assets—personnel, materiel, fuel, information and communication resources. Include capabilities/strengths and numbers available. Increase the use of advance parties or reconnaissance teams to identify needs and focus resources to be deployed. Have a better understanding of and following the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS). Do a better job of preplanning and preparedness (an example was concern over animal control). It is important to recognize the difference between planning and preparedness (practicing the plan in advance). The best of plans are not likely to work if they are not tried in advance. Mental health counseling for those who deployed needs to be integrated into the demobilization process. Streamline the accounting process for things such as contracts, payroll, and requisitions. Preparedness training needs to be continuous. What is done today should continue tomorrow. Communication improvement is important. There were issues during the notification and deployment process, during the trip to Louisiana and Mississippi, and in the field in these states (e.g., cell phones didn’t work, and some police radios could not communicate with other police radios). Build in redundancy—have a fallback plan.

Kansas Emergency Management sponsored the event. The Institute for Civic Discourse and Democracy at Kansas State University acted as meeting facilitators.

The participants in the review included officials and volunteers from emergency management, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical service (EMS), public works, public health, building inspection, hospitals, and the American Red Cross.

At the opening remarks, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius stressed the importance of applying lessons learned from the deployment to future disasters or emergencies.

"Our response to the devastation wrought by the hurricanes showed our ability to react to a disaster. It also showed us where we can make changes and improve our ability to respond to future emergencies," said Sebelius.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of emergency management and homeland security and Adjutant General of Kansas, promised to listen for ideas or resources for future assistance missions. He assured those attending that the agency will aggressively make improvements, implement new ideas and constantly seek additional resources for assistance "and put them to work for Kansas."

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1/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Official Request For Assistance Required Before Help Can Be Dispatched

Recent wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas have prompted inquiries about Kansas sending firefighting assistance. Kansas could send aid in the form of personnel and equipment under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a multi- state, mutual-aid agreement. However, before Kansas can send that help, some requirements must be met.

The primary requirement is that the state in need must request help through EMAC by contacting Kansas Emergency Management, a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, which processes all such requests. Without an official request, Kansas officials find their hands tied.

"We can offer aid," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Homeland Security and Kansas Emergency Management, "but unless they accept the offer, we can’t go in. If they say ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ then we are not allowed to send even a single fire truck, helicopter or firefighter. The offer stays on the table, but they have to pick it up."

Bunting explained that this acceptance requirement is in place for the protection of personnel who may deploy to a disaster situation. If a disaster worker is in another state unofficially, he has no legal status to receive pay. If he is injured, there is also no legal recourse for workers compensation or other redress. The EMAC agreement also addresses issues such as state-to- state reimbursement for other costs associated with response and recovery measures.

In addition, by going through official channels, said Bunting, emergency management officials can specify what sort and how much assistance is needed.

"It’s nice that people want to help," said Bunting, "but not every kind of help is needed in all situations. Plus, you can’t send in too many workers at any one time because they may place an additional burden on an already overburdened community. You can send in fire trucks and firefighters, but those trucks have to be fueled, those firefighters have to be fed and have a place to rest."

Bunting cited Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where there was massive damage to infrastructure and support systems, noting that rescue workers often had to take in their own food, water and other supplies because there was nothing else available.

Bunting also noted that, currently, response to the situations in Oklahoma and Texas is being coordinated by the Federal Forest Service. States are divided into Response Regions; Oklahoma and Texas are both in the Southern Region, along with 11 other states. Firefighting responders from three of those states are currently engaged in assisting with the fires. Kansas is in the Rocky Mountain region of states.

In addition, he explained that individual counties may have mutual aid agreements with their counterparts in other states which allow them to send assistance on a county-to-county basis. Such agreements are strictly between the counties involved and do not commit State resources.

Bunting emphasized that the moment an official EMAC request is received from Oklahoma or Texas, assistance will be dispatched as quickly as possible.

"We’re standing by," said Bunting. "We’ve got our feelers out so we know what sort of help is available from state, county and local resources. It’s just a matter of getting the official request in hand so we can go to work."

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1/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Lewis And Clark Essay Contest Open To Juniors and Seniors

The Lewis and Clark Expedition opened the way West for settlers in the early 19th century and an essay about that expedition will open the way for 10 Kansas students to take part in the 2006 Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, Aug. 13-18, 2006, sponsored by the National Guard Bureau.

The Youth Rendezvous is an event for students who will be high school juniors or seniors during the 2006-2007 school year. Centered around the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery and the exploration of the west, the Youth Rendezvous will take place along the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota.

The winners of the essay contest will receive a free trip to North Dakota during the 2006 Lewis and Clark Signature Event. Participants will learn about military heritage and American Indian culture while touring the state and participating in fun and adventurous activities. Meals, transportation and housing will be provided free of charge by the National Guard for 10 winners from each state and territory.

"This is a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to experience the Lewis and Clark expedition hands-on and to gain a better understanding of the role of the Kansas National Guard, from both historical and contemporary perspectives," said Adrienne Dickey, Kansas National Guard Youth Program Coordinator.

Dickey emphasized that the essay contest is open to all juniors and seniors.

"No military affiliation is necessary," said Dickey.

Essays must be between 1,000 and 1,500 words, written in English and address the question "In your opinion, what military value most describes the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery journey and why?" Military values are:

Loyalty: Bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution, the Army, your unit, and other Soldiers. Duty: Fulfill your obligations. Respect: Treat people as they should be treated. Selfless Service: Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your own. Honor: Live up to all the Army values. Integrity: Do what's right, legally and morally. Personal Courage: Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral).

"The military values that Lewis and Clark embraced in their journeys apply as much today as in their day," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Adjutant General of Kansas. "I hope that many Kansas young people will participate in this contest and learn how military values help people prepare for challenges of life."

Essays will be evaluated on original thought. References may be used, but must be cited in a separate bibliography page. The essay can be submitted online or an application can be requested by mail. The essay should include these four parts: title page, essay, bibliography (if applicable) and a completed entry form. Information on the title page should include the title of the essay, the contestant's name, address and telephone number.

To receive an application by mail, send requests to:

Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous

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P.O. Box 5511,

Bismarck, N.D., 58506-5511

Entries will be accepted until midnight Feb. 28, 2006. For information about the Youth Rendezvous and the essay contest, go to www.lcyouthrendezvous.com or contact Dickey at [email protected]; cell phone (785) 806-1750.

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1/13/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Guardsmen Depart For Afghanistan

Eighteen Kansas National Guardsmen said good-bye to their families and friends during a ceremony in honor of their deployment to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

The soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th Division Artillery, were honored on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Fort Leavenworth. They will become part of an Embedded Training Team (ETT) that will assist in training an Afghan Army Brigade.

"You are never far from our thoughts," said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small, assistant adjutant general - Army and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard. "We’ll do everything we can to take care of your families. We want you to know we are as committed to you as you are to the mission."

Lt. Col. Michael Slusher, commander of the unit, assured the families that the safety of his soldiers was a top priority.

"My promise to the families is that I’ll do everything I can to take care of those precious to you," said Slusher.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, expressed his pride in the deploying soldiers.

"These soldiers join a long roll of fellow soldiers and airmen who have answered their nation’s call to serve far from home and family in order to secure the blessings of freedom for others," said Bunting. "I know they will do their job with professionalism and distinction. I am immensely proud of them."

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1/17/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Adjutant General Releases Department's 2005 Annual Report

Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting, the adjutant general of Kansas, has released The Adjutant General’s Department 2005 Annual Report. The report was presented to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and during the first week of the legislative session was provided to legislators.

The report reviews the major accomplishments and highlights of all the department’s divisions – Kansas Homeland Security, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Army National Guard, Kansas Air National Guard and Civil Air Patrol. This includes deployments and homecomings of Kansas National Guardsmen involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and other U.S. military operations; events connected with the 150th Anniversary of the Kansas National Guard; reorganization of the Kansas Army National Guard’s force structure; emergency response in Kansas, as well as for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; an historical overview; fiscal information; and a map showing the locations of all Kansas National Guard units.

"I am very proud of the many accomplishments achieved by the dedicated men and women I have the privilege to lead," said Bunting. "During the past year, we celebrated our great heritage as we observed the 150th anniversary of the Kansas National Guard. We felt the satisfaction of doing our jobs with distinction. We also felt pain and sadness as we lost two Kansas Guardsmen who gave their lives in defense of freedom in Iraq."

"No one can ever say that Kansans aren’t doing their share for the Global War on Terrorism. Since 2001, nearly 75 percent of all Kansas National Guardsmen have been deployed to Iraq, Kosovo and other areas of the world," continued Bunting. "At home, we continue to be vigilant and proactive in how we protect the lives and property of the people we serve, from natural disasters as well as man-made threats. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, we were even able to send personnel and equipment to assist the authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi with response and recovery efforts."

Bunting noted that The Adjutant General’s Department is one of the largest employers in the state, ranking fourth in the number of personnel and over $2.6 billion in assets.

The report is available on-line in a PDF format at http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/Resources- DepartmentReports.htm

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1/18/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Senator Morris To Speak At AUSA Meeting

Senate President Steve Morris will be the guest speaker at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting on Jan. 24.

The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Meninger Reserve Center, 42nd and Topeka Blvd. Reservations can be made with Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rosanna Morrow at 274-1222.

The public is encouraged to attend.

BACKGROUND

In 2005, Steve Morris began his fourth four-year term in the Kansas Senate. He was further honored to be elected by his Republican colleagues in the Senate to serve as President of the Senate.

The President appoints qualified legislators and private individuals to serve on numerous statutory boards and commissions. He presides over the Senate during the legislative session and determines which committee will consider each piece of legislation introduced. When the legislature is not in session, the Senate President directs a full-time, year-round staff to handle Senate business.

Morris actively participates on a number of boards, committees and commissions from the local and state to the national level. He currently serves as chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and is a member and past chairman of the Council of State Governments Agriculture Task Force.

Morris has been an advocate for education in Kansas. As an alumna and avid fan of Kansas State University (KSU), Morris has served that institution in a variety of roles, including president of the KSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and the KSU Essential Edge National Steering Committee and National Policy Committee. He served fifteen years on the USD 210 Board of Education, including two terms as vice-president and one as president.

Morris graduated from Hugoton High School and Kansas State University, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. Morris graduated from the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training and was an Air Force pilot in Viet Nam, earning U.S. Air Force medals for combat missions.

Senator Morris and his wife, Barbara, have three daughters and seven grandchildren. They have a farming operation, wheat and grain sorghum, at Hugoton.

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1/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard's 24th Medical Company Returning To Kansas

The soldiers of Detachment 1, 24th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), Kansas National Guard, are returning to Kansas from Kosovo today, Friday, Jan. 20. The thirteen soldiers have been serving in Kosovo as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

They are scheduled to return on various commercial aircraft flights to Kansas City International Airport and Wichita’s Mid- Continent Airport in the evening.

"As always, we are glad to have our soldiers return home safe and sound," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "Kosovo isn’t getting the headlines like the war in Iraq, but the job these soldiers did in preserving peace was essential to the larger Global War on Terrorism. I am proud of them and look forward to their return."

Detachment 1, 24th Medical Company is a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter unit that is a part of the main company located in Lincoln, Neb. Their mission is to provide air medical evacuation support within the theater of operations and to provide emergency movement of medical personnel, equipment and supplies, including whole blood, blood products and biologicals. Previous deployments include Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1999 and Kosovo in 2003 for Operation Joint Guardian.

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1/24/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard's 635th Armor Coming Home

Families and friends will welcome home more than 300 soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 635th Armor on Friday, Jan. 27.

The soldiers, who have been deployed to Kosovo for more than a year for Operation Enduring Freedom, will return in two aircraft landing at the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field, Topeka. A welcome home ceremony at the big hangar will follow the arrival of each plane by approximately 20 minutes, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

"Whenever our soldiers and airmen return from a deployment and I see them get off that plane, I always feel a swell of pride," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "It’s a pride that comes from knowing these soldiers have served their state and nation with distinction and brought honor not only to themselves, but to the Kansas National Guard as a whole. I look forward to seeing these soldiers of the 635th, talking with them and letting them know how much we all appreciate their sacrifices on behalf of freedom."

The soldiers will be released to join family and friends at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

The 1st Battalion, 635th Armor is a tank battalion headquartered in Manhattan with units in Junction City, Emporia and Lenexa. Their mission in Kosovo was force protection and security operations.

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1/26/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Advisory: Kansas National Guard's 635th Armor Returns Home Jan. 27th

More than 300 soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 635th Armor will return home on Friday, Jan. 27.

The soldiers, who have been deployed to Kosovo for more than a year for Operation Enduring Freedom, will return in two aircraft landing at the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field, Topeka. The first plane is expected to landatapproximately 2:40 p.m., followed by the second aircraft expected to landatapproximately 3:40 p.m. A welcome home ceremony at the big hangar will follow the arrival of each plane by approximately 20 minutes, at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.

Media are to enter the 190th ARW by the main gate off of Topeka Blvd.

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1/27/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Homeland Security Regionalization Topic Of Two-Day Meeting

Personnel representing fire, law enforcement, emergency management, emergency medical services, public health, hospitals and public works at city and county levels will take part in a two-day meeting aimed at beginning developing regional strategies for homeland security functions across the state. The meeting is planned to address a state and national Homeland Security priority, which is to expand regional collaboration, both intra and inter state.

"I'm incredibly pleased we have such a diverse group of experts coming together to learn from each other and share experiences that will increase the safety and security of communities across our state," said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "Working together is key to protecting the people of Kansas."

Representatives, drawn from six of the state's Homeland Security regions, will meet at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 400 W. Waterman, Wichita, on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 30 and 31, for a Kansas Homeland Security Regionalization Meeting. During the event, participants will assist in forming Regional Homeland Security Councils and provide regional input for the Federal Fiscal Year 06 Department of Homeland Security Grants and Training. Featured speakers for the meeting include Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Homeland Security and Kansas Emergency Management and the adjutant general; Col. William Seck, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol and chair of the Governor's Council on Homeland Security; and Richard Morrissey, deputy director, Division of Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Participants will also hear from several subject matter experts: Bob Blecha, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, intelligence and law enforcement; Gene Krase, Kansas Emergency Management, interoperability, continuity of operation and continuity of government; Dr. Frank Moussa, Kansas Emergency Management, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats; Mindee Reece, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, biological hazards; Dan Riley, Kansas Department of Agriculture, food safety; and George Teagarden, Kansas Animal Health Department, foreign animal disease.

The Regional Homeland Security Councils will be involved in capabilities-based planning for their regions based on a Universal Task List that addresses four mission areas - Prevention, Protection against, Response to and Recovery from major weapons of mass destruction events.

There are 36 target capabilities arising out of these four mission areas, ranging from information collection and threat detection to economic and community recovery. Thirteen state and national priorities or specific capabilities will be addressed at this meeting.

"Every city and county representative, whether law enforcement, medical, emergency response or other area has a responsibility to his own jurisdiction," said Bunting. "They plan for and respond to emergencies within their current scope. This meeting is aimed at expanding planning and response activities, as well as capabilities, to a larger, more regional focus. By thinking on a regional basis and working out systems of cooperation, information sharing and interoperability, we will be better able to protect the citizens who have entrusted us with their safety and security."

"We're not talking about state and local governments adopting a regional government structure," Bunting continued, "but encouraging all levels of government to train, exercise and respond beyond their own boundaries for homeland security activities."

"The intent is to clearly define our regional collaboration efforts across Kansas and our various disciplines," said Bunting.

A similar assessment has been conducted for the seventh Homeland Security Region, which is the Leavenworth, Wyandotte

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and Johnson County area since it is a functional entity of a greater Kansas City metropolitan organization.

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1/27/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Availability For Homeland Security Regionalization Meeting

The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Homeland Security and Kansas Emergency Management; Col. William Seck, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol and chair of the Governor’s Council on Homeland Security; and Richard Morrissey, deputy director, Division of Health, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, will be available at news conferences prior to and at the end of the two-day Kansas Homeland Security Regionalization Meeting Jan. 30 and 31 at the Hyatt Regency, 400 W. Waterman, Wichita.

Bunting, Seck and Morrissey will be available at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30, in the Trail Room at the Hyatt to speak about the meeting’s goals. They will also be available at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the Trail Room to talk about the results of the meeting. These will be the only media opportunities available for this meeting.

Please call Hans Neidhardt, (316) 759-7004, to indicate that you will be attending.

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2/8/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Feb. 8 Deployment Ceremony for 35th Military Police Company Sending Replacements to Djibouti, Africa

A small contingent of seven soldiers from the 35th Military Police Company, Kansas National Guard, will leave Topeka to begin their journey to Djibouti, Africa. A short deployment ceremony will be held Wed., Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. in Room 11 of the State Defense Building, 2800 S. Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

These members will replace other members of their company coming to the end of their 12-month deployment in the region. The 35th MPs conduct security details for high ranking officials in the theater of operations, as well as conducting essential operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Djibouti is one of those corners of the world you don’t hear much about," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, "but the work these soldiers will do for the War on Terrorism is every bit as important as that taking place in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other areas. I salute these soldiers and wish them well."

The soldiers will initially mobilize to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, for additional training prior to going to Djibouti. They are expected to be in Djibouti for a year and return in early to mid 2007.

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2/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov New Commander Selected For The Kansas Air Guard's 184th Air Refueling Wing

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Edward McIlhenny, assistant adjutant general - Air and commander of the Kansas Air National Guard, announce the selection of Col. Randy Roebuck as the new Wing commander of the 184th Air Refueling Wing (184th). He takes the position of Col. Gene Martin, who is retiring. The 184th is the Kansas Air National Guard unit located on McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita. Roebuck will officially take the role of commander of the 184th Air Refueling Wing on Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. in Hangar 10. He leaves the position of vice commander, where he has served since July 2004. "Col. Roebuck’s experience and leadership make him the natural choice for the next Wing commander," said McIlhenny. "Randy is an energetic, experienced leader who can focus on the task at hand and succeed. He is a command pilot who has flown a number of different aircraft including F-16s, B-1Bs and KC-135s but he also has succeeded in operations, logistics and numerous other jobs in the 184th. With his vision, he is the right person for the difficult job of ensuring the unit's success with its new missions," said Bunting. "It's exciting and humbling to be placed in charge of such an awesome Wing. We have many challenges ahead in the next few years, but this Wing, better than any, is ready for these challenges," said Roebuck. "Col. Martin has done a superb job," said Bunting. "His guidance for this Wing during the last few years has been extremely valuable." Col. Randy Roebuck Roebuck graduated from Mississippi State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Commissioned in the United States Air Force on May 14, 1982, Roebuck attended Initial Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, becoming an F-16 pilot in 1984 at Luke Air Force Base and was subsequently assigned to the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah (F-16A). Upon completion of this tour, he was assigned to the 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as

an F-16A Flight Lead. In 1988, Roebuck was selected as an initial cadre member of the 64th Aggressor Squadron flying the F-16C. He left the Air Force in 1990 and joined the 184th Fighter Group, Kansas Air National Guard in Wichita as an instructor pilot in the F-16C. He also served as the F-16 Weapons and Tactics Officer. In November 1993, he began training as a B-1 pilot at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. In May 1995 he began serving as a B-1 instructor pilot. In April 1998 he was appointed as the Operations Support Squadron Commander. In June 1999 he became the Logistics Group Commander, becoming the vice commander of the 184th in July 2004.

Roebuck and his wife, Annie, have two children Christy and Jeff.

Col. Gene A. Martin

A native of Gary, Ind., Martin graduated from the University of Evansville in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

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Commissioned in the United States Navy on Oct. 26, 1979, Martin subsequently attended Naval Flight Officer training in Pensacola, Fla., and was designated as a radar intercept officer (RIO) in 1980. He attended F-4 Fleet Replacement Training at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, and upon graduation, was assigned to VF-161 (F-4S), accumulating 288 carrier landings on USS Midway, home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan. Upon completion of this tour, he was assigned to VT-86, Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola as a radar intercept officer instructor.

Martin resigned his commission in the Navy in 1985 and joined the 184th Fighter Group, Kansas Air National Guard, as a weapons systems officer instructor in the F-4. While at the 184th, Martin accumulated nearly 3,000 hours in the F-4, B-1B and KC-135R. He has held numerous positions in the Operations Group, Support Group and Logistics Group and has commanded the 184th Aircraft Generation Squadron, the 184th Logistics Group and the 184th Operations Group. Martin became the commander of the 184th Air Refueling Wing on July 11, 2004.

Martin and his wife, Kelly, have four children: Jacquelyn, Britt, Paige and Alec.

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2/13/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Helicopter Unit Receives Mobilization Order For Operation Iraqi Freedom

The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard, has received a mobilization order directing the unit to prepare for deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Approximately 200 soldiers are expected to depart from Kansas this spring for Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training prior to their deployment. The unit is expected to be in Iraq for approximately one year.

"It is a privilege to be leading a battalion composed of citizen soldiers from Kansas, Texas and Iowa. Our soldiers are among the best and we are ready to accomplish the mission we have been tasked to do. To the families I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of while deployed," said Lt. Col. Alan Soldan, battalion commander.

"I wish these soldiers well as they prepare for this deployment," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "Helicopter units are an important part of our military strategy, providing air support for ground forces, transportation of troops and equipment and aerial reconnaissance. I am positive that these soldiers will carry on the great tradition we have in Kansas of doing their mission with professionalism and pride."

The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, headquartered in Topeka with companies in Topeka and Salina, Austin, Texas, and Boone, Iowa, is an air assault helicopter unit, flying UH-60 Black Hawks.

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2/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Raney Will Be Guest Speaker For Topeka Chapter 37 AARP

Lt. Col. Matt Raney will be the guest speaker for the Topeka Chapter 37 of the AARP meeting on Friday, Feb. 17, in Topeka, Kan. The luncheon meeting will begin at 11 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant, 1720 SW Wanamaker Rd.

Raney is the commander of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, Kansas National Guard, which just returned from a one-year deployment to Kosovo.

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2/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Armed Forces Appreciation Day at Capitol Feb. 17th

Personnel from the Kansas National Guard will be participating in the Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 17, beginning at 9 a.m.

Participants will include the 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), Kansas Army National Guard; 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard and 184th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National Guard. The Kansas Army National Guard’s Flag Show will also be on display throughout the event. In addition, the Museum of the Kansas National Guard’s "Mobile Museum" will be open to the public on the Statehouse grounds showcasing memorabilia from the Kansas National Guard’s 150 year history.

The 35th Brass, the brass quintet of the 35th Infantry Division Band, will perform from 12 to 1 p.m. in the rotunda. The members of the quintet are Staff Sgt. Joseph Worthington, Sgt. Timothy O’Neil, Spc. Joseph Felton, Spc. Steven Keister and Spc. Joseph Swann.

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2/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Feb. 28th Is Deadline For Lewis And Clark Essay Contest

February 28 is the deadline for high school juniors and seniors to submit their essays for the 2006 Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest. Ten students from each state and U.S. territory will be selected to take part in the week-long event sponsored by the National Guard Bureau.

Focused on the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery and the exploration of the west, the Youth Rendezvous will take place along the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota Aug. 13-18.

The Youth Rendezvous is an event for students who will be high school juniors or seniors during the 2006-2007 school year. The winners of the essay contest will receive a free trip to North Dakota during the 2006 Lewis and Clark Signature Event. Participants will learn about military heritage and American Indian culture while touring the state and participating in fun and adventurous activities. Meals, transportation and housing will be provided free of charge by the National Guard.

"These 10 students will have first-hand experience of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as get the chance to experience the culture of having 350 students from across the nation converge on such an event," said Adrienne Dickey, Kansas National Guard Youth Program Coordinator. "This adventure will transcend the book knowledge of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The youth will have a chance to see the experience through interpreters and re-enactments inside the winter fort and on the waters of the Missouri River."

Dickey emphasized that the essay contest is open to all juniors and seniors.

"No military affiliation is necessary," said Dickey.

"These values helped build this country," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, "and they’re still the values that help young people prepare themselves to face the future."

To receive an application by mail, send requests to:

Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous

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P.O. Box 5511,

Bismarck, N.D., 58506-5511

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2/21/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Army National Guardsman Dies In Iraq

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, announces that Spc. Jessie Davila, a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Kansas National Guard, was killed in action in Iraq on Monday, Feb. 20, 2006. Davila, 29, a resident of Greensburg, Kan., died at approximately 9:30 a.m. when a vehicle borne improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle.

"Spc. Davilla has made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country and he will be remembered as a hero," said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. "On behalf of the people of Kansas, we are deeply saddened and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers."

"We are all saddened by the loss of Spc. Davila," said Bunting. "The Kansas National Guard is truly one big family and anytime one of our own is taken from us, we all grieve. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jessie’s family and we will do everything in our power to support them in this time of loss."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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2/22/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) To Be Topic of Speech At AUSA Meeting

Dr. Gail Hansen will be the guest speaker at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting on Feb. 28. She will be talking about the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).

The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve Center at Forbes Field. Reservations can be made with Dr. Doug Jernigan at 272-0505.

The public is encouraged to attend.

BACKGROUND

Dr. Gail Hansen has been the state epidemiologist since July 2005. She had been an infectious disease epidemiologist within the Division of Health at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) since October 1996. Gail started as an assistant state epidemiologist and state public health veterinarian and in 2001 was additionally appointed the deputy state epidemiologist. She also currently serves as the chair for the KDHE Human Subjects review committee (IRB). In 2002, she was awarded the Samuel Crumbine medal by KPHA for public health achievement. Dr. Hansen has an adjunct faculty position at the KSU, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology and works with the programs of public health at both KSU and KU. She is also the current president of the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.

Before coming to Kansas, Dr. Hansen served as an epidemiologist at the Seattle-King County Health Department in Washington, working primarily on applied epidemiology research in HIV, viral hepatitis, and syphilis among injection drug users.

Dr. Hansen received her master’s degree in public health from the University of Washington in 1993 and her veterinary degree in 1982 from the University of Minnesota. She worked for 14 years as a veterinary clinician in private practices in Seattle, New York City and Greensboro, North Carolina, and worked as a diagnostic pathologist at the Pennsylvania State University.

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2/28/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Funeral Set For Kansas Guardsman

Funeral services have been set for Sgt. Jessie Davila, 29, a Kansas National Guardsman who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, on Feb. 20.

Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 3, at Fleener Funeral Home, 200 N. Main, Greensburg, Kan., followed by a prayer vigil from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

There will be a memorial assembly on Saturday, March 4, beginning at 10 a.m., in the gymnasium of Greensburg High School, 320 S. Main, Greensburg.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 4, starting at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3231 N. 14th Ave, Dodge City, Kan. Burial services will follow that same day at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, 11560 U.S. Hwy. 400, at Fort Dodge, Kan.

Davila, a former member of Detachment 1, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Pratt, transferred to Company A, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Lawrence, when that battalion deployed to Iraq in August 2005. He was killed in action on Monday, Feb. 20, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.

Davila received a posthumous promotion to sergeant. Such a promotion is authorized under the authority of The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, and is allowed under U.S. Army regulations.

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2/28/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard Soldiers Departing For Afghanistan

A short deployment ceremony was held early Tuesday, Feb. 28, for 16 soldiers of the Kansas National Guard who are deploying to Afghanistan. The ceremony was held at the State Defense Building, 2800 S. Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

The soldiers, members of an Embedded Training Team, are deploying to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom to assist in training an Afghan Army Brigade. They will train Afghan soldiers in mechanized infantry tactics using armored personnel carriers.

They will go to Camp Shelby, Miss., for further training. Maj. Lon Williams will be leading this Embedded Training Team.

"You’re going there, not to do close combat with the enemy, but to show others how to do close combat with the enemy," said Col. Eric Peck, chief of staff for Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas – Land Component. He thanked the soldiers for "what you’re doing. It’s important to the nation."

Peck presented the team with a Kansas flag that had been flown over the Kansas Statehouse.

"It’s really interesting that our team comes from all different backgrounds," said Capt. Allen Moore. "We have soldiers trained in infantry, engineering, maintenance, scouts, transportation, artillery and personnel."

"The people of Afghanistan are beginning to enjoy freedoms that have been denied them for years," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "Soldiers of this Embedded Training Team are helping to give the Afghan people the training and skills they need to protect that freedom for themselves."

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3/1/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Former Kansas Guardsman Will Receive Bronze Star Medal

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, will present a Bronze Star medal to Joseph D. Alexander on Friday, March 3 in Room 11 of the State Defense Building, 2800 S. Topeka Blvd., Topeka. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

Alexander, a former member of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard, earned the medal in 1969 while serving on active duty in Vietnam with Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 16th Artillery Division. However, Alexander never received the medal.

"A Bronze Star Medal is a mark of distinction, signifying that a soldier has served his country with meritorious achievement," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "Mr. Alexander earned this award and deserves to receive it in a manner that is fitting to his achievement. I’m happy that I can present him with this long overdue token of his nation’s gratitude."

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3/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Gov. Sebelius Declares March 13-17 Severe Weather Awareness Week

Severe weather in Kansas produces tornadoes and severe storms that are most prevalent during the months of April, May and June. On Monday, Feb. 20, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a proclamation declaring the week of March 13-17 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. This week will focus on increasing awareness about the dangers of severe weather and informing citizens about what to do in the event of severe weather watches and storm warnings.

"It’s essential we work together so Kansans in every community are well prepared should severe weather strike," said Gov. Sebelius. "I applaud the efforts of first responders and volunteers who are working to make sure communities are protected and prepared."

"We’re in the business of protecting the health and safety of all Kansans," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "That’s a big job and we need everyone’s help to do it. With severe weather season upon us, I’m encouraging all citizens to make, prepare for and practice their own home emergency plans."

Kansas Emergency Management, in coordination with the National Weather Service, Kansas Highway Patrol and other state, local and volunteer agencies and organizations, will hold the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week. Severe Weather Awareness Week is designed to make people more aware about severe weather and how to prepare for it as well as respond to such events. Awareness is the key to safety and survivability in the event of inclement weather situations. It is also a time for the public to become more familiar with local and state emergency management agencies and their personnel as well as see some of the equipment that is utilized to ensure public safety.

In 2005, Kansas was hit by 135 tornados, 81 above normal, with 16 touching down in Trego County, the most tornadoes in any one county in 2005. The month of November 2005 saw 19 tornadoes and that was the highest total in November since 1950. The total number of tornadoes in 2005 was the highest in recorded history.

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3/3/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Deadline Extended For Lewis And Clark Youth Rendezvous Essay Contest

In order to encourage all eligible students to apply, the deadline for the 2006 Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous essay contest has been extended to April 2.

Ten students from each state and U.S. territory will be selected, based on submitted essays, to take part in the week-long event sponsored by the National Guard Bureau. Focused on the 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery and the exploration of the west, the Youth Rendezvous will take place along the Lewis and Clark Trail in North Dakota Aug. 13-18.

"This event is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience history rather than just read about it in a book," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. "Any student who has any interest at all in the history of our nation or the military should enter this contest."

To receive an application by mail, send requests to:

Lewis and Clark Youth Rendezvous

P.O. Box 5511,

Bismarck, N.D., 58506-5511

For information about the Youth Rendezvous and the essay contest, go to www.lcyouthrendezvous.com or contact Adrienne Dickey, Kansas National Guard Youth Program Coordinator, at [email protected]; cell phone (785) 806- 1750.

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3/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Update On Wild Fire In Butler County

Due to rain in the area, efforts to extinguish hot spots that rekindled this morning from a wild fire that flared up in Butler County yesterday, Wednesday, March 8 are no longer needed.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius declared a State of Disaster Emergency for Butler County in response to the wild fire that started between Towanda and El Dorado near Kansas Hwy 196, U.S. Hwy. 254 and the Kansas Turnpike.

“Many times, weather can cause some serious problems in Kansas,” said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, “but this time it was a God-send. The rain helped us in the end, however, the real thanks goes to all those who worked together in containing and extinguishing this fire.”

“It was a great cooperative effort,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security. “More than 34 local and state agencies worked as one team to get the job done. Kansans are noted for their ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ spirit and I think that was evident in this situation.”

As of Wednesday evening, over 10,700 acres had burned. No injuries or deaths resulting from the wild fire have been reported.

A total of 150 homes in Butler County had been evacuated as a precaution on Wednesday, along with the Oil Hill Grade School.

Two residences suffered fire damage to siding. Ten outbuildings and a barn were also damaged or destroyed. Three oil wells were reported to have been on fire.

One major auto accident resulting from poor visibility caused by the wild fire was reported on the Kansas Turnpike, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.

The governor issued the declaration in order to coordinate state personnel and assets to assist local authorities battling the fire. Kansas Emergency Management is coordinating response efforts by more than 34 state and local agencies, with 475 personnel and 175 pieces of equipment. These agencies include the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Forest Service, Hutchinson Community College, Butler County Fire Department, Butler County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

The El Dorado Senior Center opened for sheltering briefly yesterday.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka had been activated to a Level III status (partial activation), but now is in a Level II (watch) status, continuing to monitor the wild fire situation and the forecasted storm situation.

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3/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Plays Host to "Vigilant Guard" Exercise

The State of Kansas and the Kansas National Guard will host the second National Guard Bureau "Vigilant Guard" exercise on March 13-15. Approximately 250 representatives from several states will take part in the military/civil exercise, which will take place in Salina at the Kansas National Guard’s Kansas Regional Training Center.

The exercise is sponsored by the National Guard Bureau as part of a series of national level training exercises for all 50 states designed to enhance the preparedness of the National Guard in performing state roles and responsibilities associated with homeland security and military support to civil authorities.

"Cooperation between states is vital in large-scale emergency situations," said Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. "That’s just one of the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. Exercises like this help develop plans and systems that will be necessary if a multi- state emergency would occur here in the Midwest."

"Vigilant Guard is a joint staff exercise which will focus the staff on plans and procedures for effective command and control, problem identification and critical decisions necessary to effectively integrate state and federal assets," said Col. William Vonderschmidt, chief of the Joint Staff for Joint Forces Headquarters – Kansas.

National Guard personnel from Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska will exercise plans and response procedures to a scenario involving terrorist attacks in the Midwest with improvised explosive devices and foreign animal disease. Joining the National Guard personnel will be representatives from the National Guard Bureau, subject matter experts from Department of Defense and other Federal organizations, and personnel from various State of Kansas agencies that have primary and support roles in the Kansas Response Plan. These agencies are: Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security, divisions of The Adjutant General’s Department; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Highway Patrol; Kansas Department of Transportation; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Kansas Wildlife and Parks; Kansas Department of Animal Health; Kansas Department of Agriculture; FEMA; FBI; and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"Our primary focus is protecting the health and safety of the people we serve," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general of Kansas. "If any sort of an attack like this were to occur in the Midwest, we’re all going to be depending on our counterparts in neighboring states to cooperate, share information and provide support to state and local officials in dealing with the situation."

"We can sit around and make plans, but if we don’t test those plans periodically, they’re just pieces of paper," he continued. "This exercise will let us look at those plans, see what works, see what doesn’t work and then decide how we can make things better. That’s always one of our goals – to make things better than they are."

All the states involved in the exercise are participants in the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multi-state agreement that facilitates interstate cooperation and response in emergency and disaster situations. Recently, Kansas and other EMAC signatories sent aid to the Gulf Coast areas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita under terms of the compact.

Media point of contact March 12-15 is Joy Moser at Cell: (785) 806-4063

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3/12/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Storm Hits Lawrence; High Winds Cause Damage

Kansas Emergency Management (KDEM), a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, reports that a severe storm with high winds struck Lawrence, Kan., on Sunday, March 12.

Sirens sounded in Lawrence at 8:15 a.m. Mark Carns, Douglas County Emergency Management, called KDEM at 8:22 to report a possible tornado touch down in Lawrence, which was later amended to a microburst of high winds. Initial reports indicated power lines were down over much of the county.

"It looks like storm season has hit a little early this year," said Gov. Sebelius. "That's why it's so important for Kansans to be prepared. I want to assure the people of Lawrence and all Kansas citizens that the state will provide whatever assistance we can, when and where it’s needed."

The statewide severe weather alert test is Tuesday, March 14, during Severe Weather Awareness Week.

"We will continue to monitor the situation," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security. "As of this time, Douglas County has not requested any state assistance, but we’ll be ready, should the need arise."

The University of Kansas Public Safety Office reported damage to several buildings on campus, including Robinson, Murphy, Fraser, Malott and Green Halls; Anschutz Library; Haworth dorm; the chancellor’s residence and geological survey building. There was a complete loss of power to the campus. Classes will go on as scheduled on Monday.

Several building in downtown Lawrence sustained damage, as well as the Plymouth Congregational Church. A number of trees were uprooted and roofs were blown off homes all over town. The south clinic for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital also reports roof damage. Many roads were closed and one possible storm-related injury was reported.

Westar Energy reports that power has been restored to 11,000 people with an estimated 6,000 people still without power at 3 p.m. Officials are predicting it will be Monday evening before power is restored to all customers.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the First Baptist Church, 14th St. and Kasold Drive, at 1 p.m. today. The shelter will provide power for those who need electricity and will also supply food and fresh water. The local Salvation Army is also out in the community serving sandwiches and drinks and assessing needs.

A Kansas Damage Assessment Team will meet in Lawrence on Monday, March 13, to begin damage assessments of homes and businesses.

Leavenworth County officials also reported a possible tornado touchdown. The storm track was a 50 yard wide path running from K- 32 and I-70 to south of Basehor. There was some structural damage to barns and garages plus trees and power lines down. Golf ball and baseball size hail was also reported. Local damage assessments and debris removal will begin on Monday.

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3/13/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Update To Lawrence Storm Damage

Governor Kathleen Sebelius flew over Lawrence this morning, Monday, March 13, to inspect damage to the city, Douglas County and the University of Kansas caused by a severe storm that struck the area on Sunday, March 12.

Accompanying the governor were KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway; Kansas Senator Marci Francisco, District 2; and Representatives Barbara Ballard, District 44 and Paul Davis, District 46. The flight was made in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard.

"From the air, we were able to see the extent of the damages to Lawrence and the university," said Gov. Sebelius. "Here in Kansas, we know how devastating these storms can be. Though it's always difficult to deal with, it appears that most of the damages are not as severe as some storms Kansas has had in the past. And we're very fortunate to have only two storm-related injuries."

Gov. Sebelius has signed a State of Disaster Emergency for Douglas County to activate the Kansas Response Plan for the area and speed recovery efforts.

"We’ll stand ready to give them any help we can," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

The storm struck Lawrence at approximately 8 a.m. on Sunday with what originally was thought to be a tornado. Later, it was determined to have been a "microburst" of high winds. Two storm-related injuries were reported and approximately 17,000 customers were without power in Lawrence. As of Sunday evening, 6,000 were still without power.

The University of Kansas reported some damage to approximately 60 percent of the buildings on campus, including Robinson, Murphy, Fraser, Malott and Green Halls; Anschutz Library; Haworth dorm; the chancellor’s residence and geological survey building. The most significant damage was to Robinson and Murphy Halls, which both sustained moderate roof damage. Other damages across the campus included windows and rooftop air conditioning units. There was a complete loss of power to the campus and all Monday classes were cancelled.

The T-Shirt Factory in east Lawrence was destroyed and the Standard Light Building received roof damage. Most of the damages in downtown Lawrence were to windows and awnings. The Plymouth Congregational Church lost the spires on its steeple. Throughout the rest of the city, there was moderate to heavy damage.

The American Red Cross opened a shelter at the First Baptist Church for approximately five hours and three families were housed in motels for the night. The local Salvation Army was also out in the community serving sandwiches and drinks and assessing needs.

Local damage assessments were made on Sunday. Kansas Damage Assessment Teams began looking at damage to businesses, residences and public infrastructure on Monday. No damage estimates are available at this time. Public Assistance assessments will continue on Tuesday.

Local damage assessment teams also began working in Leavenworth County this morning as crews began debris cleanup. One team is also assessing damage to public infrastructure.

Other damage was also reported in Bourbon and Wyandotte Counties.

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=101[5/30/2014 1:48:49 PM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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3/15/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Update To Storms In Douglas County

Kansas damage assessment teams inspected damages to homes and business in Douglas County on March 13 and 14 to determine if residents and business owners would be eligible to apply for federal assistance after the severe storms of March 12. The assessment teams are comprised of volunteers from the International Code Council of Building Officials and American Institute of Architects and other local personnel. The federal requirement is that 25 or more homes and businesses must have a minimum of 40 percent uninsured damage loss before federal assistance would be made available. The assessment teams determined that there were only 12 homes that sustained 40 percent or more damage, so individuals and businesses in the county will not be eligible for federal disaster assistance. However, Douglas County governments and certain non-profit organizations may be eligible for federal assistance to repair damage to public infrastructure. A state public assistance damage assessment team inspected damage to public infrastructure on March 13 and 14. The team places damage to the University of Kansas alone in excess of $6 million. Governor Kathleen Sebelius has requested that a Preliminary Damage Assessment Team begin looking at damages to the public infrastructure to determine eligibility for federal assistance in Douglas and Wyandotte Counties. The team, made up of federal, state and local representatives, will begin preliminary damage assessments on Thursday, March 23.

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3/21/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Are We Prepared To Be Topic Of Speech At AUSA Meeting

Dick Hainje, Region VII Director of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Department of Homeland Security, will be the guest speaker at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting on March 28. The topic of his speech will be "Are we Prepared?"

The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Room 265 at Forbes Field. Reservations can be made with Dr. Doug Jernigan at 272-0505.

The public is encouraged to attend.

BACKGROUND

Dick Hainje was appointed in 2001 as Region VII Director of FEMA/Department of Homeland Security. As Regional Director, he coordinates mitigation, preparedness and disaster response and recovery activities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Prior to coming to FEMA, Hainje was a member of the South Dakota Senate, serving as the Assistant Majority Leader. Hainje also served as chairman of the Tax Committee. Senator Hainje sponsored legislation to provide Advanced Placement (AP) classes over the Internet to all schools regardless of size. Hainje was instrumental in reorganizing and funding South Dakota State Radio to ensure that all first responders could talk on common radios and frequencies in emergencies and also passed legislation limiting liability and providing funding for public access defibrillation statewide. He also served on the National Conference of State Legislature’s Special Task Force on Telecommunications and Internet sales taxation.

Hainje served with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue for 24 years – rising to Division Fire Chief – before retiring to serve in the George W. Bush administration as Regional Director. While in the fire service Chief Hainje progressed rapidly through the ranks serving as incident commander of many complex fire and emergency situations.

On May 4, 2003 a historic tornado outbreak occurred in FEMA Region VII. Regional Director Hainje was asked by the White House to provide President Bush an aerial tour and briefing of the damage in Pierce City, Mo., area. To help some of the communities hit hardest by the tornados Regional Director Hainje has led the Region in an innovative approach to provide sustainable long-term recovery.

Hainje also spent considerable time in 2004 working the Florida hurricanes, and in Mississippi in 2005 in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Hainje holds a fire science degree from Kilian College at Sioux Falls, S.D. He was an instructor and served on the faculty senate of Kilian College. Hainje is a former board member of the American Red Cross in South Dakota, the Northland American Heart Association, Good Samaritan Village and Southeastern Council of Governments.

Hainje was raised on a farm near Dell Rapids, S.D., where he attended a one-room school before transferring to Dell Rapids Public School. He and his wife Becky have been married for more than 27 years and have three children and one grandchild.

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3/23/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Freedom Salute Will Honor Guardsmen For Service In Iraq

Soldiers of the 778th Transportation Company, Kansas National Guard, will be recognized for their service for Operation Iraqi Freedom during a "Freedom Salute" event on Saturday, March 25. The event will take place at 3 p.m. at the old National Guard Armory, 1709 Airport Road, Manhattan, Kan.

Freedom Salute is one of the Army National Guard’s largest soldier recognition endeavors in history. It recognizes soldiers, their families, and others who have supported soldiers as they answered the call to duty—both at home and abroad. Each eligible soldier will receive a cased American flag, a sequentially numbered commemorative coin; a "Defender of Freedom" certificate and a lapel insignia. Soldiers returning from their second mobilization will also receive a ring. The soldiers’ spouses and children will receive items recognizing their support and contributions, as well.

The American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard have been invited. Approximately 50 riders are expected to attend and show their support for the troops.

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3/24/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov New Commander Selected For The Kansas National Guard's 287th Sustainment Brigade

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small, assistant adjutant general - Army and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard, announce the selection of Col. Henry Martin as the new commander of the 287th Sustainment Brigade. He takes the position of Col. Timothy Carlin, Overland Park, who is retiring to continue his business career as an investment advisor. The 287th Sustainment Brigade is headquartered in Wichita.

"Col. Martin is an energetic, experienced leader who can focus on the task at hand and succeed. He is the right person for ensuring the unit's success with its new mission," said Bunting.

"I am extremely pleased to have been chosen to lead this new sustainment brigade," said Martin. "I look at this as an opportunity to build a legacy which will endure for future generations."

"Col. Carlin is retiring after a successful career in the Kansas National Guard," said Bunting. "He has done a superb job in whatever we have asked him to do."

A change of command ceremony will be held on May 7 in Wichita.

Col. Henry Martin

Martin completed his bachelor degree in History and Math Education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1972. Martin had the distinction of being selected All-American in Golf during his college years. He started teaching high school math in Arkansas when the U.S. Army drafted him during the Vietnam War in 1972.

After his training he served two years on active duty as a Military Policeman and Correctional Specialist while simultaneously earning a Master Degree from Kansas State University. Martin went on to earn a Ph.D. in Adult and Occupational Education from Kansas State University while continuing his career in the Kansas Army National Guard.

Martin’s military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Army and Reserve Component Overseas Medal and many more. His other awards include the Adjutant General’s Outstanding Company Grade Officer Award and the National Guard Bureau’s Minute Man Mike award for Exceptional Education Services to Kansas and the Nation.

In his full-time position Martin is currently the Director of Information Management for the Kansas Army National Guard. Martin resides in Topeka with his wife Maj. Judith Martin. They have five children.

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3/28/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Departure Ceremony For 130th Field Artillery Brigade Set For April 2nd

A departure ceremony will be held Sunday, April 2, for members of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Kansas National Guard, as they deploy for duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, where they will be providing force protection. Approximately 50 soldiers of the headquarters battery are deploying first to Fort McCoy, Wis., for training and then to Iraq.

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive, Lawrence. The public is invited to come and show their support for these soldiers.

“I wish these soldiers well as they head off to defend freedom in Iraq to help the Iraqi people establish a free and open society,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “I salute these Kansas soldiers and have every confidence they will perform their duty with honor and pride.”

“The families and soldiers are excited for this opportunity to represent Kansas and the Kansas Army National Guard and to put their training and skills to good use,” said Col. Alex Duckworth, commander of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade. Duckworth will be deploying with the headquarters battery.

The 130th Field Artillery Brigade is headquartered in Topeka. Subordinate units, which are not deploying, are the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery; 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery; Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artillery; Detachment 2, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery; and Battery E (Target Acquisition), 161st Field Artillery.

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3/29/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Wisdom Named State Benefits Advisor For Kansas National Guard/Reserve

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, announces that Janet Wisdom has been named State Benefits Advisor for the Kansas National Guard and the Reserve.

Wisdom’s experience for this position is personal. Her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wisdom, was killed in action in Iraq on Nov. 8, 2004, while serving with the Kansas National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. Wisdom said that her husband was always mindful of his fellow Guardsmen’s safety and welfare.

“They always knew he had their backs,” said Wisdom.

“My goal in taking this position is to continue his mission of taking care of his fellow soldiers and airmen,” she continued. “I know he would want all of the troops, who have been so valiantly serving their country, to have access to whatever benefits would improve their quality of life. That is now my mission.”

“Janet’s life experience has prepared her well for this position,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “Not only does she have a degree in social work, but she knows first-hand how important these benefits are.”

This is a new contract position developed to assist guardsmen, reservists and their families in learning about the benefits they are entitled to, putting them in contact with the appropriate agencies and assisting in obtaining benefits. These benefits may include vocational rehabilitation, home improvement or structural alterations, mental health services and educational benefits. In addition, there are benefits available to soldiers and airmen who have not been deployed, such as Veterans Administration home loans.

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3/30/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Departure Ceremony For 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Set For April 6th

A departure ceremony will be held Thursday, April 6, for members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard, as they deploy for duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. in Hangar 682 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center complex, Forbes Field, Topeka. The public is invited to come and show their support for these soldiers. Approximately 200 soldiers are expected to depart from Kansas for Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training. The unit is expected to be in Iraq for approximately one year.

“Air support is vital for any military operation,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “These soldiers are the best at what they do. They’re ready, willing and more than able to take on this mission. We wish them well as they deploy, safety while they’re away and a speedy return once their mission is accomplished.”

“It is a privilege to be leading a battalion composed of citizen soldiers from Kansas, Texas and Iowa. Our soldiers are the best and we will accomplish the mission we have been tasked to do. I promise the families that I will do everything I can to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of during this challenging and important mission,” said Lt. Col. Alan Soldan, battalion commander. The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, headquartered in Topeka with companies in Topeka and Salina, Austin, Texas, and Boone, Iowa, is an air assault helicopter unit, flying UH-60 Black Hawks.

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3/31/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Update: Storms, Wildfires Cause Damage

Kansas Emergency Management (KDEM), a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, continues to coordinate emergency response operations resulting from the severe storms that swept through portions of the state on Thursday, March 30 and wildfires in Reno County. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued a State of Disaster Emergency for Reno and Montgomery Counties in response to the disasters.

The Governor also requested and was granted a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which was approved for Reno County at 8:30 p.m., local time, March 30. The request was made through KDEM. The FMAG provides a 75 percent federal cost share reimbursement to grantees to offset eligible operational costs for suppressing a fire if they meet one of two criteria: fire-related costs are greater than or equal to $158,617 in the affected county (Reno); or statewide fire-related costs are greater than or equal to $500,000 since Jan. 1, 2006. This is the first time Kansas has made such a request.

Five homes were destroyed in Montgomery County in addition to a number of outbuildings, stock trailers and crop losses. An unknown number of mobile homes were reported destroyed near the U.S. Hwy 75/Sedan cutoff. Several camping trailers rolled over at the Elk City State Lake. Scattered power outages were reported and utility crews are working to restore the power. Five houses and more than 20 outbuildings were destroyed by the fires in Reno County east of Hutchinson. No injuries or fatalities were reported and approximately 300 people were evacuated. They were allowed to return at approximately 9 p.m.

The American Red Cross established a reception center which served approximately 40 persons and provided meals for first responders. Two persons displaced by the fires were accommodated in a motel for the night.

Firefighters are continuing to fight flare-ups and have approximately 60 percent of the fires contained. One fire engine company and two personnel have been dispatched from Kansas Forest Service to assist in fighting the fires. A joint technical assistance team, consisting of personnel from the U.S. Forest Service in Pueblo, Colo., and KDEM is enroute to the area to provide technical assistance to responders for capturing eligible costs. The team should be in Reno County by noon on Saturday, April 1.

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with traffic control and damage assessment. The Kansas Department of Transportation assisted with debris removal.

Sam Carlson, Nemaha County Emergency Management, reported at 7:20 p.m. Thursday that two farms sustained minor damage from a tornado or high winds. No damage was sustained by home structures, although one farm lost a new machine shed and one farm lost a barn.

Nellie Brown, Brown County Emergency Management, reported minor damage occurred in the area of Morrell in Brown County. A semi was blown over and there was damage to signs and businesses in the downtown area. A mobile home was moved off its foundation and there was one report of a grain bin pushed against a house and shed. Scattered power outages were also reported.

Marion County officials reported two farms with a total of seven outbuildings destroyed, one Morton large storage shed with partial roof damage. The damage estimate for one property was $70,000 and an unknown value at other location. One farm also reported the loss of two steers.

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4/4/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Update to News Release, Time and Location For Departure Ceremony Changed

The time and location for the departure ceremony scheduled for members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard, has changed. The ceremony is now being held in Landon Arena, Kansas Expocentre at 1:30 p.m on Thursday, April 6. Doors will be open to the public at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to come and show their support for these soldiers. Approximately 200 soldiers are expected to depart from Kansas for Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training. The unit is expected to be in Iraq for approximately one year.

The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, headquartered in Topeka with companies in Topeka and Salina, Austin, Texas, and Boone, Iowa, is an air assault helicopter unit, flying UH-60 Black Hawks.

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4/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Governor To Receive Charles Dick Medal of Merit

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will be the recipient of a Charles Dick Medal of Merit award on Saturday, April 8, at 9 a.m. from the National Guard Association of Kansas (NGAKS) during its annual conference in Salina. The conference is being held at the Holiday Inn, 1616 W. Crawford, Salina.

“This recognition is well deserved,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Marlar, president of NGAKS. “Governor Sebelius has visited our Guard men and women in preparation for deployment and while they were in theater. She’s been there to welcome them home and has honored our fallen at their memorial services.”

“Her leadership on the Military Bill of Rights is just one more example of her support and commitment to the National Guard,” Marlar added.

The Kansas Military Bill of Rights, signed by Gov. Sebelius in January 2005, granted a number of benefits to Kansas Guard and Reserve soldiers and airmen, including death benefits for families of servicemembers killed in the line of duty, pay differential for state employees who are deployed, financial assistance, tuition benefits, free hunting and fishing licenses and other benefits. The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was established in 1988 to recognize the contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives to legislative bodies at the state and national levels. The medal is named in honor of Maj. Gen. Charles Dick, president of the National Guard Association of the United States from 1902 to 1909, a major general in the Ohio National Guard, a Congressman and later a Senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.

The award is presented to an individual who has distinguished him or herself over an extended period of time in their suport to the National Guard through service in a state or national elected legislative body.

The National Guard Association of Kansas is made up of officers of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, past and present numbering over 1,300 including annual, life and retired life members.

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4/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Guard Officers Will Get A Look At The New Model Humvee

Kansas National Guard officers attending the 52nd Annual National Guard Association of Kansas conference in Salina this weekend will have an opportunity to get an up-close look at the latest model of the High-Mobility, Multi- Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV aka “humvee” or “hummer”) being fielded by the U.S. military. The humvee will be on display at the Holiday Inn Holidome, 1616 W. Crawford, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 7 and on Saturday, April 8, until approximately 2:30 p.m.

The new model, M1151P1, has armor that can be installed or removed by soldiers in the field. The armor is comprised of two kits, an “A” kit and a “B” kit, that, when combined, provide gapless mine and ballistic protection. If the full armor is not required for a mission, it can be removed. The new model is equipped with a newly redesigned turbo-charged diesel engine which increases the vehicle’s power and range. In addition, the new model allows future improvements to be incorporated and has a dual air-conditioning system for greater crew comfort.

Currently, all of the new models produced are scheduled to go to troops overseas. The vehicle is produced by AM General in Mishawaka, Ind.

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4/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Multiple Storms Blow Through Kansas; Little Damage Done

Although multiple severe thunderstorms accompanied by tornadoes, high winds, hail and rain swept through Kansas the evening of Thursday, April 6, little damage was done.

Thirty-one counties in the eastern half of the state were under a tornado watch until 9 p.m. and 17 counties were under a tornado warning at some time during that period. A tornado watch indicates that weather conditions are such that a tornado could occur. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted, either in the air or on the ground.

A tornado touched down in Chetopa in Labette County at 7:10 p.m. The path of the tornado was a block wide and six miles long. One house was destroyed and two damaged. Twelve injuries were reported, although no one required hospitalization. The city of Chetopa and the southeast part of Labette County were without power until 3 a.m. on Friday.

Clay County Emergency Management reported tornadoes touched down at multiple locations in rural areas. A number of power poles were knocked down and some outbuildings and other structures damaged. No injuries were reported. County officials issued a local disaster declaration to facilitate public works efforts to restore power.

Washington County officials reported a tornado touch down just north of Barnes in the eastern portion of the county and crossed Hwy 36. One home was destroyed and one was reported with minor damage. Some outbuildings were also destroyed. Geary and Morris County officials reported some minor hail damage to residences. Geary County also reported a grass fire of approximately 200 acres.

Officials in Saline County reported one home with minor damage, one outbuilding destroyed and two semi-trucks blown over on the highway. Some window and roof damage from two to two and a half inch hail was reported in some areas. Both Marshall and Cherokee Counties reported minor damage to trees and power lines in rural areas. No state assistance was requested by any county.

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4/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Selby Is New Chief Of Staff For 35th Infantry Division

Lt. Col. Michael N. Selby is the new chief of staff for the 35th Infantry Division, Kansas National Guard, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth. He succeeds Col. Thomas E. Johnson, who is deploying to Iraq.

“In the short time that I have been privileged to serve as the chief of staff, I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, hospitality and generosity of the Kansas Army National Guard senior leadership and soldiers,” said Selby. “My family and I feel very comfortable and welcomed by our new National Guard family.”

“The 35th Division is thriving in many areas from the efforts of my predecessor, Col. Tom Johnson,” he continued. “I plan to sustain those efforts and steer the command with the Commanding General’s guidance and counsel toward an even more solid standing among the Army’s fighting formations.”

Selby is a career Infantry officer who has served over 22 years in the Army National Guard. His service includes duty in the Indiana, Illinois, and Kansas Army National Guard. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and received his commission in 1985 from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Indiana University/Purdue University of Indianapolis. Selby has served and commanded in the Adjutant General Corps, Transportation Corps and predominantly in mechanized and air assault infantry assignments, along with staff postings at the 38th Infantry Division Headquarters, Military Department of Indiana and the State Area Command and Joint Forces Headquarters, Ill.

Selby commanded the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry (Air Assault) of the 66th Infantry Brigade, 35th Infantry Division and served as the executive officer and Active Guard and Reserve Officer in Charge (OIC) of the brigade immediately after his battalion command. His final assignment in the Illinois Army National Guard was as the executive officer and OIC of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute.

Selby’s awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal among others.

Selby and his wife, the former Patti Stewart, reside at Fort Leavenworth with their two children, Christopher and Madeline. The 35th Division is one of eight divisions in the Army National Guard. It has subordinate units in Missouri and Illinois. It is commanded by Maj. Gen. James R. Mason.

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4/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Director Of Public Affairs Joy Moser To Retire In June

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, says, "It is with regret that I announce the retirement of our longtime public affairs director, Joy Moser."

"She wants to retire in June," he continued. "She has done a tremendous job in public affairs, beginning in 1980 as the department's first public affairs officer and she has been invaluable to us through some incredible times - here at home and in our worldwide presence."

"The Adjutant General's Department has been Kansas' largest public safety asset since before we became a state, but over the last 25 years we have truly seen a century's worth of change and challenge,” said Bunting. “Joy has calmly and steadfastly guided our community relations through to the dynamic agency we are today.”

"It's time," said Moser, 63. "I've been working for 40 years."

"I'm sad because I love my job and the people I've met," she said. "I'm glad because I need to go at a slower pace and rest and relax some."

"It's been a really neat and interesting career," she said. "But the most interesting aspect has been the people that I've met and worked with along the way."

When she retires in June, Moser says she'll have to adjust to a new and strange feeling: no longer being on call.

"I've been on call 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for the last 30 years,” said Moser. “We respond to disasters and emergencies, no matter what time they occur. And the Kansas Guard is very active either responding to disasters within the state or with training, deploying and redeploying."

"I suspect that I'll feel like I need to be doing something about a disaster, but I'm sure I can get over that,” she continued.

“However, we'll probably have a disaster or two between now and June, based on the storms we've been having lately."

"Then I intend to continue to do more of the things I've done all along, like spend more time with my husband, Bill, and family, read, write, grow lots more flowers, travel, do some research and volunteer more."

For 26 of the 30 years she has been with The Adjutant General's Department, she has been the Public Affairs Director and for over four years before that she was an emergency preparedness planner. The first 10 years of her working life she taught in both elementary and high school. She also served for over 24 years as an officer in the Kansas Army National Guard retiring at age 60 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

She has worked for seven Adjutants General and six Governors.

Along the way she studied for and received two master's degrees (Master of Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College), a bachelor’s degree (University of Kansas), graduated from Command and General Staff College, and is the only woman in the Kansas Army National Guard to attend and graduate from the U.S. Army War College.

Born in Dodge City and a graduate of Hodgeman County Community High School in Jetmore, she and her husband

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Bill reside in Topeka.

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4/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Second Annual Fishing Tournament To Honor Fallen Guardsmen

The Second Annual Veteran’s Memorial Bass Tournament will be Saturday, April 22, at Coffey County Lake near Wolf Creek Generating Station.

The tournament, sponsored by the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery Family Support Group, is dedicated to the five Kansas National Guard soldiers who have died in action in Iraq. They are Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wisdom, Sgt. Don Allen Clary, Sgt. Derrick Lutters, Sgt. James Dustin Carroll and Sgt. Jessie Davila. The idea for the tournament originated from Wisdom’s love for fishing.

The boat tournament will begin at 6 a.m. with check-in and pre-tournament announcements and will end at 2 p.m. with weigh-in. The top five places will receive prizes. Hot dogs, hamburgers and side dishes will be served after the tournament; a $5 donation is requested.

For information, call Robert Herlinger, (785) 547-5736 or go to http://www.accesskansas.org/ksadjutantgeneral/News%20Releases/2006/Fishing%20Tournament%20Form.htm to download an entry form and official tournament rules and regulations.

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4/18/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov State Of The Guard To Be Topic Of Speech At AUSA Meeting

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, The Adjutant General of Kansas, will be the guest speaker at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting on April 25. The topic of his speech will be “The State of the Guard.”

The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Room 265 at Forbes Field, Topeka. Reservations can be made with Dr. Doug Jernigan at 272-0505.

The public is encouraged to attend.

BACKGROUND Bunting became The Adjutant General of Kansas on Jan. 5, 2004. As Adjutant General, he oversees the activities of The Adjutant General’s Department. This includes providing personnel administration and training guidance for over 7,700 soldiers and airmen in the Kansas Army and Air National Guard. As the Director of Kansas Emergency Management, a division of the Department, he is guiding a small professional core of personnel that prepare for and respond to disasters. In addition to the part-time soldiers and airmen, the Department he leads includes about 2,300 full-time State and Federal employees. Additionally, 105 county emergency managers and their staffs receive guidance and training through the Department. Bunting is also the Director of Homeland Security for Kansas, where he works to ensure security in the state is a top priority. For budgetary and administrative purposes, he is responsible for the Civil Air Patrol.

Prior to his appointment as Adjutant General, Bunting was the Air National Guard Director of Diversity, Personnel, and Training. He provided guidance on all Air National Guard personnel matters and was responsible for Air Force Personnel Mobilization Programs. Bunting was also the point of contact for the National Guard Bureau, State Adjutants General and more than 108,000 Air National Guard members.

A native of Wichita, Bunting, 47, was commissioned as a distinguished graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in 1979 and has served in a variety of positions at all levels of the Air National Guard.

His experience includes serving in fighter, bomber and air refueling units and at the National Guard State Headquarters level. Bunting has served in personnel, services, information management, as wing executive officer, as a deputy commander and support group commander. During his career, he served in Kansas Air National Guard units including the 190th Air Refueling Group, 184th Tactical Fighter Group and 184th Bomb Wing, and in the State Headquarters of the Kansas Air National Guard. Additional assignments include duty in Colorado and Texas.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washburn University, Topeka. His military education includes Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College.

He became a second lieutenant in September of 1979, a colonel in June 1997 and a brigadier general in January 2004. He was confirmed by the Kansas Senate as The Adjutant General of Kansas with a rank of major general on Feb. 11, 2004. He received federal confirmation as major general on Nov. 18, 2005.

Among his awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, and the Air National Guard Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award. He is listed in Who’s Who of America's Young Men.

He is an avid outdoorsman and classic car enthusiast. He and his wife, Barbara, a former teacher and Emporia State University graduate, live on a ranch near Topeka where they enjoy their hobby of driving horses.

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4/19/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Departure Ceremony For 635th Regional Support Group In Hutchinson

The public is invited to the departure ceremony for the 635th Regional Support Group (RSG), Kansas National Guard, headquartered in Hutchinson, Kan., on Saturday, April 29, at 3:00 p.m., at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, 700 E. 11th, Hutchinson.

The unit, formerly the 35th Division Artillery, was recently activated to serve in the War on Terrorism and is headed overseas for a deployment of at least one year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many of the members of the unit have been deployed before, and as citizen soldiers, are answering the nation’s call for duty in the War on Terrorism.

The 635th RSG, commanded by Col. Robert Staiert, will take over logistics operations support duties that provide maintenance, transportation, supplies, equipment and manpower in its operational theater.

“Logistics support is a vital part of military operations,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “Without these soldiers, supplies won’t get transported, vehicles won’t get repaired, troops won’t get the equipment they need. I know these soldiers will do a terrific job in supporting our efforts to restore peace and establish democracy in Iraq.”

The official ceremony will be hosted by Lt. Col. Lawrence Hannan, 635th RSG executive officer.

Guests are requested to arrive early for the ceremony and be seated no later that 2:30 p.m. There will be a slide show before the departure ceremony featuring training events the 635th RSG conducted over the last six months in preparation for the deployment. Everyone is also invited to attend the reception following the deployment ceremony and visit with your area guard members and representatives.

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5/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Davis Promoted To Colonel In the Kansas National Guard

Jose Davis was promoted to colonel in a brief ceremony on Tuesday, May 2, at the State Defense Building, Topeka. "While this promotion reflects a lot of hard work and commitment; it is also a tribute to the many people and soldiers who influenced my career and assignments,” said Davis. “I feel truly blessed and I am humbled by this opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Kansas and the nation." Davis is deputy intelligence officer, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas, Kansas National Guard.

Col. Jose R. Davis was born in Panama City, Panama. He enlisted into the United States Army Reserve as a Transportation Specialist and was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program at Kansas State University. His assignments have included fire direction officer, firing platoon leader, aerial observer, and adjutant while serving with the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, Fort Riley, Kan. As a member of the Kansas National Guard, he has served as battery commander, battalion intelligence officer, operations officer, brigade fire support officer, brigade adjutant, secretary to the general staff, battalion executive officer and battalion commander.

He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Defense Information School, Combined Arms Services and Staff School, the Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. His awards include the Meritorious Service Award, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, State Meritorious Service Medal and other awards.

Davis is a graduate of St. Xavier's High School, Junction City, Kan., and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Kansas State University, a Master of Science in Management from Baker University, and a Master's in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, Carlisle, Pa.

Davis works in Topeka for the Adjutant General's Department. He is married to the former Jacquelyn Ann Messarosh of Scranton, Pa. Davis has one daughter, Tori. He is the son of Carl and Cathy Davis of Junction City, Kan.

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5/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Change Of Command Ceremony Set For 1st Battalion, 635th Armor

Lt. Col. Matthew A. Raney will turn over command of the Kansas National Guard’s (KSNG) 1st Battalion, 635th Armor (1-635th) to Maj. Howard E. Wheeler during a change of command ceremony on Saturday, May 6.

The 11 a.m. ceremony will take place at the new Kansas National Guard Armory, 721 Levee Drive, Manhattan. “It has been a distinct honor to command the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor for two and a half years,” said Raney. “It was also an honor to take the armor battalion to Kosovo. This battalion’s technical and tactical abilities are second to none. Commanding the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor is the high point of my career.”

“I am humbled to be allowed the opportunity to command such a fine group of soldiers at this time in our history,” said Wheeler.

“The soldiers and families of 1st Battalion, 635th Armor exceeded every expectation set for them during their recent deployment and I look forward to working with them to met our future challenges with that same ‘Will to Win’ attitude.”

The 1-635th is located in Manhattan with subordinate units in Emporia, Junction City and Lenexa.

Background

Maj. Howard Wheeler enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard as a member of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 137 Infantry (2-137th) in September 1984. He became a Simultaneous Membership Program Cadet while attending the University of Kansas and then Emporia State University. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in May 1988 and was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-137th Infantry as a liaison officer and platoon leader.

Wheeler transferred to the 1-635th in October 1989 and branch transferred to become an armor officer. As a traditional Guardsman, Wheeler served as a tank platoon leader, scout platoon leader and tank company commander. During his tenure as a member of 1-635th Armor he served on battalion staff as an intelligence officer, training officer, maintenance officer, logistics officer and operations officer. His most recent assignment was as executive officer during the battalion’s deployment to Kosovo. Wheeler serves in a full time capacity with the Kansas Army National Guard and has been assigned as a facilities project manager, battalion training officer, battalion administrative officer, state officer strength manager, and is currently the executive officer for the Kansas Army National Guard chief of staff.

Among Wheeler’s many military awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with hour glass device, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, and KSNG Homeland Defense Service Ribbon with Mobilization Device. He is a member of the Bronze Order of Saint George and a recipient of the Draper Armor Leadership Award.

Wheeler’s military education includes Armor Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, Scout Platoon Leader’s Course, Combined Arms Staff Services School and Command and General Staff Officer’s College. Wheeler earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Education and Business from Emporia State University. Wheeler and his wife, Laura, reside in Manhattan. They have four children, Callie, Reed, Allison and Cole.

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Lt. Col. Matthew A. Raney

Lt. Col. Matthew A. Raney began his career in June 1981 as a Simultaneous Membership Program Cadet in the Kansas Army National Guard while attending Dodge City Community College and Kansas State University. He was commissioned as a field artillery officer in May 1983. He joined the KSNG’s 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery and served as an air observer, fire direction officer and battery executive officer. He later transferred to the 2nd Squadron, 322nd Cavalry, U.S. Army in December 1984 and served as a troop executive officer and commander.

He transferred to the KSNG’s 1st Battalion, 635th Armor in May 1989. As an armor officer, Raney has served as a company executive officer, intelligence officer and commander of Company C, 1-635th. He served with the 69th Infantry Brigade and 35th Infantry Division from June 1994 to June 1996 and served as an assistant training officer. Returning to the 1-635th in June 1996, he held the positions of training officer and battalion executive officer until November 2000 when he took command of Recruiting Command.

Raney assumed command of 1-635th in August 2003. He led the battalion through its mobilization and deployment for peacekeeping operations as part of NATO-led Kosovo Force from October 2004 through January 2006.

Among Raney’s many awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, KSNG Homeland Defense Service Ribbon with Mobilization Device and Air Assault Badge. He is a member of the Order of Saint George.

Raney’s military education includes Armor Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Staff Services School and Command and General Staff Officers College. Raney earned a Master of Arts degree in History from Kansas State University. Currently employed as the administrative officer for the 1-635th in Manhattan, Kan., after the change of command he will attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. Raney and his wife, Gabriela, live in Delia with their children, Megan and Tori.

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5/3/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Manley Will Take Command Of 891st Engineer Battalion

Lt. Col. Lee E. Tafanelli will pass command of the 891st Engineer Combat Battalion, Kansas National Guard, to Lt. Col. Barry W. Manley in a ceremony on Sunday, May 7, at the Iola Senior High School gymnasium, 300 East Jackson, Iola. The ceremony is set to begin at 11 a.m.

“I am truly blessed and excited to be taking command of such a distinguished and professional battalion,” said Manley. “I recognize that commanding America’s heroic citizen-soldiers is a sacred trust and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

“The opportunity to serve with and command such an outstanding battalion of soldiers is and will always be the highlight of my military career,” said Tafanelli. “I will forever be grateful to the Soldiers, their families and our communities for their untiring dedication and support over the past four years.”

The 891st Engineer Battalion is headquartered in Iola with units in Garnett, Chanute, Cherryvale, Coffeyville, Pittsburg, Winfield and Fort Scott.

Lt. Col. Barry W. Manley

Lt. Col. Barry W. Manley enlisted in Company B, 891st Engineer Battalion, Kansas National Guard, in 1983 as a combat engineer. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in June 1987. After commissioning, Manley’s first assignment was as the support platoon leader, Company B (-), 891st Engineer Battalion in June 1987. He served in three different platoons with Company B and was then assigned as the company executive officer in March 1990. In June 1990, Manley was selected as commander of Company B, serving in that capacity through September 1992 when he became the commander of the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Later staff positions included assistant training officer, intelligence officer and full time training officer.

In December 1998, he moved to Headquarters, State Area Command in Topeka as the officer accessions officer for Recruiting and Retention Command. In April 2002, Manley became the executive officer for Headquarters, 891st Engineer Battalion, where he served in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom III for 12 months.

Manley earned an Associate of Science degree from Labette Community College in Parsons, Kan., and a Bachelor of Science degree in Plastics Engineering from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, Kan. He is also a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Combined Arms Services Staff School and the Army Command and General Staff Officers Course.

Among Manley’s military awards and decorations are the Bronze Star Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal with six silver oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star Device; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Silver Hour Glass; Army Service Ribbon; Army Superior Unit Award and Parachutist Badge.

Manley was raised in Edna, Kan., and is the son of Bennie and Judy Manley of Grove, Okla. He resides in Iola, Kan.

Lt. Col. Lee E. Tafanelli

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Lt. Col. Lee E. Tafanelli has served in his current assignment as commander of the 891st Engineer Combat Battalion since January 2002. He served in Iraq from January 2004 to December 2005.

Tafanelli joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers from Pittsburg State University ROTC program in 1982. Tafanelli has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions as a traditional Guardsman, Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) and Active Duty soldier at the company, battalion, brigade, State Headquarters and Department of the Army level. His battalion and brigade level assignments include reconnaissance officer; equipment platoon leader; supply officer; company commander; and training officer in the 891st Engineer Battalion. He also served as the personnel officer and training officer of the 69th Infantry Brigade, 35th Infantry Division.

Tafanelli served as the executive assistant to The Adjutant General of Kansas, State Recruiting and Retention manager, mobilization planner; Force Integration and Readiness Officer; Education Services Officer; and Surface Maintenance Manager at State Headquarters. At the Department of the Army level, he served as military assistant to the assistant secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASA-M&RA) at the Pentagon in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. In 1999, Tafanelli received a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kansas State University. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer Course, Army Force Development and Modernization Course, Army Mobilization and Deployment Course, and the Air Command and Staff Officer Course. He is also a graduate of the Army's Airborne and Air Assault Courses.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

In his civilian career, Tafanelli is a state representative for the 47th District in the Kansas Legislature. He is also a program coordinator with the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center at Kansas State University.

Tafanelli and his wife, Tammy, live in Ozawkie with their two children, Nicholas and Francesca.

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5/3/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Groundbreaking Ceremony For New Armory Will Be May 6th

In an historic first for the Kansas National Guard, ground will be broken for a new armory/student center on the campus of Pittsburg State University on Saturday, May 6. This is the first time an armory has been located on a university campus in Kansas. It will be one of the few such armories anywhere in the nation.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the Army National Guard Readiness and Student Recreation Center will begin at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will include a Kansas National Guard Black Hawk helicopter flyover. Invited guests include Gov. Kathleen Sebelius; Senator Sam Brownback; Congressmen Jim Ryan and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. Also taking part in the ceremony will be Dr. Tom Bryant, president of Pittsburg State University and Dr. James AuBuchon, vice president for University Advancement.

“This new facility will be a great benefit to our soldiers in the Pittsburg area, as well as students at Pittsburg State,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “As the National Guard is called on to do more and more for our national defense, it’s important that our soldiers have modern facilities in which to work. And the presence of this facility on a college campus will help foster better understanding among students of the role the military plays in the state and nation, as well as the benefits that being a member of the National Guard can offer them.”

The 97,000 square foot structure will be located at 2001 S. Rouse on the Pittsburg State campus. The $15 million cost is being funded by state and federal funds, plus private donations to Pittsburg State.

The Kansas National Guard will utilize 39,000 square feet of the facility for offices, locker rooms, kitchen and training and support areas, plus an exterior compound and maintenance bay. The new facility will replace the current Pittsburg armory at 1506 N. Walnut.

Pittsburg State will occupy 58,000 square feet of the new building. The university’s portion will be used for offices for the Departments of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and Military Science/Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) along with the PSU Student Recreation Center. The recreation center will include cardio equipment, free weights, an aerobics room and gymnasiums.

Joint use areas will include an assembly hall, fitness center and classroom spaces.

Construction is slated to begin in the fall and should take approximately 18 months. Horst Terrill & Karst Architects, P.A., Topeka and Overland Park is the architect on this project.

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5/4/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Pandemic Influenza Symposiums Set For May

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department are hosting a series of symposiums to address pandemic influenza preparedness. Each symposium will focus on particular areas of society, including government, education, business, faith and community-based organizations, agriculture and health care.

“These meetings will provide important information about the state’s pandemic influenza plans and what everyone can do to protect themselves, their families and their community during a pandemic,” stated Dr. Howard Rodenberg, director of the KDHE Division of Health. “Every part of our society has a role to play in preparing for a possible pandemic, and each of us can take steps to prevent getting and spreading flu.”

"Up to 30 percent of the work force could be out of work at one time so state agencies and businesses need to plan for continuity of operations including identification of essential services and essential staff," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Homeland Security. "These symposiums are a great opportunity for everyone to learn more from the experts to be better prepared."

The symposiums are designed to provide preparedness information unique to each particular sector. Those people interested in obtaining information related to the particular subject areas indicated below are invited to attend. To register or for further information, contact Sharon Wenger at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 785/296-7032, [email protected], or register at KS TRAIN (http://ks.train.org)

• Avian Flu in Domestic Fowl/Game Birds - Great Bend: Tuesday, May 9, 8:30 -11:30 a.m., Highland Hotel and Convention Center, 3017 10th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530

• Faith-Based & Community/Advocacy Organizations - Topeka: Monday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Ramada Inn (Grand Ballroom), 420 East 6th/I-70, Topeka, Kan. 66607

• Government/Public Safety - Topeka: Monday, May 15, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Ramada Inn (Grand Ballroom), 420 East 6th/I-70, Topeka, Kan. 66607

• Healthcare - Salina: Monday, May 22, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure Center, 625 N. Hedville Road, Salina, Kan. 67401

Symposiums targeted to assist industry, small and medium-sized businesses and schools will be scheduled for later in the summer.

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5/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Jacobs To Speak At Parsons Rotarty Club

Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs will be the guest speaker for the Parsons Rotary Club on Thursday, May 11. The 12:00 noon meeting will be held at the Parsonian Hotel, 1725 Broadway Ave. Jacobs will be giving an overview of the history of the Kansas National Guard. The Kansas National Guard Mobile Museum will also be on display outside the hotel. The Mobile Museum has displays representing the 150 year history of the Kansas National Guard.

Jacobs is an Administrative Officer with Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas – Land Component, Kansas Army National Guard, in Topeka. He also serves as a public affairs specialist with duties at the Kansas National Guard Museum.

Jacobs has 34 years of commissioned service with active duty, Army Reserve and Kansas National Guard and has served in a variety of positions in the U.S. and abroad. From December 2002 to November 2003, he served as the Division Civil Military Affairs Officer on the General Staff with the Kansas National Guard’s 35th Infantry Division as part of the peacekeeping forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He and his wife, Paula, live in Topeka. He has one daughter, Wendy, and one grandson, Douglas, who also live in Topeka.

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5/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov New Recruiting Program Can Put Money In Guardsmen's Pockets

“Everybody knows somebody.” An obvious concept and one that led to the creation of a new National Guard recruitment program, a program that benefits not only the National Guard, but individual soldiers, as well.

The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP) allows Guardsmen the opportunity to earn $2,000 for each new soldier they recruit from among their friends, co-workers, social groups and other people they know in their civilian lives by talking about the benefits they derive as citizen-soldiers. Phase I is currently open only to traditional “weekend” Guardsmen, Army and Air, who are not in a military/technician status.

“Our soldiers and airmen are the best advertisement for the National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Lester Gellhaus, Recruiting and Retention officer for the Kansas National Guard.

“Every member of the Kansas National Guard touches a lot of people in his daily life,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “Many of their friends, family, co-workers and other people may be good candidates for joining the Guard, but have never really thought about the opportunities the Guard can provide. This program encourages soldiers and airmen to tell people about the benefits of serving in the National Guard.”

Any soldier and airman interested in participating in the program signs up and completes an on-line training program. He is then “hired” as an independent contract Recruiting Assistant (RA) through Docupak, and assigned an account number. He meets with a recruiting noncommissioned officer (NCO), who discusses the rules of the program and his role as a Recruiting Assistance Team member. The RA also receives a recruitment kit which includes a fleece jacket and polo shirt with the “G-RAP” logo and two “Ask Me” T-shirts. The RA is encouraged to wear these items in public to generate interest in the National Guard. Also in the kit are brochures, posters, booklets, DVDs, bumper stickers, business cards and other recruiting materials, plus a $50 payment cash card (debit) for the RA.

When the RA finds someone in his circle of friends, co-workers or other acquaintances who is interested in and qualified to join the Kansas National Guard, he logs onto the G-RAP website and establishes accountability for the potential recruit by entering profile data. The next step is a meeting between the potential recruit, the RA and a Recruiting and Retention NCO. If the potential recruit is qualified and decides to enlist, the RA receives a $1,000 payment approximately 15 days after the enlistment, which is credited to his cash card.

The RA maintains contact with the new recruit to reinforce the decision to join the Kansas National Guard and head off any “buyer’s remorse.” The RA provides support and information to the new recruit and his family about the Kansas National Guard, its benefits and opportunities and Military Entrance Processing. The RA also makes contact with the recruit’s Recruit Sustainment Program to make sure the new recruit is being taken care of through the program. The RA may also assist the new recruit with physical training to prepare him for basic training. He may even accompany him to his first drill to answer any questions he may have.

When the new recruit leaves for Basic Combat Training, the RA receives a second $1,000 credit to his cash card and continues to pursue new potential recruits. The RA may also be eligible to receive credit and compensation for recruits that have prior military service.

One advantage of this program is that it helps put a “friendly face” on the National Guard for people to whom the military is unfamiliar. The RA has already talked to the potential recruit and done the preliminary “sale” of the Kansas National Guard. In addition, Recruiting and Retention personnel do not have to respond to as many random leads and are not faced with interviewing potential recruits “cold.” Instead, they meet with people who are

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pre-screened and receptive to the idea of joining the National Guard.

To find out more or to sign up for the Recruiting Assistant program, go on-line to www.guardrecruitingassistance.com.

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5/10/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard To Participate In International Training

Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia and the United States today announced their participation in the Cobra Gold exercise to be held in Thailand from May 15-26, 2006. The exercise involves National Guard Soldiers from the United States, to include the 35th Infantry Division out of Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint and combined multi-national exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. Cobra Gold 2006 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This exercise marks the 25th anniversary of this regionally significant training event.

Training will consist of a computer-simulated staff exercise, field training exercises and humanitarian/civic assistance projects. The exercise will combine Thai, U.S. and Singaporean armed forces in a combined task force headquarters computer simulated staff exercise. Thailand and the United States will conduct field training exercises. Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Japan and Indonesia will participate in a computer simulation exercise designed around a United Nations multi-national peace keeping scenario. Thailand, the United States and Singapore will participate in humanitarian/civic assistance projects, designed to improve quality of life and local infrastructure for the host Thai people; Japan will participate in the humanitarian/civic assistance projects as an observer. Concurrently, the United States and Thailand will conduct a peace support operations field training exercise in support of the United Nations Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI).

Approximately 56 Soldiers from 35th Division will participate in the combined task force headquarters computer simulated staff exercise, and are also providing logistical support to exercise participants in Thailand.

35th Division Commander Maj. Gen. James Mason comments on why it is important that the U.S. continue to work with its allies to fight the Global War on Terrorism. “Today, no nation stands alone,” says Mason. “It takes a coalition to collaborate and develop a comprehensive team to withstand the modern day threat.”

In addition to the five main participating countries, the Royal Thai Government has invited several nations to participate in various roles during the exercise. The following countries have been invited: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, China, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Russia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tonga, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Mason also complimented the Soldiers of the 35th Division who are participating in the Cobra Gold exercise. Most of them are traditional National Guard soldiers serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year; this is in addition to their full time civilian jobs. “The Soldiers carry the day,” Mason adds. “It is their training, capabilities, and energy that drives this and makes it successful. It is their sacrifice, as well as the sacrifice of their families, that makes this happen.”

Media interested in this exercise should contact the 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Maj. Rex Johnson at (913) 579-6716, email [email protected] or Capt. James Sullivan at (913) 758-5011, email [email protected].

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5/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Change Of Command Ceremony Set For 169th Corps Support Battalion

Col. Robert F. Schmitt will turn over command of the Kansas National Guard’s (KSNG) 169th Corps Support Battalion (CSB) to Lt. Col. Barry K. Taylor during a change of command ceremony on Sunday, May 21.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will take place at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 1601 West Old Highway 56, Olathe.

“I could not have hoped for a finer command,” said Schmitt. “Our battalion deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. We trained hard, fought hard and all of our soldiers came home. There is no finer testament to the officers, NCOs and soldiers of the Battalion than this. In the process we have set Iraq on a course of establishing its own independent, democratic government.” “It has been an honor for me to serve as commander of this outstanding Battalion,” he concluded.

"I'm very honored to take command of the 169th Corps Support Battalion, a unit with a 40-year legacy that now includes world-class combat service support in a theater of war,” said Taylor.

Lt. Col. Barry K. Taylor

Lt. Col. Barry K. Taylor enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard in 1982 as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. He entered ROTC and received his commission as a second lieutenant in the ordnance branch. Assignments include platoon leader, shop officer and staff officer in the 287th Maintenance Battalion; commander, Company B, 169th Forward Support Battalion (FSB), as well as deputy logistics officer, deputy training officer and logistics planner, 35th Infantry Division (Mechanized). He deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina as the deputy chief, Joint Military Affairs Detachment, Multi-National Division North, Stabilization Force 13. Taylor’s education includes a Master of Science degree in Management from Baker University and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Kansas State University. His military education includes the Ordnance Officer Basic and Advance courses, the Combined Arms and Services Staff School and the Command and General Staff College. He is the full-time director of logistics for the Kansas Army National Guard.

Among his many awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the NATO Non-Article 5 Service Medal. Taylor lives in Shawnee, Kan., with his wife, Karla.

Col. Robert F. Schmitt

Col. Robert F. Schmitt entered the U.S. Army in 1983 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In 1984 he entered active duty as an ordnance officer and served nine years on active duty including service in the 4th Infantry Division (ID), 8th ID and 1st Armor Division. Assignments on active duty included platoon leader, shop officer, company commander and staff officer. His active duty service included service in the first Gulf War in the logistics section, Joint Task Force Bravo, Northern Iraq. In 1992 he left active duty and joined the Kansas National Guard and the 169th Forward Support Battalion. He served in the 169th FSB/CSB as a maintenance officer, operations officer and support operations officer. Kansas National Guard assignments also included Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, where he has served as both the deputy logistics officer and logistics officer. Schmitt completed additional active duty service as the logistics officer for Multinational Brigade North, Stabilization Force 13, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2003. Schmitt became the commander of the 169th Corps Support Battalion on Dec. 14, 2003.

His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla,

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a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. His military education includes Ordnance Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. In his civilian job, Schmitt is the manager of Mechanical Engineering for B&A Engineers, Architects, Consultants in Kansas City, Mo. He is a registered Professional Engineer.

Among his many awards and decorations are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and NATO Non-Article 5 Service Medal.

Schmitt lives in Kansas City, Mo., with his wife of 21 years, Theresa, and their children, Patrick, Katie and Sean.

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5/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Flora Promoted To Brigadier General

Edward Flora, rural Newton, became the chief of staff of the Air Component, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas in January 2006. He was promoted to brigadier general in a brief ceremony on Monday, May 15. The ceremony was held at the Kansas National Guard’s Reflection of Freedom Airpark at the 184th Air Refueling Wing in Wichita.

“Ed Flora has performed superbly in every assignment and is truly a gifted and visionary officer,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “His primary task as our chief of staff is to lead the transformation and future mission initiatives of the entire Kansas National Guard. I am confident he will excel, as he always has, and I am proud to serve with him.” “It is a distinct privilege to be called to serve in this position,” said Flora. “I am a little daunted by the ‘hill’ I have to climb, but I know I am not alone.”

“I have a wonderful team, both Army and Air,” he continued, “and because of our teamwork, I know we will succeed.” Flora’s son, Lt. T.J. Flora, a U.S. Navy carrier pilot, joined his mother, brother and sister in pinning on the new rank of brigadier general.

Flora, a native of Kansas, is a graduate of Berean Academy High School, Elbing, Kan., and Wichita State University. He earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in June 1998. Flora received his commission in the U.S. Navy through Aviation Officer Candidate School in May 1980, and upon completion of flight training was designated a Naval Aviator. He was assigned to the initial cadre for the F/A-18 Hornet and completed three deployments to the western Pacific aboard USS Constellation with Strike Fighter Squadron 25. He graduated from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, (TOPGUN), in 1986.

General Flora joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 1987 and served as an F-16 flight instructor, flight commander and weapons officer at the squadron and group level. Following conversion to the B-1B bomber in 1994, he assumed command of the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, the largest and most active weapons range in the Air National Guard (ANG). There he was instrumental in expanding range utilization for the bomber mission and establishing Electronic Combat capabilities at Smoky Hill. In 1996, he returned to the Operations Group as Commander of the 184th Operations Support Squadron providing leadership in achieving mission ready status as the ANG’s first B-1B bomber unit. In March 1999, Flora was reassigned as the 184th Bomb Wing Vice Commander and assumed command as the 184th Bomb Wing Commander in January 2001. In July 2004, Flora served as the Director of Operations for Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas.

Flora is married to the former Chris White and has three children, T.J., Katie and Cameron.

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5/17/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Secretary Of State Thornburgh To be Guest Speaker At AUSA Meeting

Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh will be the guest speaker at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) meeting on May 23. The meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Room 265 at Forbes Field, Topeka. Reservations can be made with Dr. Doug Jernigan at 272-0505.

The public is encouraged to attend.

BACKGROUND

Thornburgh is the 29th Kansas Secretary of State. He was elected to his first four-year term in 1994 and re- elected in 1998 and 2002. Under his guidance, the office has played a vital role in making state government more accessible to all Kansas citizens, particularly by generating higher voter turnout and creating more opportunities for the public to use and access government electronically.

Thornburgh is the recipient of numerous awards for his service to the state. He received the 2005 Cable's Leaders in Learning Award in the Policymaker category for increasing voter turnout among 18-24 year olds through the Kids Voting Kansas program. In February of 2004, he was awarded the Lee Ann Elliott Election Excellence award by Kids Voting USA for promoting the importance of democracy in action to Kansas youth. Kids Voting Kansas has become the largest of its kind in the nation.

Thornburgh is a graduate of the Leadership Kansas Class of 1993 and in May of 2005 received the Jim Edwards Leadership Kansas Alumnus of the Year Award. He demonstrated leadership with the introduction of the Kansas Online Uniform Commercial Code filing system implemented in July 2001. He was recognized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2002 Digital Government "Agent of Change" award presented after he led Kansas to national prominence in electronic service. At the national level, Thornburgh is a former president of the National Association of Secretaries of State and he currently serves on its executive committee. He also belongs to the executive committee of the Council of State Governments, which chose him to participate in its prestigious Toll Fellow Program in 1995. In addition, he serves on the Federal Election Commission Clearinghouse Advisory Panel.

Thornburgh was involved in drafting the Help America Vote Act of 2002. This landmark election reform bill, the most significant federal election legislation in more than 20 years, outlines provisions to improve the voting process, including mandates for new voting machines, expanded training for poll workers, and greater accessibility for disabled, senior, military and minority language voters.

Thornburgh is active in his community and holds several local and state memberships, including the Association of the United States Army State Board, the Kids Voting Kansas Honorary Board, and the Sons of American Legion. He served as the honorary chairman of the Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run in 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2005. He also serves as the vice chairman of marketing for the executive council for the Jayhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts of America.

Thornburgh is a native of Burlingame. He graduated from Washburn University in 1985 with a degree in criminal justice and also played basketball for the Ichabods. He, his wife, Annette, and sons, Grey and Tanner, reside in Topeka.

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5/18/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard Adds Bang To Armed Forces Day Celebration

If you like things that go “vroom!” and things that go “Boom!” then Heartland Park is the place for you on Saturday, May 20 at the second annual AT&T Kansas Armed Forces Day Celebration.

At the event, presented by the Topeka Capital-Journal, Topeka Parks and Recreation, Cumulus Broadcasting and Channel 49, the men and women of the Kansas National Guard will be showing their stuff through equipment displays, a flyover and real cannons. The event is held in conjunction with the 18th Annual O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals, which runs May 20-29. The Armed Forces Day event opens to the public at 2 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to come out and meet some of the men and women who serve in the armed forces in Kansas and see some of the equipment they use,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general.

Bunting said that the Kansas National Guard will have several pieces of equipment on display, including a UH-60 Black Hawk from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, which just deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom; an M1A1 Abrams tank from the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, which just returned from Kosovo; an M109 Paladin 155mm howitzer from the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery; an M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery; an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, used by the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, which is currently deployed to Iraq; HET Tractor Trailer from the 778th Transportation Company, used to haul heavy equipment; a Palletized Loading System from the 137th Transportation Company, used to haul pre-packaged pallets of bulk items; several humvees; and a 20-ton dump truck from the 891st Engineer Battalion, which recently returned from Iraq. There will also be a fire truck on display from the 190th Air Refueling Wing (ARW).

In addition, the Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team will bring its command suburban, analytical laboratory system, decontamination tent and survey truck and trailer.

Recruiting and Retention Command will have its 32-foot climbing wall, the always popular shooting van, and a football toss and baseball throw.

The Kansas National Guard Drug Demand Reduction Program will have its Deadly Driving Decision golf cart available to demonstrate the effects of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

There will be face painting and other activities for the kids and everyone will have the chance to design a “virtual postcard” to send to someone in the Armed Forces.

One of the highlights of the day’s activities will be a fly-over by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 190th ARW.

Another highlight is a concert by the 35th Infantry Division Band at 8:30 p.m. The concert will include the “1812 Overture” with real cannon fire by 75mm howitzers firing blank shells.

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Questions/suggestions to: Public Affairs Director

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5/22/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Andrew Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Sevice In Clay Center

Lt. Col. John Andrew, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas – Land Component, Kansas National Guard, will be the guest speaker for a memorial service at Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center on Memorial Day, May 29.

The service, hosted by the Clay Center Veterans of Foreign Wars, will begin at 10 a.m. and the public is cordially invited to attend to honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation. Lt. Col. John K. Andrew II is the director of Military Support for the Kansas Army National Guard at Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka.

Andrew was born in a military hospital in Bad Constadt, Germany, and traveled abroad with his family for the next 18 years. He attended high school in Frankfurt, Germany, and graduated from Junction City High School. He then attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico, for two years, where was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1982. He went on to attend Kansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Recently, he completed his course requirements for a Master’s Degree from Kansas State in Environmental Management Planning and is currently attending the U.S. Army War College.

Andrew was a member of the New Mexico Army National Guard from 1980 to 1982 where he was with the 1st Battalion, 200th Air Defense Artillery in Artesia, New Mexico. After graduation from New Mexico Military Institute and receiving his commission, he entered the Kansas Army National Guard in 1982, serving with the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor. Since that time he has served as a tank platoon leader, tank company executive officer and tank company commander, battalion operations officer, battalion executive officer and battalion commander for the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor. As a staff officer outside the battalion, he has worked as a division liaison officer, brigade operations officer and division personnel officer. At the State level, he has served as a training officer, engineer officer, environmental officer, training site commander, mobilization and readiness officer and the director of Military Support.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Kansas Emergency Service Ribbon and other service ribbons.

Andrew has worked full-time in Topeka for the last 18 years for the Kansas Army National Guard and is currently assigned as the director of Military Support. He lives in Topeka with his wife, Irma, and his two children, Victoria and Kenny.

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5/22/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Peck Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Service In Clifton

Col. Eric Peck will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at Berner Memorial Park in Clifton, Kan., on Monday, May 29. Peck is chief of staff for Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas - Land Component, Kansas Army National Guard, in Topeka. The service, hosted by the Clifton American Legion, will begin at 10 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation.

A native of Manhattan, Peck is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications. He also received a master’s degree in Computer and Information Systems Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo. He entered the Kansas Army National Guard in 1974 as a UH-1 helicopter crew chief. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1983.

Peck has served in a variety of positions during his career, including medevac pilot, section leader, company commander and state aviation officer.

His military education includes Aviation Officer Advanced Course, Joint Firepower Control Course, UH-1 Pilot Course, Fixed Wing Multi-Engine Qualification Course and Command and General Staff College and U.S. Army War College, where he received a master’s degree in Strategic Studies.

Peck’s awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Master Army Aviator Badge.

Peck is married to the former Lillis Heldenbrand of Manhattan, Kan.. They have two children Georgia and Ely.

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5/23/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Parker Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Service in Highland

Capt. Andrew Parker will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at Highland Cemetery, Highland, Kan, on Monday, May 29. Parker is battalion training officer for the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, Hiawatha. The service will begin at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have honorably served their state and nation.

Parker is battalion operations officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Support Battery, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery (2-130th FA), Kansas National Guard, in Hiawatha.

He began his military career in 1987 with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-130th FA, as a fire direction specialist. He joined the ROTC program at the University of Kansas in 1994 and was commissioned in 1996. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard in August 1996 and served as a platoon leader with Battery C, 2-130th FA. During his career with the 2-130th FA, Parker has served as operations officer, battalion fire direction officer, battery commander, assistant battery training officer, battalion intelligence officer and battalion training officer. From February 2004 to February 2005, Parker was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Parker received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and a juris doctorate degree from the School of Law at the University of Kansas in 2000. His military education includes Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Field Artillery Basic and Advance Courses, Multiple Launch Rocket System Cadre Course, Paladin Commander’s Course, Company Level Pre-Command Course and Combined Arms Service and Staff School.

Parker’s military awards and decoration include the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kansas Army National Guard Commendation Medal and Kansas National Guard Service Medal.

Parker and his wife, Shannon, live in Highland, Kan., with their daughter, Grace Mae.

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5/23/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Small Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Service In Lawrence

Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at Memorial Park, 1517 E. 15th St., Lawrence, Kan., on Monday, May 29. Small is commander of the Kansas Army National Guard and assistant adjutant general – Army, Kansas National Guard.

The service, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 852, will begin at 11 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation.

Small was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Kansas State University on June 1, 1969. He was promoted to first lieutenant in September 1972 and entered the Officer Basic Course at the Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, graduating that December. From December 1972 to March 1979, Small was in the United States Army Reserve. Since becoming a member of the Kansas Army National Guard in March 1979, he has served in a number of positions at State Area Command (STARC) headquarters, including operations and training officer, executive officer, civil-military operations officer, staff judge advocate, judge advocate and senior military judge. Small became the staff judge advocate in June 1990 for Headquarters, STARC, Kansas Army National Guard, a position he held until becoming the deputy commander of STARC in October 1998. He held the position of Kansas Judge Advocate General under appointment of the Governor from May 1984 until May 1999. He was promoted to Brigadier General in July 2000.

Small’s military education includes the Field Artillery School Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, the Judge Advocate General School’s Basic and Advance Courses and the U.S. Army War College. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Kansas State University in 1969 and a Juris Doctorate degree in 1972 from Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, Kan.

His military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Small has owned a private law practice in Topeka for over 25 years. He was Assistant Kansas Attorney General from 1973-1978 and Deputy Kansas Attorney General from 1978-1979. He is a member of the Kansas and American Bar Associations and the National Association of Bond Lawyers. He is also a member of the American Legion, National Guard Association of the United States and Kansas and the Association of the United States Army.

Small and his wife, Georgia Ann, reside in Topeka. Their son, Arron, and his wife, Cathy, teach at Purdue University and their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Seth, live in Jefferson City, Missouri.

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5/23/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Selby Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Service in Overland Park

Lt. Col. Michael N. Selby will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at Johnson County Memorial Garden, 112th and Metcalf, Overland Park, Kan., on Monday, May 29. Selby is the chief of staff for the 35th Infantry Division, Kansas National Guard, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

The service, hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 846 and American Legion Post 370, will begin at 11 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation. Selby has served over 22 years in the Army National Guard. His service includes duty in the Indiana, Illinois and Kansas Army National Guard. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., and received his commission in 1985 from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Indiana University/Purdue University of Indianapolis.

Selby has served and commanded in the Adjutant General Corps, Transportation Corps and predominantly in mechanized and air assault infantry assignments, along with staff postings at the 38th Infantry Division Headquarters, Military Department of Indiana and the State Area Command and Joint Forces Headquarters, Ill.

Selby commanded the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry (Air Assault) of the 66th Infantry Brigade, 35th Infantry Division and served as the executive officer and Active Guard and Reserve Officer in Charge (OIC) of the brigade immediately after his battalion command. His last assignment in the Illinois Army National Guard was as the executive officer and OIC of the 129th Regiment, Regional Training Institute.

Selby and his wife, the former Patti Stewart, live at Fort Leavenworth with their children, Christopher and Madeline.

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5/24/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Nicklaus Will Be Guest Speaker For Memorial Day Service In Fort Scott

Capt. Shannon Nicklaus will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at the Fort Scott Cemetery on Monday, May 29. Nicklaus is commander of company A, 891st Engineer Battalion, Kansas National Guard.

The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation.

Nicklaus entered the military in May 1987, where he served as a cannon crewmember with the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in July 1991 from the Kansas Military Academy in Salina, Kan. His previous military assignments include rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader and combat engineer platoon leader. Nicklaus’s military education includes U.S. Army Air Assault School, Infantry Officers Basic Course, Engineer Officers Advance Course and Combined Arms Service and Staff School.

Nicklaus earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Education and a master’s degree in Vocational Technical Teachers Education from Pittsburg State University.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device.

Nicklaus recently returned from a deployment to Iraq, where his company performed the dangerous mission of route clearance. They were responsible for the location and destruction of more than 300 improvised explosive devices and the removal of over 260 tons of munitions.

Nicklaus also currently serves as an assistant professor of Military Science at Pittsburg State University.

Nicklaus is married to the former Becky Meyer of Girard, Kan. They have one child, Sydney and they reside in Arma.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=138[5/30/2014 11:15:40 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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5/24/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Adjutant General Will Be Guest Speaker For Wakeeney Memorial Day Service

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general of Kansas, will be the guest speaker for a Memorial Day service at the Kansas Veteran’s Cemetery, WaKeeney, Kan., on Monday, May 29.

The service, hosted by the Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs, will begin at 10 a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend and honor the memory of Kansas veterans who have proudly served their state and nation. The service will include the laying of a memorial wreath and a 21-gun salute conducted by soldiers of the 287th Brigade Troop Battalion, Kansas National Guard, Hays. The 184th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas National Guard, based out of Wichita, will be providing a flyover in a KC-135 stratotanker. The Mobile Museum of the Kansas National Guard will also be on display at the cemetery from 9 a.m. until noon.

Bunting became The Adjutant General of Kansas on Jan. 5, 2004. A native of Wichita, Bunting is a graduate of Washburn University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was commissioned as a distinguished graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science in 1979 and has served in a variety of positions at all levels of the Air National Guard. During his career, he served in Kansas Air National Guard units including the 190th Air Refueling Group, 184th Tactical Fighter Group, and 184th Bomb Wing, and in the State Headquarters of the Kansas Air National Guard.

Bunting is an avid outdoorsman and classic car enthusiast. He and his wife, Barbara, a former high school science teacher and Emporia State University graduate, live on a ranch near Topeka where they enjoy their hobby of driving horses.

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5/25/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Amended: Ceremonies Will Dedicate Memorials to Fallen Guardsmen

The families of Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Wisdom and Sgt. Don Allen Clary along with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, will conduct a dedication ceremony for two memorials to the two soldiers on Saturday, May 27. The first ceremony will be held at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 1008 West 4th Street, Horton, beginning at 10 a.m. The second ceremony will be held at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 530 N Jones Street, Troy, beginning at 2 p.m. Col. William Vonderschmidt, the chief of the joint staff, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas, Kansas National Guard, will be speaking on behalf of the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting.

The ceremonies will honor the lives and sacrifices of Wisdom and Clary and service members that have served and are serving in the ongoing war on terrorism. The public is invited to attend.

Wisdom and Clary were killed in action on Nov. 8, 2004, while serving in Iraq with their unit. They were part of a convoy escorting Charles A. Duelfer, former U.S. chief weapons inspector in Iraq, when a car bomber headed toward the convoy. Without regard to their own safety, Wisdom and Clary intercepted the car bomber with their own vehicle. Both were killed in the explosion. Both men were posthumously promoted and awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and the Kansas Medal of Excellence.

Wisdom is survived by his wife Janet, his children Kara, Zachary and Anna, a sister Lisa (Wisdom) Strayer, her husband Rex Strayer and his parents Quentin and Diane Wisdom.

Clary is survived by his older sister, Kristy Clary, his maternal grandmother, Virgina Clary, his paternal grandparents Don and Gay Eastman, his girlfriend, Savannah Robinson, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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5/26/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Hay Named Operations Officer For Kansas Emergency Management

Danny R. Hay, Topeka, has been named as the Operations Officer within Kansas Emergency Management (KEM), a division of The Adjutant General’s Department. As the Operations Officer he supervises operations preparation and response and recovery operations.

Hay’s last position with KEM was as the Critical Infrastructure Coordinator where he assigned teams to do vulnerability assessments of the State’s Critical Infrastructure.

“I am very pleased to be working in Operations for Kansas Emergency Management,” said Hay. “The people that work here have gone out of their way to make me feel at home and help me with the enormous amount of requirements that are associated with this job. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of very dedicated people at both the state and local level who are all striving to make Kansans safe.”

“I am proud to be part of this team and hope I will be able to contribute to this team effort,” Hay said. Hay worked for the Topeka Police Department for more than 27 years, 17 of which were as an investigator and supervisor. He also served more than 25 years in the Kansas National Guard, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2003. During his career, he served in a variety of positions, including commander of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry during a deployment to Europe for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Hay designed and teaches two upper division courses in the Criminal Justice Department at Washburn University of Topeka and recently designed two upper-level courses for the University of Mississippi’s on-line curriculum in Legal Studies. Hay earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Washburn University and a master’s degree in Administration at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan. His military education includes Command and General Staff Course, Commanders Course, Force Protection Levels 1-3 and Tactical Commanders Course. Other professional education courses include FBI Hostage Negotiators Course and Buffer Zone Protection Plan from Kansas Homeland Security.

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5/26/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Lenexa Guardsmen Host Open House And Blood Drive

Battery B, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery (1-161st FA) and Company C, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor (1-635th Ar), Kansas National Guard, will host the Second Annual Open House and Blood Drive at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 18200 87th Parkway, Lenexa, on June 3, 2006, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to stop by and show support for the troops, learn about what artillerymen and tankers do and donate blood. The units have set a goal of collecting 50 pints of blood for the local community. Static displays will include the M109A6 Self-Propelled Howitzer, M1A2 Abrams Tank, M998 HUMVEE and Palletized- Loading-System (PLS) Truck along with the Kansas Army National Guard’s Rock Climbing Wall. Other activities will be available for the public as they stop by for the Blood Drive. The Community Blood Bank, 4040 Main Street, Kansas City, Mo., will be collecting blood from donors inside the Lenexa Armory’s air-conditioned classroom. All donors will need to provide personal medical information as a prerequisite for a donation and ought to plan on the process taking approximately 45 minutes per person.

Forty-five soldiers of Battery B, 1-161st FA are currently mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in three separate Kansas National Guard units conducting various hazardous duties required by Security Forces. Their deployments will last for one year and they are scheduled to return in the fall and early winter later this year. The families and soldiers appreciate all of the community support we have received over the past year and welcome the public to our open house.

Members of Company C, 1-635th Ar recently returned from a year-long deployment to Kosovo in support of Kosovo force protection and security operations. For many of the soldiers this is will be a great opportunity to meet the public as a unit since returning home. The 1-635th Ar provided security and stability operations during their very successful deployment.

For more information, call Staff Sgt. Tim McCaine at the armory at (913) 492-3919.

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5/30/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Departure Ceremony For 714th SECFOR Company, Kansas National Guard June 3rd

A departure ceremony will be held Saturday, June 3, for members of the 714th Security Force (SECFOR) Company of the Kansas National Guard, as they deploy for duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, where they will be providing force protection. Approximately 190 soldiers of this security force company are deploying first to Camp Shelby, Miss., for training before going to Iraq. The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in the Flex Theatre on the Olathe Northwest High School campus, 21300 College Blvd, in Olathe, Kan. The public is invited to come and show their support for these soldiers.

“These soldiers have a tough job ahead of them, but I know they’ll do well,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “They’re dedicated, professional and have a positive attitude that’s second to none. I wish them well and look forward to the day we welcome them home.”

This unit used to be known as the 714th Maintenance Company.

“The 714th SECFOR consists of nearly 190 soldiers in a composite company. However, the mission will be very different from the previous unit,” explained Capt. Tony Burt, company commander. “As a SECFOR company, our primary mission is to protect both U.S. and coalition convoys as they perform transportation operations throughout Iraq. Our soldiers represent practically every unit and Military Occupational Skill in the state. It is truly a diverse group of transportation, artillerymen, mechanics, engineers and infantrymen performing a military police/transportation mission.”

“I consider it a blessing and a privilege to lead the 714th SECFOR Company on this deployment, especially considering the level of experience and expertise within the company, as well as the support we have already received from the soldiers’ families,” Burt said. Soldiers in the 714th SECFOR come from all over the state of Kansas, with some soldiers also coming from Nebraska and Minnesota.

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6/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Change Of Command Ceremony Set For 287th Sustainment Brigade

Col. Timothy Carlin, Overland Park, will turn over command of the Kansas National Guard’s (KSNG) 287th Sustainment Brigade to Col. Henry Martin, Topeka, during a change of command ceremony on Saturday, June 3.

The 10 a.m. ceremony will take place at the Kansas National Guard Wichita East Armory, 620 North Edgemoor, Wichita.

The 287th Sustainment Brigade was activated on Sept. 1, 2005, and is headquartered in Wichita. Its mission is to plan, prepare, execute and assess combat service support operations within a corps or division Area of Operations. It is the largest brigade-level headquarters in the state.

“It is an honor to be a part of the Army National Guard transformation,” said Martin. “I am very proud that the Kansas National Guard leadership will allow me to assist in building the 287th Sustainment Brigade. The 287th will prepare for the inevitable changes that will occur in the world as we develop into a great unit.”

“We as a nation have prospered because we have always had citizens willing to stand up and answer the call in times of danger,” Martin continued. “The soldiers of the 287th are special. They are ordinary men and women, a cross-section of America, but they share one thing in common a love of country and freedom.”

Col. Henry Martin

Martin enlisted in the United States Army in June 1972 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant from the Kansas Military Academy on June 11, 1977. He holds a bachelor’s degree in math and science from the University of Arkansas and a master’s degree in adult education and a Ph.D. in occupational education from Kansas State University. He had the distinction of being selected All-American in golf during his college years.

Martin initially served as a military police enlisted soldier. After being commissioned, he served as a platoon leader and then as the executive officer with Troop E, 114th Cavalry; company commander of Company A, 169th Support Battalion; Headquarters State Area Command operations officer; commander of the 105th Public Affairs Detachment; Education Services Officer; and commander, Recruiting and Retention Battalion.

Martin’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal (2nd award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (2nd award), Army Service Ribbon, Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, the Adjutant General’s Outstanding Company Grade Officer Award and the National Guard Bureau’s Minuteman Mike award for Exceptional Education Services to Kansas and the Nation.

Martin’s military education includes Military Police Advanced Individual Training, Corrections Officer Advanced Individual Training, Armor Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Basic and Advance Courses, Army Officer’s Comptroller Course, Command and General Staff College, Recruiting and Retention Manager’s Course, and the U.S. Army War College where he earned a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies.

In his full-time position, Martin is currently the Director of Information Management for the Kansas Army National Guard. Martin resides in Topeka with his wife, Maj. Judith Martin. They have five children.

Col. Timothy Carlin

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=142[5/30/2014 11:03:57 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

Carlin received his commission from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in May 1982 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. Carlin also earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Boston University.

Carlin served in the U. S. Army as a platoon leader, battery executive officer, battalion supply officer, armored cavalry fire support officer, regimental assistant logistics officer and aviation squadron fire support officer. His first National Guard assignment was with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery as a battalion liaison officer and he has continued to serve in several field artillery units as a battery commander, assistant fire support officer, Battalion training officer, brigade operations duty officer, division artillery executive officer, division artillery training officer, battalion commander and 35th Division Artillery commander.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th award), Army Achievement Medal (5th award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Service Medal, U.S. Army Ranger Tab, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, Canadian Parachutist Badge, U.S. Army Air Assault Badge.

Carlin’s military education includes U.S. Army Airborne School, Canadian Airborne School, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army Ranger School (Honor Graduate), Canadian Army Airborne School, Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Armor Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Nuclear and Chemical Target Acquisition Course, Military Intelligence Threat Recognition Course, Combined Armed Service Staff School, Command and General Staff College and the U. S. Army War College where he earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.

Carlin and his wife, Karen, make their home in Overland Park, Kan. He is an investment representative with Edward D. Jones Co., Overland Park.

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6/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Guardsmen Are Returning From Djibouti

Kansas National Guardsmen from the 35th Military Police Company will return from Djibouti, Africa, after a year- long deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom. The group arrived in Hawaii on Sat., June 3, and is expected to arrive in Kansas after they have completed their out processing, but a date has not been set.

“It’s great to have our soldiers coming home,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “These soldiers have done a wonderful job in Djibouti. They deserve our thanks and a well-earned rest.”

Nine soldiers deployed in April 2004, going to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, for additional mission-specific training, then departed for Djibouti on June 1, 2004. Their mission was to provide personal security for high ranking officials going into and out of the combat zone visiting troops and conducting diplomatic visits to other nations.

An additional contingent of soldiers deployed for training in February 2006 to replace the soldiers who are coming home. The second group is expected to be in Djibouti for a year and return in early to mid 2007.

The 35th Military Police Company is headquartered in Topeka.

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6/12/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Association Of the United States Army To Observe Army's 231st Birthday

The Topeka Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) will mark the 231st birthday of the United States Army on Wednesday, June 14, during a short ceremony in front of the State Defense Building, 2800 S. Topeka Blvd, Topeka.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Participants include Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small, commander of the Kansas Army National Guard and assistant adjutant general – Army. Invited guests include city and county officials and members of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

The event will include remarks by Sebelius and Small, reading of a proclamation and the cutting of a ceremonial birthday cake. A reception with refreshments will follow the event.

“The Topeka Chapter of AUSA is proud to be a part of the celebration of the 231st birthday of the Army,” said Lt. Col. Gloria Sherman, president of the chapter. AUSA is a private organization that is the “Voice for the Army” and “Support for the Soldier.”

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6/12/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Adjutant General's Department Seeking New Public Affairs Director

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, is seeking qualified candidates to fill the role of Director of Public Affairs for The Adjutant General’s Department, as long-time director, Joy Moser, is retiring June 16.

The Director of Public Affairs organizes and directs the public relations, public information, internal information, command information and publications program for The Adjutant General’s Department, which includes the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and the Civil Air Patrol. The Public Affairs Director is also the spokesperson for the agency and serves as liaison with officials from federal, state and local agencies, media representatives, the general public and civic organizations.

Complete information about the position can be found on-line after 8 a.m. June 13 at http://da.state.ks.us/ps/pub/reqinfo.asp?id=152294

The deadline to apply for the position is July 12. To apply, submit a State of Kansas Employment Summary to State Human Resources, The Adjutant General’s Department, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, Kan., 66611-1287, (785) 274-1392 or 1460, or apply online at http://da.state.ks.us/ps/aaa/recruitment/default.htm

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6/13/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Retiring Director of Public Affairs Replaced by Acting Director

Joy Moser, director of public affairs for The Adjutant General's Department since November 1980, will be retiring on June 16 at 5 p.m. She has been the point of contact for all media inquiries and other public affairs related activities for The Adjutant General's Department.

"It has been wonderful to work with the media over the last 26 years. I truly appreciate your interest and thank you so very much for the good working relationship that we have had. It will be hard to leave and difficult not to continue this professional relationship but it is time for me to go at a slower pace," said Joy Moser. "I appreciate all that you have done. Thank you."

Until a new director is hired, the Acting Director will be Jane Welch. Inquiries regarding matters pertaining to The Adjutant General's Department, which includes Kansas National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and the Civil Air Patrol, will be directed to Jane Welch at 785-274-1190 and/or cell phone 785- 806-4063.

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6/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Krase Intends to Retire From Kansas Emergency Management

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management (KEM) and Kansas Homeland Security, has announced the retirement of Lloyd “Gene” Krase, KEM administrator, later this year.

“My wife, Judy, and I have been discussing my retirement,” said Krase in a letter to Bunting. “It’s tempting to continue as a part of your team and be a part of the exciting future you have mapped. However, in view of no disasters this tornado season, the next Wolf Creek evaluation being November 2007 and as we complete our strategic update and this year’s funding allocations, this is as good a time as there will be to transition to my replacement.”

“The term ‘right-hand man’ applies very well to Gene,” said Bunting. “Gene not only knows the policies of emergency management at all levels, he knows the practicalities, as well. I’m always confident that I can rely on his knowledge, experience and sound judgment. He will be missed.”

Krase has been administrator of KEM, a division of The Adjutant General’s Department, for nearly 12 years. He is a graduate of Wichita State University and earned a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Shippensburg State University, Shippensburg, Pa.

Krase is a graduate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Professional Development Series and serves on the Executive Board of the National Emergency Management Association. He has managed many governors’ disaster declarations, two Presidential Emergency Declarations and 15 Presidential Disaster Declarations, most recently the March 2006 Northeast Kansas wind storm.

Krase retired from the Kansas Army National Guard in December 2004 as a major general with over 41 years service. His assignments included command of infantry units at squad, platoon, company, battalion, brigade and division levels. He held various staff assignments including Chief of Staff, 35th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and Chief of Staff, Kansas Army National Guard. His last assignment was Commander, 35th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

Among Krase's awards are the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star for Valor with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal for Valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star and many other awards.

Krase and his wife, the former Judith Moore, live in Topeka. They have two married daughters, one granddaughter and one grandson. He is the son of the late Lloyd and Beth Krase, Murdock.

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6/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard To Join Convoy Re-enactment

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Interstate Highway System, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials are staging a re-enactment of the first transcontinental convoy, held in 1919. The convoy departed San Francisco, Calif., June 16 and is scheduled to reach Washington, D.C., June 29.

The Kansas National Guard will join with vehicles from the national convoy at Mile Marker 1 in Kanorado, Kan., on Wednesday, June 21, and then proceed through Kansas on Interstate 70. Kansas National Guard vehicles will include a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) from the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor; HEMMT wrecker from the 714th Maintenance Company; Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle from the 35th Infantry Division (ID); Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) from the 995th Maintenance Company; and four High Mobility Multi- Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV ‘Humvees’) from the 35th Military Police Company, 35th ID and Recruiting and Retention Command.

As a tribute to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s role in creating the Interstate Highway System, a part of the re- enactment convoy will deviate from the original route and pass through Kansas with stops in Eisenhower’s hometown of Abilene on June 21 and 22 and at the Kansas Speedway near Kansas City, Kan., on June 23. Representatives from the Kansas National Guard that will be in attendance at the Speedway include Col. William Vonderschmidt, the Chief of the Joint Staff; and the State Command Sergeant Maj. Steve Rodina. Kansas’ participation is being organized by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

Lt. Col. Barry Taylor, director of Logistics for the Kansas National Guard’s, said that the Kansas National Guard became involved in the convoy through discussions by Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, with the Kansas Department of Transportation. “We said that we can help you establish how you’re going to run your convoy,” explained Taylor. “KDOT doesn’t have as much experience in organizing convoys, while we do a lot of convoys. That’s a logistics function.”

In 1919, Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower participated in a cross-country military convoy of 81 Army vehicles and 300 personnel – the first of its kind – on a 3,200-mile trip from Washington, D.C., to San Francisco, Calif. The journey took 62 days and gave Eisenhower a first-hand look at the poor condition of the nation’s highways, convincing the future president that good highways were needed for defense and commerce. During the war, Eisenhower also had the opportunity to see the efficiency of the German autobahn system.

As president, Eisenhower lent his support to the creation of an interstate highway system and signed the Federal- Aid Highway Act on June 29, 1956. Kansas opened the first section of Interstate in the nation on I-70 just west of Topeka on Nov. 14, 1956. A total of 874 miles of Interstate are in Kansas (including the Kansas Turnpike).

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6/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Gonzales Promoted To Major

Paul E. Gonzales was promoted to major in a ceremony in Olathe, Kan., on March 6, 2006. Gonzales is the Executive Officer for the 169th Corps Support Battalion, Kansas Army National Guard, in Olathe.

“I credit my success to my family, whose unselfish dedication to my career allowed me to pursue my military and civilian education,” said Gonzales.

A graduate of Calhoun High School, Port Lavaca, Texas, in 1984, Gonzales enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in January 1987 and received his commission in 1996. During his career, he has served in a variety of enlisted and officer positions, including squad leader; platoon leader for Detachment 1, 170th Maintenance Company; company commander, 170th Maintenance Company; finance officer, United States Property and Fiscal Office; budget officer, Recruiting and Retention Command; and operations officer for the 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction).

His military education includes U.S. Coast Guard Yeoman School, Officer Candidate School, Ordnance Officer Basic and Advance Courses and Combined Arms and Services Staff School.

Gonzales’s awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, U.S. Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal, U.S. Coast Guard Bi- Centennial Unit Citation, M-16 Qualifying Badge and 9MM Qualifying Badge

Gonzales is a graduate of Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, Kan., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

He and his wife, the former Glenda Chatham of Seadrift, Texas, along with their two children, Chris and Alisha, reside in Topeka. Gonzales is the son of the late retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Edward M. Gonzales Jr. and Cecilia A. Gonzales of Port O’Connor, Texas.

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6/21/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Two Kansas Guardsmen To Receive Purple Hearts

Col. Eric Peck, chief of staff of the Kansas Army National Guard, will present Purple Heart medals to Staff Sgt. Terry Murray and Spc. Nathan Hartnett at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at the Council Grove Armory, 1018 Old Highway 56, Council Grove. The soldiers will receive the medals for injuries sustained while serving in Iraq as mechanics with the maintenance platoon of the 778th Transportation Company, headquartered in Kansas City with detachments in Manhattan, Emporia and Council Grove.

On April 21, 2005, Hartnett and Murray were traveling in a HEMMT wrecker when they encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) disguised as the body of a dead animal. The IED struck the driver’s side of the vehicle. Moments later, they were hit with small arms fire and mortars. Both soldiers received injuries as a direct result of the incident.

Murray is currently a squad leader with the maintenance platoon, 778th Transportation Company, Kansas National Guard. Hartnett is currently assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery in Liberal.

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6/28/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Tafanelli To Be Guest Speaker For July 4th Event at Grace Epsicopal Cathedral

Lt. Col. Lee Tafanelli, former commander of the 891st Engineer Battalion, Kansas National Guard, will be the guest speaker for an Independence Day service at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th St., Topeka, on Tuesday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

Tafanelli commanded the 891st Engineer Battalion during its 2004-2005 deployment to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. In Iraq, the battalion was responsible for clearing the roads from Improvised Explosive Devices and constructing detention facilities and other construction projects. He was commander of the battalion from January 2002 until May 2006. His current assignment is as a staff officer with Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas-Land Component.

Tafanelli joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1980 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers from Pittsburg State University ROTC program in 1982. Tafanelli has served in a wide variety of command and staff positions as a traditional Guardsman and as an active duty soldier at the company, battalion, brigade, State Headquarters and Department of the Army level. His battalion and brigade level assignments include reconnaissance officer; equipment platoon leader; logistics officer; company commander and operations officer.

Tafanelli served as the executive assistant to The Adjutant General of Kansas, state recruiting and retention manager, mobilization planner; force integration and readiness officer; education services officer; and surface maintenance manager at State Headquarters. At the Department of the Army level, Tafanelli served as military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs at the Pentagon in support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

In 1999, Tafanelli received a Master’s Degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kansas State University. He is a graduate of the Engineer Officer Basic and Advance Courses; Army Command and General Staff Officer Course; and the Air Command and Staff Officer Course. He is also a graduate of the Army's Airborne and Air Assault Courses. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge.

In his civilian career, Tafanelli is a State Representative in the Kansas Legislature, where he represents the 47th District, which consists of Jefferson and Atchison Counties. He also works as the administrative director at the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center at Kansas State University.

Tafanelli is married to the former Tammy Mick of Topeka. They have two children, Nicholas and Francesca.

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7/5/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard Trains With Singapore Soldiers In Tiger Balm Exercise

Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard are joining with approximately 70 soldiers from Singapore in a joint international exercise called Tiger Balm. The exercise, which runs July 7-24, is taking place at Fort Leavenworth.

Tiger Balm is a regularly scheduled command post exercise involving the U.S. and Singapore, which involves a scenario that begins as a high intensity battle. As the scenario progresses, it transitions to a stability and reconstructive operation. The Kansas National Guard soldiers are from the 35th Infantry Division, headquartered at Fort Leavenworth and will be commanded by Brig. Gen. Stewart Reeve, one of the division’s Deputy Commanding Generals.

The opening ceremony for the exercise will be conducted Monday afternoon at 3 p.m., July 10, at the 35th Division headquarters, 2 Sherman Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The media is invited to attend the kick off of this international training.

Media interested in attending the opening ceremonies should contact the 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Maj. Rex Johnson at (913) 579-6716, email [email protected] or Maj. Eric Bishop at (913) 758- 5031, email [email protected].

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7/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Change Of Command Ceremony Set For Kansas Area Medical Detachment

Col. Daryl J. Callahan will turn over command of the Kansas Area Medical Detachment to Col. Avon C. Coffman during a change of command ceremony on Sunday, July 9. The 1:30 p.m. ceremony will take place at Eckert Hall, Kansas Regional Training Institute (KSRTI), 2850 Scanlan Avenue, Salina.

“It has been an event filled 18 months of command,” said Callahan. “The Kansas Area Medical Detachment has met every request and set the standard for many tasks. Every doctor in this unit has deployed to active service in support of the Global War on Terrorism, some more than once. We have not just taught the combat medics, but we have also deployed many of our medics and nurses.”

“I look forward to the challenges that will undoubtedly come with this command, as well as to the ongoing demands that will be placed on the Medical Detachment from natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the continuing Global War on Terrorism,” said Coffman.

Col. Avon C. Coffman

Col. Avon C. Coffman enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1970. He received a direct commission from the Medical Student Program in 1973. He completed U.S. Air Force Officer Basic Course in 1976 and U.S. Air Force Aerospace Medicine Primary Course in 1977. He worked as a flight surgeon until 1980, when he began a residency in otolaryngology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. After leaving Walter Reed, Coffman was the staff otolaryngologist at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, Calif., from 1984-1987. After several years in the Inactive Air Force Reserve, he joined the Missouri Army National Guard as a flight surgeon. He came to the Kansas Army National Guard in 2002 as a field surgeon and became team leader of a Medical Exam Team. He deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Coffman’s education includes degrees in Biology and Chemistry from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Mo., and Doctor of Osteopathy from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. His military education includes U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Officer Basic Courses, U.S. Army Officer Advance Course, and U.S. Army Flight Surgeon Course. Coffman holds an Assistant Professor of Surgery academic appointment at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. He has served on numerous committees at St. Luke’s Northland Hospital including Medical Management, Surgery Advisory, Tumor Advisory, Operating Room and Credentials committees. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Osteopathic Board of Otolaryngology. Coffman is currently a practicing Otolaryngologist in the Kansas City area.

Among his awards and decorations are the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War Expeditionary Medal.

Coffman lives in Overland Park, Kan., with his wife, Linda. They have two children, Zachary and daughter-in-law Katie, and Dr. Allison Coffman.

Col. Daryl J. Callahan

Col. Daryl J. Callahan received a direct commission from the Medical Student Program in 1985 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He completed Army Medical Department Officer Basic Course as a captain in 1990. He then served as battalion surgeon in the 110th Engineer Battalion with the Missouri Army National Guard, which included overseas training in Panama. He served in the 35th Division Support Command as Division Support

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Command surgeon. After 10 years in the Missouri Army National Guard he came to the Kansas Army National Guard and from 1995 to 2000 he was the division surgeon for the 35th Infantry Division. He transferred into the Kansas Area Medical Detachment in 2000, where he took the position as a Medical Exam Team Leader. He has been called to overseas duty twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served on emergency duty in New Orleans for Hurricanes Katrina/Rita relief. Callahan has been the State Surgeon and commander of the Kansas Area Medical Detachment since 2005. His education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He is an Adjunct Clinical Professor from Kansas Wesleyan University and a Doctor of Osteopathy from the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Mo. Callahan’s military education includes Army Medical Department Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Support Operations Course at the Logistics Management College and the Command and General Staff College.

In his civilian career, Callahan has held several appointed positions including Adjunct Clinical Professor, Wichita State University, Physician’s Assistant Program, Phillips County Emergency Preparedness Counsel, Medical Advisor for Phillips County Emergency Medical Service and Radiology, and also as Chief of Staff, Phillips County Hospital. He is Board Certified by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Currently, he is the President-Elect of the Kansas Association of Osteopathic Medicine. Callahan is also currently a member of the Active Medical Staff at Irwin Army Community Hospital, Fort Riley, Kan. Among his awards and decorations are the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medals, Kansas National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon and the Kansas Emergency Service Ribbon. Callahan lives in Manhattan, with his wife, Sheryl, and son Brandon.

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7/17/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov International Officers To Visit State Capitol

Sixty-four International Officers from 61 countries will pay a visit to Topeka on Friday, July 21, to learn about our state government and judicial system. The officers are enrolled in a year-long course of study at the Command and General Staff Officers College at Fort Leavenworth.

“This is a great opportunity for these International Officers to get an overview of how things work in our country,” explained Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs, Command Historian, Kansas National Guard. “They come from such varied backgrounds with different forms of government and social outlooks. The National Guard system is a totally unfamiliar concept for many of them. This visit gives them the chance to hear about our way of doing things – militarily, legislatively and judicially as well as get a peek at some of our great Kansas history.”

Their day will begin by being welcomed by Lt. Gov. John Moore and Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh during their visit to the office of the Secretary of State, Memorial Hall. The officers will also learn about the National Guard system in Kansas from Col. Debbie Rose, 190th Air Refueling Wing, and about the Kansas State Legislature from Senator Laura Kelly and Representative Kenny Wilk.

After a photo opportunity with Lt. Gov. John Moore and a tour of the Kansas Statehouse, the officers will visit the Judicial Center to hear a presentation on the U.S. court system from Judge James Patton and Judge Stephen Hill.

The final stop on their itinerary is a visit to the Kansas History Museum, 6425 SW Sixth Avenue, Topeka.

This year marks the 46th annual visit to Topeka and the 112th year that international officers have been attending the Command and General Staff Officers College at Fort Leavenworth. Since 1894, more than 6,915 officers from 148 different countries have come for training. These students represent the finest from each of their countries. Over the years many of these students have gone on to key positions in their countries. Twenty-six have become heads of state, 309 have become ministers, ambassadors or representatives, and 2,339 have become general officers in the armies of the world, while 317 have become chiefs of staff of their armed forces.

Among the countries represented this year are Argentina, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Canada, Chile, Egypt, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

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7/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Training Incident At Smoky Hill Weapons Range

On Wednesday, July 19, an Air Force B-52 assigned to Barksdale AFB was flying a training mission to the Smoky Hill Weapons Range in Salina, Kan. During the mission the B-52 inadvertently dropped nine inert practice bombs (without explosives) outside the bomb range.

A board of officers will investigate the incident. As soon as additional details become available they will be provided.

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8/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov County Officials Urged To Consider Burn Bans

Governor Kathleen Sebelius; Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security; and State Fire Marshal Jack Alexander are urging officials in Kansas counties to consider issuing burn bans.

“Dry, hot conditions are continuing throughout Kansas, and that increases the risk for fires. We’ve seen the damage that can happen as a result of wildfires, and burn bans are a good way to prevent situations where controlled fires get out of control,” said Sebelius.

“In light of recent fires in Kansas and our neighboring states and the continued dry conditions, I am recommending that officials in Kansas counties issue burn bans for citizens in their jurisdictions,” said Bunting. “With weather conditions being prime for wildfires we must be proactive in protecting our communities from unnecessary fires.”

“The extreme dry weather conditions is taking its toll on our communities and our firefighters,” says Jack Alexander, Kansas State Fire Marshal, “its time to take preventative measures to protect them. We are encouraging those counties who see the need to implement burn bans to reduce the financial impact and exhaustive toll it has become.”

Kansas has received some requests for assistance under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a multi- state, mutual aid agreement. FEMA has made Fire Management Assistance Grant Declarations 63 times throughout the country since Jan. 1. Primarily the requests have come from Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado for assistance from the nation's Disaster Relief Fund to aid in firefighting efforts. Kansas received one declaration earlier this year on March 30 for the Obee fire that took place in Reno County. Fortunately, Kansas has not had as many fires as other states since early this spring. However, the National Weather Service report indicates that they are not expecting drought-like conditions to improve for some time. Therefore, we are anticipating that the threat for wildfires will continue until the drought-like conditions improve.

Texas Forest Service states that local fire departments, year-to-date, have reported that they have had 17,199 and 1,875,383 acres have burned, and have lost 1,016 structures. Nebraska has reported 721 fires totaling 85,160 acres. The Dewes and Sioux complex fire have accounted for 63,900 of those acres. Thirty-seven wildfires have been reported to the Kansas Forest Service so far this year with 78,538 acres burned, 37 structures damaged, 15 destroyed, and estimated costs are $367,780. Governor Sebelius has made three State disaster declarations this year, allowing state resources to be utilized to assist in firefighting efforts. The help prevent wild fire outbreaks and damage to your home:

• Have your fire department’s phone number posted next to your land line phone or programmed into your cellular phone. • Mow grass very short, and rake and remove grass, leaves and other flammable fuels within 30 to 100 feet of your house. When a fire is deprived of its fuel, it will go out. • Remove flammable materials, such as leaves, from your roof and gutters. Burning embers can be carried by the wind for great distances and will easily ignite fine fuels. • Store flammables, such as firewood or lumber, downhill and well away from your home. Closely mow grass around your bulk propane tank and locate it a minimum of 30 feet from any structures. • Keep a hose at outdoor faucets to wet down fuels and your roof in case a wildfire approaches. • Discard smoking materials in approved containers. • Ashes from grills or fireplaces should be placed in a metal container and thoroughly doused with water. Let them

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soak. • Sparks from chainsaws, welding torches and other equipment can cause wildfires. • Grease trailer wheels, check tires and ensure that safety chains are not touching the ground. • Never park your vehicle on dry grass. • If your roof needs to be replaced, consider fire-resistant materials (Class C or better rating), not wood or shake shingles.

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8/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard Honors Restaurant Manager For His Support

Soldiers from the Kansas Army National Guard recognized Red Robin General Manager Blake Montgomery on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Topeka Red Robin Restaurant, for his support of Kansas Guardsmen.

In a brief ceremony, Lt. Col. Les Gellhaus, recruiting commander, and Sgt. Maj. Terry Jones, operations sergeant, presented Montgomery and Red Robin Restaurant with a certificate of appreciation and bronze buffalo for his support. Red Robin offers discounts to military members and their family as a way to show their support for the members of the armed forces and their families. According to Montgomery, this isn’t company policy, but something he chose to do to show his appreciation for the sacrifices military people make in defense of freedom around the globe.

“Giving a discount is just one way we can show our support,” Montgomery said. Montgomery is no stranger to the military. His father served and he grew up around the military.

As an employer, he is also familiar with the Guard; he has had three of his employees join the Army National Guard in his tenure at Red Robin in Topeka. “I have had three people from this store join the Guard,” he said. “I know there are lots of Guardsmen in this area. I have always looked up to people in the military who support our country. This (award) really means a lot.”

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8/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Olathe Mayor, City Honored For Support of Deployed Soldiers

Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD), 169th Corps Support Battalion (CSB), Kansas National Guard, recognized City of Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Olathe City Council Meeting, for his support of Kansas Guardsmen during recent deployments.

In a brief ceremony during the meeting, Lt. Col. Barry K. Taylor, commander, 169th CSB, presented Copeland and the City of Olathe with an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award for continuing support of battalion soldiers and their families deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

The City of Olathe has had employees continuously deployed with the Kansas Army National Guard since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most recently three citizen-soldiers of the 169th CSB employed by the city were deployed for OIF III.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Cooper, HHD, 169th CSB, and a sanitation worker for the City of Olathe, put Copeland in for the award. Cooper stated that he has received great support from his co-workers and supervisors. During the deployment, Copeland presented spouses of deployed soldiers with a plaque to show that the city cares not only for the soldiers, but the family members that are still at home. It is this type of support that Olathe City employees can expect under the mayor’s leadership.

Copeland commented that it was appropriate that the award be presented on the same day as elections since it was the soldier that keeps that right safe, stating the military “is a noble calling to protect our country, our way of life, and our freedoms.”

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8/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Advisory: Kansas Air National Guard Dedicates Newest U.S. Intelligence Center

There will be a ribboncutting and dedication ceremony for the Kansas Air National Guard 161st Intelligence Squadron, 184th Air Refueling Wing’s, new Distributed Ground Station (DGS) facility at McConnell Air Force Base on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The new facility will house full-spectrum intelligence technology that will allow Kansas Guardsmen to serve locally while supporting the fight on terror globally. With the addition of this facility, Kansas will have the largest intelligence information processing center in the Air National Guard.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius, The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Senator Pat Roberts, Senator Sam Brownback, Representative Todd Tiahrt, and top Air National Guard and Air Force personnel will be participating in the ribboncutting and dedication.

Media will receive a briefing by Lt. Col. John Hernandez, commander of the 161st Intelligence Squadron, and a Raytheon representative prior to the ceremony.

To be allowed access on to McConnell AFB interested media must contact Capt. Deborah Balentine, the 184th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Officer at (316) 759-7006 or (316) 371-8932.

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8/14/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Air Guard To Dedicate "America’s Newest Intelligence Center"

On Aug. 16 Kansas will become home to "America’s Newest Intelligence Center" -- the largest intelligence processing center in the Air National Guard (ANG). Governor Kathleen Sebelius, The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Senator Pat Roberts, Senator Sam Brownback, Representative Todd Tiahrt and top Air National Guard and Air Force personnel will converge at McConnell Air Force Base to participate in the ribboncutting and dedication.

The state-of-the-art Distributed Ground System (DGS) intelligence facility will be permanent home to the Kansas Air National Guard’s 161st Intelligence Squadron (IS). The 161st IS, a part of the 184th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), has been performing the DGS mission at other locations worldwide since 2003. With the addition of this full- spectrum high-tech intelligence center, those same Guardsmen will now be able to serve locally while still supporting the fight on terror globally. "This is more good news for Kansas and we should all be proud of the Kansas Air Guard's ability to step up and meet the challenge to serve yet once again," said Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

"No other unit in the nation has proven itself more adaptive to change and more capable of quickly developing high- level capabilities important to America’s defense," said Bunting. "This ribboncutting is a testament to the hard work, skill and tenacity of the members of the 184th."

"This intelligence center and the Kansas Guardsmen that will work in it are absolutely critical to America's ability to win the war on terror," 184th Wing Commander Col. Randy Roebuck said. The DGS mission provides intelligence processing, exploitation and dissemination designed to supply actionable intelligence in near-real-time. "In a dangerous and chaotic world, it's comforting to know we have the best people with the best equipment in the best facility working day and night to protect America and our troops," Roebuck said.

The new facility is the first of its kind to be specifically designed for the most modern DGS intelligence equipment available. Having the most advanced equipment here at home will allow the 161st IS members to perform their critical mission more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

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8/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Field Artillery Battalion Has New Commander

Lt. Col. Danny Thomasson, commander of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, relinquished command to Maj. Dave Johnson during a ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 13, at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 3535 W. Douglas, Wichita. The 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery is headquartered in Wichita with subordinate units in Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Kingman, Lenexa, Liberal, Newton, Paola and Pratt.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have been selected to lead the battalion that I grew up in,” said Johnson. “The battalion’s rich history, coupled with it’s outstanding soldiers, will make our contribution to the nation’s defense an honor and a privilege. I look forward to leading these great Americans into the future.”

“I feel very good about the leader selected to be the next commander,” said Thomasson. “I have had the pleasure of working with Maj. Dave Johnson over the past several years as he held various artillery assignments. He has a wealth of experience, great ideas and is a superb leader as evidenced by his outstanding accomplishments.”

Maj. Dave Johnson

Maj. Dave Johnson began his military career with the 287th Maintenance Battalion, Kansas National Guard, in 1986 in Norton. He was commissioned a second lieutenant with Kansas Officer Candidate School Class 33 in June 1989. He was assigned as a Company Fire Support Officer with Detachment 2, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery in support of Company D, 1st Battalion, 137th Infantry. He has commanded both Battery C and later Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery. He has also served as battalion fire direction officer, brigade fire support officer and training officer of 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, as well as Operations Officer for the 35th Infantry Division Artillery. Johnson recently completed assignments as the National Guard Desk Officer, Army Operations Center, Pentagon; Operation Iraqi Freedom Desk Officer, National Guard Bureau Deployments Branch and Executive Officer to the Deputy Director, Army National Guard.

Johnson is a graduate of the Field Artillery Basic, Advanced and Pre-Command Courses as well as the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officer Course. He earned bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Fort Hays State University.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Johnson works as the Mobilization and Readiness Officer for Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas-Land Component, Kansas National Guard, during the week. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in Lenexa with their daughters Brittany, Kaitlin and Zoie.

Lt. Col. Danny Thomasson

Lt. Col. Danny Thomasson’s military career began when he enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserve in December 1981. He was commissioned a second lieutenant through ROTC in May 1984. Upon his commissioning, he was assigned as an assistant fire direction officer for the 3rd Battalion, 75th Field Artillery (3-75th FA), 102nd Army Reserve Command (102nd ARCOM). He served twice as a battery commander, once with Battery B, 3-75th FA, 102nd ARCOM, and once in Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard. He has also served as an operations duty officer, 35th Division Artillery; executive officer, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery; information operations plans officer, 35th Infantry Division; and assistant chief of staff, Civil Affairs Office, 35th

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Infantry Division.

Thomasson is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Functional Area 30 Information Operations course, and the Command and General Staff Officer College. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Pittsburg State University.

Among his awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, Army Service Medal, Army Component Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon with oak leaf cluster, NATO medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Excellence in Competition Badge.

Thomasson is employed as an analyst and trainer for Cubic Applications Inc., Leavenworth. Thomasson and his wife, Sherri, live in Leavenworth with their son, Jacob.

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8/22/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Guardsment Set Records While Deployed In Support of Border Patrol

The 184th Wing's Civil Engineering Squadron returned from Yuma, Ariz., on Aug. 12 after building a record 2,009 feet of fence for the U.S. Border Patrol. This new record is more than all the previous seven civil engineering units combined. This is a tremendous accomplishment given the extreme heat in Arizona this summer.

Lt. Col. James Culp, Civil Engineering Squadron Commander, led 53 airmen in support of Operation Jump Start, Task Force Diamondback, an operation Governor Kathleen Sebelius had a chance to witness first-hand.

"I'm so very proud of the incredible efforts our Kansas National Guard men and women of the 184th Squadron have made in securing our border," said Sebelius. "Their commitment and pioneer spirit certainly did Kansas proud while completing their mission in Arizona," she said. "They not only completed their mission, but with dedication and determination, they surpassed it."

“This deployment is a prime example of how the Kansas National Guard not only excels but leads the pack in whatever mission they are assigned,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “I’m very proud of the airmen of the 184th Civil Engineering Squadron and what they accomplished while in Arizona.”

This Kansas Air National Guard Squadron was the first engineering unit to receive a plaque from the U.S. Border Patrol recognizing their Herculean efforts. The redesigned fence building process the Kansas Air Guard leaves behind in Yuma should dramatically improve the efficiency of fence building for follow-on engineering units. In addition to setting construction records, the 184 CES rebuilt the existing fencing construction jig to facilitate more efficient fencing production; built a second fencing construction jig for increased and simultaneous output insuring all troops are actively employed; built a concrete form construction jig greatly streamlining the formwork; cleaned up and rearranged the construction compound to facilitate better workflow; built permanent shelving and reorganized supply storage boxes for improved accountability; constructed five permanent benches for site seating where none existed; removed old barb wire fence posts from the border and salvaged them for re- use as form staking; and developed joint force team approach for effective integration of Army and Air National Guard engineer troops. Like with all jobs the 184 CES takes on, it was done with a team approach to the work. The 184 CES was the lead unit on a Joint Force team with the 201st Engineer Battalion, Kentucky Army National Guard.

These accomplishments, along with innovative assembly-line shift scheduling, totally revamped the process to make it work more efficiently.

“We trained the permanent party staff on the streamlined process and developed continuity details and lessons learned for future teams,” said Culp. “The results of the motivated, charge-forward CES troops was clearly evident by the record amount of work accomplished and validated by the 184 CES being the first unit ever to receive a plaque from the Border Patrol Agent Chief Officer for the Yuma, Ariz., sector.”

The Border Patrol Chief was said that it became obvious very quickly that "we just needed to let them do their job and stay out of their way." The military office in charge in the Yuma sector is now re-thinking the format of the future border patrol systems based upon what they know now can be accomplished with the streamlined approach the 184th left in place.

“All-in-all this mission was a huge success, and my thanks goes out to the fantastic CES troops who never once complained in the temperatures routinely over 105 degrees. Job well done, I am proud to be the 184th CES commander,” said Culp, who resides near Andover, Kan.

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8/31/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kick-Off Announced For Kansas Preparedness Month

“Kansans care, so we prepare.”

Throughout the month of September, communities, businesses, families and individuals are urged to make, review and practice their emergency plans and check emergency supplies to be better prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. “Kansas Preparedness Month” will kick-off with a special event on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the South side of the Kansas Statehouse. The public is cordially invited to attend and learn how they can be better prepared for tornadoes, floods and other disasters.

In a short ceremony at 11 a.m., Governor Kathleen Sebelius will sign this year’s Kansas Preparedness Month Proclamation as well as the 2006 Kansas Response Plan (KRP). The ceremony will also include remarks from Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security and Col. William Seck, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol.

“Hurricane Katrina hit almost exactly one year ago, and while, fortunately, we don’t have to worry about hurricanes, life in Kansas poses its own special challenges,” said Sebelius. “It never hurts to see how you and your family can prepare for an emergency, so I encourage folks to come to the Capitol and find out how to protect themselves and their loved ones.” “The first responders in every Kansas community do a wonderful job in answering the call when disasters strike,” said Bunting, “but there are a number of simple, common sense things that every citizen can do to prepare for emergency situations. There’ll be a lot of good information available at this event to help everyone be better prepared for tornadoes, floods, winter storms and other natural disasters.”

Copies of the KRP will be presented to Primary and Coordinating agency representatives attending the -ceremony, including the Adjutant General's Department, American Red Cross, Kansas Animal Health Department, Kansas Corporation Commission, Kansas Department of Administration, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The KRP has been revised to be in alignment with the new National Response Plan. It incorporates the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and provides a consistent doctrinal framework for incident management at all jurisdictional levels. The KRP serves to unify and enhance the incident management capabilities and resources of State agencies and organizations. When activated, the agencies will be better able to support local jurisdictions in responding to a variety of threats and incidents. The KRP will be reviewed and updated annually for continuous improvement.

The kick-off will also feature displays and informational booths from a variety of emergency response agencies including the American Medical Response, American Red Cross, Capitol Police, Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Team, Kansas Animal Health Department, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Homeland Security, Kansas National Guard’s 190th Air Refueling Wing Expeditionary Medical Support System (EMEDS), Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team, Salvation Army, Shawnee County Emergency Management, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Topeka Fire Department and the Topeka Police Department.

In addition, both AM-580 WIBW and 94.5 Country (WIBW-FM) will be onsite for live broadcasts from 11 a.m. to 1

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p.m.

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9/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Tafanelli To Receive Promotion to Colonel In Kansas National Guard

Lt. Col. Lee E. Tafanelli will be promoted to colonel in the Kansas National Guard during a short ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 10. The ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. in The Adjutant General’s Conference Room at the State Defense Building, 2800 S. Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

In May, Tafanelli completed his assignment as commander of the 891st Engineer Battalion. He commanded the battalion during its year-long deployment to Iraq from January 2004 to December 2005. Currently, Tafanelli is a senior staff office with Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas – Land Component, Kansas National Guard.

Tafanelli and his wife, Tammy, live in Ozawkie with their two children, Nicholas and Francesca.

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9/8/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Trafton Promoted To Colonel In Kansas National Guard

Lt. Col. James Trafton was promoted to colonel in the Kansas National Guard during a brief ceremony which took place at the State Defense Building in Topeka.

Trafton began his military career in 1971 as an enlisted infantryman in the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Following two years of active duty, he spent 12 more years as a noncommissioned officer in the Kansas Army National Guard. After commissioning, he served as an engineer officer, operations officer, and logistics officer for the 69th Brigade, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 69th Brigade, and assistant training officer-Air, operations officer and executive officer, all for the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Chief of Supply & Services USPFO for Kansas. Trafton is currently commander of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, which deployed to Iraq in August 2005.

Trafton received his Bachelor of Science degree from Regents College and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Trafton's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, the Combat Infantryman's Badge 2nd award and numerous other awards.

Trafton is married to the former Theresa Wheeler. They have a daughter and Trafton has three daughters from a previous marriage.

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9/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov September Is Kansas Preparedness Month

“Be Prepared.”

That’s the famous motto of the Boys Scouts and the advice given to all Kansans by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, adjutant general of Kansas and director of Kansas Emergency Management and Kansas Homeland Security during Kansas Preparedness Month.

"Protecting the citizens and resources of our state is a primary responsibility that takes all of us working together to achieve," said Governor Sebelius. "I hope every Kansan, in communities large and small, will take some time this month to be sure they're prepared for potential disasters."

“Disasters are going to happen,” said Bunting. “They’re inevitable. Every Kansan knows we live in ‘tornado alley’ and there’s not a corner of the state that hasn’t seen a tornado at some time or other. In addition, we face severe thunderstorms, floods, ice storms and blizzards. Even earthquakes are a possibility.”

“That’s why this agency, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office and multiple state and local agencies, as well as private organizations, are focusing their energies this month on getting Kansans to be prepared for emergencies,” he continued. Emergency responders advise families and businesses to formulate an emergency plan detailing what every member should know in the event of tornado, flood, fire or other emergencies, including safe shelter areas, location of supplies, communication plans and rendezvous points.

Preparing a home emergency kit is another simple way that every citizen can help their families be prepared. A basic home emergency kit should contain such items as:

• Water – one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Include a manual can opener if canned items are selected. • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries • Flashlights and extra batteries • First aid kit • Whistle – to signal for help • Filter mask or cotton T-shirt – to help filter air • Moist towelettes – for sanitation • Wrench or pliers – to turn off utilities • Plastic sheeting and duct tape – to shelter in place • Garbage bags and plastic ties • Special family needs – medicines, infant formula, diapers, important documents, etc.

Such an emergency kit will allow families to survive without power, water or other basic necessities until help can arrive. For information on preparing a basic home emergency kit and other emergency preparedness measures, go to www.KSReady.gov

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9/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Public Affairs Officer Selected For The Adjutant General's Department

Sharon Watson has been selected as the new director of the Public Affairs Office for The Adjutant General’s Department. She fills the position vacated by the retirement of long-time director Joy Moser. Watson will begin her duties with the department Oct. 2. “We are pleased to have a proven Communications Director like Ms. Watson join our team,” said Bunting. “As a true global enterprise, with National Guard men and women serving worldwide and emergency management activities throughout the U.S., we are a very visible agency. Keeping our citizens informed about Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and also informing our members, their families and employers about our various missions is a top priority we take very seriously.”

Prior to this appointment Watson served as the communications director for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, a position she held for more than five years. Her role was to oversee external and internal department communications, including media relations, speech writing, publication review/oversight and crisis communication planning/training.

Before joining the KDHE, Watson worked as a broadcast journalist for more than 10 years in Missouri, Kentucky, and Kansas, including Topeka and Kansas City. She also worked as a newspaper reporter and in television news. Sharon has a bachelor’s degree from William Jewell College with a double major in Communications and Public Relations.

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9/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Symposium To Showcase Joint Training Center

America’s silent weapons on the war on terror are coming to America’s Heartland to showcase how Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can be developed at the Kansas Regional Training Center in order to protect citizens as well as soldiers.

The Kansas Adjutant General, Salina Airport Authority and Salina Chamber of Commerce invite individuals with an aviation interest from public, private industry, academia, government and military to the Unmanned Aerial Systems/Future Systems Symposium (UAS/FSS) Oct. 5 and 6 at the Kansas Regional Training Institute (KSRTI) in Salina.

“We are looking at areas where we can leverage operations that are joint or interagency operations in an environment that will support these operations,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “One area that we see this juncture is in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). While these systems are used extensively in military operations we are just starting to see applications for homeland security, for example in operation Jump Start on our southern border, and homeland defense. This symposium gives us an opportunity to start that dialogue as well as showcase a training area with great potential to operate UAS.”

Vendors will be setting up at KSRTI on Thursday, Oct. 5 and will be available for questions. At 6 p.m., the Salina Airport Authority will host a barbecue dinner for participants. A complimentary breakfast will be served at KSRTI from 7:00-8:30 a.m. on Oct. 6 and the symposium speakers begin at 8:30 a.m.

Speakers will include representatives from The Adjutant General’s Department, Salina Airport Authority, Smoky Hill Weapons Range, FEMA Region VII, Department of Energy, Federal Aviation Administration, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University and the Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear, discuss and observe issues dealing with Unmanned Aerial Systems. Briefings will also include information about Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management and future missions within the Kansas National Guard. One guest speaker is a private contractor recently back from Afghanistan where he supported UAS operations in the War on Terror.

After the morning speakers, lunch will be provided before traveling to the Smoky Hill Weapons Range to observe demonstrations of Unmanned Aerial Systems that are currently being used by private industry, universities, government and the military. Participants will return to KSRTI for more speakers and discussions.

With the current flight restrictions on Unmanned Aerial Systems within national airspace, Smoky Hill Joint Training Center is one of the best opportunities in the nation to fly and test UAS aircraft. The Smoky Hill Joint Training Center is available for both commercial and government agencies use. The center consists of facilities for economical lodging, dining, operation control centers, 34,000 acres of land for ground scenarios and one of the largest blocks of restricted airspaces in the central United States. The Salina Airport has a 12,300 foot runway that is only six miles from the restricted area, offering great potential for manned and unmanned aircraft utilization of the range. On the Salina Airport Campus, the airport authority has available facilities for private industry with quick access major interstate highways, I-70 and I-135.

For further information, a complete schedule, and to register, go to http://64.143.94.204/ or contact Senior Master Sgt. Ron Gray, (785) 861-4475; [email protected]

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9/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Armenians To Get A Look At Kansas Vocation Education Systems

Representatives from the Armenian Ministry of Education will be in Topeka Sept. 10-15 to get an overview and understanding of the structure and operations of vocational/technical training programs that are offered in Kansas and explore applications that would be relevant for Armenia. The visit has been arranged under the State Partnership Program, a National Guard program that matches state National Guards with developing nations to foster mutually beneficial military-to-military, military-to-civilian and civilian-to-civilian relationships.

Participants in the visit include Aghvan Shahnazaryan, Director of Aragats Vocational School; Vrezh Grigorian, Deputy Director of Yerevan Vocational School No. 1; Artak Aghbalian, Ministry of Education and Science, Head of Department of Primary and Vocational Education; Vagharshak Khachatrian, National Institute of Education, Division Head; and Andrey Apoyan, Translator, Office of Defense Cooperation.

The tentative schedule calls for the delegates to visit the Kaw Area Technical School, Washburn University, Kansas State University and Johnson County Community College, in addition to meeting with Kansas legislators and education leaders.

A media opportunity is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at Kaw Area Technical School. If you are interested in meeting with these representatives, please call Jane Welch, Public Affairs Office, (785) 274-1190.

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9/17/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Army National Guardsman Dies In Afghanistan

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, announces that Sgt. 1st Class Bernard Lee Deghand a member of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th Division Artillery Embedded Training Team, Kansas National Guard, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Friday, Sept. 15, 2006. Deghand, 42, a resident of Mayetta, Kan., died as a result of small arms fire while conducting combat operations as part of Operation Mountain Fury.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Deghand family as they deal with this tragic loss,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “Sgt. 1st Class Deghand has made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country and he will not be forgotten." "Sgt. 1st Class Deghand gave the ultimate sacrifice to answer his nation’s call to serve far from home and family in order to secure the blessings of freedom for others," said Bunting. "The Kansas National Guard is truly one big family and anytime one of our own is taken from us, we all grieve. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Deghand family and we will do everything in our power to support them in this time of sorrow."

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Embedded Training Team, deployed in January 2006 to their mobilization station at Camp Shelby, Miss., and then on to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom to assist in training an Afghan Army Brigade. Their mission is to train Afghan soldiers in mechanized infantry tactics using armored personnel carriers.

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9/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Advisory: Funeral Set For Kansas Guardsman

Funeral services have been set for Master Sgt. Bernard Lee Deghand, 42, a Kansas National Guardsman who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Sept. 15, 2006.

He will lie in state from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, at Sacred Heart-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 333 NE Freeman St., Topeka, Kan., followed by a Catholic prayer service from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A funeral Mass/service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart-St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 333 NE Freeman St., Topeka, Kan. Burial services will follow immediately after the funeral at the Penwell- Gable Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3616 SW 6th Ave. (6th and Gage Blvd.), Topeka.

Deghand, a member of Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division Embedded Training Team deployed to Afghanistan in January 2006. Deghand received a posthumous promotion to master sergeant. Such a promotion is authorized under the authority of The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, and is allowed under U.S. Army regulations.

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NOTE: Media will be allowed in a designated spot in the church during services. The family has requested that no interviews be conducted of family or family friends before or after the services. Media will also be allowed in a designated spot at the cemetery.

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9/27/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov New Deputy Director Selected For Kansas Emergency Management

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Homeland Security and Kansas Emergency Management and the adjutant general, announces the selection of Bill Chornyak as the new deputy director for Kansas Emergency Management. He is replacing Gene Krase, who is retiring.

Chornyak is currently the resource protection manager for The Adjutant General’s Department, where he supervises a force of armed officers tasked with the protection of numerous facilities including the armory and civilian and military personnel. “Bill has an extensive background in law enforcement and security in both the public and private sectors,” said Bunting. “His knowledge, experience, organizational and training skills will be great assets to the department and its missions.”

“My objective is to make this state the envy of all others regarding homeland security, emergency management and emergency preparedness,” said Chornyak.

Chornyak has 28 years of federal law enforcement experience in which he has served as a special agent/security officer with the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Diplomatic Security from 1974 to 1982. He was assigned to New York, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C., and, from 1980 to 1982, as the regional security officer at the United States Embassy in Moscow.

Chornyak received his appointment as a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in June 1982 and was assigned to the Pittsburgh, Pa., division to investigate violent crimes and gang activity. In January 1983, he was transferred to the Washington Metropolitan Field Office where he was assigned Foreign Counterintelligence and International Terrorism matters until 1988. Chornyak was assigned to the Iran Contra, Missile for Hostage investigation for 18 months addressing the intelligence community's participation. He was reassigned in October 1988 as a supervisor in the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI Headquarters, Counterterrorism Section, where he undertook investigative matters related to the Middle East and was responsible for the bombing investigation of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, on Dec. 21, 1988.

In June 1992, Chornyak was selected as a Field Supervisor for the Kansas City Division responsible for the Civil Rights, Domestic/International Terrorism, Counterintelligence Programs, Explosives Program and the Evidence Response Team. Chornyak was an instructor for the Domestic Preparedness Program throughout Kansas and Missouri for the "Train the Trainer" program. He also participated in various counterterrorism investigations such as the Oklahoma City bombing.

From May 1998 until September 1999, Chornyak served as assistant special agent in charge in the Boston Division. He had oversight of the National Foreign Intelligence Program, which includes Foreign Counterintelligence, International and Domestic Terrorism; the Civil Right and Applicant Programs, the Criminal Informant Program, Firearms and Training Programs and the Technical Programs, as well as the administrative responsibilities which included management of the 180 support employees and financial oversight of an annual operating budget of $3.5 million. Chornyak was responsible for the Domestic Preparedness Program coordinating the responses of federal and a four-state training program.

Chornyak received his appointment as the Section Chief (Senior Executive Service level) to the Intelligence Community Support and Sensitive Technologies Section in June 2000. He was appointed interim assistant director and deputy assistant director of the Intelligence Division from January through August of 2002. Chornyak retired

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from the FBI on Sept. 29, 2002. Chornyak accepted the training manager position with a security firm at the Kansas City International Airport after retiring from federal service. He was responsible for all training matters of the 620 employee screening force coordinating such efforts with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from 2003 to 2004.

Chornyak was employed as the regional security manager in the Great Lakes Region, Pittsburgh, Pa., for Coca- Cola Enterprises Inc., from 2004-2006 and joined The Adjutant General’s Department in July 2006.

Chornyak and his wife, Alida, a registered nurse, have two grown children and reside in Overland Park.

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9/28/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard To Present Topeka Youth With Young Hero Award

The Kansas National Guard will present a Young Hero Award to a Topeka youth on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at Northern Hills Jr. High School, 5620 NW Topeka Blvd. The presentation will begin at 2:45 p.m.

“When we’re young, we find adults to look up to and inspire us,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “But this young man is someone that adults can look to for inspiration.”

Louis Pasteur said “It is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes,” a quote that applies well to 13-year-old Luke Paine of Topeka. If one were to only look at Luke’s interests – rollerblading, ice hockey, quarter midget race cars – one would never know that he has spent most of his life in and out of hospitals with a rare lung disease.

“He’s been sick since he was born,” said Luke’s mother, Karen Paine, explaining that Luke’s condition is known as ABCA3, a rare and usually fatal genetic disorder. “It wasn’t until a year and a half ago that the doctors figured out what it was.” “Luke is a fighter,” she continued. “He wouldn’t be here today if he wasn’t. There’s no medicine that could help him and no reason. I’ve had doctors tell me ‘He has the strongest will to live of anybody we’ve met in our lives.’”

After being on a list for a lung transplant for two and a half years, Luke underwent a double lung transplant last December. “We moved to St. Louis for six months to be ready whenever the time came,” said Karen. “The transplant team had a Christmas party on Dec. 5. We went home and got a call about 11 o’clock that night to come back to the hospital.” Twelve hours later, surgery began to give Luke a new set of lungs. “It was quite the Christmas present.”

“His recovery has been fantastic,” said Karen. “He could have been off oxygen right away, but the doctors said ‘Don’t push it. Just take it off when you’re ready.’ After three or four days, he came off the oxygen and hasn’t needed it since.” Since his return to Topeka, Luke has returned to rollerblading and quarter midget racing with gusto.

“He’s quite the gear-head,” said Karen. “He loves working on his car.”

“He rarely watches TV anymore,” she continued. “His friends say ‘Let’s stay in and play a video game or watch TV’ and he’ll say ‘Let’s just go outside. I’ve had enough of that.’”

For his tenacity and courage in “surmounting difficulties,” Luke was nominated for a Kansas National Guard Young Hero Award. Although Karen has no trouble in believing Luke deserves such an award, she has no idea who nominated him.

“His dad knows several people in the National Guard,” she said, adding that a lot of people know about Luke’s battle. “It could have been any of them.”

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10/2/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov New Fire Warning System Goes Into Effect

Beginning Oct. 3, the National Weather Service will provide a daily Fire Weather Planning Forecast to keep federal, state and local officials and the general public informed of weather conditions that heighten the potential for wildfires, allowing them to take precautionary measures in affected areas.

Fire Weather Warnings will be issued when critically dry fuels and dangerous fire weather conditions are expected to occur within the next 12 to 72 hours. A Red Flag Warning will be issued when explosive fire growth could occur within the next 12 hours due to a combination of the following conditions:

• Low humidity • Low fuel moisture i.e. dry grasses, trees, shrubs, etc. • Windy conditions When such a watch or warning is issued, the public is advised to follow these guidelines: • No outdoor burning • Use extreme caution when conducting outdoor activities that may cause sparks, such as lawn mowing • Use caution when disposing of smoking materials

For additional information, go to www.kansasforests.org; www.accesskansas.org/firemarshal or www.kansas.gov/kdem. Information is also available from the following National Weather Service websites: www.weather.gov/topeka, www.weather.gov/goodland, www.weather.gov/dodgecity, www.weather.gov/wichita, www.weather.gov/hastings, www.weather.gov/kansascity and www.weather.gov/springfield.

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10/4/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Advisory: Adjutant General To Discuss Recent Afghanistan Trip

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, and State Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Rodina will discuss their recent visit to troops serving in Afghanistan on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. in the State Defense Building conference room, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

Bunting and Rodina traveled to Afghanistan in late September and met with Kansas National Guardsmen supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They returned to Kansas on Oct. 1.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=176[5/30/2014 10:44:14 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/5/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Adjutant General's Department Employees Receive Certification

Employees of the Directorate of Facilities Engineering, Kansas National Guard, recently achieved the official designation of Registered Environmental Manager, a professional certification conferred by the National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP). These employees include Maj. Anthony Randall, Environmental Program manager; Steve Mechels, environmental scientist; Sam Mryyan, environmental scientist; James Tubach, environmental scientist; and Maj. James Bunch, Planning and Programming manager.

“Professional certification of our staff members improves both individual qualifications and the Directorate’s ability to support our Kansas National Guard soldiers and units,” said Col. Cliff Silsby, director of Facilities Engineering. “These professionals are to be commended for their efforts in achieving professional certification.”

To receive official credentials from NREP, an individual must undergo a comprehensive background check and provide detailed documentation of their environmental education and training, plus provide proof of a specific number of years of satisfactory environmental work experience. The individual must also pass a comprehensive written examination covering laws and industry standards dealing with methods and technology for proper environmental compliance and systems control.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=177[5/30/2014 10:43:13 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/5/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Adjutant General Bunting Recaps Recent Visit To Afghanistan

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, and State Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Rodina returned this week from visiting Kansas Army and Air National Guard members serving in Afghanistan. During a media briefing today, Bunting and Rodina talked about the conditions the Guardsmen are facing and their dedication to preserving freedom.

“They operate in very remote areas, defending themselves daily from rocket and mortar attacks, while fully engaged in training the Afghan National Army to one day defend the country on their own,” said Bunting. “The embedded training teams are teaching the best strategies from Kansas and the U.S. military to ensure the Afghan Army will stand strong on its own when our personnel leave.”

“This visit provided an opportunity to observe what our Guardsmen experience daily, to let them know Kansans are concerned about them and to convey how much support they have back home,” Bunting stated. The Kansas Guard members, stationed there for a year at a time, have set up forward operating bases (self- sustaining bases at remote locations throughout the country). Armed Forces from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines are all working closely together on this mission.

“The communication and teamwork between the four different military organizations is truly inspiring to see as they work side by side,” Bunting added. “The soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines believe in what they are doing to preserve our freedom and that of future generations.”

While on the trip, Bunting also stopped in Kuwait and visited Kansas Guardsmen stationed there. In January, Bunting met with Kansas troops stationed in Iraq.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=178[5/30/2014 10:43:43 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Army National Guardsman Dies In Iraq

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, announces that Spc. John Edward Wood, a member of Detachment 1, Headquarters Support Company, 891st Engineer Battalion, Kansas National Guard, Garnett, was killed in action in Iraq on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006. Wood was attached to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 110th Engineer Battalion, Missouri National Guard, Kansas City, Mo.

Wood, 37, a resident of Humboldt, Kan., died as a result of an improvised explosive device (IED) which struck the convoy in which he was traveling. Also killed in the same attack was Sgt. Lawrence Lee Roy Parrish, Lebanon, Mo., a Missouri Army National Guard soldier who was a member of the 110th Engineer Battalion.

"My heart goes out to the family and friends of these brave Guardsmen,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “They have each made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country and will not be forgotten.”

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these two fine soldiers. Their service to their states and the nation will always be remembered and honored," said Bunting.

Wood enlisted into the Kansas Army National Guard in October 1988 with Company D, 891st Engineer Combat Battalion, at Fort Scott, Kan., as a Construction Equipment Repairer (62B10). He completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., as a Technical Engineer (62B10). He completed Primary Leadership Development Course and was a Combat Life Saver. In September 2004 he mobilized to deploy with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 891st Engineer Combat Battalion, Iola, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in December 2005 he chose to extend with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 110th Engineer Combat Battalion.

For his deployed service, Wood was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. He had 18 years military service and his other awards included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kansas National Guard Homeland Defense Service Ribbon and Kansas National Guard Service Ribbon. Wood is survived by his wife, Lannette, and four children; Kimberly, Wayne, Dannielle and Lila.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=179[5/30/2014 10:42:32 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/16/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Services Set For Kansas Guardsman

Funeral services have been set for Spc. John Edward Wood, a Kansas National Guardsman killed in action in Iraq on Oct. 7 Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel, 16 N. Buckeye St., Iola. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at Dayton Cemetery, in Bourbon County.*

Wood was a member of Detachment 1, Headquarters Support Company, 891st Engineer Battalion, in Garnett. He was attached to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 110th Engineer Battalion, Missouri National Guard, Kansas City, Mo.

Wood is survived by his wife, Lannette, and four children; Kimberly, Wayne, Dannielle and Lila.

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* Dayton Cemetery – From Iola, go east on Hwy 54 to the junction of Hwy 54 and Hwy 7. Go north on Hwy 7 to Tomahawk Road, approximately two miles north of Devon, Kan. Go west approximately 2.5 miles to 130th Road and turn north. Go north one-half mile. The cemetery is on the west side of the road.

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=180[5/30/2014 10:42:02 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/17/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery Coming Home Oct. 19th

Approximately 150 Kansas National Guardsmen of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (-), 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery will be welcomed home to Kansas on Thursday, Oct. 19. The ceremony which is tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. (See Note) will be held at Lee Arena on the Washburn University campus, Topeka.

The unit is returning after a year-long deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The public is cordially invited to attend and welcome the soldiers home.

The soldiers will be released to join family and friends at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The battery mobilized to Fort Lewis, Wash., in July 2005 where they received training before deploying in September 2005 to Baghdad, Iraq.

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NOTE: The 1 p.m. time is based upon current travel arrangements for the unit. Due to unforeseen circumstances this time could change. On Thursday, for verification of the exact time, please call Jane Welch at 785-274-1190 (office) or 785-207-1549 (cell).

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=181[5/30/2014 10:41:30 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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10/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Media Advisory: Adjutant General To Meet With Armenian Delegation Monday

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, will meet with members of the Department of Armenian Ministry of Defense Monday, Oct. 23, during their six-day visit to Kansas.

Lt. Col. Gagik Ghulyan, Mobilization Department of the Armenian Ministry of Defense and Maj. Samvel Petrosyan, Medical Department of the Armenian Ministry of Defense, arrived in Topeka Thursday, Oct. 19 and will stay through Tuesday, Oct. 24 gathering information from the Adjutant General’s Department and Kansas National Guard.

Media are invited to join Bunting and the Armenian Delegation, Monday, Oct. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the State Defense Building conference room, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka.

The trip is designed to familiarize the Armenian Ministry of Defense officials with the U.S. military’s methodology of developing regulations, plans, orders, and Standard Operating Procedures for mobilization of reserve forces in peacetime and wartime.

In 2003, Kansas became a partner with the Republic of Armenia under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. The Kansas National Guard works closely with the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health and Emergency Management to ensure both Kansas and Armenia benefit from the partnership.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=182[5/30/2014 10:40:52 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/3/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Small Will Be Guest Speaker For Veterans Day Ceremony In Topeka

Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Small will be the guest speaker at a Veterans Day ceremony in Topeka on Saturday, Nov. 11. The 11 a.m. program will be at the VFW Post 1650, 3110 SW Huntoon. He will be speaking on the importance of Veterans Day and why we celebrate it.

Small assumed the position of Assistant Adjutant General - Army, Kansas Army National Guard, on July 1, 1999. He is also commander of the Land Component for the Joint Force Headquarters-Kansas.

Small was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Kansas State University on June 1, 1969. He was promoted to first lieutenant in September 1972 and entered the Officer Basic Course at the Field Artillery School, Fort Sill, Okla., graduating that December. From December 1972 to March 1979, Small was in the U.S. Army Reserve. Since becoming a member of the Kansas Army National Guard in March 1979, he has served in a number of positions at State Area Command (STARC) headquarters, including operations and training officer, executive officer, civil-military operations officer, staff judge advocate, judge advocate and senior military judge. Small became the staff judge advocate in June 1990 for Headquarters, STARC, Kansas Army National Guard, a position he held until becoming the deputy commander of STARC in October 1998. He held the position of Kansas Judge Advocate General under appointment of the Governor from May 1984 until May 1999. He was promoted to brigadier general in July 2000.

Small and his wife, Georgia Ann, reside in Topeka. Their son, Arron, and his wife, Cathy, teach at Purdue University and their daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Seth, live in Jefferson City, Mo.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=183[5/30/2014 10:40:09 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Guardsman Will Be Guest Speaker For Veterans Day Event in Olathe

Lt. Col. Charles Lawhorn will be the guest speaker for a Veterans Day program in Olathe, Kan., on Thursday, Nov. 9. The ceremony will be at Olathe South High School, 1640 E. 151st Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Lawhorn will address the significance of Veterans Day and speak about the U.S. Central Command and operations in the Middle Eastern theater.

Lawhorn, a member of the Kansas Army National Guard, is currently serving as Chief of the Major Theater War Plans Branch for United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. USCENTCOM is a combatant command, the highest echelon of military command in the US Armed Forces, and is responsible for the conduct of the War on Terror in the Middle East, and on-going operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in Iraq, and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan.

Lawhorn, a native Kansan, began his military career as an ROTC scholarship student and as an enlisted soldier and then an officer in the Kansas Army National Guard. During the course of his military career, he has served as Chief of Plans for the 35th Infantry Division and was also the Chief of Plans for NATO’s Stabilization Force 13 (SFOR-13) in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He assisted in planning the initial Army National Guard force deployments to protect critical infrastructure in the US and Europe immediately following the 9-11 attacks.

Lawhorn has commanded in both infantry and artillery units, and served as Operations Officer for Operations Group Bravo in the Battle Command Training Program located at Fort Leavenworth. Immediately prior to arriving at USCENTCOM, Lawhorn served with the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad, Iraq, as part of Multinational Division – Baghdad during OIF III, working as the Iraqi Security Forces planner in the Operations Section of 3rd Infantry Division.

Lawhorn attended the University of Kansas, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He also earned a master’s degree in Military Arts and Sciences in Theater Operations from the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth and is an honors graduate from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka.

He is a graduate of the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.; the Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course at Fort Sill, Okla.; and the Command and General Staff Officer Course at Fort Leavenworth. Lawhorn is also a graduate of the School of Advanced Military Studies where the Army and other services train their elite to be military planners and leaders for the future.

Lawhorn and his wife, Desteni, live in Tampa with their daughter, Estacia.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=184[5/30/2014 10:37:43 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Guardsman Will Be Guest Speaker For Veterans Day Event in Sterling

Maj. Troy Price will be the guest speaker for a Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 9, in Sterling, Kan. The event, sponsored by Unified School District 376 in Sterling, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Sterling High School, 308 E. Washington. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Price was born in Montpelier, Idaho. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Plant Science and a Masters of Science Degree in Agronomy from Utah State University. He worked four years for Kansas State University as a Scientist prior to his current position as an Active Guard Reserve Officer with the Kansas National Guard.

He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1990 from Army ROTC at Utah State University. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Combined Arms Service Staff School, Field Grade Ordnance Qualification Course, and is currently enrolled in Command and General Staff College.

His assignments have included Battery Fire Direction Officer, Battery Executive Officer, Battalion Fire Direction Officer, Maintenance Officer, Company Commander, Battalion Personnel Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, and Brigade Personnel Officer. He also served as the National Guard Liaison Officer at the Idaho Fire Center during the Idaho Fires of 1995. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and numerous other awards.

Price works in Hutchinson for the 635th Regional Support Group as Personnel Officer. He is married to the former Julie Keller; they have three children Derek, Dallon and Mackenzie. He is the son of Merlin and Joy Price of Shelley, Idaho.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=185[5/30/2014 10:38:19 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Guardsman Will Be Guest Speaker For Veterans Day Event in Clifton

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Haeffele will be the guest speaker for a Veterans Day ceremony in Clifton, Kan., on Saturday, Nov. 11. The ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Post 227, will begin with a parade at 2 p.m., followed by a program at Berner Memorial Park. The public is cordially invited.

Haffele is first sergeant for Detachment 1, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery (2-130th FA), Kansas National Guard. He joined the Kansas National Guard in 1986 and went through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He has served the 2-130th FA in a variety of roles during his career, including light wheel vehicle mechanic, power generation equipment repairman, self-propelled systems mechanic, battery section chief, platoon sergeant and first sergeant. From November 2004 to November 2005, he was on active duty in Iraq, serving with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His military education includes Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, Power Generation Mechanic Course, Communications Maintenance Course, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, KSARNG Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course and U.S. Army Field Artillery School.

Haeffele’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expedition Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Kansas Emergency Duty Award and Kansas Service Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters.

In his civilian occupation, Haeffele is the director of transportation for the City of Beloit. He and his wife live in Beloit with their daughter.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=186[5/30/2014 10:38:56 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/6/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Ford To Be Guest Speaker For Veterans Day Program in Lakin

Maj. Eric Ford, Kansas National Guard, will be the guest speaker for a Veterans Day program hosted by the City of Lakin on Saturday, Nov. 11. The event will be held at the Lakin Fairgrounds, one mile west of Lakin off Highway 50. It will begin with a meal at 6 p.m. followed by a program at 7 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.

The topic of Ford’s speech will be “A Soldier's Salute to Veterans.”

Ford has more than 23 years of military service, beginning his career in 1983 with the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery (1-161st). He served on active duty from June 1986 to July 1988 as a photojournalist with Headquarters, U.S. Army Europe. He returned to the 1-161st in September 1988.

He received a commission as second lieutenant in May 1990 through the ROTC program at Kansas State University and became Communications Platoon leader in June of that year. He served the 1-161st in a variety of roles over the following years, including intelligence officer, fire direction officer, company fire support officer, battery executive officer, battalion fire support officer, battery commander and assistant operations officer.

Ford transferred to the 35th Division Artillery in October 2001 as a fire control officer and later as operations duty officer and assistant operations officer. He returned to active duty from December 2002 to October 2003, serving as liaison officer with the 35th Division Joint Military Affairs.

Ford returned to the 1-161st in October 2005 as executive officer for the battalion, his current position. His military awards and decorations include the Army commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device and hourglass, and many others.

Ford is a computer science teacher at Jetmore Elementary School. He and his wife, Lorna, reside in Jetmore.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=187[5/30/2014 10:39:31 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Liberal Armory Site For Veterans Day Ceremony

U.S. service veterans and members of the Kansas National Guard from the Liberal area will be honored guests for a Veterans Day tribute on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Liberal armory, 730 Armory Road. The event will begin at 5:15 p.m. and the public is cordially invited.

Retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs will be the guest speaker for the event, which will include a tribute to POWs, prayers and songs, recognition of troops who have served overseas, recognition of Purple Heart recipients, recognition of veterans buried in Liberal and other tributes to veterans and current members of the U.S. military. This year marks the 88th year that the Kansas National Guard has been a part of the Liberal community.

Prior to his retirement in 2006, Jacobs, a native of Liberal, was an Administrative Officer with Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas – Land Component, Kansas Army National Guard, in Topeka. He also served as Chief of Workforce Support with The Adjutant General’s Department.

He is a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Humanities. He also received a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He received his commission in 1972 through the Army ROTC program.

Jacobs had 32 years of commissioned service with active duty, Army Reserve and National Guard and served in a variety of positions in the U.S. and abroad, including chief of personnel action/management, test control officer, executive officer, assistant finance officer, personnel officer, secretary to the chief of staff, deputy finance officer, auditing officer, training officer, administrative officer and comptroller for the 35th Infantry Division.

From December 2002 to November 2003, he served as the Division Civil Military Affairs Officer on the General Staff with the 35th Infantry Division as part of the peacekeeping forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

His military education includes Adjutant General Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Military Personnel Officers Course, Finance Officers Basic Course, Command and General Staff Officers College, Battalion Pre-Command Course and U.S. Army War College. Jacobs’ awards and decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, NATO Non Title 5 Medal (Balkans), Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with two service stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Armed Forces Reserve medal with “M” device and silver hour glass device.

Currently, Jacobs works with the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka and frequently travels across the state with the facility’s Mobile Museum, which is a mini-showcase of the Kansas National Guard’s 151 year history. He and his wife, Paula, live in Topeka. He has one daughter, Wendy, and one grandson, Douglas, who also live in Topeka.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=188[5/30/2014 9:45:09 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

Questions/suggestions to: Public Affairs Director

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=188[5/30/2014 9:45:09 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Coming Home Nov. 9th

Approximately 450 soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry (Mechanized) will be welcomed home to Kansas on Thursday, Nov. 9. The ceremony which is tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. (See Note) will be held at the Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Dr., Topeka.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, will greet the soldiers and welcome them home after their year-long deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The public is encouraged to attend and support the soldiers as they return from their deployment.

The soldiers will be released to join family and friends at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The battalion is headquartered in Kansas City, Kan., and has units in Wichita and Lawrence.

While in Iraq, the unit was responsible for operating the Joint Visitor’s Bureau (JVB) in Baghdad and for providing security for the many high level visitors that pass through Iraq. They were also responsible for area security for the JVB and areas near Baghdad. Approximately 350 soldiers from the battalion were mobilized to Germany in 2002 for force protection duty under Operation Enduring Freedom.

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NOTE: The 2 p.m. time is based upon current travel arrangements for the unit. Due to unforeseen circumstances this time could change. On Thursday, for verification of the exact time, please call Jane Welch at 785-274-1190 (office) or 785-207-1549 (cell).

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=189[5/30/2014 9:45:40 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/9/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Grubb Will Be Guest Speaker For American Legion Ceremony

Maj. Noel D. Grubb, Kansas National Guard, will be the guest speaker for the Flag Retirement program hosted by the Ellinwood American Legion. The event will be held at the American Legion Hall on Friday, Nov. 10, at 5:30 p.m. The public is cordially invited to attend.

Grubb is the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery. He recently returned with his unit from Baghdad, Iraq, where his unit provided force protection and convoy escort for the American Embassy during Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07.

Grubb served in Bosnia-Herzegovina with the 35th Infantry Division from November 2002 to January 2004 as NATO's Stabilization Force 13 Liaison officer to the Serbian Army. He has also served briefly in Japan, South Korea and Germany. He has been in the Guard since 1990.

Grubb's military education includes the Field Artillery School Basic and Advance Course, Combined Arms and Service Staff School, Command and General Staff College. His earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Emporia State University in 1993 and did graduate work at Fort Hays State University.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf cluster; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Reserve Components Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters;, National Defense Service Medal with star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M, 2 and hourglass devices; the Global War on Terrorism Service medal; NATO Service Medal; Airborne Badge and many other awards.

In his civilian job, he is a teacher at Great Bend Middle School, Great Bend, Kan. Grubb, his wife Kristin, reside in Ellinwood with their children Corey, Sean and Samantha.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=190[5/30/2014 9:44:38 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/14/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Winter Weather Awareness Day is Nov. 15th

Winter is coming and to remind Kansans to get ready for the potential hazards of the season, Kansas Emergency Management and the National Weather Service is declaring Wednesday, Nov. 15 as Winter Weather Awareness Day.

“Tornado season may be behind us, but winter weather presents its own challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, director of Kansas Emergency Management and the adjutant general of Kansas. “Blizzard conditions are not uncommon across the state and anyone unprepared for an emergency situation could be in real trouble, particularly in rural areas. I urge everyone to replenish their emergency supplies at home and in their automobiles and review their emergency plans now, before bad weather hits.” The average winter temperature in Topeka for the 2005-2006 winter season was 34.9 degrees F; the lowest temperature for the city was -7 degrees F, recorded on Dec. 9, 2005. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Kansas was -40 degrees F, recorded in Lebanon on Feb. 13, 1905.

The average number of winter days with an inch or more of snow was 6.5 and average winter snowfall measures more than 20 inches. On Oct. 26, 1997, Norcatur, Kan., received a record 24 inches of snow in 24 hours and the city of Hays had a record 152 days with snow on the ground during the winter of 1992-1993.

Kansas officials urge citizens to be prepared for winter weather by making sure they have a home emergency kit, blankets, water and food, extra medicine and other necessities on hand should they become snowed in. See www.ready.gov for more information on preparing a home emergency kit.

Additional information for preparing for winter weather is available from FEMA (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_before.shtm), the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_239_,00.html) or your county emergency management office.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=191[5/30/2014 9:44:05 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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11/20/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Deploying Soldiers To Be Honored By Departure Ceremony

Approximately 180 soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s 731st Transportation Company will be honored during a departure ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 26. The 10 a.m. ceremony will be held at the Highway Patrol auditorium, 2025 E. Iron Ave., Salina. The soldiers are deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It always makes me proud to see our soldiers so eager to do their mission,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “This is what they’ve trained for and while we know they’re going to miss their families, they know they have a job to do, a job that will help expand freedom overseas and preserve freedom here at home. I salute them and wish them safe travel and a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with their families.”

The 731st Transportation Company is headquartered in Larned with detachments in Hays, Liberal, and Wichita. It is part of the Kansas National Guard’s 287th Sustainment Brigade. The 731st TC uses flatbed trucks to haul dry and refrigerated containerized cargo, general non-containerized cargo, bulk water and bulk petroleum products.

The unit last deployed to Iraq in 2003 for Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 50 soldiers were involved in that deployment.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=192[5/30/2014 9:43:13 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/7/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov 35th Infantry Division Change Of Command

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - A Change of Command ceremony for the 35th Infantry Division will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2006, at Harney Gymnasium, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. Following the ceremony, a reception will be held at the Frontier Conference Center. Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, will preside over the ceremony.

During the Change of Command ceremony, Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson will assume the responsibilities of Commanding General of 35th Infantry Division from Maj. Gen. James R. Mason. The 35th Division is headquartered in Leavenworth, Kan., and is comprised of Army National Guard units from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Illinois.

Mason assumed command of the Division after commanding Task Force Eagle and Multinational Brigade (North), Stabilization Force 13, for the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. During his tenure as commander, the Division was mobilized for humanitarian support following Hurricane Katrina, providing Command and Control for all Army National Guard ground forces in Louisiana from August to October 2005.

Mason is a native of Middlesboro, Ky. and is married to the former Helen Hunley. They have one son, Lenis, and a granddaughter Jamie.

Pierson is currently serving as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army for the Missouri National Guard. In that capacity, Pierson assists The Adjutant General of Missouri in the formulation, development and implementation of all programs and policies in the Missouri Army National Guard.

A resident of Maryville, Mo., Pierson is married to the former Margaret F. Rooney. They have four children, Leslie Henry, Kellie, Gregory and Emily, and two grandchildren, Kinsey and Corey.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=193[5/30/2014 9:42:36 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov National Guard Marks 370 Years of Service on Dec. 13th

When the Kansas National Guard marked its 150th year of service to the state and nation in 2005, it was following in the footsteps of its older sibling, the National Guard, which celebrates 370 years on Dec. 13, 2006.

“For 370 years, the citizen-soldiers and citizen airmen of the National Guard have been protecting our nation answering the call to war, responding in domestic emergencies and adding real value to the communities where they have a presence,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “We in the Kansas National Guard aren’t quite as old, but we are proud to be a part of that great heritage and salute all our fellow service members.”

The National Guard predates the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution; is older than the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps by 139 years; and is 311 years older than the Air Force.

The forerunner of the National Guard appeared in 1636 when the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony ordered existing militia companies from the towns surrounding Boston to form into three regiments. Although other colonies had individual towns with militia companies before then, Massachusetts was the first place in the New World where the population was large enough to justify organizing companies into regiments for command and control.

Over the years, Congress has enacted several militia and defense acts to strengthen the National Guard. The first of these laws, passed in 1792, governed the militia for 111 years. Then, in 1903, the Militia Act of 1903 created the modern National Guard and affirmed the National Guard as the nation’s primary organized combat reserve force. The National Defense Act of 1947 established the Air National Guard as a separate reserve component at the same time it established a separate Air Force.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=194[5/30/2014 9:41:34 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/11/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Military Personnel Will Be Honored At City Council Meeting Dec. 12, 2006

Personnel from five branches of the U.S. military will be honored at the Topeka City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2006. Personnel from the Kansas Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Kansas Air National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard will be presented with Military Personnel of the Year awards from the Topeka Military Relations Committee. Receiving the awards will be Major Edward G. Keller, Kansas Army National Guard; Specialist David J. Hawkins, U.S. Army Reserve; Staff Sergeant Jason P. McCaffrey, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; Master Sergeant Sherry L. Hertlein, Kansas Air National Guard and Petty Officer Thomas M. Underwood.

The committee sponsors the award, but the recipients are selected for the honor by the military branch they represent, according to Dave Fisher Jr., chairman of the Topeka Military Relations Committee,

“These individuals are being recognized not only for their contributions to the defense of our country, but also as good citizens within the community,” noted Fisher.

Fisher said the Topeka Military Relations Committee was formed by a group of businessmen who “recognize just how important the military is to Topeka.” The committee also includes representatives from each military branch in Topeka. The committee’s goal is to promote the military within the community and to act as a liaison between the military and the community.

Each honoree will receive a plaque that includes a likeness of Ad Astra, the Native American statue on top of the Kansas Statehouse dome.

The City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the City Chambers, 215 SE 7th, Topeka.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=195[5/30/2014 9:42:05 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/13/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Mother, Son and Brother-In-Law Joining Kansas National Guard Together

Serving one’s state and nation runs in Bill Knitig’s family.

Knitig is a former Marine and member of the Kansas National Guard, retiring from Detachment 1, 170th Maintenance Company in Goodland in 2000. Picking up his mantle of service are three members of his family: his daughter, Patricia Langley; her son, Jack Mayfield and Knitig’s son-in-law, Damon Rickard, who made the decision to enlist in the Kansas National Guard together. The three are from Grainfield, east of Colby.

All three will begin the process to become members of the Kansas National Guard on Friday, Dec. 15 at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Kansas City, Mo., 10316 NW Prairie View Road.

For Langley, the decision to join the Guard came because “It was time for a change in my life, plus I wanted to do something to serve my country.”

“I kind of toyed with the idea of joining back in 1990,” said Langley, but her life’s circumstances weren’t right for her at that time.

“My daughter was just a year old, then. I did go to vo-tech at that time.”

Langley, who just turned 39, said that the education benefits offered by the Guard played a part in her decision to join, in addition to the extra income and the chance to learn a new skill. Langley will be joining the 170th Maintenance Company in Goodland. She said she’d like to go into vehicle maintenance.

“I thought about maybe learning refrigeration,” she said, “but now I think I’d like to go into electrical generator repair.” Langley said she’s received a lot of support from family and friends regarding the decision to join. She hopes to make the Guard a new career. “I’d like to retire with it,” said Langley.

For additional information on the Kansas National Guard, go to www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral.

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NEWS MEDIA: The family will be in Topeka for media interviews, Friday, Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. at the State Defense Building, 2800 SW Topeka, Blvd.

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=196[5/30/2014 9:40:59 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/19/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas Air National Guard To Gain New Missions, Capabilities

The Kansas Air National Guard will gain important new missions and additional capabilities as a result of Department of Defense transformation initiatives and the findings of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general announced today.

“This is excellent news for Kansas,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said. “The announcement validates the hard work of our Kansas Guard members, shows confidence in their ability to adapt in the face of a changing enemy and positions our state to provide stronger support for homeland and national defense.”

The 184th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), Wichita, will transition to a variety of intelligence-based and information technology missions, enhancing the Kansas Air National Guard’s 21st century role in national defense and homeland security. In addition, the 190th ARW in Topeka will expand its air refueling wing operation from eight KC-135 aircraft to 12 and it will also gain new response capabilities with the addition of mobile hospital units known as Expeditionary Medical Support Systems or EMEDS.

This announcement calls for establishing an Air National Guard (ANG) Air Support Operations Squadron at Smoky Hill Weapons Range near Salina. The new Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) will significantly enhance Smoky Hill’s ability to coordinate air combat support to troops on the ground. The ASOS will enable critical air support for troops on the ground when deployed and will significantly broaden the scope of training for Fort Riley and other units utilizing Smoky Hill’s training and maneuver assets.

“The men and women of the 184th have consistently proven they will excel at whatever task they are asked to perform,” said Congressman Todd Tiahrt. “This important new mission expansion is recognition by the Pentagon that the 184th plays a significant role in our national defense. The Kansas delegation has worked tirelessly to strengthen and grow the 184th. I am pleased our efforts in bringing the original intelligence mission to McConnell and securing federal funds for construction of the new facility has allowed this latest announcement to be possible. This mission reinforces Smoky Hill as one of the premier training installations in the country and serves as a joint force training multiplier for military units utilizing the training range’s expansive capabilities.”

Senator Pat Roberts said, “The additional capabilities these changes bring to the Kansas Air National Guard puts Kansas in a great position. The opportunity to have a state of the art training facility at Smoky Hill and to have the only mobile hospital units in the country puts our state and our Guard in the forefront of homeland defense and beyond. This is truly remarkable for the great state of Kansas.”

Kansas is the first state in the country to have two EMEDS, stationed at the 190th ARW in Topeka, which are available to assist hospitals with surge capacity or set up hospitals where none exist in an emergency, such as pandemic flu. The state will receive two additional EMEDS, also to be stationed at the 190th ARW.

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, said, “These new missions and additional capabilities are tremendous for our state, and provide incredible opportunities for the Kansas Air National Guard to play a vital role in the fight on terrorism, both here at home and abroad. This announcement marks a major accomplishment and is a direct result of the hard work of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Kansas Congressional Delegation and the outstanding members of the Kansas Air National Guard.”

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=197[5/30/2014 9:40:15 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/30/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Governor Declares Disaster Emergency For NW and SW Kansas Counties Hit By Winter Storm

A significant winter storm in Kansas has prompted Governor Kathleen Sebelius to declare a state of disaster emergency for 39 counties in Northwest and Southwest Kansas to ensure resources are available to counties severely affected by a heavy snow and ice. The counties under the declaration are west of U-S 183. *(See list below). Additional counties may be added to the declaration as the storm continues and other areas become affected.

The storm began Dec. 28. and increased in intensity Dec. 29 overnight into Dec. 30. Numerous highways have been closed in western Kansas and major power outages have occurred in southwest Kansas due to icing. The storm is expected to continue through Dec. 31 with additional accumulation.

"Local community resources can quickly become overwhelmed with a storm of this magnitude, so the state disaster emergency declaration will make state resources available quickly to assist where necessary,” Sebelius said.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center Dec. 28 and it will remain activated throughout the storm to coordinate the response and recovery needed by local governments impacted by the storm.

“Our Kansas National Guard members and other agency resources will assist communities in this challenging time if local resources are not sufficient,” Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general said.

In Northwest Kansas, some communities have nearly 18 inches of snow and some areas have high winds causing drifting up to eight feet. In Southwest Kansas, as many as 1,000 electric power poles are reported down with initial reports of 5,000 plus people power outages.

The governor's declaration is in anticipation of the need for additional state resources to be provided to counties responding to the storm. It also expedites the restoration of electrical power by resolving issues related to additional hours of service needed by employees serving in response roles. All labor and equipment costs must be tracked by counties and state agencies during the first 48 hours for emergency work eligibility.

*The counties in the disaster declaration area include: Cheyenne, Clark, Comanche, Decatur, Edwards, Ellis, Finney, Ford, Graham, Grant, Gray, Greeley, Gove, Hamilton, Haskell, Kearny, Kiowa, Lane, Logan, Meade, Morton, Ness, Norton, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Scott, Seward, Sheridan, Sherman, Stanton, Stevens, Thomas, Trego, Wallace, and Wichita.

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=198[5/30/2014 9:39:40 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/31/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Kansas National Guard To Begin Rescues Of People Stranded In Winter Storm

The Kansas National Guard has been called out to rescue numerous stranded motorists in Western Kansas and to transport generators to shelters needing to open in areas without power. Many highways have been closed due to significant snow fall and icing with reports of one to two feet of snow in some areas and snow drifts as high as 12 to 15 feet. The storm began Dec. 28. and increased in intensity Dec. 29 overnight into Dec. 30.

The Kansas National Guard Armory in Colby opened its doors as a shelter Dec. 30 to assist residents in the area without power and stranded travelers. Other shelters have been opened in Ellis, Hamilton, Haskell, Lane and Sheridan Counties with additional shelters expected to open in other areas throughout the day.

"We will use whatever resources are necessary to assist Western Kansans impacted by this storm," Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general said. "The Kansas National Guard has resources allowing us to go into areas others cannot and we will diligently work to quickly rescue those in need."

Snow and ice has left many without power. As many as 3,000 power poles are reported down by one power company. Reports indicate in excess of 6,000 plus people are without power.

On Dec. 30, Governor Kathleen Sebelius declared a state of disaster emergency for 39 counties in Northwest and Southwest Kansas to ensure resources are available to counties severely affected by a heavy snow and ice. The counties under the declaration are west of U-S 183. *(See list below).

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http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=199[5/30/2014 9:38:01 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

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12/31/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov More Shelters Open for Those Impacted By Winter Storm; KS Guard Remains Activated

A second Kansas National Guard Armory has opened its doors as a shelter to assist residents hit by a strong winter storm that left behind ice, as much as 30 inches of snow in some areas (Wallace County), with drifting up to 13 feet. The armory located in Norton opened today. The Kansas National Guard Armory in Colby opened Dec. 30.

The American Red Cross and several community organizations have opened shelters in many counties. Those include Ellis County (Hays), Hamilton County (Coolidge), Haskell County (Sublette), Lane County (Healy/Dighton), Logan (Oakley), Morton County (Rolla) and Seward (Liberal). Additional shelters may be opened in other areas throughout the day. **(See addresses below).

Snow and ice has left many without power. Reports indicate in excess of 50,000 plus people are now without power.

The Kansas National Guard is transporting generators to four locations in Gove County (Grainfield, Gove, Quinter, and Park). The generators will restore water and power to various locations. The Guard is also securing and providing fuel for some response vehicles in Southwest Kansas.

The Guard was on standby with a Blackhawk helicopter for a rescue mission in Wallace County involving a family of nine including an infant, however, local authorities were able to rescue the family this afternoon without Guard assistance. The Guard will assist any local rescue crews as needed and any stranded motorists as needed.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is flying an airplane through portions of northwest and southwest Kansas to search for stranded motorists and look for any significant damage not yet reported to officials.

Many highways have been closed due to significant snow fall, icing, and down power lines, however, some highways are beginning to reopen. The storm began Dec. 28. and increased in intensity Dec. 29 overnight into Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is asking hospital and critical care facility staff to their update the status of available beds and power and to work with their local emergency managers to determine if any additional resources are needed.

"Local resources quickly become severely hampered in a storm of this size, so the Kansas National Guard is ready to help as needed, as are other Kansas state agencies," Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general said.

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=200[5/30/2014 9:38:35 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

**The shelters are located in the following cities/counties: Thomas County (Colby – Kansas National Guard Armory, 470 South Range) Norton County (Norton – Kansas Natioal Guard Armory, 1200 N. State Street) Ellis County (Hays – Fort Hays State University, Cunningham Coliseum, 185 bypass) Lane County (Healy – United Methodist Church on Highway 4) Lane County (Dighton – 4-Hay facility at Fairgrounds) Morton County (Elkhart City Hall)

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12/31/2006 Contact: Sharon Watson Director, Public Affairs Work: (785) 274-1192 Cell: (785) 806-4063 http://www.kansastag.gov Weather-Related Death Reported in Western Kansas; KS National Guard Remains Activated for Rescues

A weather-related death is under investigation in Wallace County where snowfall of up to 32 inches and drifting of up to 13 feet have been reported. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of 48 year old man found in a home in rural Wallace County. Initial reports indicate a generator was in use at the home, but the cause of death has not been officially determined at this time and the victim’s identity has not been released.

The Kansas National Guard Armory has closed its shelter in Colby, but the facility is now in use by the Colby Fire Department crews and equipment following a roof collapse at the Colby Fire Department. The collapse was due to heavy snow. No injuries were reported. Other shelters remain open in Western Kansas including a second Kansas National Guard in Norton which opened today. The American Red Cross, community organizations and local governments have opened shelters in many counties. **(See addresses below).

The Kansas Highway Patrol airplane crew found two stranded vehicles today, both with people inside, one vehicle along K-27 near Tribune and another along K-96 in Greeley County. The individuals were rescued by sheriff’s deputies called to the scene. The aircraft crew flew primarily over portions of southwest Kansas to search for stranded motorists and look for any significant damage not yet reported to officials. The flight will resume tomorrow in Northwest Kansas. Troopers will patrol I-70 by car throughout the night looking for stranded motorists. Some highways that had been closed due to significant snow fall, icing and power lines have reopened, however several highways remain closed.

Power outages continue to be reported and best estimates indicate an excess of 50,000 plus people are now without power in Western Kansas. The storm began Dec. 28. and increased in intensity Dec. 29 through Dec. 31.

“Our National Guard is assisting with transporting generators and fuel to areas in need, and we stand ready to perform any rescue missions necessary,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general.

The Kansas National Guard is transporting generators to five locations this evening. One will go to Logan County (Winona) and four to Gove County (Grainfield, Gove, Quinter, and Park). The generators will restore water and power to various locations. The Guard is also securing and providing fuel for some response vehicles in Southwest Kansas.

The Guard remains ready to assist any local rescue crews as needed and any stranded motorists as needed. Earlier today, the Guard was on standby with a Blackhawk helicopter for a rescue mission in Wallace County involving a family of nine including an infant; however, local authorities were able to rescue the family this afternoon without Guard assistance. The Guard was also on standby to rescue stranded motorists, but so far local officials have been able to do the rescues without Guard assistance.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is asking hospital and critical care facility staff to update the status of available beds and power and to work with their local emergency managers to determine if any additional resources are needed.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center Dec. 28 and it

http://www.kansastag.gov/press_release_detail.asp?PRid=201[5/30/2014 9:39:09 AM] Kansas Adjutant General's Department / MEDIA

will remain activated throughout the storm to coordinate the response and recovery needed by local governments impacted by the storm.

**The shelters are located in the following cities/counties: Norton County (Norton – Kansas National Guard Armory, 1200 N. State Street) Ellis County (Hays – Fort Hays State University, Cunningham Coliseum, 185 bypass) Gove County (Gove County Courthouse) Lane County (Healy – United Methodist Church on Highway 4) Lane County (Dighton – 4-Hay facility at Fairgrounds) Morton County (Elkhart City Hall)

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