Aug.-Sept.Aug.-Sept. 20152015 Vol.10 No. 4
GRIZZLYGRIZZLYOfficialOfficial NewsmagazineNewsmagazine ofof thethe CaliforniaCalifornia NationalNational GuardGuard Ash, smoke and fire pages 6-14
Master Sgt. Sally Ford named Air National Guard’s First Sergeant of the Year page 15 www.calguard.ca.gov/pa Leadership Corner Counseling, coaching, mentoring
Major General Matthew P. Beevers
When I was coming up in the Cal Guard, I worked hard Force’s leadership development model echoes these te- through your challenges with a mentor will help you to be a good Soldier and leader. But I couldn’t do it on nets as well. grow professionally, add to your confidence as you tackle my own. I needed help from my leaders, peers and sub- problems together and enable you to exceed usual expec- ordinates who could look at my performance, my chal- Every one of us has a leader who evaluates our perfor- tations. lenges and my career goals, and provide honest feedback mance and, hopefully, provides honest feedback that through the prism of their experience and perspective. I will help us grow as a service member, leader and per- Mentors also open doors for those they advise, helping was very fortunate to have leaders who provided con- son. This is absolutely vital to ensuring the strength of you meet contacts who can further your career, locate job sistent counseling, coaching and mentoring. Today, I’m our force. However, to reach your potential and enjoy a possibilities and find opportunities for you to both dem- still very fortunate to engage many people – senior lead- fulfilling career, feedback from your raters is clearly not onstrate your skills and learn new ones. Service members ers and subordinates alike – who, through counseling, enough. Each Soldier and Airman should be proactive in who have strong relationships with mentors earn higher coaching and mentoring, help me inform my thinking on seeking mentors from both inside and outside your chain performance ratings than their non-mentored peers, and a range of issues that impact our National Guard. of command who can boost your self-awareness and help they report greater career satisfaction. guide you on your career path. It’s important to understand the difference between A mentorship, of course, does not take the place of formal counseling, coaching and mentoring. Army FM 6-22 Mentors share insights and experiences that contributed leader development within your chain of command – it says: “Counseling, coaching, and mentoring stand as to their own successes and can help you achieve your enhances the effectiveness of the counseling you already the principal ways by which leaders provide others with goals. They provide valuable, objective feedback about receive. These complementary activities result in leaders knowledge and feedback. Counseling occurs when lead- your progress, strengths and developmental needs, and who are forward-thinking and comfortable with the re- ers review with the subordinate their demonstrated per- they offer advice about dealing with professional obsta- sponsibilities of senior-level positions. formance and potential; coaching occurs when you guide cles. They also serve as role models for your own devel- another’s development in new or existing skills during opment, so it’s important to choose a good one. We can all benefit from a mentor, but you can’t expect one the practice of those skills; and mentoring occurs when to come find you. Take command of your career and your you have greater experience than a mentee and guide and Each of us needs a confidant, guide and adviser we can future today. Find a mentor who can show you ways to advise the mentee in their professional growth.” The Air trust to provide candid, informed opinions. Working improve your standing, and you will see results.
Thank them for their service
Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr.
One of the keys to maintaining ready teams is gratitude. Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal could be a method provided at least annually could be acquired within their We ask our service members, and by default their fami- of rewarding selfless service outside the workplace, yet charter. If so, get it done and present it during your fam- lies, to sacrifice their time often. I remind myself all the instilling a sense of leadership appreciation for the total ily day or perhaps during Military Spouse Appreciation time that the undertakings we observe are due to the tal- Soldier or Airmen found within your ranks. Day, which happens to be an annual DoD occurrence. ents of our force; so, I wish to impart to you this thought. No matter the frequency, we must never take their sacri- Another form of service member recognition worth ad- If you feel that the contribution of these spouses is so sig- fices for granted. With this in mind, I would like to share dressing for your full-time staff is Passes and Time Off nificant that a locally produced award will not do, then a couple of strategies we as leaders can apply to our per- Awards. By design, a small percentage of our force is full start by writing a story and get it published through your formers to ensure their selfless service is recognized and time, which enable our units to fulfill their mandate to or- public affairs representative. Use that story to generate valued. ganize, train, and equip (OTE) the entire force. I have sel- momentum in your chain of command. dom met a technician or Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) Performance feedback remains one of the most important guardsman that misunderstood the premise of their obli- There are several forms of higher recognition found dialogues a leader can have with a team member. In addi- gation to the OTE premise and why they must enable our within your brigades or wings to consider. Even Em- tion to reaffirming performance expectations, a thought- Soldiers and Airmen. As leaders, we should consider the ployer Support to Guard and Reserve (ESGR) extends ful supervisor will dig past the surface of a performance power that time has as a reward and a resource. Three certificates for such merit and does a wonderful jobof assessment to see if any underlying personal issues can or four day passes for AGRs, or an eight-hour or more coordinating its presentation at your spouse’s workplace be addressed. Having a copy of your Soldier or Airman’s Time Off Award (TOA) for your technicians signifies our or during your formations, to name a few possibilities. ribbon rack might be a good start, but only a start. When respect and appreciation, but it also does something else. These members of your organization will be grateful all were your Soldier or Airman’s last decorations received It implies that leaders and supervisors understand the the same and your act of recognition will only improve and what was the accomplishment? Did their past perfor- importance of work/family balance. stakeholder involvement, which will enrich your teams mance include one, two, or three consecutive good years and your communities. of participation? If so, are service and longevity awards Speaking of family, we must do a better job of recogniz- correlating with their dependability? Do you consider the ing our family members. Their contributions have a direct Let me speak to you about the reward for your commit- impact in their communities of what your Citizen Soldier connection to our mission accomplishment as well as our ment. So much of our service members and their families’ or Airmen accomplish? Have you ever had a discussion overwhelmingly positive perception in American society. lives occur outside the annual commitments we share as about how much time and energy they are spending As leaders, your spouses offer their generous support to military reservists. Yet, we all recognize how relationship, coaching youth sports, teaching Bible school or youth other spouses in times of personal crisis and deployment. financial, and employment stresses affect how our mem- groups, or how they donate their time to a non-profit or- Some of these same spouses work with your organiza- bers perform. ganization? tion’s booster clubs to help with fundraising so your fam- ily day events or Christmas parties occur at the lowest per Leaders and team members, keep up the great work! While these questions may have no direct influence on plate cost possible. Give them praise and public recogni- Sustain what is working and improve in areas that need how a member accomplishes their duty responsibilities it tion for what they quietly do. Explore with your boost- attention for the good of your missions and those that ac- helps define them as responsible in society. The Military ers whether a small memento in the form of a plaque be complish them.
2 Grizzly Table of contents The Official Newsmagazine of the California National Guard Airman leaps to the rescue Pulaski and McCleod 4 Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Ginther, of the 144th Fighter Wing, 13 Who are Pulaski and McCleod? They are vital firefighting plunges into a canal and pulls a motorist to safety tools that help Cal Guardsmen protect their state from rag- ing wildfires Aug.-Sept. Angel Thunder 15 The 129th Rescue Wing hones skills during exercise Angel Nevada Guard pitches in Vol. 10 No. 4 Thunder at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Aviators from the Nevada Army National Guard crossed state lines to help fight California’s wildfires 2015 Guard helps out at Special Olympics 5 Guard chips in with logistics and make-up Everywhere a sign Communities affected by wildfires create handmade signs Publisher 14 to express gratitude to first responders, including the Cal Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin Fighting the Humboldt Fire The Cal Guard’s Task Force Alpha took on the Humboldt Guardsmen, who are fighting fires The Adjutant General 6 Fire in Northern California in August Director of Public Affairs First Sgt. Sally Ford earns respect Col. Peter B. Cross MPs protect and serve fire victims 15 First Sgt. Sally Ford receives awards for her contributions 7 Soldiers from the 870th MP Company provided support to and dedication to the 129th Rescue Wing Editor victims from Middletown devastated by the Valley Fire Capt. Jason Sweeney Towering achievement Building bridges California Air Guardsmen head to the Azores to take down 8 The 132nd Multirole Bridge Company erects a temporary communications towers and get some good training bridge across the Cache Creek to allow firefighters access to the Rocky Fire Hot shots 16 California shooters prove their mettle by winning the top Citizen Soldier does the math prizes at both the California Combat Match and Marksman Submissions 9 Specialist Crysti Gonzalez is a math teacher on the civilian Area Competition Regional Match side. For her, serving in the Guard just adds up Articles: 250th MI trains at XCTC Aviators douse the Rocky Fire 17 The 250th Military Intelligence Battalion heads to Minnesota Articles range from 350 to 2,000 words. Cal Guard aviators and refuelers head to Lake County to join for some realistic training at Camp Ripley All articles should be accompanied by CAL FIRE in fighting the Rocky Fire multiple high-resolution images. JRIC gives MI new training options Include first names, last names and mili- Evolving relationship The Joint Reserve Intelligence Center in Los Alamitos recog- tary ranks. Always verify spelling. 12 Retired CAL FIRE battalion chief and volunteer Scott Watson nized as 2014 JRIC of the Year describes the evolution of fighting wildfires in California Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and IG’s OIP full unit designations on first reference. Time of his life 18 The Inspector General’s Organizational Inspection Program Only submit articles that have been A timeline shows Chief Warrant Officer 3 Champion’s week- coordinates all internal and exernal inspections necessary to ly activity fighting a California wildfire assess unit stranths and weaknesses approved by your unit’s public affairs officer. In Every Leadership At a News & Did You Photographs: Issue 2 Corner 10 Glance 19 Benefits 19 Know? Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB. No retouched photos, no special effects. California National Guard troops mobilized as of August 2015 Include the photographer’s name and rank, and a caption: what is happening in the photo, who is pictured and the date and location.
E-mail submissions and feedback to: [email protected]
Europe
U.S. 125 Kosovo Kuwait Iraq 3 162 1 Asia U.S. 128 Horn of Africa Other Afghanistan 5 1 51
GTMO 151
Africa
Cover art by Afghanistan Master Sgt. Paul Wade Colombia Cuba Djibouti Germany Cal Guardsmen were activated for the 2015 Jordan California wildfire season to assist CAL FIRE Korea and local communities keep the flames at bay. Kuwait Cal Guard handcrews and aircraft were kept Air Army Qatar busy during this hot and active season. 191
3 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Fresno Airman goes into lifesaving mode Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Ginther, of the 144th Fighter Wing, jumps into a canal to save a motorist
By SENIOR MASTER SGT. CHRIS DRUDGE 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Ginther, 144th Fighter Wing Air- crew Flight Equipment Superintendent, was returning to the Fresno Air National Guard Base on July 29 when he witnessed a terrible accident.
Kou Thor, of Fresno, had lost control of his vehicle while trying to avoid hitting a bicyclist crossing in the middle of the road on McKinley Ave. Thor’s vehicle swerved, jumped the curb and ended up submerged in an irrigation canal.
Ginther immediately put his vehicle in park and went into action. While the 12 to 15 bystanders were videotaping the LEFT: Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Ginther, of the 144th incident on their cell phones, Sgt. Ginther wasted no time Fighter Wing, took matters into his own hands July 29 at the and jumped into the swift moving water. corner of Chestnut and McKinley avenues in Fresno when he observed a vehicle losing control and ending up in the irriga- “The water was moving a lot faster than I was expecting,” tion canal. Ginther pulled the single passenger, Kou Thor, from said Ginther. “The training I’ve received from the Air Force his submerged car and brought him to the canal bank. ABOVE: really helped me to do the right thing.” Media, medical personnel and onlookers check out the spot where Kou Thor’s vehicle plunged into an irrigation canal in Senior Master Sgt. Ginther is a water survival instructor for Fresno on July 29. Photos by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge the Aircrew Flight Equipment section at the 144th. assist in the rescue. That individual, Paul Alley, also by medical personnel, but refused any further treat- The driver was still in the vehicle when Ginther swam up. from Fresno, was trying to get the door open and get to ment. Alley and Ginther were both uninjured during Thor. As soon as the door was opened and Thor exited the rescue. “He (the driver) had a look on his face that I’ll never for- the submerged vehicle, both he and Alley went under. get and I knew at that moment that I was doing the right Ginther approached the two and got them to the canal “The Air National Guard is here, whether it is in combat thing,” added Ginther. bank. or peacetime, to help our fellow citizens,” said Ginther. “I feel extremely humbled to be given this situation to There was another individual also in the water trying to Once back up on the canal bank, Thor was checked over pay back the community for all they do for us.”
Angel Thunder 15: ‘Rescue warriors’ hone skills
By SENIOR AIRMAN RACHEL KANE 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
With any training exercise comes a certain level of uncertainty. This ambiguity, how- ever, does not foster fear or trepidation but allows military members to adapt and overcome obstacles just as they would while deployed. Angel Thunder 15 pro- vided participants with the opportunity to hone these skills in early June as they prepare for future deployments.
Angel Thunder is the largest multina- tional and joint training exercise in the Air Force, focusing on personnel recovery through realistic deployment scenarios. Its location, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, in Tucson, Arizona, provides a mul- titude of training environments for Air- LEFT: Cal Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Squadron perform aerial refueling during Angel Thunder 2015 seven miles off the coast of Marine men to practice their skills. Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, on June 7. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Wang RIGHT: Wyoming Air National Guardsman, Senior Airman Shawn Smith, with the 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Cheyenne, Wyoming, checks a simulated patient’s pupil activity onboard an Maj. Michael Wagle, a C-130P aircraft MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft during Angel Thunder 2015 exercise on June 7. Photo by Senior Airman Rachael Kane commander and evaluator pilot with the 130th Rescue Squadron, believes that An- ternet. I need the Internet to do my job,” 130th Rescue Squadron. rines, and all other who participated for gel Thunder caters perfectly to ‘rescue said Staff Sgt. M.J. Jordan Delacruz, who the missions ahead. warriors.’ provides administrative support for the As with deployments, training highlights 129th Rescue Squadron. “Thankfully, I the positives and negatives of needing “Angel Thunder has definitely prepared “We can do anything, from high-altitude was able to network with people that had quick turnaround times in order to get me for my deployment,” said Airman 1st hot operations to maritime rescue,” said access and I was able to perform my job.” rescue personnel on scene. Maintaining a Class Alvin Luyon, an aviation resource Wagle, noting the exercise provides the constant flying pace proved difficult for manager with the 129th Rescue Squad- experience of having to change mission Connectivity is a real issue for deployed older aircraft. ron. According to Luyon, Wagle offered settings with minimal turnaround. members, as coordination with multiple first-time participants and deployers units in different countries is vital to the “The maintenance crews are working some good advice: “Show up, and be flex- One main challenge—how units can success and safety of missions. Good through the night to overcome that obsta- ible.” manage to communicate with each an- communication skills are paramount, es- cle,” said Wagle. “The operations aren’t other. Though technology typically en- pecially to maintain safe air spaces. going to end. Any sort of large force de- Though missions may not go as planned ables communication with ease, in other ployments are going to have logistical it is important to realize the bigger pic- instances it can stop Airmen dead in “It’s great to be able to talk to people problems and maintenance problems.” ture—rescue warriors are the ones who their tracks. from other bases and even other coun- recover those whose plans also did not tries,” said Airman 1st Class Brandon The end goal of the two-week exercise go the way they thought they would. Be- “My major obstacle was having no In- Lukenbill, a radio operator with the was to prepare Airmen, Soldiers, Ma- cause no one plans to be rescued.
4 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Cal Guard teams up with Special Olympics Special Olympics provides California National Guard troops with valuable training, and so much more
By BRANDON HONIG tive attitude,” Bond said. “They are just re- California Military Department Public Affairs markable youths that really showcased the youth of America. Everybody saw them not One morning during the Special Olympics as youths, but as part of the solution.” World Games, three female Soldiers peeked their heads into the John Wooden Center at Carr said the cadets did a fantastic job, partic- UCLA to check on gymnastics equipment ularly when transportation challenges arose their unit had unloaded days earlier. The at one housing location, where the cadets’ equipment was all set up and ready to go, but dedication and support enabled the mission one woman in the gym appeared quite over- to succeed. whelmed, as gymnasts had formed a large crowd around her. He added that the CMD’s overall support was a tremendous asset for the massive “The woman, Anna, called us over and said, ‘I World Games, which hosted 8,500 athletes need your help!’” Sgt. Angela Bracken, of the and coaches from 165 countries and attracted Oroville-based 2668th Transportation Com- 350,000 spectators to 290 events. pany, recalled. “We said, ‘What do you need help with?' And she asked, ‘You do hair? You Guard members’ consistent dedication and do makeup?'” high performance impressed the World Games’ corporate partners as well. Rolf It was the first time in their California Na- Pherigo, of UPS, who served as the World tional Guard careers the Soldiers had received Games director of supply chain, said he has that request, but each had a few minutes to recommended to his human resources de- spare before returning to other missions. partment that they look to hire some of the Soldiers he worked alongside. “Next thing I know, we had been recruited into doing the hair and makeup each day and “The military folks I worked with here were assisting with getting everybody prepared to precise, they were on time, they didn’t make go on stage,” said Bracken, who was work- excuses, they performed and they had good ing radio dispatch at the Wooden Center that follow-through — all the qualities [we look day. “I wasn’t sure how it would come across for],” he said. “When it gets tough out there, [to my unit], but everybody in my chain of a lot of people run from it, and it seems that command has been very supportive.” military people don’t run. They stand tall and do what is asked of them. … I personally The Soldiers continued running other mis- enjoyed working with each and every mem- sions and completing all their previously as- ber of the military at the World Games.” signed tasks, Bracken said, “But we were able to work as a team so we can also fill in and The World Games provided a unique train- assist with this.” ing environment for troops to exercise their transportation, communications, interagen- In the long list of responsibilities Cal Guard cy coordination and leadership skills. But Soldiers and Airmen were assigned to fulfill most said that’s not what they’ll remember during the Special Olympics World Games, most. the hair-and-makeup mission was nowhere to be found, specifically. That fell under TOP: The Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games kicked off with fireworks “It’s the athletes that make it worth it,” said “general on-site support,” which troops were at the Los Angeles Coliseum on July 27. Photo by Brandon Honig LOWER LEFT: Cal Guardsmen 2nd Lt. Andrew Tenorio, officer in charge of tasked to provide at all 13 athletic and hous- found any way they could to assist with the Special Olympics World Games, including helping a Cal Guard team that managed bowlers’ ing locations throughout the Los Angeles re- the gymnasts with their hair and makeup. Photo by Sgt. Angela Bracken LOWER RIGHT: staff equipment for six days. “Just seeing them gion. Sgt. Johnny Padilla has the honor of presenting a medal to a Special Olympics World Games ath- compete and how vibrant they are really lete July 28 at UCLA. Photo by Warrant Officer 2 Beth Morden BOTTOM RIGHT: Sgt. Anthony makes it special.” Most of the troops supporting the event were Lazard provides directions to a Special Olympics delegate on July 24. Photo by Brandon Honig members of the Long Beach-based 224th Tenorio’s assignment at the bowling alley Sustainment Brigade or its subordinate unit were actively looking for ways to make the Cal Guard officers began coordinating with was not easy: It was “up tempo, back-and- the 2668th Transportation Company, who World Games a success. World Games organizers two years before forth, boom, boom, boom.” But he still man- made good use of their military skills such the event kicked off. Their efforts increased aged to speak with about 100 athletes from as logistics, warehousing and distribution. “In addition to the expected professional- in February before hitting full stride in July 30 different countries during the six days. In addition, some Soldiers and Airmen were ism and competence of your Soldiers, I and continuing through Aug. 28. In all, more He made many new friends, gave out tons assigned to fulfill communication and emer- was personally impressed with the pas- than 500 service members and teenage Ca- of hugs and photos, and even exchanged a gency preparedness missions. Any troop, sion and intensity they displayed to work det Corps members contributed a combined few gifts. though, could be called on for “general on- so hard in support of the Special Olympics 5,000 workdays. site support,” which Lt. Col. Julian Bond said athletes,” Jeff Carr, chief operating officer “One of the New Zealander bowlers prom- was a natural fit. of the World Games Organizing Commit- In addition to the 224th and 2668th, the CMD ised me she would bring me a kiwi — it’s a tee, wrote in a letter to California’s adjutant support of the World Games included the bird that’s a national symbol for New Zea- “Because the Army uniform is such a glob- general, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin. “I 22-member 9th Civil Support Team (CST) and land,” he remembered. “Later she brought al image, no matter if an athlete or family personally witnessed a willingness to rise dozens of California State Military Reserve it to me, a little figurine, and she gave me a member or delegate was from Syria or Iraq to whatever challenge we faced in every (CSMR) members. The CST is a joint Army/ hug. She’s a lifelong friend now. I was like, or wherever, they were used to getting help Soldier and cadet I interacted with. … Air Force unit that specializes in identifying ‘What more could I ask?’” from uniformed service members, so it was “Simply said, we could not have done it hazardous agents and advising responders natural for them to look to us anytime any- without them.” how to save lives. The CSMR is a volunteer one needed assistance,” said Bond, the officer force dedicated to supporting the Cal Guard. in charge of the California Military Depart- Since 1968, the Special Olympics has given ment’s (CMD) efforts to support the World individuals with intellectual disabilities The largest CMD component on the ground Games. “It really touched me when Iraqi a unique opportunity to develop physi- at the World Games, though, was the Califor- athletes were so happy to see the military uni- cal fitness, discover talents, demonstrate nia Cadet Corps, an educational and leader- form, because they’re so used to seeing it in courage, grow confidence and enjoy com- ship-development program run by the CMD their home country.” petition, all while inspiring and educating at high schools across the state. More than 200 those who witness their achievements. The cadets assisted the athletes with their bags Guard members’ civilian skills came in handy 2015 World Games ran July 25 through and moved them into their dorms, delivered on many general-support missions, including Aug. 2, but Cal Guard members were busy ice and cold beverages to athletes in compe- interpreting several languages and trouble- performing logistics and other prepara- tition, and, like their older counterparts, did shooting audio-visual issues for the Closing tion long before the games began and con- whatever else they could to help out. Ceremony. Bond said Soldiers found those tinued support for weeks after they were opportunities to contribute because they completed. “They were always there on time with a posi-
5 Grizzly | 2015 | June-July
Humbling the Humboldt Fire The Cal Guard’s Task Force Alpha hits the mountains to quell hot spots on Northern California forest fire
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA Early in the mission, two teams, according 69th Public Affairs Detachment to Oliver, were assigned to a separate area with an equally important job. Close to More than 300 troops with the Cal Guard’s three dozen troops had to collect fire hoses Task Force Alpha began mop-up missions stretched out to various hills and moun- on the Humboldt Lightning Fire on Aug. 6 taintops. CAL FIRE used these hoses to in Northern California’s Humboldt Coun- battle fires, and they’re no longer needed. ty. In the first three days, Task Force Alpha helped quell hundreds of hot spots and cov- “This was amazing. They pulled about ered nearly a dozen miles of ground. 50,000 feet of hoses,” Oliver said. “They knocked this out in less than two days.” The term “ground” doesn’t mean golf TOP: Soldiers from Task Force Alpha remove a burnt tree stump to extinguish a fire Aug. 9 near course type terrain, insists Sgt. Maj. Tom the mountains of Wildcat Butte, Humboldt County, California, during the Humboldt Lightning The ground crews represented one of sev- Dalton, TF Alpha sergeant major and 578th Fire. LEFT: Michael Steineke, CAL FIRE’s military liaison to Task Force Alpha, provides the morn- eral California National Guard assets as- Brigade Engineer Battalion sergeant major. ing brief Aug. 9 at Eel River Conservation Camp, Redway, California. RIGHT: Soldiers from Task sisting CAL FIRE in 2015’s fire season. The It means steep, unforgiving land stripped of Force Alpha listen to a morning brief Aug. 9 at Eel River Conservation Camp prior to mop up Guard has provided aerial support with vegetation by the fire and covered in ash so missions during the Humboldt Lightning Fire. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk he- fine it resembles baby powder, he said. licopters that constantly dropped water on the cause of these hot spots. Once found, ver explained. Most of the unit consisted the fires. The Rocky Fire saw the Guard’s “Some terrain, I feel like asking for rappel- fires were extinguished. of 578th Soldiers as well as others from the C-130J airtankers, equipped with Modular ling gear,” said Dalton, whose 578th hails 1-18th Cavalry Regiment, headquartered Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS), from Manhattan Beach, sunny Southern “Mopping up is just as important as fight- in Azusa, California. drop retardant. A 30-member unit from California. “There’s land up there that’s ing the fire. If there’s no mop up, another the California Guard’s 132nd Multirole very difficult to get to. But this task force fire can kick off,” said 1st Sgt. Damon Oli- “I know without a doubt they’re motivated Bridge Company erected a temporary is very motivated. It’s difficult, but difficult ver, first sergeant, Alpha Company, 578th to be out there. They know the importance bridge to enable heavy CAL FIRE vehicles doesn’t mean impossible.” and TF Alpha first sergeant. “The other day of this job,” Oliver explained. “There are and equipment quick and easy access to the six small fires came up. The Soldiers were things that are challenging. There’s ter- Rocky Fire. Other support assets, such as The Humboldt Lightning Fire had nearly really proud when they put them out.” rain that’s no joke. But this task force has fuelers, transportation and administration, 2,000 fire personnel committed to it, accord- a great group of Soldiers. They want to be also joined the fight. ing to the Department of Forestry and Fire They faced the elements, such as the sun’s here to help.” Protection (CAL FIRE) website. More than heat, as well as the uneven terrain, but also "Responding to state emergencies is what 140 fire engines, including assets from Ne- unforeseen factors such as potential falling “Let me tell you, this is one of the best distinguishes the National Guard from the vada, Arizona and Oregon, were disbursed trees. The Soldiers worked in crews, up to groups of Guardsmen I have worked rest of the Armed Forces," said Maj. Gen. to different parts of the fire. Two dozen 20 per team, and walked close together to with,” said Justin Karp, CAL FIRE engi- David S. Baldwin, California's Adjutant bulldozers also helped with containment. ensure sufficient visibility with each other. neer and assistant military liaison. “They General. "Whether its wildfires or people in do their jobs very well. They’re always mo- distress, Cal Guardsmen train year-round Task Force Alpha – later joined by Task “The training we got at Camp Roberts tivated, always asking to do more.” with CAL FIRE and the California Office of Force Charlie from the Rocky Fire – had a helped these guys with this mission,” said Emergency Services to ensure we're ready primary mission. It’s task was to traverse Dalton. “They’re supported by a CAL FIRE The Humboldt Lightning Fire devastated to respond when our neighbors need us burnt areas and put out existing small fires rep who has done this before. Every mis- nearly 5,000 acres from July 30 to Aug. 10. most." that are usually found underground. Sol- sion they go on, a CAL FIRE person is with Although not as disastrous as the Rocky diers draped in protective fire gear were them.” Fire, which leveled nearly 70,000 acres in More than 4,400 fires flared up in Califor- armed with picks, shovels and other fire- Northern California, the Humboldt blaze nia so far this year, per CAL FIRE’s web- fighting tools. They dug up dirt, uprooted The majority of the task force was fighting threatened more homes, buildings and site. Close to 120,000 acres have burned. roots, removed stumps, or simply located a California wildfire for the first time, Oli- structures. Last year there were just over 3,000 fires.
6 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. 870th MPs activate for fire mission Military police from Pittsburg protect and serve victims of the devastating Valley Fire
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA 69th Public Affairs Detachment
The California Army National Guard’s 870th Military Po- lice Company straddled a line while helping Northern Cali- fornia communities suffering from recent wildfires.
On one side there was compassion for families that had lost homes and valuables. On the other was the need to enforce the rule of law against those taking advantage of the suf- fering.
Approximately 100 troops from the Pittsburg, California- based unit responded to a “humanitarian call for help” as thousands of Lake County residents began returning to their homes late September. Families in Middletown, Loch Lomond, Cobb and nearby cities escaped the Valley Fire — one of California’s worst wildfires in the state’s history — after a mandatory evacuation more than a week earlier.
“We’re in an unprecedented disaster,” said Lake County Sheriff Brian L. Martin. “The mission we’re tasked with do- ing exceeds our capabilities. We’re a small rural area and simply don’t have the manpower to accomplish everything. Bringing in the National Guard allows us to serve our com- munities. The National Guard is working as force multipli- ers for our local agencies.”
The California Guard’s military police took center stage, following a string of emergency activations since early Au- gust to assist in the battle against the Golden State’s raging wildfires. Hand crews, air assets, fuelers, bridge builders and other California Guard assets had already joined the fight. The 870th stepped forward, serving the public as traffic controllers at designated intersections. But troops momentarily interacted with families as they escorted residents back to their homes. Some residents were briefly TOP: Members from the 870th Military Police Company, 49th Military Police Brigade, work alongside California Highway allowed to return for necessities, such as obtaining medi- Patrol personnel manning roads blocked because of the Valley Fire in Lake County, California. Pictured, from left, Spc. Ashley cation, feeding animals and pets, and getting important Ecles, Spc. Lizette Guillen, Pvt. Jacqueline Astorga, CHP Officer Rodney Pozzi, Sgt. Aman Narayan, Spc. Don Baldoria and documentation. Spc. Ramon Figueroa. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza LEFT: First Lt. Keith J. Frederickson, center, executive officer of the 870th Military Police Company, and Staff Sgt. Troy J. Meagher, converse with personnel from the Lake County Sheriff’s Of- Sadly, some returned to nothing. The Valley Fire consumed fice and CAL FIRE during the Valley Fire. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza RIGHT: Lake County resident Bridget Sargent more than 75,000 acres quickly, and nearly 900 buildings thanks Staff Sgt. Janneth Rendon and Sgt. Steven Garivay for their assistance and patience. Photo by Staff Sgt. Salli Curchin and homes were destroyed in a matter of days. Troops re- BELOW RIGHT: Spc. Julia Rutledge, with the 870th Military Police Company, speaks with a local resident about the road mained compassionate to these victims, even offering their closures due to the safety threat from the Valley Fire. Photo by Staff Sgt. Salli Curchin assistance to help find the things that were left. members understand that. It’s not a military operation, it’s enforcement personnel, CAL FIRE officials and California “It’s shocking to see the wreckage. It’s one thing to hear helping members of our own community coming back, to Guardsmen for a regular briefing regarding lawbreakers about the loss of property, but it’s another thing to see the help our community,” added Martin. that were present taking advantage of those who evacu- devastation in person and to think what it would feel like if ated. Homes had been broken into and property had been it were me,” said Spc. Julia A. Rutledge, of the 870th. “We “All I can say is, I’m glad the National Guard finally got stolen. have to remember to have a softer approach, we’re support- here,” said Kelseyville resident Royce Tibbetts, a Lake ing the civilian population; we’re here to help them. With County Public Works employee who was with California As people return, emotions will run high, Martin explained. combat you have to be more aware of your personal safety Guardsmen as they directed traffic at the base of Cobb Public order and security must be enforced. than with a humanitarian mission.” Mountain. “They’re Soldiers who’ve seen the worst of war. ... They can relate to what just happened here.” “We’re asking everyone to be compassionate and be under- “It’s hard to explain. I’ve never been on a mission like this, standing to some degree, but if there are people who don’t but it feels good to help them get back to their place,” added For more than a decade, Tibbetts worked the roads of Lake have a solid, legitimate purpose for being here, they’re go- Sgt. Michael W. Jenkins. “But to see what has happened to County, digging trenches, removing debris and even cut- ing to jail. This place is not for a vacation,” Martin said. them, you have mixed emotions about it. You are happy to ting trees. He, too, couldn’t fathom the Valley Fire devasta- “With the National Guard being here, that’ll open up my help those that don’t have property damage but need to get tion and how fast it consumed the community. officers and sergeants to do their jobs. We’re thankful for into their home for pet care or other things, but right down the military police. We’ll be able to do our community mis- the road, you see their neighbors’ houses are leveled.” “There’s nothing up there to return to,” he said, pointing sion thanks to them.” up the mountain. “It’s like a tornado went through, then a At the traffic check points, California Guardsmen converse massive fire. It was like the perfect storm.” The Valley Fire, burning simultaneously with the Butte Fire, with returning residents, offering water and other treats, is one of several major wildfires California National Guard and doing other little things. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention units have responded to this year. In August, the Rocky, (CAL FIRE) ranks the Valley Fire as one of the state’s most Jerusalem and Humboldt Lightning fires required the Cali- “This is a humanitarian service mission and the Guard destructive wildfires. In less than 10 days it threatened fornia Guard’s assistance. Air assets have also dropped wa- 3,500 structures, injured four firefighters and killed three ter and retardant on other fires this year. civilians. More than 4,000 firefighters and 350 engines re- sponded. Just over 10,000 people were evacuated, accord- So far in 2015, there have been more than 5,300 fires in ing to Martin. In terms of structural damage, the Valley Fire California, according to CAL FIRE. Total acreage burned: ranks No. 6 overall of California’s worst wildfires, per CAL nearly 300,000. And it’s just September. There were about FIRE. 3,700 fires alone in 2014.
The 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County still ranks as the California currently faces its most severe drought on re- deadliest wildfire in California. It burned more than 273,000 cord, according to the state’s official website. Governor Ed- acres, destroyed close to 2,900 structures and killed 15. mund G. Brown Jr. declared a drought State of Emergency in January 2014, proclaiming “a distinct possibility exists Along with compassion for the displaced comes disap- that the current drought will stretch into a fifth straight pointment. Martin gathered supporting police officers, law year in 2016 and beyond.”
7 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Bridging the gap, literally Guard’s 132nd Bridge Company builds floating structure to aid Rocky Fire battle
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA re-bars.” Square rebar is no longer used in construction. 69th Public Affairs Detachment The pontoon bridge across the Cache Creek is an improve- Burning on one side of Northern California’s Cache Creek is ment over the old cement bridge. the Rocky Fire, the Golden State’s largest wildfire so far this year. “They asked if our bridge can hold anything. We asked if they have anything heavier than an Abrams tank,” said Sgt. Ben On the river’s other side are the brave people who are going Ritchie, from the 132nd. “They said, well, we got nothing to to kill it. worry about.”
In between is the California Army National Guard’s 132nd Twenty-four residences and 26 outbuildings were destroyed, Engineer Company (Multirole Bridge Company), which is and roughly 40,000 acres burned, in the Rocky Fire’s first five serving a vital role in the ongoing fight. The unit, from Red- days. CAL FIRE declared it five percent contained over that ding, California, opened a pathway for the Department of time. The Rocky Fire was up to nearly 70,000 acres burned and Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to contain the blaze ABOVE: The 132nd Engineer Company (Multirole Bridge 70 percent contained at day 11, per CAL FIRE’s website. that had consumed nearly 70,000 acres in just over a week. The Company) erected a floating bridge Aug. 7-8 at Cache Creek Multirole Bridge Company built a temporary pontoon bridge, Regional Park in Yolo County. The bridge floats adjacent to a The 132nd worked into darkness finalizing their bridge after roughly 120 feet long, allowing CAL FIRE vehicles easier and concrete structure built in 1930, deemed inaccessible for heavy experiencing a few setbacks. The water level was apparently quicker access to the Rocky Fire. vehicles. The 132nd built the temporary bridge so CAL FIRE lower than when an advanced team checked the site previous- equipment could cross quickly and easily to battle the Rocky ly, and the narrow access road leading to the riverbank served “The main thing is quickness,” said Jeremy Salizzoni, a CAL Fire. BELOW: Soldiers from the MRBC pull a safety line to se- to be a slight problem for the unit’s bulky vehicles. FIRE captain and military liaison. “This bridge gives us faster cure a floating ramp Aug. 7 at Cache Creek Regional Park in access to the fire. We can get our bulldozers, equipment and Yolo County, California. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza “The big thing was we didn’t have enough water to float the people up there to fight it.” pieces to put them together. When we did a [reconnaissance “I’m just sad we didn’t think about this sooner,” Salizzoni mission], the water was higher,” Sgt. 1st Class Ben Nievera, According to 132nd company commander, Capt. Jesse Bu- added. “A California National Guard group always has a skill noncommissioned officer in charge, said. “We had to build laong, the bridge, constructed by a 30-member special team, we can use to fight fires.” around that. We weren’t going to say we can’t do this. Giving consists of four pontoons — two ramps and two platforms — up was not an option.” that connect once opened in water. The pontoons arrived on The temporary structure floats adjacent to a concrete bridge trucks that drove onto the riverbank and lowered them to the that was deemed “zero tons,” according to Steve Sahs, a Cali- Once the bridge was in place, CAL FIRE engineers landscaped river by a crane. fornia Department of Transportation (Caltrans) senior bridge the bridge’s edges to make it passable. engineer/inspector. That means it’s passable for normal ve- “It’s a real mission, but it’s like training for us. We go out all hicles, but big, heavy equipment, such as fire trucks and bull- The Rocky Fire was one of nearly two dozen wildfires burning the time and build a bridge,” Bulaong said. dozers, aren’t allowed over it, Sahs explained. in California in the same timeframe. It is the largest, to date, amongst California’s 3,000-plus fires so far in 2015, per CAL The Rocky Fire spanned three counties in its first few days. Sahs said California has about 24,000 bridges. This bridge is FIRE’s information. CAL FIRE crews, attempting to maneuver around the fire, had one of about 10 in the Cache Creek National Park. to divert to other routes that often took longer, Salizzoni ex- The 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County remains California’s plained. The temporary floating bridge cuts travel time, put- “This has been closed since 2009 due to scour issues,” he said, largest wildfire, according to CAL FIRE. It consumed more ting fire crews in places they weren’t able to get to previously, noting the bridge was built in 1930 and had deteriorated sig- than 270,000 acres, destroying nearly 3,000 structures and he said. nificantly. “You can see it’s old because it’s made with square caused 15 deaths.
8 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Everything adds up for Citizen Soldier By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA who answered her unit’s call for help. A equipment and machinery crossed the 69th Public Affairs Detachment temporary bridge had to be built so De- river en route to battling the blaze. partment of Forestry and Fire Protec- Crysti Gonzalez did the math. She add- tion (CAL FIRE) vehicles could quickly The Rocky Fire, within two weeks, con- ed the number of wildfires (more than a and easily respond to the Rocky Fire, sumed nearly 70,000 acres. dozen) that were burning California. She the Golden State’s largest wildfire of summed up the number of people (thou- the year. A 1930 bridge across the Cache “The toughest thing for us was the shal- sands) affected by the Rocky Fire, and Creek River in Yolo County was structur- low water. It wasn’t easy getting (the concluded: “I just have to help,” said the ally unsafe for huge, heavy CAL FIRE ve- sections) down and floating,” she add- young specialist, a bridge crew member hicles. The 132nd was in charge of erect- ed. “But we got together as a team and of the 132nd Multirole Bridge Company, ing a stronger one. figured out what to do. We knew this is California Army National Guard. very important to help stop the fire from “We have the sources and equipment,” growing.” “I want to be a part of the emergency said Gonzalez. “It’s great to put them California is in right now. I want to help into practical use.” As a civilian, Gonzalez teaches math- Spc. Crysti Gonzales, of the 132nd Engineer the state in some way.” ematics at Boulder Creek Elementary Company, carries a railroad tie Aug. 8 while The Soldiers pieced four sections togeth- School in Redding. She transferred from helping to erect a temporary bridge at Cache A math teacher and Redding, California, er to stretch the bridge across a 150-foot the Kansas Army National Guard earlier Creek Regional Park in Yolo County, Califor- resident, Gonzalez was one of 30 Soldiers gap. Within hours, CAL FIRE vehicles, this year. nia. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza Cal Guard takes on the Rocky Fire National Guard aviators team up with CAL FIRE to fight blaze in Lake County
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA 69th Public Affairs Detachment
As plumes of smoke rise above mountains in Yolo and Lake counties in Northern California, California Army National Guard Soldiers prepare CH-47 Chinooks, LUH-72 Lakotas and UH-60 Black Hawks for another round of flights.
On Aug. 1, a ground crew of fuelers stands by, ready to get these birds back into the air. Capt. Cynthia L. Jones, military liaison between the California National Guard and California Department of Fire and Forestry Pro- tection (CAL FIRE), is busy coordinating 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment’s plan of attack.
This is nothing new. Wildfires are a common enemy of the California National Guard, and now attention is fo- cused on the Rocky Fire in Northern California. The lat- est blaze is one of more than a dozen currently burning across the Golden State. The Rocky Fire started late July and has consumed more than 47,000 acres in less than a week. LEFT: Spc. Abraham Jimenez of 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation “We’ve been working together with the military (Cali- Regiment, California Army National Guard, recoils a fuel hose fornia National Guard) for so long that things become after pumping up a LUH-72 Lakota helicopter with fuel Aug. 1 routine,” said retired CAL FIRE battalion chief Scott at Middletown Helibase, Middletown, California, during early Watson, a military helicopter liaison. “We’ve become a operations of the Rocky Fire. ABOVE: A California Army Na- good team after so many years. It’s critical because not tional Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter prepares to approach all fires are easy to fight, and no fire is considered rou- for a water drop during the Rocky Fire near Clear Lake, Cali- tine.” fornia, Aug. 1. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
More California National Guard forces are on the way. More than 400 troops conducted CAL FIRE’s hand crew “We are once again trained and ready to meet the challenge.” training and will be available for duty the first week of August. Two C-130J Hercules aircraft, equipped with - Col. Davis Barkos Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS), were activated recently to fight the Rocky Fire as well as other Clearlake, in Lake County, California. The site is 20 1.2 million gallons of water and fire retardant on wild- wildfires. acres of flat ground that has been used previously as a fires in 2014. In the Rocky Fire, Cal Guard aircraft have helibase. Six California Guard “birds” stationed there already dropped tens of thousands in the first few days, “We are once again trained and ready to meet the chal- are regularly prepped for fire action if not already in thanks to three designated “dip” sites around the fire. lenge,” said Col. Davis Barkos, 146th Airlift Wing com- the fight. The birds share a field with other civilian Chi- mander; the MAFFS belong to his unit. nooks and helicopters contracted by CAL FIRE. “The key is to get into areas where we can’t deploy ground forces, where terrain is difficult, where we can’t The California National Guard’s actions follow Gov. Ed- “We can have as many as two dozen aircraft here in one fight,” Watson explained before boarding a Chinook. “Of mund G. Brown Jr.’s declaration of a state of emergency day, and as little as a dozen,” said Kyle Shorde, Middle- course, we’re looking at critical areas that will destroy on July 31, as fires burned across California. Per CAL town Helibase manager. “Having the California Guard life and property. Those are our obvious concerns.” FIRE’s website, almost 4,000 fires have ravaged the state around makes things very serious.” in the first seven months of 2015, consuming more than Twenty-four residences and 26 outbuildings were de- 29,000 acres. That’s more than 1,000 fires for the same As in previous blazes, the Hercules air tankers will serve stroyed in the Rocky Fire’s first five days. CAL FIRE de- timeframe than last year. as key firefighting assets. They fly out of McClellan Air clared it five percent contained at that time. Field in North Highlands, California, and are capable of “California’s severe drought and extreme weather have dropping 3,000 gallons of retardant or water in less than The 2003 Cedar Fire in San Diego County remains Cali- turned much of the state into a tinderbox,” Brown stated. five seconds covering one-quarter of a mile in that span. fornia’s largest wildfire, per CAL FIRE’s website. It con- sumed more than 270,000 acres, destroying nearly 3,000 Jones’ unit is situated at Middletown Helibase, near California National Guard air assets dropped more than structures. Fifteen people died.
9 ABOVE LEFT: Task Force Alpha eats sack lunches on a break from fighting wildfires on Aug. 9 in Humboldt County. ABOVE RIGHT: A Cal Guard CH-47 Chinook flies overhead as members of Crew 09, Task Force Charlie, receive a safety briefing from a CAL FIRE military liaison Aug. 14 near Clearlake, California. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
Airman 1st Class Brandon Lukenbill, a radio operator with the 130th Rescue Squadron, monitors radio transmissions onboard an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft during An- gel Thunder 2015 exercises at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 3. Photo by Senior Airman Rachel Kane
LEFT: 40th Infantry Division Command Sgt. Major Rob Whittle, right, smiles with Matt Soldano, a retired Marine infantryman turned farmer, following a ceremony in New Jersey in June when Soldano was gifted a tractor by the Kubota Tractor Corporation. Whittle is a manager at Kubota and helped select Soldano to receive the tractor as part of the “Geared to Give” program. Photo courtesy of the Kubota Tractor Corporation RIGHT: Spc. Joshua Smith, with the 49th Personnel Support Company, fires a G36 rifle at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan, in September on his way to earning a Gold German Schützenschnur Badge. Photo courtesy of Master Sgt. Brian Breaker
Members of the 132nd Multirole Bridge Company pull a steel cable to secure a floating bridge Aug. 7 at Cache Creek Regional Park in Yolo County. The Redding, California- based unit was called to assist fighting the Rocky Fire. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
10 At a Glance
Members of a CH-47 Chinook crew from the California Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment out of Stockton, Califor- nia, load a water bucket into their helicopter Aug. 18 at a remote locale in Northern California. Shown are: Sgt. Matthew Hammond, Sgt. Jameson Freymor, CAL FIRE’s Capt. Frank Abril and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig Hannon. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
Pfc. John Aleschus, a fueler with the California Army National Guard, runs a hose to a CH-47 Chinook Aug. 18 at a remote locale in Northern California during firefighting operations. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
Members of Crew 09, Task Force Charlie, California Army National Guard, begin ascending a hilltop Aug. 14 near Clearlake, California, to perform mop up duties during the Jerusalem Fire in Northern California. Lead- ing the Soldiers is CAL FIRE Capt. Joaquin Silos, the crew’s designated CAL FIRE repre- sentative. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
A member of Task Force Alpha, California Army National Guard, cuts roots from a red- wood tree to help extinguish a small fire Aug. 9 near the mountains of Wildcat Butte, Humboldt County, California. Task Force Alpha, consisting of more than 200 California National Guardsmen, performed mop up duties during the Humboldt Lightning Fire. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
11 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Evolution of the firefight By SGT. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH ments every year than we’ve ever had in sion goggles, medical evacuation helicopters, 69th Public Affairs Detachment history,” he said. “It is no longer a periodi- personal flotation devices, and Type-1 heli- cal event; it’s an annual expectation. It’s not copters which are capable of carrying heavier For more than 20 years, Scott Watson, a re- once or twice a year either, but many times loads and larger “Bambi buckets” used to tired battalion chief with CAL FIRE, has throughout the season.” drop water on fires. worked with the California National Guard during the wildfire season. He has seen the For the past two years, CAL FIRE has aug- “We’ve been training together for such a long collaboration evolve over the years into the mented their crews with retired firefighters. time and it has evolved to a point where it’s well-oiled machine it is today. Walker said the program is similar to the Na- fluid and its part of the routine now,” he said. tional Guard’s State Military Reserve. The re- “We’ve been loaning equipment back and “The program has gotten more sophisticated tirees participate in every facet of the mission: forth for years because the Guard already Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sylvester Wilson, a and we’ve become much more dynamic,” he from training, to fighting the fires, to running has the equipment and training, so it saves UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, and retired CAL said. “We now have the ability to expand the the helibase and operations. the state thousands and thousands of tax dol- FIRE Battalion Chief Scott Watson, recover operation as large as we need to.” lars.” at the Middletown helibase after completing The retirees bring a wealth of knowledge and a water-dropping mission over the Rocky Fire The firefighting mission in California is much years of experience to the fight. Watson said these assets further expand CAL Aug. 1. Photo by Sgt. Nadine White larger than it’s ever been, especially in recent FIRE’s capabilities and allows for much high- years. Additionally, the California National Guard er levels of performance and proficiency. this way,” he said. “Other states wish they provides assets that CAL FIRE would not worked this way and they come out here to “We have a lot more frequency of deploy- otherwise have access to, such as night vi- “California is the only state that works see how we operate.” Rocky Fire timeline Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathan Champion got the call and was on the move to help fight one of California’s biggest wildfires
By SGT. NADINE WHITE ducts a safety brief with his CAL FIRE helicopter coordina- 69th Public Affairs Detachment tor.
During California’s wild fire season, the Cal Guard’s pilots It’s not until he is at Mather that he learns which wild land and crews work longer and busier shifts than normal to fire he will be flying over. combat the aggressive flames and their destruction. A day in the life of a pilot starts early and ends late, but they nev- 09:30 er hesitate to do what is necessary to keep California safe. Champion and his CAL FIRE Helicopter Coordinator (HELCO) depart from Mather and head for the Rocky Fire Thursday, 30 July, 2015 helibase at Crazy Creek Glider Port near Clearlake, Cali- 19:00 fornia. While out with his wife and friends, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathan Champion, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter pilot with 10:20 the California Army National Guard’s 3-140th Aviation The Lakota arrives at the Rocky Fire Helibase. Battalion, receives a call. Champion and his HELCO check in with the helibase man- “I got a call. My commander said, ‘Hey we’ve got these ager and give their flight hours thus far. fires going on and we need you to come in to work the fires tomorrow (Friday).’” “We’re only allowed to fly seven hours per day, but we’re allowed to have a 14-hour duty day,” said Champion. “We He goes home and packs a bag and prepares to spend pos- spend some time on the ground, mission planning, coordi- sibly a week in the field. nating or briefing. Sometimes it’s smoky and we can’t go fly, so we just have to sit and wait.” Friday, 31 July, 2015 06:15 The aircrews receive a briefing of the current operations of Champion, who lives in Elk Grove, drives 45 minutes to the fire, what radio frequencies are being used, what haz- Stockton where his unit and aircraft are located. ards are out, where the fire is most active, where they can concentrate their efforts. 07:15- 08:00 Upon arriving at his unit, he receives a morning briefing Throughout the day and learns that his commander and fellow pilots complet- Champion and all other pilots wait for the call. The aircraft ed his mission plan the previous night. Because pilots are number and mission will be released over a loud speaker only permitted to work 14-hour days, having this already along with what time the flight will occur. done saves him valuable time. “During our ground time, we’ll drink lots of water; it’s “Not having to fuss with logistics and paperwork maxi- very hot out here. Or eat a meal.” mizes my time to spend out at the fires,” he said. The aircraft and crews rotate on flights; one Lakota will be Following the briefing, Champion conducts his standard flying over the fire while the other is grounded. When the pre-flight aircraft inspection. He then flies to Mather Air aircraft or crew in the air needs to be relieved, the other Field near Sacramento. will fly.
08:30 “Ideally there is always a HELCO over the fire,” said Champion lands at Mather, where he meets up and con- Champion. “Flight time ends at sunset.”
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathan Champion, a pilot with the California Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation “I got a call. My commander said, ‘Hey we’ve got these fires going on Regiment out of Stockton, California, prepares his LUH-72 La- kota helicopter for a flight over the Rocky Fire near Clear Lake, and we need you to come in to work the fires tomorrow.’” California, Aug. 1. Cal Guard helicopters have played a vital role during the 2015 wildfire season. Photo by Sgt. Nadine White - Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nathan Champion
12 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Fighting fires with Pulaski and McLeod Cal Guard Soldiers use specialized tools to put out forest fires in Northern California mountains By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA Pulaski is a two-headed hand tool, a com- 69th Public Affairs Detachment bination of axe and pick. Like a gardener or farmer’s mattock, it can be used for chop- Each morning during this fire season, Sol- ping and digging. When California Guards- diers from the California National Guard’s men mop up a fire, they constantly do Task Force Charlie shake hands with Dr. Pu- both to extinguish a hot spot. They cut tree laski and Dr. McLeod before heading into branches, logs, roots — anything that’s still the Northern California hills to fight wild- burning or capable of burning in the future fires. — using CAL FIRE’s most popular tool.
Pulaski, the surgeon, is the favorite of the “Anyone who’s out fighting fires, regardless California Guardsmen who are mopping of whether they’re mopping up or making a LEFT: Spc. Destiny Terry, an Apple Valley, Cali- up the remains of the Rocky Fire, Humboldt fire line, will likely have a Pulaski,” Suraha- fornia, resident, with the California Army Na- Lightning Fire and Jerusalem Fire. Pulaski ra said. “When we watched the Soldiers in tional Guard’s Task Force Charlie, checks her gets called often to operate on the toughest training [at Camp Roberts], we noticed the Pulaski prior to a mop up mission at the Jeru- limbs in the area. ones who are good at Pulaskis or good with salem Fire in Northern California. The Pulaski other tools. If you’re good with a tool, that’s is a firefighting cutting tool. ABOVE: Soldiers McLeod, a dentist, is as ugly as can be. the one you’ll end up with on the fire line.” with Task Force Charlie, California Army Na- He’s got three-inch teeth that are gapped tional Guard, use Pulaskis to mop up an area far apart; you don’t know whether to smile The McLeod is multisided and serves as a previously burned in the Jerusalem Fire. The back or kick a field goal. Although ugly, rake and cutting knife. The rake end can Soldiers put their Pulaski and McLeod fire- McLeod is best for root canals. move debris and flatten ground, while the fighting tools to good use duing the 2015 wild- cutting edges serve as a hoe. It’s an ugly fire season.Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza “He’s not cool at all,” said Sean Surahara, looking piece of equipment but it gets the military liaison for the California Depart- job done. “These tools are on every piece of firefighting for that purpose. ment of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL equipment out here,” added Surahara. “It’ll FIRE). “He’s ugly, but he’s important, so we “Both tools are a firefighter’s best friends,” be impossible to fight a fire without them.” “It’s like a weapon given to a Soldier. You take keep him around.” Surahara said. “For wildland fires, these are care of it, it takes care of you,” said Surahara. the standard tools.” “There’s nothing else that they can be re- “If you want your weapon to be effective, you Pulaski and McCleod are the names of two placed with,” said CAL FIRE’s Rodney Jared, sharpen it up.” vital tools that California National Guard Surahara demonstrated the tools’ other who guides California Guardsmen on mop hand crews have been carrying into the purposes, such as deeply implanting them up missions. Pulaski’s and McLeod’s origins date to the hills. Along with Dr. Axe and Sir Shovel, to use as leverage when climbing steep ter- early 1900s. Malcolm McLeod, a U.S. Forest this foursome can bring dead terrain back to rain. The Pulaski and McLeod are ground- California Guardsmen are responsible for Service Ranger, created his strange looking life. And they certainly are effective — right pounding, dirt-excavating hand equipment, their specific tools. The day doesn’t end until but effective hand tool. Ed Pulaski, also a behind water — in battling Northern Cali- but they are invaluable to clearing debris in they’re off the fire line sharpening their Pulas- Forest Service Ranger, invented and pat- fornia blazes. tough areas. kis and McLeods. Each Soldier is issued a file ented the Pulaski. Nevada lends a hand Nevada Army National Guard aviators pitch in to help fight the Golden State’s wildfires
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA libase command center. “They’re bringing 69th Public Affairs Detachment military professionalism to our firefight- ing efforts.” As California burns — more than 4,500 fires through Aug. 15, per the California Yes, Nevada burns as well. The Cold Department of Forestry and Fire Protec- Springs Fire that began in Nevada’s Desa- tion (CAL FIRE) — the need for assets to toya Mountain Range stood at 4,000-plus suppress wildfires grows. Stepping in to acres burned as of Aug. 20. help the Golden State is the Nevada Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 189th Avi- “This is the largest fire of the year for the ation Regiment, which sent two aircraft Carson City District,” stated Lisa Ross, and nearly two dozen troops from their LEFT: A Nevada National Guard CH-47 Chi- Nevada Bureau of Land Management’s Stead, Nevada home. nook lands at a refueling point Aug. 20 in public information officer. Northern California. ABOVE: Aviators from “Our mission is always first to our organic the Nevada National Guard assisted in fighting But Nevada’s wildfires are not as threat- state, but then we get requested to help California’s wildfires in 2015. From left, Logan ening as Northern California’s, Nielsen out elsewhere,” said Chief Warrant Offi- Nordyke, Nevada Division of Forestry; Chief explained. Nevada has other National cer Steve J. Nielsen, pilot in command of Warrant Officer 3 Steve Nielsen, pilot in com- Guard units standing by, ready to assists a CH-47 Chinook. “We’re here to do our mand; Sgt. Arthur Salaices, crew chief; Staff when called upon. best to support California. We want to be Sgt. Justin Claman, flight engineer; and Chief here. We want to help.” Warrant Officer 5 Dan Walters, pilot. Photos “If we’re needed back in Nevada, we’ll by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza return, but right now we’re really needed Pilots, crew members, mechanics and here,” said Nielsen, a Carson City, Ne- fuelers make up the Nevada team that ters, Chinook pilot. “Our commitment utes later a Nevada bird will do the same, vada, resident who has fought California rotates personnel after several missions. is to California and we’re here to do our and vice versa, throughout the mission fires multiple times. “Likewise, we’ve had Stationed at the Redding, California, air- best.” day. California units help us with wildfires. port, the Nevada team dumped more than We go where needed. That’s the National 250,000 gallons of water on various North- The Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk have “Both California and Nevada teams have Guard.” ern California wildfires since first landing been airborne regularly. They’re called been great assets. They’re working togeth- its aircrafts July 31. simultaneously with California Army Na- er amongst themselves, and they’re tre- More than 144,000 acres burned by Cali- tional Guard helicopters to drop water. mendously supporting our operations,” fornia’s 4,500-plus fires in 2015 as of Au- “We’re going to provide what we could,” Some days, the routine is California chop- noted CAL FIRE Helitack Capt. Jim Gon- gust, per CAL FIRE. Just over 3,000 fires added Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dan L. Wal- pers drop water in one location, then min- zales, operations officer at the Redding he- and 88,000 acres burned last year.
13 Signs of the times Communities express gratitude to National Guardsmen fighting California fires
By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA work their butts off as much as they can.” ers” includes the National Guard. CAL FIRE force: hand crews, fuelers, administrators, 69th Public Affairs Detachment is the state’s fire-fighting leader, but it’s not aviators, military police, bridge builders, White reminisced on his overseas deploy- the only entity battling blazes. etc. They hang on banners, flash on billboards ments, when cards, letters and emails were and are even stuck on beverage bottles. sent from unknown U.S. communities. Peo- “The National Guard is part of the Task “The public sees it as we are all one,” added They’re nailed on trees, tied to horses and ple sent friendly, general messages, all with Force’s operation, just wearing a different CAL FIRE’s Suzanne M. Brady, public in- inscribed on vehicles. the same intent: Thank you for your service uniform,” Williams explained. “The Nation- formation officer assistant and information/ and be safe. al Guard is clearly part of the suppression education officer. “It doesn’t matter what Pick a place in a small community or town and action teams. They support our crews kind of patch you have on your shoulders. affected by the California wildfires. Drive a “It’s just like getting a care package,” White out there.” We’re all firefighters here.” dirt or paved road and see various messages added. “You get an anonymous gift, you of gratitide to California Army National open it and you’re thankful for what’s in- Williams added, “Those (thank you signs) Public signs are one of several ways com- Guardsmen — and all firefighting elements side. Same thing here. People understand are for everybody: inmates, fire personnel, munities show appreciation, Brady added. — who have worked tirelessly around the the hard work we put in by telling us with police, personal security, first responders, People provide firefighters with clothing, clock in this hot, unforgiving fire season. these signs. We’re very thankful right back.” dispatchers and even vendors. National food, toiletries and other things, “like a Guardsmen are an important part of the en- (youth football) cheerleading demonstra- “Thank you firefighters,” is the most com- It’s also clear, says Timothy J. Williams, tire firefighting team.” tion,” she said. They receive hundreds of mon phrase of these gratifying displays, California Department of Forestry and Fire drawings from elementary school children,; “Thank you, God” and “Thanks, dude” are Protection (CAL FIRE) battalion chief and Therefore, the thank you’s extend to all as- and some small town businesses, such as a nearly as common. military liaison, that “Thank You Firefight- pects of the California Guard’s firefighting barbershop or restaurant, give free or dis- counted services as a way of thanking fire- Draped from the balcony of a house that fighters. nearly burned inthe Butte Fire in Calaveras County, California, was a blanket embla- Angels Camp, population about 4,000, zoned with the words “Thank You.” Further even hosted a parade of sorts. As fire and north, a 50-foot-long “Thank You, Firefight- emergency vehicles coursed through main ers” sign lined a main highway heading into street en route to the Butte Fire, hundreds of Lakeport and Middletown, near the Valley residents lined both sides, waving flags and Fire. This sign has been up since the Rocky voicing their approval. and Jerusalem fires in Lake County in Au- gust. Sometimes, it’s the presentation that makes the signs unique. A Lakeport, California, “Small town, USA,” said Loch Lomond resi- business posted a pizza on its window with dent Tim Battaglia, who hails from a town the words “Thank You” in pepperoni slices. of about 400. “When we say thank you, you A San Andreas home spelled “Thank You” know it’s from the heart.” with fire retardant-colored rocks. Up the road, “Thank You” was carved on a tree. Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp flashes a Thank You California National The Butte Fire, which affected Amador and Guard billboard as Guardsmen roll by in Calaveras counties, torched close to 71,000 their tactical vehicles, heading to the San acres and threatened 6,400 structures. More Andreas hills that took the brunt of the Butte than 500 residences were either damaged or Fire. destroyed. They Valley Fire, north of Butte, TOP OF PAGE: Cal Guard tactical vehicles transport troops Sept. 24 to the San Andreas hills had an even greater destruction. “We appreciate that. That tells us they know through Angels Camp in Calaveras County which was devastated by the Butte Fire. LEFT: Car- we’re doing something for the people,” said men Roebuck, a 9-year-old Angels Camp resident, thanks Cal Guardsmen assigned to the Butte The efforts of all California Guardsmen to Sgt. 1st Class Joseph White of Charlie Com- Fire in Calaveras County, Sept. 24. TOP RIGHT: Angels Camp residents Juan Velazquez, 12, Ed- help extinguish this season’s fires deserve pany, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment. gar Gonzales, 6, and Jesus Ortega, 3, show signs of appreciation Sept. 23. BOTTOM RIGHT: tremendous thanks. The public agrees, and “Everyone here puts in a lot of work. They Signs direct Cal Guardsmen outside Angels Camp. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza shows with its visible signs.
14 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Hard work required First Sgt. Sally Ford awarded for her contributions and dedication to the 129th Rescue Wing
By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JULIA BATES of active duty, before joining the guard in 129th Rescue Wing 2010.
A ballroom at a Marriot Hotel in Santa Her first stint as a first sergeant was origi- Clara, California, is filled with California nally with security forces, which she said National Guardsmen (both Army and Air felt like home to her as she split her active Force) in their best mess dress. The crowd- duty years between security forces before ed room breaks out into applause over cross training into a Paralegal role. each name that is called; they are recipi- ents of various awards being presented at "With first sergeants, people kind of won- the Outstanding Airmen and Soldier of the der what do they do," said Ford. "We are Year Banquet. LEFT: Master Sgt. Sally Ford poses for a photo always moving. The fact of the matter is, near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August 2014. She you will never see everything that is done "The California Air National Guard's First was required to cover herself in local attire by the first sergeant corps. A lot of it is Sergeant of the Year award goes to... Mas- whenever traveling off the American com- done behind closed doors; a lot of it is done ter Sgt. Sally J. Ford, 129th Rescue Wing." A pound where she was stationed for a seven after hours; a lot of it is done when people, standing ovation erupts from the left side -month deployment. Photo courtesy of Master in that moment of their lives, need some- of the room, a section dedicated to mem- Sgt. Sally Ford ABOVE: Master Sgt. Sally Ford one to give them a little guidance, or give bers of the 129th Rescue Wing. Ford, how- takes charge of her troops as first sergeant them some help. You don't hear about that. ever, wasn't there to receive her award on at Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, in September We don't advertise that. We don't write that January night. Instead she was serving 2014. Photo courtesy of the 879th Expedition- EPR bullets (Enlisted Performance Review her state and nation in support of Opera- ary Security Forces Squadron comments) or put it in awards packages, tion Enduring Freedom and Operation In- but that's very much a part of what the first herent Resolve on a 7 month deployment for the same award on the national level. affectionately called, serve as dedicated sergeant corps does." in Saudi Arabia. points of contact for health, morale, readi- "It is truly a great honor for our team that ness and quality-of-life concerns within A few months after returning home from Overjoyed with excitement, her doting she has been recognized as the Air Na- their units. deployment, Ford learned even more good husband, Master Sgt. Jimmy Ford, who tional Guard's First Sergeant of the Year," news: She had been chosen to receive the also serves with the 129th as an HH-60G said Senior Master Sgt. Lindsey Bartlett, "To me, the best form of recognition doesn't First Sergeant of the Year award at the Pave Hawk rescue helicopter aerial gun- first sergeant for the 129th Rescue Wing. come in the form of an accolade, but it's national level for the entire Air National ner, accepted the award in her stead. He "Her sense of duty and dedication to the when you've received genuine thanks Guard. was also providing daddy duty while she men and women of the 129th is beyond from someone you've really helped out," was away to their three children, a 9-year reproach and a testament to the core val- said Ford. "I feel extremely privileged; This next time when those same words are old son and 7-year old twins, a boy and a ues we all hold close: integrity first, ser- when on occasion people have come up read aloud to a crowd decked out in their girl. vice before self and excellence in all we do. to me and let me know that in some way I mess dress, in our Nation's capital--"The So much of a first sergeant's job involves was helpful, and that to me is an extreme First Sergeant of the Year award goes to... After returning home from her deploy- working behind the scenes for the better- honor and privilege because we all need Master Sergeant Sally J. Ford"--the first ser- ment and reassuming her duties as a moth- ment of our people and the mission; it is help. Everyone does." geant herself will be present to accept the er, wife, guardsman, as well as her civil- with amazing pride that we can publicly award in person, with her husband by her ian duties as an Inspector General for the acknowledge her accomplishments." Ford also said that being a guardsman, a side. Army's 63rd Regional Support Command wife, a mother, an IG, and a first sergeant (a seven-state region with approximately Ford was selected for the honor from all is much like juggling plates. Trying to keep "It's humbling and an honor to receive this 44,000 Soldiers), Ford discovered that her Air National Guard members serving in everything together can be a challenge, award," said Ford. Saving people's lives is First Sergeant of the Year award on the the first sergeant special duty career field. and she finds her guard duties even more the mission of this wing. I am just one per- state level meant that she would have a bid First sergeants, or "First shirts," as they are challenging now than during her 11 years son in a whole sea of great."
California Airmen deconstruct towers in the Azores By SENIOR AIRMAN BRIAN JARVIS are extremely innovative and by virtue deployment or a compliance inspection. 129th Rescue Wing are some of the sharpest tools when it comes to the arsenal of tools the Air “We remained professional and focused Just as one upgrades to a new cell Force has,” Solis said. on the mission at hand,” said 129th com- phone, the military often has to upgrade munication technician Tech Sgt. Garri- its communications systems. Only in The process of removing a tower step- son O. Simpson, who led the instruction. this case, “upgrading” antenna tow- by-step required a team effort of blow- “When you teach, you learn more, so ers as high as 120 feet is a considerably torching metal foundations, unbolting through my teaching I strengthened my greater chore. plates, and cutting wires one at a time to own background in tower equipment. I ensure the tower falls in a straight line – was proud to serve.” Cal Guard Airmen take down a communi- For this purpose, the California Air Na- and in the right direction. cations tower at Lajes Air Base, Portugal, on tional Guard journeyed to Lajes Air Base Also accompanying the mission to pro- Sept. 17. Photo Senior Airman Brian Jarvis in the Azores, Portugal, tasked to re- 147th Communications Flight Master vide support and train with their active- move three antenna towers and ensure Sgt. and first sergeant Jerome Thomas duty counterparts was the 129th Security 129th Logistics Readiness Squadron. they were properly decommissioned. said that logistics and flexibility were Forces and the 129th Logistics Readiness Given that Lajes Air Base is preparing to key to the mission, such as when a crane Squadron. undergo a drawdown from roughly 300 Senior Master Sgt. David Solis, who led didn’t fit size restrictions, leaving the full-time personnel to about a third that the mission, said it brought together air- Airmen with no choice but to free-fall a “We were able to conduct an assessment size, Solis said there could be a chance to men from every corner of California, in- tower to the ground instead. to help them prepare for an upcoming in- further assist their active-duty down the cluding his own 129th Communications spection, and we were able to trade learn- line. Flight as well as the 144th Communica- On the training side, Guardsmen in- ing tools that we can bring back home,” tions Flight, the 146th Communications structed Lajes Air Base’s 65th Commu- said Master Sgt. Michael Conner, a train- “They’re about to experience what the Flight, the 147th Combat Communica- nication Squadron on proper technique ing manager with 129th Security Forces. Guard experiences every day, so we have tions Squadron, the 149th Combat Com- for safely climbing up and rappelling “Overall they seemed pretty motivated.” a unique opportunity here to advise the munications Squadron, and the 222nd down from antenna towers, as well as active duty on the challenges that we face Communications Maintenance Squad- how to inspect equipment and rescue “I bonded with the Airmen from my base as Guardsmen,” Solis said. “I’m happy ron. someone who’s hurt. Overall, five Air- and had never worked with other sections to report that I’m thoroughly impressed men became certified in tower climbing before, so I got to see what they do and with the capabilities of the people that “The common misconception is that we while 17 received instruction that will work as a team,” said Airman 1st Class I’m working with here, and this mission sit behind a desk. But ‘comm’ people help them prepare both for a potential Alexis Schneider, who recently joined the has reset my expectations of the Guard.”
15 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. Cal Guard’s top shooters compete in the California Combat Match and the Marksman Area Competion Once again, Team California wins regional match; Maj. Richard Hersam wins first place in California Combat Match
By STAFF SGT. SALLI CURCHIN When asked about being a female competi- California Military Department Public Affairs tor, she replied, "We run, carry and shoot to the same standards, so it doesn't matter." To The ranges grew quiet and the dust anyone considering attending future com- settled. The sounds of boots hitting the petitions, she says, "Even if you're not the ground and bullets striking metal, paper best, come out and try." and other targets faded. Rifles and pistols were cleaned and put away and the state First year competitor Spc. Brittany Connell marksmanship team of number crunchers doesn’t have a shooting background but tallied the final scores for the simultane- works in supply for the 579th Engineer Bat- ous, multi-day California Combat Match talion in Santa Rosa. She recently competed (CCM) and Marksman Area Competition in their internal Best Warrior Competition. (MAC) VII Regional Match. She is also on their biathlon team and will compete in the fall. Both Army and Air National Guardsman competed in the 7th annual CCM, com- To anyone considering participating in fu- monly referred to as The Adjutant General ture matches, Connell says, “Anybody can or TAG match, held by the 223rd Regional do it and everybody should do it.” As one of Training Institute at Camp San Luis Obis- only two female contenders, Connell says, po Aug. 17-21. “Once you pull the trigger, it doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. I enjoy this event For the first time in many years, the top because the standard is the same for every- state match champion, comes from the one. It doesn’t matter that I’m female.” state Air Guard. Maj. Richard Hersam, a frequent competitor and expert shot, not According to Markert, future goals for the only came in first, but he also scored high- state marksmanship directorate include est in two other categories. expanding the event’s time and scope to include marksmanship training clinics pre- Hersam, the commander of the 163rd ceding the competition which would actu- Communications Flight, with the 163rd ally give both new shooters and organizers Attack Wing at March Air Reserve Base a chance to rehearse. in Riverside, annually brings a team of both new and experienced competitors They would also like to attract more partici- from the 149th Combat Communica- pation. This year, there was funding for 150 tions Squadron within the 162nd Combat slots, but state emergencies and other fac- Communications Group, his old unit. He tors resulted in 52 state challengers. hopes to bring a team from his new wing and mentor other Air Guard teams from ABOVE and BELOW: Cal Guardsmen compete in the California Combat Match (CCM) and “Skill at marksmanship and what we call around the state. Marksman Area Competition (MAC) VII Regional match, which took place concurrently at unconscious competence is the fundamental Camp San Luis Obispo, California, in August. Photos by Staff Sgt. Salli Curchin skill of any Army Soldier,” said Markert. “It “This kind of competition is important to the really is the reason the Army exists, to place Air and Army Guard because it builds core The next step for these regional winners are perspective about what makes others better armed Soldiers on the ground with a rifle competency and it’s fun to participate,” said tryouts for the All Guard Team occurring at shots. It’s a huge win for the units that send and to have rapid, accurate and precise fires Hersam who is an engineering manager full- Camp Robinson, Arizona, late September fol- members.” delivery.” time with Philips Healthcare. lowed by the U.S. Army International Sniper Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia, in Oc- First time participant Tech. Sgt. Craig Pace, For those considering future participation, As one of the most experienced competitors, tober. with the 149th Combat Communications Markert says, “People would be surprised Hersam continued, “This event gets better ev- Squadron, 162nd Combat Communications to know it’s not as hard as they imagine ery year and the courses of fire are arranged Over the course of the multi-day competition, Group, hasn’t shot in several years since his and they don’t have to be as good as they so they flow seamlessly. The organization both state and regional competitors were ex- time in the active Air Force with security forc- think they need to be. They would also be and participation also improves each year,” posed to a variety of combat shooting scenar- es. Pace re-classed to work with computers to surprised to know how helpful and gener- said Hersam, who also brought home mul- ios involving both rifle and pistol use. Some complement his full-time job doing computer ous with their experience and knowledge tiple awards including the Rifle Excellence in top events included the uphill, combat engi- networking with the Sacramento Municipal competitors can be.” Competition. neer, 1.2-mile Tyr run with gear, the 9-minute Utility District. match requiring challengers to run back and “Most units don’t get this kind of combat The state’s famous Team California won first forth covering 50 yards to obtain one bullet at “I didn’t know what to expect and I found it scenario shooting experience, ever.” said place again for the 3rd time in the MAC VII a time, and both rifle and pistol excellence-in- to be challenging with long days, but excit- Master Sgt. Dustin Shepherd, state marks- Regional match this year, with New Mexico competition. The most challenging and point ing and fun,” said Pace. “I would encourage manship noncommissioned officer in and Colorado taking second and third place intensive events occurred on the last day’s anyone that has a desire to be a better shot to charge of the competition and fulltime chief respectively. The regional match includes two five stage, multi gun courses that included come out.” instructor with the 223rd Regional Training teams from the region VII’s states and terri- grueling challenges with different type of tar- Institute. “Our vision as organizers is that tories. Other teams hosted included Arizona, gets, weapons and movements. Within the state match, there were two female competitors go back to their units and talk Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Different competitors. Second year participant, Spc. Jas- about their experiences, to not only generate from the state match, regional challengers are “From these sorts of combat oriented shooting mine Garcia, is a military police and fulltime interest for the next year, but for participants experienced and have bested others in their matches, we have found our Soldiers and Air- security guard for Google. She belongs to the to take what they learn here and expand it states to qualify for this level of competition. men develop into our best when we pressure 870th Military Police Company in Pittsburg. within their units.” test them on fitness, speed, accuracy, cogni- “We build teams from those that score to- tive skills like memory, and target discrimi- wards the top of the state match with 50 nation, combined with the added challenge percent old and 50 percent new shooters, of different weapon systems,” said Markert, but ultimately funding drives how many who is the State Marksmanship Training Co- people we send to the next level of compe- ordinator. tition,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Markert, State Marksmanship Coordinator and Team Cal- “Participants leave here and go back to their ifornia member. units and they are light years ahead of where they were and it has a positive effect on the Four high scoring competitors were se- unit,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jose Garcia, senior lected to join the regional team: Spc. Luis marksmanship noncommissioned officer in Garza-Loaiza, Spc. Kevin Ontai, Lt. Col. charge. “They become a better shooter. They Louis Milikan, and Lt. Col. Daniel Markert. can answer questions from an experienced
16 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept. 250th MI Battalion keeps it real at XCTC in Minnesota By MAJ. BRIAN O’BANNON teams (MFT), composed of HUMINT and 250th Military Intelligence Battalion SIGINT Soldiers. MFTs have been success- ful in the Global War on Terror due to their Soldiers want realistic, relevant and chal- ability to conduct site exploitation of com- lenging training and the Soldiers of the puters, cell phones, documents and various 250th Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion, media, as well as conduct tactical question- headquartered in Long Beach, California, ing. MFTs are the CSI teams of the battle- are no exception. This summer, the 250th field, but in the military model they don’t MI Battalion had the opportunity to train only collect forensic evidence, they inter- in its second eXportable Combat Training view people of interest, write reports, fight Capability (XCTC) in three years. etc. These are important skills that will be relevant in a future full-spectrum fight. XCTC is a National Guard brigade and below field training exercise designed to ABOVE: Soldiers from the Cal Guard’s 250th Military Inteligence Battalion practice their craft In the interrogation lane, HUMINT collec- certify platoon-level proficiency by First during an eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. tors with the assigned duty of interroga- Army. XCTC is a cost-efficient, time-effi- BELOW RIGHT: Capt. Gary Suen, commander Headquarters Company, 250th MI Battalion, ad- tions were assigned detainees to interro- cient option because rather than bringing dresses his troops at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, during XCTC. Photos by Spc. Tai Huynh gate, which required thorough planning the units to a specific training site, XCTC and coordinated interrogation approaches. is a mobile training platform that can be a battalion. The 250th needs to be able to integrate into exported to training sites closer to the a conventional force in a campaign. To do The 250th MI Battalion was able to train in training audience. The training experi- The 250th MI Battalion embraced the train- that we need to be able to use our tactical its SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines, but a enced in an XCTC rotation is similar to ing scenario’s austere conditions in the fic- communications systems, have the field significant component of this XCTC rota- what many units would find at the Na- tional country of Atropia and established craft to sustain the force in tough field con- tion, not found in other premiere reserve tional Training Center (NTC). The XCTC a tactical assembly area (AA). They slept ditions, conduct logistics and command training exercises, was the integration of training lanes are customized to meet the in tents and wore full combat equipment and control in a field environment, etc. At MI teams working with combat arms units, commander’s objectives and encompass in the AA, practiced light discipline, etc. this XCTC, the battalion demonstrated it such as the 1-34 Cavalry out of Lincoln, maneuver and support units. could operate as a tactical unit in the field. Nebraska. This integration was realized in Soldiers felt that it added to the overall Minnesota gave us rain, heat, bugs, bears the various training lanes and a culminat- 250th MI Battalion commander Lt. Col. realism of the scenario and training value and tough jungle-like terrain to test our ing training event that combined learning Timothy Fessier’s basic philosophy of and it helped earn the respect of maneu- discipline and skills against. The battalion objectives for both MI and Cavalry Soldiers “Everything we do is a training opportu- ver units that the 250th MI Battalion was came out of this exercise tested, tougher during full-spectrum operations. 250th MI nity” was fully employed before, during battlefield focused. Sgt. 1st Class Erick and more versatile.” Soldiers demonstrated how they could sup- and after this XCTC rotation. In getting Burgos-Lopez, C Company, 250th MI, port a tactical unit in full-spectrum opera- from home station to Camp Ripley, Min- expressed the perspective of many of the In support of the 67th Battlefield Surveil- tions by successfully employing their capa- nesota, leaders at all levels treated the Soldiers who participated in the training. lance Brigade, from Lincoln, Nebraska, the bility during missions, which significantly annual training event as an opportunity “Many of our Soldiers have deployed to 250th MI Battalion was able to successfully enhanced the maneuver units collection to successfully train on deploying and re- both Iraq and Afghanistan over the last conduct critical signals intelligence (SIGI- capabilities through the conduct of screen- deploying its Soldiers and equipment as decade and understand such conditions NIT) and human intelligence (HUMINT) ings of displaced persons (DPs), support to are very much a reality in a tactical envi- training that can significantly enhance a key leader engagements and signals intelli- ronment, so it’s important for Soldiers to brigade combat team’s intelligence col- gence support during zone, route and area replicate these conditions, even in train- lection capabilities. Such SIGINT training reconnaissance missions conducted by the ing.” included low level voice intercept (LLVI) 1-34 Cavalry Squadron. in which SIGINT Soldiers were able to “One of our training objectives was to determine the location and intent of “the “We cannot plan to fight in an asymmetri- train the battalion to operate tactically in enemy” and report this information to the cal threat environment against the various an austere full-spectrum environment,” scout platoons and troops they supported elements of that threat in sequence; we Fessier said. “For the last 10 years, we in real time. need to be able to fight those threats con- have deployed a constant stream of small current with each other, whether it is by teams to OIF/OEF. Our goal was to train The 250th MI Battalion was also able to lethal or non-lethal means, intelligence will the battalion for a new and different fight. successfully employ its multi-functional drive that effort,” Fessier said.
Los Alamitos JRIC named tops for 2014 By BRANDON HONIG “DIA said it would provide computers, said Capt. Jose A. Rivera Hernandez in though, is the ability to learn and California Military Department Public Affairs phones and networks to any [installa- a memo recommending the JRIC for the maintain skills during drill weekends. tion] offering a building and security per- DIA award. Rivera Hernandez is the of- “An infantry Soldier’s main weapon is sonnel … to enable real-time intelligence ficer in charge of the Marine Corps Re- One group of Cal Guard Soldiers that their rifle,” said California Army Guard operations on drill weekends,” said Maj. serve’s Detachment 4, Production & was preparing for Afghanistan, for Lt. Col. David M. Church, site manager Jeremy Folks, the JRIC operations officer, Analysis Company, Intelligence Support instance, was able to link up with the for the Joint Reserve Intelligence Cen- who is an Air Force Reservist. “The Cali- Battalion. unit it would replace overseas and re- ter, or JRIC, in Los Alamitos. “The main fornia National Guard and the National motely participate in a tactical over- weapon for a military intelligence Soldier Guard Bureau said, ‘We’ll host, because “We could not have accomplished our watch through the JRIC. is secure communications and networks. our Soldiers want to get into the fight.’” analysis and reporting missions without … And intelligence skills are short-lived [the staff’s] efforts to provide us with ac- “The group was able to initiate and when they are not regularly exercised.” Establishing the JRIC at Joint Forces cess and account support on a regular sustain connection to the enterprise, Training Base Los Alamitos has gotten basis,” he continued. “We are grateful allowing them to become familiar with Prior to 2006, reserve component service troops into the fight from every mili- for having fine service members like all and understand the cases they would members in the military intelligence (MI) tary branch and has proven useful for of [them] serving on our side.” be falling in on prior to stepping foot field had a hard time getting a hold of law enforcement agencies like the FBI on foreign soil,” Church said. that weapon in Southern California. It and Homeland Security Investigations The Cal Guard has spearheaded two in- was a problem units all over the coun- as well. JRIC personnel also have taken novative intelligence partnerships at the One of 27 JRICs in the nation, the Los try were experiencing: The reserve-com- trailblazing steps to increase the facility’s JRIC, Church said: one between the Cal Alamitos site currently serves 12 re- ponent MI community was dispersed value to combatant commands, which Guard’s 40th Infantry Division Intelli- serve component units, including the throughout the United States, and secure contributed to the DIA’s recognition of gence Section and the Marine Corps in California Army Guard’s 223rd and facilities with classified computer net- the Los Alamitos site as the 2014 JRIC of support of U.S. Africa Command, and 250th MI battalions and the 40th In- works were hard to come by. the Year in the “Small” category. one utilizing the Cal Guard’s varied in- fantry Division Intelligence Section. telligence assets in partnership with Joint On most weekends, the 9,500-square- The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) “[The Los Alamitos JRIC’s] support and Detachment Minneapolis to support U.S. foot facility is teeming with 60 to 100 was looking for locations to establish commitment has played a crucial role Pacific Command. reservists, and a 2,000-square-foot ex- those sites for part-time MI troops, and in the accomplishment of our reserve’s pansion is planned to accommodate in- the Cal Guard stepped up. intelligence missions and readiness,” The main benefit to Cal Guard soldiers, creasing demand.
17 Grizzly | 2015 | Aug.-Sept.
JFHQ-CA IG (916) 854-3580 40th Infantry Division IG (562) 280-9200 State Military Reserve IG (916) 854-3426
18 News & Benefits
First Lt. David McCready, pilot, Task Force Medevac, based in Mather Air Field, California, turns away from the rotor wash as a UH-60 Black Hawk touches down Aug. 17 at the Eel River Conserva- tion Camp in Redway, California. Three Black Hawks were standing by for Northern California wildfire missions. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza Vietnam War casualties honored 40th Combat Aviation Brigade deploys The California National Guard and the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) A deployment ceremony was held for the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade on Oct. 2 at Joint marked the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War during a ceremony on Sept. 4 Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, before the brigade departed for Fort Hood, Texas, at the California Vietnam Memorial at the Capitol Park. The ceremony honored the 5,657 where the brigade’s Soldiers will conduct two months of training before departing for a Californians who died in the Vietnam War, as well as recognized Prisoners of War (POW) ninth-month mission to Kuwait. Look for more on the 40th CAB’s deployment in the next and those Missing in Action (MIA) as part of POW/MIA Remembrance Day. issue of the Grizzly. “The Vietnam War is a strong reminder that military service begins and ends with sac- September was suicide prevention month rifice,” said. Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, Deputy Adjutant General for the Cal Guard. “Nearly 6,000 of California’s best young men and women answered the call to arms on What is Suicide Prevention Month? behalf of their nation and died serving in Vietnam. Their sacrifice deserves our constant effort to keep their memory alive.” Suicide Prevention Month is a campaign to reduce the occurrence of suicidal behavior in the Army National Guard (ARNG) through education and training. Through this cam- The Cal Guard contributed a military color guard, band quintet, and support personnel paign, Soldiers learned how to identify someone at risk for suicide, and the actions to to the ceremony. take to prevent suicide from occuring. These skills allow the ARNG to prevent suicide as a unified front. “Honoring all who served is a great privilege, and is a humbling reminder of the sacrifices that members of our Armed Forces have made and are making in the cause and defense of The R3SP (Resilience, Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention) team highly encourages units freedom here and around the world,” said Rev. Susan Plucker, president of the Sergeant and family members to conduct/attend ACE-SI (Ask, Care, Escort-Suicide Intervention) Major Jon R. Caviani AUSA chapter, based in Sacramento. training. During the course of the training, Soldiers can expect to learn how to:
* Get involved in the campaign and learn about how to prevent suicide among our fellow New officers minted at Camp San Luis Obispo Soldiers On Aug. 15, the 223rd Regiment Regional Training Institute at Camp San Luis Obispo hosted its annual Officer Candidate School Graduation Ceremony. Families and friends * Identify risky behaviors and warning signs of the graduates attended the ceremony that recognized the culmination of an 18-month challenging and demanding curriculum. * Understand how to identify someone who may have suicidal tendencies or ideations
The event occurred at Perlee Theater where 12 Guardsmen, who successfully completed * What you can do the 18-month traditional course, were joined by 10 accelerated course graduates from Fort Meade, South Dakota. The graduates pinned on “butter bars” and were commissioned as * Learn the actions you can take to assist someone in need and how to access support re- second lieutenants in the National Guard. sources
In addition, 11 members of the California State Military Reserves (CSMR) were commis- * Participate in training and work to destigmatize mental health issues across the ARNG. sioned, as well as five CSMR warrant officers. For more information, contact 1st Lt. Herbert Campos, Program Coordinator for the Command Sergeant Major (retired) William “Bud” McLeroy was the guest speaker at the California Army National Guard Suicide Prevention Program, at 916-854-3813, or graduation ceremony. [email protected].
19 Public Affairs Directorate, California National Guard . 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3561
California Army National Guardsmen from Task Force Brigade Support Battalion pass a commemorative sign at Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp, California, en route to the hills and mountains during the Butte Fire in Calaveras County, California, on Sept. 23. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza
The Grizzly Newsmagazine
Published by the Directorate of Communications, California National Guard Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army, www.facebook.com/CAguard the Department of the Air Force or the California Military Department. www.twitter.com/theCAguard The Grizzly is an official publication authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and Air Force Instruction 35-101. www.flickr.com/photos/CAguard www.youtube.com/CAnationalguard Submissions and feedback: [email protected] www.instagram.com/theCalGuard Address/subscription: CNG members must make changes through their unit. Retired members, email [email protected].
The Grizzly Newsmagazine 2015 www.calguard.ca.gov/pa