Kansas 35th ID fields Memorial medics train new tactical would serve with operations to inspire next PlainsPlainsArmenians . .5 GuardianGuardiancenter ...... 7 generation .12

Volume 53 No. 5 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol November 2010 Bunting will retire from adjutant general post in January By Sharon Watson of Kansans, I thank him for his service and Public Affairs Office wish him all the best in his retirement.” Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting will retire as As adjutant general, Bunting oversees Kansas adjutant general in January after the Kansas National Guard’s 5,500 Soldiers seven years in the position, all during and 2,200 Airmen, is the director of the wartime. The retirement takes effect at the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- end of Governor Mark Parkinson’s term. ment and director of Kansas Homeland Se- “I’m honored to have been called upon curity. For the past two years, Bunting also to serve in these challenging times in our served as the chair of the National Guard nation’s history,” Bunting said. “The Sol- Association of the United States, an organi- diers, Airmen and federal and state em- zation which advocates for the needs of the ployees are truly the finest people I have National Guard. ever served with. These have been the most “I’m considering some future opportuni- rewarding years of my career.” ties, and truly looking forward to spending Bunting was appointed in January 2004 more time with my family,” Bunting said. under then-Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “I could not have done this job without the He has served 32 years in the military, be- support of my family, especially my wife.” ginning his career in the Kansas National Bunting has faced many challenges as Guard in 1978. adjutant general, including the deployment “General Bunting has been a remarkable of more than 6,000 Soldiers and Airmen to adjutant general for Kansas and a dedicated Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, the servant to his country,” said Gov. Parkinson. Horn of Africa and Egypt, deployments “While facing two wars and an economic re- which sadly included the loss of 10 Kansas cession, General Bunting has been a deliber- Guardsmen in combat zones. Additionally, ative and decisive leader, devoted to the he faced the impact to the Air Guard result- Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, shared a light moment with the audi- safety and welfare of all Kansans. I have ing from the 2005 Base Realignment and ence during the retirement ceremony in Salina for Brig. Gen. Norman Steen. (Continued on Page 7) cherished his trusted counsel and, on behalf Bunting announced his own retirement Oct. 12, effective in January 2011. (Photo by Three confirmed by Senate Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) committee as brigadier general Guardsmen deploy to start The Kansas National Guard has three “I am extremely proud of the fine Soldiers bringing equipment out of Iraq new generals. who serve their fellow citizens so loyally On Oct. 14, the Kansas Senate Confirma- and selflessly in the armed forces,” said By Steve Larson how many of the Soldiers had deployed tion Oversight Committee approved three Parkinson. “I am certain that these three, Public Affairs Office with the unit the first time in 2005, then re- promotions for the Kansas National Guard highly regarded and experienced men will Approximately 300 Kansas National minded them of their return a year later to submitted by Governor Mark Parkinson. make a valuable impact in their new roles Guardsmen were honored during a deploy- the Manhattan armory. Col. Vic Braden, Col. Eric Peck and Col. with the Kansas National Guard.” ment ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 17 in Her- “It was Thanksgiving,” said Bunting, Lee Tafanelli were appointed to brigadier Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant gen- itage Hall of the Salina Bicentennial Center. “and we could not find a way on Thanks- generals by Parkinson and, with the ap- eral, recently appointed Tafanelli as assis- The Soldiers were from the 778th Trans- giving Day to feed (you) turkey. Nothing proval of the Senate committee, are await- tant adjutant general of the Kansas Army portation Company (Heavy Equipment was open.... So what we did do... is the per- ing confirmation by the full Senate during National Guard, Peck to director of the Transport), headquartered in Kansas City, son who owns all the Pizza Huts in Man- the next legislative session. Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina Kan., augmented by Soldiers from the 731st hattan made a couple of hundred pizzas.” and Braden as deputy commander of the Medium Truck Company and the 137th “I stood up in front of these great Sol- 35th Infantry Division in Leavenworth. Transportation Company (Palletized Loading diers of the 778th and said I gotta apolo- “The Kansas National Guard needs exem- System). All three units are part of the Kansas gize,” he continued. “We didn’t have any plary, visionary leaders as it takes on new National Guard’s 287th Sustainment Brigade. way to make you a turkey dinner, but we missions and responsibilities at state, na- The Guardsmen are deploying to Kuwait do have a couple of hundred Pizza Hut piz- PAID tional and international levels,” said Bunting. to transport military equipment and sup- zas and from folks who had been in the PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE plies out of Iraq as U.S. troops withdraw desert for a year you said ‘Way to go

PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT “These officers will do excellent work and make Kansas proud in their new roles.” from that nation. ‘cause I’d much rather have a Pizza Hut Tafanelli, Topeka, assumed the position Calling for a show of hands, Maj. Gen. pizza than turkey any day’.” of assistant adjutant general of the Kansas Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, asked (Continued on Page 11) Army National Guard on July 19, 2010. He is also the commander of the Land Compo- nent for the Joint Force Headquarters- Kansas and has served as a member of the Kansas National Guard for over 30 years. Most recently, Tafanelli served as com- mander of 69th Troop Command and the director of operations for the Kansas Na- tional Guard. He has earned a number of awards and decorations such as the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. In his civilian career, Tafanelli is a state representative for the 47th District in the Kansas Legislature. Peck, Manhattan, has served at all levels of command from detachment through battalion and has been assigned to the Department of the Army and National Guard Bureau staffs.

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka He formerly served as the Kansas Army Na- OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL

Adjutant General of Kansas tional Guard chief of staff before becoming Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT the chief of the Joint Staff in 2006. He com- NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL manded 1-6th Kansas Agribusiness Develop- Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson addresses members of the 778th Transportation ment Team deployed to Afghanistan from Company and their families and friends during a departure ceremony for the unit on DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 5) Oct. 17 in Salina. (Photo by Sgt. Charles Malloy, UPAR) Page 2 Plains Guardian • November 2010 Brig. Gen. Norman Steen retires after 32 years of military service Brig. Gen. Norman Steen, commander of son why that support is so important. It’s the Great Plains Joint Training Center, re- because the enemy’s real target is not our tired from military life Oct. 31. On Oct. 17, military – we just happen to be in their he handed over that command to Brig. Gen. way. Their real target is you and your sup- Eric Peck during a brief ceremony at the port of our country and our ideology. If the Kansas Regional Training Institute in enemy can remove your will to resist, they Salina. defeat you. If the enemy can earn your In saying farewell, Steen thanked his sympathy for their cause, they defeat you. family for their support and recapped the If the enemy can convince you that our de- changes that had occurred in the world’s fense of America and our Allies is unjust, military and political scene over the course they defeat you. That’s why, here at Great of his 32-year career. Plains, we’re working to stay in the Steen’s remarks are reprinted below. enemy’s way and out of liberty’s way. ** ** ** We’re doing that by jointly training Army Thank you for coming. I am honored that ground commanders to work with Air you’re here and sincerely appreciate your Force pilots so that together they can take presence. This is a great day in Kansas and out pin-point size enemy target, and mini- the Kansas National Guard, because it sig- mize both foreign civilian casualties and nals the endurance of what is good. our own military casualties. When I first considered military service That’s why we’re training Soldiers and while attending a small Minnesota country Airmen to fight and survive in more hostile high school in 1973, little did I realize what parts of the world, while being ambassa- good things lay ahead. In 1978, my lovely dors to that world. That’s why we’re jointly wife Cheryl and I were married and we began training our civilian first responders – our life together. I had infantry lieutenant’s emergency planners, fire fighters, ambu- bars on my shoulders and I soon had military Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting presents a reproduction Civil War Army Colt revolver to lance crews, and law enforcement– to work orders for West Germany in my pocket. Brig. Gen. Norman Steen on the occasion of his retirement from military service. together if and when that fight ever does The political world was a much different (Photo by Sharon Watson, Public Affairs Office) come home to our own backyard in the place then. We were still in the midst of a a strong military, supported with a national enemy who attacks our people directly on form of terrorist attacks. It’s never been Cold War with the Soviet Union, still had a will to use it, can defend a nation, our Allies the streets of our cities, in our places of more important to work together; that is concrete wall separating Berlin, still recov- and a way of life. We succeeded. business, in our airports, to destroy our ide- why the Great Plains Joint Training Center ering from the national pain of Vietnam and Today, in 2010, 32 years later, the threat ology and our way of life. exists. That’s why we do what we do. working to avert nuclear war. In 1978, U.S. is much different. We no longer face a So, as a U.S. military, we have adapted Over my career, I have been privileged to Armed Forces were actually over-matched powerful military enemy. We would win a to that fight. America is again at war. Back know many great Americans who I have by dominant Soviet Armed Forces. The war with enemy tanks and artillery, as we in 1978, the National Guard was held in re- trained for combat and supported the de- rules were simpler then. We knew our proved in the first Gulf War 20 years ago. serve in the event of World War III. Today, ployment of thousands of others I have enemy and they knew us. Yet we proved that But, instead, we face a radical, ideological your National Guard is engaged in this war never met. We will probably never see their every day on four continents. Just this names in a headline; they quietly do their Davoren receives command of morning, a few miles from here, we said duty for reasons that most Americans know farewell to nearly 300 young men and only in their hearts. Unfortunately, we have the 35th Infantry Division women of the Kansas Army National read some of their names not in headlines, Guard who are heading to the Middle East but in obituaries. Their sacrifice is real, so By Sgt. Heather Wright Battalion, 503rd Infantry at Fort Campbell, for a recovery and sustainment mission. that yours doesn’t have to be as great. 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs Ky. In July 1979, he was assigned to Troop Hometown America is at war, because While many things have changed over Leadership and representatives from the B, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry the National Guard is hometown America. my 32 year military career, two things–the Kansas and Missouri Army National Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and Here at the Great Plains Joint Training two most important things to me–have not Guard community gathered at Fort Leav- executive officer, 1st Aviation Battalion at Center, we are hometown Americans changed. enworth’s parade field Aug. 28 to witness Fort Riley, Kan. preparing to defend our way of life, so that First, through it all, my lovely wife, the 35th Infantry Division’s change of Since joining the Kansas Army National others in America can preserve our way of Cheryl, has been there supporting me each command ceremony. Guard, his assignments have included com- life. We are bringing the fight into the in- step of the way. We were married on a beau- Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson, the outgo- mander, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 137th surgents’ backyard, so that that fight does tiful day in June 1978 and I was commis- ing 35th ID commander, handed over divi- Infantry; intelligence officer, 69th Brigade; not end up in our backyard. sioned just a week later. Our first child, sion command to Maj. Gen. John E. operations officer, 2nd Battalion, 137th In- I cannot over-emphasize to you how im- Diana, was born 15 months after that while Davoren, who most recently served as assis- fantry; commander, 2nd Battalion, 137th In- portant your support of your military is. we were stationed in West Germany; our tant adjutant general –Army and commander fantry; commander, 69th Troop Command; But I think most people miss the real rea- (Continued on Page 3) of the Kansas Army National Guard. deputy commanding general, 35th Infantry “I am honored to be the next commander Division and assistant adjutant general of the of the 35th Infantry Division,” said Da- Kansas Army National Guard and com- voren. “The unit performed in an outstand- mander of the Kansas Army National Guard. Davoren selected for inclusion ing manner during the Kosovo deployment While serving as the assistant division and the leaders and Soldiers have contin- commander, Davoren lead the Multi-Na- in KU ROTC Hall of Fame ued to build on that success while accom- tional Task Force-East, KFOR 9 at Camp plishing all missions through the last two Bondsteel, Kosovo, from Nov. 2, 2007, to years. I know that we will do well with the July 10, 2008, during the division’s deploy- challenges ahead of us.” ment to Kosovo. After receiving his commission in 1976 His military awards include the Legion and completing the Infantry Officer Basic of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Meritori- Course and Ranger training, Davoren served ous Service Medal with two oak leaf clus- as a rifle platoon leader, Company A, 2nd (Continued on Page 11)

Brig. Gen. John E. Davoren, commander of the 35th Infantry Division, takes his turn at the podium during a ceremony inducting him into the University of Kansas ROTC Hall of Fame on Oct. 23. “I’m honored to be selected as an inductee for the KU ROTC Wall of Fame and am humbled to be included with the others members who have provided out- standing service to our nation throughout their lives,” said Davoren. Davoren was commissioned in 1976 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps Maj. Gen. John E. Davoren (left center) waits to receive the flag of command for the program at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Phillip 35th Infantry Division. (Photo by Sgt. Heather Wright, 35th ID Public Affairs) Witzke, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) November 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Slusher caps 42-year career 73rd CST passes evaluation By Maj. DeAnn Barr 17,500 gallon overturned petroleum tanker with Sudan assignment The 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons car leaking fluid. After assessing the sam- The retirement of Col. Mike Slusher His most recent assignment has been as of Mass Destruction) proved they are ready ple, the team prepared a recommendation this October brings to a conclusion an ad- the Senior U.S. Military Advisor in Sudan, to assist civilian authorities during a chemi- for a local incident commander and then venture that began in the fall of 1968. En- one of the five terrorist-sponsoring nations cal disaster during their External Evalua- prepared to assist the commander in the listing in the United States Marine Corps, with sanctions against them. Originally ar- tion and National Level Validation. The simulated disaster recovery. he served in Vietnam with 1st Force Re- riving in Africa in the fall of 2007, he went validation took place at the Crisis City rail- The CST mission is to support civil au- connaissance Company, one of the fore- to Darfur as the U.S. military representa- way venue, located at the Great Plains Joint thorities at a domestic chemical, biological, runners of today’s Marine Special tive to the Darfur Ceasefire Commission Training Center in Salina, Kan. radiological, nuclear, and high yield explo- Operations Command. (Continued on Page 5) Army North conducted the External sive incident site. They are trained to inden- Evaluation and National Level Validation tify such hazardous materials, assess the on Sept. 15, for the 73rd CST of the Kansas current and projected consequences, advise National Guard, Topeka. on response measures and assist emergency “I am proud of each individual of the responders to save lives, prevent human suf- 73rd Civil Support Team,” said 1st Sgt. fering and mitigate property damage. All the Willie Carter. “Our Soldiers and Airmen steps in this process were meticulously ex- assigned to the 73rd Civil Support Team amined by the Army North evaluation team. spend countless hours away from home, The 73rd CST accomplishes at least 12 separated from their families and loved major exercises per year. Every 18 months ones. The training they receive allows them the unit is required to pass an External to respond to an event which could possi- Evaluation conducted by Army North. bly involve a weapon of mass destruction.” There are 12 critical tasks that are evalu- With limited amounts of live chemical ated to confirm that a Civil Support Team agents, representatives from the 73rd CST is competent, proficient and meets the ex- assessed chemical agents at a simulated pected standards. The 73rd met all 12 crite- railway disaster, made more realistic by the ria in September.

Col. Mike Slusher’s last assignment in his 42-year military career was as the U.S. military representative to the Darfur Ceasefire Commission and military advisor to the commander of the African Union forces. (Photo provided) School safety, preparedness addressed at statewide conference More than 200 school administrators, During the two-day event, conference teachers, counselors and other education participants heard from a variety of speak- and public safety professionals from across ers on topics including school security, bul- the state were at the Wichita Airport Hilton lying, school violence, dropout prevention, Sept. 27 and 28 for the third annual Kansas student behavior, social emotional charac- Safe and Prepared Schools Conference. ter development, Internet and texting The conference was sponsored by the safety, dealing with loss, HIV/AIDS, Kansas State Department of Education, school plans, traffic safety, grant programs Kansas Attorney General’s Office, the Adju- and other issues related to school safety tant General’s Department and the Kansas and security. Staff Sgt. Chris Hawkins and Sgt. Patrick, 73rd CST, collect a chemical sample for Department of Health and Environment. Keynote speakers for the event were analysis while Army North evaluators look on. (Photo by Maj. DeAnn Barr) “It is our responsibility to work together Bunting and DeVone Boggan, neighbor- in Kansas to provide an environment where hood safety director for the city of Rich- Soldier becomes a Citizen-Soldier students and faculty feel safe and secure,” mond, Calif. Boggan is responsible for the said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adju- development, implementation, manage- By Sgt. Adam Cloyd tant general and director of the Kansas Di- ment and evaluation of city-wide and re- On Oct. 1, 2010, the Kansas National vision of Emergency Management and gional strategies to reduce gun violence. Guard and the nation welcomed its newest Kansas Homeland Security. “On any given Boggan has more than 20 years experience Citizen-Soldier in Kandahar, Afghanistan, weekday, about 20 percent of the Kansas in the mentoring and youth development when Spc. Enrique Martinez raised his population is in a school environment, ei- fields. right hand and pledged his allegiance to the ther as a student, teacher, administrator or The Kansas Center for Safe and Prepared country he defends. support staff.” Schools Center was created in 2009 to pro- Martinez is an infantryman assigned to the “This conference provided an opportu- vide a central office to coordinate school 2nd Squadron, 6th Kansas Cavalry, nity for education officials and public safety and preparedness activities. The cen- Agribusiness Development Team at Forward safety professionals to network with many ter was developed as a result of recommen- Operating Base Mehtar Lam. Martinez said leaders in Kansas and the nation whose pri- dations from the Governor’s Commission earning his citizenship has been a goal of his ority is school safety,” said Dr. Bob Hull, on Healthy and Prepared Schools. Informa- since coming to America where, shortly after director of the Kansas Center for Safe and tion about the center and its programs can arriving, he reconnected with his father in Prepared Schools. “They shared what be found on the Kansas Division of Emer- Wichita, Kan., and began to think about life works and doesn’t work in their districts gency Management Web site as a Soldier and a Guardsman. and learned about new resources that may http://kansastag.ks.gov/KDEM.asp?PageID “Being a Soldier was a dream and Kansas was my new home, so being a Sol- be helpful to them.” =191 New U.S. citizen Spc. Enrique Martinez dier in the Kansas Guard just fit,” he said. proudly displays his citizenship papers. In 2007, Martinez was able to make that Steen retires after 32 years of service Martinez became a U.S. citizen while dream a reality and joined the Kansas Army serving with the Kansas National Guard Continued from Page 2 over the years is God’s faithfulness to me in National Guard. Soon after his enlistment, he in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Adam second child, Joseph, while we were sta- the Person of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to went to work to earn his citizenship. Cloyd) tioned at Fort Benning, Ga.; and our third God that as I sought Him, He was always There is a long tradition of earning citi- child, Laura, while I was working for the there, always faithful, always a Servant zenship through military service dating citizen while serving in the military during Army at Fort Riley, Kan. So, you can see, Leader to me. I know He will continue to be back to the Athenians and the Romans. World War I. it’s been a family affair for the Steen family. there for me and my family and He will be Fortunately for Martinez, he didn’t have to Dittamo’s sentiment was echoed by Sgt. They’re all here today, traveling in from there for you, too, in the years ahead. serve 25 years to earn his citizenship as the 1st Class Bonifacio Purganan, Martinez’s three states to be here. The National Guard General Bunting, thank you for allowing Romans did. President George W. Bush platoon sergeant. has given me the ability to serve my country me to continue to serve and to command shortened the length of service requirement “Martinez is a proud U.S. Soldier who while running a full time commercial busi- the Great Plains Joint Training Center. It to one year in 2003 and the military even always strives to improve himself and help ness, and raising a stable family in great has been an honor to serve under you. assists with the costs of filing. With help other Soldiers in his unit,” said Purganan. communities where our children could grow General Peck, we have worked side by from his noncommissioned officer chain of “His ‘mission first’ and ‘help others before up to become great people in their own right side many times over the years and I know concern and his chain of command, Mar- himself’ attitude go a long way, not just in -- and they have. I’m very proud of each of Great Plains is in good hands. I wish you tinez said the process was a snap. his military career, but in his civilian career my children and of the people they have well, my friend. One of those in his corner was Col. as well.” married. Thank you, guys. I love you. Thank To all those I have served with over the Michael Dittamo, ADT commander. “I’m proud to be an American. I’m you, Cheryl, for your love and support. I years, thank you for your support. To- “Spc. Martinez is a great Soldier and is proud to serve, but,” said Martinez, dis- love you. We did it together. gether we have made a difference. Let’s now officially a great American,” said Dit- playing his “mission first” ethic, “I got to The second thing that has not changed stay in touch. tamo, whose own grandfather became a get back to work.” Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • November 2010 Reflecting on the past, preparing for the future By Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting and 11 homes. She’s my rock and a war- year, a number of Airmen from the 190th The Adjutant General rior, too. Air Refueling Wing will also deploy. My decision to retire as adjutant general It has been a priority of mine to ensure we As military members fight Our year has gone quickly and an impor- in January 2011 always have good leaders ready to carry on for our freedoms each and tant day is nearing: Veteran’s Day. As mili- wasn’t an easy the mission of the agency. I’ve promoted tary members fight for our freedoms each one to make be- five officers to general and 47 of 50 to every day, it’s important and every day, it’s important we take a mo- cause of the many colonel in the Kansas Army and Air Na- we take a moment to thank ment to thank a veteran for the sacrifices incredible people I tional Guard. It’s an honor to see these indi- a veteran for the sacrifices he or she has made. Plan to participate in work with every viduals rise to the challenge before them and an event to show your appreciation to all of day in this agency take on greater responsibilities. I know they he or she has made. those who have served and currently serve. and state. I’ve had will make the state of Kansas proud in their It’s also the time of year when we need the honor of serv- upcoming years of service. to get ready for the winter months in ing in this role for In October, it was especially gratifying eral of the Army Guard, taking over for Kansas. We had a successful preparedness seven years, all to see three of our leaders promoted to Maj. Gen. John Davoren, who took com- day event at the State Fair in Hutchinson during war, and Maj. Gen. brigadier general: Col. Vic Braden, Col. mand of the 35th Division. this year and continue to urge every with some of the Tod M. Bunting Eric Peck and Col. Lee Tafanelli. Congrat- While my fondest memories in this job Kansan to make it a priority to prepare most challenging ulations to each of these fine officers for are the days when our Guard members re- themselves and their families for the in- weather disasters the state has ever faced their hard work and superb careers. I wish turn home to their families, it’s also re- evitable. including the Greensburg tornado, major them much success in the years ahead. warding to see our troops do what they As Guard members and emergency man- flooding, ice and snow storms. In addition, Braden takes the role of deputy com- train to do, as is the case for the 778th agement/homeland security personnel, we there have been some very difficult fiscal mander at the 35th Division in Leaven- Transportation Company, soon on its way will do our best to respond to the needs of times requiring tough decisions. It’s been worth, Brig. Gen. Peck assumed command to Iraq. The approximately 300 Guardsmen the state, but individuals must be ready to an amazing opportunity for me to serve my of the Great Plains Joint Training Center will be transporting equipment out of Iraq respond to their own needs until responders state and country. My wonderful wife, Bar- from Brig. Gen. Norm Steen and Col. (P) to be returned to the United States. This arrive. Take a few minutes to purchase bara, has been by my side through 29 years Tafanelli is now the assistant adjutant gen- same unit was among those responsible for some items for your home and car emer- moving the equipment into Iraq when the gency kits so you are a step ahead in an ice war began. storm, snowstorm or other event. We currently have nearly 1,200 Guards- Congratulations are in order for one of men mobilized, including a large unit in our Guardsmen who prepared for a tremen- the Horn of Africa and more than 200 in dous challenge and succeeded. Capt. Aaron Afghanistan, including an Agribusiness “Ike” Isaacson, of Topeka, was among 10 Development Team and Army engineers. wounded warriors from across the nation to Additional missions to these countries are climb Mount Lobuche in Nepal as part of planned in 2011. the program called “Soldiers to the Sum- Our Air wings are full engaged in opera- mit.” For one who had already made it tions worldwide. We will be deploying through tough days on the battlefields of some of our civil engineers from the 184th Iraq and Afghanistan, this was a victory Intelligence Wing soon and, in the coming well-deserved. Great job, Ike! Soldier to Soldier We must lead the way to remove the stigma of seeking help By Sgt. Maj. Sheldon W. Chandler of trust with our subordinates; be aware Financial and marital issues are the top of the indicators of suicide and not be two issues that timid in asking the hard questions like cause people to “Are you thinking of suicide?” and foster choose suicide, an organizational climate that is free of according to men- criticism for those seeking assistance. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting addressed the news media fol- tal health experts. Behavioral Health Stigma lowing the Greensburg, Kan., tornado in 2007. The tornado was one of several Our Soliders are within Our Ranks major disasters that challenged Kansans during Bunting’s tenure as adjutant gen- no exception. The three greatest barriers Soldiers face eral. (Photo by Master Sgt. Angel Acosta) Combine these in seeking out mental health treatment are challenges with shame, fear of jeopardizing their careers other stresses, and trust in their leadership after their per- A little of this, a little of that whether deployed sonal issues are shared outside the chain of By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hector Vasquez mother and son who participated in the flag or not, and life command. It is imperative that leaders can seem too Sgt. Maj. Sheldon across the Army, at all levels, reinforce the I would like to welcome two new ceremony, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stacy Chandler Kansas warrant officers, Warrant Officer Burns and her son, Senior Airman Cody A. much to handle. idea that it is acceptable to seek assistance. One Matthew Pray and Warrant Officer Burns. Stacy is with the Joint Forces Head- It is the obligation of leaders across the To coach, teach and mentor a Soldier to One Jayme quarters and Cody is with the 190th Air Army to dedicate our collective efforts to ask for help should be no more different Rhoades. Refueling Wing. I thought this was an awe- remove the stigma associated with seek- than teaching Warrior Tasks. Mathew and some sight to see, this mother and son par- ing out behavioral health treatment. A Soldier’s mental health is as equally Jayme completed ticipating in such an event. Unfortunately, there is no magic an- important, if not more important than their their Warrant Of- I would like to encourage new and jun- swer to preventing suicide. However, as physical readiness. To remove the stigma ficer Candidate ior warrant officers to remember the les- leaders, we can mitigate the potential by of seeking assistance, we must first elimi- School at Fort sons you learned in your “enlisted life.” concerning ourselves with three primary nate the bravado associated with the nor- Rucker on Sept. Share what you’ve learned. Keep an eye things: develop a meaningful relationship (Continued on Page 6) 17, 2010. Con- out for future warrant officers to improve gratulations to upon our Warrant Officer Corp. Encourage both for a job Soldiers to strive for excellence because well done. Command Chief we “fight as we train.” Be honest when PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian The next War- Warrant Officer 4 counseling both strengths and weaknesses. The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content rant Officer Can- Hector Vasquez If you allow a Soldier to “skate” through of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- didate School because you don’t want to counsel the in- ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- class to begin at the Kansas Regional dividual, you are hurting your team, the olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will Training Institute in Salina is in February Guard, as well as the Soldier. payment be made for contributions. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions 2011. If you are interested in becoming a The Kansas Regional Training Institute may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). warrant officer, now is the time to start in Salina is hiring an Active Duty Opera- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 completing your determination packet. If tional Support position for Training, Ad- Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office anyone has questions on becoming a war- vising and Counseling Officer/Instructor, Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office rant officer please contact me or Chief as well as assisting the KSRTI opera- Gov. Mark Parkinson Director Warrant Officer 2 Jack Hancock. tional/accreditation support. The position Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting Assistant Director This past September, the Kansas City is for 365 days and the rank for the posi- Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 Chiefs played on Monday night football tion is Chief Warrant Officer 2 through Editor Sharon Watson against the San Diego Chargers. There Chief Warrant Officer 4. Anyone inter- Administrative Assistant were more than 100 servicemembers from ested in the position can contact me or Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] all branches of the Armed Forces holding Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Smith. Production Assistant the 60 yard American Flag during the Na- If you know of any warrant officer news Jane Welch tional Anthem, including several Kansas that you would like for me to place in the The Plains Guardian may be read online at National Guard members. There was a Plains Guardian, please send it to me. http://kansastag.ks.gov For change of address, contact Jane Welch. November 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Kansas medics train in EMEDS with Armenian military By Tech. Sgt. Leigh Bellinger Defense Media Activity-Ramstein “This type of asset can be The Armenian military deployed its only quickly deployed, and you rapid response medical package for the first can see patients right time during a recent medical field training exercise in Zarh, Armenia. away... it’s very important Joining them were medical professionals for the Armenian people, from the 3rd Air Force and the Kansas Air as well as the Armenian National Guard, who watched the Expedi- tionary Medical Support hospital go up and military, to have this simulated patients brought through for capability.” treatment by Armenian doctors and nurses. Lt. Col. Tim Stevens “What I’m looking for is their thought process on how they’re going to employ EMEDS,” said Lt. Col. James Baldock, a “So, yes, we’ve seen firsthand what kind 3rd Air Force deputy surgeon, “and of impact these facilities can make,” whether they can get it set up quickly and Stevens said. manage the entire medical system.” That’s an impact that will benefit not It’s a system that’s been a long time only Armenia, but also the United States. coming for the Armenian medical service. The U.S. military also uses EMEDS, so the They purchased the system in 2005 and exercise helped improve interoperability equipment started arriving one year later. between the two nations. After lots of hard work, they were finally “If they understand how to use that and ready to take it into the field last month. they’ve been practicing with it, the terminol- “It’s exciting to see them finally get to this ogy is the same, the equipment is the same,” A team of Armenian surgeons simulates a field surgery in an Expeditionary Medical point,” said Lt. Col. Tim Stevens, Kansas Air said Maj. Dan Zablotsky of 3rd Air Force In- Support System during a three-day exercise near Zarh, Armenia, Sept. 3, 2010. It National Guard. The Kansas National Guard ternational Health Division. “And they also was the first time the Armenian military had deployed EMEDS to the field. (Photo is partnered with Armenia in the National understand how the flow of patients from by Maj. Dan Zablotzky) Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. He point of injury to definitive care or higher was the bilateral affairs officer who helped echelon care is supposed to happen.” “get the ball rolling” nearly five years ago. However, officials said that’s only going New on-line registry designed He made the journey from Kansas to see the to happen after lots of practice. As a result, EMEDS in action. for three days the Armenian doctors, nurses to assist vulnerable population “This type of asset can be quickly de- and medical technicians not only had to put Assisting individuals with diverse vul- facilities. ployed, and you can see patients right away,” up the EMEDS, but they also started treat- nerable needs is a major challenge in disas- The “Individual Registry” is developed for Stevens said. “I think it’s very important for ing patients who were flown in on an Ar- ter planning and management. persons with vulnerable needs to provide in- the Armenian people, as well as the Armen- menian helicopter. This is why the Kansas Division of formation to emergency response agencies. ian military, to have this capability.” Once off the helicopter, the patients were Emergency Management has developed the The sole use of this information will be to as- Kansas Air Guard officials have demon- put in an ambulance and rushed to the Kansas Vulnerable Needs Planning Sys- sist emergency management to plan for pos- strated the importance of EMEDS. They’ve EMEDS. There they were triaged with the tem. The new resource was unveiled Sept. sible needs of these individuals in a disaster. deployed their system twice in real-world most serious cases brought in first. 13 during Kansas Preparedness Day at the Registration for this voluntary service will situations – for Hurricane Katrina and fol- EMEDS gives Armenia the capability to State Fair in Hutchinson. The planning tool also be available by calling 2-1-1. Register- lowing the tornado that nearly destroyed provide a wide range of medical services, is intended to assist emergency manage- ing doesn’t guarantee services and should not the town of Greensburg, Kan. including surgery, in the field. ment professionals and volunteers to better take the place of personal preparation. meet the needs of the vulnerable people in The “Volunteer Registry” is an effort ad- Three confirmed by Senate their community in times of disaster. It pro- ministered by Kansas Department of vides the basis for improved coordination Health and Environment titled the Kansas and emergency management planning in System for the Early Registration of Volun- committee as brigadier general helping people with vulnerable needs and teers. K-SERV is a state-wide, secure reg- Continued from Page 1 for the commanding general, 205th Afghan the facilities that serve them. istration system and database for October 2008 through March 2010 and has National Army Corps. He is the recipient of “Taking care of those who have special volunteers willing to respond to incidents. over 2,500 hours of flight time. the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious needs is a community effort,” said Maj. The aim is to have a list of pre-identified Peck has completed numerous military Service Medal, and the Senior Aviator Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general and volunteers who are available for ready de- education courses including the Command Badge for having served as a UH-60 Black director of Kansas Division of Emergency ployment in case of a disaster or incident. and General Staff College and the U.S. Hawk pilot. Beyond his military career, Management. “Our first responders can do The “Facility Registry” form is designed Army War College. He has earned several Braden is a prosecuting attorney for the a better job when there is a system of com- to register facilities serving people with military decorations such as the Bronze State of Kansas and has led the prosecution munity volunteers to assist them and facili- vulnerable needs while at the same time Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with of numerous high-profile murder cases. He ties with the ability to receive people who collecting resources they may offer in an four oak leaf clusters and the Army is also the current deputy Kansas attorney have special needs.” emergency. The information gathered will Achievement Medal. general and is responsible for the Criminal The system is an Internet-based database. help local emergency response agencies Braden, Lawrence, has over 30 years of Litigation Division. The Web site, www.helpmekansas.org, has plan for vulnerable needs citizens in the military service which has included com- In the interim between legislative ses- registries for individuals, volunteers and event of disaster. mands at the company, battalion and sions, appointments that are subject to Sen- brigade level and three combat tours in the ate confirmation must first be authorized Persian Gulf, Bosnia and Afghanistan. by the Senate Confirmation Oversight Slusher caps 42-year career Braden returned from Afghanistan in April Committee until the full Senate can con- Continued from Page 3 Military Advisory Group. Establishing a after having served as the senior advisor sider their nominations. and military advisor to the commander of program similar to conventional Security the African Union forces, Lt. Gen. Martin Assistance programs, he oversaw what Luther Agawi, later commander of the was a nonexistent program into one of the U.N. African Mission in Darfur. largest in Africa. In the process, he man- As the mission continued and trans- aged to fill two passports with travel formed, he operated out of Juba in South- stamps and make friends with many sen- ern Sudan as the Senior U.S. Military ior military and government officials in representative to the Sudanese Peoples Lib- East Africa. At the conclusion of his three eration Army and Government of Southern year assignment in Sudan, the longest Sudan. This was the group of citizens who tenure of any U.S. military personnel in had rebelled against the Omar Bashir gov- that country, General William Ward ernment in 1983 and fought the longest wrote: civil war in Africa, one with deaths exceed- “Colonel Mike Slusher is uniquely and ing two million persons. exceptionally talented to operate in diffi- While Sudan is technically still one na- cult and ill-defined conditions for ex- tion, United States Foreign Policy has fa- tended periods of time with ease and vored developing a “potential” relationship precision. In situations which require ex- with the semi-autonomous Government of treme autonomy, he has proven to be re- Southern Sudan. Slusher’s role during this sourceful and extremely mission focused. last two years has been to facilitate the de- His recent experiences in Sudan required fense transformation of the SPLA into a him to demonstrate tact, agility and diplo- conventional army that would provide se- matic finesse in dealing with senior mem- curity for the people and government of bers of friendly and hostile governments Southern Sudan should it become an inde- – and he was perfect.” pendent nation. For his service, Slusher has been The difficulty of getting U.S. Defense awarded the Defense Superior Service Col. Eric Peck (left), Col. Vic Braden and Col. Lee Tafanelli were all confirmed by personnel into Sudan required Slusher to Medal, the highest award to a Kansas Na- the Kansas Senate as brigadier generals in the Kansas Army National Guard on Oct. perform duties that would normally fall tional Guardsmen serving on Active Duty 14. (Photo by Randy Mettner) within the Defense Attache’s Office and a since the Vietnam War. Page 6 Plains Guardian • November 2010 995th Maintenance Company supports Joint Multinational Readiness Center By Sgt. Kevin Landers, UPAR Thirty Soldiers of the 995th Maintenance “Our active duty counter- Company, Kansas National Guard, pro- parts... quickly realized vided support at the Joint Multinational our capabilities and began Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, during their Overseas Deployment Training giving us their more diffi- period, Sept. 4 to 25, 2010. cult jobs...” The 995th Soldiers worked at the Con- Chief Warrant Officer 2 solidated Maintenance Activity, Recovery Andrew Laffery and Maintenance Site, and the 1st Battal- ion, 4th Infantry Maintenance Shop. The work performed included welding, metal and the 1-4 Infantry is the United States work, engine repair, wheeled vehicle re- Army Europe operations force unit. The pair, track vehicle repair, production con- 995th provided support for the entire mission. trol, supply operations, and maintenance The Joint Multinational Readiness Cen- operations. At the 1-4 Infantry Mainte- ter trains coalition forces preparing for de- nance Shop, the 995th Soldiers were fully ployments to the Middle East. With over integrated with active duty Soldiers to per- 95 percent of foreign allies in the Global form various maintenance operations. War on Terrorism coming from European “Our active duty counterparts... quickly Command, this provides the best opportu- realized our capabilities and began giving nity for U.S. Forces to train with their us their more difficult jobs and utilized our coalition partners prior to joining them in experience to train their mechanics. In the combat, an opportunity that the unit took end they tried to recruit our Soldiers be- very seriously, according to Capt. Mark C. cause of how well they performed!” said Mullinax, Wamego, 995th commander. Spc. Robert Jackson services an M998 humvee while on duty with the 995th Mainte- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Laffery, “This AT was one of the smoothest and nance Company. The company conducted their Overseas Deployment Training at Allied Trades Technician. most productive ODTs I’ve ever been in- the Joint Multinational Training Center in Hohenfels, Germany. (Photo by Sgt. The equipment repaired by the various volved with,” said Mullinax. “The 995th Kevin Landers, UPAR) shops is used for training and is vital to the Soldiers saw an immediate impact from mission of the Combat Maneuver Training their hard work and understood that they FMS 7 receives top ranking Center. The Recovery and Maintenance Site were part of the bigger picture in support shop provides support to the various units, of the warfighter.” from the National Guard Bureau By Sgt. 1st Class Quentin McBride move on to the National Guard Bureau 170th Maintenance Company Field Maintenance Shop 7, located in competition. From there the National Kansas City, Kan., has taken first place at Guard Bureau can send up to six entries practices IED reaction lanes the National Guard Bureau in the Army per category to round one in the Depart- By Sgt. Jason Lee, UPAR During the final phase of training, the Award for Maintenance Excellence compe- ment of the Army. These four levels of 170th Maintenance Company 170th used humvees with four man crews tition. Fourteen facilities from 54 states and competition are based on the written packet Soldiers from the 170th Maintenance to navigate through a simulated IED reac- territories competed in the Table of Distri- submitted by each organization. The De- Company participated in an Improvised tion lane. The Soldiers in charge of the lane bution and Allowances Small category with partment of the Army, round two is com- Explosive Device reaction class and lane set up hidden IEDs and rated how well the FMS 7 coming out on top. prised of the top four placements from training exercise at the armory in Colby Soldiers found the devices and what they This shop is one of 14 Army National round one. This group will receive a site Sept. 11-12. did when they discovered possible IEDs. Guard Maintenance facilities located visit from Department of the Army repre- The Soldiers went through a three-phase The Soldiers going through the training throughout the state of Kansas. It operates sentatives who will inspect and validate the training series that included a power point were tasked with finding as many IEDs as under the Directorate of Logistics and Sur- information contained in the packets. All instructional class given by Staff Sgt. Troy possible and giving descriptions of the sus- face Maintenance Management Office lo- scores will be added up and a winner and Rall and Sgt. Jason Lee. After the instruc- pected devices to higher headquarters over cated in Topeka, Kan. runner-up will be decided in each category. tional class, the Soldiers went through a the radio. Once they completed the call, The Army Award for Maintenance Excel- In the 2010 Army Award for Mainte- drill using a miniature mock build-up of they were instructed on what to do next. lence award winner displays an expertise and nance Excellence competition FMS 7 the area where they were going to en- “I think that this part of the training re- professionalism in performing their tasks. placed first in the state of Kansas, second counter IEDs. Sgt. John Quintal, Sgt. ally put it all together,” said Little, who Each competing unit is evaluated on its ef- in the Region V, and first in National Guard Steven Struber and Staff Sgt. Robert Grif- gave the instructions. “We had the Soldiers fectiveness in ensuring that Soldier compe- Bureau level competitions. The next level fiths built the miniature setup and taught do a couple of runs and constantly changed tency is maintained. Assessments of each for FMS 7 is the Department of the Army. the class how the convoy would be set up the course so they wouldn’t expect the unit in the categories of attitude and effective FMS 7 has an outstanding performance during the final phase of the training. same thing twice. We had a lot of fun set- leadership are rated with a benchmark based over the previous four years in the AAME The final phase of training was a simu- ting up the course and I think they got a lot on those of past winners. The tenets of ex- competition. In 2006 , FMS 7 placed sec- lated IED lane conducted by Sgt. 1st Class of good training.” ceptional maintenance processes that were ond in the state of Kansas and took first Rick Christie, Sgt. Warren Rogers, Sgt. The Soldiers were given an IED class on exhibited are validated and ranked. place in Kansas and second place in Re- Don Little, Sgt. Terrance Burgess and Sgt. Sunday to supplement the IED reaction All entries must be ranked as one of the gion V in 2007. In 2008, the shop took first 1st Class Stacy Beougher. classes they took during the drill weekend. top three in several different competitive place in the state of Kansas and Region V “This training is important. Every Sol- “This training is good for everyone,” levels prior to reaching the National Guard competitions. For 2009, FMS was awarded dier should know how to react when they said Capt. Todd Stuke, 170th commander. Bureau. Each competitor starts at their state first place for the state of Kansas and Re- encounter a suspected IED,” said Struber. “By having this training, we can give a re- level, where first and second place move gion V, placing second at the National “I was impressed with how everyone fresher course to those who have deployed on to regional competition. The top three Guard Bureau level, and competed in the joined in and participated during the and, for those who have not, this is good finishers from each of the seven Regions Department of the Army final four. training.” training for them to go through.” Removing the stigma of seeking help Continued from Page 4 than ever before in order to combat one of mal Army life. We’ve heard them all: the most catastrophic challenges of our ca- “Hooah, sergeant! I’m good,” “You know reers. We must come armed not with a me. I don’t sweat the small stuff” or my fa- basic load of ammunition, but the knowl- vorite saying “See the shrink? I’m not nuts.” edge and empathy necessary to support and It is crucial we not accept these kinds of re- lead our Soldiers in their time of need. sponses. Sit down and listen to our Soldiers Educating our formations on the impor- and know unequivocally when something is tance of behavioral health and removing out of place. the stigma can save a Soldiers life. Com- Our more senior leaders within the Army passionate leadership, support, and educa- are leading the charge through fundamental tion will result in our Soldiers seeking help policy changes and revising regulatory without the worries of shame, criticisms or guidance to reduce the stigma associated negative impacts on their career. The use of with getting help. However, the most criti- training vehicles such as Noncommis- cal change is that of culture. “Stigma can sioned Officer and Officer Professional De- render suicide prevention efforts ineffec- velopment Programs and Family Readiness tive unless elements are incorporated into Groups meetings not only trains our Sol- the program to counter these destructive at- diers, but also our Army families. titudes.” (AR 600-24, 2009). The Army is Leaders provided with the opportunity to committed to decreasing stigma associated attend any level of resilience training with seeking help, to improve access to should seek out the opportunity and pass care, and to incorporate suicide prevention on the knowledge to their seniors, peers, training into all training programs and subordinates. It is critical we learn and Sgt. Steven Struber shows members of the 170th Maintenance Company which (Schoomaker, 2010). grow together in order to maximize our ef- route they are going to take and what they are going to do once they get to the simu- Educating Soldiers and Families fectiveness within our ranks and overcome lated IED reaction lane. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee, UPAR) As leaders, our Army needs us now more this critical issue. November 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Integrated systems improve command, control and communication By Sgt. Heather Wright able by military vehicles and have been 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs tested to maintain temperatures in climates The 35th Infantry Division is one of the from -50 F to +131 F. latest Army National Guard Divisions to In earlier designs, the shelters had a sep- field 11 of the Army’s Standard Integrated arate interior and exterior portion that had Command Post System Trailer Mounted to be stitched together. The poles and Support System, in cooperation with beams were also separate and made for an Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Com- unwieldy and time-consuming set-up. mand Post Platform, to provide mobile tac- The new design has the interior and exte- tical operations centers that can be rapidly rior liners attached to the pop-up exoskele- deployed for command, control and com- ton. The large system includes an air bladder munications on the battlefield. and air pump that raises the shelter. This Kevin Stark, a trainer with Northrop makes the set-up much less time-consum- Grumman, and a crew of fellow trainers ing, easier to manage and helps avoid injury. traveled to Fort Leavenworth in late Sep- Previously, the generator, environmental tember to teach 35th ID Soldiers how to control unit and shelters were hauled on properly set up and use the new systems separate trailers. Maintaining and coordi- during the division’s annual training. Stark nating three separate pieces of equipment and his coworkers spend 150 to 200 days and trailers for one shelter gave rise to lo- on the road training active duty and Na- gistical issues. With the TMSS, the shelter, tional Guard and Reserve components how generator and environmental control unit to effectively deploy the systems. are stored together on one trailer. This Stark has been helping units across the makes accountability, mobility and set-up nation learn about the systems for the past more efficient. four years. The SICPS system has been A 35th Infantry Division Soldier watches the air pump as it fills the bladder of a Standardized communication is ad- fielded in approximately 80 percent of the large Trailer Mounted Support System. This innovation raises the 1,600 pound shel- dressed with the mobile Command Post Army’s units. Northrop Grumman should ter with minimum assistance and prevents injuries. The 35th ID recently received 19 Platform. The CPP is housed in a humvee. have the remaining 20 percent fielded to- of the units in support of the Army’s Standard Integrated Command Post System It includes eight radios, both classified and ward the end of 2011. during annual training in late September. (Photo by Sgt. Heather Wright, 35th ID sensitive, but unclassified local area net- According to Stark, early in the works and can connect with another CPP to Afghanistan and Iraq wars, the Army rec- shelter to avoid making the same errors. Set up within roughly 30 minutes, the provide necessary redundancy. Northrop ognized the need for a more efficient com- The medium and large versions of the medium SICPS TMSS provides more than Grumman’s training includes teaching the munication and command system. The U.S. Standard Integrated Command Post System 442 square feet of usable space and in- Information Technology teams in each unit Army, National Guard and Reserves were Trailer Mounted Support System combine cludes a 5-ton environmental control unit how to manage, troubleshoot and set up using different communication and com- shelter, utilities, power generator, environ- and can generate 18 kilowatts of power. each of the systems and integrate them mand post systems. Much like the confu- mental control and tactical mobility to form The environmental control unit includes with the unit’s computer systems. sion during Hurricane Katrina, the lack of a complete command operation center. both a heater and an air-conditioner. Northrop Grummon’s comprehensive effective communication and command “The SICPS fielding gives the 35th ID The large system takes about an hour to training, top of the line shelter and commu- posts led to unnecessary delays in assis- the capability to operate in any environ- set up and provides more than 1,120 square nication systems will allow the 35th ID tance and, in some cases, fatalities. The ment,” said Col. Russell Conrad, 35th In- feet of usable space, has a 12-ton environ- commanders and staff to digitally plan, pre- SICPS TMSS and CPP provide the neces- fantry Division operations officer and mental control unit and can generate 33 pare, and execute operations in seamless sary standardization of communication and assistant chief of staff. kilowatts of power. Both systems are tow- union with other units. Bunting will retire from adjutant general post in January Continued from Page 1 Closure and the state’s worst year ever for “I am sincere when I say storms in 2007, including the near-total de- what an incredible honor struction of Greensburg, Kan., from an EF- and blessing it is to have 5 tornado, as well as devastating flooding and destructive winter storms. In 2009, been the TAG for seven more challenges came with significant years.” budget cuts which resulted in the closure of 18 of 56 Kansas armories. Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting Bunting implemented several new initia- Kansas adjutant general tives for Kansas, including the development of the Great Plains Joint Training Center and Crisis City in Salina, and the Kansas Safe college that changed his mind about mili- and Prepared Schools Program. The Great tary service and the direction of his ca- Plains Joint Training Center provides new reer. He joined the Air Guard and soon training capabilities for the state, including began moving up the ranks as a full-time allowing Guardsmen to do pre-mobilization Guardsman. training locally rather than traveling out of Bunting’s family kept him grounded as state. Crisis City is a one-of-a-kind training he moved up. He said the best advice he re- site for civilian and military emergency re- ceived upon accepting the position of adju- sponders to prepare and train together for tant general came from his oldest brother, large-scale disasters or terrorist threats. The who reminded him not to let the job be Safe and Prepared Schools Program assists about him. schools across the state with development of “Understand you’re just a person in a emergency plans. place and time,” Bunting said his brother Additional initiatives Bunting spear- told him. “I don’t have 8,000 troops in the Whenever possible, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, visited deployed headed include the opening of the Re- Kansas Army and Air National Guard. 8,000 Kansas Guardsmen, such as these Soldiers serving in Kosovo. (Photo by Spc. siliency Center, the Eisenhower Center for troops have me. You can be a troop without Joshua Dodds) Homeland Security Studies and the Kansas having an adjutant general, but you can’t be and hard work are bringing the town back After leaving the position in January, Intelligence Fusion Center. The Resiliency an adjutant general without having troops.” after the devastating tornado of 2007. Bunting says he’ll take time to relax and Center trains Guardsmen to prepare for the It was that philosophy that guided him He admits being adjutant general de- spend even more time with his family. He mental challenges of being a Citizen-Sol- through the past seven years. Whenever manded more of his time than he first esti- calls himself an avid outdoorsman, into dier. The Eisenhower Center provides times got tough, he made sure to get out of mated, especially given the tempo of the past “Harleys, horses, hunting and helping others.” multi-discipline education to Kansans in- his office and visit the troops and emer- seven years with an ongoing war, many As for his next work project, “it’s pretty volved with homeland security, emergency gency management/homeland security staff weather disasters and the need to expand the much an open horizon,” he said. “I’ve management and public safety. The Fusion so he could be reminded of the importance homeland security department given the po- never done anything as an adult other than Center is a state-based team of analysts fo- of the job that needed to be done. tential threats against the state and nation. serve in the uniform.” cused on helping homeland security profes- Bunting believes he’s left a good team in An avid reader, Bunting cites Steven Bunting’s time in the military, especially sionals make the best decisions for Kansas. place to carry on the work of the depart- Covey’s books as the guide he used to get these past seven years when he lost 10 Sol- Bunting’s rise to adjutant general was ment and he’s helped to cultivate relation- his schedule on track and keep from being diers in combat zones, makes him value not a career goal for him. In fact, he didn’t ships in the state well beyond the adjutant “urgent addicted.” This, he acknowledges, every day and urge others to do the same. intend to join the military, despite coming general’s department. isn’t easy in the military and emergency “Live your life to the fullest,” he says, from a military family. His dad, at the age “The state is safer because we have peo- management field, which attracts Type A because men and women have given their of 17, got permission to join the Army in ple who talk to each other and have a rela- personalities motivated by the anticipation life to ensure others can do just that.” the heart of the Great Depression, and later tionship now,” he said. of the next event. “I am sincere when I say what an incred- rose to the rank of brigadier general. Bunting’s fondest memories of the job “What’s really important is not what’s ible honor and blessing it is to have been Bunting also has an older and younger are attending the return ceremonies when often urgent,” he says, noting many people the TAG for seven years,” he said. “I’ll go brother who served. troops are reunited with loved ones. And spend their day working on the urgent and through the rest of my life knowing that It was a janitor’s job at the 190th Air his favorite place in Kansas to visit is never planning strategically or making time much more of my share of blessings and Refueling Wing in Topeka while finishing Greensburg, a town where hope, resilience for the important, especially family. goodness have been given to me.” Page 8 Plains Guardian • November 2010 Helicopter crews take to the skies for live-fire practice By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR “I had a blast doing aerial gunnery,” said On the weekend of Sept. 10 to 12, the 1st Spc. Darren Love. “As far as the firing Battalion, 108th Aviation conducted live- went, it was difficult trying to load the fire aerial gunnery at the Smoky Hill weapon under pressure while in a moving Range near Salina. Each gunner flew sev- aircraft, especially under NVG (night vi- eral runs on the range. This included runs sion goggles). I also had quite a few while wearing protective masks and after weapon jams once we started night firing.” dark, night vision devices. Targets were en- “Just going through that experience gaged from a hover and airspeeds of up to taught me a lot and gave me confidence in 100 miles per hour. working with the weapon,” he continued. Sgt. 1st Class Derron Lindsey, battalion “It was also good to be able to practice the standardization instructor, explained the different techniques I had been shown to difficulties of firing from a moving aircraft. see which ones worked better for me.” “The crew chief has to understand ballis- “Aerial gunnery was a great experience, tics, aerodynamics and target identification especially for a 19-year-old crew chief,” and distance estimation,” he said. “Where a agreed Pfc. Gregg Smith. “Engaging tar- ground-based gunner has a stable platform, gets in a UH-60 at over 100 knots was an an aerial gunner has to adjust for wind exhilarating experience.” speed, movement and air flow over the air- “Having practice of being under the frame. You often hear them reminding added stress of handling the weapon while themselves or in other conversations, aim inside the aircraft is something we all high on the right; low in the left.” need,” said Pfc. Lee Purdham. “The prac- The M240H machine gun is the aircraft tice allows us to be more comfortable version of the ground mounted M240B. On under normal conditions. It gave me a the H model, the pistol grip of the B model whole new appreciation of the job and re- 7.62 mm rounds erupt from the business end of an M240H medium machine gun is replaced with a butterfly trigger and sponsibilities entrusted to me while sitting mounted on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, hand grips similar to an M2 .50 caliber ma- in that seat.” Kansas National Guard, during live-fire practice at Smoky Hill Range near Salina. chine gun. Purdham’s father, 1st Sgt. Paul Purdham, (Photo by Sgt. Michael Mathewson, UPAR) “The M240Hs are intended to be defen- a member of the Kansas Army National to ensure that we train to standard. On oc- Troop Command’s command sergeant major, sive rather than offensive weapons,” said Guard, is deployed to Africa. casion, the Soldiers make mistakes and we flew on one of the gunnery flights. Whitley Staff Sgt. Tom Baker, one of the evaluators Newly promoted Sgt. 1st Class Justin have to correct them on the spot. Loading, stated that he was very impressed with the for the gunnery. Kaub said, “As a flight instructor, we have clearing and correcting malfunctions are range itself and the professionalism of every- often simple tasks that we forget. Gunnery one on the range. The pilots, crew allows us to also train and correct commu- chiefs/gunners, ammo handlers, medics, fuel nication errors.” handlers, the controllers in the tower and “Each crewmember is given over 8 hours everyone else that made everything happen. of instruction just on the M240H, aircraft Lt. Col. David Leger, battalion com- emergency procedures and the duties of a mander, said the battalion was fortunate to door gunner,” said Lindsey. “They are also have access to such a fine range on which required to pass a 50 question exam and be to conduct gunnery. Leger also expressed evaluated during each table of fire through- his pride on the way that every member of out the year.” the battalion worked to make the range so Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Whitley, 69th safe and successful. Adjutant General’s Department plans for challenging years ahead By Sharon Watson Field Maintenance Shop. A ground break- Public Affairs Office ing will be held Nov. 16. with the City of Looking ahead to what the future could Wichita and Sedgwick County who are have in store is the key to the success of a partnering to build a law enforcement great organization. At the annual Adjutant training center at the site. The Kansas General’s two day strategic planning work- Highway Patrol is also seeking funds for a Puffs of dirt mark the line of bullets that strafe the target area at Smoky Hill shop, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant new headquarters building on the site. Weapons Range. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Mathewson, UPAR) general, discussed his goals and collabo- In line with this same theme, Bunting rated with senior leaders to refine the de- stressed to his senior leaders the need for partment’s plans for the next five years. the Kansas National Guard to become a Competition was hot in Chili Cookoff During his presentation, Bunting noted the more joint force with Army, Air and civil- budget will continue to force state leaders to ian assets working more closely together. look at innovative ways to get the job done. “You are joint if your joint partner fails “We are still going to need to train,” he or leaves, and then you fail. If they fail and said. “The money to send you somewhere it didn’t affect your operation much, then to training is going to be severely con- you were co-located,” said Bunting. strained which means the pressure is going Recently, the Kansas Guard had its first to be to train at home. This is why we are truly joint overseas deployment with the trying to spend as much time and effort Agribusiness Development Teams going to now building the capacity to train entirely Afghanistan with both Army and Air at home. That is the strategic goal of this Guardsmen. With these ideas and others department. No National Guardsman, no discussed at the Strategic Planning work- public safety official, which includes shop, Bunting believes that the Adjutant homeland security and emergency manage- General’s Department can be more effi- ment, would need to leave Kansas to re- cient in shaping its future. ceive training to stay current in their job.” Bunting said, “We don’t sit back and let The Great Plains Joint Training Center missions come to us.” In fact, the ADT and regional hubs (which have not yet been missions were sought out to ensure the funded), were designed to ensure everyone Kansas Guard participated in enduring mis- in Kansas is no more than two hours away sions and could continue to send troops to from a training center so they could have areas where the conditions and progress the training they need. were known to Kansas. Another issue impacted by the state “We chose to do five ADTs, we chose to budget crisis is facilities. Last year, 18 ar- go to Africa and we chose to go and take mories across the state of Kansas were back-to-back missions,” said Bunting. 2nd Lt. Chad Blow and Dusty Nichols dip up a sample of their “WMD (Weapon closed due to funding shortfalls. “The fu- “Every mission that has come to us in the of Maximum Deliciousness) Chili” for Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose, director of the ture for facilities for us in a constrained en- last seven years, we have handled. When Joint Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters, Kansas National Guard. Rose was one vironment will be with roommates,” you look back on what this entire depart- of four judges for the competition held Oct. 21 in Nickell Armory. Topeka, to Bunting said. “We have thought that out. ment (has done in these seven years), it is benefit the Combined Federal Campaign. Blow and Nichols were one of 11 We will no longer live by ourselves.” absolutely unprecedented what has been teams from the Adjutant General’s Department entered in the competition. In An example of this plan was put in place asked of us.” the end, first place went to Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale’s “Ring of Fire” chili. Sec- a few years ago in the design for the Heart- Bunting directed leadership in the work- ond place was Master Sgt. Paul Swanson’s “Normal” chili and third place went land Preparedness Center in Wichita. The shop to lean forward, be bold and find so- to “C.O.G” from Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Lamb. (Photo by Senior Airman Matt 45-acre complex will include the Army Na- lutions rather than wait for other Lucht, Public Affairs Office) tional Guard Readiness Center with more departments or the federal government to than 330 Army Guard personnel and a do so. November 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Goal is 10,000 miles for charity Kansas Internal Review auditor By Spc. Jonathan Moyer What started as a simple hobby has selected as Auditor of the Year turned into a monumental volunteer effort Jim Bridges, auditor with the U.S. Prop- National Guard Bureau during 2010. for charity. erty and Fiscal Office in Kansas, was se- “Jim Bridges’ auditing experience, pro- Spc. Donald Lobmeyer, Kansas Army lected as the fessionalism and rapport with leadership in National Guard, started riding his bike at a National Guard Bu- the Kansas National Guard was a major young age when he would ride 10 miles to reau Auditor of the factor in the continuing success of the play baseball. At age 15, he bought a new Year while attend- Kansas IR Division,” said Col. Terry Fritz, bike for $300 and his first long trip was ing the National directer of the U.S. Property and Fiscal Of- that September, when he rode approxi- Guard Bureau In- fice. “As a past member of the Army Na- mately 60 miles from Wichita to Hutchin- ternal Review tional Guard with more than 28 years of son to go to the Kansas State Fair. Training Confer- service and a member of Internal Review In 2003, Lobmeyer bought a recumbent ence in San Diego, in excess of 10 years, he is well-respected trike with accessories from Australia for Calif., in July. and well-acquainted with all levels of man- $5,000. He’s ridden it at five different 100- Bridges was se- agement in the Kansas National Guard. His mile rides, including the “Hotter ‘N Hell lected from entries Jim Bridges audit reports continue to be accurate, pre- Hundred” in Wichita Falls, Texas, and the from each of the sented in a convincing manner and con- MS150 Multiple Sclerosis Ride, a two-day, states and territories in the United States. structive in tone.” 150 miles ride. During that event, he pulled Bridges selection was based on his con- During the conference, the Kansas Inter- a six-foot inflatable rhino with signs on it tribution to the Kansas Internal Review of- nal Review Division also received the cov- to raise funds and awareness for multiple fice, the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office eted “NGB 4 Star Award” for exceptional sclerosis. for Kansas, the Kansas Army and Air Na- support provided throughout the year to the In 2004, he rode across Kansas for the tional Guard and support provided to the many states and the National Guard Bureau. Make-A-Wish Foundation. While deployed Even though he is deployed with the in Iraq from 2005-2006 with the 2nd Bat- Kansas National Guard to Djibouti with School groups forming for talion, 137th Infantry Regiment, Lobmeyer the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, rode more than 4,000 miles, including the 137th Infantry, Spc. Donald Lobmeyer children of military families “Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred” in 117 degree plans to continue riding his bicycle for weather, the MS150 and a Montel Williams charity, reaching for a goal of 10,000 Kansas National Guard Child and Youth hour, depending on the schedule that works Multiple Sclerosis Foundation event in miles. (Photo by Spc. Jonathan Moyer) Programs is looking to team up with local best for the school and teachers. Some which he managed to raise almost $2,000 schools throughout the state to implement schools split their younger and older kids, for MS research. including the “Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred,” military children support groups. and others decide to hold their meetings di- Although currently deployed to Djibouti MS150, Heartspring Pedal Fest, Montel The meetings focus on developing citizen- rectly after school. The groups are flexible, with the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, Williams MS, the Djibouti Orphange and ship, stress management and teamwork skills and can be adapted to fit any schedule. 137th Infantry Regiment, Lobmeyer plans any others he may discover while trying to through the use of curriculum and activities. Along with the military children support to participate in various rides for charities, reach his goal of 10,000 miles. The support groups create opportunities for groups, this is a great opportunity for the meeting new “military” friends throughout schools and the State Youth Coordinators TAG APFT competition draws the school and help teachers identify who to collaborate and help educate the teachers among their class is part of a military family. and staff about working with military chil- military, civilian, teen competitors Any student who has a military family dren. Presentations from the Child and member in any branch of service may attend. Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life By Staff Sgt. Veronica K. Almazan- demonstrations of the push-ups and sit-ups. Typically, students meet once a month dur- Consultants can also be arranged for teach- Chapman, UPAR, 235th Regiment The military team competition was close ing the school day. Volunteers lead the meet- ers, parents and staff. The Modular Training Battalion of the again this year with only 25 points separat- ings, along with the school counselor, but the If you know of a school where a military 235th Regiment hosted the 14th annual Ad- ing the first and second place teams. The State Youth Coordinators are in attendance child support group would be beneficial, jutant General’s Army Physical Fitness Com- first place 35th Infantry Division team con- for guidance and support, as well. contact Amanda Herlinger or Darcy Seitz, petition and National Guard Fitness sisted of Lt. Col. Dave Johnson, Lt. Col. The meetings can be 30 minutes to an State Youth Coordinators, at 785-274-1967. Challenge. The event kicked off on Saturday, Jon Shafer, Lt. Col. Rob Thompson and Sept. 18, 2010, in Salina, Kan. More than Maj. Michelle Hannah. Their combined 240 military and civilian competitors took score was 1,175 out of a possible 1,200 190th doing its part to save energy part, the most the competition ever hosted. points. By Tech. Sgt. Angela Brees This year, the event was opened up to a The second place team had a combined 190th ARW Public Affairs By cranking up the air wider range of competitors. High school score of 1,150 and came from the Head- Executive Order 13423: Reduce energy conditioning just three teams from Wichita South and 204 students quarters, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Ar- intensity 30 percent by 2015. from St. John’s Military Academy, Salina, tillery. Team members were Maj. Kyle Who carries out that order for Forbes degrees, CE was able to Kan., competed along with civilians and Chansler, Maj. Michael McCoy, Sgt. Hec- Field? The 190th Civil Engineering save the wing $21,000 in Soldiers of all age groups. tor Medina and Spc. Dustin Hicks. Squadron. Participants were scored according to the The third place team from the Regional Of course, the executive order talks April – that’s a 38 per- Army Physical Fitness Test age classifica- Training Site Maintenance included Chief about a lot more than just energy usage. It cent reduction from the tions and standards. The participants were Warrant Officer 2 Brent Campbell, Master outlines targets for greenhouse gas reduc- same time last year. briefed on the three events: push-ups, sit-ups Sgt. John Duerr, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Rus- tions, water consumption and renewable and the 2-mile run. They were also given sell and Sgt. 1st Class Nick Eller. Their power sources. And, the CE Squadron is combined score was 1,099. building toward that future for Forbes power usage of environmental controls. The Top Overall Score-Civilian award Field. • A literally “green” parking lot. No as- was earned by Debbie Sellers with a per- “We not only want to meet the executive phalt or concrete, but open-celled fect score of 300; the Top Overall Score- order goal, but surpass it,” said Lt. Col. blocks filled with grass seed. Military was earned by Col. Eric Peck with Mark Green, CE commander. “We want • A partially moss-covered roof applica- another perfect score of 300. Forbes to be the example for other bases.” tion, which will reduce rainwater The civilian competitor medalists were: One project involved changing the runoff and provide a cooling effect. • Ages 17-21: Zachary Obad-Mathis – temperature in the offices. By cranking • Buildings to incorporate solar power 274; Ian Brands – 259; Anthony Bena- up the air conditioning just three degrees, panels. That feature may be sooner vides – 258 (All were from St. John’s CE was able to save the wing $21,000 in than later for the mobility barn addition Military Academy in Salina, Kan.) April – that’s a 38 percent reduction from and is the reason for its slanted roof. • Ages 47-51: Robert Perez – 282 the same time last year. The U.S. Green Building Council’s • Ages 52-56: Bob Frenzl – 295; Carol “We know the temperature has been Leadership in Energy and Environmental Graytok – 121 higher than what people are accustomed Design ranking system is another way the • Ages 57-31: Debbie Sellers – 300 to, so we really appreciate the support wing will be scored. The ranking systems The military individual competitor everyone has shown,” said Chief Master from low to high are: Certified, Silver, medalists were: Sgt. Danny Roush, civil engineer man- Gold and Platinum. For any new Guard • Ages 17-21: Spc. Casy Pennock – 212 ager. “We couldn’t do this without their buildings built or for remodels totaling • Ages 22-26: Spc. Allan Earles – 253; Sgt. support.” more than $2 million after 2012, it must Steven McBryde – 245; Spc. Jeremy Many more changes are on the horizon. meet LEED Silver. Green and his team Leach – 236 As buildings are remodeled or con- are hoping the operations building re- • Ages 27-31: Spc. Robert Cannon – 186 structed, the plans will include new en- model will achieve LEED Gold. • Ages 32-36: Sgt. Mathew Segroves ergy-saving technologies and incorporate 190th wing members have a critical • Ages 37-41: Sgt. Donald Dickey – 226; environmentally sustainable design fea- role to play to help CE reach its long- Staff Sgt. Jamie Vilfer – 185 tures wherever possible. term goal, Green said. • Ages 42-46: Staff Sgt. David Klies – 230 Some of the ideas being planned: “Wing members can do their part, too, • Ages 52-56: Col. Eric Peck – 300 • Reduce artificial light usage with more by ensuring light switches are turned off The event was sponsored by the Enlisted access to day-lighting. on exiting rooms, report leaky faucets Association of the Kansas National Guard, • Use ground source heat pumps to warm and fixtures to reduce water loss, and Col. Eric Peck was the overall winner in University of Phoenix, Grantham Univer- buildings in the winter. minimize personal energy using items his age group, finishing with a perfect sity, 99KG Radio, Western Associates, the • Redesign fresh air exchanges to protect such as individual fans, refrigerators and 300 score. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Veronica Salina Journal, the Salina Airport Authority against carbon dioxide while reducing coffee pots,” he said. K. Almazan-Chapman) and the Joint Forces Public Affairs Office. Page 10 Plains Guardian • November 2010 Spc. Robert Odonnell Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brian Johnson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Russell Reiff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Johnson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Awards and Decorations Spc. Jamie Richardson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Jones, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Ryan Rose, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Douglas Kalmar, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Sgt. 1st Class Scot Foster, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jon Rubendall, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Kater, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Scarlett Ivey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Neil Strecker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Joe Kirkpatrick Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Distinguished Service Medal Sgt. 1st Class Travis McClain, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Kimberly Swain, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Paul Koci, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class David Owens, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Lorne Williams, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Andrew Kopaczewski, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Keith Peine, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jaime Wright, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Calvin Kopp III, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Gen. M. Wayne Pierson, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. 1st Class Debra Pierce, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Kottman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Prine, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Army Achievement Medal Spc. Joshua Kraisinger, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Defense Superior Service Medal Sgt. 1st Class Gary Stillings, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Andrew Krummrey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Brent Wallace, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Michael Lee, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Jared Allen, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Gabriel Brockman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Joshua Leistra, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Randy Atlakson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Jessica Walker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Gary Lindeen, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Christopher Baker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. James Ledin, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Joshua Main, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Legion of Merit Staff Sgt. Gregory Barnes, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Jared Nickell, Counterdrug Task Force, Topeka Spc. Andrew Mathews, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Scott Bauman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Duane Forbes, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Scott Matthews, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Marc Beswick, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Gary Galbraith, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Rickey McKenzie, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Peterson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Douglas Boland, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Lecuyer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Orin McMahan, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Harris Buffington, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Edward Sullivan, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Michael McMillan, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Bronze Star Staff Sgt. Ralph Caples, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Winder, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. John Meyer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Shaun Carter, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Alan Bansemer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Chad Mickel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cathey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Dorothy Beatty, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Jon Middendorf, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Charles Cunningham, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Earl Chism, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Michael Miller, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. David Curry, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Gregory Copple, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Chance Mitchell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Meritorious Service Medal Staff Sgt. Shawn Dillon, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Christopher Dame, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Cleofas Moreno, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Johnjo Garcia, Counterdrug Task Force, Topeka Staff Sgt. Robert Flood, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Derrick Morris, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Raymond Gonzales, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Michael Glynn, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Christopher Ortega, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka with 3rd oak leaf Staff Sgt. William Guthrie, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. William Holle, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Tyler Parker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha cluster Staff Sgt. Apache Jaynesahkluah, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Kansas Staff Sgt. Kevin Lemieux, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Luke Pechanec, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Bruce Woolpert, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha City Staff Sgt. John Longfellow, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. David Percival Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Lt. Col. Lee Keffer, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Jared Maginness, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Myles Pierpont, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Lt. Col. John Rueger, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Christopher Kincaid, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Darren Meyers, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Benjamin Pitts, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Aaron Francis, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Justin Lawson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Dennis Pritchett, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. James Powell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Andrew Parker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Bruce Maschmeier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Jose Romero, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Richard Price, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Mark Wisner, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Staff Sgt. Michael Maschmeier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Michael Simpson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. John Primeaux, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. David Youngdoff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. James Merriman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Tech. Sgt. John Fagan, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Garrett Reed, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Gleb Gluhovsky, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Metz, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Coy Anderson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Russell Richards, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Larry Leupold, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Jacob Millias, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Andrews, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Kyle Riedel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Daniel Mehlhaff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Andrew Mitchell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Denny Browning, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Mario Rivas, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Philip Morris, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Kevin Newell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Travis Bussen, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Preston Robertson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Murl Riedel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Ivan Nordquist, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. William Cejka Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Robinson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Steven Schneider, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Joshua Peltier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Nathaniel Chilson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Eric Roland, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. David Stickelman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Brian Piland, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Lawrence Domme, Counterdrug Task Force, Topeka Spc. Jorge Romero Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Brian Williams, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Hendrik Rijfkogel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Justin Fisher, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Craig Ruhl, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Anderson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hi- Staff Sgt. Donald Sand, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Grant Gawith, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brett Sagel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha awatha Staff Sgt. Kenneth Scheibe, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Wayne Griffis, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Luke Schroeder, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Cullen, 169th CSSB, Olathe, Staff Sgt. Ken Wilson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Carl Hale, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Kalen Schultz, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha with oak leaf cluster Sgt. Robert Armstrong, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Hanson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Nathaniel Schulz, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan, HQ, 235th Regt, Topeka, Sgt. Christopher Barlow, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Hare, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Derrick Sloan, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha with oak leaf cluster Sgt. Jeremy Brolhorst, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Robert Harris, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Ryan Smart, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Whitley, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. Stephen Brucken, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Justin Hicks, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Richard Smith II, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Sgt. Aaron Cairo, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Brandon Jennings, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jedrik Smith, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Maj. Tony Bennett, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. John Carl II, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Sean Jessip, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Smith, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Sgt. Alfred Besser, 731st Trans Co, Great Bend, with oak Sgt. Maurice Champoux, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Patrick Lawson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shane Sonnier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha leaf cluster Sgt. Eddie Chaput, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Vincent Lombardi, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Christopher Spencer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Sgt. Michael Guyett, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. William Cookson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Chuck Lowe, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Anthony Stallbaumer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Sgt. Kevin Rieschick, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Chad Daisy, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Isaac Luna, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Loren Stinebaugh, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Roman Asebedo, Counterdrug Task Force, Sgt. Christopher Gaither, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Luster, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Stovall, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Topeka, with three oak leaf clusters Sgt. John Grubbs, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Derick Maschmeier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brian Strouse, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Robert Hall, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Lonnie Hajney, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Kenneth Mateer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Curtis Stubbeman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Robert Hall, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, Sgt. Randy Hamilton, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. James Matthiesen, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Robert Stueve, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha with 2nd oak leaf cluster Sgt. Julie Hoefer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. William McGinnis, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Tyler Suiter, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Christopher Kuti, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Andrew Johnson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Terry McGrath Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Carl Sutton, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Joel Paige, JFHQ KS, Topeka, with oak leaf clus- Sgt. Phim Khamphouvong, HHD, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Thomas Miller, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Samuel Swain, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha ter Sgt. Cody Lee, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Randall Milleson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Dewey Sweet Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Ahlstedt, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Manning, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Lonnie Morris, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. David Trowbridge Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Richard Hartman, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchinson Sgt. Billy Meier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Shaun Phillips, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Michael Tryon, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class David Wellman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jared Meier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Christopher Philpot, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Haven Vancleave, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Kenrick Hausler, HHD, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Dustin Minge, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. John Rickard, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Ralph Vest Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Staff Sgt. Charles Wist, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Andrew Nicks, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jeremy Rollins, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. David Vilcot, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Kyle Wyres, 772nd Eng Co, Pittsburg Sgt. Joshua O’Neil, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Rouse, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Hien Vo, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Curtis Parkhurst, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Michael Rumford, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Walz, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Army Commendation Medal Sgt. Douglas Roach, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. David Sims, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Justin Washington, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Johnny Roehl, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Joseph Soppe, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Chase Weber, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jonathan Shelly, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Tyler Studt, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Terance Wells, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 3d Sgt. Albert Sherwood, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Quint Tallent, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brian Wiggans, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Aleshia Bedore, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Joseph Siverinac, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. David Tatum, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Marcus Williams, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Jeff Burchfield, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jacob Smith, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Justin Tatum, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Earnestine Wilson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Kevin Cadena, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Arthur Sprouse Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Kevin Tomson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jeff Wilson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Arterry Cooper, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. William Vonderschmidt, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jeffery Tracy, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Tony Wilson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Jason Davee, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Joseph Wilper, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Travis Treff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brian Young, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Mark McLeod, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Scott Wineinger, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Dale Vandruff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Zeedyk, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Jared Watson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Ryan Young, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Charles Wakole, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Whitney Alexander, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Capt. Chad Wyancko, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with oak leaf Sgt. John Zimmer III, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Nathan Wedel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Jonathon Benavidez, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha cluster Spc. David Adams, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Jordan Worcester, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Chad Black, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Nicolas Altgilbers, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jonathan Adkins, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Wesley Wright, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Robert Brittain, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Justinn Doby, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Benjamin Anguiano, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Marcus Abell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Douglas Champion Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Kevin Farrell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brian Bach, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Trevor Abell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Colton Feldman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Shawn Johnson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. William Baker, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Casey Adams, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Matthew Finkey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Brendan Keavney, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. David Bell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Ramone Addington, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Jonathan Horn, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Derek Leeds, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Donald Bess, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shawn Andrews, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Christopher Horns, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Matthew Nordquist, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Buck, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Marcus Bailey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Thomas James, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Michael Turney, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Benjamin Carlisle, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Theodore Beard, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Denzel Jaybond, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Lt. Travis Zeigler, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Christopher Chaudhry, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Brandon Bichsel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Robbie Knapp, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 2nd Lt. Jon Ross, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Levi Clark, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Allan Bingham, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Christopher Marshall, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen Patterson, 35th ID Band, Spc. Levi Davidson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Rex Bontrager, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Jesse Mendenhall, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Lenexa, with 6th oak leaf cluster Spc. Rachel Freitag, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Chase Briggs, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Zachary Meyer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Christina Escott, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Stacie Getzlaff, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Lionell Brown Sr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Cassandra Phillips, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Richard Heuertz, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. William Goss, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Christopher Brown, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Benjamin Plooster, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Eric Thompson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Phillip Holt, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Lucas Brown, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Michael Porter, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Sgt. Jason Fears, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Andrew Hughes, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Shane Brown, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Joel Rose, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha 1st Sgt. Jerald Kracht, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Joshua Jack, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Nathan Bruna, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Jeremy Yoho, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Edward Bellows II, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Aaron Keene, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Daniel Bryant Jr., 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pv2 Scott McCune, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Boschee, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Channing Lee, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Jordan Budreau, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pv2 Eric Rojas, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Dwayne Burgoon, Counterdrug Task Force, Spc. Stephen Levins, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Nicholas Campa, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pv1 Roy Lockhart, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Spc. Ryan McPheron, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Zachary Cohorst, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Byers, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Timothy Melkus, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Cody Colby, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Combat Infantry Badge Sgt. 1st Class Wade Cormier, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Katie Mendell, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Douglas Colby, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Foster, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. John Morrissey, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Bobby Cole, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Spc. Timothy Cooper, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Pfc. Bill Cravens, Co G, 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Spc. Matthew Cox, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Topeka Spc. Branden Coy, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Retirements Spc. Glenn Cunningham, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Kansas Air National Guard Spc. Keith Davidson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Meritorious Service Medal Kansas Army National Guard Spc. Christopher Doffsotta, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Michael Foster, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Ronald Dyke, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Gen. Marvin Pierson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Col. Jeff Zillinger, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Brandon Evans, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Bradley Link, 190th ARW, Topeka, with eight oak leaf Brig. Gen. Norman Steen, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Capt. Eric Webb, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Bradley Everhart, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha clusters Col. Michael Slusher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Elmer Logue, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Richard Felts, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Col. Jeffrey Zillinger, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf Lt. Col. Gregory Salisbury, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Phil Mahan, JFHQ KS-AC, Spc. Leonardo Flores, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha clusters Lt. Col. Richard White, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Topeka Spc. Bryon Gaudreau, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Benjamin Garcia, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lawrence Thomas, JFHQ Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Money, 190th ARW, Spc. Wayne Gerleman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Chief Master Sgt. Barry Hofflinger, 184th IW, Wichita, with KS-LC, Topeka Topeka Spc. Loren Ginter, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha oak leaf cluster Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patrick Hyatt, HHC, 35th Chief Master Sgt. Jay Pine, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Marcus Glaser, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Chief Master Sgt. Philip Mahan, 190th ARW, Topeka, with ID, Fort Leavenworth Senior Master Sgt. Newell Applegate, 184th IW, Wi- Spc. Brian Glasscock, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha oak leaf cluster 1st Sgt. Mark Hecht, 35th ID Band, Fort Leavenworth chita Spc. Rafael Gonzales, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Chief Master Sgt. Leslie Money, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Master Sgt. Joseph Dauben, HHC, 891st Eng Bn, Senior Master Sgt. Gary Cox, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Christopher Gordon, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha three oak leaf clusters Iola Senior Master Sgt. Randy Johnson, 190th ARW, Spc. Raymond Greer III, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Chief Master Sgt. Howard Steanson, 190th ARW, Topeka, Master Sgt. Danny Lundberg, HHC, 287th SB, Wi- Topeka Spc. Daren Habig, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha with three oak leaf clusters chita Senior Master Sgt. Janet Smith, JFHQ KS-AC, Spc. David Hajney, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Newell Applegate, 184th IW, Wichita, Master Sgt. Harry Salyer, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Topeka Spc. Blake Hamilton, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha with oak leaf cluster Sgt. 1st Class Alan Basgall, KSARNG Med Det, Senior Master Sgt. Martin Tennison, 190th ARW, Spc. Jason Hardin, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Chad Bellquist, 190th ARW, Topeka Lenexa Topeka Spc. Billy Harp II, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Gary Cox, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Charles Boyles, 772nd Eng Co Master Sgt. Steve Billbe, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Chance Hartner, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Robert Gates, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Warren Wood, 242nd Eng Co, Master Sgt. Patrick Cochran, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Justin Hayden, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Jill Jantz, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Owen Zeigler, Det 1, Btry A, 1st Bn, Master Sgt. Robert Crain, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Eric Hempel, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Senior Master Sgt. Brian L. York, 184th IW, Wichita 161st FA, Master Sgt. Joseph Dillons, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Bryan Hileman, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Gordon R. Bosie, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Brunning, 2137th FSC Master Sgt. Jeff Milligan, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Ronald Honn, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Andrew Child, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Garcia, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Steven Tremblay, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Michael Hoppes, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Teresa Fulton, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Joseph Johnson, 2137th FSC Tech. Sgt. Patrick Weissbeck, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Hollis Howard, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Donald L. Gerstenkorn, 184th IW, Wichita, with Sgt. Jeffrey McDonald, Btry B (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA Staff Sgt. Lea Horton, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Phillip Hummer, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha oak leaf cluster Spc. Nanette Landers, Det 2, 731st Trans Co Senior Airman Douglass Carey, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Justin Inks, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Troy Hultgren, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Harold Pedersen, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA Spc. Robert Jackson, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha (Continued on Page 11) November 2010 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Emporia business owner 778th a “family business” receives ESGR Patriot Award By Staff Sgt. Kevin Newell, UPAR Whether it’s a liquor store in Emporia, Oct. 15 was National Boss’s Day and an oil field in Big Bow, a dental clinic in what better way to show your appreciation McPherson, a welding shop in Salina or a than to present your civilian employer with prison in Ellsworth, this award is a great an Employer Support of the Guard and Re- tool to bridge the gap between the Soldier, serve Patriot Award. Spc. Nicholas Garcia, their employer and the Guard, and to rec- Battery C, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Ar- ognize an individual for their support. tillery did just that. While the award itself is presented to one “I wanted to let my boss know how person, it is intended to recognize the much I appreciate him supporting my serv- whole organization for their support. Other ice in the National Guard, especially since employees often have to work extra hours I am getting ready to deploy to the Horn of to cover down when a Guard member is on Africa,” said Garcia. “I heard about the duty. award from my readiness NCO, so I If your boss is a patriot, and you would checked it out online and it showed up in like to present them with this award, visit the mail about a week later. I called my http://www.esgr.org/forms.asp?p=patriot, unit and they came down to present it. fill out some basic information and the Pretty awesome!” award will arrive in less than two weeks. Presenting the award to Keith King, “There are ESGR field representatives that owner of King’s Liquor in Emporia, Kan., will present the award for you,” said Ahlst- was Sgt. 1st Class Steve Ahlstedt, readi- edt, “but we reserve that honor to get to ness noncommissioned officer for the unit. know our Soldiers better and to get to know “This is my seventh Patriot Award pres- who we’re sharing our Soldiers with. That Staff Sgt. Arthur Miller (rear), his twin sons Spc. Chase and Spc. Chance Miller, and entation in the last three years and it never way if they have any questions about the Na- stepson Pfc. David Bleakley (Photo by Sgt. Charles Malloy, UPAR) gets old,” said Ahlstedt. “Employers have tional Guard, drill weekends or upcoming an obligation to allow their citizen-Soldiers deployments, we can address them directly. By Sgt. Charles Malloy, UPAR brother deploy with me to Iraq,” said Chase. time off for drill, but they don’t have to be We enjoy seeing where our Soldiers live and They say the National Guard is one big “It’s like I’m taking a piece of home with me.” cool about it. This award is designed for work and it gives the employer a face and a family. In the 778th Transportation Com- “I feel more confident in myself knowing those that are.” name to go along with the Guard, as well.” pany, they really believe that statement. that they are there with me to help out Staff Sgt. Arthur Miller and his twin through the rough patches,” said Bleakley. sons, Spc. Chance Miller and Spc. Chase Chance and Chase are in maintenance Miller, and stepson Pfc. Thomas Bleakley, under the leadership of Sgt. 1st Class are all members of the 778th. What’s more, Casey Flinn. they are all deploying together to Iraq. “It’s really interesting having the twins in “I think if we have to deploy, it is best to this platoon,” said Flinn. “You really need be together,” said Staff Sgt. Miller. “We to stay on your toes with those two, and the can watch each other and have a common fact that they are twins, they almost feel bond. It would bring us closer together and what the other is feeling.” I am proud of all of them.” The Millers aren’t the only family serv- “Their moms are both proud of them and, ing in the 778th. Staff Sgt. Daniel Davis at the same time, they are nervous about the and his brother, Pfc. Charles Davis, cur- whole deployment thing,” he continued, rently serve together and Staff Sgt. Edward “but because we are all together it makes Lee Lewis and Sgt. Benjamin Lewis are them more comfortable with it all.” both in the 778th, although Ed won’t be de- “I think it’s pretty cool having my dad and ploying with the company. 778th Transportation Company Continued from Page 1 across the country,” he continued, “veter- “I want to tell you,” he concluded, “that, ans and active military people are being when you come home, we’ll have some widely acclamied as our heroes and that is pizza for you.” exactly what you are.” Bunting’s promise was met with a re- Parkinson said that society is recognizing sounding “Hoo-aah!” from the troops. that the true heroes are not sports figures, Spc. Nicholas Garcia presents his boss, Keith King, with an Employer Support of the Bunting also told the Soldiers and their actors or rock stars. Guard and Reserve “Patriot Award” for his support of the Soldier’s service in the families what he would be telling the unit “The heroes of our society are you,” con- Kansas National Guard. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Newell, UPAR) commander, 1st Lt. Jerry Monosmith Jr., cluded Parkinson. “We’re counting on you to later during a flag presentation ceremony. do a terrific job; we know you will. We are 35th ID Change of Command “I will tell you unequivocally,” said looking forward to you coming back safe Bunting, “that your task is to take that flag and healthy. Good luck and God speed.” Continued from Page 2 Kyle, lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. overseas and to serve with pride and dis- “It’s been a long exciting year,” said ters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Pierson is sad to leave the military after tinction and bring that flag home and each Monasmith. “We spent many long week- Achievement Medal, National Defense 39 years of service, but knows the 35th ID and every one of these Soldiers that stand ends together, multiple summer camps and Service Medal, Humanitarian Service is in good hands. in front of me.” tons of hours planning the last year that Medal, Army Reserve Components “It has been an honor to serve as the “It is truly inspiring to see our brave we’ve spent in order to prepare the com- Achievement Medal with four oak leaf commander of the 35th Infantry Division,” young men and women, who are going off pany for the upcoming mission.” clusters, Armed Forces Service Medal, said Pierson. “I am proud of what we have to protect our freedoms,” said Gov. Mark Monasmith recapped the challenges faced Armed Forces Reserve Medal with oak leaf accomplished and the high standards of Parkinson, “and behind them all these great by the company and the milestones passed cluster, and many other awards performance these Soldiers have attained. I families and great supporters from across over the preceding year. He also spoke of the Davoren and his wife, Debra, reside in know that Major General Davoren and the the community and across the state.” honor felt by Guardsmen who wear the uni- Lansing, Kan. Their daughter, Jennifer, re- Soldiers of the 35th will continue to carry “We live in the most incredible country form of the U.S. Soldier, but said it was an sides in Houston, Texas, and their son, on this tradition.” in the history of the world,” said Parkinson. honor that comes with a price. “We have freedoms and opportunities that “The price is being away from your Awards and Decorations have never existed on this planet. But those loved ones for a period of time.” Continued from Page 10 oak leaf clusters freedoms aren’t free. They take the sacri- Monasmith stressed the importance of Capt. Craig M. Cooper, 184th IW, Wichita, with 2nd oak leaf Master Sgt. Jeffrey Milligan, 184th IW, Wichita fices of folks like you so that our kids and Master Sgt. Jean Robinson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster the families back home, of the support net- cluster Chief Master Sgt. Lucian L. Buttel, 184th IW, Wichita, with grandkids... can live the same kind of life work for Guardsmen and their families and four oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Curtis R. Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita we have lived and I can’t thank you enough Master Sgt. James C. Schlehuber, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Richard Meador, 190th ARW, Topeka of the experienced leadership that will be Master Sgt. Gerald M. Singer, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. William Angstadt, 184th IW, Wichita, with for making that opportunity possible. going on the mission. Master Sgt. Terry Spangler, 190th ARW, Topeka 4th oak leaf cluster Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, 190th ARW, Topeka Thank each of you very much.” “And above everything else,” promised Air Force Commendation Medal Master Sgt. Timothy A. Kern, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak The governor expressed his pride in the Monasmith, “I will never ask any of your leaf cluster Master Sgt. Robin Lewis, 190th ARW, Topeka service that the Guardsmen give, not only Soldiers to do anything I’m not willing to Master Sgt. James Helms, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Billy R. Mayo, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf at home, but around the world, and assured do myself.” cluster cluster them that Kansas is supporting them and Tech. Sgt. Michael Budde, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Mark A. Rush, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Monasmith concluded by saying the Tech. Sgt. Emily Halderson, 184th IW, Wichita cluster their families. 778th is “loaded heavy and combat ready.” Master Sgt. Peter Tavares, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Robert Ringer, 184th IW, Wichita “I want to tell you, on behalf of all Tech. Sgt. Leland Weathers, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Kathleen Thornton, 190th ARW, Topeka The unit has been conducting pre-mobi- cluster Tech. Sgt. Sara Butcher, 184th IW, Wichita Kansans, that we are with you,” he said. “You lization training in Salina at the Great Tech. Sgt. Jamel Francis, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Brett Shouse, 184th IW, Wichita know, you have your unit to support you Staff Sgt. Byron Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Jayme Gabbard, 184th IW, Wichita, with 2nd oak Plains Joint Training Center and will con- Senior Airman Douglas Carey, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster while you are in Kuwait and Iraq. You have clude training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Tech. Sgt. Kent A Niebuhr, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf your family members back here, as well, and Air Force Achievement Medal cluster prior to leaving for Kuwait. Tech. Sgt. Jason Parker, 190th ARW, Topeka all the other supporters you see here, but you Following the ceremony, the Soldiers Tech. Sgt. Theresa K. Spears, 184th IW, Wichita also have the entire Kansas community.” Col. Derek Rogers, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Carola Todd, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd oak were dismissed for four days of family Lt. Col. Christopher Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three leaf cluster “Anywhere you go across the state or time before leaving for Camp Atterbury. Page 12 Plains Guardian • November 2010 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Memorial would serve to inspire Senior medical leadership takes generations of Guardsmen By Stephen D. Larson except World War II. He hopes that people Public Affairs Office who hear about the project will help provide part in “Flash Forward” course Larry Burk has a vision: A concrete walk- information about former service members way above a series of granite panels etched who would qualify for inclusion. He is par- with the names of Kansas National Guards- ticularly looking for assistance in research- men dating back to its formation in 1855. ing and assembling a list of World War II But this is not a vision for just another casualties from the 35th Infantry Division. memorial. Burk said he has approached some of the “We have a lot of memorials,” says leadership in the Kansas National Guard Burk, a retired master sergeant. “I want this about placing the memorial at the Kansas to be an inspiration to the Soldiers, not a Regional Training Institute in Salina where tourist attraction.” it would be readily visible to the majority Burk says he came up with the idea in of Kansas Guardsmen. “about 2007 or 2008” as a way to inspire “About every Soldier and Airman goes the current generation of Guardsmen by re- through there at some point in his career,” membering those who went before them. said Burk. “When a Soldier retired, there is that pat Although the Kansas National Guard on the back, and a “Good luck,” he said, leadership is open to the idea, Burk said “but how about ‘Private Hoisington’ who there are no commitments yet and he read- died on some nameless and lonely battle- ily acknowledges there are several hurdles field? Will anyone remember him?” to clear before any work can begin, the Burk’s vision incorporates a curving con- most pressing being the matter of money. crete walkway five to eight feet wide, ex- Estimates he has received about cost of panding to 16 to 20 feet, rising from the construction range from $250,000 to Kansas landscape to a height of about eight $750,000. Burk is currently seeking volun- and a half feet. Panels of yellow river gran- teers to help him set up a 501(c)(3) non- ite etched with the names of Kansas profit organization to solicit and manage Guardsmen would be set into a wall on one Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Raymond L. Webster (left), Air National Guard assistant to the Sur- donations for the project. side of the structure below the walkway. geon General, U.S. Air Force, and other group members listen to a point made by “No Soldier should have to pay to have Below the highest end would be a reflect- Brig. Gen. Jim Chow during a group discussion that was part of the “Flash For- his name on it,” said Burk. “Those Soldiers ing pool fed by a waterwall from the face ward” course conducted by the Kansas National Guard Resiliency Center. Webster, have already given enough.” of the memorial. Chow and other National Air Guard medical leaders came to Topeka in early Octo- Although originally intended for Kansas “The walk up symbolizes that you (as a ber to take part in the course. (Photo by Lt. Col. Rex Johnson, JFHQ PAO) Army National Guardsmen with more than Guardsman) are walking on the shoulders 30 years of service, the guidelines Burk By Lt. Col. Rex Johnson of those who have gone before you,” said wants for inclusion allow for Kansas Air Joint Forces Headquarters PAO “It is a great opportunity Burk. “I want to remind those Soldiers of National Guard members. Years of service Senior medical leaders of the Air National to present the course to an why they are here.” may include time served on active duty or Guard visited Kansas on Oct. 2 to attend a audience of leaders at the Burk, whose own military career spanned reserve in any of the four service branches resiliency course hosted by the Kansas Na- 41 plus years, including seven years of active in addition to National Guard service. Final tional Guard Resiliency Center and Maj. national level.” duty and 34 years with the 226th and 891st determinations would be made by a Board Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. Maj. Shawn Manley Engineer Battalions, said he would like to of Governors for the memorial. “Flash Forward,” the course created by the director, Kansas National see the name of every Kansas Guardsman Anyone interested in donating his time Resiliency Center staff, is a blend of written Guard Resiliency Center who died in battle, plus Guardsmen with 30 and talent, or helping to establish the non- instruction, situational videos and group dis- years or more years of service, included on profit organization may contact Burk at lar- cussion. The modules of the Flash Forward the wall. Burk said he already has access to [email protected] or program include: leadership, assessment, mand Surgeon, the materials in the course service lists from almost every military era [email protected] bolstering strengths, family, spirituality and are applicable in both deployment and non- application practical exercises. The course deployment environments. was designed as a front line leader’s course, “Ideally, you should be able to see some but is applicable to all ranks of service mem- effects on people’s ability to handle life’s bers. The end goal of the course is improving stresses,” said Knapp. “If you were to map individual and subordinate resiliency and it up, you may see drops in divorce rates overall unit readiness. and increases in re-up rates. They will want “Flash Forward is a preventative life cycle- to stay a part of the unit and, hopefully, based course to improve service member’s there will be a decrease in suicide rates.” education on resiliency and provide a better The Flash Forward course is one of the understanding of positive traits to emulate,” first coursework programs that has been said Maj. Shawn Manley, director, Resiliency developed and taught by the Kansas Na- Center for the Kansas National Guard. “Re- tional Guard Resiliency Center. Bunting gardless of an individual’s position in a unit, has been a champion of the program, it provides skills to self improve, mentor sub- speaking about it at Readiness Frontiers, an ordinates, fellow unit members and family. It Air National Guard annual medical confer- is also very important to understand this is ence. Bunting invited the senior Air Guard not a deployment-based course; the skills medical leadership to come to Kansas and apply to everyday life.” attend the course. Senior leaders of the Air National Guard “It is a great opportunity to present the medical community attended the training, course to an audience of leaders at the na- including Maj. Gen. Ray Webster, the Na- tional level,” said Manley. “Because General tional Guard Bureau joint surgeon. Webster brought his team to Kansas and “I think it emphasizes the fact that there is went through the Flash Forward course first an opportunity to impact people proactively hand, it will help broaden the foundation of An artist’s rendering of an inspirational memorial to Kansas National Guardsmen, and to develop a solution set that is up front the beneficial value the training has to offer.” as conceived by retired Master Sgt. Larry Burk. rather than after the fact,” said Webster. Webster said because he was involved in “We’re obviously in a wartime setting. Our the resiliency program since its inception, Join the Civil Air Patrol Army Guard brethren, as well as the Air Na- he wanted to see how it had developed. He tional Guard, are deploying, causing a lot of also wanted the primary leaders of the Air stress on families, a lot of stress on civilian Guard medical community to receive this jobs and, quite frankly, a lot of stress on per- training, as well. The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is sonal lives as you try to balance being a tra- “There are some components of this that looking for teens 12 to 18 years of age ditional Guardsman and fulfilling the role I want these individuals to understand, and adults to join our current volunteers that you take as a Guardsman.” have knowledge of and be able to dissemi- in our important missions. “I have heard a lot about the training nate to the Air National Guard,” said Web- throughout the last year,” said Brig. Gen. ster, “and also let our active duty The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the Cathy Lutz, Air National Guard assistant to counterparts that we interact with know U.S. Air Force with three primary missions: the Chief Nurse of the Air Force. “I am re- that this is out there and is a resource that is ally honored to be able to sit in on the available to them.” • Aerospace education training today and see what you have been Bunting said that these leaders will walk • Cadet programs teaching first hand. The model and the away from this course with one of the pri- • Emergency services framework of the course material are really mary elements of the warrior care program. easy to understand, it hits home and it is “We have gained 16 new strong advo- Go to www.kswg.cap.gov something that anybody can relate to.” cates that will not only take it home back to for a Civil Air Patrol Squadron near you According to Col. Chris Knapp, Air Na- their state, but help us develop future tional Guard assistant to the Safety Com- courses in the years ahead,” Bunting said.