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an edition of the Recycled material is used in the making of our POST newsprint The Interior Military News Connection Vol. 9, No. 11 , Alaska March 9, 2018 Alaska National Guard’s exercise Arctic Eagle tests radiological response in Valdez 2nd Lt. Marisa Lindsay delayed flights, ground Alaska National Guard transportation and rerouting Public Affairs of aircraft. Air travel movement of More than 200 Air resources to Valdez using and Army National Guard the C-17 Globemaster III, service members traveled a cargo transport aircraft by ferry, plane and vehicle belonging to the 249th to the outlying community Airlift Squadron, Alaska of Valdez, Alaska to , was participate in a portion of planned for the two aircraft exercise Arctic Eagle, Feb. from Joint Base Elmendorf- 20 to 26, 2018. Richardson picking up Arctic Eagle is a personnel and equipment statewide exercise involving from Fairchild AFB. national, state and local However, it was determined agencies designed to during the planning phase provide opportunities for that the aircraft was unable 1,100 participants to conduct to land at Pioneer Field, sustained operations in the local Valdez airport, arctic conditions. and plans were made Valdez is located in the to bring the equipment southeast region of the state and personnel back to near the head of the Prince Anchorage. William Sound and tucked “The winter is a really into the heavily glaciated Members of the decontamination team assigned to the 103rd Civil Support Team, Alaska Army National challenging time of year to Chugach Mountain Range. Guard, prepare to conduct radiological reconnaissance during exercise Arctic Eagle in Valdez, Alaska, Feb. land in Valdez,” said Maj. With an average of more 23, 2018. The goals of AE18 are for participating forces to operate in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental Laura Grossman, a pilot than 300 inches of snow and multinational environment; assess ability to conduct sustained operations in arctic conditions, and with the , Alaska per year, this remote integrate new and emerging capabilities. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Marisa Lindsay, Alaska National Guard Public Air National Guard and community provided Affairs) one of two pilots who flew optimal conditions to test the C-17s roundtrip from the community also challenged service members as they the National Guard’s ability to respond to high-threat Anchorage to Fairchild. “The runway isn’t plowed, and creatively moved Homeland Response Force equipment radiological scenarios. even if we were able to land, the runway is too slick and and Washington National Guard personnel from Valdez didn’t fail to provide real-world trials in the wouldn’t allow us to take off.” Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., to the remote coastal form of snow, low visibility, fog, icy roads and high town. The forefront of this exercise saw canceled and See GUARD on page 4 winds during the five-day training exercise. Access to

Fort Wainwright command sergeant major, Command Army Emergency Sgt. Maj. Juan Cornett, and Nikki Hines, financial Relief Campaign kickoff readiness specialist from Army Community Service, cuts a custom made cake Brady Gross made by the Wolves Den Fort Wainwright Public Affairs staff in celebration of this year’s Army Emergency The Army Emergency Relief (AER) campaign Relief Campaign kickoff. kicked off at the Wolves Den Dining Facility where Last year alone, the Army Nikki Hines, Financial Readiness Specialist for Army Emergency Relief fund Community Service, and Command Sgt. Maj. Juan served 43,734 Soldiers Cornett, Fort Wainwright command sergeant major, and Families, assisting with spoke with Soldiers about the importance of the relief $69.7 million in relief. Fort campaign and the assistance it can provide to Soldiers Wainwright’s goal for 2018 is and their Families. for 100% contact across the installation.(Photo by Brady Hines and Cornett both spoke about the impact Gross, Fort Wainwright Soldiers’ donations have for others in need and to look Public Affairs) at the AER program when in need, as they turn away less than one percent of Soldiers who request help. Women’s History Month: A timeline of Women in the U.S. Army (part 2) Staff Report commissioned as officers in the Regular Army during duties in time of war and national disasters. The Army, U.S. Army that period of time. The appointment could be renewed Navy and the Marine Corps cooperated to train thousands provided the applicant had a “satisfactory record for of women for national service. Skills taught included: Spanish-American War and beyond efficiency, conduct and health.” military calisthenics and drill, land telegraphy or telephone (1898 to 1901) The law directed the surgeon general to maintain a operating, manufacturing surgical dressings and bandages, The creation of the Army Nurse Corps list of qualified nurses who were willing to serve in an signal work and many more. With the Spanish-American War came an epidemic emergency. Therefore, provisions were made to appoint When the U.S. government declared war on Germany in of typhoid fever and a need for highly qualified Army a certain number of nurses with at least six months of the spring of 1917, Congress passed the Selective Service nurses. The surgeon general requested and promptly satisfactory service in the Army on a reserve status. Act requiring the registration of all males between the ages received congressional authority to appoint women nurses This was the first Reserve Corps authorized in the Army of 20 and 30. American Women quickly felt the impact of under contract, April 28, 1898. Due to the exemplary Medical Department, and the first ever Reserve Corps of the nation’s decision to go to war, after roughly 16 percent performance of these Army contract nurses, the U.S. women. of the male workforce trooped off to battle. military realized that it would be helpful to have a corps The call went out to women to fill the vacancies of trained nurses, familiar with military ways, on call. World War I in shops, factories and offices throughout the country. This led the Army to establish a permanent Nurse Corps in (1917 to 1918) Eventually 20 percent or more of all workers in the 1901. Upwards of 25,000 American women between the ages wartime manufacture of electrical machinery, airplanes Military nursing had been almost dormant since of 21 and 69 served overseas during World War I. They and food were women. At the same time, they dominated the Civil War. This profession required a high level began going in August of 1914—at first singly or with formerly masculine jobs as clerical workers, interpreters of competence, and military nurses became known as a few companions, later with service organizations, and and telephone operators, typists and stenographers. Women “contract nurses” of the Army. Between 1898 and 1901, lastly at the request of the U.S. government. Although the also occupied work as physicians, dentists, dietitians, more than 1,500 women nurses signed governmental largest number were nurses, women served in numerous pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, contracts and served in the , Puerto Rico, other capacities – from administrators and secretaries to administrators, secretaries, “chauffeuses,” searchers the Philippine Islands, Hawaii, China, Japan and on the telephone operators and architects. Many women continued (for Soldiers listed as missing), statisticians, decoders, hospital ship Relief. to serve long after Armistice Day, some returning home librarians, supervisors of homes for women munitions The selfless service of Army nurses during the Spanish- as late as 1923. Their efforts and contributions in the workers, recreation directors, accountants, social workers, American War was acknowledged by the Army when they Great War left a lasting legacy that inspired change journalists, peace activists, small factory and warehouse established the Nurses Corps as a permanent corps of the across the nation. The service of these women helped operators, laboratory technicians, and architects. Such Medical Department, under the Army Reorganization Act propel the passage of the 19th Amendment, June 4, 1919, skills, along with nursing, would be needed both on the of 1901. Nurses were appointed to the Regular Army for guaranteeing women the right to vote. homefront and at the fighting front in the “War to End All a three-year period, although nurses were not actually The National Service School was organized by the Wars.” Women’s Naval Service in 1916 to train women for

WEEKEND WEATHER WINTER PARALYMPICS FREE STREAMING Friday Saturday Sunday Service members and honorably discharged Veterans can enjoy the excitement of the Paralympic Winter Games, from their desktops and mobile devices thanks to a partnership between the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Comcast NBC Universal. To get started, military shoppers go to www.NBCSports.com and when prompted choose the Exchange as their service provider. For more detailed Snow showers with a Partly cloudy with a Partly cloudy with a instructions, go to www.shopmyexchange.com/winter-olympics. high of 24 F and a low high of 28 F and a low high of 29 F and a Due to content rights restrictions, an activeShopMyExchange.com www. of 10 F of 9 F low of 12 F shopmyexchange.com/ account will be required to verify eligibility. Content rights restrictions will also apply to some outside continental United States locations. 2 NEWS March 9, 2018 Nutrition Corner: Fermented foods Brandy Ostanik preservation is convenient, but it does in commercial grocery stores. • Weigh the carrots down under the Medical Department Activity – Alaska, not offer any probiotic benefits. As the summer approaches, consider brine using a glass weight to keep them Public Affairs In contrast, fresh vegetable fermenting some vegetables at home; COMPLETELY submerged. fermentation is a more time-consuming it can be a simple, fun, and nutritious • Cover the jar with a tight lid, airlock Did you know: Fermented foods: process, sometimes taking several weeks, hobby! lid, or coffee filter secured with a rubber There are two significantly different that must be done through submersion For more information about band. types of “pickling” – that in which of the vegetable in a salt-water mixture. fermenting, and the revival of this • Culture at room temperature (60- an acid is applied directly to the fresh While the high salt environment of very old tradition, along with step by 70°F is preferred) until desired flavor vegetable for preservation, and that in the brine is not hospitable to many step instructions and tips to keep you and texture are achieved. If using a tight which a brine solution is used to enable pathogenic bacteria, the lactic acid safe, check out this article from Food lid, burp daily to release excess pressure. the process of fermentation. bacteria that are naturally present on Safety News: www.foodsafetynews. • Once the carrots are finished, put The products of each of these the fresh produce are typically salt com/2014/03/fermenting-veggies- a tight lid on the jar and move to cold processes are sometimes referred to tolerant, and can grow and proliferate at-home-follow-food-safety-abcs/#. storage. The flavor will continue to interchangeably, although incorrectly, without competition. These bacteria WL283HnymUl develop as the carrots age. as “pickles.” Most store-bought brands break down the natural sugars in the of pickled cucumbers, for example, vegetable for energy, creating lactic acid FEATURED FOOD: use vinegar (an acid made from the as a byproduct, which in turn provides Fermented carrot sticks fermentation of sugars or ethanol a tangy flavor and further inhibits the Ingredients: by acetic acid bacteria) to preserve growth of harmful bacteria. • 2 cups water vegetables, such as cucumbers, by Because of the delicious flavors and • 1 Tbsp. sea salt creating a highly acidic environment that health promoting probiotics it produces, • 1 pound carrots, cut into sticks prevents bacterial growth and spoilage. a renewed interest in the ancient Preparation: Often, these pickled products are also technique of fermenting is emerging, • Dissolve salt in water. heat treated and sealed in an airtight and inspiring high end restaurants, • Place the carrot sticks in the jar container allowing for a significantly trendy cafes, and food journalism outlets (use a half-gallon mason jar) and pour longer shelf life until the seal is broken. to feature ferments. Nevertheless true the liquid over the carrots, leaving 1-2 This very safe and tasty method of food fermented vegetables can be hard to find inches headspace. Weekly Financial Tips: MEDDAC Minute

Making goals Brandy Ostanik Medical Department Activity – Alaska, Public Affairs Ryki Carlson 20 minutes or more without running Survivor Outreach Services Support water down the drain. Flush the drain Coordinator with a pan of boiling water. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS c. Coffee maker – White distilled Emergency: 911 vinegar can help dissolve mineral 24 Hour Nurse Advice Line: CLEANING – As much as everyone deposits that collect in the automatic 1-800-874-2273 Opt. 1 dreads household chores, it is a drip coffee makers from hard water. Appointment Line: 361-4000 necessity. Going green can be budget Fill the reservoir with white distilled Behavioral Health: 361-6059 friendly; here are some simple cleaning vinegar and run it through a brewing Benefits Advisor: 361-5656 tips with inexpensive cleaners. cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water Immunizations: 361-5456 1. Windows and walls when the cycle is finished. Information Desk: 361-5172 a. Sparkling windows – window d. Clean the microwave – Boil a Patient Advocate: 361-5291 Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to cleaner with vinegar will make your solution of one-quarter cup of white Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803 3:45 p.m. for all beneficiaries. windows sparking without leaving vinegar and one cup of water in the Substance Abuse/Clinical streaks on the glass. Mix equal parts microwave. This will loosen splatter Counseling: 361-4054 TRICARE ONLINE REMINDERS of white distilled vinegar with warm on food and deodorized. Wipe down Tricare On-Line: TRICARE makes it easy to water. Dry with soft cloth or newspaper. afterward with a damp cloth. www.tricareonline.com receive a reminder for upcoming b. Washing woodwork – Simplifying e. Cutting boards and counters – United Health Care: appointments. Beneficiaries who the job of washing panted walls, Wipe with full strength white vinegar uhcmilitarywest.com, have their cell phone number in their woodwork and Venetian blinds by on a wash cloth and then air dry. The 877-988-9378 using one cup ammonia, half a cup vinegar smell will dissipate after a few TRICARE profile will receive a reminder text 48 hours and two hours white distilled vinegar, one-quarter cup minutes. PERFORMANCE TRIAD TIP prior to their appointment. baking soda and one gallon of warm f. Removing refrigerator smells – Strength training is an essential water. Wipe this solution over walls or Place one cup of apple cider vinegar part of having healthy bones and SAVE A TRIP TO THE ER blinds with a cloth and rinse with clear in a glass and set in your refrigerator, maintaining a healthy weight. Ladies, Not sure if you need to come water. Dirt and grime will come off within two days all the smells will be it is especially important for you. into the emergency room or make easily, and the solution will not dull the gone. Estrogen, a hormone in women that an appointment? Beneficiaries can painted finish or leave streaks. g. Sink – To rid of those stubborn protects bones, decreases sharply all our Nurse Advice Line to talk to c. Polishing furniture – An effective stains in a stainless steel or porcelain when women reach menopause, which a registered nurse 24 hours a day, wood polish is easy to make. Just sink, make a paste of one cup borax can cause bone loss. This is why the seven days a week for advice about mix two parts olive oil to one part and one-quarter cup lemon juice. Put chance of developing osteoporosis immediate health care needs. Call lemon juice and apply it to your wood some of the paste on a cloth and rub increases as women reach menopause. furniture using a soft cloth. This into the stain, then rinse with warm 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273). combination gives your wood furniture water. The stain should wash away A GREAT PLACE TO WORK TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS a nice smell and a sparkling shine. with the paste. MEDDAC-AK has job openings for As of Dec 1, 2017 all MEDDAC- d. Water or alcohol marks on wood h. Oven cleaning – To give your both clinical and non-clinical positions AK facilities are tobacco free. Please – Stubborn rings resulting from wet oven an amazing cleaning, mix half a here at Fort Wainwright. To view job refrain from using tobacco products, glasses being placed on wood furniture cup of white vinegar, half a cup baking openings go to www.usajobs.gov. may be removed by rubbing with a soda, and three cups of water. Apply including vaping devices within our campus perimeters, including parking mixture of equal parts of white distilled this mixture to the inside of your oven IMMUNIZATIONS lots and sidewalks. vinegar and olive oil. Rub with the with a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a The immunizations clinic at Bassett grain and polish for the best results. few minutes and then wipe with a wet ACH is open on a walk-in basis 2. Kitchen cloth. For those stubborn stains, just a. Garbage disposal cleaner – cut a scrub a bit harder. lemon in half and drop it in the disposal i. Glass stovetop – To clean with a half cup of baking soda. Turn on the burned on mess on your glass the cold water and then the disposal. stovetop, mix baking soda, table salt Spouse to Spouse corner This will keep your disposal clean and and water in equal amounts to form odor free. a paste. Rub over the stovetop; to Dani O’Donnell b. Sink drains – Once a week, dump remove stubborn stains, just scrub a bit Fort Wainwright Public Affairs one-quarter cup of baking soda down harder. This mixture will not scratch the drain followed by half a cup of the glass, and is also good for shower Are you interested in finding more information about resources on Fort Wainwright white vinegar. Let this mixture sit for doors. or in the surrounding area, then email usarmy.wainwright.imcom-pacific.list.pao@ mail.mil, Attn: Dear Dani in the subject line. We would love to hear from you, and remember all email participants will receive an extra door prize ticket at the next Spouse to Spouse event March 8, at the North Haven Community Center at 4268 The Last Great Race on Earth: Neely Road from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 46th Annual Iditarod kicks off in Anchorage Sixty-seven mushers ALASKA POST kicked off the 46th Annual Iditarod The Interior Military News Connection Trail Sled Dog Race

with an 11-mile The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army ceremonial start Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks through Anchorage, Daily News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected Alaska, March 3, EDITORIAL STAFF with the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written 2018. “The Last contract. Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Great Race on Earth” Garrison Commander Department of the Army. The editorial content of throws 1,000 miles Col. Sean Fisher this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army of Alaska’s jagged Garrison Fort Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The mountain ranges, ALASKA POST welcomes responsible comments Acting PAO/Command from its readers and will publish letters, articles or frozen rivers, dense Information/Sr. Editor photos submitted at least one week prior to the next forests, desolate Brian Schlumbohm publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the right tundra and miles of to edit or reject submissions. All submitted material windswept coast at will become official Army property unless otherwise the mushers and Community Relations/ indicated. To advertise call (907) 459-7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available their dog teams as Media Relations for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, they set their eyes Dani O’Donnell color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital on the finish line in status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any Nome, on the Bering Staff Writer/Editor other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Sea coast. (Photo The Editorial office is located on Fort Wainwright, Daniel Nelson building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs by Senior Airman Office, 1046 Marks Road, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703. Curt Beach, Joint Staff Writer/New Media Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send emails to Base Elmendorf- usarmy.wainwright.imcom-pacific.list.pao@mail. Richardson Public Brady Gross mil The ALASKA POST – The Interior Military News Affairs) Connection 3 March 9, 2018 NEWS History Snapshot: Ladd Field 1946 Zone highlights

L. Amber Phillippe Fort Wainwright Landscape Historian

In June 1951, under orders from Alaskan Air Command Headquarters, a new building numbering system was introduced at Ladd Field. Under the old system, the installation was divided into nine areas, most of which can be seen in the 1946 Plot Plan shown here. Under the new plan, the 100 and 200 areas were consolidated into the 1,000 area. The 900 area, which included the 807th Engineering Aviation Battalion and the 10th Rescue Squadron, became the 2,000 area. The areas of the 449th Fighter Squadron and the 4th Infantry made up the new 3,000 area, and the 4,000 area took up all of the territory west of the 4th Infantry to the main gate. Six-Mile Camp, in the southeast corner of the installation was designated as the 5,000 area.

Today these designations remain roughly the same. The largest Like Historic Photos? Check out our Pinterest page for more, visit www.pinterest.com/fwacultural/. exception being the Denali Village housing area (buildings 3940 If you have any stories or photographs to share with the Cultural Resources Management program to 3999), which is located in the 4,000 area. please call, (907) 361-9329 or email [email protected]. (File Photo) Living works ASIST program

David Perkins nationwide it is the second Suicide Prevention Program leading cause for those aged 15 Manager to 34 according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Gatekeepers are those who The Army is losing far have been trained in advanced more Soldiers to suicide than lifesaving skills for the to combat. Over the last three prevention of suicide through years we have lost aproximately the Living Works ASIST 135 Soldiers a year to suicide. program. Spring is coming, and with The first ASIST (Applied that comes an increased risk for Suicide Intervention Skills suicide. The trend for the Army Training) class of the year is for the suicide rates to start graduated Wednesday, Feb. going up in March and peaking 28, in the Southern Lights in July. Chapel. ASIST is first aid for Suicide prevention training suicide and is a two-day course works. Last year, 70 U.S. Army that teaches advanced suicide Alaska Soldiers were aided by intervention skills. their peers to get them to seek The installation now has help before they attempted eight new gatekeepers thanks suicide. to the joint efforts of the ASIST classes will be installation and the 1st Stryker held the last Tuesday and Brigade Combat Team with Wednesday of the month for the Staff Sgt. Derek Alford and rest of the year. It is required for Sgt. Monica Alejandre as the chaplains and assistants, ASAP instructors. counselors, FAP workers, AER Suicide is the fifth leading Counselors, ER techs and cause of death in Alaska and Medical/Dental professionals. For more information, contact the installation Suicide Prevention Program manager, David 10th in the nation. However, Perkins, at 361-7776. (Photo courtesy of David Perkins)

in order to locate any areas of contamination GUARD using our Stryker vehicles,” explained Capt. Continued from page 1 Gerald Ratchford, commander of the 95th Chemical Company. “This mounted platform After landing in Anchorage, more than 60 enables us to quickly and safely ensure the area personnel and equipment were bussed 70 miles that the personnel will occupy is safe, avoiding to Whittier, Alaska, and loaded onto a ferry for a inadvertently contaminating our first responders.” more than five-hour nautical journey to the Port The HRF then dispatched the 103rd of Valdez. Upon their arrival, more than 48 hours CST, Alaska National Guard, and 14th CST, had elapsed since the C-17 was dispatched to pick Connecticut National Guard, to collect hazardous up the equipment needed to react to the exercise samples and document contaminated areas on scenario. shore. While in Valdez, Air and Army National Off-shore, a scenario placing hazardous Guard service members from Alaska, Colorado, debris on a shipping vessel in the Port of Valdez Connecticut, Indiana, South Dakota, Utah prompted response by the U.S. Coast Guard and Washington participated in numerous Station Valdez in order to recover the radioactive arctic training events that continued to address materials and secure the boat and civilians. movement and weather difficulties associated with Participants of Arctic Eagle 2018 enjoy a lunch buffet at the “Opportunities to work with other agencies, outlying Alaskan communities. uniforms and partners is critical to the success Cold weather training was conducted at the conclusion of the exercise provided by the Valdez City Council at the Valdez Convention Center in Valdez, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2018. in a real event,” said Lt. Col. Bruce Roberts, Valdez Civic Center and included lessons on cold CBRN Task Force Commander for Arctic Eagle weather operations, injuries, toxic chemicals, The overall objective of exercise Arctic Eagle is to assess ability to conduct sustained operations in Arctic conditions and exercise and Utah National Guard member. “This exercise decontamination and cold water survival. brought together the National Guard, U.S. Army, “Training in an extreme weather environment Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Response Enterprise. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Marisa Lindsay, Alaska National Coast Guard, local government agencies and first tests not only your equipment, but your own Guard Public Affairs) responders; we all learned valuable lessons that physical strength,” said 1st Lt. Shawnta DiFalco, will contribute to interoperability in the future.” commander of the Decontamination Element, participated in the command post exercise. The other The exercise concluded on Saturday, Feb. 792nd Chemical Company, Washington National Guard. elements were scenario based, operating in the field. 25, on-time, and the community of Valdez concluded “The Soldiers had to work through freezing wind, Guard members responded to the notional scenario the exercise with a celebration for the participants at snow and ground ice to set up equipment. Without by establishing the Homeland Response Force followed the Valdez Civic Center, which featured a fresh local fail, there are challenges when using decontamination by a HRF deployment of civil support teams to pinpoint seafood lunch and booths selling handmade Alaskan equipment— the cold weather training we received was the contamination location and to gather material crafts. unmatched in its ability to challenge our capability to do samples for testing. Throughout the community, role “This mission was a total success; the 10th HRF was our jobs in an austere environment.” players acting as victims of the satellite crash were able to successfully demonstrate our ability to deploy The exercise featured a notional scenario that recovered and cared for by an established medical and operate within some of the furthest parts of our involved a fallen satellite landing in Valdez with triage. interagency, interstate and multi-service environment,” radiological contamination of three separate incident Two M1135 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical said Crespo. “I always enjoy working alongside folks sites: on land, sea and near the command post exercise Reconnaissance Vehicles, also known as Strykers, that are dedicated to executing at the highest caliber, operating area. belonging to the 95th Chemical Company, U.S. Army focused on mission accomplishment, and always During a major or catastrophic chemical, biological, Alaska, were deployed by the HRF to perform route maintaining a critical eye toward improving our radiological, nuclear and explosive event, such as the clearance and identify hazard locations. processes.” one outlined in Arctic Eagle, a Homeland Response “Our mission was to perform initial entry into Valdez Force must recall and deploy critical command, control and life-saving capabilities within six hours. “The Homeland Response Force is a regionally aligned chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high-yield explosive asset established in response to natural, man-made or terrorist initiated CBRNE disasters,“ explained 1st Sgt. Fausto Crespo, assigned to the Washington National Guard and acting as the planning NCO for the exercise. “A HRF is crucial in a mission like this in coordinating vast capabilities and manpower—we are trained and adept in working alongside first responders in casualty assistance, search and extraction, decontamination and medical triage.” Throughout the United States, there are 10 HRFs, which align with the 10 Federal Emergency Management Agency regions. Alaska is located in the 10th Homeland Response Force region, encompassing Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and headquartered in Washington. The HRF headquarters element and support platoons 4 NEWS March 9, 2018 Soldiers conduct parachute training in Alaska

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, prepare to board a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during airborne training at Malemute Drop Zone, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2018. The Soldiers of 4-25 belong to the only American airborne brigade in the Pacific, and are trained to execute airborne maneuvers in extreme cold-weather and high-altitude environments in support of combat, partnership and disaster-relief operations. (Photo by Senior Airman Valerie Halbert, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, parachute out of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter during airborne training at Malemute Drop Zone, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2018. The Soldiers of 4-25 belong to the only American airborne brigade in the Pacific and are trained to execute airborne maneuvers in extreme cold-weather and high-altitude environments in support of combat, partnership and disaster-relief operations. (Photo by Senior Airman Valerie Halbert, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs) 5 March 9, 2018 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Weekly Events March 9 – 16

Yoga Fitness Class 10 March 10 Noon to 12:45 p.m. Find your zen during Saturday afternoon’s yoga class at the Physical Fitness Center. Taught by a certified yoga instructor, this relaxing and strengthening course is perfect for your mind, body, and spirit. Physical Fitness Center, building 3709 Call 353-7223

Spring Break Pin-Sanity 12 March 12 through 16 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stay active during Spring Break and go bowling! Students under the age of 18 can enjoy 2 games of bowling plus shoes, and a small soda for just $5! Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702 Call 353-2654, reservations recommended

Spring Break Laser Tag 12 March 12 through 17 Times vary, see the website Get your board shorts and swimsuits on and let’s party this Spring Break! The Last Frontier Community Activity Center’s Laser Tag Arena is open for special Spring Break Laser Tag! Last Frontier Community Activity Center, building 1044 Call 353-7755, reservations recommended

Kids Ski & Snowboard Camp 14 March 14 through 16 Noon to 3 p.m. Kids can now learn how to ski or snowboard in just three days! During the camp, kids will learn the fundamentals of skiing or snowboarding, and by the end of the camp will be able to safely navigate the slopes like a pro! Hosted by the Outdoor Recreation Center, building 4050 Call 361-6349

B.O.S.S. Night Out: Ice Skating 16 March 16 5 to 8 p.m. If you are a single Service Member, then you are invited out to a night on the ice! Register through your B.O.S.S. Representative or the B.O.S.S. Office. B.O.S.S., building 1045 Suite 31 Call 353-7648, registration required

Melaven Fitness Center Bldg 3452 Santiago Avenue, (907) 353-1994 www.wainwright.armymwr.com @WainwrightMWR #WainwrightMWR #WainwrightFitness 6 NEWS March 9, 2018 Friday – 9th Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. OPEN SWIM, 1 to 7 p.m., pool inside Call 377-2642. Call 377-2642. to 1 p.m., pool inside Baker Field Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. 377-1925. BALLISTICS, 11 a.m., Baker Field BALLISTICS, 11 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, Monday – 12th OPEN SWIM, 5 to 8 p.m., pool inside OPEN SWIM, 5 to 8 p.m., pool inside Call 377-2642. FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, 377-1925. 377-1925. BALLISTICS, 11 a.m., Baker Field Call 377-2642. House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. RIPPED, 5:15 p.m., Baker Field TEEN BREAK, 7 to 10:40 p.m., BALLISTICS, 11 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Eielson Youth Center, Eielson AFB, OPEN SWIM, 5 to 8 p.m., pool inside House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Call 377-6336 Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call BODY SCULPT, 6:30 p.m., Baker 377-1925. RIPPED, 5:15 p.m., Baker Field Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377- House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. 1925. Saturday – 17th TEEN BREAK, 7 to 10:40 p.m., LAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, pool Eielson Youth Center, Eielson AFB, HIIT, 6:30 p.m., Baker Field House, inside Baker Field House, Eielson Call 377-6336. Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Thursday – 15th AFB, Call 377-1925. SPIN, 5:30 a.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925 FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday – 10th Tuesday – 13th Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, LAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, pool SPIN, 5:30 a.m., Baker Field House, LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Call 377-2642. inside Baker Field House, Eielson Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. to 1 p.m., pool inside Baker Field AFB, Call 377-1925. House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. PIYO, 9 a.m., Baker Field House, LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., to 1 p.m., pool inside Baker Field FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, CONE DE FORCE, 10 a.m., Baker Call 377-2642. Call 377-2642. Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377- REUNION BRIEFINGS, 9:30 to 10:30 1925. PIYO, 9 a.m., Baker Field House, a.m., Airman & Family Readiness STORYTIME, 10 to 11 a.m., Eielson Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2178. Library, Eielson AFB, Call 377-3174. COLLEGE FOOTBALL, 11 a.m., 354 Sports Bar inside Yukon Club, CONE DE FORCE, 10 a.m., Baker FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., DEPLOYMENT BRIEFING, 1 to 2 Eielson AFB, Call 377-5219. Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377- Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, p.m., Airman & Family Readiness 1925. Call 377-2642. Center, Ei-elson AFB, Call 377-2178. OPEN SWIM, 1 to 7 p.m., pool inside Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call COLLEGE FOOTBALL, 11 a.m., PIYO, 10:30 a.m., Baker Field House, OPEN SWIM, 5 to 8 p.m., pool inside 377-1925. 354 Sports Bar inside Yukon Club, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call Eielson AFB, Call 377-5219. 377-1925. LADIES BOOK CLUB, 5 p.m., Sunday – 18th OPEN SWIM, 1 to 7 p.m., pool inside Eielson Library, Eielson AFB, Call YOGA MIX, 5:30 p.m., Baker Field LAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, pool Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-3174. House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. inside Baker Field House, Eielson 377-1925. AFB, Call 377-1925. SPIN, 5:30 p.m., Baker Field House, SPIN, 6:30 p.m., Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday – 11th Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, LAP SWIM, 10 a.m. to noon, pool Call 377-2642. inside Baker Field House, Eielson Wednesday – 14th Friday – 16th AFB, Call 377-1925. LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. LAP SWIM, 6 to 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. OPEN SWIM, 1 to 7 p.m., pool inside to 1 p.m., pool inside Baker Field to 1 p.m., pool inside Baker Field Baker Field House, Eielson AFB, Call FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. House, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925. 377-1925. Eielson City Center, Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642. FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.,

IN BRIEF The Eielson Library holds story time every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. for children FINANCE TIP 5 years old and younger. Come out and Getting married or making a change to your enjoy listening to themed stories read by the Guardsmen train at dependency status? Be sure to visit your library staff or volunteers. Call 377-3174 local finance office as well as MPS so that for more information. the change is reflected in both your pay and Donnelly Training personnel records. MEDICAL GROUP OFFERS SLEEP ENHANCEMENT CLASS NUTRITIONAL TIP The 354th Medical Group provides sleep Celebrate traditions, especially those that enhancement education classes on Tuesdays Area during Arctic help you stay physically active. Have fun from noon to 1 p.m. The class is four weeks with traditional dances, sports and games that long and begins the first Tuesday of every make you move. month. For any questions or to register for the class, please call 377-6354. Eagle 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Craft Craft a Leprechaun mask or color at the St. EIELSON CHAPEL SERVICES Patrick’s Day Craft. Saturday, March 12 from The Eielson Air Force Base Chapel team 3 to 5 p.m. at the Eielson Community Center. offers a variety of services. Your Chaplain Call 907-377-2642 for more information. Corps offers Catholic and Protestant worship services each week, and our multi- CLEP TEST PREP faith worship center can support the needs Are you preparing to take a CLEP (college of other faith groups. For more information, level placement test) to earn credits toward call us at 377-2130. your CCAF? The Eielson Library holds CLEP Prep every Wednesday at 10 a.m. You Catholic Community: can take a practice test before your real one, Religious Formation, 9 a.m., Sundays with immediate results. Space is limited, so Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m., Sundays call ahead, or call for questions at 377-3174. Sacrament of Reconciliation by appointment PIANO LESSONS Piano lessons are available at the Eielson City Protestant Community: Center. If you or your child have ever wanted Contemporary Service, 9 a.m., Sundays to learn to play piano, now’s your chance. Kids Church, 9 a.m., Sundays Call 377-2642 for more information and to AWANA, 4 to 6 p.m., Sundays sign up for lessons. Jr./Sr. High Youth Service, 6 p.m., Wednesdays STORYTIME AT THE LIBRARY

Pfc. Jeremy Bauth, of the 220th Military Police Company out of Colorado stands guard at a checkpoint during Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside of , Alaska, Feb. 28, 2018. The National Guard must be able to operate and sustain themselves to be effective in the Arctic. (Photo by Spc. Michael Risinger, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

Guardsmen of the 220th Military Police Company out of Colorado practice Arctic skills at the Donnelly Training Area outside of Fort Greely, Alaska, during Arctic Eagle Feb. 28, 2018. Realistic training in cold weather conditions challenge participants to test field-craft skills, remote communications capability and validate arctic transportation capabilities. (Photo by Spc. Michael Risinger, 134th Public Affairs Detachment) 7 March 9, 2018 NEWS National Guard’s Arctic Eagle exercise offers extreme cold-weather training opportunities

Spc. Michael Risinger 134th Public Affairs Detachment

Approximately 600 Guardsmen from the United States and participated in training at the Donnelly Training Area as part of Exercise Arctic Eagle 2018, from Feb. 25 to March 8. The training allowed participants to exercise in cold weather and high latitude environments, conduct arctic skills training, live fire exercises, situational training exercises and build international partnerships. “With the increasing interest in the arctic domain, we have to be ready to be able to maneuver in any kind of weather,” said Brig. Gen. Joseph Streff, commander of the Alaska Army National Guard. “This is our opportunity to use this event for our arctic skills training and make sure that our equipment works, that our Soldiers are trained and that we have the capacity to meet both our state and federal missions.” Participants were Guardsmen from Alaska, Wyoming, Vermont, Colorado and Army Reservists from Canada. The exercise commenced with three days of arctic skills training, which consisted of classroom instruction on proper usage of seven-layer winter gear and cold weather Alaska National Guardsman Staff Sgt. James Bruce, of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, injury prevention. prepares to heat snow over a squad cooking heater while other snow melts over the 10-man squad tent heater during “I think the biggest surprise for our Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside of Fort Greely, Alaska, March 2, 2018. Heated water is used for guys is the cold weather system,” said Capt. drinking water, in cold-weather Meals Ready to Eat, and to hold tent stakes in place by mixing with other materials and Christopher Beyrle, commander of the allowing them to freeze in place. (Photo by Spc. Michael Risinger, 134th Public Affairs Detachment) Colorado National Guard’s 220th Military Police Company. “We’ve had the seven layer than three feet deep. warm in the arctic, the cold-weather MREs being able to cook our own food and stay system. We’ve never had to utilize it in cold Alaska Army Guardsmen with Bravo also include more calories than a traditional warm at night. It makes us better, stronger weather; a lot of wet weather and moderately Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry MRE. and faster Soldiers.” cold but nothing like we’ve seen here,” he Regiment, started building ground around the “They have really good sides. It’s nice to Soldiers performed dry and live-fire said. “If you ask any of the Soldiers they will tent stakes instead of driving the tent stakes get some warm food, especially after being training and training with blank rounds. say that they are very impressed and very into the ground. First a mixture of gravel, out in the cold all day,” said Pfc. Collin Routine maneuvers require different energy pleased at how well it holds up, especially larger rocks, and snow were build up around with the negative 40-degree temperatures the tent stake. Water was then poured over the that we’ve seen at DTA.” mixture and left to freeze. These make-shift Each squad was issued an Ahkio Group, mounds proved more than adequate to secure a sled with an arctic 10-man tent and other the tents. squad cold-weather supplies, to sleep in and “We’re taking what the Army teaches us in utilize throughout the exercise. The sleds our cold weather leader courses, but also the have a harness system so that a single squad Western Alaska guys are teaching us tips and member can pull it behind them. tricks that we’ve never known before,” said “A regular military unit should be able 1st Sgt. Russell Throckmorton, first sergeant to set up an arctic 10-man tent within five of B Co., 1-297th Inf. minutes. If we set up in the prairies where it Each tent has a stove to keep it warm, as is negative 40 to 50 there you really have 10 well as a smaller squad-sized cooking stove, to 15 minutes before frostbite sets in,” said which was mostly used to heat water. Hot Pvt. Ajai Chhina, an infantryman with the water was used in water bottles to keep them Canadian Royal West Minister Regiment. from freezing, to help secure tent stakes to the “We try and be proactive. If you’re not ground, and to re-hydrate food in the cold- proactive, you’re frozen.” weather Meals Ready to Eat. Even with previous training, groups Cold-weather MREs are capable of being found it difficult to set up the tents when eaten even when frozen. Due to the large the temperatures were below freezing. The amount of calories spent keeping a body ground beneath the tents were frozen to more

Alaskan National Guard Soldier, Pfc. Gatwech Both, of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, provides cover fire with his team during Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside of Fort Greely, Alaska, March 2, 2018. The Alaska National Guard has successfully operated in the Arctic and defended Alaska for more than 75 years. (Photo by Spc. Michael Risinger, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

Johanknecht, an infantryman with B Co., levels when wearing arctic gear. Vehicles and 1-297th Inf. “There’s some nice things about weapons have adverse reactions in extreme them that you won’t find in the regular MREs, cold-weather. but at the same time you miss some of the “Our mechanics, as well versed as they main meals from the standard MREs.” are at repairing our trucks, they’ve never had Soldiers were also trained on proper usage to operate or perform maintenance in these of snow machines and Small Unit Support types of conditions,” said Beyrle. “They are Vehicles. SUSVs are track vehicles capable of learning a lot.” speeds up to 33 mph. While they were mainly Realistic training in cold weather used for troop transportation and warmth, conditions challenges participants to test a SUSV was used to pull a bus up a snow field-craft skills, remote communications covered hill. capability and validate arctic transportation “What we’ve been focused on is not just capabilities. Canadian Soldiers of the Royal Westminster Regiment review response to surviving in the arctic but actually thriving. “There is a lot of great enthusiasm with contact tactics during Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside We’ve been really focused on maintaining a the Soldiers, and I certainly appreciate that of Fort Greely, Alaska, Mar. 1, 2018. The goals of Arctic Eagle 2018 are for battle rhythm by keeping our guys fed and because when it gets cold and windy, things participating forces to operate in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental and keeping them warm,” said Throckmorton. can get a little arduous and difficult,” said multinational environment; assess ability to conduct sustained operations in “Any of these Soldiers are tough enough to Streff. “I’ve seen where everyone’s pulling arctic conditions, and integrate new and emerging capabilities. (Photo by Spc. cold bag it for a night or cold bag it for a week, together and having fun. All in all, I think it’s Michael Risinger, 134th Public Affairs Detachment) but what we’re learning is sustainability by a good training event.” Anchorage Air Guard wing gets new commander Maj. John Callahan to lead the wing's 176th Operations 176th Wing Public Affairs Group. Since 2015 Slaten has been serving One of the nation's largest and busiest at the national level at National Guard Air National Guard wings has a new Bureau headquarters in Washington, leader. D.C., As commander of the 176th Wing, The 176th Wing, based at Joint Base Col. Slaten will be responsible for Elmendorf-Richardson, welcomed their wing's 1,500 members and their ongoing new commander, Col. Darrin E. Slaten, missions. Col. Scott Coniglio, Vice Wing Commander of the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, stands at parade rest at a wing change of command ceremony before a full assembly March 3. "It is tremendously gratifying to on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 3, 2018. Col. Steven return to Alaska to serve with the men It is Slaten's third stint with the wing. deMilliano, the outgoing 176th Wing commander, relinquished control of Originally an Army pilot, he joined the and women of the 176th Wing," Slaten the wing to the incoming commander, Col. Darrin E. Slaten. A former rescue Alaska Air National Guard from 1999 to said. "My priority will be to ensure that helicopter pilot with the wing’s , Slaten also served 2009 as a helicopter pilot with the wing's the Airmen are ready and able to meet as commander of the wing’s Operations Group from 2014 to 2015. He returns famed 210th Rescue Squadron. He was America's needs, whether here in Alaska to serve as commander of one of America’s largest and busiest Air Guard with the wing again from 2014 to 2015 or anywhere in the world." wings. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Edward Eagerton, 176th Wing Public Affairs)