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Volume 58 No. 2 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol April 2014 State responds to tornado devastation in Baxter Springs By Steve Larson Public Affairs Office Living in Kansas definitely has its advantages – beauti- ful scenery, friendly people, a cost of living about eight percent lower than the national average. However, one un- pleasant fact about the state is that it sits in the heart of “Tornado Alley.” The town of Baxter Springs received a rude reminder of that fact the evening of April 27 when an EF2 tornado struck the community at about 5:46, cutting a swath about three blocks wide through the heart of the town. Thirty- four people were injured with nine requiring hospitaliza- tion. Sixty homes were destroyed with another 42 suffering major damages and more than 160 others sustaining vary- ing degrees of damage. The twister also destroyed or dam- aged several business. Gov. Sam Brownback gave approval for a State of Disaster Emergency proclamation at 6:30 p.m. and the State Emer- gency Operations Center in Topeka was partially activated at 6:50 p.m. to coordinate the response of state agencies. "We will remain in the State Emergency Operations Center through the night to assist the authorities in Baxter Springs in any way we can," said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. KDEM personnel stayed in contact with Cherokee County emergency management officials to respond to re- One house destroyed, one next door relatively untouched. Such was the capricious nature of the tornado that struck quests for assistance. The Southeast Region Incident Man- the community of Baxter Springs the evening of April 27. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) agement Team and Northeast Resource Accountability director; and Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general state of Kansas are behind you, we’re praying for you.’ Team deployed to Baxter Springs to assist local authorities. and director of KDEM. We’re going to do everything we can to help and we’re IMTs are comprised of public safety professionals from the “It’s a horrible situation,” said Brownback, “but people try going to rebuild. Baxter Springs is going to rebuild.” municipal, county and state levels of government as well to work with each other and encourage each other. But the Brownback signed an executive order authorizing the as the private sector. IMTs can provide command and con- resilience of the human spirit is always the most uplifting.” Kansas Department of Revenue to be waive fees for resi- trol utilizing the Incident Command System structure for “These are people who have suffered huge losses and dents needing to replace identification and documents lost all-hazards incidents from response through recovery. you just try to encourage them,” said Brownback. “Give in the tornado. A Red Cross shelter was set up at the Community Center them a hug and some hope. Tell them ‘The people of the (Continued on Page 8) in Baxter Springs, for residents who lost homes. Brownback visited Baxter Springs April Intelligence Wing hosts annual Joint Conference 28 to view emergency response operations By Master Sgt. Matthew McCoy The conference, which included mem- Members of the Army and Air National and meet with local residents. He was ac- 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs bers of the National Guard Association of Guard participated in a golf tournament at companied by Congresswoman Lynn Jenk- The Kansas National Guard held its an- Kansas and the Enlisted Association of the Braeburn Golf Course and the 5K Presi- ins; Tim Shallenburger, legislative policy nual Joint Conference over the course of National Guard of Kansas, provided a set- dent’s Run. The run was held on the bike three days beginning March 21, hosted by ting for each association to discuss ideas path that stretches along the Arkansas the 184th Intelligence Wing. The confer- that are important to Guardsmen, their fam- River just outside of the Hyatt. ence brought Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen ilies and retirees. The golf tournament and fun run pro- from around the state to the Hyatt in down- Friday morning offered events through- moted camaraderie among both the Army town Wichita. out Wichita and the surrounding area. and Air components of the Kansas National

PAID Guard allowing a way for Guardsmen to PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE meet others that they may work with in the PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT future. Both events take place every year as part of the NGAKS conference. The association also held a sporting clays shooting match on Friday at the Michael Murphy and Sons shooting range. “This is a good team-building event that brings together Guardsmen from across the state with different skill levels to compete and socialize,” said 1st Lt. Rachel Watson, 161st Intelligence Squadron. Watson finished among the top female shooters, along with Senior Airman Tiffany Cooper, who was the top overall female shooter. The men’s top shooter was Maj. Todd Kavouras, director, Smoky Hill Weapons Range. Kavouras and Lt. Col. Gary Nash, commander, 284th Air Support Operations Squadron, finished as the top shooting team in the men’s competition. Recognizing the importance of family time, the committee planned a family fun night that evening in the Hyatt ballroom. Children enjoyed games, food and bounce 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Senior Airman Jeremy Williams takes aim at a clay pigeon during the 2014 Spring houses to play in. The Wichita State Uni- Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 versity basketball game was shown on a DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT Clays Shootout held in Augusta, Kan., on March 21 in conjunction with the annual NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL NGAKS/EANGKS Joint Conference. The shooting match promotes friendship big projection screen for the diehard among members of the Guard through friendly competition. (Photo by Spc. Robert Shockers fans.

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT I. Havens, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Office) (Continued on Page 2) Page 2 Plains Guardian • April 2014 Gant takes command of the 137th Transportation Company By Jane Welch Gant deployed as a platoon leader in 2010 with the 778th Public Affairs Office Transportation Company in support of Operation Iraqi 1st Lt. Eric Gant took command of the Kansas National Freedom. Guard’s 137th Transportation Company (Palletized Load Gant's awards include Bronze Star Medal, National De- System) during a change of command ceremony Feb. 8 at fense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service the Olathe armory. During the ceremony, Capt. Kendrea Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Over- Shingleton turned over command to Gant. seas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Lt. Col. Carla Hale, commander of the 169th Combat Sus- Army Service Ribbon. tainment Support Battalion, presided over the ceremony that Gant has a Bachelor of Science degree in business man- symbolically passed to Gant the responsibility for the wel- agement from Emporia State University and an MBA from fare and training of the Soldiers in the company. Baker University. His military education includes the The 137th Transportation Company is located in Olathe Transportation Officer Basic Course. with a subordinate unit in Topeka. Gant and his wife, Kristen, have three children, Taylor, “Captain Shingleton’s dedication has gone beyond the Savannah and Emma. numbers,” said Hale. “She has taken the time to know and Capt. Kendrea Shingleton help the Soldier and the family behind the name tape in the Capt. Kendrea Shingleton enlisted into the Kansas Army company. She has mentored the officers and noncommis- National Guard in 1994 as a legal specialist with the 35th sioned officers. Her advice has been sound and based on Infantry Division. She was commissioned as a quartermas- her experiences serving in the Kansas National Guard.” ter second lieutenant on June 16, 2006. “Lieutenant Gant, let me pass on a few things: Be your- After her commissioning, she served as the commander self, rely on the leadership within the company and believe of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 69th Troop in your Soldiers. They will not let you down,” said Hale. Command; Active Guard and Reserve manager, Joint “Change is a constant in every organization. It is how well Forces Headquarters, and training officer, 169th Combat we manage change that makes the difference. The com- Sustainment Support Battalion. pany will change under your leadership. Embrace this op- Shingleton deployed in 2003 with the 35th Infantry Divi- portunity. The Soldiers of the 137th Transportation sion as a criminal law noncommissioned officer in support Company are ready for you to lead them, so take charge of Stabilization Force 13 in Bosnia-Herzegovina. and move forward.” Shingleton's awards include Army Commendation Medal, During the ceremony, Shingleton was presented with an Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal. Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National “I have held my last final formation, promoted my last Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Soldier, briefed my last training plan,” said Shingleton. “I Outgoing commander, Capt. Kendrea Shingleton, Medal, the Non-Article 5 NATO Service Medal, Overseas have spent my last annual training with a line unit. I will passes the 137th Transportation Company guidon to Service Ribbon and Armed Forces Reserve Medal. personally beat the brakes off anyone that disparages the 1st Sgt. Charles Hughes, as incoming commander, 1st Shingleton has a Bachelor of Science degree in project 137th Transportation Company. I am proud of my unit and Lt. Eric Gant, looks on during a change of command management from Friends University and is pursuing her will always cherish my time as company commander.” ceremony Feb. 8 at the Olathe armory. (Photo by Jane MBA at Webster University. Her military education includes “I am honored and proud to be able to serve you,” said Welch, Public Affairs Office) the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course and Captain's Career Gant. “I didn't say that wrong, that is truly how I feel about 1st Lt. Eric Gant Coarse with a Multifunctional Logistician Qualifier. taking command. It is my job to serve you and provide all 1st Lt. Eric Gant, enlisted into the Kansas Army Na- Shingleton is the full-time training officer for the 635th of you everything you need to be successful and accom- tional Guard in 2008. He was commissioned as a trans- Regional Support Group in Hutchinson. plish the mission. So I want to thank you for the opportu- portation second lieutenant in August 2009. After Shingleton and her husband, Rick, have two children, nity to be your commander and I look forward to working commissioning, he served as a platoon leader for 778th Laura and Spc. Kris Shingleton, who is a member of the with and getting to know each and every one of you.” Transportation Company. 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard. 184th Intelligence Wing hosts NGAKS/EANGKS Joint Conference Continued from Page 1 know, Jeff, things don’t just magically hap- items for the next year. lead the planning committee. On Saturday morning, members attended pen,’” Jordan said as he briefed the impor- Readiness factors included unit strength, “Overall, the entire planning process and the joint session. Speakers at the joint ses- tance of associations that represent the medical readiness and effective manning. execution went extremely well over the sion included Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer; National Guard. He explained that each organization has past year,” said Garcia. retired Col. Pete Duffy, legislative director Tafanelli briefed some of the proposed high control over their readiness, and im- Garcia requested the help of Capt. Naomi representing NGAUS; Maj. Gen. Lee changes to the force structure. He listed pos- proving it will keep them from being “low Hume of the 134th Air Control Squadron to Tafanelli, the adjutant general; and Col. J.J. sible losses and gains for Army and Air Na- hanging-fruit.” gather the volunteers and personnel required Jordan, commander, 184th Intelligence tional Guard units across the nation, and how “Don’t make it easy for the Department to make the conference a success. Wing, Kansas National Guard. the changes could affect units in Kansas. of Defense to cut us,” said Tafanelli. “We “Captain Hume was pivotal in the Jordan offered a common sense point of During his brief, Tafanelli stressed readi- have to take care of the basics.” process, and I can’t say enough about all view. ness, Soldier and Airman care, and better Tafanelli expressed the importance of the folks from across the 184th Intelli- “My wife sometimes says to me, ‘You communication as the three main focus taking care of Soldiers and Airmen while gence Wing that stepped up and con- improving communication. tributed to making this an outstanding With technology and social media chang- conference,” said Garcia. “Our folks were The driving o’ the green ing the way information is distributed, simply outstanding!” Kansas National Guard leaders discussed The volunteers, both military and civil- ways to find the most effective systems to ian, came from all over the state with a ma- pass information. Tafanelli challenged offi- jority of them being first-term Airmen. cers and enlisted personnel to learn how “When it comes down to it, there is no fellow Guardsmen prefer to be informed. way that conferences like this can come to- “We often find that on the same issue, gether without volunteers,” said Hume. depending on whether you’re enlisted or “We just don’t have the resources to hire you’re officer, you may have a different people to do all the work.” perspective on the same topic,” said The volunteers helped with all of the pre- Tafanelli. “So this is an opportunity to get viously mentioned events as well as the that input and really solve the problems.” youth and spouse events, registration, com- Following the joint session, attendees munications and hospitality rooms. broke out into separate meetings based on “Every one of those events were planned their rank. During each session, personnel and executed by volunteers. I encourage participated in professional development, everyone to get involved in the upcoming received feedback and were given an op- years as it’s a great networking experi- portunity to voice their concerns. ence,” said Hume. Most of the festivities ended Saturday The planning didn’t come without chal- night with a formal banquet. Both associa- lenges. Garcia explained that the biggest tions held board meetings on Sunday to challenge over the past year was the logis- close out the conference. tical coordination of the event due to the Like Jordan said, things don’t just magi- geographical separation of NGAKS board cally happen. The planning for this year’s personnel and the 184th IW. conference began in 2013 when he ap- “Overcoming those hurdles is a testa- pointed Lt. Col. Craig Garcia, commander, ment to the proactive and quality folks we Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 169th Combat Sus- 184th Operations Support Squadron, to have in the 184th,” said Garcia. tainment Support Battalion teamed up with the 137th Transportation Company to represent the Kansas National Guard in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kansas City. The group drove four vehicles and also had some Soldiers walk Follow us on the Web http://kansastag.ks.gov of-Emergency-Management the parade. This is the fifth year the unit has participated. Prior to the parade, http://www.facebook.com/KansasNational- http://www.twitter.com/KSAdjutantGen Soldiers from the 137th PLS visited with children from Children’s Mercy Hospi- Guard http://www.twitter.com/KansasEmergency tal and gave out stuffed animals generously donated by the state Family Support http://www.facebook.com/Kansas-Division- http://www.twitter.com/KansasGuard Office. (Photo by Capt. Andrew S. Tapley) April 2014 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Training will make it easier for Protecting your children in Airmen to work from home the Internet “neighborhood” By Staff Sgt. Maria A. Ruiz from civilian vendors for less than $30. Ex- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Sackrider The largest reason for success of attacks 184th Intelligence Wing ternal USB, USB keyboard, laptop and Cybersecurity Officer is complacency. People, in general, don’t There used to be a popular credit card desktop CAC readers are the basic types of This article in this series is low-tech, like to plan, and do not perceive that commercial with the tagline “Don’t leave readers. Airmen can trade their old CAC especially if you’re still digesting the arti- which they do not directly see. We must home without it.” reader for a new one from the 184th Com- cle in the last edition regarding cyber- overcome this idea by accepting that the Members of the Kansas National Guard munications Flight. sleuthing. It’s about climate change. No, evildoers are out there, because they are. possess a different sort of card they should ActivClient is a middleware program we’re not going to discuss the polar ice We can choose, to a large degree, what definitely not stay home without, particu- that uses digital certificates and a personal caps melting or the end of the world. It’s personal information we want out there. larly if they want to access the federal Na- identification number to verify the identifi- about how to think about the Internet. Unfortunately many encounters with the tional Guard network from there. cation of the CAC card user. Windows 8 The World Wide Web is different government’s legal system are The card is called a Common Access does not require you to install ActivClient, things to different people. Kids public. Still, it’s wise not to Card. The CAC, as it is commonly known, but it is recommended. Windows XP, Vista think of it as a huge play- have a sign in your front serves the dual purpose of identification and 7 require ActivClient to be installed in ground, adolescents use it yard of who lives there, card and computer access. order to operate correctly. as a sounding board for what valuables you On Feb. 2, Airmen assigned to the 184th ActivClient may be downloaded by ac- their thoughts and fears, and have, and your work Intelligence Wing received training on using cessing the Air Force portal with a user- adults use it for research. schedule. a common access card reader from home. name and password. Users must first log Many others use it for So back to the neighbor- Utilizing a CAC reader allows the user to into the portal from a 184th Local Area a jukebox and a place hood. What can we do to access government e-mail, digitally sign Network computer. Once logged on, the to watch videos of protect ourselves if no forms utilizing Lotus software, access the user can update or verify security ques- cats. one else will do it? Defense Travel System and Air Force Re- tions, username and password. The user Imagine a neigh- Change the locks serve Order Writing System sites, and en- can then log on to the portal from home borhood with a li- frequently, post able other military and government websites and download ActivClient from the CAC brary, bank, guards, don’t let your without the necessity to travel to their base. middleware download link. arcade, café and kids have the combination “It is an inconvenience for some tradi- Home users with Apple Mac computers playground. Now to the house safe, and keep an eye on tional Guardsmen to travel to a base in can visit www.militarycac.com/apple.htm for image that neighborhood with no police them. Some parents prefer software that order to sign AROWS forms or access more information for specific requirements. and the bad guys have teleporters, invisi- tracks all keystrokes and web pages a DTS,” said Staff Sgt. Cole Watts, 184th In- “This class was very informative,” said bility cloaks and lock-picking tools. This child visits, while some aren’t concerned telligence Security Squadron, cybersystem Chief Master Sgt. Jim Weldy, Detachment is how cybersecurity professionals see the at all. This is a personal matter. You are operations specialist. “This will definitely 1, Smoky Hill Weapons range superinten- Internet. going to take the risks into account what’s help those that do not live in the immediate dent. “Those that don’t have a work laptop The question is how do we protect our- out there and the ramifications, then de- area of a base.” will be able to handle important work from selves? Even more importantly, how do cide. Home computers must have a CAC home, if necessary.” we protect our children? They want to Here are some websites for information reader, ActivClient Agent and correct com- Wing personnel can contact the 184th visit the arcade and playground, but there on protecting your kids: puter configurations to properly use a CAC Communications Focal Point at (316) 759- are those who not only wish them harm, • www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publica- reader at home. Additionally, users must 7555 or visit the CFP SharePoint but want to follow them home to harm tions/parent-guide have an enabled network account and be https://eis.ang.af.mil/org/184IW/MSG/CF/ you as well. It’s amazing when we can • www.microsoft.com/security/family- current on the DoD cyberawareness chal- Pages/default.aspx for further information tell a person’s entire life story just off of safety/childsafety-steps.aspx lenge training. or questions. The 184th Intelligence Group the Internet. You can find where someone • www.consumer.ftc.gov/arti- Home users can purchase CAC readers personnel may call (316) 759-7740. lives, including a picture of their house, cles/0031-protecting-your-childs-pri- their phone numbers, friends, relatives, vacy-online legal issues, and the list goes on. • security.yahoo.com/protect-your-kids

Take care of spring tasks safely By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Marvine Terhune weed trimmers. Dispose of the oil properly. Safety Officer There are generally several places in a Spring and day- town that will take used oil at no cost. light savings time As you sharpen blades and perform are here. maintenance on lawn mowers, remember to Now is the time wear personal protective equipment. Push to check the date mowers, riding mowers and several types on your smoke de- of equipment that have moving parts have tectors and replace manufactured safety switches for operation. them as the manu- Do not bypass them. Safety switches are facture recom- designed for your protection during the mends. At a normal operation of the equipment. minimum, replace Since you have not operated the equip- the battery. Chief Warrant ment since last year, re-familiarize yourself It is time to get Officer 4 with the equipment’s operation and review out of the house Marvin Terhune the owner’s manual. and start the spring Remember to take your time to do things clean-up. If you did not service your mo- right the first time. Plan ahead, get the right torized lawn equipment last fall, now is the tools for the job, wear your personal pro- time to catch up. Keep safety in mind as tective equipment and dispose of hazardous you change oil, sharpen blades and restring waste properly. Be safe! Using a CAC reader allows the user to access government e-mail, digitally sign forms utilizing Lotus software, access the Defense Travel System and Air Force Re- serve Order Writing System sites, and enable other military and government web- sites without the necessity to travel to their base. Foundation awards scholarships The Kansas National Guard Foundation • Robert D. Warton, Rossville High awarded five $1,000 scholarships to gradu- School. Son of Staff Sgt. Robert G. ating high school seniors and children of Warton Kansas National Guard members in 2014. The winners were announced at the state The scholarships were awarded to: conference in Wichita on March 22 by • Thomas S. Pollock, Junction City board members Sgt. 1st Class Kurt High School. Son of Master Sgt. Wassenberg and Tammy Tafanelli. This is Richard Pollock the first year for the scholarships and the • Danielle M. Burrell, Washington foundation’s hope is to continue scholar- County High School. Daughter of ship awards in succeeding years dependent Chief Warrant Officer 3 Shawn Burrell on fundraising and donations. • Maia E. Schoenberg, Blue Valley High Anyone interested in more information School. Daughter of Lt. Col. Eric about Kansas National Guard Foundation Schoenberg scholarships can visit the website at • Jacob J. Brown, Piper High School. https://sites.google.com/site/kansasnation- Son of State Command Chief Master alguardfoundation/ or e-mail ksngfounda- Sgt. James Brown [email protected]. Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • April 2014 Baxter Springs tornado is a reminder to be prepared By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli plan is critical. And practicing the plan will you do in advance to protect yourself and portunity to think about what we need to do Adjjutant General only help to familiarize everyone with it. have a back-up system in place to assist to improve our preparedness level for tor- The April 27 tornado that devastated a An emergency kit stored in a basement or you, the less impact these storms will have nadoes, floods, even earthquakes which the number of homes and businesses in Baxter storm shelter can provide the basics to on you and your families. state is now beginning to experience more Springs also left behind a harsh reminder to those individuals who are affected by a tor- In Baxter Springs, several state agencies often than usual. all of us of just nado, ensuring they have the essentials set up assistance for residents during the The state is committed to helping its resi- how quickly things needed until help arrives. days following the tornado, and will con- dents following a tornado or any other dev- can change in After a tornado, we often realize how tinue to work to support the community. astating emergency, but the more we do as Kansas and why fragile everything is that we rely on each Sadly, we know this won’t be the last dev- individuals and families to prepare ourselves we must be pre- day. Whether it’s the heavy filing cabinet astating tornado in Kansas to tear through a for the next one now, the better able we are pared. Spring pro- where we have always kept our important community. But we can use this as an op- to help others who aren’t as fortunate. vides the best and documents or the fire-proof box in the most frequent op- closet with our important records, the portunities for this chances of finding those storage containers difficult situation after the tornado hits may be quite small. to happen, but his- Take the time now to gather your vital tory also shows Maj. Gen. records and other documents, scan them, Kansas has had tor- Lee Tafanelli and put them on a flash drive or CD in a nadoes occur dur- bank deposit box or give the flash drive to ing every month of the year. Knowing this, a family member who lives in a different many of us could do more to be better pre- location. Other options include using on- pared for tornadoes and the wreckage they line storage sites, but only consider those leave behind. that provide you a secure way to protect Kansans have seen many tornadoes in re- the documents you need after a tornado, cent years, several of which have claimed such as your driver’s license or your birth lives including an EF5 in Greensburg in certificate. 2007, a tornado in Reading in 2011 and one Fortunately, following a tornado, many in Harveyville in 2012. organizations come together in Kansas to Now is the time to think through what help residents who have lost some or all of we would need to do in advance of a tor- the things they own. Personal insurance nado striking our home, business or com- can help to replace valuable items lost, plus munity. The most important planning we state agencies such as the Kansas Depart- can do is to ensure we and our families ment of Revenue and Kansas Department know where to go, what to do, and how im- of Health and Environment can assist in The tornado that struck Baxter Springs April 27 was a forecful reminder that severe portant it is to stay calm. Having a family reprinting critical documents. But the more weather can hit in the state at any time and in any community. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) We’ve made progress, but Warrior to Warrior there’s still more to be done By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector Vasquez leads, and working with commanders to Competition brings out the best State Chief Warrant Officer find quality Soldiers to fill these posi- By Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly recognize the Soldier and NCO competi- Throughout the past year, we have been tions. If you are considering, or might JFHQ-KS Land Component tors who demonstrate commitment to the making great strides in warrant officer consider becoming a warrant officer, I want to take advantage of an opportu- Army values and who embody the war- readiness. As of please contact the warrant officer strength nity with this article to recognize the truly rior ethos. The Best Warrior Competition April 5, the manager as soon as possible. outstanding per- supports promotion of morale and cohe- Kansas Army Na- The State Warrant Officer Candidate formance of our sion within participating commands and tional Guard has School in Salina kicked off this year’s top Soldiers and benefits all Soldiers through both leader- achieved an ad- “Zero Phase” in March. This phase pro- noncommissioned and self-development, training standardi- justed warrant of- vides an opportunity for candidates to officers. Congrat- zation and the development of training ficer strength of finish up their Phase I, provides informa- ulations to all of subject matter experts within our units. 80 percent for the tion on how to successfully prepare for our Soldiers that The competition begins with selection of first time in our the upcoming Phase II course, and also have been recog- Soldier and NCO of the Year at the com- history. I would gives candidates a small taste of what to nized as the Sol- pany and battery level. These individuals like to sincerely expect throughout the WOCS curriculum. dier/NCO of the are selected to represent their units at their thank every per- Command Chief In addition, Phase 0 provides WOCS Year for the de- respective battalion level competitions son who con- Warrant Officer 5 leadership with insight on where candi- tachment, com- Command Sgt. Maj. based on demonstrated performance and tributed to this Hector Vasquez dates are at physically so weaknesses can pany, battery, James Moberly potential that is above their peers. To be el- milestone. Your be addressed and corrected prior to the battalion or igible, competitors must meet all standards, efforts not only impact our state this year, start of Phase II. This phase will begin on brigade. Thank you for your hard work, including fitness, performance, education but will have a residual positive impact on April 25 and there are currently 12 candi- dedication, and self-development that has and conduct. Competitors at the state-level years to come. dates enrolled in this year’s State Warrant improved our entire organization. competition have already won the right to Although this is a time to celebrate, we Officer Candidate School course. The State Best Warrior Competition represent their battalion and brigade level can’t afford to slow down as we still have Upon completion of Phase II, candi- was held at the Great Plains Joint Train- commands through similar competitions. seven more warrant officer positions to dates will attend Phase III at Camp Atter- ing Center in Salina in March to select The 2014 State Best Warriors are: fill before the state is considered “green.” bury, Ind. This last phase will focus on the Kansas Army National Guard State Soldier Category: The warrant officer strength manager is field and leadership training and exer- Soldier and NCO of the Year for 2014. Champion: Spc. Kevin Davis, auto- steadily cultivating prospects, pursuing (Continued on Page 11) This event is designed to promote esprit matic rifleman, Company B, 2nd Com- de corps throughout the KSARNG and to (Continued on Page 11) Letter to the Editor Keep up the good work PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian I am an avid reader of the Plains I was at the emergency operations center The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- Guardian. I retired from the Kansas Army every day for the briefings and met with 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- National Guard on Nov. 1, 2000. I retired the great people of the Colorado National olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will as the command sergeant major of the Guard. I understand that there were some payment be made for contributions. 174th Ordnance Battalion which was head- Kansas National Guardsmen who came to The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions quartered at Hays, Kan. help in the flooded area in northern Col- may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). My pride in the Kansas Army National orado last fall. When I am finished reading Circulation: Approximately 16,000 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Guard is extremely high. I am involved with each issue of the Plains Guardian, I share it Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office several functions here in South Central Col- with our local library as they have local pe- Gov. Sam Brownback Director orado. Last summer, we experienced an riodicals users can peruse. I leave my ad- Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director event in which the Colorado National Guard dress on it and have received calls from Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 was activated to provide military support to some of those who took time to read Editor Sharon Watson local authorities here as the West Fork Fire through your great publication. Administrative Assistant Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Complex consumed nearly 110,000 acres of Please, keep up the good work. I really Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] our once beautiful mountains. From where enjoy reading the history as it has been Production Assistant Jane Welch we live, here in South Fork, it came within published by you folks. Videographer three miles from us. Thanks to the diligence 1st Lt. Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 of the U.S. Forest Service and local fire Thank you very much! The Plains Guardian may be read online at fighters, no significant structures or homes http://kansastag.ks.gov For change of address, contact Jane Welch. were lost. Retired CSM Larry R. Heersink April 2014 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Guard medevac crew conducts training exercise in Afghanistan By Cpl. Cody Haas great deal of pride in their main task of U.S. Marine Corps saving Soldiers’ lives when called upon. The churning blades threw a cloud of “We have the best mission in the mili- dust in the air as the UH-60 Black Hawk tary,” said Army Sgt. Steven Leflar, a crew prepared to touch down at Forward Operat- chief with the unit. He said everyone on the ing Base Delaram II, Nimroz province, team was looking forward to deploying for Afghanistan, March 11. that reason. Waiting at the ready by the door of the “This is our first time in Afghanistan,” helicopter, the crew chiefs prepared to said Chartrand, a native of Tonganoxie, make an expedient exit, watching from the Kan. “This is one of our smaller units out window as the Marines on the ground car- here. Everyone out here gets along really ried the litter toward the landing zone. well; we have a very good relationship Within a moment of reaching the earth, the with everyone.” doors flew open and the litter was rushed Medical evacuations conducted by Army inside. They seemed to depart as quickly as medevac crews in Afghanistan perform to they had arrived, now with a simulated ca- the standard of the “golden hour,” the hour sualty in tow, already receiving medical immediately following traumatic injury in care as they began to hover once again which medical treatment to prevent irre- above the landing zone. versible internal damage and optimize the The medical evacuation training evolu- chance of survival is most effective. Mede- tion was designed to test the Army medical vac crews strive to deliver the wounded evacuation crew’s combat readiness capa- personnel to the nearest medical facility bilities when conducting an in-flight pa- within this hour-long window, measured tient triage on a simulated casualty. from the time the crew first receives a call The crew is known as "Dust off,” which from the unit. has been the tactical call sign since adopted Having rehearsed many times before, by the U.S. Army’s 57th Medical Detach- they know exactly what each crew member ment (Helicopter Ambulance) during the is capable of and how they will react in any Vietnam War. Chosen from a list of unused given situation. call signs, “Dust off” epitomized the mis- “I’m very satisfied with the training sions they carried out, as clouds of dust that went on,” said Leflar. “It’s important were thrown into the air when their heli- that we train like this any chance we get. copters took off or landed. In addition, This training does and will continue to many in the Army medevac community save lives.” now use the call sign as an acronym for Medevac crews have been operating out their mission: Dedicated Unhesitating of FOB Delaram II in support of coalition A flight medic with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Regiment (General Support Avia- Service To Our Fighting Forces. forces patrolling in the surrounding areas tion Battalion), monitors a simulated casualty during a medical evacuation training ex- “We provide casualty evacuation to coali- of Helmand province. ercise at Forward Operating Base Delaram II, Afghanistan, March 14. Medevac crews tion forces in the immediate area,” said Chief “If troops are out in the field, they know operate out of FOB Delaram II in support of coalition forces patrolling in the surround- Warrant Officer 2 Chris Chartrand, a pilot we’re here,” said Leflar, a native of Den- ing area. (Photo by Cpl. Cody Haas, U.S. Marine Corps) with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Avia- ver, Colo. “This is one of the best groups of tion (General Support Aviation Battalion). “It guys I’ve worked with.” gives peace of mind to coalition forces leav- The crew will continue to train for fu- ing the wire. They go out knowing someone ture operations while stationed at FOB 190th Security Forces learn to has their back no matter what.” Delaram II until the base is handed over to The Army National Guardsmen take a the Afghan National Army. recognize signs of intoxication By Master Sgt. Allen Pickert “It’s a way to standardize detection with Chaplains looking for Partners in Care 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs the ultimate goal being to improve the There’s really no way to hide alcohol in- safety of the motoring public,” said Istas. By Chaplain (Col.) William Jenkins portive friendship. It could be practical by toxication. Changes in eye movement, loss Kansas National Guard State Chaplain helping a Guardsmen find employment or of balance and mental acuity decrease with DUI Prevention Checklist I am looking for churches, faith-based better employment. It could be helping 1. Don’t drink and drive. It’s the best preven- an increased level of alcohol in the blood. organizations, vet- with financial management; or helping a tion of DUIs. The Kansas Highway Patrol has a train- 2. Arrange for a designated driver before you erans groups and Guardsman utilize existing community ing program to help ensure that all law en- go out. Make sure you and your friends civic organizations helps (e.g. community food pantry). The get home safely. forcement is trained to recognize the signs that would like to list is endless and is based on the needs of 3. Volunteer as a designated driver. Rotate of alcohol intoxication. In March, the 190th the job among friends. partner with the the Guardsmen and the abilities of the part- Air Refueling Wing Security Forces took 4. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a Kansas National nering organization. taxi. A $40 cab is cheap compared to a part in the hands-on training to learn all the Guard to provide Partner in Care organizations provide DUI -- or a funeral. signs of alcohol intoxication. support and care free services with neither party assuming To make the training as realistic as possi- By the end of the training the volunteers for our at risk Na- any liability on behalf of the other nor can ble, volunteers indulged in alcoholic bever- were feeling little pain and Airmen were tional Guard mem- the relationship be used to proselytize ages and bar snacks while their blood learning to match the tell-tale physical bers and their members for the organization. If you would alcohol level was tracked by a Breathalyzer signs of intoxication with actual numeric families. like more information about becoming a Chaplain (Col.) and by physical indicators. Members of the blood alcohol levels from Breathalyzer Partners in Care Partners in Care member organization, William D. Jenkins 190th Security Forces were trained to de- readings. is an initiative of please contact our full-time support chap- tect these indicators and then observed With the toll of driving under the influ- the chaplains of the Kansas National Guard lain, Chaplain (Maj.) John Potter, at 785- those traits in the increasingly intoxicated ence of alcohol being as much as $10,000 to provide another layer of support to our 274-1514. Airmen. in fines, plus court costs, lost wages and Guardsmen who are having a difficult time. Pro Deo Et Patria… State Trooper Rob Istas, who conducted the tragic human costs being infinitely The help could be emotional through a sup- For God and Country much of the training, said that the class was higher, everyone should ensure that their Fighting Jayhawks celebrate part of national program. drinking plans never include driving. final Hometown Heroes event By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy Janell Blaufuss, wing executive staff of- 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs ficer, 184th Intelligence Wing. The 184th Intelligence Wing gathered In 2008, the director of the Air Na- in a crowded banquet hall Jan. 5 for the tional Guard sanctioned the Hometown final Hometown Heroes Salute. Heroes Salute recognition program. The The event celebrated, honored and program consisted of a three-tier award thanked Airmen and their families who system in which each tier represented in- significantly supported the Air National creased lengths of time spent on orders. Guard’s mission. The Airmen who were Col. J.J. Jordan, commander, 184th recognized spent at least 30 days on or- IW, expressed his gratitude toward his ders in support of contingency opera- Airmen and their families. tions. “The Hometown Heroes program “Today’s ceremony recognizes the mil- might be taken away, but everything itary and family members of the 184th you’ve done, the reason you’re heroes to Intelligence Wing who have given time me is not going to be taken away,” said and efforts of their families, friends and Jordan. “We can’t express enough to you Senior Master Sgt. Rob Bolin has his eye movement checked for signs of alcohol in- civilian careers to serve an honorable how much we appreciate your service to toxication during a field sobriety testing class for members of the 190th Air Refuel- part of our nation’s defense,” said Maj. your country.” ing Wing Security Forces. (Photo by Master Sgt. Allen Pickert, 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) Page 6 Plains Guardian • April 2014 Guardsmen lend a hand to active duty training at Fort Riley By 1st Lt. Matt Lucht and equipment to the right location. Public Affairs Office “We will do our best and drop them Placing Soldiers and equipment in effec- where they want them and face them in the tive strategic positions on a battlefield takes direction that they intend to fire,” said a lot of practice. Getting that training expe- Garr. “So their set up time is minimal.” rience with an active-duty unit is very rare Typically, Fort Riley’s aviation unit for the Kansas Army National Guard. When would have provided the Black Hawks for the 232nd Field Artillery, an active-duty training, but the Fort Riley aviation battal- unit from Fort Riley, asked for help from ion is currently deployed. the Kansas Army National Guard’s 1st Bat- “With our aircraft deployed right now, talion, 108th Aviation, they gladly accepted. linking up with the Kansas National Guard “We have a great training area, great allowed us to get extra training,” said 1st training tools with their equipment and in Lt. Shawn Dolan, B-232nd Field Artillery. my 26 years career, this is the second time The Black Hawks’ training started by that I have done this, so it is a great oppor- picking up the Soldiers and dropping them tunity,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason in the designated location. Pilots would Garr, 35th Infantry Division. leave the Soldiers and sling-load a howitzer On Jan. 22, the 232nd FA conducted to their location. Once the howitzer was de- training in air assault raids with field ar- livered, the Black Hawks would land and tillery and needed to get personnel and wait until the artillery rounds were fired. equipment to different locations. The helicopters would then fly back to the “The concept is, in a very quick and very drop-off point and sling-load the equipment sneaky manner, to put two artillery pieces to another location and return to pick up all on the battlefield in a new, unknown posi- remaining ground forces. Active-duty Soldiers with the 232nd Field Artillery from Fort Riley attach the sling tion where they can very rapidly put rounds Both units gain valuable training and saw from their field howitzer to a Black Hawk helicopter flown by the 1st Battalion, downrange,” said Garr. “Before the enemy the benefits of training together. 108th Aviation Regiment, Kansas National Guard, during a training exericse Jan. can react, we go back in and extract them “The benefit for them is that they don’t 22. The Kansas Guardsmen assisted the Fort Riley Soldiers with their training in air out of that unknown point.” have to wait for their active-duty counter- assault raids, quickly transporting Soldiers and their equipment from one location Three UH-60 Black Hawks provided the parts to come back and can still conduct to another. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) sling load capability for the ground forces training,” said Garr. “The best benefit for and allowed them to put 10 artillery rounds us is that we are actually getting to interact on a selected target and then rapidly move with the active-duty guys, interact with the Soldiers, Airmen learn how to to another location. Communication was a unit and do all the coordination efforts with key component on getting the personnel a real unit on the other side.” tell the National Guard stories By Spc. Jessica Zullig Many students, like Fitzgerald, were re- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ferred to the course by their readiness non- Over the course of the past 10 years, the commissioned officers. All units in the annual Kansas Unit Public Affairs Repre- Kansas Army National Guard are allowed sentative course has successfully turned to participate and are encouraged to do so. hundreds of Soldiers, Airmen and civilians “There are so many stories going on in into able journalists, despite heat, cold, a the state,” said Sharon Watson, director of tornado and, this year, snow. the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department The Public Affairs Office of the Kansas Public Affairs Office, to those in atten- Adjutant Generals’ Department, with sup- dance. “We need you to tell us about what port from the 105th Mobile Public Affairs is happening in your units, to tell the com- Detachment, Joint Force Headquarters, munity what is happening. We thank you Topeka, trains and guides the participants all for being here.” in the multiple aspects of military journal- This year, the participation rate was at an ism. The course was held at the Kansas Re- all-time high with an enrollment of 54. One gional Training Institute, Salina, Kan., of those students might be the next recipient March 1-2, and invited members from the of the Unit Public Affairs Representative of Army and Air National Guard and the Civil the Year award, presented this year to Sgt. Air Patrol. The purpose of the class is to Thomas Sureau, Company C, 2nd Combined explain policies, regulations, and social Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry. Each year media guidance and give basic instruction this award, given in honor of retired Col. Bil- A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, on writing and photography, coupled with a lie E. Fuqua, former public affairs officer for Kansas National Guard, slingloads a field howitzer across the Fort Riley landscape practical exercise to ready students for cov- the KSARNG, recognizes the Kansas Na- during a training exercise for the 232nd Field Artillery. The joint National ering unit and community events. tional Guard UPAR who has best carried out Guard/active duty exercise took place Jan. 22. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public The exercise allowed students, who are the responsibilities of the position. Affairs Office) grouped together, to complete their own Although Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, story to be published in the Plains Kansas adjutant general, could not be pres- Guardian. This year there were 10 prospec- ent due to the snow, he did offer comments tive stories, ranging from hobbies to per- to be passed on to the class. Kansas National Guard sonal experiences. “As Unit Public Affairs Representatives, “What will stick with me most after this you play a vital role in getting out the Military Funeral Honors Team course is learning about the rules and regula- Kansas National Guard’s message,” he tions of public affairs and the many formali- said. “You are the link between your unit Military Funeral Honors Application ties of it,” said Spc. Shelby Fitzgerald, a and the community officials, your unit and multisignal transmission system operator and the local media, and between your unit and If you are the BEST and want to work with the BEST, complete this form! maintainer for the 369th Signal Company, the general public. Your efforts help your Name ______Kansas City, Kan. “And there is so much community understand the value of your more to [photography] than I realized.” unit in the town you drill in.” Address ______City, State ______Zip Code ______Cell Phone ______Home Phone ______Best time to call ______am/pm (Circle one) Available to train on weekends Yes _____ No _____ Available to train on weekdays Yes _____ No _____ Would like to talk with a Military Funeral Honors Representative ______The best time to set up an interview Date ______Time ______Mail to: KSARNG Honor Guard, 2800 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka KS 66611

KSARNG Honor Guard Phone 785-274-1520 Cell 785-438-9202 Capt. Michael Sullivan, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, talks to students at- Fax 785-274-1687 tending the Unit Public Affairs Representative Course on their duties and responsi- Email [email protected] bilities as UPARs. The course was conducted by the Adjutant General’s Department Public Affairs Office and the 105th MPAD March 1-2 at the Kansas Regional Train- ing Institute in Salina (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, 105th MPAD) April 2014 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Female soldiers making impact in Kansas field artillery units By Staff Sgt. Aaron Cairo, UPAR to female Soldiers and young women Battery A, 2-130th FA everywhere for what we as women can Field artillery jobs in the Army were achieve, well then, that's just a bonus." long closed to women. However, that all Spc. Veronica Kramer recently joined the changed in May 2012 when new Army pol- Kansas National Guard as an interstate icy opened up approximately 14,325 field transfer from a military police company artillery jobs to female Soldiers. Battery A, with the New Mexico National Guard. 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery re- Kramer is currently serving as an ammuni- cently welcomed two female Soldiers to tion specialist for Battery A, where she op- the unit, the first women in a Kansas field erates a five-ton resupply vehicle with a artillery line unit. material handling crane. 1st Lt. Vanessa Riddell is currently serv- Kramer and three other female Soldiers ing as the executive officer for the battery, recently graduated from the Field Artillery located in Holton. Riddell received her sec- School at the 139th Regimental Training ond lieutenant commission in the National Institute, at Fort Bragg, N.C., March 19, Guard as a chemical officer through the 2014. The course, which awards a 13M ROTC program at Texas A&M-Central Military Occupation Specialty, is an 18-day Texas and was promoted to first lieutenant course that requires 40 hours of classroom during the March Field Training Exercise instruction and approximately 100 hours of drill. That promotion made her the first hands-on training. Students learn field ar- woman in the Kansas National Guard to tillery concepts, theories and the mechanics hold that rank in the Field Artillery Corps of being a Multiple Launch Rocket System and the first female commissioned officer in or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System a combat arms job for the state of Kansas. crewmember. Capt. Michael Turney, commander, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery "I am honored to have this opportunity to "It was a lot when we started,” said congratulates Vanessa Riddell on her promotion to first lieutenant. Riddell was pro- work with the outstanding Soldiers of the Kramer, “but now it's not nearly as much as moted during a battery formation at a field training exercise at Fort Riley March 23. Kansas National Guard and to be a part of they made us think it was. I like download- (Photo by Lt. Col. Paul Schneider, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery) the Field Artillery Corps,” said Riddell. “If, ing the truck, but I like running the HI- along the way, I can serve as a role model MARS, too.” Bill provides many benefits Battery A Soldiers validate By Capt. Tom Warth Education Services Officer If you do not intend on technical manual instructions If you served a combined period of 90 using your Post 9/11 GI By Maj. Chuck Leivan authorized for combat. days or more on a deployment or in an 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery In February, Matt Cassady, from the Pro- active duty component, including the Ac- Bill in the immediate fu- How do the step-by-step directions for gram Executive Office for Missiles and tive Guard and Reserve, you are eligible ture and plan on staying conducting a task get field tested? In the Space at Red Stone Arsenal, Huntsville, for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 case of the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Ar- Ala., contacted the 2-130th FA to see if GI Bill will pay for: in the Guard four more tillery Regiments’ High Mobility Artillery Soldiers were available to conduct a • The net cost of in-state tuition and years, why not transfer Rocket System, the process was a little out demonstration of appliqué installation for fees charged for public undergradu- your benefits? That way, of the ordinary. several DoD agencies and the HIMARS ate, graduate and Ph.D. programs On March 11, members of Battery A, 2- manufacturer, Oshkosh Manufacturing. • A housing stipend based on an E5 if anything happens to 130th FA, Holton, participated in a demon- “I will commit the battalion’s full sup- with dependents basic allowance for you, your family will have stration to validate an update to the port in any effort to ensure and improve housing for the school’s address, technical manual for crew-installed armor, Soldier safety,” said Lt. Col. Paul Schnei- and your benefits. called appliqué. The purpose of the demon- der, the battalion commander. • Up to $1,000 for books and supplies stration was to solve a question derived Members and representatives of Tactical for traditional National Guard Sol- submit, you will get an email with fur- during the rewrite staffing. One of the Army Command, Corps Support Command, diers and Airmen based on how ther instructions. Once the process is agencies involved asked if the task was PEO MS and Oshkosh, and a crew from many months of qualifying service complete, you will get a memo from the best suited for HIMARS crews or is it a Battery A came together at Building 1820, you have. Department of Defense saying your task that should be conducted at the Orga- Camp Funston, Fort Riley, March 11 to con- If you are an active-duty Soldier or transfer is approved. nizational Maintenance level. duct the demonstration. The process began Airman, including AGR, you receive the You can always take your benefit back The M142A–HIMARS chassis is a mem- at 9 a.m. and was complete by 12:22 p.m. same benefits minus the housing stipend if you change your mind, but you can ber of the Family of Medium Tactical Vehi- “I can’t believe your Soldiers never did because you are already receiving a only transfer while you are in the service, cle of trucks. The original version, M142 this before,” said Cassady, “yet they did it housing stipend in the form of basic al- either actively drilling or on active duty. was a major breakthrough in providing so safely and well.” lowance for housing. If you do not intend on using your Post long-range precision indirect fire capability Members of the battery that completed Here is another amazing part of the 9/11 GI Bill in the immediate future and on a light wheeled platform that makes it the task were Staff Sgt. Duane Forbes, Sgt. Post 9/11 GI Bill: you can transfer it to plan on staying in the Guard four more air-mobile. With the lessons learned in Joshua Sinclair, Sgt. Thomas Miller, Spc. your spouse or children! If you are eligi- years, why not transfer your benefits? Iraq, an upgrade to the M142 included a Colton Feldman and Pfc. Roy Lockhart. All ble for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, have served That way, if anything happens to you, hardened cab and additional bolt-on plate Soldiers involved were recognized with a six qualifying years towards retirement your family will have your benefits. If armor known as appliqué. During the 2010 Certificate of Appreciation from PEO MS. in any service, including National Guard, you die before transferring your benefits, fielding, the 2-130th FA received their HI- “I’m glad they gave us an opportunity to Reserves and active duty, you can re- those benefits go with you to the grave. MARS with the appliqué installed, but show what Soldiers can do instead of just quest to transfer all those benefits to one There are many other education assis- were instructed to take it off since it is only assuming,” said Forbes. or more of your dependents. tance programs available. The Kansas Na- In order to transfer, you will have to tional Guard Education Services web make sure your spouse or children are page, listed in the Defense Enrollment Eligibil- www.kansastag.gov/nguard.asp?pageID=4 ity Reporting System and agree to serve 97 is an excellent place to find information four years past the date you request the and links to all of the programs noted transfer. If you request today, and your above, and many others. The Kansas expiration, term of service is in five years, Board of Regents has many scholarships you have met the four-year commitment. and grants that may apply to you or your If your service ends in less than four family depending on the education pro- years, stick around awhile and get your grams they are enrolled in. Private organi- kids those great benefits. zations such as the American Legion, If you are ready to transfer benefits, go Veterans of Foreign Wars, local churches, online to https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/mil- or other organizations may also have connect. You can sign in using a Com- scholarships available as well. mon Access Card or create a log-in ID. One of the most important steps to take Once you have logged in, on the right as a student is to fill out your Free Appli- side of the screen will be a “Transfer Ed- cation for Federal Student Aid at ucation Benefits” link. There will be www.fafsa.ed.gov. There are many gov- some instructions and benefits you will ernment programs available depending have to acknowledge before you can on your income level and other factors. transfer, and if you are eligible for any This should be an important first step other GI Bills; there are three others, but when deciding how to pay for college. you can only transfer the Post 9/11. You As always, the entire staff of the Edu- will have to give up one before you can cation Services Office is available to as- use the Post 9/11 GI Bill. If you are not sist you as you move forward with your Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Holton, use a crane to as- sure which bill you want to use or give education. Please feel free to email me at sist in attaching armor plating to an M142 A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System up, email me and we will walk through [email protected] or visit as part of a demonstration March 11 to validate instructions in a technical manual which bill is the best for you. After you our webpage for more information. regarding crew-installed armor. (Photo by Maj. Chuck Leivan, 2-130th FA) Page 8 Plains Guardian • April 2014 Kansas Division of Emergency Management State responds to tornado devastation in Baxter Springs Continued from Page 1 Kansas Director of Vehicles Lisa Kaspar. this area, these low-interest long terms tance not limited to small businesses. "As residents of Baxter Springs begin to The executive order waived the fees for SBA loans will certainly help homeowners, As the community entered the recovery rebuild from the destruction, this is a way residents in Bourbon, Cherokee and Linn renters and businesses as they work to re- phase, the Incident Management Team was we can help make picking up the pieces a Counties and, in addition to driver’s licenses build," Brownback said. demobilized and the State Emergency Op- little easier," said Kansas Revenue Secre- and motor vehicle titles and registrations, in- To qualify for SBA loans, the community erations Center deactivated April 29. tary Nick Jordan. cluded birth certificates and marriage li- must have a certain amount of structural loss “The situation in Baxter Springs has de- "We are happy to be able to step up and censes obtained from Vital Statistics, Kansas and a portion of those properties must be escalated to the point the city and county help Kansans by making it as easy as possi- Department of Health and Environment. uninsured. SBA’s disaster loans are the pri- no longer needs our immediate assistance ble to replace these documents," said The Attorney General’s Office sent its mary form of federal assistance for the repair for emergency response,” said Angee Mor- Consumer Protection Team to Baxter and rebuilding of non-farm, private sector gan, KDEM deputy director. “They’ve “These are people who Springs to assist residents and the Kanas De- disaster losses. For this reason, the disaster moved into the recovery phase and we will partment of Health and Environment’s Of- loan program is the only form of SBA assis- continue to coordinate support as needed.” have suffered huge losses fice of Vital Statistics went to the community and you just try to encour- May 1 to help replace vital paperwork. age them. Give them a hug KDEM sent a request to the Federal Emer- gency Management Agency asking for a and some hope. ... We’re joint Preliminary Damage Assessment to de- going to do everything we termine eligibility for federal assistance. KDEM, FEMA and Small Business Associa- can to help and we’re tion personnel made the assessment April 30. going to rebuild. Baxter Based on that assessment, it was determined Springs is going to re- the damages sustained will potentially qual- ify the community for SBA assistance, build.” prompting the governor to request a Small Gov. Sam Brownback Business Administration disaster declaration for Cherokee County and adjacent counties. "If the SBA assistance is approved for

Gov. Sam Brownback listens intently as Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management, gives him an update on the state’s ac- tivities in Baxter Springs following a tornado strike the evening of April 27. Also listening is Gunnar Wixon, Baxter Springs fire chief, who was the incident com- mander. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) Statewide tornado drill highlights Severe Weather Awareness Month As part of the annual Severe Weather was the quietest season since 1994, that Debris clean-up in Baxter Springs was well underway by mid-afternoon the day Awareness Month activities, the state of doesn’t mean this season will be the same. after a tornado struck the community the evening April 27. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Kansas conducted its annual state-wide Our advice is to always be prepared." Lucht, Publc Affairs Office) tornado safety drill Tuesday, March 4. Morgan said a home emergency kit Every school, citizen and business was en- should include everything needed for each couraged to participate in the drill by prac- family member to survive for a minimum ticing seeking secure, safe shelter as if this of three days without power. Kits should were a real warning. include one gallon of water per person per The Kansas Division of Emergency day; nonperishable, high energy foods; a Management posted preparedness informa- battery powered NOAA weather radio; tion and hosted challenges on its Facebook flashlights; extra batteries; a safe, alternate page throughout the week, including a free heat source; blankets; medications and webinar on Family Disaster Preparedness. other essentials. Additional information Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclama- about preparing an emergency kit may be tion Feb. 27, designating March 3-7 as "Se- found online at www.ksready.gov. vere Weather Awareness Week in Kansas" Morgan also advised everyone to have an to urge Kansans to start planning for spring- emergency plan for their home or place of time weather-related emergencies. business and ensure that everyone knows "It just makes sense to plan ahead and the plan. heed storm warnings," said Brownback. "If you don’t have a storm shelter, make "This winter, when snowstorms were fore- sure you know where the nearest shelter cast, Kansans by and large did the wise is," said Morgan. "Designate a place to thing and stayed off the roads as much as meet in case you become separated or how possible and made sure their emergency you will communicate if land lines and cell kits were stocked. Even though warmer phone towers are knocked out. Review weather is coming, we need to continue to safety rules regarding downed power lines be prepared and alert to the possibility of and broken gas lines. Once you have your severe weather." plan in place, practice it so everyone knows According to the National Weather Serv- what to do." ice, Kansas had 56 tornadoes in 2013, in- To help get more people involved in cluding 15 in one day; 45 of those emergency preparedness, KDEM has insti- tornadoes hit in May. However, Angee tuted an online "Kansas Preparedness Chal- Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Di- lenge." Completing each monthly vision of Emergency Management, said challenge makes participants eligible for a that does not mean May is the most danger- prize drawing. Go to www.ksready.gov and ous month for severe weather. click on the "Kansas Preparedness Chal- "Our first tornado hit April 7 in Russell lenge" link to get started. Gov. Sam Brownback greets residents of Baxter Springs as they clean up after the County," said Morgan. "The last one was For more information on emergency pre- devastion left by a tornado that hit the town the evening of April 27. (Photo by 1st August 13 in Lane County. That’s 128 days paredness, go to www.ksready.gov, Lt. Matt Lucht) from the first to the last. And although 2013 www.redcross.org, or www.fema.gov. April 2014 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Joint Field Office facilitates A picture is worth 1,000 words – aide to storm-stricken counties especially when it’s a map By 1st Lt. Matt Lucht the storms and apply for FEMA funding. Public Affairs Office During his visit, Tafanelli was briefed Eight months after severe storms ripped about on-going and routine disaster work through 46 Kansas counties leaving behind that is improving the state’s ability to re- a path of destruction, a federal/state team spond and recover from disasters while remains hard at work helping the affected mitigating the impact of future disasters. communities. These efforts point to a strong partnership The team, comprised of FEMA and between the Kansas Division of Emer- Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- gency Management and FEMA. ment personnel, set up a Joint Field Office “That partnership has been critical the in Wichita, Kan., to ensure the local gov- last seven years to bring $1.03 billion back ernments receive the support they need as into the state of Kansas after disastrous they work to repair and rebuild storm-dam- events like Greensburg or Chapman,” said aged roads, bridges, and other local gov- Chris Van Alstyne, federal coordinating of- ernment infrastructure. ficer for FEMA Region 7. “That money has A big portion of the Joint Field Office been put back into Kansas’ communities, work is ensuring these local governments counties, roads, schools and hospitals.” quickly receive state and federal funds to “FEMA officials really like the way that reimburse them for the losses the commu- Kansas structures their recovery efforts in nities sustained in the storms. Local gov- the public assistance program, which has ernments must apply for the money been in place for quite awhile,” said through FEMA’s Public Assistance Pro- Tafanelli. “We continue to get great feed- gram, which is administered jointly back because it mirrors how FEMA is through KDEM and FEMA. setup to do these types of activities.” Ben Grover, GIS analyst with the Adjutant General’s Department, updates a map Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas director Since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, FEMA showing burn bans in Kansas for the agency’s website. The Geospatial Informa- of emergency management and adjutant gen- has updated some of their policies, which tion Office can access thousands of data layers to create maps down to the street eral, visited the Joint Field Office March 5 were implemented while this Joint Field level for use by federal, state, county and emergency response agencies. The work and met with FEMA and state staff. Office was established. can be performed in their office or on-site in disaster situations in the Public Infor- “It provided me a wonderful opportu- “It provided a great training opportunity mation/Geospatial Information Emergency Support Response Vehicle. (Photo by nity to meet with our personnel who are not only with our personnel with the new Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) part of the Joint Field Office and to meet policies that are in place, but also for By Carly Willis If it is information they already have, the with FEMA personnel,” Tafanelli said. FEMA personnel,” said Tafanelli. Public Affairs Office process can pick up speed rather quickly. If “Things appear to be working very The 46 counties named in the federal When disaster strikes, maps can provide not, they may be receiving incident infor- smoothly and applicants are getting the declaration were Barber, Barton, Bourbon, the information required to make informed mation from incident responders or people necessary information.” Butler, Chase, Cherokee, Clark, Clay, decisions by officials. This is where the in the field. They then share the informa- On Oct. 22, 2013, President Barack Cloud, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Craw- Geographical Information Systems team tion with the State Emergency Operations Obama declared a federal disaster for the ford, Dickinson, Edwards, Elk, Ellsworth, comes into play. Center and decision-makers can carry forth 46 Kansas counties affected by severe Ford, Geary, Greenwood, Hamilton, “We support the state emergency opera- their processes. storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Kingman, tions center during all disaster operations. “Data we don’t have that we need, we flooding from July 22 to Aug. 16. Follow- Kiowa, Lane, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Those include natural disasters, industrial have to find a way to get it,” he continued. ing the declaration, FEMA and the state of McPherson, Meade, Montgomery, Morris, disasters, nuclear and any other manmade or “It could mean building a project to gather Kansas set up a Joint Field Office and Ness, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Repub- act of terrorism disaster that requires activa- the data and doing it ‘in-house.’ If it is began assisting local governments with the lic, Rice, Saline, Sumner, Washington, Wil- tion of the State Emergency Operations Cen- something that can be acquired through a information they needed to recover from son, and Woodson. ter,” said Jesse Smith, Geographic contractor, we look at those options as well. Information Systems coordinator, Kansas We also have the Civil Air Patrol that can fly Division of Emergency Management. over to gather post-disaster imagery.” The GIS team, under Kansas Division of Customers for the GIS team include the Emergency Management and the Adjutant federal government, state agencies, all 105 General’s Department is utilized for a mul- counties, Homeland Security regions and titude of purposes, within disasters and oth- Incident Management teams. All levels re- erwise. The GIS team has multiple facets to quire some level of mapping generated by coordinate all geographical information the GIS team. Additionally, they provide systems that the agency has, ranging from mapping for Regional Hazard Mitigation web products to paper products to a re- Plans and assist smaller counties who do sponse team. not have a GIS in their emergency operation In beginning their mapping process, they plans. GIS analyst Benjamin Grover works create or find data and place it on a point with locals to get necessary information put on the map. Data can be, for example, into the form of a map. Local agencies are inches of snowfall throughout the state, able to partner with the GIS personnel to with every county having a numerical rep- help describe the geography and the lay of resentation. The data layers could also in- the land, including where shelters, supplies, clude lines of latitude and longitude, gas and other entities are located. and electrical lines, location of major If necessary, the GIS team can go mo- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli (center), the adjutant general and director of the Kansas Divi- roads, water sources or aquifers, or even bile. In the after-action review of the sion of Emergency Management, is briefed on the activities of the Joint Field Office something as mundane as where supplies Greensburg tornado, it became apparent established in Wichita to assist local governments in the Public Assistance process to of diapers can be found, which can be very there was a need for a vehicle that could be recover costs associated with restoring public infrastructure damaged by severe important to parents in disaster-stricken used to serve both the Public Affairs office weather in July and August 2013. The JFO is administered by KDEM and the Federal communities. personnel in releasing information and co- Emergency Management Agency. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office.) They manage approximately 5,000-6,000 ordinating with the media and also for a layers of data drawn from a variety of au- place where the GIS team could have their Join the Civil Air Patrol thorities, such as the U.S. Census Bureau, hardware and software on hand to create U.S. Geological Survey, Kansas Depart- and distribute maps of the disaster area. ment of Transportation, Kansas Corpora- The result was the creation of the Public The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is tion Commission, county and city Information/Geographic Information Emer- looking for adults and teens ages 12 to 18 databases, and many other sources. gency Response Support Vehicle, PIGI, for “For example, we have several different short. The vehicle provides two work- to join our current volunteers on types of road files,” said Smith. “The cen- spaces for each office equipped with all important missions. sus creates nationwide roads; we have technology needed to carry out their tasks. The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the those. Also, in Kansas, KDOT provides The PIGI becomes a very busy information U.S. Air Force with three primary missions: road files for the entire state. Most counties hub during a disaster. It was deployed to also have their own road file. The data at the Reading and Harveyville tornadoes. • Aerospace education the county level usually is very accurate as “We were there (Harveyville) for four • Cadet programs far as what locals refer to the road names. days, and usually made 100 maps a day,” • Emergency services It gets less precise at KDOT, and even less said Smith, “everything from organizing at the federal level. These nuances are usu- search and rescue, organizing debris re- Go to www.kswg.cap.gov ally quite small, but if we tried to make an moval, coming up with truck routing op- for a Civil Air Patrol Squadron near you entire state road network out of the local tions, and where the debris is going to go. roads it would be very sloppy. Lines do not You can convey a lot of information always line up correctly.” through a map.” Page 10 Plains Guardian • April 2014 Soldier mentors Kosovo youth through English language class By Maj. Mike Wallace aries, thesauruses and other reference mate- MNBG-E Public Affairs Officer rial to insure they use the proper words. Being involved with youth and mentor- “These students have a strong drive in ing them comes as a second nature to their education,” said Jones. “They under- Kansas National Guard Soldier, Capt. Allen stand that the future of Kosovo rests upon Jones, a judge advocate officer with the them and they want to contribute to a better 35th Infantry Division, now serving as a Kosovo and a better world. Through their legal assistant and claims attorney for the education, they can contribute greatly to a Multinational Battle Group-East at Camp better way of life for them, their families Bondsteel with the 504th Battlefield Sur- and the people of Kosovo.” veillance Brigade in Kosovo. He is part of But just as the students are learning in the KFOR-18 contingent. the classroom, Jones and the other instruc- Assisting other instructors in teaching 25 tors are learning as well. Jones said that he students English as a second language, learns a lot about daily life and the people’s Jones has taken it upon himself to help the viewpoints of the world as he interrelates students from the municipality of with his students. Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo, in preparing “I’ve learned that the youth here have them to take the Test of English as a For- dreams and goals like much of the youth eign Language exam later this year. The worldwide, but it is much more difficult to exam is a timed test that comprises reading, attain these just because these kids are in listening, speaking and writing sections Kosovo,” said Jones. where the student must demonstrate a high “Their drive to learn drives me to teach,” level of understanding the English lan- Jones said. “It is a distinct pleasure and guage. The test must be passed to be able to Capt. Allen Jones (right) hands out hairstyle photos to students. The students are privilege assisting these young scholars as study in the United States. preparing to give their arguments on whether a ‘mullet’ hairstyle is good or bad. they improve themselves, and as they im- Jones says he enjoys giving opportunities (Photo by Maj. Mike Wallace, MNBG-E PAO) prove, so do I. I am a better person because for others so they can contribute and make I’ve met these students, and the world will their lives meaningful, especially when it America and meet all the interesting people.” is the best singer ever” and have the stu- be a better place because of them.” deals with the youth of Kosovo. “We’ve learned so much from Captain dents team up and give speeches to support Jones and his wife, Kristine, live in Lib- “Helping the youth of Kosovo in their Jones, “said Dyresa. “The country is so fas- the claim or argue against it. Students have erty, Mo., with their six children, Allen 12; educational activities helps everyone in cinating because there are so many ways to to write essays, give speeches, interpret Abby, 10; Caleb 8; Eliza 6; Joshua, 4 and Kosovo,” said Jones. “This gives them the say the same thing, with so many words that what they heard someone say and many Sierra, 1. He is a graduate of Ricks Col- opportunity to be accepted in higher learn- sound the same, but have different mean- other demonstrations on how well they un- lege, Rexburg, Idaho; Brigham Young Uni- ing (colleges), which gives them a chance ings—and because the country is so large, derstand English. versity, Salt Lake City, Utah; and received at better jobs, better income, and being a there are so many dialects to hear and expe- The class must speak English the whole his juris doctorate degree at the University powerful instrument in improving the econ- rience. I want to experience America, too.” time and the students constantly use diction- of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan. omy and lifestyles in Kosovo.” Jones understands the challenges with The high school students enjoy Jones as an the English language and he sets up exer- instructor. Diellza, 17, and Dyresa, 15, Mani cises for the students throughout the are sisters in the same high school junior classes. One day, the students will be chal- class who both want to be medical doctors. lenged to give a presentation about certain Both say Jones’ enthusiastic way of teaching words which may sound the same but have make them want to learn more, not just about different meanings, or phrases in the Amer- English, but also about the United States. ican vernacular that make no sense trans- “The United States sounds like a wonder- lated to Albanian. On another day, Jones ful place where there are so many opportuni- may give an exercise where he randomly ties,” said Diellza. “I would like to study in passes out statements such as, “Elton John Awards and Decorations KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD

Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal

Lt. Col. Tony Divish, 287th Sustainment Bde, Wichita, with Lt. Col. Billy Garst, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak leaf two oak leaf clusters clusters Maj. Larry Leupold, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, with Lt. Col. Chris Snyder, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster three oak leaf clusters Lt. Col. Vonda Wigal, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Matthew Twombly, HQ, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, Capt. Daniel Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak leaf with two oak leaf clusters clusters Maj. Kimberly Young, Co B, 1st Bn (OCS), 235th Rgmt, Chief Master Sgt. Clark Hansen, 190th ARW, Topeka Salina, with oak leaf cluster Chief Master Sgt. Ricky Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka Capt. Dustin Nash, 73rd CST, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Amy Buchanan, 184th IW, Wichita, with Sgt. Maj. Gary Peterman, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita, two oak leaf clusters with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Valinda Atwater, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Bryson, 170th Support Maint Co, Norton Master Sgt. Kimberly Barnes, 184th IW, Wichita, with two Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Buchhorn, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, oak leaf clusters Lawrence Master Sgt. David Chirinos, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Cunningham, 2137th FSC, Manhattan, Master Sgt. Eric Smith, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster with two oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Tony White, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale, Co D, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Keith Melvin, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Sharon Dicks, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Ellis, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Air Force Commendation Medal Sgt. 1st Class Julie Kempel, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with one oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Ralph Caples, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Maj. Kevin Hopkins, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Jacob Millias, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene 1st Lt. Naomi Hume, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Capt. Allen Jones (front row, second from the right) pauses for a class photo with his Sgt. Eric Clay, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Master Sgt. Robert Bisterfeldt, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster students and other instructors. (Photo by Maj. Mike Wallace, MNBG-E PAO) Army Commendation Medal Master Sgt. Collin Kelley, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Douglas Latessa, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. William Combs, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Sgt. 1st Class Keith L. Bartlett, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with cluster four oak leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Melissa Gillenwater, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Billy G. Summers, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Concordia, Tech. Sgt. Jerry Holloman, 190th ARW, Topeka with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. James Kuntzsch, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Kevin L. Bronson, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Concordia Air Force Achievement Medal

Master Sgt. Robert Bisterfeldt, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Brent Geschwentner, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Senior Airman Paul Kahl, 184th IW, Wichita

Staff Sgt. Ryan Mangus, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Retirements Staff Sgt. Donald Sand, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Marysville Kansas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Henry Womack, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Manhat- tan Master Sgt. Robert Hernandez, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Danny Kelley, 1077th GAC, Olathe Sgt. 1st Class Maxie Mikle Jr, Det 2, Co A, Rec & Ret Bn, Sgt. Donald Yost, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Topeka Spc. Scott Matthews, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Nelson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Give an Hour provides free mental health Sgt. 1st Class Lary Patrick, HQ, 235th Rgmt (RTI), Salina Kansas Air National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Steven Smith, 242nd Eng Co (Horizontal), Coffeyville Col. Tony DeJesus, 190th ARW, Topeka services to help heal the invisible wounds. Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Stubbs, 250th FSC (-), Ottawa Col. Rohn Hamilton, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Michael Wilson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Lt. Col. Chris Brown, 184th IW, Wichita To receive services or join our network of Staff Sgt. David Coats, 242nd Eng Co (Horizontal), Cof- Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Davis, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka feyville Chief Master Sgt. Ricky Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka volunteer providers, visit www.giveanhour.org. Staff Sgt. Kelly Grattan, Btry C (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, Newton Master Sgt. Sam Alva, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Carl Isbell, Det 2, 778th Trans Co, Wichita Master Sgt. Bernard Botson, 184th IW, Wichita April 2014 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Hospital’s chief medical officer “You de-ice the rotor and inducted in Kansas National Guard University of Kansas Medical Center met with nurses who provided his care and I’ll go scrape the windows” The University of Kansas Hospital’s extended thanks to hospital leadership. chief medical officer is taking on a higher “What you truly have here is a gem,” he calling – keeping America safe. said. Lee Norman, M.D., was inducted into Norman will be assigned to the medical the Kansas Army National Guard as an in- command unit and work in the Joint Forces telligence officer March 31. In that role he Headquarters in Topeka, reporting to also will work on disaster management and Tafanelli. other projects of interest to civilian and Norman has worked in the Kansas Intel- military organizations, including Kansas ligence Fusion Center as a civilian intelli- and regional Homeland Security activities. gence analyst; his new enlistment in the Norman continues as the hospital’s chief Kansas Army National Guard allows him medical officer and senior vice president. to expand those activities. Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant gen- He also served 16 years in the U.S. Air eral and director of Kansas Homeland Secu- Force – eight years on active duty and eight rity, visited the hospital to personally swear years as a reservist –where he was aero- in Norman in front of his family and friends. space medicine trained and served as a During his visit, Tafanelli, who was a pa- flight surgeon, family physician and com- tient at the hospital in recent months, also bat medicine instructor. Topeka military members honored Six members of United States military Lee, United States Coast Guard; and Yeo- branches located in Topeka were recog- man 2nd Class Steven E. Rogers, United nized as Armed Forces Personnel of the States Coast Guard Reserve. Year at the April 8 Topeka City Council in The invocation for the ceremony was a brief ceremony sponsored by the Topeka given by Chaplain (Maj.) John Potter, Sgt. 1st Class Shane Keene supervises Spc. 4 Erich Schow as he uses the heater kit Military Relations Committee. Kansas National Guard. on an Aviation Ground Power Unit to de-ice components of the rotor head of a This year’s honorees were Spc. Joshua The recipients were selected by their re- UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopter during recent winter weather in R. Joynt, Kansas Army National Guard; spective military branches to receive the Afghanistan. The Soldiers, members of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Sgt. 1st Class James J. Riddle, United Military Person of the Year Award from the (General Support Aviation Battalion) are deployed with their unit for a year-long States Army Reserve; Sgt. Andrew S. Topeka Military Relations Committee. The mission. Afghanistan has a continental climate with hot summers and harsh win- Slater, United States Marine Corps; Staff committee was formed in 2003 by a group ters in many parts of the country. (Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steve Hood) Sgt. Luke A. Broxterman, Kansas Air Na- of Topeka businessmen to promote the mil- tional Guard; Yeoman 1st Class Joshua R. itary within the community. Competition brings out the best Continued from Page 4 back to the range to zero their M4 carbines There’s still more to be done bined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry equipped with M68 Close Combat Optic Continued from Page 4 ficer Candidate School to give the candidates Runner-Up: Spc. Kirby Plankinton, Pal- primary sights. After lunch, the competitors cises that will hone each candidate’s ability an opportunity to participate. This event pro- adin driver, Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st completed individual day record qualifica- to think critically, effectively and effi- vides the candidates a good opportunity to Field Artillery tion for score while eagerly anticipating the ciently as new leaders. meet other warrant officers within their ca- NCO Category upcoming mystery event. This year’s mys- During this year’s annual Kansas National reer fields and receive some mentoring. Champion: Sgt. Alex Bebb, team leader, tery event included tasks that many of the Guard Association Conference on March 21- Finally, always remember that warrant Company B, 2nd Combined Arms Battal- competitors don’t normally get the opportu- 23, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Ensminger, officers are subject matter experts and we ion, 137th Infantry nity to perform: National Guard Bureau command chief war- must stay proficient and updated in our Runner-Up: Staff Sgt. Hector Medina, Stage 1: Clear, disassemble, assemble, rant officer, provided updates concerning own specialty. Although some of us may be food service specialist instructor, 2nd Mod- perform function check on M240B ma- changes to the warrant officer corps. We assigned to positions that are not directly ular Training Battalion, 235th Regiment chine gun then run 400 meters to Stage 2. were briefed on the new Officer Evaluation related to our MOS, we have a responsibil- The state-level competition was a men- Stage 2: Engage 20 targets at ranges from Report which went into effect on April 1. ity to stay proficient, and must find ways to tally and physically challenging event con- 100 to 800 meter with M240B machine gun The brief provided an overview of how the do so. We did not get to this point in our ducted over a three-day period. Following and choice of iron sights or machine gun op- new report would affect warrant officers, lives alone. We have all sought out some- an orientation and safety brief, the com- tics, then run 800 meters to Stage 3. specifically as raters and senior raters. one’s advice, counsel, and mentorship. petitors completed the standard Army Stage 3: Transport a casualty 50 meters The next Warrant Officer Call will be in Mentorship is one of the keys to our suc- Physical Readiness Test. After lunch and a to a protected position, suppress enemy Salina in conjunction with State Warrant Of- cess, so please don’t forget to pass it down. uniform change, the competition moved to forces with four rounds for score fired from the field, where the competitors were chal- the new M320 grenade launcher, call in 9- lenged with a day land navigation course to Line medevac request, then run 800 meters locate five points over a total distance of to Stage 4. Fire at will nearly five miles. As the competitors com- Stage 4: Clear, disassemble, assemble, pleted the land navigation course, they perform function check on M9 pistol, then were evaluated on their first two Army run 50 meters to Stage 5. Warrior Tasks. Stage 5: Conduct standard M9 combat Immediately following this event, the un- pistol combat qualification course of fire, known distance, unknown time ruck march then run 50 meters to Stage 6. kicked off with the competitors in full com- Stage 6: At the final stage, competitors bat uniform, including helmet, weapon, body were evaluated on their ability to protect armor and a 35 pound minimum rucksack. themselves from a chemical, biological, ra- The unknown distance was a new twist at diological, or nuclear attack. The competi- this year’s competition and when complete, tors then moved to the holding area for every competitor had covered more than some much-deserved rest and hydration. eight miles at a pace faster than required at The competitors recharged with a hot- the Air Assault Course. meal and then completed three additional Immediately after crossing the finish warrior tasks and were evaluated on their line, each competitor had to clear, disas- ability to call for fire. This event was ex- semble, assemble, and perform a function tremely mentally challenging, but as true check on their M4 carbine. Following a re- professionals, the competitors did not falter freshing Meal, Ready-To-Eat supper, the and, in fact, requested and were given addi- competitors completed the night land navi- tional training on this task following com- gation course to locate three points over a pletion of the competition. total distance of nearly two miles. This On Day 3 the competitors completed a concluded the day’s festivities. 50 question written exam focused on the Day Two saw the competitors working to new Army doctrinal publications. Follow- ensure their Class A uniforms were in per- ing completion of additional warrior tasks, fect condition for the appearance board, the requested call for fire training, and the where the competitors were evaluated by a after action review, we conducted the board of senior command sergeants major. recognition ceremony and then competitors "Gas, gas, gas!" is shouted through the speaker system of the range tower as The evaluation included responding to 30 were released back to their sponsors for Pfc. Troy Ewing, Company D, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, questions on military customs and courte- travel home and some well-earned rest. and other Soldiers quickly put on their gas masks and begin firing at targets sies, current events and the new Army doc- Our State NCO and Soldier of the Year during pistol qualifications at Fort Riley on March 22. (Photo by Spc. Mark trinal publications. Concurrently with the will travel to Camp Gruber, Okla., in May to Knowles, Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-137th appearance boards, the competitors wrote a compete against their peers from seven other Infantry, Medic section, UPAR) 500-word essay. states for the right to represent the region at After another uniform change, it was the national competition in July 2014. Page 12 Plains Guardian • April 2014 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Ribbon-cutting opens Heart- Navrkal visits 35th Infantry land Preparedness Center An open house and ribbon-cutting cere- mony was held March 21 to officially open Division troops in Kosovo the Heartland Preparedness Center, 2808 N. New York Street, Wichita. Speaking at the 2 p.m. ceremony were Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, and Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer. The Heartland Preparedness Center was designed as a joint-use facility for the Kansas National Guard and local law enforcement. "In large domestic emergencies, the Kansas National Guard often works in con- junction with local and state law enforce- ment agencies to protect the health and safety of the public," said Tafanelli. "Work- ing with local organizations, we designed this project with the goal of having a joint- use facility so we can work and train to- gether more closely." The $24 million center is home to the Kansas National Guard’s 287th Sustainment Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer (left) and Brigade, which moved into the state-of-the- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant art facility in September 2013. A 62,000 general, cut a ribbon March 21 to offi- square foot Field Maintenance Shop will be cially open the Heartland Preparedness completed by June, consolidating two other Center, a new joint-use facility in Wi- such shops in the area to provide vehicle chita. (Photo by Sharon Watson, Public maintenance support for units in the region. Affairs Office) Maj. Gen. Michael Navrkal (left), commander, 35th Infantry Division, chats with The ceremony featured a tour of the new amount of discussion and evaluation was Kansas National Guard Soldiers deployed to Kosovo as part of the Kosovo Forces 18 facility, a static display of Kansas National involved throughout the design and con- peacekeeping force. (Photo by Maj. Michael Wallace, 35th Infantry Division Public Guard equipment and communication struction," said Tafanelli. Affairs) equipment, and access to the Field Mainte- More than 50 wells were dug to circulate nance Shop complex. water throughout the structure to heat and By Maj. Michael Wallace and the active duty component of the 504th Heartland Preparedness Center has 45 cool the building. Low-voltage lights are 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs can teach each other many beneficial acres with 118,516 square feet of usable in- used throughout the building, along with The peacekeeping mission in the things,” Hensley said. terior space. It is the largest and most en- sensors that detect movement so no lights Balkans, especially the mission in Kosovo, Navrkal said his agenda for his visit in ergy-efficient readiness center in the are forgotten and left on. may not be in the forefront of the evening Kosovo had four priorities. Kansas National Guard, using geo-thermal The facility has numerous offices, a drill news these days, but it hasn’t fallen from “First, I want to be able to look at all my energy, daylighting, high-efficiency equip- floor, cafeteria, roof access for satellites the attention of Maj. Gen. Michael D. Soldiers in the eye and say to their families ment, and building management systems. and a state-of-the-art fitness center. It hosts Navrkal, who knows that the 35th Infantry back home that they are doing well,” he These features earned the facility Leader- a medical section, a large classroom that Division has been committed to the said. “The Soldier’s well-being is para- ship in Energy & Environmental Design can be divided into two with built-in pro- Balkans mission since 1996. mount to us.” Silver certification. jection screens and sound system, and two In the last few months, the commanding His next priority was to evaluate what "We wanted to ensure the facility was as supply rooms with three vaults for housing general of the 35th Infantry Division, Fort could be changed for the upcoming KFOR- energy-efficient as possible, so a significant weapons and other sensitive items. Leavenworth, Kan., has made two visits to 19 rotation to improve the efficiency of the Soldiers currently serving in the Kosovo deployment and training. mission. His first visit was in December, “I want to make sure that we have the Holton designated “Purple Heart City” when he visited with Soldiers at Fort Hood, right talent for the right job in Kosovo on The Holton City Commission read a Division Artillery, was killed in action in Texas, and evaluated training that the Sol- future missions. We need to have the best proclamation April 21 designating the town Afghanistan in 2006. diers had accomplished. He witnessed how teams possible and set conditions for the as a Purple Heart City honoring those from Holton is only the second community in the training was beneficial for the deploy- next rotation,” said Navrkal. the community who have received the Pur- Kansas to become a Purple Heart City. The ment process and what improvements for The third priority was to gather his data ple Heart medal for wounds sustained in town will be entered into the national regis- future deployments could be made. and report back to the American public action during their military service. The ter of Purple Heart cities and recognized by In the third week of March, Navrkal ar- about the long term progress that is being proclamation ceremony was conducted at the Military Order of the Purple Heart, a rived in Kosovo to see how the Soldiers made in Kosovo. Holton City Hall. federally-chartered fraternal organization were faring on their deployment. The 35th “I see many good things being done for The Jackson County Commission un- authorized by Congress. Infantry Division Soldiers are currently as- stability in Kosovo,” he said. “This shows veiled a county proclamation during the For information about the Military Order signed to Kosovo Forces 18, in the Multina- the commitment that the 504th and 35th same ceremony. Hoyt resident Master Sgt. of the Purple Heart go to www.purple- tional Battle Group-East with the 504th Division Soldiers have in improving life Bernard Deghand, a member of the 35th heart.org/PHTrail/Default.aspx Battlefield Surveillance Brigade from Fort wherever they go.” Hood, commanded by Col. Charles Hensley. His fourth priority is for the Soldiers’ The “One Team, One Fight” Total Force families. 7.62×51mm caliber nightlights motto dominates both commanders’ “This is the most important priority,” said philosophies regarding the joint service of Navrkal. “The Soldiers have to take care of the active-duty Army and the Army Na- our own. Taking care of the Soldiers and tional Guard. their families is paramount for the division, “I witnessed the training at Fort Hood and if any family needs assistance, the divi- before the division Soldiers deployed,” said sion will assist in any manner that it can. Navrkal, “and am confident that because of The Soldiers cannot get too wrapped up in the training, they will be able to accom- their daily missions that they don’t keep in plish the Kosovo mission with great suc- touch with their families.” cess. I’m pleased that the 504th BFSB “Unlike deployments to Kuwait, Iraq or seriously adopts National Guard members Afghanistan, this deployment has new and into its team and everyone is trained to the different experiences for the Soldiers,” he same standard.” concluded. “They will learn and hone their “We may have different backgrounds and skills and knowledge and be an even more life experiences, but we are all family here. valuable asset for the Army after this de- I know that our National Guard Soldiers ployment ends.” Leadership changes announced Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli has an- tirement. nounced several leadership changes to Col. John W. Rueger has been named take place in the coming months. commander of the 130th Field Artillery Col. (Promotable) Robert E. Windham, Brigade, which will be reactivated in assistant commander, 35th Infantry Divi- Manhattan later this year. Bright streaks from 7.62x51mm caliber tracer rounds are seen blasting downrange sion, will replace Brig. Gen. Eric Peck as Col. Barry Manley will assume com- as Spc. Cody McKee and his assistant gunner, Spc. David Davenport, Company B, assistant adjutant general – Army and mand of the 635th Regional Support 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry, fire a M240B automatic weapon, hit- commander of the Kansas Army Na- Group, Hutchinson, replacing Col. John ting their targets up to 800 meters away during a training exercise. The event ended tional Guard. This change will take effect Campbell. Campbell will be joining the a full day of firing on three ranges at the Kansas Regional Training Institute firing in the summer of 2014 upon Peck’s re- JFHQ staff. range near Salina on April 5. (Photo by Spc. Mark Knowles, Detachment 1, Head- quarters and Headquarters Company, 2-137th Infantry, Medic section, UPAR)