August 2011 Vol. 6 No. 8

GRIZZLYOfficial Newsmagazine of the National Guard

Into the 146th wild Airmen train with Alaskan 16 crews

CA honors four CNG Soldiers as Vets of the Year www.calguard.ca.gov/publicaffairs 8 Leadership Corner

Striving to be the best National Guard August

Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin

My previous columns in this magazine courage, dedication and selfless service On my first day as adjutant general, I or- estimated 18 to 24 months, until all records have detailed some of the actions I took are vital to restoring public confidence in dered a pay review for the top three officers have been audited and all inappropriate early in my tenure as adjutant general to re- our organization. in the California Military Department, com- payments have been recouped. emphasize a culture of selfless service and plementing a state Department of Person- integrity in our organization. Those actions Simply returning to business as usual, nel Administration review of previous ad- The recently com- were taken with one goal in mind: to make however, is not enough. I have therefore jutant generals. The pay review convinced pleted its final working draft of an audit this state’s National Guard the best in the instituted internal controls that will ensure me that more must be done to achieve an of Camp Roberts, which was conducted in country. no one might be tempted to take advan- error-free pay system for State Active Duty response to a Sacramento Bee article. With tage of the system for personal gain. These (SAD) employees. the exception of repairing a warehouse, ev- I am immensely proud of our Soldiers changes in policy and organization have ery allegation in the article was either with- and Airmen who work tirelessly to pro- been accomplished without losing sight of Automation, annual audits and reconcilia- out merit or had been addressed prior to tect and defend our homeland from natu- our primary missions of protecting Cali- tion must be used to improve accuracy and publication of the Bee article. ral and manmade threats and to conduct fornians and fighting and winning our na- oversight of SAD pay. The most important contingency operations overseas. Your tion’s wars. improvement we can make is to develop We have since completed repairs to the a system to reconcile records before data warehouse in question and dedicated re- is sent to the state controller for payment. sources to further improve Camp Roberts. We are well on our way to initiating such a These repairs can be added to the list of system. Additionally, I have implemented dozens of other projects, large and small, internal controls that require cross-refer- completed during the past 10 years to dra- encing of federal and state pay records to matically improve living conditions for prevent inadvertent or inappropriate dual Soldiers who use Camp Roberts to conduct compensation. training and prepare for overseas deploy- ments. The Military Department receives 96 per- cent of its funding and nearly all of its I recently assigned Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones equipment from the federal government. as the senior commander of Camp Roberts Therefore, 96 percent of the fiscal oversight to continue stressing the importance of the responsibility for the Military Department installation as a premier training facility. In is borne by the federal government. The addition we have secured millions of dol- U.S. property and fiscal officer (USPFO) lars in federal funds to improve infrastruc- for California is the cornerstone in this sys- ture and enhance quality of life for Soldiers tem of federal resource management and who train at Camp Roberts, including util- oversight. ity and barracks upgrades planned for fis- cal year 2012. I secured the most experienced USPFO in the country, Col. Bill Zieber of Ohio, to Our efforts to improve efficiencies with- serve in the position for the next 14 months in our full-time workforce also continue. while we select, hire and train his replace- Subject matter experts are studying how ment. We also hired four federal auditors to maximize the effectiveness of each of who work for the USPFO and are in the the 6,000 full-time employees in the Mili- process of hiring four more. tary Department by determining which of the seven possible employment statuses I have also made important changes to our best fit each position. We are also working Recruiting Command, formerly known as with the Veterans Affairs Committees in the Accessions Task Force. A major reor- the state Senate and Assembly to create a ganization of that command will ensure it personnel reform bill that will codify into maintains a military mindset of integrity law the changes we make to our personnel and discipline into the future. system.

I have also assigned a senior Army officer, The California National Guard remains the who is a trained federal investigator and most capable force in the country for emer- former prosecutor, to establish and lead gency response, but we have a lot of hard the California Incentives Task Force (CITF), work ahead. Achieving our goal of being which will conduct a 100 percent review recognized as the best National Guard in of all incentives paid by the California the nation will require the dedication of National Guard in the past 10 years. The every Soldier and Airman in our force. We CITF’s military lawyers and paralegals will are willing to do the work, and we will not assist in identifying debt and settlement slow our rapid pace toward reform. Only Staff Sgt. Dane Hagan completes a ruck march on his way to claiming the title of 2010 Best issues and will provide legal assistance to by continuously striving to improve our or- Warrior. A member of the 95th Civil Support Team, Hagan outperformed noncommissioned Soldiers. The CITF is scheduled to begin re- ganization and exemplify our core values officers from across the California during the annual Best Warrior Com- coupment, settlement and disciplinary op- can we properly honor our country and the petition on in September. erations in October and will continue for an brave warriors who came before us.

“Achieving our goal … will require the dedication of every Soldier and Airman in our force.”

2 In the Building chamber GrizzlyThe Official Newsmagazine of 13 the California National Guard 9 August Vol. 6 No. 8 2011

Publisher Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin The Adjutant General Director of Communications To the Maj. Thomas Keegan rescue Editor 6 Brandon Honig Editorial Staff Table of contents 1st Lt. Will Martin 1st Lt. Jan Bender Staff Sgt. (CA) Jessica Cooper MRAP driver’s ed Generating goodwill Senior Airman Jessica Green 4 Task Force Warrior trained and licensed 578th Engineer Battal- 13 The 640th Aviation Support Battalion is building relationships ion Soldiers on mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles by teaching Iraqi mechanics to maintain airfield generators First Lady: You should be in movies Sweeping up millions 5 First lady Michelle Obama came to California to pitch the mili- Operation Clean Sweep has turned up about $12 million in un- Submissions tary as a subject for TV and movies used parts on Camp Taji, Articles: Spouse of the Year All gassed up Megan Glynn, wife of pilot Maj. Matt Glynn, Military police experience the effects of tear gas  250-300 words for a half-page story; 600- was named Air Force Spouse of the Year 800 words for a full-page article Safe Skies  Include first and last names, and verify Joint rescue operation 14 National Guard members from five states joined and spelling 6 Soldiers and Airmen prepared for the unexpected during the Ukraine for an air sovereignty exercise  Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and full Joint Patriot exercise in Wisconsin unit designations on first reference Foreign exchange program Search and extract 15 American, Ukrainian fighter pilots trade rides  If there is a public affairs officer assigned to Air Force medics gained new skills at Joint Patriot your unit, ensure he or she reviews it 7 Medical attention 1-140th comes back from Iraq Air Guard life support and medical staff ensure American, Photographs: 1st Battalion (Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment, completed its Ukrainian Airmen are fit for duty  Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB yearlong deployment in support of Operation New Dawn  No retouched photos Alaskan adventure Veterans of the Year 16 Three squadrons of the 146th Airlift Wing headed north for an-  Caption (what is happening, who is pictured 8 Four CNG Soldiers were recognized by their State Assembly nual training this year and the date of the photo) members for their patriotic service  Credit (who took the photo) Emergency communications network Spreading knowledge 17 Airmen of the 162nd Combat Communications Group enabled CNG Counterdrug members trained Department of Fish and interagency communication during a June exercise in Hawaii E-mail submissions by the 15th Game agents to enter illegal marijuana grow sites of the month to: Running for a cause [email protected] builders 18 Spc. Ryan Poley ran his first half-marathon in June and raised 9 The 132nd Multi-Role Bridge Company performed Medium $2,000 for cancer research Feedback: Girder Bridge construction training in July [email protected] MPs get serious about PT Holiday rescue Soldiers of the 185th Military Police Battalion stepped up their Airmen of the spent their July Fourth saving fitness training in July Cover Shot a hiker stranded in the El Dorado National Forest Cover Shot A fitting remembrance 12 Airmen and Soldiers supported the memorial service for former Features first lady Elizabeth B. Ford 2 Leadership Corner 19 News & Benefits Deployment is a family affair Soldiers and their families sacrifice for Guard deployments 10 At a Glance 19 Did You Know?

California National Guard mobilizations as of July 2011

Afghanistan//Cuba/ /Honduras/Iraq/Kuwait/ Asia Kyrgyzstan/Qatar/United Arab Europe Air Emirates/Horn of Africa (126) Afghanistan (343) Kosovo (425) Army (7) Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alex Koenig (274) Iraq (1164) Senior Airman Justin Cookson of the 146th Continental U.S. Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron uses Kuwait hand signals to relay commands to other Air (2) squadron members during a patrol exercise Africa in the forest of Joint Base Elmendorf- Army Richardson, Alaska. 3 Photos by Spc. Aaron Ricca LEFT: Spc. Jose Morales, left, left, Morales, Jose Spc. LEFT: Wilson and Private 1st Class of the 578th Engineer Garcia mainte- Battalion perform nance on a mine-resistant, vehicle, ambush-protected train- driver before or MRAP, Warrior Force Task ing with on Calif., at Camp Roberts, A mine- BELOW: 26. June ambush-protected resistant, down rolls MRAP, or vehicle, off- Warrior Force Task the training course driver road 26. June ABOVE: Two mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles, or MRAPs, or MRAPs, vehicles, ambush-protected mine-resistant, Two ABOVE: Force Task a wash bed on the passing through road an uneven negotiate Gus Ortiz of the Staff Sgt. LEFT: training course. driver off-road Warrior an MRAP after taking his from 578th Engineer Battalion strides away training course. driver Warrior Force Task turn on the | August | Grizzly | 2011 Grizzly

“I was active duty Army, 1976 to 1982. They Ortiz. Gus had Sgt. Staff said OJT it,” [from] all away went but time the is the original OJT!” bringing it back. This “Now they’re According to Task According Force to Commander Warrior Task Lt. Col. Lo- ren Weeks, California is the only state with a MRAP consistent qualification and licensing programMRAP University at Army Red Depot certifiedRiver in Texarkana, by certi- also is program MRAP Warrior Force Task The Texas. fied by the Marine Corps and the Navy. Overall the 578th Engineer Battalion Soldiers gave thumbs- gave Soldiers Battalion Engineer 578th the Overall up to the hands-on training. They liked how truck the handled 26-ton in respects to steering, They felt it was gas roomy (without a combat and load), but most braking. of in them deployed the have past, so they know to expect cramped quarters when in theatre. They training might be improved suggested by adding a the combat scenario and more off-road driving time. On June 27 the Soldiers took a written test on the course course the on test written a took Soldiers the 27 June On go-round more one for field the to headed then material through the cones, which they madecompetition to intosee who an could unofficialget through quickly but smoothly. In a little undersuccessfully completed the driving twotest and guided hours, the the 14 Wheel headquarters. two MRAPs back to Team Soldiers That evening the Soldiers went back to the field for a night a for field the to back went Soldiers the evening That small a using MRAP an drove Soldier Each course. driving infra- uses which Enhancer, Vision Driver the called screen navigate in the dark. red light to help the driver After about two hours at the field, the MRAP drivers made drivers MRAP the field, the at hours two about After their way to the off-road course. Some parts flat ofwere and smooth like the field; mostwas of not. it Sol- the road diers rocked back and runs “It forth Soldier. one least at inside in nausea inducing the mile, a than vehicle for more Spc. said off-road,” jarring it’s but pavement the on smooth Mario Calix. “But then again this ain’t no Cadillac.” The cone lanes helped Soldiers get a feel for driving in dif- in driving for feel a get Soldiers helped lanes cone The ferent situations such as a narrow road or alleyway. Driv- ers then weaved the MRAPs through another set of cones to get a feel for the vehicle’s turn radius. Finally each Sol- dier took a turn backing the MRAP into a designated spot. “It’s got great turning radius,” said Spc. Matt Tratz. “But [to guys your got you’ve why poor].That’s [is visibility the look out for you].” At 9 a.m. on June 26, the troops conducted thorough main- thorough conducted troops the 26, June on a.m. 9 At The courses. drivers the toward out set then checks tenance first part: an empty field with lanes of orange road cones. The second: a 1.5-mile off-road course. The first day of training involved lectures and the Humvee Humvee the and lectures involved training of day first The Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, rollover experience. seat driver’s the in sat Soldier each three, and two days On courses. for a rotation through two types of drivers Fourteen members of the battalion’sHeadquarters HeadquartersCompany and Forward and Support Company arrived on Camp Roberts, Calif., on three June days 24 becoming and licensed spent two to used Wheel Team operate vehicles. (MRAP) ambush-protected mine-resistant, for Navy the from Categoryloan on IICougarMRAPs 6x6 and co-driver driver, a carry trucks 26-ton The training.the lec- involved training Soldiers’ The passengers. eight to up tures, rollover and egress simulation, vehicle maintenance experience. and, more importantly, hands-on driving Soldiers of the 578th Engineer Battalion receivedsic dose of OJT a clas- — on-the-job training — in June, courtesy of Team Wheel, Task Force Warrior, a component of the California National Guard’s premobilization training as- sistance element. protected vehicles. protected RICCA AARON BY SPC. Affairs Public Warrior Force Task mine-resistant, ambush- mine-resistant, 578th engineers train on train engineers 578th Team Wheel licenses new MRAP vehicle operators vehicle MRAP new licenses Wheel Team 4 Grizzly | 2011 | August First lady touts stories like CNG pilot’s to Hollywood Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Buttner By MAJ. KIMBERLY HOLMAN plane for the , and her 146th Airlift Wing Public Affairs sisters fly UH-60 Black Hawk and OH-58 Kiowa helicopters in the active duty Army. Michelle Obama wants to see more stories of military families on TV and in movies, Hit shows like “Army Wives” and even so on June 13 she came to Hollywood to do Nickleodeon’s “iCarly” are based upon something about it. The first lady met with military families and the challenges they members of the writers, producers, direc- face. While in Hollywood, Obama was tors and actors unions to discuss Joining scheduled to make a brief appearance in Forces, an initiative aimed at increasing an “iCarly” episode. Obama’s daughters public consciousness and support of mili- are “iCarly” fans, so her role on the show tary families. She pleaded with the enter- made her “the coolest mom on the face of tainment industry to bring stories of mili- the planet.” She said the “iCarly” episode tary families to the big and small screens. is a perfect example of how stories of mili- tary families fit perfectly into our everyday Capt. Kelly Smith, a pilot with the 146th entertainment. Airlift Wing at Channel Islands Air Na- tional Guard Station, Calif., was invited to Smith sat next to the first lady and shared the event as a representative of the military the stage with a retired Soldier and the who, like so many people in the armed wife of an Army officer. Writer-director J.J. forces, has a fascinating real-life story. Abrams (behind blockbuster movies like “Star Trek” and “Super 8”) moderated the The first lady told 500 people crammed into discussion. Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills that the sacrifices and challenges facing mili- “I didn’t come from a military family,” tary families deserve more attention — and Obama said. “I began to realize how lit- one of the best ways to accomplish that is tle I knew, so I began to ask the question, First lady Michelle Obama and Hollywood writer-director J.J. Abrams listen to California Air through movies and TV shows. TV and ‘Why?’” Through researching the issues National Guard pilot Capt. Kelly Smith discuss her experience in the military June 13 at the movies have the power to teach, she said. and working with the vice president’s wife, Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Obama urged writers and producers to support the Jill Biden, together they learned that while military and their families by sharing their stories in TV and movie plot lines. “The work isn’t that hard because the sto- military members represent only 1 percent ries are already compelling,” Obama said of our population, they shoulder the re- to the writers, actors and producers. “So I sponsibility of protecting our entire nation. tary through the Joining Forces initiative in- well-grounded and seems to not only un- would urge you to do what you do best: Be “They miss birthdays, anniversaries, grad- cludes three public service announcements derstand the needs of the American service creative, be funny, be powerful. Move us. uations and so many of the daily moments presented by Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks member, but the changing needs of mili- Move America to think differently about we spend with the people we love,” Obama and Oprah Winfrey, each describing how tary families too.” these families and our men and women said. “They make incredible sacrifices.” military families are coping with deploy- who serve so graciously.” ments. The announcements are scheduled And what lies in the future for Smith and “In the end, this isn’t just about the stories, to run in July in theaters and on TV. her sisters? Smith’s story is about three sisters who but about having the men and women and grew up in rural Washington state on a farm their families who serve our country feel After the panel concluded, the first lady “Our exposure has been challenging, fun — a farm with an airstrip. Both Mom and the gratitude every day from a grateful na- took the time to personally thank each ser- and stressful at times as well,” she said. “I Dad are pilots, and Dad required each of tion,” Obama said. “If we set this founda- vice member in attendance for their com- hadn’t done any public speaking since run- the three girls to get their private pilot’s li- tion, not just for today but for forever, re- mitment, dedication and service. ning for 8th grade president. But if the re- cense. The story took off from there, thanks gardless of whom the president is in office, sult of this publicity sheds light on the true to much encouragement from their parents that this is a part of who we are as Amer- “It was awesome!” said active duty Army lives of military members and helps their and many inspiring words of confidence. icans and lifting these families up ... then Sgt. 1st Class Dorothy F. Jarman, platoon families get credit for all their sacrifice, Flying seems to be in their blood, with sev- we’ve been successful.” sergeant, 2nd Heavy Equipment Trans- then I say ‘Bring it on, Hollywood!’” eral generations of pilots in the military port Unit, 916th Stryker Brigade, out of preceding them. Kelly flies a C-130J cargo The Hollywood effort to highlight the mili- Fort Irwin, Calif. “The first lady is very It seems this story might be continued.

CNG wife named Air Force Spouse of the Year Photo courtesy of the Glynn family Photo courtesy By ALICIA GARGES soon as a C-130J Hercules cargo pilot with the Air Na- Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center tional Guard.

The wife of a California Air National Guard pilot and Two of Matt and Megan’s children, 4-year-old J.P. and mother of three has been named the Air Force Spouse of 2-year-old Murphy, were born outside of the United the Year by Military Spouse Magazine and Armed Forces States, in Germany and , respectively. The Insurance. couple’s youngest child, 2-month-old Cooper, was born in California. Megan Glynn, wife of Maj. Matt Glynn, who is assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands Air National All that travel has helped shape Megan into the person she Guard Station, was selected for the honor through an on- is now, she said. The family copes with deployments by line vote by the magazine’s readers. building a support network and creating a different rou- tine for the kids. She was nominated by two friends she worked with in Germany as a childbirth skills teacher and as a doula, who Megan often organized play dates and dinners with her provides nonmedical support before, during and after fellow military spouses and families in Germany. While childbirth. Megan was present for the birth of a child of she doesn’t have the same military family network in Cali- one of her nominating friends. fornia, she does have her parents nearby for support when her husband deploys. The Glynns are both natives of California. She’s a graduate of the University of California at , and he is a Megan says strength, patience and the ability to adapt to former active duty Air Force fighter pilot. any situation is what it takes to be a military spouse. Her advice is to focus on building relationships. Megan Glynn, standing in front of a C-130J Super Hercu- Since marrying, the Glynns have lived in Germany, Ko- les on July 13, was named the 2011 Air Force Spouse of rea, Arkansas and Kentucky. Matt also deployed to Iraq “Hold on tight: It’s a wild ride filled with ups, downs and the Year by Military Spouse magazine. Her husband, Maj. four times while on active duty as an F-16 Fighting Fal- deployments,” she said. “I’m proud to be serving along Matt Glynn, is a C-130J pilot with the California National con pilot, and he is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan with my husband.” Guard’s 146 Airlift Wing.

5 Grizzly | 2011 | August Joint Patriot readies Cal Guard troops for explosive situation Photos by Spc. M. Roudebush Brianne By SPC. BRIANNE M. ROUDEBUSH 69th Public Affairs Detachment Over the course of two days in July, six groups of California Na- tional Guard troops flew out of Travis Air Force Base in north- ern California to participate in the Joint Patriot exercise at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Cen- ter, Wisc. The CNG’s Task Force 9th Chemical, Biological, Radio- logical, Nuclear, and Explosive Enhanced Response Force Pack- age (CERFP) deployed 159 Sol- diers from the 49th Military Police Brigade and 579th Engineer Bat- talion, and 39 Airmen from four CNG wings for the multi-state, multi-agency exercise.

In the Joint Patriot training scenario this year, radiation Capt. Cory Marks, CERFP operations officer for the 579th up within the time standards, and that’s the main point,” was detected during a special security event, an inter- Engineer Battalion, 49th Military Police Brigade. “This said Sonora, Calif., resident Spc. Sara Brown of the Tur- national military air show. A vehicle collision then oc- type of training helps with our ability to coordinate with lock, Calif.-based 149th. curred, followed by an explosion that resulted in the other agencies. It requires coordination to occur outside collapse of two buildings. our comfort zone.” In addition to setting up equipment, the decontamination element surveyed the collapsed buildings for radiation, The local authorities were the first to respond. The state au- Once the CERFP arrived, the decontamination element had and a team went in to evaluate the structure’s stability thorities were next to arrive and, after realizing they were 90 minutes to get all their equipment operational. Almost and to find possible locations of victims. not equipped to handle the situation, they requested the everything was up within 75 minutes, and it was complete- assistance of other agencies, such as the FBI and the Na- ly operational by 90 minutes, said Staff Sgt. Richard Gon- Service members who entered the disaster site were re- tional Guard. zalez, the decontamination noncommissioned officer for quired to wear full decontamination suits consisting of Detachment 1, 149th Chemical Company. two pairs of gloves, bright orange rubber boots, an oxygen “The premise behind us doing this is that we are training mask and a helmet. Everything was sealed with duct tape the military to use the incident command system,” said “We worked well as a team and we got the equipment set to ensure harmful chemicals could not penetrate the suit, and the service members’ vital signs were monitored every time they got in and out of their protective suits.

During the second day of the scenario, role-players and service members exiting the sites of the collapsed buildings were sent through decontamination tents where the decon- tamination team showered and scrubbed them down, re- moving all contaminated particles.

The search-and-extraction element also suited up and en- tered the sites to make contact with victims trapped in the rubble. One team used hydraulic impact tools and electric concrete drills and chippers to breach confined areas in the search for victims, while another team used ropes and rigs to rappel into a tower from a nearby bridge to rescue a trapped victim.

Brown said the team was well-prepared for this scenario, and that it showed. “You know that saying, ‘Practice makes perfect’? The more you do it, it’s like muscle memory.”

Marks noted that the location of the exercise also gave the Task Force an opportunity to validate its ability to move TOP: Staff Sgt. Alden Camaya of Task Force 9th Chemical, personnel and equipment — which included more than 40 Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Enhanced vehicles — by military air transport. The California CERFP Response Force Package (CERFP) uses an electric drill to was the first team to successfully move its equipment and breach a confined area in July during the Joint Patriot exer- personnel to Wisconsin for the exercise, setting the tone for cise at Volk Field, Wisc. LEFT: Spc. Sara Brown tends to a victim role-player going through a decontamination tent at an exercise that showcased many skills possessed by Cali- Joint Patriot. ABOVE: Staff Sgt. Carlos Chavez and Senior fornia National Guard members. Airman David Padilla of the 144th Fighter Wing, right and center, respectively, and Private 1st Class Mark Quezada of “The knowledge and experience within the unit definitely the 235th Engineer Company prepare a victim role-player to helped [us] successfully exceed well beyond mission stan- be carried out of rubble on a stretcher during Joint Patriot. dards,” said Sgt. Ruben Bautista of Detachment 1, 149th.

6 Grizzly | 2011 | August Air Force medics search and extract at 1-140th returns Joint Patriot from Iraq tour Photo by Spc. Swatts Darriel Airmen learned to stabilize buildings and breach confined areas, then tested their skills in a simulated building collapse

By SPC. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH at the height of a humid day, drilling 69th Public Affairs Detachment through concrete obstacles to make a hole big enough to climb through. Air Force medics are trained in more than just first aid; they are trained to Once the concrete barriers had been assist in search and extraction dur- cleared away, medics Staff Sgt. Car- ing disasters as well. Participating in los Chavez and Senior Airman Da- life-like training scenarios is one way vid Padilla of the 144th Fighter Wing they prepare for real-world events. Medical Group were able to make contact with a victim trapped in a car Six California Air National Guard beneath a 700-pound concrete slab. Soldiers of 1st Battalion (Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment, fuel two UH-60 Black Hawk helicop- medics from Task Force 9th Chemi- After several attempts to free the vic- ters from the CNG’s 40th Combat Aviation Brigade on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, in May. cal, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, tim — which included using a floor and Explosive Enhanced Response jack to lift the concrete slab, rescue By 1ST LT. JASON SWEENEY fell under the command of the active duty Force Package (CERFP) teamed with spreaders to create an opening in the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade Army’s 1st Combat Aviation Brigade from a search-and-extraction element dur- crushed metal, an entry tool to pry Fort Riley, Kan. In March the 1st CAB was ing the Joint Patriot exercise at Volk open a door and a saw to cut away The Soldiers of 1st Battalion (Assault), 140th replaced by the California National Guard’s Field Combat Readiness Training the A-frame of the vehicle — they Aviation Regiment, have left the blistering 40th CAB, led by Col. Mitch Medigovich. On Center, Wisc., in July. They trained were finally able to get in the car and heat of Iraq and headed for the cool ocean July 19, Medigovich told the 1-140th that its together during the two days prior extricate the casualty. With help from breezes of the California coast. Soldiers are “the quintessential example” to the exercise, learning to stabilize Private 1st Class Mark Quezada and of California Guardsmen. “You came and buildings and breach confined areas. Pvt. Juan Gutierrez of the California The battalion wrapped up its yearlong tour brought your A-game,” he said. Army National Guard’s 3rd Platoon, at Joint Base Balad in late July and arrived “It’s unique for us to be able to have 235th Engineer Company, they were at its home station in Los Alamitos, Calif., The Soldiers said they faced many ups and this training and capability,” said then able to carry him out of the tun- in early August. “I’m happy to say we’re all downs during their tour. One challenge was Staff Sgt. Rob Weiss of the 144th nel on a stretcher. going home, coming home safe,” said Head- sharing a base with the Air Force and learn- Fighter Wing Medical Group. quarters and Headquarters Company 1st Sgt. ing that branch’s way of doing business. Chavez said that being able to suit up Robert Garrido, who is returning to his job as They also spoke of long hours and a high During the exercise scenario, two was good training because it allowed a Culver City police officer. operations tempo that was often stressful. buildings collapsed in a radiological him to experience the limitations Transitioning from a one-weekend-a-month blast, trapping victims in the rubble. of the suit. The two pairs of gloves “I’m not going to miss this heat,” said Com- Guardsman to a full-time Soldier in a de- The search-and-extraction team and limited the movement of his hands, mand Sgt. Maj. Troy Eck of Mentone, Calif., ployed environment was also challenging, medics then donned full decon- and the mask and helmet limited his the 1-140th’s top enlisted Soldier. Tempera- especially when it came to living and work- tamination suits and hard hats and sight and hearing. After 3.5 hours, tures topped 120 degrees as he prepared to ing with the same people day in, day out. entered the disaster site. Dripping the team was finally able to take off leave the 1-140th’s Iraq headquarters. with sweat in their protective plastic the suits and breathe fresh air, know- Troops also spoke happily of the camarade- suits, the search-and-extraction team ing they had successfully completed The 1-140th, known as Task Force Long rie and the strong bonds of friendship that worked diligently in confined spaces their mission. Knife, arrived in Iraq in October. Its about were forged on the job and at barbecues and

Photos by Spc. M. Roudebush Brianne 350 Soldiers, 30 UH-60 Black Hawk helicop- pool parties on base. ters and 20 fixed-wing aircraft performed a variety of missions in support of Operation Maj. Jeff Sibley of San Clemente, officer in New Dawn. The battalion’s pilots logged charge of the 1-140th operations section, said about 14,000 hours of flight time. the most difficult aspect of the deployment was the separation from family. “I’m not go- The unit conducted air assault missions to ing to lie to you. I’m ready to go home,” he detain high-value targets, was responsible for said. He added, though, that the challenges air transportation for U.S. Forces–Iraq com- of the deployment gave him an opportunity mand staff and flew distinguished visitors to grow both personally and professionally. around Iraq. Visitors included Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of First Lieutenant Aaron Montes of Ontario, Staff, Vice President Joe Biden, then-Secre- Calif., said as soon as he arrives home he tary of Defense Robert Gates and his succes- is going straight back to work as a logistics sor Leon Panetta. The 1-140th also operated manager for Skechers shoe company. Dur- two forward arming and refueling points to ing the deployment, he said, his job as officer supply fuel for Army aviation assets. in charge of the battalion’s communications and automation section was high-paced and The Soldiers adapted to adversity and grew high-stress. When the 1-140th first arrived in into leadership roles over the past year, Eck country, the base was often hit with mortar said. “Everybody’s done a phenomenal job.” and rocket attacks, he said. Then there was the constant deafening roar of Air Force jets “As a unit, we became more cohesive, more taking off and landing. “My job back home is experienced — we became a better unit,” said easy compared to this,” he said. Commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Holliday of Sac- ramento. “These guys did things they didn’t Medigovich told the Guardsmen to be proud think they could.” of their service in Iraq, adding that their ex- periences there have prepared them for lead- Holliday recalled a late night when a Black ership roles back home. Hawk flew to Joint Base Balad with a dam- aged engine in need of replacement. Compa- While the 1-140th is headed home, the re- ny D mechanics went right to work around mainder of the 40th CAB has several months Staff Sgt. Carlos Chavez, left, and Senior Airman David Padilla of the 144th midnight and finished the job by 6 a.m. “It to go in Iraq, Medigovich reminded them. Fighter Wing work to stabilize a 700-pound concrete slab with pieces of wood was an incredible piece of work,” he said. “Have a few cold beers and fish tacos when before trying to lift it with a floor jack during the Joint Patriot exercise in July you get back home and think of us still here,” at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wisc. When the battalion arrived in theater, it he said.

7 Grizzly | 2011 | August State legislators honor California veterans

By SGT. SALLI CURCHIN Surgeon’s Office. She has earned more than 40th Infantry Division a dozen awards during her Army tenure, including the Army Achievement Medal, Four California National Guard members National Defense Service Medal and Glob- joined more than 52 other veterans from al War on Terrorism Medal. across the state as they were honored for their sacrifice and service by State Assem- “I am very honored and grateful to receive bly members at the Sacramento Conven- this award,” Dumas said. “There are so tion Center on June 22. many Soldiers I am proud to serve with who deserve this award and I am honored This was the fourth year each Assembly to accept it on their behalf.” member has selected a veteran to honor. Members can select more than one veteran Retired Chief Warrant Officer 2 Shawn from their district and can chose veterans Bainbridge was one of three veterans hon- from past conflicts such as World War II. ored by Assemblyman Jim Nielson of Ger- ber. Bainbridge is a helicopter pilot for the Sgt. Dan Reeger of the CNG’s 224th Sus- California Highway Patrol in Shasta Coun- tainment Brigade in Long Beach was hon- ty and was a CH-47 Chinook helicopter ored by Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian of pilot for the CNG’s 40th Combat Aviation San Luis Obispo. Reeger has more than 20 Brigade (CAB). With the CAB, Bainbridge years of experience in the active duty Army flew in support of the U.S. Air Force in and the California Army National Guard. Northern Iraq, assisted Special Forces units He has served two combat tours in Iraq and Photo by Sgt. Salli Curchin searching for upper echelon leadership of was awarded the Army Commendation State Assemblywoman Beth Gaines of Roseville presents a Veteran of the Year award to the Iraqi government and engaged in re- Medal during both deployments. He was Sgt. Danielle Dumas on the Assembly floor in the state Capitol on June 22. supply missions for ground units. also awarded the Combat Action Badge during a deployment with the 224th. an inspector responsible for the initial, in- served overseas in Afghanistan, where she Additionally, Cpl. Paul Haros of Company progress and final inspections of all tacti- earned the Army Commendation Medal A, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, “While I appreciate this personal acknowl- cal and combat equipment. Reeger’s wife, for her work as a flight operations special- based in Visalia, Calif., was honored by As- edgement, the true heroes are the men and Shelley, was also recognized for her work ist for a medical evacuation company. As semblyman Henry T. Perea of Fresno. Har- women who have made the ultimate sacri- with Supplies for Soldiers, an organization the sole night-shift operations specialist, os made headlines in 2009 when his father fice and given their lives for our country,” that sends care packages and letters of sup- she was responsible for coordinating trans- refused to take down a U.S. flag Haros had Reeger said in a press release from Ach- port to local troops deployed overseas. portation to save the lives of U.S. Soldiers, hung outside his father’s home before leav- adjian’s office. “I think we should all take coalition troops, civilians and prisoners of ing for a deployment to Iraq. Haros’ father a moment to remember those who didn’t “He loves doing charity work and he just war who needed medical care. promised to fly the flag until his son’s re- make it home.” wants the best for everyone out there,” turn, upsetting neighbors who wanted the Shelley Reeger said of her husband. “He’s “Her unwavering, selfless contributions flag taken down when it became tattered. Reeger was away at a military leadership absolutely selfless and gets embarrassed to and dedication to serving and protecting school June 22, the day of the Sacramento be recognized.” our nation helps make our country a better Haros received a hero’s welcome when event, so Achadjian honored Reeger in May place to live,” Gaines said. he returned to Fresno, and the first thing at an Armed Forces Day event in Paso Rob- Sgt. Danielle Dumas of the CNG’s Ro- he did was take down the weather-beaten les, Calif. Reeger’s wife and daughter ac- seville-based Headquarters and Headquar- Prior to her 12-month deployment to Af- flag. Haros is a correctional officer with the cepted the award on his behalf June 22 at ters Detachment, 115th Regional Support ghanistan, Dumas provided logistical sup- Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and the state Capitol. Group, was honored by Assemblywoman port for Gulf Coast relief efforts following expects to serve his country again when he Beth Gaines of Roseville. Dumas, a com- the hurricanes of 2005 and worked as a deploys to Afghanistan with the CNG next Reeger works at Camp Roberts, where he is bat medic and group medical liaison, has health systems specialist for the CNG State January.

Counterdrug members train Fish and Game agents By CAPT. AMANDA ELLISON take back to their agencies to train others, Simpson said. Since the course began, attendance has grown and improve- JTFDS–Counterdrug Public Affairs ments are continually implemented to reflect conditions The goal was to assist the Fish and Game Department in its agents encounter in illegal cultivation sites, he added. Ground tactical team members Staff Sgt. Bradley Lema, future challenge of executing counter-narcotic operations. Staff Sgt. Robert McKeown and Spc. Curtis Bortle ofthe Fish and Game started the team-oriented marijuana site Photo by 1st Lt. Martinez Sabino CNG’s Joint Task Force Domestic Support–Counterdrug entry course four years ago for game wardens who needed supported the California Department of Fish and Game’s additional training. Prior to that there wasn’t a standard- annual Law Enforcement Clandestine Marijuana Cultiva- ized curriculum available to agents assigned to METs. tion Site Entry Training Course at Kinsman Flat, Calif., in May by providing realistic tactical training to about 100 Simpson worked with the Commission on Peace Officer agents from various agencies throughout the state. Standards and Training, which sets minimum selection and training standards for California’s law enforcement The course is designed to teach law enforcement personnel agents, to establish an advanced standardized curriculum. assigned to marijuana enforcement teams (MET) the appro- Counterdrug personnel who supported focused operations priate way to enter illegal, clandestine marijuana cultiva- in previous years were instrumental in shaping the course tion sites in rural areas with minimal risk to officer safety. curriculum with rural ground tactical operations.

“The [Counterdrug] instructors provide sound, proven “Many of the agents work in urban environments in small tactics that ensure the officers go home at the end of the teams; we taught them how to operate in rural areas in day,” said Patrol Capt. Robert Simpson of the Fish and squad-sized elements using hand and arm signals,” Bortle Game Department. He said the law enforcement agents are said. “If you can teach these experienced agents how to 100 times better prepared to enter the illegal sites after the move tactically through the woods, it makes you even bet- training the Counterdrug program provides. ter prepared to teach your Soldiers.”

Based on their years of experience in small- and large- “Without the input and expertise of [CNG Counterdrug] scale joint operations as former reconnaissance specialists personnel, we could not replicate this experience or even for Counterdrug, the instructors trained the agents on the come close to the caliber of training we can provide to military decision-making process and troop-leading proce- these agencies,” Simpson said. “Its members have more Staff Sgt. Bradley Lema of the CNG’s Joint Task Force dures. The team also provided instruction on land naviga- experience going into gardens, doing reclamation and [lis- Domestic Support–Counterdrug teaches a law enforcement tion, GPS, camouflage techniques and map reading. This is tening post/observation post duties] than any other state agent to properly enter and clear illegal marijuana sites at the kind of specialized training that students can learn and agency.” Kinsman Flat, Calif., in May.

8 Grizzly | 2011 | August Multi-role bridge company prepares for Afghanistan Redding-based 132nd MRBC conducted Medium Girder Bridge training in Mount Shasta in July Photo by Kinkade Skye By SKYE KINKADE about leaving his wife of nine Mount Shasta Area Newspapers months, Bianca.

Mount Shasta was buzzing with “It’s hard for her when I’m away Hummvees and Soldiers in July for a night, so it’s going to be tough as the 132nd Multi-Role Bridge on her, both financially and emo- Company of the California Na- tionally,” House said. He’s also tional Guard came together for a worried about his mother, who three-day training event. has always been there for him.

In 2012 the entire unit is sched- Forrest Rose, also 21, grew up in uled to go to Afghanistan for a Etna. A member of a tight-knit one-year deployment. The 132nd family, Rose said he’s most wor- is headquartered in Redding and ried for his nephew, Chaddy, who has detachments in Eureka and he is very close with and will miss Mount Shasta. while overseas.

The company trains to build float- Rose joined the National Guard at ing or fixed bridges, whatever the the age of 17. He is proud to fol- mission calls for, including the low in the footsteps of his grand- Improved Ribbon Bridge and the fathers and uncles, who served in Medium Girder Bridge (MGB) World War II, the currently in the unit’s inventory. and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and he is excited The units stayed at the Mount that he will get the opportunity to Shasta Armory on July 9 and 10 deploy. and conducted MGB construction training at the Sousa Ready Mix Rose said that although some in quarry in Mount Shasta. his community may have mixed feelings about his deployment, he Private 1st Class Christian House, gets a lot of moral support in his 21, grew up in Nebraska and small hometown of Etna. moved to Redding about nine years ago. He said he joined the House said many of his family National Guard in 2007 to prove and friends are worried for him Soldiers of the Redding, Calif.-based 132nd Multi-Role Bridge Company perform Medium Girder Bridge training himself to those who doubted but are proud of his decision to in July in Mount Shasta. The company is preparing for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan next year. him as he was growing up with- serve. out a father. Both men said they are glad to be “I’d rather go [to Afghanistan] “I think that will help us.” “It’s one of our strengths,” said “Plus, I always wanted to be in the deploying as part of their unit in with people I grew up with and Rix, an 11-year member of the service,” House added. the National Guard, particularly already know,” Rose said. Capt. Adam Rix, commander of CNG. “Having worked side-by- because the Soldiers have worked the 132nd, agreed and said the side in the community, they’ll fight Though he isn’t worried about his beside one another in the commu- “We know each other’s strengths unit has a strong sense of camara- for each other without thought or deployment, House is concerned nity on a regular basis. and weaknesses,” House added. derie and family. hesitation.”

129th rescues hiker July 4th in El Dorado forest By CAPT. DONNIE LeBLANC ignated landing areas. Shortly after dropping off the sec- 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs ond civilian rescue crew, the Pave Hawk crew spotted De- LaTorre in a remote area. What was supposed to be a quiet Fourth of July holiday spent with friends and family became far less routine as Because of the rocky terrain, the helicopter crew had to ex- members of the 129th Rescue Wing were called upon to ecute a tricky landing about 100 meters from DeLaTorre. perform a lifesaving rescue mission. Senior Airman Edward Drew departed the aircraft and climbed through steep and rocky terrain to reach DeLa- On the evening of July 3, the California Air National Guard Torre. She was suffering from dehydration and extreme fa- was contacted by the California Emergency Management tigue and had superficial wounds on her legs. Due to her Agency about a potential rescue mission to find a miss- fatigue, Drew carried DeLaTorre through the more diffi- ing hiker in the El Dorado National Forest near Pioneer, cult terrain. Calif. The 54-year-old hiker, Lauren Ellen DeLaTorre, had become lost in the rugged terrain a day earlier after becom- At the time she was rescued, DeLaTorre had been missing ing separated from a group of her friends. DeLaTorre, an for almost 48 hours. inexperienced hiker, had no food, water or warm clothing. Once DeLaTorre was on board the helicopter, the crew Earlier on July 3, a helicopter crew from the 129th Rescue airlifted her to the incident command post, where she Wing had participated in the annual Red, White and Tahoe was treated for minor injuries and reunited with her Blue celebration at Incline Village, Nev. After completing a family. After flying to Placerville, Calif., to refuel, the water rescue demonstration, the team returned to the Truc- Pave Hawk crew returned to the forest to pick up the kee Tahoe Airport. Later that evening, the demonstration second civilian rescue crew and return them to the com- team was contacted about the potential mission. mand post. The 129th crew then flew back to Truckee Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Gibson Tahoe Airport, successfully completing the rescue mis- The mission’s objective was to airlift teams of civilian Senior Airman Edward Drew of the CNG’s 129th Rescue sion and bringing the total number of people saved by search-and-rescue personnel into El Dorado National Wing assists a hiker, Lauren Ellen DeLaTorre, during a rescue the wing to 947. mission in El Dorado National Forest, Calif., on July 4. Forest. An HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter was already in position, and the operation was time-critical because of the “With lost hiker searches, you hope for the best but prepare conditions. The 129th team accepted the mission. 9 a.m. on July 4. After picking up two civilian rescue crews yourself for the worst,” said aircraft Commander Capt. at the incident command post, the 129th team flew into El Nathan Nowaski. “It was extremely gratifying to find the The crew took off from Truckee Tahoe Airport at about Dorado National Forest to drop off the rescue crews at des- missing hiker and get her back to her family safely.”

9 RIGHT: Active duty Soldiers under the direction of instructors at the CNG’s Regional Training Site– Maintenance use an M88A1 Medium Recovery Vehicle and M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation Systems to move an M55 Self-Propelled Howitzer on Camp Roberts, Calif. The “Widowmaker” was moved July 21 from the entrance to Camp Roberts Range Control — where it stood for 40 years — to the Camp Roberts Museum Annex. Instructors Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Blanks and Staff Sgt. Raul Gutierrez made the move part of the Soldiers’ training for an additional skill identifier in track- vehicle recovery. By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Walton

ABOVE: Soldiers of Company C, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion (Air Ambulance) fly May 15 near Sacramento during over-water hoisting and rescue operations with the Sacramento Fire Department. Photo by Skip Robinson RIGHT: Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, the adjutant general of the California National Guard, addresses troops at Joint Force Headquarters in Sacra- mento on June 14, the 236th birthday of the U.S. Army. Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Green

10 At a Glance

LEFT: California National Guard Senior Airman Gionanni Tello practices a takedown move on CNG Private 1st Class Dale De- nisiak during combatives training June 23 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot . The Guardsmen were being trained by two Marine Corps master instructor trainers so they could qualify for Joint Task Force Sierra, the CNG contingent on the Southwest border, which is supporting Customs and Border Protection. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Inigo

LEFT: Spc. Alexan- dria Dibella of the 79th Brigade Special Troops Battalion and other Soldiers line up to fire their rifles July 7 on Camp El- liott, Calif., during the 79th Infantry Bri- gade Combat Team (IBCT) Best Warrior Competition. Spc. John M. Cunningham of 1st Squadron, 18th Cavalry Regiment, and Sgt. Jose A. Alves Jr. of 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, won the competition and will represent the IBCT Sept. 11-13 in the Guard’s statewide Best Warrior Com- petition on Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. BELOW: Private 1st Class Cesar Barraza of the 1-143rd per- forms combat lifesav- ing skills July 7 during the IBCT’s competition. Photos by Master Sgt. Julie Avey

ABOVE: Lt. Col. Manuel Lascano gets “wet down” by a Sacramento County Airport System fire truck, the traditional dousing for a pilot who has completed his final Army flight, at Mather Army Aviation Support Facility. Lascano, the Mather facility commander, had just flown an HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter for the last time as a Soldier; he will retire later this year. Lascano served the active duty Army from 1980 to 1993, when he began serving the California National Guard full-time. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Commendation Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Iraq Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and NATO Medal. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Flagg

11 Grizzly | 2011 | August CNG supports memorial for former first lady Ford

By PRIVATE 1ST CLASS Eight people on the task force were as- BRANDON K. BATCHELOR signed to guard the casket. Two people 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were required to guard the casket at a time, pulling 30-minute shifts at parade rest dur- Former first lady Elizabeth B. Ford passed ing the repose, which was held from 5 p.m. away July 8, 2011, and moments later the on the day of the memorial service to 12 California National Guard activated 41 Air- a.m. the following day. men and three Soldiers to deploy to Palm Desert, Calif., to assist with key elements “It was truly an honor to be a part of a once- of the memorial service that was set to take in-a-lifetime event,” said Senior Airman place three days after getting the call. Cully Hopkins of the 163rd Civil Engineer- ing Squadron. “I’m humbled by the oppor- Within 15 hours of initial notification, a tunity given to me to be a part of history.” CNG joint task force established an infor- mation bureau and operation center at the A six-person baggage handling crew picked Association of Govern- up and delivered baggage for family mem- ments building in Palm Desert, approxi- bers arriving and departing Palm Springs mately 60 miles from the 163rd Reconnais- International Airport. “The family mem- sance Wing’s headquarters at March Air bers were appreciative, and it was interest- Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, Calif. ing to see the Ford family home,” Master Sgt. Gilbert Sanchez of the 163rd said. “We were tasked by [CNG] Joint Force Headquarters to be the lead unit to execute The motorcade team was composed of nine a memorial service plan with various agen- members, with only two having prior mo- cies to include the Secret Service, California Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey torcade experience. A Secret Service agent Highway Patrol, Palm Desert Police De- Tech. Sgt. Scott Crandell, left, and Senior Airman Cully Hopkins of the 163rd Reconnaissance assigned to the motorcade provided guid- partment, the City of Palm Desert, River- Wing guard former first lady Elizabeth B. Ford’s casket during the repose in which the public ance to the National Guard team, which side County Sheriff’s Department, the Ford paid their respects at Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif., on July 12. was only responsible for the Ford family’s family liaison, the Saint Margaret Episcopal personal motorcade. Church representatives and Atlantic Avia- “We coordinated the rapid response to in- and escorted during a four-day period. tion,” said the 163rd RW’s Lt. Col. Brenda clude all lodging, food, vehicle and equip- “The 163rd was well-prepared to carry out Hendricksen, the media operations officer ment support, but what really proved to be “The media team hit the ground run- its assigned tasks in support of the memo- in charge. “The 163rd’s responsibilities in- challenging were the numerous intricate ning, holding a press conference within rial services for Mrs. Ford,” said Lt. Col. Er- cluded casket detail, providing family mo- details involved in an event of this mag- six hours of arriving in Palm Desert for nie Sioson of the 163rd, who served as the torcade drivers, baggage handling and co- nitude,” he said. “We were involved with the family representatives to release the joint task force commander. “This truly was ordinating press coverage.” everything from finding bunting for media details of the memorial service to be held. a joint operation because in addition to the trailers to coordinating motorcade drivers Additionally the team organized every 163rd, Soldiers from the Joint Force Head- Master Sgt. Nathan M. Brown of the 163rd for the memorial procession.” aspect of media coordination to include quarters, the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat was one of the key people responsible for 22 hours of coverage at the church on Team and the 147th Combat Communica- the logistical aspects of the memorial. More than 197 journalists were credentialed July 12,” Hendricksen said. tions Squadron [were] working together.”

Soldiers and families sacrifice for deployments

By SPC. DARRIEL SWATTS have Skype and he didn’t have good cell letters from my daughter’s 3rd grade class, Kendy Verduzco said there is no way to 40th Combat Aviation Brigade phone reception, so we actually talk more and she insisted I read hers last,” he con- prepare yourself completely for a deploy- with him [in Iraq] than we did when he was tinued. “Hers was very emotional because ment until you’re in that situation. “Having him deployed is very emotion- training back home. The only time it’s re- of some of the things she said. Also, a lot al for me,” said Kendy Verduzco, wife of ally difficult is at night, but that’s mainly of her friends said she’s sad some days be- “You just have to make the best of it and Spc. Rosario Verduzco, who is deployed because of [our] baby.” cause her dad’s away, but she can’t wait for know people change through the experi- to Camp Taji, Iraq, with the 40th Combat me to get home so we can go to Hawaii.” ence,” she said. “I just can’t wait ’til he Aviation Brigade. “I’m so used to having Deployed Soldiers deal with stress on a comes back home. I’m so proud of him and him around, and he normally helps with daily basis, but the families back home go Spc. Adrienne Thomas, a paralegal special- what he does.” our [2-year-old] son and helps around the through just as much stress, if not more ist with the 40th CAB, said that of all the house.” than the Soldiers, 40th CAB members said. things her family does to stay in contact, Photo by Spc. Swatts Darriel her favorite is the hand-written letters. “So having him away, it’s really hard,” she “This is my fifth deployment in 20 years, said. “I know when I see him on the unit’s but it’s my first deployment as a married “It shows that they took the time out of Facebook page, I always get super emo- person,” said Capt. Yusef Parker, a night- their day to sit down and handwrite that tional, and when I see his pictures there, I shift battle captain with the 40th CAB. letter,” she said. “It just means much more just tear up.” “There are a lot more stresses that are in- to me than an e-mail, because you can e- volved when you are leaving your family mail anybody, including your bank, but a When people think of those who serve our behind, and we’re finding those out as we letter shows a level of caring that e-mails country, they often think of Soldiers in uni- go along. It’s another hurdle we have to don’t.” form. They seldom think about the spous- overcome as a family, and I think we are es, children and other family members who doing just fine.” The 40th CAB Soldiers have passed the those service members leave behind when halfway point in their yearlong deployment they deploy. The families of the 40th CAB are helping to Iraq. Some of the Soldiers have already themselves and their Soldiers alleviate gone on their two weeks of rest and recu- “It’s our first deployment together, but stress by finding ways to send a piece of peration leave, and others are still looking we’ve been together ever since he joined home to their deployed Soldiers. forward to it. the military, so this deployment is kind of like when he has to go away for training “The family sends me care packages. The “He’s already come home for his leave, and every year,” said Brisa Frost, wife of Spc. first one they sent was very emotional: On while he was here, he got to see the birth Jason Frost, who also is deployed to Camp the inside flaps of the box, my kids and wife of our child [Margaret],” Brisa Frost said. Taji with the 40th CAB. “It really doesn’t each drew pictures and colored it,” Parker “But when he got home, we just picked up feel like he’s half a world away, except I said. “I ended up cutting the pictures out and carried on like he never left. The only can’t go and see him when he’s done for and now have them on the wall along with real big change was that we were in a new Spc. Adrienne Thomas, a paralegal specialist the day.” the picture of the family they sent me.” apartment and our car broke down. It was with the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade sta- exactly like life before, except we now have tioned on Camp Taji, Iraq, reads a card sent by “But during those training events, he didn’t “This last one I just received had a bunch of a baby.” her children.

12 Grizzly | 2011 | August 640th ASB trains Iraqis MP units learn the on generator maintenance high cost of gas Photo by Spc.Lowry Marilyn By SPC. MATTHEW WRIGHT working with the Base Transi- which is part of the Base Transi- 40th Combat Aviation Brigade tion Team and the Iraqi Air Avia- tion Team. tion Command (IqAAC) to tran- The 640th Aviation Support Bat- sition to Iraqis the responsibility The 640th HSC’s generator me- talion is working with the U.S. for maintaining the generators. chanics drive to the Iraqi side of Air Force Base Transition Team The generators provide back- the airfield each week to meet to train Iraqi personnel on the up power to the airfield’s main with Iraqi mechanics and train- maintenance and operation of power grid in case of an outage. ees. The purpose of the training backup generators for the air- is to ensure the IqAAC has the field on Camp Taji, Iraq. “As we begin to transition, even- skills to properly instruct their tually it will be the sole respon- Soldiers on the equipment to Headquarters Support Compa- sibility of IqAAC to maintain help maintain the airfield. ny (HSC), 640th ASB, current- the generators,” said Master ly maintains and operates the Sgt. Lydia Crouse of 1st Detach- “The level of previous training flightline generators on the Iraqi ment, 321st Expeditionary Mis- received by the IqAAC was lim- side of the airfield. The HSC is sion Support Advisory Group, ited,” Crouse said. Photo by Spc. Matthew Wright Now the Iraqis are taught basic preventive maintenance checks and services as well as the basic level of Army maintenance, said generator mechanic Sgt. Salva- dor Lopez of the 640th HSC. “We are building a good relationship with them,” he said, noting that the initiative has been positive for both sides.

Crouse said the Base Transition Team has received very posi- tive feedback about the program Spc. Jeffrey Brown of the 270th Military Police Company gasps for air from the Iraqi military. after exiting a CS gas, or tear gas, chamber during less lethal weapons training July 18 on Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. The Iraqi military is expected to Warrant Officer Rashid, left, of the Iraqi Army and Sgt. Salvador Lopez inherit the generator equipment, By SPC. MARILYN LOWRY of Headquarters Support Company, 640th Aviation Support Battalion, providing an incentive for com- 69th Public Affairs Detachment perform maintenance on a generator for the airfield at Camp Taji, Iraq. pleting the training. In a golden field surrounded by rolling hills and wild animals stands a small, worn-out wooden building. Its windows are board- ed shut and just one door is useable. Outside, the air is fresh. But nearly anyone who dares enter the building runs out with their eyes tearing and mouth gasping for air.

640th ASB cleans up in Iraq, “We didn’t know we’d have to take our masks off,” Private 1st Class Lisa Lee of the 185th Military Police (MP) Battalion, 49th MP Brigade, said about her July 18 exercise. “I thought we were just to the tune of $12 million making sure they worked in case we ever had to use them.”

By SPC. MATTHEW WRIGHT “What I did with the plan was coordinate and or- Lee and about 20 other Soldiers of the 185th’s Headquarters and 40th Combat Aviation Brigade ganize our people from the 640th, which have pro- Headquarters Detachment (HHD) joined almost 100 Soldiers of vided a couple of Soldiers from each company to the 270th Military Police Company for chemical response training As the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq approaches, assist with classifying,” he said. “Some of the items at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. the 640th Aviation Support Battalion is collecting are put back into the system [and] re-issued.” The and itemizing unused or misplaced military equip- re-issued equipment doesn’t all stay on Camp Taji. The Soldiers donned protective masks and filed into the building. ment that has accumulated over the eight years the “It is going to … Iraq, Afghanistan or other loca- Inside they ensured their masks fit properly. Then they removed Army has been at Camp Taji, Iraq. The idea behind tions where we have military forces,” he said. their face protectors and performed side-straddle hops, or “jump- the effort, Operation Clean Sweep, is to salvage the ing jacks,” to ensure they got a taste of the CS gas, or tear gas. equipment and save the taxpayers money. The unserviceable or broken equipment that is collected is disposed of by the team. “It goes to ei- After several minutes, effects started to show. Then with skin itch- The equipment found on the post that is service- ther to the Defense Reutilization and Management ing, lungs heaving, noses burning and eyes watering, the Soldiers able includes automotive parts such as tires, Gator Office or it goes through recycling,” Adams said. were allowed to exit the building. They were guided away from utility vehicle parts and mine-resistant, ambush- “There they refurbish or fix it to be used later.” He the chamber with their arms extended to let natural air wear off protected vehicle parts. The 640th is assisting a added that the recyclables collected included cop- the gas. Minutes later, participants regained composure. team from the 549th Quartermaster Company by per wire and scrap metal, much of which can be gathering equipment and property on Camp Taji sent back to the and recycled. “I almost started to panic toward the end, but the sergeant inside that is not on unit property books and putting it was cool and helped me keep calm,” said Pvt. Lidit Awoke. back on those books or sending it to the United Photo by Spc. Matthew Wright States. “We’ve saved up to $12 million,” said Capt. Despite nausea, no one was seriously injured. All who entered the Joseph Adams, a planning officer with the 640th. chamber left the premises intact. Some kept memories by taking videos and photos with personal cameras and cellular phones. Capt. Pedro Alvarez, officer in charge of the unit’s logistics section, said another big part of the op- “We haven’t had an opportunity to do this in a while,” said Capt. eration is to make the U.S. footprint on Camp Taji Sean Kelly, 270th commander. “It is important training.” smaller by getting rid of items that aren’t being used. Kelly said his Soldiers are training to operate in hazardous envi- ronments in case of a chemical attack in California or wherever Adams said it is like an amnesty period for the they might be called. The 270th, as one of two Cal Guard MP com- units to turn in property to be reused or recycled. panies that might mobilize as part of the Federal Emergency Man- The 640th and 549th came up with a plan to have all agement Agency-based Region IX Homeland Response Force, units on base bring all unused and broken equip- Spc. Jose Martinez of Company B, 640th Aviation shares security force responsibility for four states and two terri- ment to a yard on the post to organize and classify Support Battalion, sorts equipment July 1 in support tories, as well as the Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands the items as serviceable or non-serviceable. of Operation Clean Sweep on Camp Taji, Iraq. and Federated States of Micronesia.

13 National Guard, Polish and Ukrainian Airmen join forces to ensure

SafePhoto by Master Sgt. James D. Berg Skies

By MAJ. MATTHEW MUTTI calm, blue Ukrainian sky and tive capacity to address common about 120 intercept missions in- the Ukrainian maintainers, work- Safe Skies 2011 Public Affairs; and landed July 16. security challenges.” volving National Guard and Pol- ing beyond language and supply TECH SGT. CHARLES VAUGHN ish F-16 fighters as well as Ukrai- limitations to achieve a very ag- 144th Fighter Wing The two-week Safe Skies event Through the State Partnership nian MIG-29 and SU-27 aircraft. gressive flying schedule. was designed to provide an op- Program, the California Air Na- In these missions, U.S. pilots op- More than 140 members of the portunity for Ukrainian, Polish tional Guard had been planning erated as if they were distressed, “The maintenance and logistics Air National Guard landed at and American personnel to fly this event since 2009. hijacked, lost or flying in a sim- teams have worked extremely Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine, in together and help prepare the ulated restricted airspace. The hard to ensure this event has been July, preparing for the U.S. Euro- Polish and Ukrainian forces for “Our partnership has laid the Ukrainian and Polish forces then as successful as it has; it takes a pean Command-sponsored aeri- enhanced air supremacy and air foundation for this event, and responded to mitigate the poten- great deal of planning and deter- al military-to-military exchange sovereignty operations. It was this engagement is providing tial airborne threat. mination when you are in unchart- event Safe Skies. also intended to foster improved Ukraine an amazing opportunity ed waters,” said Col. Scott Patten, communication and collaboration to learn more about air sover- The California National Guard commander of the Alabama Na- A rainbow unit of National Guard between the countries. eignty operations as they prepare has partnered with Ukraine since tional Guard’s . Airmen composed of members for the EUROCup 2012,” Swertf- 1993 to help the former Soviet “This is the first State Partnership from California, Alabama, Mas- “Working together with the ager said. EUROCup refers to the state develop its military and ci- event of this size and the first time sachusetts, Washington and Wis- Ukrainian and Polish Air Forces Union of European Football Asso- vilian capacities for security, an Air National Guard unit has consin flew into a base that until is important to U.S. interests in ciations’ European Football Cham- emergency management and or- operated out of Ukraine.” then had only seen use by Mig-29 that it helps promote regional pionship. Poland and Ukraine will ganization. Exercises like Safe and Su-27 fighter aircraft. Fol- stability,” said Lt. Col. Robert jointly host the 2012 finals. Skies require Ukrainian and Pol- “This state partnership initiative lowing advance teams of main- Swertfager, Safe Skies project of- ish forces to test their response sets the foundation for future tenance and support personnel, ficer and a member of the CNG’s The National Guard provided in- mechanisms, which prepare them training with Ukraine,” Toomey seven F-16C fighters from Ala- Fresno-based 144th Fighter Wing. valuable training for the Polish for a real airborne threat. added. “The lessons learned dur- bama and Iowa cut through the “This event increases our collec- and Ukrainian forces, completing ing this engagement will provide “We learned so much from the us with valuable information for

Photo by Maj. Mutti Matthew events of September 11, 2001,” deploying Fresno fighter aircraft said Lt. Col. Kirk Toomey, the and personnel in the future.” Safe Skies operations project of- ficer and alert commander at the In addition to the valuable train- Fresno-based 144th Fighter Wing. ing, many Airmen spoke happily “We want to share from our ex- about the international friend- periences and better enable them ships that grew through the to protect their citizens from any course of the event. terrorist threats. Protecting the EUROCup spectators is similar “We have been completely suc- to us protecting the football fans cessful in our mission,” Lt. Gen. watching the Super Bowl.” Vasyl Nikiforov, deputy com- mander of the Ukrainian Air During Safe Skies, National Force, said July 29 during the clos- Guard pilots also worked with ing ceremonies. “We have accom- the Polish Air Force to test com- plished this historic event and de- munications limitations specific veloped lasting friendships.” to air sovereignty operations. “The collaboration with Poland Senior Airman Stephen Butler of is also a very important aspect of the 187th said Safe Skies enabled this event,” Toomey said. “[For the different counrtries’ Airmen Ukraine], working with Poland is to “share our joint desire to pro- similar to the U.S. working with tect our citizens from any threat.” . Understanding each oth- ers’ tactics is critical to the collab- “We are both in the business to oration required in air sovereign- serve and protect our nations,” he ty missions.” said of the Safe Skies participants. “We all had an opportunity to As flying operations commenced, share stories and create new and so did aircraft maintenance op- exciting friendships. With the in- TOP: Two Air National Guard F-16 fighter planes fly in formation with two Ukrainian SU-27 fighters over Mirgorod erations. Twenty-six independent formation learned and new views Air Base, Ukraine, during Safe Skies, a two-week aerial event involving the U.S. National Guard and the air forces of maintenance organizations from of a culture that was once foreign Ukraine and Poland. The event helped prepare Ukraine and Poland to protect their airspace during the 2012 Euro- different states worked together to us, we went home with a great pean Football Championship, which the two countries will co-host. ABOVE: Lt. Col. Robert Swertfager, a member of as a synergistic team. The Na- new appreciation of how Ukraine, the California National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing and the Safe Skies 2011 project officer, takes a piece of bread as tional Guard members also har- Poland and the U.S. can work to- part of a Ukrainian custom after landing at Mirgorod Air Base on July 16 for the three-nation event. nessed the collective strength of gether on future projects.”

14 Grizzly | 2011 | August Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn Foreign exchange program Pilots take a spin in unfamiliar aircraft at Safe Skies in Ukraine

By MAJ. MATTHEW MUTTI in and taking it out for a mission,” periority: “Your control, my control,” Safe Skies 2011 Public Affairs Prokop said. “When you collabo- was all that was said by Ukrainian rate on a mission as complicated as Col. Oleh Ges, the Mirgorod Base Capt. Frank Prokop, an Alabama Air air sovereignty, understanding the commander, who flew with Prokop. National Guard F-16C pilot, straps tools you have to work with is very As Ges made a gesture with the stick, into a jet for an afternoon mission. important. “ Prokop knew it was his turn to fly Though wearing a U.S. Air Force and which maneuvers they needed to flight suit, the Russian-made helmet When asked to discuss the flight perform. and life support equipment he dons characteristics of the Ukraine fight- is designed for the Ukrainian SU-27 er, Prokop said it was very smooth; While Prokop and Ges were flying fighter he is about to fly. the handling was very different from the SU-27, Lt. Col. Kirk Toomey, an the F-16, but incredibly responsive. F-16 pilot with the California Na- During Safe Skies, many U.S. and “You can tell the Ukrainian main- tional Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing, Ukrainian pilots had an opportunity tenance teams put a lot of care into was strapped into an F-16 with Lt. to fly in another country’s aircraft. these aircraft.” Col. Dmytro Fisher in the back seat. This unique program allowed the pi- Fisher is an SU-27 pilot assigned to Tech. Sgt. Eliza Villa of the 144th Fighter Wing takes lots to further their integration train- “I was honored to be able to fly with Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. a blood pressure reading from the 144th’s Master Sgt. ing through hands-on experience. the Ukrainian pilot and to better un- Darin Laity during the Safe Skies exercise in July. It also helped them understand the derstand the true capabilities of this “The feeling of the sky is the same different techniques used during an advanced fighter,” he continued. with our fighter and theirs,” Dmytro intercept mission, based on the capa- said through a translator. “I think the bilities of the aircraft. When the two pilots met, there was F-16 is a little less powerful but more Life support, a language barrier, in that neither pi- maneuverable. It was such an honor “There is no better way to under- lot spoke the other’s language clear- to fly with Colonel Toomey, and the stand the limitations and capabili- ly. But once they were in the jet, they adrenalin is still pumping. It was an medical staff ties of an aircraft than by strapping spoke the common language of air su- experience of a lifetime.” prepare U.S., Ukrainian pilots By MAJ. MATTHEW MUTTI Safe Skies 2011 Public Affairs

At nine times the force of gravity, 10 pounds feels like 90. Pilots experience forces like that during ev- ery flight, and it was the responsibility of the life sup- port team and medical staff assigned to Safe Skies to ensure those physiological effects didn’t negatively affect the mission.

Two life support staff members and four medical personnel participated in Safe Skies. They faced unique challenges while working with the Ukrai- nian Air Force, but their experiences also presented a great learning opportunity while they prepared Ukrainian pilots to fly with U.S. personnel and pro- vided preventive medical support to Air National Guard members.

“These Airmen are in a foreign environment, and they need to be aware that there are unique patho- gens that their bodies may not be accustomed to,” said Staff Sgt. Briza Guzman, a member of the Cali-

Photos by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn fornia Air National Guard. “We inspect the food and ABOVE: Maintenance crews from take precautions to ensure everyone is healthy to California and Alabama fighter continue the mission.” wings work to replace an air data controller on an Alabama Na- tional Guard F-16 at Mirgorod Air In addition to a public health specialist, a bio-envi- Base, Ukraine, during Safe Skies, ronmental technician ensured the members didn’t a three-nation training event in suffer from heat exhaustion. “Heat and the environ- July. In addition to National Guard ment provide the greatest opportunity for our mem- members from five states, Poland bers to need medical care,” said Lt. Col. Shahzad Jah- and Ukraine participated in the romi, a flight surgeon for the California Air National two-week event with a goal of Guard. “I work with my team … who ensure our learning to better protect their team is healthy and ready to provide great training airspace in advance of the Union to the Ukraine Air Force members.” of European Football Associations’ 2012 European Football Champi- The other aspect of flight medicine is to prepare onship, or EUROCup. The Califor- the pilots for flight. The flight doctor ran the pilots nia National Guard has worked with Ukraine since 1993 through through a flight physical to ensure they were pre- the State Partnership Program, pared to fly. The same was true for Ukrainian pilots and it had been planning Safe who participated in the pilot-exchange program. Skies since 2009. RIGHT: Pilots from the U.S. Air National Guard “We run the Ukrainian pilots through the same and Ukrainian Air Force exchange physical we use with our pilots,” Jahromi said. “We greetings July 18 at the conclusion ensure they can handle the physiological strain, and of the opening ceremonies for then we send them over to life support to be sized for Safe Skies at Mirgorod Air Base. their equipment.”

15 Grizzly | 2011 | August Training on the ‘last frontier’ Three 146th Airlift Wing squadrons performed annual training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Photos by Tech. Sgt. Alex Koenig BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ASHLEY RAMIREZ 146th Airlift Wing

Time felt like it was standing still as we walked off a C-130J aircraft in Anchorage, Alaska, in early June. With so much green and so much snow on the towering moun- tains all around us, it was truly beautiful. And with nearly 24 hours of sunlight in Alaska at that time of year, the sense of timelessness carried with us throughout the day.

The 146th Airlift Wing Air Terminal Op- erations Squadron, Logistical Readiness Squadron and Security Forces Squadron were scheduled to performed their annual training exercises at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson, Alaska, in June, and my part- ner in crime and photographer, Tech. Sgt. Alex Koenig, and I were invited to docu- ment their training.

It began with a flight in one of our wing’s C130-J aircraft, and about eight hours later we landed in Alaska. Soon after, we were dragging our bags to an area affection- ately named Mad Bull. In the middle of the woods, past a lake and over a few riv- ers, up several miles of winding, unpaved roads, we came upon Mad Bull — a gated “camp site” with a few small buildings, a set of showers and bathrooms and a gi- ant fiberglass-looking dome in the center, where we slept on cots among the local bears and moose. Obviously, the Army Na- es among deployed service members a few digital tracking, they were actually giving If you meet a brown bear, we were told, tional Guard-spread rumors about Hilton- years ago. their position away to the enemy. Hence, don’t run or make any sudden move- like Air Force accommodations are false. GPS systems are forbidden unless issued ments. Lie on the ground, cover your neck In an effort to get an edge on the enemy, by Uncle Sam. and face and just pray for the bear to leave Security Forces began their training the some service members brought their per- you alone, the expert said. next day in the classroom, learning how sonal GPS devices on deployment and used Soon after the classroom instruction, Secu- to read and use a compass on grid maps. them in the field. While this made things rity Forces began patrol maneuvers while The black bear is different. If you come Tech. Sgt. Marco De La Cruz instructed easier, and the troops were able to speak to working in groups. All were issued sim- across a black bear, we were taught, put the class and emphasized the importance each other using their equipment, the de- ulation rifles and rounds as well as pro- your arms up to make yourself appear of understanding how to navigate with- vices were not encrypted and did not use tective vests and helmets. Then we were as large as possible and yell, and the bear out advanced technology such as a glob- government signals. Therefore when these given a “wildlife brief” in which one of should run away. This was not comforting al positioning system, or GPS. Although devices were used, they were using public the full-time members explained the dif- for me — an Airman who isn’t even five navigation technology may be useful in satellite signals that anyone could use and ferences between brown bears and black feet tall with her boots on. the field, Tech. Sgt. Wayne Furhmann said track. So while those deployed members bears (other than the obvious) and how to there were major problems with the devic- were trying to get the advantage by using protect yourself if you encounter one. The Security Forces Airmen were then separated into groups and reviewed flank- ing movements. Positioning is important in these movements, so that every area has eyes on it. After a few dry runs of each movement and where everyone needed to be, the Airmen were ready to test their skills in the woods.

As they walked through the wilderness, they used hand signals to communicate while scanning the woods for potential enemies. Being in the middle of nowhere, with all the brush on the ground, the forces found it hard to be as quiet as they wanted.

The next day, vehicle maintenance person- nel from the Logistics Readiness Squad- ron showed us the vehicles they had been working on and several large dump trucks that were getting tune-up service. There was also a fire truck that looked more like a monster truck to me: I guess the worse the weather gets, the bigger and badder the trucks need to be. I looked around and noticed that all of the vehicles in the shop had extremely large tires; most were as tall TOP: Senior Airman Tobias Burrier of the 146th Airlift Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron, based at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, as I was. Calif., practices a welding technique at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on June 9. ABOVE: Members of the 146th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron participate in an active shooter training scenario conducted by the Alaska National Guard’s 176th Air Wing Security Forces There was a lot of action going on inside Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf- Richardson on June 13. the shop, including maintenance on a

16 Grizzly | 2011 | August large dump truck that needed a tire change. After our classroom training, the Airmen Changing a tire on an industrial dump truck went outside to practice formations and is not the same as changing one on my 4Run- making entry into a building. Everyone suit- ner back home. It required two Airmen, sev- ed up and some were given simulation rifles 162nd enables eral pieces of equipment and ear plugs. and ammunition. A group of Airmen stood outside the doors while others were placed The following day we were back with Secu- strategically inside, playing the roles of the communication rity Forces, and Alex and I followed them shooter or victim. as they accomplished their land navigation course, bringing all of the training they had And then it started. As I stood in the corner done in the classroom together and putting with my little blue helmet on, trying not to at Makani Pahili it to practical use. As we headed out on our get shot with paintball rounds, I watched as Photo by Tech Sgt. Andrew Jackson land navigation course, it was soon very entry teams came in, cleared the area room clear to me that we weren’t going to be hik- by room, yelled to the victims to run out the ing on the trails. We climbed over anything door with their hands raised and eventually that stood in our path, crawling over fallen found the suspect. There must have been a trees, literally holding back branches and “take no prisoners” policy, because every walking through bushes and brush; it was a time the entry group found the suspect, real course. there was a loud barrage of rounds going off followed by an Airman walking out with As we trekked through the terrain, the im- spots of pink and blue paint all over their portance of exact compass readings became uniform. evident. Staff Sgt. Herb Seaman said that be- ing off by just a few degrees could mean miss- Alex and I met up in the last days with the ing your target by 100 yards. And looking for members of the Air Terminal Operations something in a 100-yard radius through very Squadron and watched as they loaded pal- thick forest isn’t much fun. lets. We learned about labeling the pallets for routing and delivery, and we watched as The next day was active shooter training. Airman 1st Class Ron Navarro, with the di- Airmen were trained on proper formations rection of Staff Sgt. John Fratangelo, moved a when entering a building where an active forklift to position pallets in the warehouse. shooter may be located, procedures for clear- Staff Sgt. Phillip Delmendo of the 147th Combat Communication Squadron in- ing rooms quickly and efficiently, and how While we were there, we received word spects a component of the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability during to make it to the target (the shooter) in the that a plane had landed carrying Soldiers the Makani Pahili disaster preparedness exercise June 2 in Hilo, Hawaii. fastest way possible. and equipment back from a drop zone. We jumped in trucks and rushed down the flight By SPC. DOUGLAS SAUNDERS SR. Nevada National Guard. California As a 911 dispatcher in my civilian career, the line to help unload. As the Soldiers exited the 69th Public Affairs Detachment State Military Reserve forces oper- class on an active shooter was very interest- plane in two single-file lines, a Humvee was ated an Incident Commander’s, Com- ing to me. These types of things unfortu- unloaded from the center. Tech. Sgt. Cenobio It’s 2 a.m. and the entire family is mand, Control and Communications nately could happen anywhere, and having Alvarez guided the Humvee off the plane, sleeping in their beds. All of a sudden Unit, or IC4U, a vehicle that enables knowledge about what you need to do when and others did their part to get the Soldiers and with a piercing wail, sirens begin mobility throughout the disaster area something like this happens is vital. unloaded safely. to sound. The family knows from ex- and is capable of communicating any- perience not to panic, but they need where in the U.S. and Pacific Islands The instructors for that day were Master Sgt. “This is so important for us because … we to know what’s happening. They turn using satellite technology. IC4Us can Bryan Morberg and Tech. Sgt. Michael Ze- have brand new Airmen who need this on the TV and see nothing but static. capture imagery from cameras on ner of the , Air National Guard hands-on training, Airmen who are cross- They try to call family members but vehicles or aircraft and transmit that Station, Anchorage, Alaska. They explained training into our field from other areas and discover their cell phones aren’t work- video to emergency response teams. how to subdue your suspect, how to get to some who are preparing for possible upcom- ing and their land lines are dead. the suspect’ s location quickly and efficient- ing deployments,” Alvarez said. At the Joint Operations Command, or ly, and what to do and not do to avoid en- In the middle of the night a mas- JOC, Tech. Sgt. Kyle “Gus” Murphy dangering more lives. What these Airmen learned in Alaska during sive hurricane had made a dramatic of the 149th CCS established an initial their annual training is vital to the Air Force change in course and made land- communication system that included The instructors also talked about active mission. Many of them will deploy soon, and fall. The Category 5 storm caused a wide range of devices that could be shooter incidents from the past, including this training will ensure they are prepared. the largest tsunami the Hawaiian Is- used to bring communications up to the 2009 massacre at Fort Hood, Texas, and They have the skills to deploy confidently, lands had ever seen. Making matters speed quickly and efficiently. “If it’s what we could learn from what did or didn’t get the job done and, most importantly, re- worse, communications throughout possible to run communications wire- happen there. turn home safely. the island chain were down. lessly, we can set it up from this JOC,” he said. “With this technology we can The spring training exercise Makani set up different systems to allow them Pahili, meaning “great winds” in Ha- to become interoperable and be able waiian, presented that scenario and to permit emergency responders to required California National Guard talk to one another.” The 147th CCS members to bridge communications and 149th CCS are both units of the between responding agencies. “In or- CNG’s 162nd Combat Communica- der to save lives, we need to be able tions Group. to get the communication up and run- ning to coordinate with all of the other Local, federal and military responders agencies working to get help to civil- use anything from push-to-talk radios ians of every community,” said Capt. to Blackberries and standard everyday Michael Morabe, communication and cellular phones, Murphy said. Align- information officer for the 147th Com- ing the frequencies to allow them to bat Communication Squadron (CCS). talk to each other is an important task the JISCC has practiced repeatedly to The 147th used the Joint Incident Site become quick in completing the task, Communications Capability (JISCC) he added. to provide a mobile communications setup that facilitated emergency com- “It takes the complete effort of several munications between the different different entities to bring up commu- devices used by first responders and nications during a disaster,” said Maj. other local, state and federal agencies. Jon Dahl of the 147th CCS. “All of the Deployed in each state by the Nation- separate state Guard units and or- al Guard Bureau, a JISCC can arrive ganizations collaborated together to at a disaster site and provide global work as one functional unit.” communications within an hour. The threat of disaster is looming out The emergency communications ef- there, Murphy said. It’s not “if” it will fort at Makani Pahili combined Ha- happen, but “when,” and the Guard A member of the 146th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron participates in a land navigation waiian Civil Defense assets and JISCC needs to be prepared to battle Mother course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on June 9. teams from the California, Alaska and Nature to save lives, he said.

17 Grizzly | 2011 | August Soldier becomes half-marathoner for cancer research

By STAFF SGT. JESSICA INIGO ting the gym. Plus he’s taking some advice Joint Task Force Sierra Public Affairs from McLean and using interval training, running anywhere from three to five min- Spc. Ryan Poley is fighting cancer — not utes, then walking for one to two minutes. internally, but rather externally with his “I’m just so proud of him,” McLean said. heart, legs, time and money. Though can- “I’m honored that he’s running not just for cer-free, the California National Guard Sol- his health, but running to find a cure.” dier runs for the cause and hopes to save lives by raising money through sanctioned Poley said his training has also benefited races. him physically. Before he began training for the half-marathon, he said, he had a “really Poley participated in his first-ever half- bad” Army Physical Fitness Test score. His marathon June 5 as part of the Leukemia latest test went much better, as he shaved and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Train- four minutes from his run time. ing, known as TNT, which raises money for research through various races. He finished Next Poley will participate in the Disney the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Half Marathon on Sept. 4. He is hoping to that day in 3 hours, 17 minutes, and raised raise about $2,000 through the event, as $2,000 ($650 was Poley’s money, which he well as raising funds for the Rock ‘n’ Roll used, in part, to match donations). Half Marathon in San Jose on Oct. 2. He

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Inigo plans to run the San Jose race with McLean, Now, just a month later, he is training for Spc. Ryan Poley trains in San Diego in July for the Disney Half Marathon, which will be held as it’s near her hometown of Sunnyvale. future races and has more goals in place. Sept. 4. Poley, who ran his first half-marathon in June and raised $2,000 for cancer research, An entry identification team member with hopes to raise another $2,000 by running in the September event. “She’s really been my inspiration,” Poley Joint Task Force Sierra, the CNG’s South- said. “If she’s 51 and doing it, I should be west border mission, Poley is training for However, the person who has been most She explained to Poley, “People run these able to do it too. I’m 32.” Plus, he was in the two upcoming half-marathons and has pivotal in motivating Poley to begin run- races and pay $100 to $200 to get in and Marine Corps for four years, and has been learned some tricks of the trade to become ning — and to run for a cause — has been put themselves through grueling physical in the Guard for six. When not deployed a better long-distance runner. long-time friend Linda McLean. Though stuff just so even a portion of that money for the border mission, he is a cook with separated in age by nearly two decades, could go to find a cure,” McLean recalled. Company F, 181st Brigade Support Battal- New to the sport, Poley said just participat- the two met years ago while supporting a “I would give everything to have even five ion, out of Barstow, Calif. ing in a half-marathon was eye-opening. mutual friend with a back injury. minutes to be with [my father] again. And “I didn’t get to train as much as I wanted now I have a son who doesn’t know his Poley also plans to follow McLean’s way to,” Poley said. But even through his work Later, after keeping in touch during Poley’s grandfather. … Cancer really injures the of honoring her father by making ribbons schedule, school schedule and travel to and deployment to Iraq in 2008 and 2009, he family so much, and if we could save just for those who have been touched by can- from his hometown of Temecula, Calif., he visited McLean and met her “running fam- one family from having to go through that, cer and wearing them on race day. “I don’t was determined to finish the June 5 event. ily.” McLean, a marathon runner and coach it’s all worth it.” know anyone personally who has had can- “I could have kicked myself in the butt that for the San Jose Fit running program, said cer, but I’m asking … everyone I know,” I didn’t train like I was supposed to. … I Poley asked a lot of questions that day: “He Having heard McLean’s and the other run- he said. “If they have someone who they actually walked the last four miles,” he said asked, ‘Why do you guys do this?’ And ners’ reasons for taking to the sport, Poley would like me to run in honor of, just let of the 13.1-mile course. “I didn’t have it in each of us had our own story to share.” decided to join TNT, which contributes me know and I’ll make ribbons and wear me to run anymore.” fundraising money from more than 40,000 them during my race.” McLean said she participated in mara- runners, walkers, cyclists, hikers and tri- Now Poley intends to train well and per- thons that supported and benefited cancer athletes who participate in events on behalf For updates on future races and ways to haps make it under the two-hour mark. research because her father died of non- of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. support the cause, find Poley on Facebook TNT coaches schedule group runs and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2003. She often at www.facebook.com/ryan.poley. “Every consistently discuss tips to enhance perfor- wears a ribbon with his name on it during Poley said he’s now using the lessons dollar counts, and the good thing is that mance. From them Poley has learned about races and says his presence has helped her learned from his past training mistakes and you know the money … will be put toward proper shoes, training and hydration. through some tough stretches on race day. hitting the road more often, as well as hit- a good cause,” he said.

185th MPs shape up during annual training Photo by Spc. Eddie Siguenza By SPC. EDDIE SIGUENZA and lost considerable body fat. “I just wanted to prove I can 69th Public Affairs Detachment actually do it and get back into shape,” said the 43-year- old. “It’s a workout, but it helps. Life is much better.” Every morning as the 185th Military Police Battalion per- formed annual training in July at Camp San Luis Obispo, Just 22 years old, Sgt. Luis Alvarado failed an Army Calif., the unit’s operations office transformed into a sweat Physical Fitness Test earlier this year. But the full-time locker. Guard member upped his effort by following the video and easily passed the Army Physical Fitness Test recent- Led by Master Sgt. Brock Kelly, the operations section ly. “Before, I was not open to video exercises,” Alvarado noncommissioned officer in charge, the Soldiers followed said. “But this one gives you a good workout. I got dras- an “insane” exercise video. Each Soldier found a place be- tic improvements.” tween chairs and desks to follow the on-screen profession- al fitness instructor’s directions. The key, Kelly explained, is the workout mixes three com- ponents: cardiovascular training, plyometrics and balance. “This has positive results. It’s something we hope the en- Importantly, it doesn’t require weights or straps. What’s tire battalion gets into,” Kelly said. “We have Soldiers who involved is simple body mass, gravity and guts. “The main haven’t passed their [Army Physical Fitness Test] try this, focus is to do as many repetitions as possible within a giv- and in a short time have passed. In two months, I dropped en amount of time. This helps improve speed and agility,” 20 pounds. And I went from running a 15-minute two-mile Kelly said. “This builds muscles you never knew you had. to 11 minutes in boots.” It makes you less prone to injury while making you stron- ger and faster.” Up to 50 Soldiers participated regularly in the 45-minute program. To accommodate them all, the video was shown A martial artist, Kelly’s jujitsu partners introduced him to on a projector, easily visible from 60 feet away. The fitness video training. They train with Ultimate Fighting Champi- instructor is motivating and pushes participants to their onship fighters, he said, and Kelly wondered how contend- Sgt. Luis Alvarado, front, and Sgt. 1st Class Camelia Straughn limits. Soldiers within the 185th swear by the program. ers maintain stamina after several intense fights. “The first follow a video exercise program coordinated by other mem- day I did it, I thought this was not going to be good,” he bers of the 185th Military Police Battalion on July 18 at Camp Sgt. 1st Class Camelia Straughn, vulnerability non-com- laughed. “I found out you can never beat the program. The San Luis Obispo, Calif. Both noncommissioned officers said missioned officer in charge, passed her physical fitness test better shape you get, the faster you can pace yourself.” they saw good results after two weeks following the program.

18 News & Benefits Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Scholarship pays tuition for children effective Sept. 20 of fallen National Guard members

Based on recommendations from military leaders, President Barack Obama on July 22 College-bound children of National Guard members who lost their lives in support of the certified to Congress that the U.S. armed forces are prepared for repeal of the “Don’t Ask, war on terrorism can apply for up to $25,000 in scholarship funds from DRS Technologies, Don’t Tell” law. There is a 60-day waiting period before the repeal goes into effect, so the a New Jersey-based defense contractor, according to a press release from the nonprofit law will officially come off the books Sept. 20. After that date, gay service members may National Guard Educational Foundation (NGEF). be open about their sexual orientation. The Guardian Scholarship Fund will be administered by the NGEF. The first awards will Congress passed the repeal in December. The legislation gave the military time to prepare be made in time for the fall semester of this year. the force and said repeal would happen only after the president, defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certified the military as ready for repeal. Students will receive up to $6,250 per year for four years if attending a four-year institu- tion. For those attending a two-year program at a community college or technical school, “Today, as a result of strong leadership and proactive education throughout the force, the scholarship will provide up to $6,250 for both years. we can take the next step in this process,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “The president, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and I have certified that the imple- Juniors and seniors in high school, as well as students already in college, are eligible to ap- mentation of repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is consistent with the standards of military ply for the scholarship. A review panel created by NGEF will determine who will receive readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion and recruiting and retention of the armed the funds, which will be paid directly to the school. forces.” Rich Goldberg, DRS senior vice president of public affairs and communications, said more Panetta said he thinks the repeal is essential to the effectiveness of the all-volunteer force. than 650 Guard members have died in the war on terrorism. “All men and women who serve this nation in uniform — no matter their race, color, creed, religion or sexual orientation — do so with great dignity, bravery, and dedication,” For more information, visit www.drsfoundation.net/guard. he said in a written statement. “They put their lives on the line for America, and that’s what really matters.”

The armed forces put together training courses regarding the repeal, and more than 1.9 FOCUS helps Guard families with stress million service members have now received training. National Guard families can receive free resiliency-enhancing training through the Fami- lies OverComing Under Stress, or FOCUS, family program in Los Angeles County. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, which went into effect in 1993, allowed gay personnel to serve in the military as long as they were not open about their sexual orientation. The eight-session FOCUS program was developed at the University of California at Los Angeles and is now in place at Air Force, Army, Marine and Navy installations across the “It is my personal belief that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly would be the right country. The training program is customized for each family and is built around your thing to do,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified to schedule. the Senate Armed Services Committee in February. “No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young Military families can experience high levels of stress, but subject matter experts who are men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens. For me, well-versed in military culture can help take your family dynamic to a new level. This personally, it comes down to integrity — theirs as individuals and ours as an institution.” positive, strength-based program has proven effective in helping families deal with past stresses and difficulties and in preparing them for ongoing challenges. He added in July that he believes service members can handle the changes. To sign up for the program, call psychologist Dr. William Saltzman at 562-985-5615. “My confidence in our ability to accomplish this work rests primarily on the fact that our people are capable, well-led and thoroughly professional,” he said in a written statement July 22. “I have never served with finer men and women. They will, I am certain, carry out repeal and continue to serve this country with the same high standards and dignity that American Heroes 5K/10K and Fun Run have defined the U.S. military throughout our history.” The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Commercial Crimes Bureau and Military It remains the policy of the Department of Defense not to ask service members or appli- Activation Committees will host the American Heroes 5K/10K and Family Fun Run on cants about their sexual orientation. Saturday, Sept. 10, in Whittier, Calif. There are 13 age divisions, ranging from 13 years and under to 70 and over. Race registration costs $20 if received by Sept. 2 and $25 if received late or the day of the race. Fun Run registration costs $15. Participants are also invited to Nominate a diversity award candidate visit the L.A. County Sheriff’s Museum and various military, fire and Sheriff’s Depart- ment displays. For more information or to register, visit www.AmericanHeroes10K.com. The California National Guard will accept nominations for its Excellence in Diversity Awards through Dec. 9. A CNG Soldier and a CNG Airman will be chosen for awards, as will a CNG Army unit and a CNG Air Force unit. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that demonstrate superior perfor- Did you know... mance and make significant contributions in the spirit of diversity, as defined by the De- fense Department’s Military Leadership Diversity Commission: “Diversity is all the dif- ferent characteristics and attributes of individuals that are consistent with Department of Defense core values, integral to overall readiness and mission accomplishment, and inspections are required programs reflective of the Nation we serve.” that measure compliance with California award recipients will be nominated for the National Guard Bureau’s nation- wide Excellence in Diversity Awards. requirements and provide leaders

All Army, Air and civilian personnel assigned to the California National Guard are eli- valuable feedback at all levels? gible for nomination. As Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, has said, “Inspections are not For more information, contact Steve Read at 916-854-3421 or [email protected], or to give people a hard time, or to make life difficult, but to maintain standards.” Niki Ching at 916-854-4451 or [email protected]. Army National Guard commanders therefore must receive an initial command inspection (ICI) from their rater within 180 days of assuming command. The ICI provides new commanders a clear understanding of the goals, standards and 40th ID Korea vets reunion next month priorities for the unit. It also provides an assessment of the overall health of the The 40th Infantry Division Veterans will host a reunion Sept. 25-28 in unit. A subsequent command inspection, or SCI, measures progress and reinforces St. Louis. Registration costs $85, and each attendee will receive a 40th id Korean War the goals and standards established during the ICI. Further information can be Veteran windbreaker, compliments of a corporate sponsor. The reunion will include found in Army Regulation 1-201, Chapter 3-3, dated April 4, 2008. three sightseeing tours, each of which includes military museums and memorials as well as non-military destinations. For more information, call 954-771-5436 or email Air Force commanders are required to establish and maintain a Self Inspection [email protected]. Program, which assesses internal operations to identify and correct deficiencies and non-compliance with directives. Commanders are encouraged to schedule and execute this program at the earliest opportunity to provide direction for the CLARIFICATION: On page 2 of the July issue, the helicopter photo and hurri- unit and ensure compliance with requirements. Further information can be found cane rescue photo should have been attributed to Al Golub ofgolubphoto.com and in Air Force Instruction (AFI) 90-201, Chapter 2.4, certified current April 21, 2010, Tech. Sgt. Brock Woodward, respectively. and AFI 90-201_AFGM1.1, Chapter 2.4, dated Feb. 10, 2011.

19 Public Affairs Directorate, California National Guard 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3561

National Guard Airmen from California and four other states join Airmen from the Ukrainian Air Force in opening ceremonies for the Safe Skies exercise, which also included the Polish Air Force, on July 18 at Mirgorod Air Base, Ukraine. The two-week event was designed to enhance multinational cooperation and improve airspace security. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn For more on Safe Skies, see page 16.

The Grizzly Newsmagazine Published by the Directorate of Communications, California National Guard Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department ® of the Army, the Department of the Air Force or the California State Military Department. Grizzly is an official publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1 and AFI 35-101. www.facebook.com/CAguard www.twitter.com/theCAguard Submissions: [email protected] www.youtube.com/CAnationalguard Feedback: [email protected] www.flickr.com/photos/CAguard Address/subscription: Current Guard members must make all changes through their unit. Retired Guard members, email [email protected].

The Grizzly Newsmagazine 2011 www.calguard.ca.gov/publicaffairs