Arkansas Army National Guard a R K a N ARMY NATIONAL GUARD S Arkansas Guard Soldiers Stand Ready to Accept Any Challenge
State Spotlight — Arkansas Army National Guard A R K A N ARMY NATIONAL GUARD S Arkansas Guard Soldiers stand ready to accept any challenge. Whether fighting America’s wars, serving Arkansas’ citizens or assisting neighbors during a domestic response or natural disaster, these A dedicated Soldiers will always heed the call to defend the Nation and protect its citizens.
Arkansas Army National Guard Soldier SGT Niall Blasdel of the 87th Troop Command, 106th Army Band, plots his points for the land navigation portion of the 2019 Best Warrior Competition at Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock, Ark. S Arkansas Army National Guard photo by SSG Kelvin Green 2 ARKANSAS B - ISSUE 6// VOL 2//C-S State Spotlight -Arkansas Army NationalGuard it to drill. makes extraordinary efforts to make A Road Warrior isaGuardsmen who Story by OCCHARLES DAVIS David Harris OfficerSenior Candidate Road Warrior route month every for drill. Candidate David Harris, travels who this bowl of nothing, according to Officer Senior most visible thing on highway. the Abig fat go on for with power miles, lines the being border, becomes plains. Fields scenery the north from Arkansas the and Missouri and large lakes and rivers. However, further is trees, mountains the scenery of Ozarks, the point.exact Driving through Arkansas, the south on begins trip. this Neosho, Mo. is the wheretell exactly midwest the ends and the to drive with no stops. One can supposedly mile trip.mile It at takes least sixhours City, to North Little is a413- Rock lue Springs, Mo., asuburb of Kansas joined Arkansas the National Harris grew up inArkansas and Guard he was lived while in Arkansas. He went to college at when Iwaswhen 19,and Ilike to remind myself Harris. “I joined Arkansas the National Guard joined Army the National Guard here,” said was here, raised Iwent to schoolhere and I important is Arkansas is my home state. I “There’s acouple of reasons, butthe most and build himinto he soldier the is today. organization that has his helped best himbe transferring is his dedication to the National Guard instead of interstate Monday afternoon.” namely she because won’t me again see until homework, Ispend alittle with time my wife, gear and doalast minute check on my OCS Candidate School, said. “After Igather my is getting ready phase 3of to begin Officer my haircut normally firstthing.” who Harris, day. Thursday, So I get off work and go get weekends my helps boss me out with atravel Monday through Friday. However, on drill for weekend the but for drive. the state, it quite can be atask to prepare not only one but drills, for live who those out of the adauntingbe task ifone live to close where that next step inmy career,” said Harris. Kansas City. “It was abig opportunity to take with KCTV, aCBStelevision station in to move out of state for work. He’s aproducer Universitythe of Arkansas, however, he had What keeps Harris Arkansas inthe “I work from 4:30a.m.to 1:00p.m. doesn’tDriving to drill like it seem would Arkansas National Guard. l surely has dedication the to go far inthe future as acareer captain.” Said Harris, who to branch Aviation. “I’m excited about my commission inSeptember, where he plans hot inthe to tub.” soak gym SpongeBob, and maybemake it over to the day.like all akid Iplay games, video watch typically Monday take offfrom work and act I get home on Sunday, like Isleep crazy. I trip,” said Houston the Astros fan. “When marches Iwas alittle inOCS, sore afterthe once we doing started nine and ruck 12-mile “Before it wasn’t OCS, that bad. However, home after exhaustingtraining canbe rough. weekend. Having to drive asixhour trip back physical challenges to faceduring eachdrill stripes.” Afghanistan, and mentored me Igot when my me Iwas when aprivate, took care of me in that it was Arkansas’ NCO’s that ‘raised’ Photos Courtesy OCCharles Davis ABOVE PHOTOS: OCDavid Harris HarrisOCS toand finish is expected thereWhile have inOCS, many been The Arkansas Army National Guard offers its members Great Opportunities to get a College Education.
The Arkansas National Guard Tuition Assistance (TA) Program is open to Arkansas Guard Soldiers who are residents of the State, in good standing, have completed basic training and are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
Soldiers are eligible for up to 120 credit hours or until completion of a bachelor’s degree, which ever comes first. Arkansas Guard TA funds pay for tuition only, but when used in conjunction with federal TA funding, the National Guard funding is be applied first. This allows Soldiers to use federal funding to cover the cost of books, room and board or other expenses.
For more information visit ARGuard.org/Education, or contact the Arkansas National Guard Education Services Office directly at [email protected] or 501-212-4045.
* The Arkansas TA Program applies only to Soldiers pursuing a first-time bachelors degree. The program does not offer funding for post-secondary degrees or for a second bachelors degree. Soldier already possessing an associates degree are eligible to use the program to advance to a bachelors degree. 4 ARKANSAS - ISSUE 6// VOL 2//C-S State Spotlight -Arkansas Army NationalGuard M SPC Lisa Crawford Story andPhotos by Guard Marathon at Lincoln National Home Top Honors Arkansas Take members of 2019“All the Guard” Marathon top runners at Sunday’s racewere as selected readiness National inthe military Guard. The todesigned promote physical fitness and Christopher Sterns, competition the is Marathon Coordinator, SFC Class National Guard Marathon. competed 42nd inthe Annual Lincoln representing 46states and two territories, Lincoln National Guard Marathon. States came together Sunday, May 5,for the According to National the Guard These National Guardrunners, Team, travels which to promote the Airmen from across United the National Guard and Soldiers ore than 170Army and Air National Guard and assist in recruiting and retention efforts across United the States. family. That’swhat Ilove most. The marathon family of runners inside National the Guard GuardAll team has afamily atmosphere –a Guard’ Marathon team,” SFC Sterns said. “The fortrials the the as serving fitness, while ‘All community local the to promote and health brings and Soldiers Airmen together with and U.S. territories. National Guard members from 50states all self-discipline, and esprit decorps among Program by instilling physical fitness, and enhances National the Guard Retention Marathon Program additionally encourages Competitions Military the Programs. The of Army the and Air National Guard, and promotes and national local both levels - The Arkansas National Guard Team was - Kentucky National Guard MAJ Varinka - Arkansas National Guard SPC Derek Top winners: “The Lincoln “The National Guard Marathon SFC Sterns said Marathon the Program Marathon winner of Lincoln the National Guard named overall the National Guard team oftime 3:19:50 overall female winner with an unofficial Ensminger, of Lexington, Kentucky, 2:30:01 winner withmale an unofficial time of Yorek, of Bentonville, Arkansas, overall National Guard story. l recruiters generate and leads sharing the to different communities and helping local marathon racesthroughout year, the traveling there.”being community how much enjoy they troops their Sterns said. “I oftenfrom hear members the of supportthe staff ruckthe marchers,” or SFC at marathon the with runners, the –whether military.the members from across branchesservice all of honor and of and memory fallen deceased marchedruck half-marathon the distance in least 12National Guard and Soldiers Airmen Unitedthe States and Territories to compete.” come runners who the between from over all and marathon the team instills camaraderie SGT AnnaPongo Nebraska Army NationalGuard photo by National Guard Marathon, May 5,2019, inLincoln, Neb. overall NationalGuard team winneroftheLincoln The Arkansas NationalGuard Team was namedthe The All TheAll Guard team competes in multiple loves“Everybody Guard’s the presence Along with traditional the runners, at ARKANSAS 5 www.Citizen-SoldierMagazine.com Dohnal and SPC Lucas Elliott Lucas SPC Dohnal and Higgs and SPC Calvin Halfacre SPC and Higgs Michigan Bravo – SGT David – SGT David Bravo Michigan Arkansas Alpha - SSG Joseph Noe Noe - SSG Joseph Alpha Arkansas Tapia Heriberto SPC and 1st: 1st: 2nd: – SSG Cameron Alpha Michigan 3rd: – Ark. Noe SSG Joseph 1st: Dohnal – Mich. 2nd: SGT David – Neb. Sandquist SSG Freeman 3rd: SGT Levi1st: Loomis – Neb. – Ark. Freeman Samuel 2nd: MAJ – Neb. Katz Luke Class SGT 1st 3rd: Noe SSG Joseph Tapia Heriberto SPC Dohnal SGT David Elliott Lucas SPC Georgia Army National Guardsman, SGT Gavin Gavin SGT National Guardsman, Georgia Army 3rd Stewart-based the Fort representing Walden, Operational Post Division, Main Command Infantry the for during training on the M240 Detachment, trains Competition National Championship Wilson P. Winston Ga. Stewart, at Fort Miller SPC Tori by photo National Guard Georgia Army The 2019 (WPW) Machine Gun (WPW) 2019 The Champions Team Machine Gunner Aggregate Overall Top Aggregate Overall Top Gunner Assistant 50 recipients: Chief’s be champions can match of A full list https://wpwafsam.weebly.com/ at: found machine-gun.html Some of the most notable awards awards notable the most of Some are championships WPW The Team Gun Machine The Overall Light the also prestigious claimed SSG Noe Assistant “OverallAggregate The title of the Chief’s 50 badge recipients The given at the ceremony were the Chief’s were 50 the ceremony at given Team Gun Overallbadge, Machine Light Machine Overall Aggregate Champions, the Overall and Aggregate Champion Gunner Champion. Gunner Assistant Guard the National by annually hosted Center. Training Marksmanship SPC and Noe SSG Joseph are Champions Guard. National Arkansas Tapia, Heriberto Gunner Machine Aggregate “Overall of title Champion”. SGT Levi to awarded was Champion” Gunner Guard. National the Nebraska Loomis of Heriberto SPC and Noe Joseph SSG include: SGT and Guard, National Arkansas Tapia, the of Elliott Lucas SPC Dohnal and David l Guard. National Michigan
wenty-two National Guardsmen, Guardsmen, National wenty-two across from teams, different eleven the Robinson at gathered the nation
The overall match aggregate for top top for aggregate match overall The promote All WPW championships shooters test These competitions Maneuver Training Center near North Little Little North near Center Training Maneuver the in 2019 compete to Rock, Arkansas, Gun (WPW) Machine Wilson P. Winston 10, 2019. 6 through May Competition gunner assistant top and gunner machine matches seven different of consisted of competition. days the five over completed battlefield increases friendly competition, for readiness unit enhances and survivability units. Guard National Air and both Army tactically and mentally, physically, intheir proficient must be They strategically. abilities skills and knowledge, marksmanship high place in the matches. to 2019 WPW Machine Gun Championship Machine WPW 2019 Wright SPC Stephen by and Photos Story Arkansas National Guard Wins Big at Big Wins Guard National Arkansas T DID YOU KNOW THE ARKANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD…
offers reimbursement of college tuition for classes paid for, but missed due to a deployment?
Get details by contacting the Arkansas Army National Guard Education Services Officer at (501) 212-4021 or email [email protected]. OF ARKANSAS
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To learn more about plan options and coverage, visit DeltaDentalIns.com/Vadip 8 ARKANSAS - ISSUE 6// VOL 2//C-S State Spotlight -Arkansas Army NationalGuard Story by CPT SHANNONHANEY Memphis Training inWest Inter-Agency With Visit and Earthquake Plan Guard UnitRefines Arkansas National T Madrid. zone, were named afterthe town of New earthquake, as well as underlying the seismic eastern of half United the States. The historic remain most the to powerful have everhit the River (affecting Northeast Arkansas),which of earthquakesseries along Mississippi the potentialthe for arepeat of 1811-1812 the throughout day-long the exercise. Emergency Management were on-hand all Game and Fish, and County Pulaski the Guard,Coast Homeland Security, Arkansas Memphisthe Police Department, U.S. the ofas part training. the Representatives from uplinked response with other local agencies Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Madrid earthquake” planning. Arkansasthe National Guard’s ongoing “New earthquake response on Wednesday, of as part “New Madrid” planning references The National Guard unitbased out of their firsttheir ever on-the-ground Troop87th Command, simulated he 61st Support Civil Team (CST), out,” LTC Tolliver said of significance. the area. ground Northeast inthe Arkansas affected designated as one of first the units the on overall response plan, 61st the CST is As of part Arkansas the National Guard’s area, should fault the line produce arepeat. Madrid planning as apotentially devastated from days to weeks.” communications, and able be to self-sustain cellular or existing radiotower-dependent out ourcarry mission without power, grid county,in the we have to make sure we can National Guard assets that initially be will said prior to exercise. the Tolliver,Seth commander of 61st the CST catastrophic New Madrid earthquake,” LTC position inCrittenden County after a likely encounter we when occupy aforward completely austere environment we will “Our one be unit of will first the birds Crittenden County is identified in New “Since we are only the Arkansas “We intend on simulating the material (HAZMAT )suitswhile Arkansas Army NationalGuard National Guard, donhazardous Two members ofthe61st Civil photo by CPTShannonHaney searching for chemicalspills during atraining exercise in Command, Arkansas Army Support Team,Support 87th Troop West Memphis, Ark. ARKANSAS 9 CPT Shannon Haney www.Citizen-SoldierMagazine.com Arkansas Army National Guard photo by by photo National Guard Army Arkansas “Past 5 days, the survivability rate drops drops rate the survivability 5 days, “Past exercise, the training of the conclusion At the interagency appreciate really “I for an entry brief upon arriving in Northeast an entry brief upon arriving Ark. for Command, Arkansas Army National Guard, gather gather National Guard, Army Arkansas Command, Members of the 61st Civil Support Team, 87th Troop Troop 87th Support Team, Civil of the 61st Members Emergency Management’s expertise lies in Management’s Emergency In the event rescue efforts. and search urban will team his be earthquake, focused an on of masonry buildings high density, multi-story, hospitals. and schools like we “So explained. Traffenstedt significantly,” the within out people getting be to there, have reallyreally critical is Time hours. 72-96 first aspect.” our on definitely CST the 61st said Tolliver LTC and improvements new insights, gained being on of a result as familiarization better willhe said take unit, back The the ground. National the refine will help that information He plan. response earthquake overall Guard’s in the future the area to the willsaid return they’ve the training on building continue to begun. brigade Bussell, COL cooperating,” Command, the 87th Troop of commander “It’s the event. observation his of during said that) (practice to important be we’ll because this how is l thing.” in the real operating That quick response ability made the ability response quick That up in 2011, startedso “Theforce task Pulaski the said County Traffenstedt are often present at large public gathering gathering public at large present often are stadium including the state, throughout for they monitor where concerts, and games nuclear and radioactive, biological, chemical, Becausehigh in is the unit material. (CBRN) a unit as but the state within just not demand, CST regional a multi-state within “on-call” full-time active are all members network, on-call Soldiers. When Guard National duty be must the unit Gold, status, in their highest any to 90 minutes in under respond to able the network. within state planning earthquake part of integral an unit began. force task Madrid when the New of Pulaski Director Traffenstedt, Andy at site on Management, Emergency County organization his said training, Wednesday’s became integrated. also quickly with working of said he 8 years,” about earthquake Guard National the Arkansas their them in using with work “We planning. team advance our move to assets helicopter ground by go rather would We the site. to have to have to going we’re know already but air.” in by go assets some Widespread floodingis expected to be Widespread simulated CST the 61st of Members to be going fleetis blue that of “None Game the Arkansas of the help With real- are missions typical CST’s 61st The one of the biggest challenges in a New Madrid Madrid in a New challenges the biggest of one could Waterways aftermath. earthquake’s low-lying and the overflow, and re-route complete to be susceptible would Delta CST’s 61st was This the saturation. long-term of the one and to county the visit site first find to was Tolliver, LTC to according aims, could which the unit through sites potential begininsert up. and setting and operations up -- setting that just environment. austere in an communications they as the unit told Tolliver LTC here,” of fleet the blue to pointing began the day, emergency self-sustaining and fully-equipped respond would typically the unit vehicles a helicopter on here get to going “You’re with. brought.” you what survive on and the 61st Coast Guard, U.S. and Fish and the water to also their training CST took the unit on exercising Wednesday, on military specialty: mitigating and identifying materials. hazardous They simulations. training not events, world ARKANSAS NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH COUNCIL
The Arkansas Youth Council consists of 10 officers, ages 13 to 17, but all youth are encouraged to come to meetings and become a part of the fun.
The Youth Council conducts community service and awareness projects and plans youth events – including camps – workshops and symposiums for youth throughout the State.
Register at JointServicesSupport.org to receive the Youth Council newsletter.
Be sure to visit the news and events page on the website to find local activities and meetings. New events are added throughout the year so check back often.
If you have any questions or comments about the Youth Program, please call Arkansas State Youth Coordinator at 1-800-446-4645. 2LT Blake Rouse, of the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, returns to his wife Makenzie and their daughter Elaine after a 9-month deployment to the Horn of Africa. Photo courtesy Arkansas Army National Guard
Military Family Relief Trust Fund THE MILITARY FAMILY RELIEF TRUST FUND was established to provide short-term, emergency financial assistance in the form of grants to Arkansas National Guard members and their Families who have been impacted by active duty service.
All funding is received from the State Treasury. This fund provides a valuable means to assist and improve the morale and welfare of Arkansas National Guard Soldiers.
For more information, contact Arkansas National Guard Joint Services Support at 501-212-4012. ARKANSAS SFC Troy L. Miranda Family members of SFC Troy L. Miranda are presented with a case of SFC Miranda’s service medals, during the dedication Combat Athletic ceremony of the SFC Troy L. Miranda Combat Athletic Performance Center. Performance Center Dedication
he Arkansas National Guard will rename and Tdedicate the Freedom Hall fitness center to the "SFC Troy L. Miranda Combat Athletic Performance Center." SFC Troy L. Miranda was a squad leader conducting combat operations in “Grenade Alley” on Haifa Street in Baghdad, Iraq. While on patrol his squad encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (152 mm, artillery shell) that detonated, killing his interpreter and critically wounding four others, including himself. Despite his injuries, SFC Miranda’s unwavering leadership and steadfast presence prevented further casualties. SFC Miranda died as a result of his wounds on 20 May 2004. SFC Miranda was posthumously promoted and awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. l
Arkansas Army National Guard photos by MAJ W.B. Phillips
12 C-S ISSUE 6 // VOL 2 // State Spotlight - Arkansas Army National Guard ARKANSAS
142nd Field Artillery Brigade Annual Training
n May of 2019, the Arkansas National IGuard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade participated in Annual Training at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center near Barling, Ark. The First Army’s 2-305th Field Artillary Battalion provided observer-coach and trainers (OC/Ts), giving mentorship and guidance to the Soldiers of the 142nd. l
Arkansas Army National Guard photos by SPC Stephen Wright
www.Citizen-SoldierMagazine.com 13 ARKANSAS 2019 Arkansas Best Warrior Competition
oldiers from the Arkansas Army National Guard competed in a week long Best Warrior SCompetition February 25, 2019, to March 1, 2019, at Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The competitors represented each of the brigades in the Arkansas Army National Guard and had to win at least two competitions to get to the state level. The winners advance on the Region V Best Warrior.
Arkansas Army National Guard photos by SSG Kelvin Green
14 C-S ISSUE 6 // VOL 2 // State Spotlight - Arkansas Army National Guard ARKANSAS
2019 Arkansas National Guard Employee of the Year
everal Arkansas National Guard Employees Swere recognized for their outstanding work and dedication as dual-status technicians, AGR, and civilians during a ceremony January 24, 2019, at the Robinson Maneuver Training Center in North Little Rock, Ark. l Arkansas Army National Guard photos by SSG Charles D. Davis
www.Citizen-SoldierMagazine.com 15 Current and Future COLLEGE STUDENTS!
Be sure to take advantage of the 25 percent reduction in college tuition cost offered through the Arkansas Army National Guard.
Additionally, the Tuition Waivers for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen bill allows colleges, universities, technical schools and other post-secondary institutions to waive up to 100 percent of that institution’s tuition for Soldiers and Airmen of the Arkansas National Guard.
The Tuition Waivers bill applies in addition to the 25 percent reduction in tuition cost offered through the Arkansas Army National Guard.
While the percentage reduction applies to all Arkansas State colleges and universities, only educational institutions located in the State of Arkansas and in direct receipt of funds appropriated by the State General Assembly fall under the Tuition Waivers bill.
Contact your school for detailed information about its participation level in the Tuition Waivers for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen bill.
To find out more about the 25 percent reduction, contact the Arkansas Army National Guard Education Services Officer at (501) 212-4021 or email [email protected].