Wyoming National Guard leadership team Mead’s legacy: His Joint Force Headquarters passion for the The Adjutant General – Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner Guard Army Guard Headquarters – Brig. Gen. Brian Nesvik, Assistant Adjutant General – Army; Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Pafford 6 Air Guard Headquarters – Col. Paul Lyman, Assistant Adjutant General – Air; Command Chief Master Sgt. Josh Moore Joint Staff - Brig. Gen. Greg Porter, Director of the Joint Staff; Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Williams Wyoming Army National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment – Maj. Ross McGee, 1st Sgt. Diane Smith 197th Public Affairs Detachment – Capt. Gabe Bruyere Medical Detachment – Col. Marshall Kohr, 1st Sgt. Peter Slinden Reiner reflects Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center – Col. Joe Huss, Command Sgt. Maj. John Woolery Training Center Command – Maj. Michael Fields, 1st Sgt. Devin Worman on time as Wyoming Recruiting and Retention Battalion – Maj. Mike Pezeshki, Command Sgt. Maj. John Valasek 12 Wyoming’s 84th Civil Support Team – Lt. Col. Holly Shenefelt, 1st Sgt. Michael Upton 213th Regiment Regional Training Institute – Col. Mike Jones, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Laird Adjutant General 1st Battalion, 213th Regional Training Institute – Lt. Col. Leanne Brennaman, 1st Sgt. Timothy Smith 94th Troop Command – Lt. Col. Toby Alkire, Command Sgt. Maj. Lindsay Schmidt G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment – Capt. Eric Becker, 1st Sgt. Matthew Harmon 133rd Engineer Company – Capt. Terrence Bell, 1st. Sgt. Joseph Buckholz 67th Army Band – Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rob Phillips, 1st Sgt. Katherine Zwiefel C Co., 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment– Capt. Eli Varney, 1st Sgt. Curtis Jacobs Detachment 6, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment – Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeremy Sehler We are the 115th Field Artillery Brigade – Col. Kent Porter, Command Sgt. Maj. Thad Ehde Cowboy Guard Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, 115th Field Artillery Brigade – Capt. Cory Castle, 1st Sgt. Joshua Phillips Wyoming’s Adjutant General Wyoming 148th Signal Company – Capt. Frank Derksen, 1st Sgt. Adam Ross Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner Military 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery – Maj. Alex Fisher, Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Gillespie 20 Department Headquarters, Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery – Capt. Ivo Wambeke, 1st Sgt. Michael Clancy State Public Affairs Officer A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery – 1st Lt. Leslie Brazil, 1st Sgt. Eric Hanson Deidre Forster B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery – Capt. Jacob Arnold, 1st Sgt. Paul Bennick 920th Forward Support Company – Capt. Peter Cross, 1st Sgt. James Swingholm Public Affairs Staff 960th Brigade Support Battalion – Lt. Col. James Ezell, Command Sgt. Maj. Douglas Swingholm Maj. Tyler Schiele Headquarters and Service Company, 960th Brigade Support Battalion – Capt. Joel Grandfield, 1st Sgt. David Reynolds Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy McGuire Master Sgt. Rob Trubia Wyoming Air National Guard Contributing 153rd Airlift Wing – Col. Justin Walrath, Chief Master Sgt. Darren Nogle, Master Sgt. Tiffany Sinner Senior Master Sgt. Charles Delano 153rd Comptroller Flight – Capt. Klint Holscher Staff Sgt. Eric Moore 153rd Maintenance Group – Lt . Col. Barry Deibert, Chief Master Sgt. Douglas Franklin Sgt. Ashley Smith 153rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron – Lt. Col. Elizabeth Evans, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Parsons, Master Sgt. Katie Baker Sgt. Jack Eden 153rd Maintenance Squadron – Lt. Col. Carl Johansen, Chief Master Sgt. John Moritz, Spc. Amanda Fry Senior Airman Autumn Velez Chief Master Sgt. Scott Wagner, Master Sgt. David Banner 153rd Maintenance Operations Flight – vacant On the cover Cowboy Guard, a Wyoming National Guard 153rd Medical Group – Col. Daniel Perala, Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Nash Staff Sgt. Seneca news publication, is produced annually by 153rd Mission Support Group – Col. Michelle Mulberry, Chief Master Sgt. Alan Stoinski, Master Sgt. Thor Rasmussen Lucero, a member of the the Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs 153rd Communications Flight – Lt. Col. Michael Carden, Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Lovering Wyoming Air National Office, Cheyenne, Wyo., in accordance with 153rd Security Forces Squadron – Lt. Col. Wendy Allison, Chief Master Sgt. Doug Rhodes, Master Sgt. David Sutter Guard’s 153rd Security AR 360-1 and AFI 35-101. Forces Squadron, is one 153rd Logistics Readiness Squadron – Lt. Col. Bret Trippel, Senior Master Sgt. Brian Devine, Contents of Cowboy Guard are not of the many employ- Senior Master Sgt. Jesse Johnson, Master Sgt. Jerry Mears necessarily the official view of, or endorsed ees who make up our 153rd Force Support Squadron – Lt. Col. Jeremy Sparks, Chief Master Sgt. Charles Tarter by, the U.S. Government, the Department diverse workforce. 153rd Command and Control Squadron – Lt. Col. Christopher Howard, Master Sgt. Richard Halverson of Defense, Department of the Air Force, Find out more about us 153rd Civil Engineer Squadron – Maj. Gabriel Herrera, Chief Master Sgt. Erik Smith, Master Sgt. Amy Espedido Department of the Army, National Guard in We are the Wyoming 153rd Operations Group – Lt. Col. Jeremy Schaad, Chief Master Sgt. Raymond Arnold Bureau or the State of Wyoming. Military Department 187th Airlift Squadron – Lt. Col. Todd Davis on page 12. (U.S. Air 153rd Operations Support Squadron – Lt. Col. Toshio Sameshima, Chief Master Sgt. Jack Goeken National Guard photo by 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron – Lt. Col. Richard Cummings, Chief Master Sgt. Theresa Sheehen, Master Sgt. Rob Trubia) Master Sgt. John Bayudan-Stegen 243rd Air Traffic Control Squadron – Maj. Jeremy Burton (acting), Chief Master Sgt. Jon Perkins

2 3 June 2018: Camp Guernsey’s busiest month on record

By Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire State Public Affairs Office

June 2018 will go down in the record books as Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center’s busiest month Military units from Arkansas, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alabama, and Wyoming were since providing training space for its among the thousands of troops who trained first summer camp 80 years ago. at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center in With two major exercises con- June. June was the largest training month ducted by out-of-state units, several recorded at the training center in its 80-year Wyoming units fulfilling their two- history. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire and Sgt. Jack week annual training commitment, Eden) as well as U.S. Marines and Air Force personnel honing their skills, the average number of personnel on the ground in Guernsey was more than 2,300 troops on any given day during the month. The camp’s mission is not to train military members, but rather to pro- vide relevant and ready maneuver space, ranges, support facilities and services in order to enable training. With that said, it was all hands on deck for the center’s relatively small staff. Weapons ranges were mowed and manned, food and ice were shipped in daily by the truckload, vehicles were stored and maintained and everyone had a place to sleep. The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, based in Arkansas - complete with units from two other states - arrived first for Operation Western Strike, June 1-22. Arkansas Army National Guard Lt. force from the 29th Infantry Division. Platoon commander, get in touch included aviators, engineers, military Guernsey’s unique layout with Col. Bryan Shipman said his soldiers A Wyoming unit had a hand in with his Arkansas counterpart, War- police, and logisticians, arrived on a north training area and a south could take that a step further by keeping rockets and artillery shells rant Officer Tanner Jones. June 15 for Golden Coyote. training area allowed the Arkansas staging support elements, like his on target and tracked for the opera- “They have two radar systems and And soldiers of the Wyoming Army brigade the opportunity to further its 217th Brigade Support Battalion in tion. they said our personnel could run National Guard’s 133rd Engineer mission in Wyoming. the south while the artillery bat- During the planning process in the one during the exercise,” Cromwell Company were on site June 16-29 to In addition to deploying four artil- talions were in the north, much like spring, it was noted the Arkansas said. get a real-world feel for their job. lery battalions for live fires, their pri- they might do in combat. radar unit might be shorthanded, “They’re helping us and we’re help- The unit’s 94 soldiers worked on mary goal was to move their nearly During Western Strike, the 142nd and the fairly new Wyoming unit is ing them,” Jones said. “It is abso- projects around the camp and its 1,000 pieces of equipment—trucks, units camped around in the North not equipped yet. lutely helpful having two teams, so training areas. Humvees, and assorted artillery from Training Area, about 51,000 acres, Subsequently, Camp Guernsey we have checks and balances.” “We’re doing real-world work, home station—to a place they hadn’t Overlapping Western Strike’s which allows us to maximize our been, via railroad-then to stage that more than half of Camp Guernsey’s staff suggested Chief Warrant Officer equipment and move it into a simu- 78,000 acres, setting up firing mis- 2 Jeff Cromwell, the 115th Field operations, four battalions from the training,” said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Sael- lated combat zone. sions while countering the opposition Artillery Brigade’s Target Acquisition South Dakota National Guard, which ens, the unit’s executive officer.

4 5 Tunisian partnership still flies high The National Guard State Partnership Program relationship forged be- tween Wyoming and its partner nation, Tunisia, has been flourishing for more Mead’s legacy: His passion for the Guard than 10 years. The partnership began in 2004. In that time, soldiers and airmen from the Wyoming National Guard have shared their training and skills with counterparts in the Tunisian military, in Wyoming and in the Northern Africa nation. This year, the program coordinated two visits in Wyoming, where military members shared information and techniques on medical evacuation proce- dures utilizing aviation assets. In July medical officers from the Tunisian army were in Cheyenne to pick Far left: Gov. Matt Mead looks up at a photographer in a cherry picker at Camp up pointers on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter medical evacuation procedures Guernsey in June 2017. Left: Mead speaks at a Vietnam Veteran Welcome Home from the Wyoming Army National Guard’s G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th event in June 2015. Below left: Mead greets soldiers at Camp Guernsey in April Aviation Regiment’s 2018. Below right: Mead stands for the pledge of allegiance during a Pass & Review event at the Wyoming Air National Guard in August 2016. personnel. In a November exer- cise, additional Tuni- sian medical officers visited the Wyoming Air National Guard to hone their skills on fixed-wing aviation medical evacuation Self-proclaimed techniques. Guard groupie For that event, they spent time with the hangs up his hat 187th Aeromedical By Sgt. 1st Class Frank Marquez A nurse with the Tunisian army observes a Wyo. Army Guard Evacuation Squadron. medevac training mission in July. (U.S. Army National Guard photo 197th Public Affairs Detachment by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead left of- “There are different reasons for joining He recalled visiting Camp Bondsteel story about floods in the Saratoga fice at the end of 2018 and had the the Guard, and whether it’s noticed or in Kosovo in 2011, and being told in area, and “being able to pick up Learning to honor the fallen chance to express how he felt about not, there’s DNA in each of you which “closed door conversations” how the the phone, to say, ‘Hey we need has an appreciation for service. Maybe Wyoming Guard measured up. help here,’ and then it just hap- “On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, his experiences as commander in not before you start, but once you get in “That is really cool, and as a com- pens.” and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of appreciation for chief of the Wyoming National Guard at a recent farewell reception and there, you see the brotherhood and the mander in chief, you’re swelling with About the troops’ service to the your loved one’s honorable and faithful service” interview. sisterhood, you see the teamwork, and pride,” he said. “That’s sort of a pound- people of Wyoming, he added, Those words are not taken lightly by the small percentage of Wyoming “It’s a rare thing today to get to then you see what as a team you can your-chest moment when they’re “the Guard has always kept me Army National Guard see the work of such extraordinary accomplish,” he said. expressing how the Wyoming Guard is a an optimist about our future.” personnel who join the people,” Mead said at his final ad- At Ramstein Air Base in Germany in notch above. That’s great stuff.” In the twilight of his governor- Military Funeral Honors dress to the Guard. October 2015, Mead observed medi- Mead said his best memories revolved ship, and in relinquishing the title team and utter them, “I’m inspired and encouraged. I cal missions conducted by the 10th around homecomings. of commander in chief, he said while kneeling and know in my heart, as long as men Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation “They get off the plane. They shake my he “gained something that I will handing a carefully- and women like you, who serve in Squadron which included 12 Wyoming hand. They shake the general’s hand. have until the end of my days, airmen. “They were like a medical SWAT They go through the official greeting. You and that is these memories you folded American flag the Wyoming Guard, take the oath to team ready to go at a moment’s notice. can tell they’re tired because of that long have given me. I received letters to the loved one of a defend against enemies, foreign and domestic, Old Glory will continue to If I was in a natural disaster or wounded plane ride. The special part is turning of people from all over the state, fallen service member. fly—our liberties and way of life will in a foreign land, and if I could say who around to see their families with their thanking me, but they’re really In order to perform always be protected.” came for me, I’d say, send in the Yel- signs, the hugs from the kids and the thanking you, for saving their the solemn ritual, a During Mead’s eight years as gov- lowtails (insignia for the 187th Airlift parents, and the grandparents. We often property or their life.” soldier must learn, ernor, he visited Wyoming troops in Squadron). That’s who you want.” talk about joy, but when you see that, As part of his legacy, Mead said practice and perfect all Cuba, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Mead said there was nothing he it’s real. That’ll be forever captured in my he wants to be known for having the disciplines involved and Qatar. would have changed about the Wyoming mind’s eye.” a great passion for the Guard. in a military funeral, in He remarked on the bonds, ser- Guard, but he regretted not being able to In the Guard’s service to community “They will always know they have Soldiers fold the flag during the final exam at the Wyo. National vice and sacrifice. see more troops in action. during natural disasters, Mead told a a No. 1 fan in me. I’m a groupie.” addition to looking sharp Guard’s Military Funeral Honors Team class, Dec. 3. (U.S. Army and staying focused. National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) 6 7 Army prepares for Army Combat Fitness Test By Sgt. Ashley Smith and Spc. Amanda Fry eral, said, “Keep questions in the back of our minds, and 197th Public Affairs Detachment remember that there are other states out there testing this.” She’s baaaack U.S. Army units across the world are preparing for Meanwhile, the WyARNG is proactively preparing for changes to physical fitness testing, and Wyoming Army the new test and has recently trained and hired a master National Guard senior leaders discussed and practiced fitness trainer, Staff Sgt. Kari J. Brafford, who empha- the new evaluation during an October conference and sized the importance of embrac- training exercise, in Cheyenne. ing the changes during a Sunday The current Army Physical Fitness Test consists of morning showcase of the ACFT three events: pushups, situps, and a two-mile run. The for the state’s senior leaders, at new Army Combat Fitness Test, scheduled to replace the which, they performed the six- APFT in October 2020, contains six events, all geared event test. toward analyzing a soldier’s ability to meet the physical “Please remain positive and challenges often met in combat situations. proactive during this transition,” The ACFT is currently undergoing a pilot program in 60 she said. “Change is always National Guard battalions in six states, according to Ne- scary, but it is doable. It is vada National Guardsman Sgt. Maj. Michael Spaulding, important because we want the the senior enlisted advisor to the deputy commanding soldier to go do what we need general at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, done in combat, and come back who spoke to Wyoming’s leaders about the ACFT. Staff Sgt. Kari Brafford Master Fitness Trainer strong and healthy.” He said an exact timeline of how it will be introduced to Although it will take time to current and incoming soldiers is still under discussion. fully integrate the new evaluation plan, Brafford intends “We are going to pull that data and see what it is that to provide units and their soldiers with resources to start gives us the best indicator of overall readiness,” Spauld- A one-of-a-kind C-130H assigned to the Wyoming National Guard is seen flying, Jan. 8, over Cheyenne Regional Airport. The aircraft is the first preparing. ing said. She said she will start pushing out the top three exer- of the legacy H model C-130 fleet to be modified with upgraded T-56 Rolls Royce 3.5 engines, NP2000 eight-bladed propellers and electronic The six events in the ACFT are the strength deadlift; propeller controls. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Charles Delano) cises that will help soldiers prepare for the six events so standing power throw; hand-raised pushups; 250-meter that units may start incorporating them into their unit electronic propeller controlled sys- and reliability of the aircraft, which sprint, drag, and carry; leg truck, and 2-mile run. training assemblies and soldiers can build them into Upgraded C-130 tem; and equipping the aircraft with will sustain the life and relevance of He added, for half of the test groups, soldiers are re- their individual workouts. a Rolls-Royce T56 series 3.5 engine. returns to 153rd AW the H model. quired to meet physical standards based on their over- Brafford encourages soldiers to figure out where “We are very excited to be getting Additionally, they will allow Air Na- all unit requirements. The other half is tested to meet their weaknesses may be with the ACFT and focus on By Senior Master Sgt. Charles Delano the NP2000 props, the electronic 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs tional Guard units to cut costs by not standards based on their individual military occupational strengthening them. propeller control system, and the 3.5 having to upgrade to its successor, specialty. “Soldiers should start working on their weaknesses series engine upgrades,” said Maj. On Jan. 6 the Wyoming Air National the C-130J. “I think for us, we go about our business by getting now so when we transition, we are a year or two ahead Leanna Thomas, 153rd Airlift Wing Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing welcomed “When we add these modifica- ready,” Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, Wyoming’s adjutant gen- because we have been incorporating those workouts.” home the Air Force’s first fully- up- chief of safety and C-130H pilot. tions to all of our aircraft, we will Although exercise is an important role in preparing for graded C-130H. “With these modifications, we’ll see greatly increase the reliability and the new evaluation, Brafford expressed that nutrition This aircraft is the first C-130H to significant improvements that have performance of the C-130H, and the and rest are just as vital to being physically fit. receive extensive upgrades allow- been needed to ensure longevity and overall lethality of the United States “It’s all about rest, nutrition and activity,” said Brafford. ing the Air National Guard to remain mission flexibility.” Air Force,” said Col. Justin Walrath, “What you feed your body is almost more important than 153rd Airlift Wing commander. competitive with the C-130J found While there are various wings the actual activity and then allowing your body rest.” Further testing on the modified primarily at active-duty wings. across the Air National Guard that Spaulding said the scoring system for the new test, C-130s continues at Eglin Air Force Over the past 18 months, this spe- have C-130H’s, the Wyoming Air which requires soldiers to meet a minimum score re- Base, Florida, before the remainder cific aircraft has been at Little Rock quirement, will eliminate the advantage that high scores National Guard was chosen specifi- of 153rd’s fleet and C-130H’s across Air Force Base, Arkansas, receiving gave soldiers in the past. Soldiers will now be scored cally because of its involvement in the Air Force are upgraded. three separate engine-related modi- “pass or fail.” the initial testing with the EPCS and Now, as of December, the Wyo- fications aiming to make the legacy “If we use that to assess promotion ability, two soldiers NP2000 back in 2008, when the Air ming Air National Guard now has two aircraft more efficient. that met the minimum standards regardless of gender Force was first exploring the idea of of its eight aircraft replete with the These modifications include up- or age probably should both be equally considered,” he upgrading the H model. modifications. grading to an eight-bladed NP2000 First Sgt. Katherine Zweifel, first sergeant for the 67th Army Band, said. propeller, replacing the original four Collectively, these upgrades will in- Hopes are high, Walrath said, all of goes through a practice run of the Army Combat Fitness Test, at a metal propellers; switching to an crease performance, fuel efficiency, Wyoming’s C-130s will be upgraded demonstration in Cheyenne on Oct. 14, 2018. (U.S. Army photo by before fiscal year 2020. Spc. Amanda Fry) 8 9 Wreaths honor fallen Camp Guernsey Airmen & soldiers recognized Wyoming National Guard members were recognized for celebrates 80 years their outstanding service in 2017. Soldier of the Year: Spc. Wyatt Schiermeyer There was a lot of enthusiasm in Guernsey leading up Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Mason Bicandi to the first summer camp at Camp Guernsey 80 years Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Sgt. Jon Pratt ago. After years of training in poor conditions at Pole Air Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Mountain, the Wyoming National Guard decided to es- Kevin Delgado tablish a training camp in Guernsey in 1938. Air First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Thor Wyoming Adjutant General Col. Rhudolph L. Esmay, af- Rasmussen ter years of negotiation, worked out a deal to swap Pole Air Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Master Mountain land with 120-acres near Guernsey. Sgt. Zachary Austin “The Cavalry is Camped at Guernsey,” read the head- Air Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Jacque line in the weekly Guernsey Gazette in June 1938. “For Stonum the first time in nearly half a century, cavalry troops are Army Company Grade Officer of the Year: Capt. Matthew Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, Wyoming’s adjutant general, again silhouetted against the skyline on the hills near Jennings Chief Warrant Officer of the Year: Chief Warrant Officer 2 reminds people attending a Wreaths Across America Old Fort Laramie,” the writer reported. “Riding the trails CST hustles on exercise and traversing the terrain where so many years ago the Mandi Rhodes ceremony at the Joint Forces Readiness Center, Dec. Members of a Wyoming National Guard’s 84th Civil Support Team cavalry carved its way while the nearby hills resounded to survey team deployed to a residence north of Cheyenne for a training Air Production Recruiter of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Mike Palmer 10, that freedom isn’t free. Ceremonies, like this one, Rookie Air Production Recruiter of the Year: Tech. Sgt. in Cheyenne, are being conducted in every state and the warring beat of tom-toms.” exercise, test an unknown white powder at the scene. Soldiers and airmen assigned to the unit responded to three notional events in Brandon Rodriguez at military cemeteries where Wreaths Across America Laramie County Oct. 16, testing the team’s ability to deploy small Army Recruiter of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Benson volunteers are laying wreaths on the graves of fallen strike teams and to respond with back up when needed. (U.S. Army Army Recruiting Automation NCO of the Year: Sgt. 1st service-members. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) Class Samuel Bloom Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) Army Officer Recruiter of the Year: Capt. Christopher Kopf Supporting Wyoming in 2018 Flag Heritage Team Member of the Year: Master Sgt. Eric Farmer The National Guard is unique among the U.S. military’s CAP camps at Guernsey Chiefs’ Core Value awardees: Senior Airman Cierra Daus- branches because of its dual mission. man, Staff Sgt. Mollie Vice, Staff Sgt. Cameron Horn, Staff Sgt. The Wyoming National Guard supports national opera- Robbie Posey, Staff Sgt. Jessica Stevens, Staff Sgt. Andrew tions but is also called upon by the governor for natural Crips, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Simonson, Tech. Sgt. Travis Mader, Horseshoeing school was part of training for some cavalry sol- disasters and state emergencies, local agencies ask for Tech. Sgt. Ella Riggs, Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Ziller, Tech. Sgt. diers during the first encampment at Camp Guernsey 80 years ago. (Courtesy photo) help with search and rescue missions, grass fires, ana- Kirsten Cohen, Tech. Sgt. Brandon Rodriguez, Tech. Sgt. Scott lyzing strange powders, and supporting law enforcement. Wernsing, Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Eckman, Tech. Sgt. Samson Blue In 2018 the Wyoming National Guard provided assis- tance in missions like those 50 times when asked. Among the events with which soldiers and airmen assist- STARBASE scores scales ed first responders were 12 search and rescue missions, Wyoming STAR- including a a couple daring hoist rescues of climbers and BASE Academy hunters injured in areas ground-based emergency response Director Germaletta crews were unable to Brown accepts a reach. donation of two The Camp Guernsey triple beam balance and Wyoming Air Guard scales from the Members of the Wyoming Wing of the Civil Air Patrol fire departments re- Cheyenne Engi- spent a week at Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center for sponded to more than neers Club, Nov. 14. its annual encampment event. The event has been held 25 requests to assist The club annually at the training center annually for all but one year of the with grass fires, struc- donates science- last 12. ture fires, and vehicle Training at Camp Guernsey has changed in 80 years. Mem- related supplies to community programs. Cadets from around the state come together to increase bers of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Command accidents. “The club purchased the scales, had them engraved their knowledge of aerospace, practice military discipline and Control Squadron were doing weapons qualification training in June. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Left: A Wyo. Air National and donated them to our program. Receiving this gift is and skills, and fly in Wyoming National Guard aircraft. Guard firefighter practices Sgt. Rob Trubia) awesome,” Brown said. Operationally, the Wyoming CAP falls under the Wyoming sawing into a vehicle. (U.S. “Having two additional scales cuts down the amount Military Department. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Charles of time cadets are waiting and increases the amount of Delano) activities we are able to complete.” 10 11 Left: Reiner is embraced by Pistol Pete during a University of Wyoming military apprecia- tion game in 2013. Below: Reiner and former Adjutant General Chuck Wing pose during a January 2017 meeting. Reiner speaks at the groundbreaking event for Field Mainte- nance Shop #2 in 2014.

Below: Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner welcomes home soldiers at 2 a.m., as they step of the plane at Fort Bliss, Texas, in 2012. Reiner talks with Secretary of Defense James Mattis, at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, in November 2018. Right: Reiner poses with Wyo. Guard personnel on state active duty near Worland, in 2017. Reiner reflects on time as Wyoming’s Adjutant General

By Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire the Year Award’ and the first Wyo- been significant. The other partner- how we take care of solders, airmen State Public Affairs Office ming artillery fire in combat since ship I am really proud of is our part- and families; we do it better now be- the Korean War will stay with me nership with Tunisia. As a nation, cause we are synchronized, coordi- After eight years, Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner will be leaving his forever,” he said. they decided to become a democ- nated and working together, and that governor-appointed position as Wyoming’s adjutant general and “In terms of homeland,” Reiner racy shortly before I was appointed is a good thing.” moving onto the life of a retired soldier. Reiner reflects on his time explained, “our response within the TAG and it has been the opportunity Reiner said he hopes he will be as TAG, a time that tipped the 1-to-10 scale favorably. state was really good and we never of a lifetime to work with, and watch remembered fondly. “I would rate my time as the TAG as a 10,” Reiner said. “It has let the residents of Wyoming down. them work through, the tough issues “I hope that I am remembered as been the privilege of my life to serve with the men and women of Our search and rescue platforms of becoming a modern day Islamic a fair and considerate leader who this organization and to work for Gov. Mead. I love the focus, the saved multiple lives and conducted democracy. Their country and our served and looked out for those who drive and the shared values of the organization. It was also a true some incredible rescues. Families in state and nation are better because manned the organization and one pleasure to serve on several senior Guard and national-level com- Carbon, Fremont, Albany and other of the partnership.” who left the organization a little bet- mittees.” counties did not lose their homes to Regarding the people that make all ter than he found it,” he said. When asked about his key achievements as the commander of floods because of the swift response this happen, I think we have collec- The new governor will make his the Wyoming National Guard, Reiner said there are four areas of and hard work of our forces. We met tively worked hard at to improve the selection for a new adjutant general focus. the expectation of the governor in climate in which they work,” Reiner soon, and Reiner hopes to impart “I am really proud of what this organization has accomplished terms of getting ahead of the issue, said. “We asked members from all some of his lessons learned to the over our time together,” he said. “I would probably lump the ac- when we could, and that is a good levels of the organization to tackle next agency director. complishments into four categories; warfight, homeland, partner- thing.” the issues raised by surveys. Each “I look forward to sitting down with ships and people.” Regarding partnerships, I have successive survey we took showed my successor and talking through In terms of the warfight, we have deployed an incredible num- to thank a lot of people for working improvement and that is a result of the many projects and initiatives this ber of men and women who have been exceptionally trained, Youth Challenge hard,” Reiner said. empowering those in the organiza- organization is working on,” he said. equipped with the best equipment this nation can buy and ex- “That program is key to the future tion to suggest, and then implement, “My general advice will be to listen to tremely well led. Every time the governor and I talked to combat of our state, because it helps at-risk realistic solutions. I am also very those in the organization, give them commanders they told us that our units were leading the way and youth who are in trouble. Our efforts happy with S-FERST and what that room to run, watch their back, be setting the standards. More than once we heard the message, to keep that program viable have brings to the organization. As I watch involved, work hard and have fun.” ‘Send in the Yellowtails!’ Accomplishments such as ‘The Dustoff of

12 13 31-year veteran named WyARNG commander By Staff Sgt. Eric Moore general his first salute, making the Air Guard welcomes home 100 197th Public Affairs Detachment occasion a family affair. The Wyoming Air National Guard three-to-six months supporting con- C-130s full of airmen home to Wyo- Nesvik will support the Adjutant welcomed home 100 airmen in tingency operations in the U.S. Cen- ming’s snowy spring. Accountability to soldiers is some- General, Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner, in March from deployments to the tral Command area of operations. Although one group of airmen thing Wyoming’s newest general said advancing the future of the Guard Middle East. Families, senior command and came home in time for the Christmas was important to him, at a promotion by managing and training Army units Members of the 153rd Airlift members of the public welcomed 2017 holiday, their replacements, and change of command ceremony through planning and coordination. Wing’s operations, maintenance and who left after Christmas, and about April 6, in front of a packed audito- “One of our top priorities is readi- mission support groups left Wyoming 60 other airmen remained on orders rium at the Joint Forces Readiness ness,” Nesvik said. “I see the Army in October and December 2017 for for the duration of the deployment. Center. Guard being an adaptable force “It’s always a good day when we In receiving his promotion, Brig. ready to meet the needs of our na- can welcome our men and women Gen. Brian R. Nesvik was named the Maj. Gen. Luke Reiner administers a tion and state.” home safely from overseas,” said state’s assistant adjutant general- reaffirmation of the oath of office to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Brian Nesvik, during Nesvik emphasized the organi- Col. Dave Herder, 153rd Airlift Wing Army, taking command of more than Nesvik’s promotion ceremony in April. (U.S. zation’s readiness, stressing the vice commander. 1,500 National Guard troops. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class importance of both short-term and Nesvik follows Brig. Gen. Tammy James McGuire) long-term planning. Far left: A pilot waves to Maas, who had served in that role for The new general also mentioned the importance of two years, and who retired two days later. Gov. Matt Mead and Maj. expanding and developing Camp Guernsey Joint Training Gen. Luke Reiner. (U.S. Army “This promotion does not represent nearly as much Center. National Guard photo by about any one position, but more about serving a big- Sgt. Ashley Smith) Left: An Nesvik brings a wealth of experience to his new role. ger cause and serving a state and a nation that all of airman holds his daughter us love, and frankly an organization that I deeply care Overall, he has served for 31 years in the Wyoming Army after returning from deploy- National Guard, deploying twice, both times to Iraq. ment. Above left: Families about,” Nesvik said. wave at a Wyoming C-130, After being pinned by his family, his brother, Chief As a traditional soldier, he continues to work full time with the US flag flying from Warrant Officer Candidate Daniel Nesvik, rendered the at the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish. the crew hatch, at a March homecoming event. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Snow can’t stop the music on UW Mil Appreciation Day Class James McGuire) By Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire ered field at War Memorial Stadium Rich Cole, the Army Band’s training State Public Affairs Office Nov. 17, to provide an intense spec- noncommissioned officer in charge. Wyo. Army Guard plans for 2019 deployments tacle of teamwork. “It is a pleasure to have them here. Much like the fourth-quarter flurry The bands had performed together They have been really flexible with About 300 soldiers from six Wyo- “That could be Kuwait, Iraq, Af- In addition to the main offices in of effort by the University of Wyo- a few years ago. But this year they my crazy halftime ideas. Being an old ming Army National Guard units are ghanistan or United Arab Emirates,” Cheyenne, S-FERST has five regional ming Cowboys to defeat the Air Force marched onto the field together and Army band veteran myself, and under- set to deploy throughout next year. said Thompson. “The units are set to Family Assistance Centers around standing what they can do was really Academy’s Falcons, the Wyoming performed a detailed and vibrant Efforts are already underway to perform their standard missions.” the state that provide a link for fami- helpful in coordinating the program,” ensure soldiers, their families and The Wyoming Military Depart- lies, service members and veterans, Army National Guard’s 67th Army show for the University’s Military Ap- Raya said. Band and UW’s Western Thunder preciation Day. While frozen valves on the horns, their employers have the support ment’s Service Member, Family, in or near their communities. Marching Band took to the snow-cov- UW’s band director, Dr. Bryan and fingers on the hands provided they need before, during, and after Employer, Readiness Support Team, “Most of our soldiers are dispersed Raya, is a former Army some occasional discomfort and mobilization. or S-FERST, offers 14 programs to around the state,” Breckenridge bandsman, and in his sec- missed notes, the 67th enjoyed the It’s been almost a decade since Guard members and those who sup- said. “A lot of the aviators are in the ond year at the school. He chance to share a big stage. Wyoming sent about 700 soldiers port them and has been ramping up southeast area, but the battalions had been working with the “It’s fun playing with a band like overseas. The majority of that for this cycle of deployments since are all over.” 67th for more than a year this,” said Sgt. Taylor Coleman, who brigade-sized element performed February. Thompson said the soldiers from to coordinate the perfor- went to a military college, and has only non-routine jobs such as convoy sup- “It’s like a buffet of services you the units set to head out the door played in military bands. “They are so mance. port into Iraq, or mayor cell duties on can pick and choose from,” said do cover a lot of Wyoming’s open much bigger than us.” the various military bases in Kuwait. S-FERST Director Bill Breckenridge. spaces. “He was very organized Chief Warrant Officer 4 Rob Phillips, and sent us material commander of the 67th, hopes to According to Lt. Col. Charles “Some will never use any of them, “The 2-300 minus, is the larg- months ago so we could continue building the relationship with Thompson, the state’s mobilization but some will use them all.” est group. They are primarily out of practice, and when we got the university. readiness officer, the plan for the Among the menu items are person- Casper, Gillette and Lander,” Thomp- here for rehearsal, it was “I think this is a great idea and I 2019 deployment is for all the units al financial counselors, psychological son said. “We have volunteers who Members of the 67th Army Band and UW’s Western to deploy to the Central Command services, employer support, sub- are reclassifying to fill some vacan- Thunder perform at War Memorial Stadium. (U.S. Army boom, boom, boom-ready hope it’s not the last time we do this,” National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) to go,” said Sgt. 1st Class Phillips said. area of responsibility, all for around stance abuse counseling, and a child cies also, so it will be pretty spread nine months. and youth program, to name a few. out.” 14 15 Wyo. MAFFS activated in July

The Wyoming Air National Guard activated one crew and one C-130 in July In these photos, soldiers from Wyoming’s C Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, perform arctic training at Fort Greely, Alaska, on March to assist the U.S. Forest Service with aerial firefighting. 3, 2018, as part of Arctic Eagle. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Wyoming crew members flew the missions with support from the Nevada Jack Eden) Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing. Crews flew Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System missions using each other’s airframes. MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system, owned by the U.S. Forest Service. MAFFS is operated by three Air National Guard and one Air Force Reserve Component unit, through a Department of Defense This courtesy photo from Maj. Neil Harlow, a and forest service partnership. Wyoming Air National Guard MAFFS-qualified This year the MAFFS mission air- pilot, shows the window of a C-130 where he crews dropped more than 643,000 records the number of MAFFS drops his crew gallons of retardant on fires in the is making during the 2018 activation. Western United States. Wyo. skier earns biathlon medal

Wyoming’s infantry soldiers feel the February freeze Wyoming Army National Guard sergeant Chelsee Dellinger earned a silver medal at the Chief National Guard Bureau Championships, in March. By Staff Sgt. Eric Moore Joint training exercise Arctic The soldiers demonstrated The biathlete placed second in the sprint. She also placed third in pursuit, 197th Public Affairs Detachment Eagle consisted of National Guard effectiveness in arctic skills by and added points to the team score in relay and patrol, helping earn the service members from around the preventing weather-related and women’s team a silver. Temperatures dipped below minus nation and a contingent of Cana- environmental injuries. They Dellinger is a University of Wyoming ROTC cadet. Biathlon combines cross- 30 at the end of February, in Fort dian reserves. In one of their train- managed risks in cold-region op- country skiing and rifle marksmanship. Greely, Alaska, but that didn’t stop ing scenarios, the Canadian forces erations successfully protecting Wyoming cowboy troops from train- practiced patrolling the Alaska oil themselves and fellow service ing in extreme weather. pipeline with Wyoming troops. members. Band music erupts at Old Faithful Soldiers from the Wyoming Army Aside from the host state, Charlie And new to most Wyoming sol- National Guard’s Charlie Company, Company GIs were joined by fellow diers, they walked in snowshoes, The Wyoming Army National Guard’s 67th Army Band serenaded tourists 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regi- Guard members from Colorado, lived in arctic tents, constructed at Yellowstone National Park in June. ment, based in Afton and Evanston, Connecticut, Indiana, Oregon, South improvised shelters, and per- The group, who made a stop at the park as part of their annual training, found out how cold it could get in the Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wash- formed weapons maintenance in played on the boardwalk while the Old Faithful geyser erupted. Alaska interior during their annual ington. The Alaska State Defense the frigid conditions. Tourists from around the country, and the world, appreciated the musical This year’s annual training for addition to the natural wonder. training. Force provided additional forces. the unit ended with live-fire exer- “We were planning to come out here today and just watch the geyser, but Making first contact with their On top of live-fire exercises, Wyo- ming soldiers immersed themselves cises and applying small group when I came around and saw the guys at the visitor’s center, I said this is sister companies and parent unit, in arctic weather practices, small- tactics, which provided an initial perfect,” said Nancy Stenger, a tourist from Hastings, Neb. “It’s absolutely 71 Wyoming soldiers traveled to test of their overall proficiency in group tactics with the battalion, and perfect for them singing here infantry tasks. Alaska for Arctic Eagle 2018, Feb. 20 military operations in urban terrain. and to be here when the gey- Arctic Eagle 2018 was a big through March 8. Because of variable freezing ser goes off,” she added. “Everyone was really motivated,” step in the history of the unit temperatures, soldiers learned how according to battalion com- Members of the Wyoming Army said Charlie Company Executive Of- to evacuate a hypothermic casualty, mander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Roberts. National Guard’s Warrior Bard Celtic ficer 1st Lt. Luke Meyer, who felt his which included planning small-unit “We loved having them here.” It and Bluegrass ensemble perform at soldiers did a great job. “No matter movement over snow-covered ter- marks the unit’s initial training Yellowstone National Park with Old the environment, no matter what we with the battalion since being Faithful erupting in the background, rain, while occupying a patrol base in June 14. (U.S. Army National Guard threw at them, they were ready. cold regions. stood up in June 2016. photo Maj. Tyler Schiele)

16 17 Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Fisbeck, a test pilot with the Wyo- Disaster exercise tests inter-agency cooperation ming National Guard, can attest to By Master Sgt. Rob Trubia tional Guard’s Critical Care Transport missions. So their capabilities are Gurney’s ability. “I actually got some State Public Affairs Office Team. definitely different than our capabili- feedback when she went to the “This is about practicing, rehears- ties.” maintenance test pilot course, which When Chinook and Black Hawk he- ing for that purpose, to make sure Tight coordination between the is a very demanding course, saying licopters land on the practice base- that when the community needs us, Guard, first responders and hospitals she was one of the top students in ball field in a small town in eastern we serve the public.” is important, Canterbury said. her class.” Colorado, townspeople take notice. When disaster strikes, the National “Take the real-world missions on When Gurney trades her flight suit That’s exactly what happened in Guard plays an important role, said top of a tornado event, and you’ve for an apron, she enlists a whole April when rotary aircraft from the Suzanne Duerksen, a Northern Colo- totally saturated all the civilian other skill set and passion. Wyoming and Colorado National rado Medical Center flight nurse. resources. That’s what brings the “That’s the other side of my brain. Guards landed in Fort Morgan for Op- “They are completely necessary. National Guard into play. Having a I’m a master chocolatier and a bak- eration Alpine Guard. We are a VFR program which means system that’s rehearsed and quick er,” she said, standing amid the mas- The exercise simulated an EF5 tor- we fly by visual flight rules. They are to respond to meet that need is what Recipe for a full life sive ovens and mixers in her Jackson nado coming through the small town an IFR program. They can do hoist this exercise is all about.” kitchen where she makes more than By Master Sgt. Rob Trubia the ultimate woman who can be causing civilian first responders to be 900 cookies on some days. State Public Affairs Office whatever she wants.” overtasked and in need of help. “I have the creative side of me that It was while working part time jobs “This is a mission that is all about does the baking and creating and For Wyoming Army National Guard in Denver and Albuquerque as a coordination between civilian re- everything with chocolate and I have Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lauren Gur- teenager that Gurney discovered her sources and military resources. the very technical side of my life as a ney every day is about pursuing her love for baking and all things choco- People trying to work together to maintenance test pilot on the Black two passions. late. deal with a mass casualty situa- Hawk,” said Gurney. One is a passion for flying UH-60 While attending college in New tion” said Capt. Andrew Canterbury, Johnson said Gurney’s passions a nurse with the Wyoming Air Na- Black Hawk helicopters for G Com- Mexico she discovered her love for give her partner a unique edge. pany, 2nd Battalion, 211 Aviation aviation. “After my first flight in a Wyo. Air Guard critical care team members “I love telling people that she’s a and Wyoming Army Guard flight medics work Regiment. The other is running a Black Hawk there wasn’t anything helicopter pilot because she’s tough. with civilian first responders to evacuate bakery in Jackson, Wyoming. else I wanted to do more than to fly,” I mean she’s just this powerhouse in simulated patients. (U.S. Army National Guard “Lauren is especially inspiring be- she said. photo by Sgt. 1st Class James McGuire) the kitchen but then you just imag- cause she has two unique skill sets Now as the only female pilot ine her being this powerhouse flying and she’s incredible at both of them, currently with the Wyoming Army through the air, like saving people’s and the two skill sets have nothing National Guard, Gurney’s focus is to lives and being so strong. It’s a very to do with the other,” said Lyndsey continue to train and be the best. Air Guard impressive and empowering thing” Johnson, Gurney’s bakery business “There’s no delineation between she said. partner. “She really is a symbol of leadership team being a female pilot and being a Gurney said she hopes never to good pilot,” she choose one passion over the other, visits 153rd said. “That’s my but ”I’m the happiest when I’m flying job here, to be a and when I’m with my flight crew do- The Air National Guard command good pilot.” ing our job” she said. team made a stop at the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing in July. Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, director of the Air National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Anderson, Air National Guard command chief, were guests of the wing and Chey- enne Frontier Days. While here, they spent time listen- Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Anderson, Air National Guard command chief, takes a selfie ing to airmen’s input on the future of himself, Wyoming Air Guard members, and Lt. Gen. Scott Rice, Air National Guard of the Air Guard, toured the facility director (far right), during an all-call July 26, at the 153rd Airlift Wing. The leadership and met with command to discuss Top of page: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Laura Gurney plans a training flight at the Army Aviation Support Facility, in Cheyenne. team just recognized the airmen for going above and beyond while performing their Above: Laura Gurney examines her latest batch of banana bread at her bakery in Jackson, Wyoming. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Master duties at the wing. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Rob Trubia) future missions and projects. Sgt. Rob Trubia) Right: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Laura Gurney exits a Wyoming Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk after landing at Custer State Park, South Dakota, during military training in June. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jack Eden) 18 19 We are the Wyoming Where in the world did we go in 2018? Military Department Germany: (33) ANG With close to 3,000 soldiers, air- men and civilians in its workforce, Tunisia: 1 ARNG Kuwait: 5 ANG, (70) ANG the Wyoming Military Department Did you know? Qatar: (3) ANG is a vibrant, diverse, and motivated 69% of our force is comprised of part-time soldiers and airmen group committed to “Ride for the 20% of the Wyoming National Guard is female Columbia: (2) ANG Brand” and provide ready forces 1,096 cadets have graduated from the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge to safeguard Wyoming and protect Academy in its 12-year history the nation while adding value to our 12% of our $102.4 million budget came from state funds communities. 228 state government employees work in the agency The agency has 2,969 employ- This map highlights the countries where our soldiers and air- ees in various employee groups. 4,000 + individual Wyo. Air Guard and Army Guard members have men have deployed, or are currently deployed. The number in There are 1,494 soldiers and 1,202 deployed since September 2001 parentheses reflects the personnel who were deployed to that Antarctica: (1) ANG airmen ready to answer the call of 4,162 veterans and their spouses are interred at the Oregon Trail State location in 2018 but have returned home. the president or governor. Of those Veterans Cemetery in Evansville troops, 903 wear their uniform to work Monday - Friday as full-time employees. To highlight the amazing employ- ees of the Wyoming Military Depart- ment, we showcase a few here. The men and women pictured are from every employee group and per- form a variety of duties. One is a squadron commander. Another helps soldiers and airmen with education funding. Another is a lawyer. One ensures our facilities are kept in tip top shape. We are the Wyoming Military Department. Maj. Karolyn Braun Tech. Sgt. Ronald Mills Cpl. Samantha Stanfill Mrs. Jenna Chapin

Master Sgt. Daryl Jackson Lt. Col. Jeremy Sparks 1st Lt. Kendra Winslow Mr. Stacy Riedel Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Bye Ms. Amy Espedido 20 21 The WyMD’s contributions to Wyoming’s 23 counties Wyoming Military Department Leaders

Sheridan, $1.2M Crook Park Big Horn A: 63, B: 4, C: 1 $102K $532K $594K Campbell $979K A: 16 A: 35, B: 6, C: 2 A: 30, C: 1 Johnson A: 69, B: 7 Teton Washakie $389K $269K Weston $38K A: 16, B: 2, C: 3 A: 10, B: 2 $160K Hot Springs A: 9, B: 1 A: 11, B: 1, $86K, A: 10 C: 1

Converse Niobrara Fremont Natrona Sublette $614K $137K $695K $2.6M $53K A: 39, B: 7, C: 2 A: 6 A: 45, B: 5, C: 3 A: 142, B: 26, C: 9 A: 8 Maj. Gen. K. Luke Reiner, Brig. Gen. Brian Nesvik, Col. Paul Lyman, Brig. Gen. Gregory Porter, Platte Goshen The Adjutant General Assistant Adjutant General – Army Assistant Adjutant General – Air Director of the Joint Staff $4.4M $3.6M Lincoln A: 53, A: 53, $316K Albany B: 3, B: 3, A: 21, B: 1, Carbon $4.2M C: 64 C: 42 C: 2 Sweetwater $76K A: 173, $651K A: 11, B: 4, C: 1 Uinta B: 37, Laramie, $49.9M A: 40, B: 6, C: 3 $596K C: 4 A: 365, B: 637, A: 30, B: 1, C: 1 C: 110

Our soldiers, airmen, and civilian employees live in every Wyoming county - in more than 80 of its communities. We also have soldiers and airmen - more than 680 - living in 39 other states who choose to be members Brig. Gen. Gene Hughes, Col. Steve Alkire, Col. Shelley Campbell, Col. Justin Walrath, Col. John Papile Chief of Staff - Air Chief of Staff – Army Chief of the Joint Staff 153rd Airlift Wing Commander U.S. Property & Fiscal Officer of the Wyoming Army or Air National Guard. In the map above, each county shows the amount of payroll and taxes contributed (in 2017 figures) by the soldiers (A), airmen (B) and civilians (C) who live there. C-130 pilot lives dream and pursues passion Story and photo by Senior Airman the opportunity to chase his dream cross was back on his radar, but in a Autumn Velez of becoming a C-130 pilot with the different way. 153rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd This season Hoke is racing with Airlift Wing. friends to honor and raise awareness Chief Warrant Officer 5 Command Sgt. Maj. Chief Master Sgt. Mr. Doug Shope One of the greatest perks of the Air Harold Pafford, Josh Moore, Becoming a pilot was something of veterans around the country. Rich Burger, Wyoming National Guard is the ability to chase State Command Chief Army Command State Command Chief Military Department Hoke, a Colorado native, had wanted Warrant Officer Sergeant Major Master Sergeant Deputy Director dreams while still pursuing passions. to do since he was a child. He said Pursuing the dream of becoming he chose the Wyoming Air Guard a pilot only deepened 1st Lt. Mitch because of its C-130 mission. Hoke’s passion of cyclocross in an He said growing up in Colorado and unexpected way. seeing wildfires made the Wyoming In this physically challenging sport, Guard’s aerial firefighting mission known as the steeple chase of cy- especially appealing to him and his cling, participants face courses with dream of being a pilot. various conditions including steep “It’s amazing to be able to fly an hills and obstacles that require riders airplane as a job and still get to do to dismount, carry the bike while nav- Mr. Steve Kravitsky, Mrs. Germaletta Brown, Mr. William Moore, Col. Jeff Johnson, the things I love,” said Hoke. STARBASE Academy Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Civil Air Patrol, Wyoming igating the obstruction, and remount. Wyoming Veterans During pilot training, Hoke gave up Wyo. Air National Guard pilot 1st Lt. Mitch Commission Director Director Academy Director Wing Commander Despite being competitive in this racing due to the dedication required Hoke competes at a cyclocross race in Octo- sport, cyclocross took a backseat ber. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior to be successful in school. As soon Airman Autumn Velez) in Hoke’s life when he was given as he returned from school, cyclo- 22 23 Wyoming Military Department 5410 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82009 307-772-5253 wyomilitary.wyo.gov