January 2014 Vol. 9 No. 1

GRIZZLYOfficial Newsmagazine of the California National Guard

Eagles soar over Fresno F-15 jets arrive at 144th Fighter Wing pg. 4

www.calguard.ca.gov/publicaffairs Leadership Corner

Cost-efficiency, domestic mission set us apart

Major General David S. Baldwin

2013 was a remarkable year for the Cali- Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey fornia National Guard, with great victories on the battlefield, in our state’s forests and in our communities. As we move forward, we will continue to build on our success- es while refocusing efforts on our domes- tic responsibilities and providing the most cost-effective answer to Department of De- fense (DoD) budget questions.

In line with DoD policy, the Guard began opening all military occupations to women for the first time in 2013, including posi- tions with direct combat roles. More than just a move toward equality, this was a tac- tical advancement that ensures each mis- sion is staffed by the most-capable person- nel and increases the Guard’s cultural and social capabilities.

The Guard also began actively recruiting members of the gay community in 2013. The freedom those service members now experience in the Armed Forces is emblem- atic of the freedom this nation has fought for since our forefathers first wrote that all men are created equal, and we will fight for this freedom as vigorously as we have any other.

CNG Youth Programs continued to reach thousands of children and teens with valu- able skills and life lessons in 2013 through its Cadet Corps, Oakland Military Insti- tute, STARBASE science and technology A UH-60 Black Hawk from the CNG’s 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, battles the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park on Aug. 22, taking program, and Grizzly and Sunburst Youth part in the domestic support role that defines the National Guard. ChalleNGe academies. We were even able to expand our STARBASE program, open- respond to an incident involving hazard- The 129th was just one of many CNG Air more than 680,000 National Guard mem- ing a new learning facility in Los Alamitos ous materials. Force and Army units that deployed to Af- bers who have successfully executed mis- to complement the existing site in Sacra- ghanistan in 2013, including Special Forces, sions overseas in support of operations in mento. The CNG broke new ground in its domes- engineering, medical evacuation, aviation Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. tic support role in August while fighting maintenance, field artillery and security The Soldiers and Airmen of the CNG’s the Rim Fire — the third-largest fire in state forces personnel. The pace of deployments, In the current economic climate, maintain- Joint Task Force Domestic Support–Coun- history — which threatened Yosemite Na- however, has slowed as Washington contin- ing an active duty force that is larger than terdrug continued working with federal, tional Park. In addition to dropping wa- ues reducing the U.S. role in Afghanistan. our country needs during peacetime will state and local law enforcement agencies in ter and fire retardant from helicopters and ultimately result in a loss of military ca- 2013 to eradicate illegal marijuana-grow- cargo planes, the CNG used an Air Guard With the decreased demand for overseas pability, as disproportionate funds will be ing operations and reclaim public lands remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to gather support, the CNG has refocused its train- dedicated to those active duty troops. Only infiltrated by drug-trafficking organiza- real-time video of the fire and the positions ing efforts on preparing for domestic mis- by investing in our cost-effective reserve tions. The task force was recognized for of hand crews. This was the first time any sions. Our civil support role is what sets the component can we grow our equipment, its environmental stewardship with the Guard unit nationwide had used an RPA in National Guard apart in the defense com- training and infrastructure, and create a Governor’s Environmental and Economic a domestic firefighting mission, and it en- munity, as we are the only component of stronger, more flexible force that is pre- Leadership Award (GEELA) in 2013, a dis- abled incident commanders to effectively the U.S. Armed Forces that is tasked with pared to respond to emergencies at home tinction that is indicative of the California allocate resources and ensure safe lines of the dual mission of preparing for overseas and contingencies abroad. Military Department’s overall focus on en- retreat. contingencies and domestic emergencies. vironmental initiatives at its facilities and The path to sustainability is clear: Any in its missions. Air defense of the Western United States That unique role, however, is not the only mission that can be accomplished by a re- also grew stronger in 2013, as the 144th way the Guard provides unique value to serve component unit should be assigned The Guard’s primary mission, however, Fighter Wing in Fresno upgraded from the our nation. At a time when every govern- to a reserve component unit. That change is to protect Californians and other U.S. F-16C Fighting Falcon to the F-15 Eagle, a ment institution is being asked to increase in DoD direction would free up resources residents from natural disasters and other jet with greater power, speed and capabili- its efficiency and maximize taxpayer dol- to modernize our force, while investing in domestic emergencies. Just part of our do- ties. That shift marked the end of a 24-year lars, the DoD is no exception, and the most the component that already accomplishes mestic support capability is the CNG’s re- era for the F-16 in Fresno. cost-efficient tool in the Defense Depart- more with less. cently certified Homeland Response Force, ment’s arsenal is the National Guard. a 570-person team that is ready to deploy The California Air Guard also celebrated The Guard is a solution that is already within 12 hours following a chemical, bio- a historic moment in May, when the 129th Until mobilized for deployment, a National embedded in every American town and logical, radiological, nuclear or high-yield Rescue Wing completed its 1,000th rescue Guard Soldier or Airman costs the taxpay- city, where our Soldiers and Airmen stand explosive (CBRNE) event anywhere in since taking on its rescue mission in 1975. ers about one-third of what it takes to train, ready to meet the call, in peace or in war. Federal Emergency Management Area Re- About 600 of those lives were saved in Cali- house and care for their active duty coun- Responsible fiscal leadership calls for an gion IX — a 386,000-square-mile area that fornia, but the milestone was achieved in terpart. And once deployed, the Guard approach that explores the most cost-effec- encompasses California, Arizona, Hawaii, Afghanistan, where 129th pararescuemen upholds the same standards and mission tive options first, and in the military, that Nevada and several Pacific islands. The performed a medical evacuation of an Af- requirements as the active component, at means looking to the National Guard. In- HRF complements the CNG’s two civil ghan National Police officer who had suf- roughly the same price. That is a battle- vesting in the Guard is the right model at support teams, which are always ready to fered a gunshot wound. tested fact, proven time and again by the the right time for our nation.

2 Grizzly TABLE OF CONTENTS The Official Newsmagazine of Ultimate fighter The season of saving the California National Guard 4 The 144th Fighter Wing upgraded to the F-15 Eagle jet 9 The CNG’s personal financial counselors have tips for a holi- day season that’s joyful but won’t empty your pockets A critical mission at a critical time 5 The 184th Security Forces Advisory Team is teaching crucial ‘There’s always a solution’ January skills to Afghan National Police 12 Capt. Shannon Terry won’t stop fighting for her daughter, Reagan, who was born with the terminal illness SMA type 1 Vol. 9 No. 1 Emergency procedure CNG aviators in Afghanistan trained Marine firefighters to 1 million smiles and counting 2014 rescue endangered Black Hawk crews 13 Operation Gratitude filled its millionth care package since 2003 at the CNG armory in Van Nuys Masters of disaster preparedness Publisher The 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion respond- No reindeer required Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin 6 ed to a simulated earthquake during its September drill BNSF Railway hosted 261 military families for a festive train The Adjutant General ride to show the company’s gratitude Director of Public Affairs Eyes on the target Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan CNG aviators assisted the 250th Military Intelligence Battal- Helping CNG brothers and sisters ion on a November training mission The nonprofit Elk Grove Grange hosted military families in Editor need for a night of food, fun and presents Brandon Honig Guarding the environment The CNG Counterdrug Task Force earned the Governor’s Nonprofit provides ‘war detox’ Environmental and Economic Leadership Award 14 CNG veteran Jake Clark founded Save A Warrior, a nonprof- it dedicated to helping vets with post-traumatic stress Green Berets come home Submissions 7 Company A, 5-19th Special Forces Battalion, performed a va- Throwing veterans a lifeline riety of missions during a yearlong tour in Afghanistan The annual Bridging the Gap speaker panel aims to find so- Articles: lutions to problems facing our nation’s veterans  Articles range from 350 to 2,000 words. Hire power All articles should be accompanied by 8 The CNG’s Work for Warriors program has expanded to in- Communication breakdown multiple high-resolution images. clude the Reserves and may soon spread to other states 15 Counterdrug troops headed for the U.S.-Mexico border to re- pair a faulty antenna array  Include first names, last names and mili- United in service tary ranks. Always verify spelling. 9 Boy Scouts and other community members helped improve Distinguished guest  Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and the grounds of the CNG armory in Benicia The 250th MI Battalion hosted retired CNG member and Na- tional Guard Bureau Chief Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr. full unit designations on first reference. Getting help just got easier  Only submit articles that have been The CNG has added two behavioral health officers, bringing From the octagon to the courtroom approved by your unit’s public affairs to 12 the number of full-time professionals ready to help you Former MMA fighter “The Hungarian Nightmare” is the officer. 16 49th MP Brigade’s newest judge advocate general officer Health site geared for you Photographs: Ready for The Army National Guard has established Guard Your  Highest resolution possible: MB files, Health, a website with a wide range of wellness information not KB. change  A family affair  No retouched photos, no special effects. 17 Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Matthews followed his parents’ foot-  Include the photographer’s name and steps into the military, where he met his wife, Melissa rank, and a caption: what is happening in 5 the photo, who is pictured and the date Love in a war zone and location. 18 Married couple Spc. Albert and Pfc. Karen Mendez deployed to Afghanistan with the 1113th Transportation Company

E-mail submissions and feedback to: A meaningful career [email protected] The Army provided Christopher Davis with opportunities to learn valuable lifelong lessons — and to find a wife

In Every Leadership At a News & Did You Cover Shot Issue 2 Corner 10 Glance 19 Benefits 19 Know?

California National Guard mobilizations as of December 2013

Asia Europe Continental U.S. Air 256

Army 260 Afghanistan Photo by Bahrain Kosovo Kuwait Afghanistan France Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler 24 105 653 Germany Kuwait One of the 144th Fighter Wing’s new F-15 Egypt Other Kyrgyzstan Eagle fighter jets flies Nov. 7 over Northern Africa New Zealand 1 85 United Arab Emirates California. The Eagle has replaced the Wing’s Horn of Africa F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft, which had 28 served the wing since 1995. The Eagle provides more power, speed and radar capabilities, Air Army among other advantages.

3 Photos by Master Sgt. Roy Santana Bigger, faster, more firepower F-15 Eagle jets replace the last F-16C Fighting Falcons at the Cal Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing

By MASTER SGT. DAVID J. LOEFFLER With a combination of nostalgia and op- TOP: One of the 144th Fighter Wing’s new F-15 Eagle fighter jets flies near Yosemite National 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs timism, two pilots from the 144th Fighter Park’s iconic Half Dome landmark Nov. 7. ABOVE: An active duty Air Force KC-10 Extender Wing undertook the wing’s final patrol refuels an F-15 on Nov. 7 while one of the 144th’s outgoing F-16C Fighting Falcons flies nearby. Two Air National Guard fighter jets ripped of the Golden State in an F-16C Fighting over Northern California’s picturesque Falcon. They then delivered the last of The F-16s will be used by the 162nd to train That combination of feelings could be felt mountains, deserts and valleys Nov. 7, the wing’s F-16s to their new home at the students from all over the world. The 144th throughout the Fresno Air National Guard paying tribute to one departing fighter jet 162nd Fighter Wing’s international training had used the F-16 to provide air defense Base community as pilots, maintainers, while welcoming in another. base in Tucson, Ariz. of the western United States and support crew chiefs and others said their final worldwide operations for the past 24 years. goodbyes to a fighter jet that has been inte- gral to the Fighter Wing’s mission for lon- “I was very honored to fly the last F-16 ger than many of the 144th’s Airmen have mission for the wing,” said Lt. Col. Sean been alive. Navin, commander of the 194th Fighter Squadron, 144th Fighter Wing. “As I was “Yesterday, as a crew, we serviced the taking the airplane out to the airspace, last F-16 that will fly out of the 144th,” there were a lot of prominent landmarks said maintainer Senior Airman Raymond that had flashbacks for me of all the guys Figueroa. “Launching the last F-16 was very I’ve flown that airframe with. It kind of humbling, knowing a lot of the crew chiefs felt like I was carrying all of them in the out here have been here for a long time. airplane with me, and as I took one last look back over my shoulder, I felt that it “With the F-15, we are looking forward to was pretty special for me to be the guy to new experiences and challenges.” deliver this airplane, with consideration of all the pilots who have flown the plane be- The 144th had flown an F-16 model since fore me.” October 1989, when the wing, then the 144th Interceptor Wing, transitioned from The 144th Fighter Wing recently convert- the F-4D to the F-16A. The wing was redes- ed to the multi-engine F-15 Eagle. Lt. Col. ignated the 144th Fighter Wing in 1992, and Dave Johnston, the 144th’s antiterrorism the transition to the F-16C was completed Photo by Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler officer, said the F-15’s capabilities make it in 1995. much better suited for the wing’s mission than the F-16. The wing first arrived in Fresno in 1954, F-15 F-16C when it flew the P-51 Mustang. The F-15 is Speed: 1,875 mph Speed: 1,500 mph “It’s big. It’s got a lot of power. Its radar the 144th’s eighth type of fighter. is exponentially better,” he said. “It can do Range: 3,450 miles Range: 2,002 miles things the F-16 can’t.” The wing’s future had been uncertain until Two with 23,450 One with 27,000 recently. The Fresno base had been consid- Engines: Engines: Pilot Lt. Col. Rob Swertfager added that the ered for closure, but with the F-15 project- pounds of thrust each pounds of thrust F-15 has great maneuverability and incred- ed to be a viable air defense asset through Armament: One M-61A1 Armament: One M-61A1 ible firepower. 2025, the wing’s mission in Fresno appears six-barrel, 20-mm cannon with six-barrel, 20-mm cannon with secure for the foreseeable future. 940 rounds, plus eight missiles 500 rounds, plus six missiles, “I think folks are excited to see that the (AIM-120 AMRAAMs and/or and conventional air-to-air F-15s are here, and recognize that the F-16 “The F-15 is going to be our new aircraft, has done an outstanding job of protecting but for the past 24 years the F-16 Fighting AIM-9 Sidewinders) and air-to-surface munitions America’s skies,” said Col. John York, 144th Falcon has done a fantastic job doing the Operations Group commander. homeland defense mission,” York said.

4 Grizzly | 2014 | January 79th IBCT supports Afghan transition CNG Soldiers are mentoring Afghan police and National Security Forces in advance of coalition withdrawal

By MAJ. MARK A. CORREA conflict, said Lt. Col. Jon Siepmann, 184th Photo by Cpl. Moore Chris 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team SFAT commander.

Soldiers of the CNG’s 79th Infantry Brigade “There’s no doubt that this is a critical mis- Combat Team are conducting a vital mis- sion for Afghanistan at a critical time in sion in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, ad- its history,” he said. “The progress these vising Afghan National Police (ANP). [184th] Soldiers have made toward improv- ing their Afghan partners’ skills and pro- More than 70 members of the IBCT de- cesses is remarkable. It is a true testament ployed to Afghanistan in April. A portion of to their dedication and professionalism as those Soldiers make up the 184th Security well as the willingness of the Afghan police Forces Advisory Team, with the remainder to learn and to make themselves better.” serving as part of Combined Team Uruz- gan, an Australian-led force that is mentor- Several members of the ANP have earned ing Afghan National Security Forces. certification from the SFAT for clearing IEDs and other explosive hazards, which The 184th SFAT, stationed at Multinational are the No. 1 killer of police in the province. Base Tarin Kot, is assisting and training SFAT evidence-collection training has pro- ANP members in multiple disciplines, such vided an opportunity for ANP investiga- as countering improvised explosive devic- tors to hone their skills in crime scene man- ABOVE: Members of the CNG’s 79th Infan- es (IED), collecting evidence and profes- agement and exploitation, which greatly try Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) pause for sionalizing female members of the police enhances prosecutors’ cases in Uruzgan. a photo Sept. 11 with the California, U.S., Af- force. ghanistan and Australia flags in Uruzgan prov- Providing professionalization training to ince, Afghanistan. IBCT Soldiers are serving as “This training is imperative for sustaining female officers, meanwhile, not only im- advisers to Afghan police and Afghan National successful counterterrorism operations and proves security for the province and the Security Forces, preparing the Afghan govern- provides a critical capability for preserving upcoming elections in 2014, but also con- ment for the planned withdrawal of coalition the ANP force,” said Sgt. 1st Class Orion tributes to the advancement of women in troops. LEFT: Members of the 79th speak with Marley of the 184th. Afghan society. Additionally the 184th Shah Mohammad, Afghan Uniformed Police supports the ANP’s biometric enrollment checkpoint commander, Sept. 26 in Mirabad, The ANP, the country’s primary police program, which collects fingerprints, DNA Afghanistan. force, plays a critical role in providing na- and other data to track potential terrorists. Photo by Cpl. Harold Flynn tional security. The ANP has about 157,000 prove their ability in all facets of their of the 184th SFAT. members, comprising the Afghan Uni- Other notable 184th initiatives include day-to-day operations,” said Capt. Chiddy formed Police and the local police within improving the ANP’s logistical and main- Adighije, 184th communications adviser. The Cal Guard Soldiers who serve on the the provinces. The ANP in Uruzgan con- tenance processes and training officers to 184th SFAT spent nearly five months con- sists of about 6,000 people managed out of perform combat lifesaver skills. Both ini- A critical component of the 184th is its se- ducting standard and highly specialized the province’s capital, Tarin Kot. tiatives will aid the ANP in sustaining op- curity team, which is charged with iden- training in preparation for this deploy- erations after coalition forces have left the tifying and stopping “green on blue at- ment. The preparation included language An effective police force will be critical country. tacks” — instances of ANP or other Afghan instruction in Pashto and Dari; cultural in transferring sole responsibility for Af- agency members attacking coalition forces training from experts on Afghan history, ghanistan’s security to the government of The 184th also has assisted in building im- —during partnered engagements. government, politics and customs; ad- the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, par- portant ANP infrastructure, such as install- vanced weapons and combatives training; ticularly during the upcoming 2014 elec- ing Internet capability at the Provincial Po- “Their successful completion of more than advanced situational awareness training; tions. Afghanistan’s ability to hold secure lice Headquarters. 100 leader engagements without incident leader engagement training; and countless elections will be a true indicator of coalition is a testimony to their tactical and techni- hours of exercises using weapon and ve- forces’ successes during the past 12 years of “Providing Internet for the ANP will im- cal proficiency,” said 1st Sgt. James Harris hicle systems.

Marines get ‘crash course’ on firefighting The CNG’s 1-168th medevac unit in Afghanistan trains Marines to rescue injured Black Hawk crews

By CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 JON GUIBORD teaches these Marines about the Black Hawk and its nu- Company C, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion ances, which they probably haven’t worked with much in the past,” said Capt. Chris Sandin of Company C, which is A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew are limping based at Mather Field near Sacramento. back to Forward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan, with a total loss of tail-rotor function. The pilot on the con- The Company C Soldiers demonstrated to the rescuemen trols pulls back to slow his descent, but while navigating of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 how to perform into a tiny parking area, the tail rotor clips a 12-foot blast several essential emergency procedures in the Black Hawk. wall and instantly separates from the aircraft, which mi- The training covered emergency engine shutdown, the use raculously settles upright. All five crew members suffer of aircraft firefighting systems, locations of emergency fractured limbs and find themselves unable to move from equipment and exits, locations of fuel sources and how to their seats as fuel slowly leaks into the cabin. properly move Soldiers out of their crew positions.

A Humvee converted into a fire truck is already waiting, “They teach us the basic stuff at the schoolhouse, like having been alerted by an emergency call the Black Hawk Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jon Guibord throttles, bottles and batteries. But there is a lot moreto crew sent out before arriving. Four Marines barrel out of Sgt. Jeffery Jacobs, a flight medic with Company C, 1-168th each airframe,” said Marine Cpl. Matthew M. Arrington of the vehicle and spring into action. Wasting no time, they General Support Aviation Battalion, discusses emergency pro- Palmdale, Calif. He added that the Marines’ service at De- reach into the cockpit, shut down both engines, stifle the cedures with Marine crash fire rescue personnel Oct. 27 at For- laram is the first time many of them have worked closely fuel and quickly pull the crew to safety. ward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan. with Black Hawks.

Though this was only a training scenario, if a similar situ- The Marine Corps is the only service branch that has an oc- ation plays out at FOB Delaram, the crew of Soldiers will mobilized in March and is responsible for medical evacua- cupational specialty dedicated to aircraft firefighting. be greeted by a highly trained group of Marine crash fire tion duty in the vicinity of Delaram. rescue personnel. The Marines practiced their crash re- “The training we supplied to these Marines is not just cru- sponse Oct. 27 with aviators from the Cal Guard’s Com- “Today’s emergency shutdown and egress training rein- cial to their training but to our survival if the worst should pany C, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion, which forces our Soldiers’ knowledge of our aircraft systems and happen,” said medic Sgt. Jeffery Jacobs of Company C.

5 Grizzly | 2014 | January 746th tests Photo by 1st Lt. Jason Kim Governor recognizes emergency Counterdrug JTF’s readiness environmental By 1ST LT. JASON KIM 756th Transportation Company stewardship Photo by Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler A catastrophic, magnitude 8.0 earth- quake centered along the northern tip of the San Andreas Fault shook California early in the morning. The Interstate 5 freeway was severely degraded from Merced County through Sacramento, resulting in the loss of many traffic lanes. In the Northern California region, oil and The 756th Transportation Company erects a radio antenna at a Disney Studios natural gas pipelines ruptured. film lot as part of a Sept. 14 emergency deployment readiness exercise for the four companies of the 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The situation was dire, but it was also entirely simulated. erbridge Notification System to point. At the lot, the 756th set up an- contact Soldiers two days before tennas to establish communications The fact that this earthquake was the training event. Once all Sol- with the 746th HHC. A member of the CNG’s Joint Task Force Domestic Support– simulated did not change anything diers were accounted for, they were Counterdrug bags trash gathered from an illegal marijuana in the mindsets of the 756th Trans- screened to determine their readi- “The 756th led the way for our bat- garden in a California public forest. portation Company troops or the ness to be put on Emergency State talion, far exceeding my expecta- other members of the 746th Com- Active Duty (ESAD). This process tions for their EDRE,” said Lt. Col. By 1ST LT. KARA SIEPMANN bat Sustainment Support Battalion ensured Soldiers were in proper Ted Arlauskas, 746th CSSB com- Joint Task Force Domestic Support–Counterdrug (CSSB) who conducted an Emer- health and had completed all neces- mander. “Most EDREs end with the gency Deployment Readiness Exer- sary paperwork to participate. unit ready to leave their armory. I The California National Guard’s Joint Task Force Domes- cise (EDRE) on Sept. 14. The EDRE directed all units to culminate their tic Support–Counterdrug received the Governor’s Envi- included all four companies of the After screening, the 756th Soldiers EDREs at whatever training areas ronmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) CSSB: the 756th, 1072nd and 1114th geared up in ballistic armor, hel- were near their armories after they in the area of Ecosystem and Watershed Stewardship in transportation companies, and the mets and weapons and performed conducted a communications exer- December. 746th Headquarters and Headquar- a convoy exercise that honed their cise. I had no idea the 756th would ters Company (HHC). transportation and radio commu- roll out to a film studio. That’s what The award recognizes the Counterdrug Task Force for nication skills. The 756th’s primary I call thinking outside the box.” demonstrating exceptional leadership and making no- Disaster relief is a main focus for the mission is to use 5,000-gallon M967 table, voluntary contributions to conserve California Guard, and crises often occur with- tankers to transport fuel when con- Though the mission went smoothly, resources, protect the environment, build public-private out notice. Therefore units must be ventional fueling methods are not the 756th and all other 746th CSSB partnerships and strengthen the state economy. ready for deployment at all times. available. units continually seek to improve and adjust their procedures to in- The GEELA is California’s highest environmental honor. The EDRE incorporated multiple The 756th had graciously been given crease readiness and ensure they Cal Guard programs and initiatives have earned GEELA phases of operation and began with permission to use a Disney Studios will not be caught off balance when recognition three times in the past 11 years. the use of the computer-based Ev- film lot in Santa Clarita as a rallying the time comes for mobilization. “This isn’t a standard environmental project — mun- dane, in the box — that companies can just buy and implement,” said Michael Holder, California Military Department environmental scientist. “The reclamation mission shows Guard members’ dedication to the people Intel, aviation units train together of California that they do this dangerous, hard work.” Aerial view provides perspective for military intelligence mission The reclamation mission embodies collaborative ap- By CAPT. BOB COUTURE viewed imagery of a Los Angeles portunity to see the water level proaches between the private, public and nonprofit sec- 250th Military Intelligence Battalion power plant and discussed the facil- of the adjacent river as well as the tors to achieve results. In fiscal years 2011 and 2012, Task ity’s vulnerabilities. growth of vegetation, traffic levels Force members removed nearly 50,000 pounds of trash, Soldiers with Company B, 250th and new construction were just a 89 miles of irrigation line and 23,000 pounds of toxic fer- Military Intelligence Battalion, Once the troops had assessed the few of the advantages the aerial re- tilizers, pesticides and rodenticides from public lands. performed multi-echelon training potential threat, it was time to get connaissance provided. with 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation eyes on the actual site. The Compa- “Everyone knows about our marijuana eradication mis- Regiment, on Nov. 2, bringing units ny B troops moved out to the JTFB “It was our pleasure to support the sion,” said Maj. Jeff Moore, Counterdrug operations of- of the California Army National flight line, where they linked up 250th with their training mission,” ficer. “But our reclamation mission is the unsung hero.” Guard together to conduct a mutu- with the 1-140th. Two UH-60 Black said 1st Lt. Brian Calcagno, the ally beneficial exercise. Hawk helicopters from the 1-140th 1-140th’s assistant training and op- The reclamation process dismantles illegal irrigation then each performed two flyover erations officer. “Real training mis- infrastructure to deter drug-trafficking organizations The day started with a tactical con- sorties with Company B troops to sions such as these make us better from re-establishing their operations, and it helps re- voy from Company B’s armory in provide another view of the plant. collectively as a National Guard.” store the land to its natural state for hikers, hunters and Glendale to the CNG’s Joint Forces campers. Training Base (JTFB) in Los Alami- Nothing can replace the value of Company B plans to continue to tos. There the Company B Soldiers having eyes on the target. The op- build on its threat-vulnerability Task Force leaders have grown more aware of the impor-

Photo byMichael Nemeth Staff Sgt. assessment (TVA) training in the tance of cleaning up damage to the environment in re- coming months, including conduct- cent years, Moore said. In addition, law enforcement and ing a TVA for 1st Squadron, 18th elected officials now pay closer attention to environmen- Calvary Regiment, during its Feb- tal crimes, which enable them to impose stiffer penalties ruary training weekend. for criminal acts, he said.

“Company B is leading the charge “The U.S. attorney was able to prosecute these growers leveraging an under-utilized core on environmental crimes and put away criminals for lon- competency,” said Lt. Col. Charles ger than they could just for their drug-related crimes,” Hancock, commander of the 250th he explained. Military Intelligence Battalion. “This is a most relevant Defense Support Counterdrug has increased its focus on the environment to Civil Authorities capability for every year since 2007, Moore said. Soldiers with Company B, 250th Military Intelligence Battalion, gather near a the California National Guard, for UH-60 Black Hawk after training with members of 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation our units and for our community “We leave the forestland better than we found it, and it’s Regiment, on Nov. 2. emergency response partners.” great to be recognized for our efforts,” he said.

6 Grizzly | 2014 | January Special Forces group of CompanyPhotos courtesy A, 5-19th Special Forces Battalion completes successful Afghanistan tour Company A, 5-19th Special Forces Battalion, seized suicide vests, trained Afghan security forces and built vital relationships during yearlong deployment

By Company A, 5th Battalion, 19th Spe- involved in transporting them. cial Forces Group The ODA’s engineers told all personnel to In Afghanistan’s Paghman District this move to a safe distance because the vests summer, the California National Guard’s were prepared to explode and had to be Special Forces Operational Detachment Al- carefully disarmed. Because of the rigor- pha (ODA) 9513 received intelligence that ous, in-depth training the ODA engineers suicide vests were being moved through had completed, they were able to disarm the district to facilitate a high-profile attack the vests and render them safe, a task usu- in Kabul, the nation’s capital. ally performed by a specialized explosive ordinance disposal team. The operation Though Paghman District is strategically resulted in the confiscation of eight suicide situated between the volatile Wardak Dis- vests, the arrest of one individual and the TOP: A member of Company A, 5th Battal- trict and the political power center of Ka- prevention of multiple potential tragedies. ion, 19th Special Forces Group, mans a 40-mm bul, coalition forces had not been active in grenade launcher in the back of an experi- the area for years and had developed little “Since we found the suicide vests and took mental vehicle Sept. 16 in Wardak province, intelligence there. Paghman District, how- them out of insurgent hands, they couldn’t Afghanistan. Company A mobilized in April for ever, was assessed to be key terrain for be used in insurgent attacks,” said a mem- a yearlong tour in support of Operation En- insurgents this summer, as it was used for ber of ODA 9513 who participated in the during Freedom. For security reasons, Com- facilitation routes and staging areas to con- operation. For security reasons, ODA 9513, pany A does not release the names of its de- duct high-profile attacks in the capital. which is part of the CNG’s Company A, ployed Soldiers. LEFT: A Company A engineer 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, disarms one of eight suicide vests confiscated ODA 9513, an 11-man Special Forces team does not release the names of its deployed during an operation this summer in Paghman from Los Alamitos, Calif., immediately Soldiers. “It definitely cuts down on high- province. BELOW LEFT: Two Green Berets began joint planning with the Afghan Na- profile attacks in the Kabul area.” from Company A scan Tangi Valley in search tional Army and the Afghan National Po- of enemy fighting positions shortly after ex- lice after learning about the suicide vests. Later that month, ODA 9513 and partner changing gunfire with Taliban forces Sept. 16. Within two hours, a strike force with more forces successfully interdicted a site where than 80 Afghan security personnel had homemade ammonium nitrate-based ex- if a big, high-profile attack had occurred in port the national government. been assembled. plosives were being produced for use as the capital of Afghanistan,” Trent added. improvised explosive devices (IED). As the ODA began conducting joint opera- The team suspected the suicide vests were The Soldiers of Company A are organized tions in the district, the team gained sup- staged in an orchard, in a courtyard sur- “ODA 9513 was able to destroy two Tali- into specialized teams with emphases on port from its Afghan counterparts and local rounded by a high stone wall. As the strike ban insurgent IED [cell locations] that were unconventional warfare, foreign internal communities. The joint missions strength- force maneuvered to the compound, the focused on high-profile attacks in Kabul,” defense, special reconnaissance, direct ac- ened the ODA’s partnerships with Afghan ODA coordinated air support to observe said Capt. John Trent, commander of Com- tion missions and counterterrorism. security forces, enabling the team to create the target and report any movement. Upon pany A. “I believe that what they did was the infrastructure necessary to support the arrival at the site, ANP personnel secured instrumental in maintaining the faith of the ODA 9513 mobilized as a team in April, Afghan Local Police. the compound while ANA Soldiers held local populace in their Afghan National Se- while additional Green Berets from Com- blocking positions and secured avenues of curity Forces and coalition partners. pany A deployed to augment a Special Op- ODA 9513 also provided a security detail approach. erations task force in the most volatile areas for Defense Department personnel and “What [ODA] 9513 did was extremely of Afghanistan. The Green Berets conduct a worked with Afghan and U.S. forces to The ODA then entered the courtyard and valuable because it saved lives and pre- variety of missions in Afghanistan, includ- disrupt an insurgent network responsible located the vests as well as an individual vented negative international perception ing training and advising Afghan comman- for conducting numerous indirect fire and dos and local police, and linking local tribal IED attacks near Bagram Airfield, Afghani- governments to the national government of stan. The ODA’s deployment ended with Afghanistan. the successful training and integration of a contingent of Afghan Local Police officers. “Our guys were able to take their training from what we do in California and with With its mission accomplished, the men of our battalion in Colorado and were able to Company A returned to their home station plug right in to active duty Special Forces in Los Alamitos in November. teams and conduct combat operations from day one successfully,” Trent said. “We re- “Everyone in our company came back, and ceived nothing but praise from the actions that obviously is a good thing, with praise of our men. These guys were able to plug from 3rd Special Forces Group on their in and play.” conduct downrange,” Trent said.

ODA 9513 entered Paghman District in July A medic with the company said he is glad and began building infrastructure needed to be home and is enjoying time with his to support the Afghan Local Police. To ac- family, but missions like the one in Afghan- complish this, trust, rapport and cultural istan are why he joined Special Forces. understanding were the team’s most effec- tive weapons. “I was about to get out of the Guard, and I saw a flyer for Special Forces,” he said. “I The ODA built key relationships with the wanted to do something more difficult. I Afghan National Army, the Afghan Na- wanted a challenge.” tional Police, the National Directorate of Security and provincial leaders, enabling If you want the challenge of serving with the team to influence and advise Afghans the Army’s elite, search for “Special Forc- in their efforts to achieve security and sup- es” at www.calguard.ca.gov.

7 Grizzly | 2014 | January Work for Warriors Photo illustration by Tech. Sgt. Joe Prouse expands reach, catches Congress’ eye Cal Guard employment program welcomes members of all Reserve branches, inspires congressional caucus to spread initiative to other states

By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY Guard members in jobs since the program ecutive positions. Mark Takano (D-Riverside) — who in No- California Military Department Public Affairs was launched March 29, 2012, by the CNG vember formed the Work for Warriors and Speaker of the California State Assem- “Our business partners have jobs,” he said, Caucus, a bipartisan group dedicated to Getting you a job is what the California Na- bly John Pérez. The program also has estab- “and we have service members qualified promoting and increasing awareness of the tional Guard’s Work for Warriors (WFW) lished partnerships with more than 180 em- for those jobs.” program. program is all about. ployers that are seeking service members to fill job openings. The WFW staff takes an active approach “It’s one of the most effective programs of The program has been getting jobs for Cali- to job counseling that includes interview its kind,” Cook said in a news release. “I fornia Guardsmen for more than a year and “With more than 180 business partners, ex- coaching, resume tips and promoting its hope that our caucus can help to make the a half. Due to its success and some internal panding the program to the Reserves cre- social media presence to build back-and- program even more successful and expand hires, the program is expanding its reach to ates a win-win for both the business part- forth communication with its community it to other states.” the state’s Reserve forces as well. ners and service members,” Decosta said. of job seekers. “This is one more step in the right direc- Cook and Takano will serve as co-chairs of WFW has been such a success that it is at- tion of creating a joint effort in addressing WFW does all this cheaply, at an estimated the caucus. tracting attention in Washington, D.C., a critical need.” cost of $550 per job placement, compared where a congressional Work for Warriors with other jobs programs that can cost as “With far too many California National Caucus has been formed to explore how The WFW program recently expanded much as $10,000 per placement. Guard members looking for work, I was the program can be implemented across from six full-time employees to 14, giving proud to create the bipartisan Work for the nation. it the capacity to provide services to the “The number one way people get hired is Warriors Caucus with Representative Cook approximately 60,000 California residents through referrals, whether that’s internal and advocate for additional funding for “The initial mission was to focus directly who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or external,” Roggow said. “We can make the program,” Takano said. “It is my hope on placing Guard members in jobs,” WFW Marines and Coast Guard Reserves. those referrals. We can make the connec- that Work for Warriors continues to be a Project Director Capt. Autumn Decosta tion. A lot of the other models just post jobs success, and I would love to see it used as said. “Now that we have more resources, WFW Deputy Director Maj. Aaron Roggow to a website.” a model for other states looking to place we have been able to expand out and can said the program takes a “headhunter ap- these heroes into jobs.” now support the Reserve components.” proach,” matching service members with The success of the WFW model has at- jobs that fit their skill sets and experience, tracted the attention of two Congressmen For more info or to sign up for WFW ser- WFW has placed 1,850 California National whether they qualify for entry level or ex- — Rep. Paul Cook (R-Victorville) and Rep. vices, visit www.calguard.ca.gov/wfw.

www.calguard.ca.gov/wfw or 916-854-4426

www.facebook.com/CalGuardWorkFor Warriors www.twitter.com/CalGuardWFW

8 Grizzly | 2014 | January Boy Scouts, Photo by Spc. James Wilton CNG behavioral health team adds nonprofits two full-time officers Two additional full-time be- extreme northern part of the beautify havioral health officers are state, including Chico, Eu- now available to help Sol- reka, Redding, Red Bluff and diers and Airmen in distress. Susanville. McGowan’s area CNG armory Newly funded by California’s includes Apple Valley, Bar- Mental Health Services Act, stow and Fort Irwin. By SGT. IAN M. KUMMER First Lieutenant Ronald Quack of the 749th Combat also known as Proposition 69th Public Affairs Detachment Sustainment Support Battalion plants a tree with assis- 63, these two Army National “It doesn’t matter whether tance from his daughters at the unit’s Benicia armory Guard social workers are they are drilling, on orders or A strong community is not something that can be Dec. 7. The Quack family was joined by members of the already busy making a dif- in civilian status, I take their built overnight; it relies on relationships of trust and community and several local organizations in a beautifi- ference in their areas of op- call and help them find what goodwill that continue for years, bringing people cation project spearheaded by four Boy Scouts. eration — Northern California they need,” McGowan said. together. The 749th Combat Sustainment Support and the High Desert region Battalion (CSSB) reaped the benefits of such rela- near Lancaster and Fort Irwin. Once contacted by a Soldier, tionships Dec. 6 during a beautification project at the from Troop 8 and Elias Martin from Troop 184. Each Airman, supervisor, peer or unit’s readiness center in Benicia that involved Boy took charge of an area on the armory grounds where Capt. Leah McGowan is family member, behavioral Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Ameri- trees and shrubbery would be planted. embedded with the 756th health officers work with can Legion and the Benicia Tree Foundation. Transportation Company in county mental health officers, “[This project] did something for the armory, it did Lancaster. She recently left a public and private support “The unit deployed between 2010 and 2011, and the something for the environment by planting trees position as a behavioral health agencies, and government en- grounds were somewhat neglected because of their and it gave the Boy Scouts the opportunity to earn provider for the Department tities to refer Guard members absence,” said Lt. Col. Donna McDermott, com- their Eagle Scout award by doing a project here in of Veterans Affairs (VA). to agencies and resources that mander of the CSSB. the community,” McDermott said. can help. Second Lieutenant Joshua She reached out to VFW Post 3928 earlier this year For Meyer, who hails from a military family, this Roberts is now embedded “I am excited to apply what I to inquire about local organizations that might be in- was also an opportunity to learn more about the with the Redding-based 132nd have learned from my years terested in helping to improve the armory. A retired Armed Forces and even offer them a helping hand. Multi-Role Bridge Company. at the VA and my active duty Airman at the post, Ernest Gutierrez, suggested the “I just want to serve my country,” he said. Prior to supporting Soldiers experience toward helping armory restoration would be a good opportunity full-time, he worked in a civil- service members who call for for local Scouts who were looking to complete their The Benicia Tree Foundation provided volunteers to ian hospital in San Diego. help,” McGowan said. Eagle projects. assist in the work and reached out to the commu- nity for necessary resources. In response, numerous With these additions, the CNG In addition to eight Army be- The Eagle project is a requirement to reach Eagle community members showed up to pitch in, and lo- has eight uniformed respond- havioral health officers, the Scout, the highest rank in the Scouts program. The cal businesses provided generous discounts for the ers to support troops. Each Military Department ben- project demonstrates the ability to lead people and materials. A barbeque lunch was provided by mem- covers a region of California efits from civilian behavioral to coordinate logistics to complete a plan. bers of the VFW and American Legion. and is prepared to respond health contractors who sup- any time of day or night. port Airmen at each of the “We feel the Boy Scouts are the type of people who The project took place during the monthly drill The officers have met service CNG’s four Air Force wings. will grow up to be the men and Soldiers this nation weekend for the CSSB, so the Soldiers’ regular du- members at clinics, hospitals, To find the behavioral health needs,” Gutierrez said Dec. 6. “As a veteran I know ties took top priority, but as work permitted, indi- coffee shops and armories, officer responsible for your the importance of what they’re doing out here to- vidual troops ventured out to lend a helping hand. ready to talk and guide troops region, visit the CNG website, day, and we support them any way we can.” to needed support. They are www.calguard.ca.gov, and “It makes me feel honored to be a part of this,” said just a phone call away. click “Behavioral Health.” Four Scouts volunteered to help the armory: Har- Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Foster. “I like helping. That’s rison Meyer, Mathew Peters and Gian Rivasplata what the military does; it’s part of the job.” Roberts is focusing on the Getting help just got easier.

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The holiday season is a time for giving and exchanging Kmart, Sears and other retailers. These programs allow equipment, consider gift cards, movie passes and other gifts with family, friends and neighbors. The season of shoppers to spread payments over time instead of mak- less expensive options that enable you to participate in giving is a tradition for people of many cultures, but it ing a one-time cash disbursement. These programs po- the gift-giving season without breaking the bank. does not have to be an expensive endeavor. tentially eliminate the need to use credit cards. • Avoid impulse buys that you did not plan for or in- It is important to remember that even though the holiday • Shop at garage sales, thrift stores and home liquida- clude in your budget. Just say, “Not today.” season is one of the most important times of year for car- tion sales. These low-cost options provide a cost-effective ing and sharing, it is also big for the business community. way to shop, and they bring the excitement of discover- • Be proactive: Consult your personal financial consul- Consumers will see countless ads on television, the Inter- ing hidden treasures. tant to determine a holiday budget and spending limit. net and in their mail this time of year. To avoid depleting your savings or disrupting your monthly budget, follow • Personalize gifts through arts and crafts activities to Take measures to strengthen your financial future by sav- these money-saving tips for the holiday season: save money and bring family and friends together. ing more and spending less. Have a happy, safe holiday www.twitter.com/CalGuardWFW season and buy gifts you can afford — not gifts you think • Take advantage of free layaway programs at Walmart, • Instead of purchasing big-ticket items like electronic people want.

9 ABOVE: Soldiers from Los Alamitos-based Company A, 5th Battal- ion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), con- duct special reconnais- sance infiltration training Nov. 1 at Fort Irwin, Calif. Photo courtesy of Com- pany A, 5-19th Special Forces Battalion RIGHT: Sgt. Maria Bejar of the 1106th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group and her daughter participate in the Fresno Veterans Day Parade. Photo by Anna Hawkins

ABOVE: Senior Airman Katherine Gonzales Munoz of the 144th Fighter Wing embraces her family Sept. 20 at Fresno Yosemite International Airport after returning from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge LEFT: Airman 1st Class Rosalie Cammarata enjoys Veterans Day with retired Army Lt. Col. Milton Stroud at the Regency Place Senior Living community in Sacramento. Photo by Brandon Honig

10 At a Glance LEFT: A CH-47 Chi- nook helicopter crew from Stockton-based Company B, 1st Bat- talion, 126th Aviation Regiment, prepares to airlift a Humvee during a Nov. 21 exercise with the ac- tive duty Air Force’s 571st Contingency Response Group. Company B airlifted two all-terrain ve- hicles, 17 Airmen and two Humvees during three days of training with the 571st at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., in November. Photo by Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler

FAR LEFT: Spc. Anthony Sarrias of 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, pulls security during a Nov. 12 exercise at the Joint Multinational Readi- ness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. Photo by Spc. Tristan Bolden LEFT: Sgt. Richard Felix-Stanton, with crutches, and Staff Sgt. Mark Valet display their Purple Hearts on Nov. 26 at Brooke Army Medical Center, Texas, alongside members of their families and fellow Soldiers. Both troops, from the 216th Mobility Augmentation Company, were injured by small arms fire Oct. 10 during a route clearance mission. Photo by Brooke AMC

LEFT: Firefighters from the 144th Fighter Wing replace a barrier cable following a successful test of a runway aircraft arresting system Nov. 3 at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn ABOVE: Soldiers with the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conduct basic range training Sept. 27 in Tarin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, where they are mentoring members of the Afghan police. Photo by Cpl. Alex Flynn

11 Grizzly | 2014 | January Army officer fights for terminally ill daughter Capt. Shannon Terry draws support from fellow troops after daughter Reagan born with SMA type 1

By SGT. SUSAN WOHLE Photo by Capt. Will Martin 106th Public Affairs Detachment

Army Capt. Shannon Terry and her hus- band, Randall, started to notice some irreg- ularities in their beautiful baby girl Reagan just a few months after her birth. Like most new parents, they were looking for the milestones of development. Reagan, how- ever, had trouble eating and difficulty gain- ing weight, was unable to hold her head or move her limbs, and overall appeared frag- ile for her age.

After a series of tests, the parents’ worst nightmare was confirmed when they were brought into a small room with four doc- tors and a social worker. Reagan had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1.

“I knew it was bad news,” Terry said. “When you find out that you have a daugh- ter that is diagnosed terminally ill by the medical community, you go through dif- ferent stages of grief — initially for the first couple of days, in my mind, she had al- ready died. After about three days of griev- ing, I got mad, and I realized that they are not going to take away my opportunity to fight for her.” ABOVE: One-year-old Reagan Sinkiewicz experiences the effects of spinal muscular atrophy Photo by Stacey Marsh (SMA) type 1 every day, including difficulty breathing and the inability to sit independently, Terry said her initial reaction was the same crawl or walk. About 80 percent of SMA patients are expected to die before their first birthday, as any mother’s. Then her Army training and nearly all die before their second. RIGHT: Reagan and her parents, Army National Guard kicked in. Capt. Shannon Terry and Randall Sinkiewicz, enjoy family time Oct. 28.

“As a military officer, I’ve been pro- provided the support her family needed. that the only way to get a cure is to spread grammed to react to things in a certain way. enough awareness and to get enough peo- … There’s always a solution to a problem,” “They were at my house the first night we ple passionate about this.” said Terry, who works full-time as a legis- contacted them,” Terry said. “Everything lative liaison officer for the California Mili- happens so fast with SMA, and it literally Terry feels it is her mission and duty to tary Department. “I started to reach out to happened overnight that my daughter lost spread awareness of SMA, and she is do- my fellow Soldiers and good friends that I the ability to swallow. Within a 16-hour pe- ing so through a Facebook page titled work with at Joint Force Headquarters.” riod she couldn’t eat, and because of [Getty Beautiful Baby Reagan – SMA Type 1. She Owl’s] experience, they were able to get her recently posted the good news that the Na- Through the mass research efforts of her the treatment she needed.” tional Pediatric Research Network Act had fellow Guard members, family and friends, been passed by Congress. It will establish Terry discovered the Getty Owl Founda- SMA is the No. 1 genetic killer of children a collective network of researchers and tion, a Sacramento-based nonprofit that under 2, according to the nonprofit Hope promote sharing of resources and money was created after Getty Emelia Storm was for SMA, but it also has been designated for SMA. born with SMA type 1 in 2010. Terry credits by the National Institute of Neurological the foundation with saving her daughter’s Disorders and Stroke as the neurological “This is a promising gene therapy program life. disease closest to treatment or cure. that the Food and Drug Administration recently fast-tracked,” Terry said. “It is Reagan was initially misdiagnosed and was “It is the most common genetic disease that funded because of grass roots support from therefore relatively old when diagnosed no one has ever heard of. One in 40 people families like mine and Getty’s.” with SMA. She needed immediate inter- are carriers of this gene, and yet nobody vention, and the Getty Owl Foundation knows what it is,” Terry said. “I believe Terry plans to raise funds and support SMA research until a cure is found. In the thing we can, everything in our power, to Photo by Capt. Will Martin meantime, she is receiving tremendous fight for her. support from her Guard family, which has organized multiple fundraisers for Terry’s And there is reason for optimism. During family and for SMA research, including a a recent visit to Reagan’s neurologist, the spaghetti dinner, silent auction and com- doctor pulled his glasses down, looked at edy night. the baby and said, “This does not look like SMA. This is not the same baby. She looks “The community of the military has come like she’s getting better.” together to lift me up,” Terry said. “In the military we don’t leave people behind. This Though Reagan’s disorder has been diffi- is one of the best examples of Soldier care cult for the whole family, Terry said good that I have ever seen.” has come out of it as well.

Terry said that according to the medical “I thought that [deploying] to Iraq was an community, 80 percent of SMA patients eye-opening experience, but it’s even more will die before their first birthday, and all of a life-changing experience when you are will die before their second. But Terry has a reminded of the true good in people,” she friend whose son has SMA and celebrated said. “I meet strangers who hear about her his 10th birthday about six months ago. story who are touched. We have people all over the world praying for her.” “The medical community calls this disease terminal, and for a second we believed She added that she is thankful for her beau- Capt. Shannon Terry of the California Army National Guard plays with her 1-year-old daughter, them,” she said. “We are not willing to let tiful baby and wouldn’t change anything Reagan, at their Antelope, Calif., home Dec. 11. her go that easily, and we are doing every- about her.

12 Grizzly | 2014 | January Operation Gratitude sends 1 millionth package

By SGT. 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN COSSEL brand new Ford F-150 pickup truck donat- country,” said Blashek. “The American Photo by Cossell Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs ed by drink company 5-Hour Energy. people really do thank [military members] and respect their service. Celebrating a journey from humble be- Operation Gratitude has forged a unique ginnings to a tremendous milestone, staff, partnership with the Cal Guard: The logis- Also on hand for the ceremony was a tour- dignitaries and volunteers with Operation tical and operational hub of the organiza- ing replica of the Vietnam War Memorial. Gratitude gathered Dec. 7 as the nonprof- tion has been located at the Guard armory Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, the CNG adju- it’s millionth care package rolled off the as- in Van Nuys, Calif., since 2003. tant general, said he was struck by the con- sembly line en route to a deployed service trast of sacrifice made by those who served member. “There’s a wonderful civilian-military re- in Vietnam and those who serve Operation lationship that’s developed,” Blashek said. Gratitude today. Founded in 2003 by Carolyn Blashek, Op- eration Gratitude annually ships about Reaching the 1 million milestone was no “We as a military can’t do what we do 100,000 packages worldwide to members easy task: Two assembly lines were in full without the support of the American peo- of the Armed Forces, first responders, operation Dec. 7, filling a total of 3,000 ple back home,” he said. “I’m struck by the Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Cowie of the CNG’s Re- wounded warriors and their caregivers. Operation Gratitude-marked boxes in less mark of sacrifice behind me … with the cruiting and Retention Battalion fills the mil- Each package contains snacks, toiletries, than two hours. names of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and lionth care package to be shipped overseas entertainment items and personalized let- Airmen on this war memorial juxtaposed by Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit that en- ters of appreciation. For one lucky service “It’s been a 10-year journey, with thou- by the incredible sacrifice of those people riches the lives of service members and first member, the millionth package contained sands and thousands and thousands of inside filling packages to send to our troops responders, at the CNG armory in Van Nuys an additional surprise — the keys to a volunteers and supporters all across the currently in harm’s way.” on Dec 7.

Next stop: of BNSF Photo courtesy Single mom grateful for Holiday cheer son’s ‘best night ever’ By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY California Military Department Public Affairs By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS to attend this dinner and share the experi- ROSALIE CAMMARATA ence with friends and their children. On a cold winter evening, a train clacked California Military Department Public Affairs across the California countryside as chil- As our children played with gifts from dren sipped hot cocoa inside railway cars We are the masters of multi-tasking. We stockings passed out by Santa, Rick asked decorated to bring holiday cheer. Santa Claus welcomes passengers to the can pack a lunch, wipe a runny nose and me and Staff Sgt. Leandra Bodah, a fellow BNSF Holiday Express on Dec. 9 in Stock- fix a leaky faucet all before breakfast. Our single mom, to follow him. He led us to The scene was right out of the movie “The ton. More than 260 military families, includ- days begin before the sun rises and end a room filled with toys for all ages, in- Polar Express.” However, this train was ing many CNG families, enjoyed the festive long after the stars peek out from the onyx cluding scooters, cars and dolls. The back called the Holiday Express and the chil- ride, given as an annual thank you by BNSF. sky. This is the life of a single mother. corner was filled with food: hams, rolls, dren were from military families. canned goods, fresh fruit and desserts. My life revolves around the kind, mis- The Holiday Express is operated by Claus made his way up the train, greeting chievous, fun-loving and intelligent “I was a CNG Soldier for 24 years, and I BNSF Railway to pay tribute to mili- passengers and giving out holiday orna- 5-year-old boy I proudly call my son. And know life can be a struggle,” Rick said. “I tary families. For the past six holiday ments to kids, many of whom wore paper I wouldn’t have it any other way. want to help my brothers and sisters.” seasons, the train has traveled through conductor hats provided by the railway. a different region of the country giving It’s not all giggles and Eskimo kisses, As I fought the urge to hug him, Rick in- free rides to military families at stops Frank Pinon, a Kansas City, Mo., native though. We’ve both made sacrifices since troduced us to his wife, Claire, and his along the way. This year, the Holiday working as a server, porter and atten- I enlisted in the National Guard two years mother, Jonnie, who compiled gift bags Express traveled on a nine-day journey dant on the train, said he enjoys traveling ago. My son has adapted and accepted and stockings stuffed with goodies. through Montana, Idaho, Washington, across the country and meeting military change, while I have struggled with the Oregon and California. members and their families. guilt of giving him a not-so-ordinary Bodah looked at me, tears rimming her childhood. It has paid off greatly though, eyes, and said, “The girls have been ask- On Dec. 9, the train stopped in Stockton, “The kids are fun,” he said. “One kid told and Dec. 11 was just another example. ing for this very scooter, and now I can Calif., where 261 military members, their me that this was the best day of his life. give it to them for Christmas.” spouses and children were lined up wait- But then his mom told me he says that Retired CNG Sgt. 1st Class Rick Sihner ing to climb aboard. The military mem- every day.” and the nonprofit Elk Grove Grange held As I tucked my son in that evening, he bers were mostly California National their third annual holiday dinner for local said, “This was the best night ever. Thank Guardsmen, with some active duty ser- After the 90-minute ride ended, BNSF families and CNG members in need that you mommy.” vice members and veterans in the mix. Assistant Vice President of State Govern- day. Founded after the Civil War to im- Once everyone was aboard, the train ment Affairs Andrew Johnson presented prove farmers’ economic and social posi- I felt a lump swell in my throat, and my headed west into a winter sunset on the a $10,000 check to California Air National tions, the Grange’s efforts now include a heart swelled with gratitude. I’ve always Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Guard Deputy Adjutant General Brig. growing focus on military members. appreciated acts of kindness, especially Gen. Randall Ball. The check will benefit when help isn’t requested. I most appre- “It’s a great thing that BNSF is doing,” the Guard’s Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe As I pulled into the parking lot Dec. 11, ciate the help given to my son because I California National Guard Master Sgt. Academy in Los Alamitos. one thought kept playing in my mind: I can’t do it all myself. It’s encouraging to Brian Breaker said as he sat in a railway don’t like accepting hand-outs. Typically, know there are others who want to help.

car under Christmas lights. “I appreciate This holiday season, the BNSF Founda- I don’t ask for help, even when I need it. of the CammarataPhoto courtesy family them taking time out of their own lives to tion also has donated $100,000 to orga- So I nervously grabbed my son’s small, show appreciation to the military.” nizations that offer support to military warm hand, and we walked through the members and their families. Since the crisp darkness up to the front doors. “It’s cool,” Breaker’s 12-year-old daugh- Holiday Express’s inaugural trip six ter, Mady, said of the train ride. “I love years ago, the foundation has donated We were immediately overwhelmed by spending time with my dad. This is fun.” more than $400,000 to organizations that warmth. Rick and his father, Howard, support service members and their fami- greeted us with glowing smiles as we pro- BNSF is a freight transportation company lies, and another $500,000 to the USO. ceeded to the registration table. My son that got its start in 1849. The company has created our name tags, and I quickly locat- hired more than 6,000 veterans during the BNSF Public Affairs Director Joe Faust ed our friends from other Guard families. last eight years, and veterans represent 17 said the railway runs the Holiday Express percent of its workforce. to thank military members and their fam- The evening commenced with a magic Airman 1st Class Rosalie Cammarata, far ilies for what they do for our country. show, followed by a delicious dinner and left, and three other Cal Guard moms and During the Dec. 9 ride, BNSF employ- a visit from Santa. I watched my son laugh their children enjoy a night of food, gifts and ees kept passengers well-stocked with “Without you, our country would not be and play with his friends, and joy washed camaraderie sponsored by nonprofit The drinks and snacks. Meanwhile, Santa the great place that it is,” Faust said. over me. I felt very grateful for the chance Grange in Elk Grove on Dec. 11.

13 Grizzly | 2014 | January CNG vet ‘solving’ suicide problem

By SGT. 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN COSSEL cide numbers to the VA. Save A Warrior brings veterans together Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs for six days to learn the art of mindful liv- “Two of the largest states in the nation — ing. It includes equine-assisted therapy, When it comes to veterans committing sui- California and Texas — do not report their wild horse gentling and self-motivation cide, Save A Warrior founder Jake Clark suicide numbers,” Clark said. techniques taught at Big Heart Ranch in minces no words. Malibu. He added that many cases of veterans tak- “This is a holocaust in slow motion,” the ing their own lives are not included in the “You have to craft something that ends up former California National Guard captain reports the VA receives. being the best week of their lives,” Clark said. “Over the next 10 years, the Depart- said. ment of Veterans Affairs estimates more “You’ve got guys offing themselves via than 150,000 vets will kill themselves.” cop-assisted suicide. You’ve got guys One such veteran, retired Petty Officer 2nd drinking themselves to death, overdosing. Class James “Doc” Hansen, credits the pro- Clark was extrapolating from a report re- … There’s so much that doesn’t get classi- gram with saving his life. After 13 years leased by the VA this year that estimated fied as suicide,” he said. “The actual num- of service including two tours in Iraq as 22 veterans take their own life every day. bers aren’t even close.” a Navy corpsman, Hansen was medically www.saveawarrior.org But those numbers don’t paint the whole discharged from the Navy in 2009. picture, he said, as only 21 states report sui- Clark almost was one of those numbers sponse team. And still, his downward spi- himself. After returning from a deploy- “I was in a bad place when I came to Save A ral continued. Photo by Cossel Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin ment to Kosovo, Clark said the things he Warrior,” he said. witnessed there haunted him. “It was the guys at Team Rubicon that sug- Following his discharge, Hansen moved to gested I call Jake and get into Save A War- “It started getting really dark in my world,” Oceanside, Calif., and tried to settle into the rior,” the navy veteran said. he said. “There was a .45 pistol at the head life of a college student. of my bed. I could always visualize my Hansen participated in the program’s third hand reaching into that drawer. I thought “Then my mom died, my grades at school cohort. Now he is back, assisting the veter- about committing suicide every day for 13 started falling, all while I was trying to deal ans in Cohort 8. years.” with my [post-traumatic stress] and [trau- matic brain injury],” Hansen said. “This program is a total emotional and cog- Then Clark began practicing transcenden- nitive housecleaning,” he said. “I feel like tal meditation, and it transformed his life. Hansen went to his local VA hospital for the tools I got here gave me my life back. assistance, but the treatment he was given “Something happened two weeks after I only deepened his troubles. “If I lived close [to Malibu], I’d be here started meditating,” he said. “The idea of more often,” he added. “As it is, I get up killing myself was gone. It was replaced “The side effects of the drugs they were here as often as I can to help out.” with this idea of trying to build some- giving me were worse than what they were thing. I knew what I needed to do was treating,” Hansen said shaking his head, Clark said it costs about $1,200 to put a Retired Marine Cpl. Kenny Toon enjoys an try and get this in front of other returning a pained expression spreading across his veteran through the program, and all the animal therapy session Nov. 6 with 11 other veterans.” face. program’s funding comes from private and combat veterans participating in the Save A corporate donations. Warrior program in Malibu. The program was On Sept. 12, 2012, Clark brought his dream In an effort to continue serving his com- designed by retired California Army National to fruition, as the first Save A Warrior co- munity and keep his corpsman skills “I haven’t earned a dollar off this program, Guard Capt. Jake Clark to assist veterans ex- hort got underway. More than just medita- sharp, Hansen had joined Team Rubicon, a but I’m the richest man in California,” he periencing post-traumatic stress. tion, Clark calls his program “war detox.” veteran-centered, global emergency re- said. “I’m solving this problem.”

Panel bridges gap in understanding of vets issues

By SGT. 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN COSSEL The Young Executives host a speaker series Schilleci de- Photo by Cossel Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs scribed as “a moderated speaking type event with a panel of experts to illuminate a targeted audience about many Sitting at a table in front of nearly 100 onlookers, Jake Clark types of issues.” Thinking the lack of community aware- told the story of a 10-tour combat veteran, a Green Beret, ness about veterans issues would be a good fit for the pro- freshly home from deployment and about to take his own gram, Schilleci pitched his idea to the organization. life. He flipped through his slideshow presentation and stopped on an innocuous-looking set of three dumpsters The first Bridging the Gap, in 2012, focused on veteran behind a shopping mall outside Fort Bragg, N.C. unemployment. Opening up the event, Schilleci asked the group: “So many of our returning veterans are hanging on “He told me,” Clark said, pausing for effect, “the night be- by a thread. How do we turn that into a [lifeline]?” fore … this is where he got his meal for the day.” Operation Mend is one program working to turn that Clark is the creator and executive director of the nonprofit thread into rope. Initiated in 2007, the program is a col- Save A Warrior program, which uses innovative methods laboration between the UCLA Medical Center and Brooke to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress. He, along Army Medical Center, Texas. Focusing on the entire fam- with representatives from the nonprofit Operation Grati- ily, Operation Mend takes a holistic approach to assisting Retired California Army Guard Capt. Jake Clark speaks about tude and UCLA’s Operation Mend, was on hand Sept. 26 veterans and their families with services ranging from Save A Warrior, a nonprofit he founded to assist veterans with to contribute to a forum about veteran suicide hosted by mental health care to full facial reconstruction. post-traumatic stress, during Bridging the Gap, a speaker pro- the Orange County Young Executives. gram hosted Sept. 26 by the Orange County Young Executives. Dr. Jo Sornborger, Operation Mend family care manager, The annual event, Bridging the Gap, now in its second year, said the program took a whole-family approach because a is the brainchild of California National Guardsman and veteran’s experiences and wounds affect loved ones as well. With such diverse groups represented during the speaker Orange County Young Executive Maj. Aaron Schilleci. The program, Schilleci said one of his main goals was to see executive officer for 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, “We had one patient, a Marine, [who had] returned from the audience become engaged with the organizations on Schilleci said the inspiration for the event came to him after Afghanistan horribly burned and on daily pain medica- the panel, a goal that was achieved. Audience members’ reading an article about veterans in Time Magazine, which tion,” she said. “That Marine was also a father to a 12-year- reactions, Schilleci said, ranged from “I had no idea it was detailed the severe gap of understanding between military old son who suddenly found himself thrust into the role of that bad,” to “We want to build a long-term and habitual members and the civilian population they serve. being his father’s caregiver. When a veteran comes home relationship with these organizations.” And that is exactly with a traumatic injury, it impacts the entire family.” the action Clark was looking for. “I was moved and motivated and thought something had to be done to bridge the gap over the void of awareness of Since the program’s inception, Operation Mend has helped “These returning vets, they don’t want pills and pam- veteran-centric issues between our local military and civil- 93 service members and their families put their lives back phlets,” he said. “They want their life back, and that takes ian populations,” the Huntington Beach resident said. together. all of us getting involved.”

14 Grizzly | 2014 | January Counterdrug repairs Photo by Cossel Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin communication tower By SGT. 1ST CLASS BENJAMIN COSSEL ping on any frequencies in this area.” Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs First, the easy stuff: Cables were hooked to On a clear day, you could have seen forever “dummy boxes” inside a concrete building — or so it seemed thousands of feet above on site and a signal was sent through them. sea level. And that was just the base for the With a cueing of the mic, a “Go/No-Go” day’s mission in Southern California. signal was exchanged between the crew.

Soaring to great heights, service members Everything inside the building checked with the Cal Guard’s Joint Task Force Do- out, so it was time to don rigging equip- mestic Support–Counterdrug donned com- ment and begin the same set of checks up plicated rigging equipment Oct. 24 and set on the antenna. to ascending an antenna array to bring it back into operation. But before fixing any- Before any member of his team slid a leg thing, the crew needed to determine the through their harness, Theodoroff went root cause of the problem. over a rigorous pre-safety checklist. Cara- bineers were checked for double-locks, “There are several places that could be the ropes were looked over for knots, frays and reason for failure,” Air Force Master Sgt. tears. Helmets, gloves, eye protection … T.J. Theodoroff said as he detailed a com- everything was looked over with a critical plicated system of cables, hubs and other eye to function and safety. communications pieces that are all part of the antenna. “Safety is and has to be our foremost con- sideration out here,” Theodoroff told his Any equipment that is constantly subjected team. to the elements and ravages of time even- tually fails, said the 13-year Guard veteran Safety checks complete, the team geared who is the noncommissioned officer in up, and Theodoroff and Army Staff Sgt. charge of the JTF’s communications sec- Roy Gaylord climbed a ladder to the base tion. Failures in vital equipment along a of the antenna tower. The first one up, The- U.S. border, however, take on additional odoroff set rescue and tool lines and began Master Sgt. T.J. Theodoroff of the CNG’s Joint Task Force Domestic Support–Counterdrug tests significance. his work. Within a short while, he called the cables on a malfunctioning antenna array near the California-Mexico border Oct. 24. down, “Found it!” “When these antennas get out of whack, along the U.S.-Mexico border, the antenna Staff Sgt. Joseph Camilleri, noncommis- they get what’s called frequency sway,” A connection leading to the antenna was is used by the Cal Guard as well as various sioned officer in charge of the task force’s said Theodoroff, explaining that when an not functioning correctly. Ready to make it law enforcement and military agencies that engineering detachment. The detachment antenna develops frequency sway, it can right, Gaylord began his ascent up the an- depend upon the array for mission-critical works in some of the least-accessible por- step on other radio frequencies in the area. tenna, and the team started working to get communications. tions of California along the Mexico border, “So being so close to the international bor- communications back up. improving roads and other infrastructure. der, we need to be good stewards of our “We’ve been using cell phones for com- “Having this communications ability back equipment and make sure we’re not step- One of several communications towers munications for some time,” said Army up will be a huge asset.”

Retired general lauds CNG military intelligence By CAPT. STEVE HERNANDEZ “The professionalism of today’s Guardsmen and the mili- Temple also visited Sunburst Youth ChalleNGe Academy, 250th Military Intelligence Battalion tary skills demonstrated [today] are indicative of the signif- the result of a program he helped create. Through Tem- icant readiness enhancements in the Guard,” Temple said ple’s outreach, federal legislators came to recognize the Retired Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr., former chief of the after meeting with members of the 250th Military Intelli- National Guard’s influential role in communities across National Guard Bureau, enjoyed a tour of the CNG’s Joint gence Battalion. “You can take great pride in the marvelous the country as well as its ability to train, lead and mentor Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, in June. It was his first Army National Guard you have given to the nation.” young people in a caring yet disciplined environment. Due visit to a Guard unit in training in more than 20 years. in large part to his efforts, Congress approved the National

Photo by 250th MI Battalion A California native, Temple has been a vigorous advocate Guard Youth ChalleNGe program, a residential, military- for increasing the National Guard’s intelligence capabili- style school for high school dropouts and other troubled ties. During Temple’s early days as chief of the National teens. Guard Bureau, the Guard was not allowed to handle clas- sified information. Due to Temple’s consistent push to After visiting the school, during a roundtable discussion enable Guard members to handle sensitive and classified with 250th MI Battalion leaders, Temple said he thinks the information, the Army National Guard’s military intel- Guard should continue to train for kinetic warfare, but it ligence community has increased its operational capacity is also important to focus on cyber-warfare. He also said greatly, dramatically increasing the Guard’s relevance to the U.S. should play a vital role in the future of Eastern the Army and the country as a whole. Europe.

“Increasing our intelligence capacity and capabilities “U.S. influence, not only military but also in a political and [helped] give the military intelligence professionals of the economic role, will be vital,” he said. National Guard a significant boost in accomplishing our current real world intelligence missions. And, to a large Capt. Jeremy Norris of the 250th said he was grateful for degree, we have Lieutenant General Temple to thank for the opportunity to meet the retired general. that,” said Col. Charles Hancock, commander of the CNG’s 250th Military Intelligence Battalion. “Being able to sit down with this highly experienced of- ficer and listen to his thoughts provided a unique experi- Temple toured the Joint Reserve Intelligence Center and ence for all involved,” he said. met with members of Company C, 250th MI Battalion. The retired general said he was highly impressed with the facil- “General Temple saw the Guard through one of the ity and the training being conducted within. most dynamic and turbulent periods in its 353-year his- tory,” Hancock added. “General Temple is a leader of vi- Retired Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple Jr., former chief of the Na- “Army Guard military intelligence has successfully devel- sion. He followed a dream of transforming the National tional Guard Bureau, toured of the CNG’s Joint Forces Training oped its professional skills so that it is an integral part of Guard into an effective [and] respected part of America’s Base, Los Alamitos, in June. the total Army’s intelligence program,” he said. military.”

15 Grizzly | 2014 | January ‘Hungarian Nightmare’ brings grit to the Guard

By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY however, might recognize him as just more intense with the con- of 1st Lt.Photo Christian courtesy Wellisch California Military Dept. Public Affairs “The Hungarian Nightmare,” a stant torquing of your body.” San Jose-based fighter who had a First Lt. Christian Wellisch looks good run in the Ultimate Fighting Over the course of his amateur like a bruiser. At 6 feet 2 inches Championship (UFC). wrestling career, Wellisch cracked tall, weighing in at 235 pounds, a rib, tore a hamstring, broke a with a square jaw and shaved Wellisch’s days in the octagon foot, broke or cracked all his fin- head, he looks like the kind of guy are behind him, but he vividly gers, had two teeth knocked out you don’t want to meet in a dark remembers his first professional and, of course, dislocated his alley. bout, in Hawaii in 2001, when the shoulder. But during his mixed sport was rising in popularity. martial arts career, Wellisch said In fact, Wellisch is a bruiser who he only suffered a broken nose, a knows how to throw a punch and “I had never been locked in a cage dislocated toe and some cuts. choke you into submission. But with another man with both of there is much more to him than us bent on destroying each oth- After quitting wrestling, Wellisch meets the eye. er,” he said. “It was an incredible left San Francisco State and took a adrenaline rush.” job in the information technology Wellisch has earned undergradu- industry in Silicon Valley. He also ate and graduate degrees in phi- He said the glitz and glamour, the went back to school at San Jose ABOVE: First Lieutenant Christian Wellisch, kneeling, poses with fellow losophy from San Jose State Uni- lights, the crowd and the cheers State University and majored in students July 3 during his Direct Commission Course on Fort Benning, Ga. versity and a law degree from were exhilarating. He quickly de- philosophy. LEFT: Wellisch catches his breath during a mixed martial arts bout in 2006. the McGeorge School of Law. stroyed his opponent, knocking He has his own law practice, and him out with strikes. “I couldn’t just sit on my butt,” he he said of fighting with the UFC. school. After talking to Ordonez, he teaches an online philosophy said. “I’ve always been competi- “They know how to put on a the Guard appealed to him be- course part-time. He is also the “To win was even more of a tive and wanted to get back on the show. … You walk into an are- cause it allowed him to stay in 49th Military Police Brigade’s rush,” he said. mat, so I tried jujitsu.” na packed with 10,000 people California and was more flexible newest judge advocate general screaming. It’s intense.” than the active duty Army, allow- (JAG) officer. Wellisch had trained long and Wellisch joined the American ing him to do other things. hard for the fight, and it was all Kickboxing Academy in San Wellisch was earning between Mixed martial arts aficionados, over in about a minute, but he Jose to learn jujitsu. His trainers $10,000 and $15,000 just to show “Another reason I wanted to join

Photo courtesy of 1st Lt.Photo Christian courtesy Wellisch was still pumped to go several quickly saw he had a talent for up for a UFC fight. When he won, was to continue the routine of more rounds. He went outside grappling and suggested he try he doubled that. physical fitness,” he said. “Now I and ran sprints just to burn off fighting. That led to his first pro- have a new motivation to do so.” his excess energy. He won about fessional fight in Hawaii, which While fighting for the UFC, $2,000 that night. resulted in more fights in the U.S., Wellisch managed to earn his law After 21 pro bouts, Wellisch re- Japan, Mexico and Australia. degree and a master’s degree in tired from the octagon in 2009, Wellisch is originally from Hun- philosophy while teaching phi- finishing out his career with a gary. His family moved to Austria In 2005, three of Wellisch’s train- losophy part-time. 13-8 record. He still trains and fol- when he was 12 and to California ing partners appeared in the first lows the sport but said his focus when he was 14. He went to high season of the reality show “The In law school he started a mixed is on his law practice and his new school in Monterey, where he Ultimate Fighter.” Wellisch was martial arts club mainly for peo- career in the California Guard. competed on the wrestling team. accepted for the second season ple who liked watching UFC He went on to wrestle at San Fran- of the show but couldn’t partici- fights. One of the members was “I’m happy with what I accom- cisco State University but gave it pate because of a conflict with his Capt. Corey Ordonez, a Cal plished fighting in the UFC and up after dislocating his shoulder. law school finals. Instead he was Guard member who convinced getting to see the world on the offered a contract that led to five Wellisch to join as a JAG officer. promoters’ dime,” he said. “I still “I still think amateur wrestling is professional fights in the UFC. train … but no more kicking peo- more physically demanding than Wellisch said he had consid- ple in the head and no more get- mixed martial arts,” he said. “It’s “There’s really no comparison,” ered joining the military in high ting kicked in the head.”

they wanted solutions delivered.” Just by logging on to Guard Your Health, FIT to FIGHT you’ll find the website is geared specifi- cally toward providing Soldiers and their with MAJ. JONATHAN SHIROMA families useful information. You will gain access to health tips, expert commentary www.guardyourhealth.com Face it, most of us can’t live without the I have obtained by seeking certifications and community forums on topics such instant access we have to practically ev- from fitness and health organizations, the as nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, dental erything via the World Wide Web. I am Web is my go-to source for exercise and health, readiness and family resilience. and medically ready citizen-Soldier force constantly looking at different fitness wellness information, as I’m sure is the to fulfill state and federal missions. websites in search of various articles on case for many of you. “Army National Guard Soldiers face exercise, nutrition and ways to enhance unique challenges because of their dual I encourage you to visit Guard Your my workouts. Aside from the information Army National Guard headquarters in Vir- responsibilities as citizens and Soldiers,” Health when you have a chance. One CNG ginia realized there is a need to reach Sol- said Col. Anne Naclerio, the Army Na- Soldier logged on, and his story impressed diers and their families online with health tional Guard chief surgeon. “The challeng- the editors and managers of Guard Your and fitness information, and this summer, es weigh heavily on their lifestyle choices Health. it launched a new website, Guard Your and can affect their comprehensive fitness Health, at www.guardyourhealth.com. and readiness. “One of my favorite stories is from Lt. Col. Daniel Markert, who demonstrated in- “We collected feedback online through “Guard Your Health is a one-stop shop of credible discipline by creating an exercise social media channels and visited Army information tailored for Soldiers and their and diet regimen to get in shape while de- National Guards in five states during the families, offering motivation and support ployed after gaining weight due to years development of the website,” said Maj. to overcome challenges and make healthy of bad habits,” Mydlarz said. “He reached Dariusz Mydlarz, chief of preventive and decisions for the rest of their lives — for his goal weight, and his story is an inspira- occupational medicine in the Office of the themselves, their families and their units.” tion to others who strive to lead healthier Chief Surgeon, National Guard Bureau. lifestyles.” “We asked hundreds of Soldiers what Guard Your Health supports the Army health topics were important to them, National Guard chief surgeon’s efforts to To read about Markert, click on the web- what obstacles they were facing and how build and sustain a resilient, adaptable, site’s “Personal Stories” link.

16 Grizzly | 2014 | January Long-time veteran works for of the MatthewsPhoto family courtesy better tomorrow through service By MASTER SGT. PAUL WADE After three years on active duty, Matthews ville, serving as the group’s full-time train- California Military Department Public Affairs had earned his sergeant’s stripes, but he ing noncommissioned officer (NCO). In the felt nothing compelled him to stay at his same year, he added another milestone. “I was 10 years old when my uncle took duty stations of Fort Lewis, Wash., and Fort me to see an air show by the United States Polk, La. So at age 20, he headed home to “I had my third daughter, Kaylyn,” Mat- Air Force Thunderbirds at Travis Air Force Vacaville, Calif., and took criminal justice thews said nonchalantly. “Yep, I now have Base,” remembered Sgt. 1st Class Andrew courses at a community college, thinking Brianna, Arianna, Keya, and now Kaylyn.” Matthews, now 38. “We passed through that would be his next challenge in life. But the entrance to the base and I saw the gate a flurry of action that year would change In 2005 he deployed to Kuwait as the readi- Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Matthews and his wife, guards all dressed up and looking sharp in his life forever. ness NCO for the 115th. The unit was in Melissa, both followed up their active duty their uniforms. Just the way they waved us charge of rolling out the red carpet for Army careers with service in the Cal Guard. on, I knew I wanted to join the military.” “I missed the military after being out for a troops entering the Iraq and Afghanistan short period,” he said. “I spotted a flyer on combat zones. They also were the pat-on- Both Matthews’ parents served in the mili- campus for the California Army National the-back and check-the-box processors for After 15 months, he returned to his wife tary, further solidifying his interest in don- Guard. I didn’t know they existed, but I troops returning stateside. and squad of children. Since then he has ning a uniform, and at age 17 he visited a liked the idea a lot. I joined the 100th Troop worked with the 49th Human Resources recruiting office. U.S. forces had recently Command in Fairfield, and a few years lat- With four daughters and a wife to worry Company and played an important role in been involved in action in Iraq, Kuwait and er applied for a full-time counterdrug posi- about, Matthews wondered how his de- deploying 12-person teams to conduct re- Bosnia, but Matthews’ patriotism was over- tion and was hired. However, the job was ployment would affect his family. But ception, replacement, return-to-duty, rest shadowed by another common motivation in El Centro on the border.” Melissa was his rock, that key weapon he and recuperation, and redeployment oper- for young people to sign on the dotted line. needed in his arsenal. ations in Iraq and Kuwait. Later he joined Matthews uprooted his life and moved the Guard’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration “I joined because I needed a job and maybe more than 600 miles to Calexico. While “She joined the California National Guard Program, which gave him the opportunity start a career,” he said. “So I took the test there, in 1994, his first daughter, Brianna, in 2004 and was able to get hired full-time. to help Soldiers and their families connect and the recruiter offered me jobs as a refu- was born. We knew one of us could deploy,” he said. with community support before, during eler, an engineer or air and missile defense. “When I got the word, I felt worried about and after deployments. The last one intrigued me so I signed up to When Matthews moved back up north, he the whole situation but knew my duty was be an Avenger crew member.” bounced around in different Army posi- to go. Because of what I had been through Throughout all his station and duty chang- tions, even turning in his Avenger badge and how the Guard was always there to es, Matthews has taken his job, career and The Avenger is an air defense weapon sys- in 1997 to retrain as an infantryman for 1st look after me and my family — I was so ap- service very seriously. tem that includes Stinger missile launcher Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, in Au- preciative of what they have done — it was pods and a .50-caliber machine gun mount- burn. Then in 1998 he accepted an Active an honor to return the favor.” “I love this country,” he said. “The idea ed on a modified heavy High Mobility Guard and Reserve job and again retrained, that I can lace up my boots, put on a uni- Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. this time as a human resource specialist. While he was gone, Matthews badly missed form with the American flag and serve and his family, but in a different way than most defend it makes me feel like I’m providing “It was a wake-up call,” Matthews said re- Arianna, his second daughter, was born troops nowadays, since the revolution of a vital role. … We all want something better cently, laughing as he recalled his initial that same year, and two years later he mar- social media and video chatting. for our children, and if I can do something training in 1992. “Coming from a single-par- ried Melissa, whom he had met at church. about that today so they can have a better ent family, I wasn’t used to being told what Melissa was also in the military, working “It was strange not seeing them,” he said. tomorrow, then I will.” to do, how to do it and when and where to with an active duty recruiting battalion, “We didn’t have Skype or other ways I be all the time. This, of course, being shout- and had a daughter of her own, Keya. could see my family, so we emailed, chat- Having the support of one’s family is criti- ed in my face from a huge drill sergeant, ted live and wrote letters. Six months in, I cal throughout a Soldier’s career. Being was very intimidating. I adjusted over time, In 2001, Matthews joined the ranks of the took leave for two weeks and came home. married to someone who also serves is, and in the end it was well worth it.” 115th Regional Support Group out of Rose- That was a short two weeks.” well, interesting.

“It has its ups and downs,” Matthews laughed. “On one hand, she gets it. She understands the time needed to be away from home. So a lot of what other couples have to explain to each other, we don’t for the most part. That is a huge weight off our shoulders.”

But it isn’t all easy.

“On the other hand, we were almost always in uniform together,” he said with a smile. “We had very little decompressing from all things military.”

As Matthews closes in on retirement, he is looking back at what has brought him through the past two decades and what it Go to means to be a veteran.

“I’ll miss all this. The military is all I know, and it will be a sad exit,” he said. “I’ve met some amazing people and wish I would have kept better contact. I’ve enjoyed mentoring young leaders when I saw the opportunity. I feel I have been through enough to provide guidance and be a posi- tive role model.”

He added that the support of his commu- nity was always greatly important to him.

“For me it was always a ‘Thank you’ or ‘How can we help?’ that made me feel peo- ple were aware of our job and sacrifices,” he said. “Not being forgotten with all that is going on meant a lot.”

17 Grizzly | 2014 | January The family that fights together ... Photo by Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

By SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA The Mendezes are among 160 Soldiers from "She's my best battle buddy," Albert said. Guam Army National Guard the 1113th who arrived in Afghanistan in "We work well together. We're in synch. We July. They're also part of a key unit that's stay on top of our responsibilities." To Spc. Albert and Pfc. Karen Mendez, it one of Kandahar's primary transportation was love at first sight. sources in this era of withdrawing equip- Of course, there are disadvantages to being ment from Afghanistan. on the same mission. "I saw her riding a bike without her hands on the handlebar," said Albert, a motor "We both try the best we can at everything," "Well, I outrank her," Albert said. "There's transport operator with the 1113th Trans- said Albert, who married Karen three years a fine line between being a husband, battle Husband and wife Spc. Albert and Pfc. Karen portation Company. "I was trying to see ago. "We're professionals out here, and buddy and truck commander. I’ve got to be Mendez of the 1113th Transportation Com- which way she was going to go. Sure people notice that." real careful how I word things." pany share a family moment Oct. 21 at Kan- enough, she went straight into me. We've dahar Airfield, Afghanistan. been inseparable ever since." The Mendezes, who live in San Jose, have "He tends to overprotect me," Karen said. rolled out in the same truck on four mis- "Sometimes we get on each others' nerves." "I told myself, 'Ooh, I hope he's not hurt,'" sions. They understand the dangers that "We stay alert; we're always pointing Karen said. "I hit him right in the heart." come with deployments, especially in this When not on missions, the couple enjoys things out to each other," he said. "We al- war-torn country. But they agreed it was typical husband-wife activities. They eat ways think about our lives, our safety. We These days, they're not hitting each other as best for them to deploy together. together, wash clothes side-by-side and stay professional Soldiers the whole time hard; they're more frequently patting each share a phone when they call home. But on we're out here. other on the back after successfully return- "With him here, it's more relaxing. It would missions, their Soldier instincts come first, ing from convoy missions that sometimes be harder if he was back home because I'd Albert said; their military training super- “We're just the Mendezes when we're by take days to complete. be pretty worried," Karen said. cedes the family relationship. ourselves."

MP’s career brings love, a lifetime of memories By MASTER SGT. PAUL WADE against ambushes, and survived rocket and mortar attacks. California Military Department Public Affairs Office “We were just a magnet at that station and in the city, and Watching a line of M1 Abrams tanks spearhead their way this was back when we drove around in soft-skinned Hum- across the desert and get their first taste of battle during the vees without doors on them because it was hot,” Davis said. Persian Gulf War in 1991 provided U.S. Army recruiters the visual impact they needed to reel in young men and On Aug. 11, Staff Sgt. David Perry, the CNG’s first casualty women like Christopher Davis, who signed up in 1995. of the war on terrorism, was killed by an improvised explo- sive device (IED) in front of the police station. Up to that “I was feeling stagnant and needed a change after getting point, the unit had mostly remained unscathed, but after my [associate’s degree],” said the 39-year-old Davis, who is that it appeared open season had been declared. Scuffles, assigned to the 223rd Regional Training Institute at Camp explosions, firefights and close calls became more frequent. San Luis Obispo as its military police course manager. “Those videos were pretty cool, and I liked the idea of rid- “The unit was earning its fair share of purple hearts. My ing instead of walking so I chose to be an armor crewman.” Photo courtesy of the Davis family fiancé’s convoy was hit,” Davis said. “It was just getting Sgt. Erikka Davis and Sgt. First Class Christopher Davis, seated, worse and worse. We resorted to scavenging for any metal Following graduation as an armor crewman, Davis was serve with the 649th Military Police Company in Baqubah, Iraq, we could weld onto our vehicles for extra protection.” scooped up by the 1st Cavalry Division and sent to the bor- in 2003. The couple married in 2006. der of Kuwait and Iraq to stop Saddam Hussein’s contin- Christopher and Erikka kept their relationship profession- ued aggressions. The massive American force buildup and al. They were mostly separated by platoon assignment, job response known as Operation Vigilant Warrior and Desert al. That mentality and show of force reminded me of my detail and shift work, but they did share a special moment Strike in 1996 quickly put an end to hostility, and after five days with the Cavalry. I joined the 649th that December.” one night. While pulling security, Erikka was using a satel- months, Davis returned to Texas. lite phone for a rare conversation with her parents, when A year later the 649th got the call to deploy to Iraq. On the unit began taking fire. Chris had just relieved a buddy “I was proud of my unit’s history, for the awe-inspiring Christmas Day, before they left the state for 15 months, Da- at another security point when the tracers started flying. show of force we displayed, and the bond between me and vis proposed to his girlfriend, Erikka, another member of my tank crew was strong,” he said. “I got promoted to spe- the 649th, who kept the information classified. “Hold on mom,” Erikka said. Then she and her fiancée en- cialist and had the chance to train new Soldiers. I hadn’t gaged the enemy until the firing stopped. Then she picked felt that kind of accomplishment since college.” “We arrived in March 2003. The war had started two weeks up the phone and continued her conversation. ago,” Christopher said. “Memories flooded in as soon as It was during this time that he got word his father, Michael, those aircraft doors opened and the dry heat hit my face.” Finally March arrived, and with it, the unit’s replacements. a veteran Ventura, Calif., police officer, had passed away Once home Christopher and Erikka went their separate from heart disease. Christopher decided not to extend his Within an hour, a Scud missile alarm went off. ways and didn’t really meet again until their first drill active duty service and returned home to look after his weekend a few months later. family. In 1998 he transitioned into the Cal Guard. “The unit scrambled to don their protective masks,” he re- called. “Calmly, having had extensive experience … I put “Because of the circumstances of how we never really “At the time there was a stigma about the Guard,” he said. mine on. That was an eye opener and made me realize even could connect over there … it really put a strain on the re- “Well, my first impression wasn’t good. I heard the unit more how important my previous deployment was.” lationship,” Christopher said. “It was almost like trying to still had the old M60 tanks.” meet someone over again.” A week later the unit began a nomadic existence, living for Few units still used the M60, which was introduced in three weeks on a landfill while managing the detention fa- Love prevailed, however, and they married in June 2006. 1961. Because Davis’ unit was 250 miles from home, and cility at Camp Bucca in southern Iraq, then bedding down Chris went back to work and Erikka hung up the uniform. he wasn’t qualified on the M60, fate led him down a differ- for a week in a parking structure outside Baghdad Interna- ent track. He transferred to 1st Battalion, 144th Field Artil- tional Airport. Gunfire and explosions kept them on edge. “We thought it best that only one of us be in the uniform,” lery Regiment, and began working full-time as cadre at the he said. Angel Gate Academy at Camp San Luis Obispo. “We found a garden hose and made showers. In that park- ing structure we really found out the benefit of having Na- Christopher now has more than 16 years of military service While at the “boot-style” academy for troubled teens, Da- tional Guard Soldiers in your unit,” Davis said. “Civilian and is closing in on retirement faster than he would like. vis became friends with members of the 649th Military Po- job skills were crucial in making that place a home.” lice Company, which had troops serving as instructors at “You think about the impact you had and the difference it Angel Gate. When the attacks on Sept. 11 shocked our na- Finally the unit settled in Baqubah. From April until their made in others lives,” he said recently of his military ser- tion, he watched the 649th move into action, heading to a return home in March 2004, Davis and the 649th policed the vice. “Did you occupy a key position and make it great? local airport to perform domestic security operations. city like some of them had back home as civilian cops, with Did you push yourself? It is those exceptional moments slight differences. They endured record high temperatures, in your career that dictate your actions later in your life, “The response was immediate,” Davis said. “Most of chased motorcycles, paid informants, reinstated Iraqi law those lifelong learning events that have the most momen- them were civilian law enforcement and very profession- enforcement officers and dispatched them on patrols, held tous meanings behind them.”

18 News & Benefits

The 184th Security Force Advisory Team, which is composed of Soldiers from the California Army National Guard’s 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, pauses for a photo at Multinational Base– Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, in October. The 79th deployed 74 Soldiers to Afghanistan this spring to mentor Afghan police and National Security Forces as part of either the 184th SFAT or Combined Team Uruzgan. Photo by Cpl. Mark Doran Bakos takes reins of 146th AW TSA grants expedited screening for Col. David Bakos is the new commander of the 146th Airlift Wing. He assumed command Nov. 2, succeeding Col. Paul Hargrove, who had commanded the wing for five years. service members at airports Service members and their family members age 12 and younger need not remove their During the Nov. 2 change-of-command ceremony, Brig. Gen. Jon Kelk, assistant adjutant shoes, belts and jackets nor remove their laptop computers and liquids from carry-on general–Air for the CNG, was presented the California Legion of Merit to Hargrove in bags under a new screening process introduced by the Transportation Security Admin- recognition of his exceptionally meritorious service as wing commander. istration. Qualifying travelers will use a dedicated TSA Pre-Check security lane. The process applies to both official and leisure travel. The service member need not wear a uniform but must provide their Department of Defense ID number when booking their Cobbs commands 115th RSG reservation. For more information, visit www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck. Lt. Col. Juanita Cobbs assumed command of the 115th Regional Support Group during a Nov. 3 change-of-command ceremony in Roseville, Calif. She took up the mantle for the 115th from Lt. Col. Richard Rabe, acting commander. 129th seeking Pave Hawk pilot The 129th Rescue Wing is seeking a traditional Guard member to serve as an HH-60G “I gulped a few times after Major General Haskins told me I had been selected to com- Pave Hawk helicopter pilot. Applications are considered year-round, with hiring boards mand this awesome unit,” Cobbs said of her meeting with Maj. Gen. Lawrence Haskins, held twice each year, typically in January and July. Applicants who are not rated aviators commander of the state’s Army Guard. “When my brain registered the honor I had been must be able to start training prior to age 30. Prospective interservice transfers must con- given, I thought about what I needed to do to prepare myself. … If you do your part, I tact a recruiter at www.129rqw.ang.af.mil. To apply, go to www.pavehawk.com, click will do mine and the 115th RSG and the California National Guard will remain strong.” on “Jobs” and fill out the questionnaire for the 129th opening. When complete, email the questionnaire to [email protected]. For additional information, contact Maj. Cobbs has served in the active duty Army and the Army National Guard since 1976 and David Weidman at 650-603-9340. has two deployments under her belt, including a tour in Kuwait in 2005 with the 115th, which was then an area support group. She was also the first National Guard officer to command a military entrance processing station, or MEPS, and instructs students at Cla- remont McKenna College, where she is an assistant professor of military science. DID YOU KNOW... Intel Corp. recognized for continued support of Guard and Reserve National Guard units must Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, presented the Extraordinary Employer Support Award and the Above and Beyond Award to Intel establish and publish a proper Corp. during a Nov. 8 ceremony at the technology company‘s Folsom, Calif., campus. rating scheme? The Extraordinary Employer Support Award recognizes sustained employer support of National Guard and Reserve service members. Only prior recipients of ESGR’s Employer All Army Guard units must publish their rating scheme either manually or Support Freedom Award or its Pro-Patria Award are eligible for the Extraordinary Em- electronically so it is accessible to all unit members. The rating scheme shows the ployer Support Award. Intel earned the Freedom Award in 2000. full rating chain, which consists of a rated officer or noncommissioned officer, a rater, a senior rater and a reviewer. An officer’s rating chain also may include an The Above and Beyond Award recognizes employers that go beyond the legal require- intermediate rater. A reasonable effort must be made to include any Active Guard ments of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act by provid- Reserve (AGR) Soldier’s full-time supervisor in the rating scheme, and Soldiers in ing their Guard and Reserve employees non-mandated benefits such as extended health the Recruiting and Retention Battalion will be evaluated by their Recruiting and benefits and differential or full pay to offset lost wages. Retention chain of command regardless of the Soldier’s duty station.

“Employer support of our National Guard troops is vital to maintaining readiness for do- The rating scheme also shows the effective date for each member of the rating mestic and overseas missions, and it shows our Soldiers and Airmen that their contribu- chain. The scheme must be updated in a timely manner as it changes. It may not tions to national security and safety are valued by the people and businesses in their com- be changed retroactively, and all support or counseling forms and evaluation munity,” said Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, adjutant general of the CNG. “We are grateful reports must reflect the rating officials in the published scheme. for companies like Intel that take a leading role in ensuring our reserve component troops don’t experience hardships because of their decision to serve their country.” For Air Guard units, the rating chain consists of a rater, an additional rater and a reviewer or senior rater or final evaluator. There is no requirement to post the rating scheme; however, raters are required to ensure Airmen are aware of who is Soldier/Airmen of the Year Banquet in their rating chain. For enlisted AGR personnel in the grade of E-1 through E-6, the additional rater will be their full-time supervisor. The CNG adjutant general to be held in January in Sacramento must approve rating chains that involve evaluators from other major commands. The CNG’s annual Soldier and Airmen of the Year Banquet is scheduled for Jan. 18 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel. To attend, contact Army Sgt. Maj. Laura Waddell at Reference: Army Regulation 623-3, National Guard Regulation 600-5 and Air [email protected] or 916-854-1624, or Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Teresa Rodri- Force Instruction 36-2406. guez at [email protected] or 916-854-3557.

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

Pararescuemen from the CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing conduct military tethered tandem bundle training, a method of parachuting up to 400 pounds of equipment to the ground, with other Air Force pararescuemen Sept. 24 over Paso Robles, Calif. Photo by Senior Airman John D. Pharr III

The Grizzly Newsmagazine

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