Governor Jim Gibbons Brigadier General Bill Burks Commander in Chief The Adjutant General Nevada National Guard

Governor Features: Jim Gibbons Nevada Guard’s communication giant completes Arizona training . . . . 11 The Adjutant General Brigadier General Bill Burks Historic military sights, sounds reverberate through Fort Churchill . . . . 12 Managing Editor/State Public Affairs Officer Tortoises, troops both call southern Nevada home ...... 14 Captain April Conway Chef’s cake reflects Sin glitz, hard work ...... 16 Editor Yellow Ribbon Program keeps soldiers, families posted Sergeant First Class Erick Studenicka about deployment benefits ...... 17 Staff Writer Sergeant Mike Getten High Roller pilot enjoys first tour with T-birds; Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Routt set for Western states swing this fall ...... 18

Contributors Family ties: Brothers, wives, fathers, sons give deployment support . . . 20 Lieutenant Colonel Steve Ranson Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs Staff Sergeant Becky Palmer Departments: 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Airman Kristine Schwind From the Adjutant General ...... 3 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron From the State Command Sergeant Major ...... 5 Ashley Butler University of Nevada, Reno Intern Drop Zone ...... 6 News Briefs ...... 9 Sports News ...... 23 Awards ...... 24 Promotions ...... 26 Enlistments ...... 27 Retirements ...... 27 Events Schedule ...... 28

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Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 1

FROM THE ADJU TANT GENERAL Brigadier General Bill Burks Vision with action can change the world Appointed the adjutant general just a few future is bright for Nevada due to past dedi - days before writing this, I knew I’d be given cation and hard work. A solid foundation has the opportunity to introduce myself to the been left behind by all the former adjutant organization. So I said to myself, “Self, what general s, most recently Maj. Gen. Cindy would I want to know from the new TAG?” Kirkland. We all owe them a great deal of The bottom line up front is my vision for gratitude. the future. As American businessman Joe l Lastly, I can’t express enough to everyone Barker said, “Vision without action is merely a how happy I am to be out of the Pentagon! dream. Action without vision just passes the Both Annette and I look forward to meeting tim e. Vision with action can change the world .” and working with all of you. If you are around That quote encapsulates how I view the the Office of the Adjutant General or if you world in general. It’s about one’s vision see me elsewhere, please stop and introduce coupled with one’s actions to achieve an end yourself. My door is always open either at the result that supports overall organizational Air Guard base in Reno or the OTAG complex goals. The time I’ve spent in Reno and in Carson City. Take care, and I hope to see Washington, D.C., has enhanced this view - you all soon! I point, but it doesn’t state the vision of this organization. In addition to the life-altering upheaval of In an introductory message, I stated I moving from Washington, D.C., to Reno and wanted to add a second wing to the Nevada In each edition of Battle Born magazine, from a Pentagon job to an office in Carson Air Guard and increase end strength in the I will touch on an area I feel is important to City, Burks recently made the life-changing Army Guard by 30 percent. The desire for a the organization. I want to stress that the move to marry Annette in July. second wing stems from Gov. Jim Gibbons’ Air Guard Blue Ribbon Panel. That panel’s report is the vision of the Nevada Air Guard. If you drilled at the base in Reno earlier this month, it’s likely you had the opportunity to Burks selected new TAG by Gibbons be briefed on the panel’s recommendations. By Lt. Col. Steve Ranson, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs If you are part of the Nevada Army Guard, RENO – The highest ranking position in the Nevada National Guard, the adjutant don’t feel left out because I have asked Brig. general who oversees the state’s Army and , changed hands June 16 Gen. Frank Gonzales to establish a team to when Brig. Gen. William Burks, a native Nevadan and 32-year member of the National start the Blue Ribbon Panel process for the Guard, was named the state’s 29th adjutant general by Gov. Jim Gibbons. The adjutant Army Guard. The 30 percent growth goal is general is the military chief of staff to the governor and is responsible for both the achievable, but determining what missions federal and state missions of the Nevada National Guard. should constitute that growth is a little tricky. Burks replaced Maj. Gen. Cynthia Kirkland, who relinquished her command upon We need to achieve a balance between the retirement June 13 in a ceremony at the Nevada Air Guard base in Reno. An assumption- needs of the Silver State and the needs of the of-command ceremony is scheduled in the next several weeks. federal government. “Here, I have a Nevada Guardsman like none other,” Gibbons said, “Not only has he To ensure that the Army and Air panels’ been a Nevada Guardsman since the day he enlisted, but he has also seen combat, is a recommendations actually drive actions, I am decorated war hero and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.” Burks is a establishing a J-9 section within the Joint master navigator with more than 2,000 flying hours and is a veteran of Operation Desert Force Headquarters to turn that vision into a Shield/Storm with 29 combat sorties. reality. In the list of joint functions like J-3 Gibbons said Burks, who has been the director of the Joint Staff of the Nevada (operations), J-2 (intelligence), J-6 (informa - National Guard since 2007, also has extensive military management experience. tion management), the J-9’s function is long- “I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as Nevada’s next adjutant term planning and implementation. general,” Burks said. “I am going to hit the ground running and during the next several The team will marry the vision with action years, I would like to see the Army Guard grow by 25-30 percent and a second Air and will be manned by both the green and National Guard wing established in our state.” blue sides of the house. The team will work Kirkland retired with 31 years of military service, 27 of them in the Nevada Air both panels’ recommendations to ensure that Guard. Former Gov. Kenny Guinn first appointed Kirkland in 2005 to become the state’s all Nevada National Guard actions are aligned first female adjutant general and only the third in the nation at the time. I to advance the organization.

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 3

FROM THE STATE COMMAND SGT. MAJ. Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Sitton Year of the NCO declaration thanks, honors NCOs and their families

We have honored Nevada Army Guard NCOs throughout 2009 during conferences and color guard events, and recognized them in speeches and in numerous other ways. We have NCOs at the forefront of our formations and showcase NCOs as a focal difficult time, but enabling us to accomplish point of our military community. the near impossible every day,” he said. Today’s NCO is an innovative, competent The NCO Creed succinctly and concisely and professional enlisted leader grounded in conveys the attributes of an NCO: No one is heritage, values and tradition. Our NCOs lead more professional than I; I am a noncom - by example, train from experience, maintain missioned officer, a leader of soldiers. As a and enforce standards, and take care of noncommissioned officer, I realize that I am soldiers and families. a member of a time-honored corps known Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey as “The Backbone of the Army.” said the Noncommissioned Officer Corps is Today’s NCO Corps is unrivaled by any, what keeps the Army together. envied by our allies and feared by our “As I travel around the Army and I look enemies. at what we’ve accomplished over the past To the men and women of the Nevada seven years at war, it’s become increasingly and the world’s finest Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Sitton clear to me that it is our Noncommissioned Noncommissioned Officer Corps, I am Nevada Army Guard State Command Sgt. Maj. Officer Corps that provides the glue that’s privileged and honored to both lead and not only holding this force together at a serve you. I During the annual Association of the Army conference last October, Secretary of the Army Hon. Pete Geren declared 2009 as “The Year of the Noncommissioned Officer.” The purpose of the declaration was to thank and honor our NCOs and their families for their service and sacrifice and to tell the Army NCO Corps story. As Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston recently recounted, the Army’s NCOs trace their roots to the beginning of American military history. They helped Gen. George Washington preserve the Continental Army at Valley Forge, stood with Gen. Winfield Scott at the battle of Chippewa, and directed Gen. Zachary Taylor’s guns at Palo Alto. They carried the nation’s colors at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, fought yellow fever in Cuba with Maj. Walter Reed, and led Pershing’s and Eisenhower’s legions into Germany. Whether helping local populations build a village in Southeast Asia or teaching young Iraqi soldiers to conduct operations, American NCOs are leading from the front and are some of our nation’s best ambassadors. Army NCOs have emerged as the Army’s small-unit leaders, trainers and guardians of standards. Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 5 LAS VEGAS – A Nevada Army Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter from 1/189th Aviation, piloted by Maj. Roger Capps, gives a lift to an F-15 Eagle fighter at April 22. The Chinook, which can lift 26,000 pounds, gave the Eagle a ride to its new home at where it will become an aircraft trainer for Creech’s fire department. The fighter, which does not have any engines, was previously assigned to the at Nellis and will now be used to help firefighters train pilots on rescue and evacuation techniques. Photo: Courtesy of Nellis Air Force Base Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. – Spc. Thomas Hawkins, from Elko, of the 593rd Medium Transportation GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. – The 422nd Expeditionary Company, cleans the brake shoe after repairing an M-913 Signal Battalion extended 13 soldiers during its 2009 annual training at truck wheel seal, blown during the long drive from Nevada Camp Navajo, Ariz. The extension ceremony was conducted at the south to , S.D., June 7, while supporting rim of Grand Canyon National Park and accompanied by the battalion and the Golden Coyote training exercise. company leadership. The battalion career counselor planned and The unit’s first mission using their new fuel tankers to coordinated the visit to the park for the ceremony. support Golden Coyote was a historic milestone – not just The extending soldiers and battalion staff in attendance were, left to because of the training during the exercise – but also right, back row: 1st Lt. Gordon Steinmann, 1st Sgt. Rodney Medina, Capt. because they drove the tankers more than 1,000 miles just Shawn Murphy, Maj. John Krueger, Maj. Michael Peyerl, Lt. Col. Jeffrey to reach the exercise, which was training in itself. Hansen, Sgt. Edsel Vallejos, Staff Sgt. Mike Nguyen, Command Sgt. Maj. “This exercise marks the first time we’ve been able to Jose Aragon, Capt. David Waller, 1st Sgt. James Fowler; middle row: Pfc. run a fuel mission with our newly assigned equipment,” Jonathan Baker, Pvt. Mark Tindal, Spc. John Jakus, Spc. Anthony Dixon, 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder said. “We did our unit’s first POL Sgt. 1st Class Julio Guerrero, Sgt. 1st Class Edward Franco, Pvt. Danielle mission by transporting 20,000 gallons of fuel to forward Hinckle, Staff Sgt. Robert Spicer; front row: Sgt. Tyvan Grossi, Sgt. Paul operating bases Custer, Tepee, Fisherman’s Flats and Harvey, Staff Sgt. Gertrude Montano, Sgt. 1st Class Yesenia Melendez and Railroad Buttes.” Photo: Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez Sgt. Don Small Jr. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class David Sousa 6 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – Sgt. 1st Class Eric Kent displays a tropical frog discovered during the 240th Engineer Detachment’s annual training rotation in the Dominican Republic in March. Soldiers from the 240th and the 485th Military Police Company com - pleted three rotations to the Caribbean country from March through May. Each group spent about two weeks there. The engineers worked on the infra - structure of the country, and the military police pro - vided security. Schools (see inset), hospitals, clinics and community centers were among different struc - AFGHANISTAN – Sgt. Stephen Park of the Nevada Army Guard’s 1/168th tures Nevada soldiers helped build. When they were Aviation (Medical Evacuation) unit, far right, helped save the life of Razia Aziz, not hard at work, many got a chance to take a break center right, March 14 in Afghanistan after the girl’s house was struck with a and experience firsthand the environment and shell that contained white phosphorus. Park, 33, of Reno, works as paramedic culture of the Dominican Republic. for the Reno Police Department in his civilian occupation. Also shown, from Pfc. Carolina DeAlba of the 485th said she had left, is Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Southerland from 1/168th and Razia’s some extra time on the beach and was impressed father, Abdul Aziz, in this May 6 photo. with the extreme weather. “We were always wet,” Razia was released from the hospital June 24. News of Park’s heroics was DeAlba said. “When we weren’t sweating, we were reported around the globe by the Associated Press upon Razia’s amazing getting drenched with rain. I have never seen rain recovery after nearly 50 percent of her body had been burned by the white like that.” Photo: 240th Engineer Detachment phosphorus. Photo: Courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Southerland

TRENTON, Ontario – 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron Guardsmen pour concrete while constructing aircraft arrestor pads at the Canadian Forces Base during annual training in early April. From left to right, Tech. Sgt. Steve Irwin, Staff Sgt. Gabriel Sanders, Staff Sgt. Damien Falconer, Master Sgt. Pat Speth, Chief Master Sgt. Rick Depaoli and Master Sgt. John Sekora. Forty-six engineers and firefighters plus three services personnel from the Nevada Air Guard completed their annual training at CFB Trenton. See annual training details, page 9. Photo: Courtesy of 152nd Civil Engineer Squadron Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 7

NEWS BRIEFS Compiled by Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka New leaders for Air Guard enlisted, Army warrants Chief Master Sgt. Rick Scurry became the eighth state command chief for the Nevada Air National Guard in June. The state command chief is the principal advisor to the adjutant general for all enlisted airman affairs, including force structure management, leadership devel - opment, benefits programs and airman recognition. Currently there are about 950 enlisted members in the Nevada Air Guard based in Carson City, Cmd. Chief Master Sgt. Rick Scurry Indian Springs and Reno. Scurry enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard in 1981 as a photographic processing specialist. He has since worked as the photo processing and imagery analyst shop supervisor and squadron superintendent, the senior enlisted airman in the 152nd Intelligence Squadron. From left: Master Sgts. Chuck Atkinson and James Lindsay install a Chief Warrant Officer Dave piece of tile flooring with an insert in the shape of the state of Anderson was selected as the Nevada at Trenton, Ontario, during annual training in April. command chief warrant officer Photo: Courtesy of 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron for the state of Nevada, June 30. Prior to this assignment, Anderson worked in the military Civil engineering airmen assist personnel office as the chief Canucks in Ontario of the standard installation/ division personnel system inter - During April, airmen in the 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron face branch/personnel services deployed to the Canadian Forces Base located at Trenton, Ontario, branch in the Joint Force and assisted our northern neighbors for two weeks during their Headquarters since May 2001. annual Deployment For Training. As the state command Forty-six engineers and firefighters along with three services chief warrant officer, Anderson personnel flew into CFB Trenton on a High Roller C- 130 to complete serves as the adjutant general’s annual training and accomplish construction projects outlined by the Cmd. Chief Warrant Officer principal advisor on actions that David Anderson Canadian Forces. affect warrant officers, including Deployment for Training is a program implemented by Civil strength management, education and career development. Engineering and conducted through the National Guard Bureau. Teams from various units travel around the world and assist military installations with construction projects that cannot be completed by New law waives tuition for children and the home units because of a lack of personnel due to deployments. spouses of those killed while serving The engineers completed many projects including the installa - Ensuring the opportunity for higher education for the children tion of new siding and the replacement of a roof on a pump house and spouses of deceased Nevada National Guardsmen, Gov. Jim building at the base’s substation. They also finished 400 feet of Gibbons signed Assembly Bill 188 in Carson City May 7. The bill sidewalk and poured concrete for two bridges and four aircraft states that the board of regents of the Nevada higher education arrestor pads. system is authorized to waive tuition and fees for any child, widow or widower of a person who was killed while serving in the Nevada 593rd garners governor’s award National Guard. Four units submitted packets and were in the running for the The new law also provides tuition coverage for the children and Governor’s Outstanding Unit Award for 2008, but in the end it was spouses of Guardsmen who are missing in action or prisoners of the 593rd Transportation Company headquartered in Stead that war. The waiver will be available to the survivors of Guardsmen who captured the award. were performing any official duty and not limited to combat death.

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 9

Nevada Guard’s communication GIANT completes Arizona training By Lt. Col. Steve Ranson Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs

CAMP NAVAJO, Ariz. – Long hailed as Nevada’s AT&T on the battlefield, the 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion added another priority to its mission during annual training in early June here in the forested mountains west of Flagstaff, Ariz. Emphasized during the annual training was an intense effort to train the battalion’s soldiers in signal operations and warrior skill s. Left to right, Pvt. Ryan Kalleres, Spc. Travis Nielsen and Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Zamora-Lechuga Although the 7,300-foot elevation didn’t of the 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion complete the land navigation course at Camp Navajo, Ariz., on June 8 during the battalion's annual training. Photo: Lt. Col. Steve Ranson quite parallel the landscape of Iraq or Afghanistan, battalion commander Lt. Col. Hansen said the battalion transitioned smoothly because of the battalion staff. The Jeff Hansen said Camp Navajo was selected from a collection of dissimilar communica - Arizona company brought 70 soldiers to as the site for annual training because of its tions units with limited capabilities to a Camp Navajo. outstanding training areas and also because highly-capable organization that effectively “We feel we are an important part of it is the halfway point between Las Vegas supports modern Army modular formations. the team ,” Black said. “They have given us and Phoenix and facilitates travel for both “An ESB can support up to 30 battalion everything we have needed and are eagerly Nevada and Arizona soldiers. Camp Navajo command posts with voice, video telecon - helping us integrate into the battalion.” is an Arizona Army National Guard post ference, NIPRNET and SIPRNET operations. Black said his soldiers received good first built in 1942 to house ordnance during It’s state-of-the-art equipment ,” Hansen sai d. quality training both in and out of the class - World War II. (NIPRNET exchanges sensitive, unclassified room, and he saw a common bond between Hansen, who has spent 13 of his 18 com - information between “internal” users as well the two states. missioned years with the 422nd, said the as provides users access to the internet. “We’ll likely deploy together, and there battalion wanted to bring together its soldiers SIPRNET is a worldwide secret switch is a definite willingness to work together,” from both Nevada and Arizona to increase network that uses high-speed Internet Black said. “That’s kudos for the troops.” I soldier readiness and unit cohesiveness. protocol routers and high-capacity Defense “The soldiers are receiving a balanced, Information Systems Network circuitry.) Lt. Col. Steve Ranson is set to conclude his military hands-on training opportunity here,” said Hansen said the battalion has been career this month after more than 28 years of service. During his career, Ranson was commander Hansen. fielding new equipment and will continue to of both the 106th Public Affairs Detachment and After the signal soldiers received class - receive new equipment during its transfor - State Area Command. He traveled to disparate room training on how to determine a good mation. He also anticipates more growth in places, including Korea, Panama and even Camp potential site for signal equipment, they the ranks as the Nevada contingent of the Navajo, Ariz., to tell the Nevada National Guard’s chose a spot at Camp Navajo for a satellite 422nd adds another company to its rolls. story. His series on the Nevada National Guard’s dish and set up their equipment. The Maj. Michael Peyerl, the battalion’s participation in the Arizona border mission in 2007 battalion set up two 16-foot dishes and two executive officer, said the training went well received first place in the National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and was 8-foot dishes south of their billeting in Arizona and he was pleased with the named top series of the year by the Nevada Press compound. Instead of sending signals to a teamwork displayed by both state s’ soldiers. Association. The Battle Born magazine likely would distant location, the battalion completed its During the annual training, the majority not be in existence today if not for the efforts of training by sending and receiving signals to of the soldiers participated in land navigation Ranson over the past decade, which included many one dish via a satellite. and weapons qualifications. A small late nights of page design and numerous trips to the The battalion, which has one company in contingent also received additional military print shop to ensure the quality of the publication. Although Ranson’s military journalism career is Las Vegas and Phoenix and its headquarters occupation training. ending, Battle Born readers will continue to find unit in Reno, is changing its primary training 1st Lt. Dion Black, incoming commander him often covering the Nevada National Guard in focus as the unit undergoes the biggest of Arizona based Company A, said inte- Fallon’s Lahontan Valley News, where he is the transformation in its history. gration between the two states went newspaper’s editor. Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 11 Historic military sights, sounds reverberate through Fort Churchill

Master Sgt. Doug Larson leads Reno elementary school children through the adobe ruins May 14 at Fort Churchill. Photos: Sgt. Mike Getten

Master Sgt. John Albertson has been involved with the program since its inception. “The Grand Army of the Sierra program is great for the kids, and every activity adds to their educational experience,” Albertson said. “Fort Churchill is literally turned into an outdoor class - room each spring during the program.” Students also get a taste of the Civil War era as they receive ranks, march in squads and exercise traditional military courtesies and traditions – retreat, reveille and flag protocol. Students spend two days and one night at the fort in order to experience every aspect of the program, including a night hike. By Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka and Senior Airman Kristine Schwind, About a dozen Nevada National Guardsmen assist educators and Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs and 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron other volunteers during the week. FORT CHURCHILL – For nearly two decades, the sights, sounds The current program stems from an original overnight field trip and even smells of military life in the 1860s have reverberated for for Washoe County fifth graders named The Fort Churchill Living thousands of school children each May at this historic fort during the History Field Trip. That was conceived in the 1980s by school admin - annual Grand Army of the Sierra program supported by the Nevada istrator Tom Kates and Fort Churchill State Park Supervisor Jim Prida. National Guard. Albertson became involved in the project in 1991 when his son This year’s program gave more than 250 students from the Reno was in the fourth grade and he borrowed from the Kates-Prida area, including Grace Warner, Silver Springs and Lemmon Valley concept to create the Grand Army of the Sierra. That name is a refer - elementary schools, the opportunity to experience firsthand the ence to the Union Army’s Civil War era Grand Army of the Potomac. arduous life of a soldier on the Western front of the United States Albertson’s idea included the participation of Nevada Guardsmen during the Civil War era. More than 2,500 children have experienced with military history knowledge to make the role-playing and living the program since its inception in 1991. history more authentic. The events and activities for the students in the program closely Once the military backdrop was established, he added other mirror the activities of soldiers and westward-bound immigrants in knowledgeable volunteers to provide information on other Nevada the 1860s at Fort Churchill. Activity stations include adobe brick topics, including mountain men – early Great Basin explorers; gold making, hardtack biscuit baking, gold panning, fire-starting and panners – early miners and explorers; and an outdoor education scouting the remains of Fort Churchill. Once the military focal point curriculum created by science teacher Leigh Rasmussen. of the Utah Territory and a stop on the Pony Express Trail, the fort In 1996, the Grand Army of the Sierra concept was recognized today is a Nevada State Park where one can view the adobe ruins of by an Improvement to Education award from the Washoe County the historic site. Teachers Association. Albertson likes to point out that the Grand 12 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 Army of the Sierra program remains a reasonable educational experience for elementary schools. “There are some living-history outdoor education field trips conducted at historically significant venues across the country, but there are few or none in most Nevada districts,” Albertson said. “Many are very expensive. For example, a two-day, one-night experience conducted by an outdoor school at Lake Tahoe would cost $300-$400 per student. The Grand Army of the Sierra serves several at-risk schools that fund participation through aggressive internal fundraising – with the cost per student about $12.” Albertson said the efforts of the National Guard, educators and parents all combine to create the successful, ongoing program. “The students, teachers, parents and National Guard volunteers have critical roles to play in this program. Without each organization, the Grand Army of the Sierra encampment would not be successful,” he said. New volunteers for the Grand Army of the Sierra can call Albertson at (775) 788-9339. Fort Churchill State Historic Park is open year-round and is located eight miles south of Silver Springs, Ne v. , on Alternate U.S. Highway 95. There is a $4 vehicle entry fee. For information, call (775) 577-2345. I

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 13 Officials say cohabitation possible with consideratio n, planning By Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs

LAS VEGAS – The arid climate and southwestern desert terrain potential impact Guard training may have on these relics from the so prevalent here in this valley combine to create the perfect train - age of the dinosaur. ing environment for Nevada National Guard soldiers and airmen. In order to calculate how many tortoises might be affected by But these same conditions also combine to form the perfect habitat future training on the Nevada Guard’s 1,600 acres surrounding the for one of Nevada’s most threatened species and its state reptile – Floyd Edsall (aka Clark County) Armory as well as 67 acres of Nellis Gopherus agassizii , commonly known as the desert tortoise. Air Force Base land earmarked for cooperative ranges between the The Nevada National Guard has called this state home for National Guard and Air Force, the Nevada Guard environmental nearly 150 years, a mere grain of sand in the hourglass compared office recently hosted a desert tortoise survey. to the desert tortoise’s 10-million-year existence in these unforgiv - The survey’s finding: the Nevada Guard is likely sharing its ing environs. As Nevada National Guard and Nellis Air Force Base training land with about 50 threatened tortoises, a fact that isn’t administrators consider future development of their training lands likely to inhibit future training in southern Nevada but something in southern Nevada, environmental officials are examining the every soldier and airman should consider.

14 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 “They live here, we train here,” said Chad Stephens, the Nevada Guard’s environ - mental compliance program manager. “We can have both in southern Nevada – we can conduct important military training and also sustain the environment for wildlife and protect threatened species.” Contrary to the adage “the only thing that stops training quicker than ‘cease fir e! ’ is ‘tortoise sighted ,’” the presence of a desert tortoise does not necessarily mean training should come to a halt. Training should only be modified to give the tortoise a wide berth and ensure that it is not threatened. The recent survey focused on the 67 acres of land just north of the Edsall Armory likely to be the site of four munitions ranges in the future, if a cooperative effort between the Nevada Guard and Nellis comes to fruition. The survey was one step in the environmental assessment of the project that is likely to see the first small-arms range completed by 2011. The representative for the company conducting the survey, Peter Woodman of Kiva Biological Consulting, said the prospec - tive range area was – in terms of tortoise habitat – among the best (China Lake, Calif., is considered the No. 1 spot in the nation). “This is prime habitat for desert tortoises Peter Woodman of Kiva Biological Consulting records the location and condition of a tortoise – the best in Nevada,” said Woodman during hibernation burrow during a survey January 18 in Las Vegas near the Edsall Armory. his survey, which included nine miles of His survey report recorded 11 burrows on the 67 acres set to host four new Nevada Guard hiking through the area in search of tortoise ranges. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka. Tortoise photo on page 15: Courtesy Red Rock Canyon evidence. “There are obviously tortoises in National Conservation Area the area, as there are several burrows in excellent shape.” during the survey as they were hibernating land surveyed statistically can support 16.4 Woodman found 11 burrows and one deep in their burrows awaiting summer. tortoises per square mile. Extrapolated over tortoise carcass during the survey. Eight of Woodman concluded that there were the 1,600 acres of land the Guard owns the burrows were in good condition. As likely 1-2 tortoises now living on the 67-acre around the Clark County Armory, he said it expected, no tortoises were actually viewed proposed range land. He said the type of was accurate to say Guard training land in Clark County hosts about 50 tortoises. According to Stephens, Woodman’s findings were what the environmental office anticipated and should not hamper the Desert tortoise awareness tips construction of the ranges. “This was not a show-stopper for the construction of the ranges that promise to N It is unlawful to touch, harm, harass or collect a wild desert tortoise. be vital for training soldiers and airmen to If encountered when training, give the tortoise a wide berth and make standard here in Nevada,” Stephens said. sure it is not endangered – in the path of a convoy, for example. Continue “This survey was just primarily to see training if the tortoise is safe! where the tortoises are and to help us with our plans in monitoring and – if needed – relocating them during construction.” N Call the environmental office at (775) 887-7291 if a desert tortoise is endangered or has been stressed. A sign of a stressed tortoise is urination; Stephens also said a decision was pend - this will lead to dehydration for the tortoise and possible death. ing on the question of whether the exterior of the ranges will be fenced off from future emigrating tortoises. I N When training in their habitat, remain aware of tortoises. Check under your vehicle for tortoises before movement. Remember, it is against In his 14 years as a professional journalist, federal law to take one home for a pet. Studenicka admits this is the first time he’s ever written about tortoise urination.

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 15 Chef ’s cake reflects Sin City glitz, hard work

By Capt. April Conway pictures for my kids to see because it was of fondant. In fact, the fondant for the base Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs so cool.” was so large, it took 12 people to pick it up The send-off ceremony at the Las and put it into place. LAS VEGAS – Here in this bombastic, Vegas resort, known for sharks in both the “I have been doing pastries for about bigger-than-life city, a quiet pastry chef on reef exhibit and on the casino floor, was the six years and have gradually specialized the south end of the Strip went above and biggest Nevada had seen. The 600-soldier into crazy, off-the-wall cakes since I have beyond his call of duty to give the Nevada unit constituted the largest single-unit been at Mandalay Bay,” Schultz said. “I’ve Army National Guard’s 1/221st Cavalry an deployment for the Nevada Guard since done a hot rod car, a shark from the movie edible deployment gift worthy of a tough, World War II. Beau Hodges, a favorite Las ‘Finding Nemo,’ a guitar and tons of elegant spur-jangling cavalry scout – or a glitzy, Vegas vocalist, rendered honors with the pastries, but a tank was definitely a first.” feather-wearing showgirl. national anthem; television news cameras Baking, carving and decorating wasn’t It took more than 2,000 hours of work caught every brave chil d’s smile and mothe r’s all Shultz had up his sleeve. and a desire to push the limits for William tears. But the cake took center stage. “I always wanted to do something similar Schultz, the assistant pastry chef at the “All the unit asked for was sheet cakes to what you see on Food Network, with some Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, to create with the unit’s logo on it, but I had several sort of movement or craziness within the an 8-foot replica of an M1A1 Abrams tank ideas, including a 3-D soldier, something cake,” he said. “I have always been innova - out of cake. The cake, a fondant-covered with Army symbols or a tank,” Schultz said. tive when it comes to functional things, and gun tube accompanied by a soldier on the “The daunting part was it needed to feed I wanted to incorporate that into a cake.” lookout and dark chocolate tracks, had 1, 100 people. Just the sheer size was chal - Schultz wanted the turret, along with the hundreds of soldiers, family members and lenging, but I chose the tank because it was chocolate gun tube, to move realistically, but civilian employers marveling at the realistic it was the best representation of the unit.” the available pastry turntable would only cake on April 17. Schultz said creation took about two handle 60 pounds. The entire turret weighed “It was the greatest cake I’ve ever weeks and the work fit in during his regular more than 90. In true soldier fashion, he seen,” said John Keeley, the family programs 60-hour work week. The entire piece was improvised and adapted. Schultz took the coordinator for the Nevada Guard. “I took made up of 70 sheet cakes and 180 pounds turntable apart and adjusted the mechanical engine so it would turn the entire turret. “Then I had to get our engineering department to build a board sturdy enough to hold the weight of the 450-pound cake and the mechanical pieces,” Schultz said. “The scary part was moving the assembled cake about 75 yards to the events center. It was a long, slow walk being extra careful on every bump.” Mandalay Bay has a long history of sup - porting Silver State Guardsmen. Mandalay Bay’s parent company, MGM Mirage, won the prestigious Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award in 2006, and it remains company policy to provide 100 percent of base pay plus average tip income for all Guardsmen and to continue health insurance benefits for their families while deployed . I

Cake : avalry C flour pounds of 150 ar ds of sug 50 poun 0 eggs avy cream 30 ilk and he llons of m 10 ga act nilla extr quarts va 2 ant s of fond 0 pound 18 t ask! Inset, William Schultz, pastry chef at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, spent more than 2,000 ies? Don’ r of calor hours creating his edible deployment gift to the 1/221st Cavalry – a tank-shaped cake Numbe that fed more than 1,100 people. Photos: Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez

16 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 Yellow Ribbon Program keeps soldiers, families posted about deployment benefits

communities ,” said Sgt. Maj. Suzanne Albin, that join representatives from organizations the Yellow Ribbon Program manager. to provide information regarding the “It also involves their families benefits available to soldiers and with the Guard and keeps the their families throughout the flow of information available to deployment cycle. them while soldiers are gone. “Families are always invited In this way, they have access to Yellow Ribbon events. There to programs and people they is no exclusion. We define may not have known about family as anyone who is part of unless we let them know.” that soldier’s support system,” With a budget to meet the needs said Roberta Woomer, a Carson City of every deployed soldie r, the program cur - Yellow Ribbon support specialist. rently has a full time staff of six, including The Yellow Ribbon Web site has its two representatives in Las Vegas and four in information arranged in categories specific Carson City. Staff is available to answer to soldiers’ needs. questions and provide assistance when a “We start working with the soldiers and soldier or family has a need. their families upon receipt of an alert order, “Our budget is used for everything typically one year prior to mobilization,” ranging from supplies to round-trip family Woomer said. “We continue to work with travel to Yellow Ribbon events and anything the families during the mobilization. Then to do with operations and maintenance ,” we work again with the soldiers and their Albin said. “We are authorized to pay for the families for two years following the travel of up to two family members per mobilization.” soldier to Yellow Ribbon events.” For information about the Yellow Ribbon The Yellow Ribbon Program sponsors Program, call (775) 887-7836 or visit briefing and information-exchange events www.nevadaguard.com/yellowribbon. I

Established in 2008, the Yellow Ribbon Program promises to keep soldiers, like these at the 1/221st Cavalry deployment ceremony in April, and their families informed about all deployment-related benefits. Photo: Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez

By Sgt. Mike Getten Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs CARSON CITY –Recognizing the need to inform Guardsmen and their families about deployment-related benefits and resources, Congress established the Deployment Cycle Support-Yellow Ribbon Program in 2008. The program officially began in Nevada in October with the mission to educate and create awareness concerning the resources available for mobilizing Nevada Guardsmen and their family members. The ultimate goal of the program is the successful reintegration after deployment. “The program allows soldiers to get back into citizen-soldier status in their Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 17 Photo: Courtesy of Thunderbirds Public Affairs Office

High Roller pilot enjoys first tour with T-birds; Routt set for

BWy Air FeorcesMatster Sgrt. nMike sR. Stmiath, Ntateionasl Guasrd Bwureau ing this fall

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. – As precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating acrobatic aircraft buzzed overhead as part of the capabilities of Air Force high-perform - the run-up to the air show this spring, ance aircraft to people throughout the world. Nevada Air Guard Lt. Col. Derek Routt was The squadron exhibits the professional enjoying the sights and looking closely at the qualities the Air Force develops in the people parked, baby-blue and white business jets who fly, maintain and support these aircraft. Lt. Col. Derek Routt looks across the flight on the ground – the aircraft used by the A trim operations officer in his late 30s, line at , Md., before nation’s elected and military leaders. Routt wears the dark-blue flight suit of the a show in May. Routt is a Nevada Air Guard The first Air National Guard officer to Thunderbirds with nary a thread out of place. pilot in his first season as operations officer serve in the Air Force Thunderbirds was He wants to be sure there is “no distin - for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration savoring his time in the nation’s capital while guishing between a Guard, Reserve or active Squadron “Thunderbirds.” preparing for his eighth event since joining duty Thunderbird,” he said. Photo: Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith the team. He is set to fly in more than 20 “This is a true-to-form, Total Force team ,” events this summer before making a he said. “When I tell people that I am a As a Nevada Guard airman, Routt flew Western swing to Sacramento, Calif., Sept. Guardsman it brings a lot of questions, and the F-15 Eagle in Nevada with what officials 12-13, and perform at home at Nellis Air that allows me to talk about the Air Guard. call the “most diverse wing in the Air Force” Force Base in Las Vegas Nov. 14-15. But it really doesn’t matter what service or – the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force’s what capacity I’m in; to serve is the number The Thunderbirds are based just down Air Demonstration Squadron, which performs one goal.” the street at Nellis.

18 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 T-Birds Fall Schedule September 5-7 Cleveland, Ohio 12-13 Sacramento, Calif. 19-20 Hickam AFB, Hawaii September 22-October 26 Thunderbirds 2009 Far East Events

November 7-8 Homestead AFB, Florida 14-15 Nellis AFB, Nevada

“I had some people approach me about applying for the position, and I applied and went through the process,” he said. He made the grade. This stint with the Thunderbirds marks Routt’s first time working as an operations officer. He is doing it as the second-in- command of the nation’s premier F-1 6 Fighting Falcon squadron. “I run the operations business, which means I put aircraft in the air, put pilots into aircraft and make sure that their training is done. During the show, and all the way through our season, my No. 1 job priority is safety,” he said. Routt will travel with the team of 11 officers and 120 enlisted airmen through November. Then he will prepare for his second, and final, 2010 season. Routt flies Thunderbird No. 7 to events. The plane is used as a spare for the events and in support missions. Routt oversees the operations of a squadron constantly scrutinized by the public eye. The squadron’s ground-air movements are highly coordinated, planned and synchronized. Routt has the tough responsibility of supervising the safety of pilots who fly near supersonic speeds within a few feet of each other. “You can think of the operations officer as more of a producer of the show. He’s the person who controls the air space, people, communications and gear,” Routt said. “While the guys are flying, I’m controlling the airfield and ensuring the team is doing its maneuvering safely and properly.” On Sept. 12-13, the Thunderbirds will be at the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento. For ticket information, visit www.californiacapitalairshow.com. Routt is set to perform at his home at Nellis Nov. 14-15 in the Thunderbirds’ homecoming show. The performance is free. For information, call (702) 652-6776. I

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 19 By Lt. Col. Terry Conder, Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, Staff Sgt. Rebecca Palmer and Sgt. Mike Getten, Joint Force Headquarters and 152nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 1/221st Cavalry Squadron’s nine sets of brothers include, top row, left to right, Staff Sgt. Ian Deutch, Sgt. 1st Class Richard Deutch; kneeling on vehicle, left to right, Spc. Andrew Petersen, Staff Sgt. Derek Petersen, Spc. William Lowell, Spc. Walter Lowell; standing, left to right, Maj. Mike Glynn, Spc. Brendan Glynn, Spc. Mark Schiemer, Spc. Dan Buri, Spc. Gary Buri; kneeling in front, left to right, Pfc. Marc Elloso, Spc. Matthew Marlow, Spc. Clinton Marlow, Staff Sgt. Shawn Woodhams, Spc. Matthew Woodhams and 1st Lt. Michael Schiemer. Pvt. John Elloso Pacheco was unavailable due to training commitments. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka

Although it made an excellent underlying backdrop for an Academy-award winning movie, there is no such thing as a Sullivan Act that places restrictions on family members serving in the military together. In fact, in the family- and community-based Nevada National Guard, it’s common and even encouraged for relatives to serve in the same squadron, battalion and deployed unit. Not to be overlooked are the spouses of soldiers and airmen who maintain – even enlarge – households while their Guardsmen are deployed. The following are some vignettes of true family support within the Nevada National Guard. 1/2 21 st Cavalry contains genuine band of brothers CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Long before they realized there were teams across Afghanistan and also manage and provide oversight multiple sets of siblings within their squadron, there was a growing of a forward operating base. sense of brotherhood among the1/221st Cavalry Squadron soldiers The cavalry squadron’s nine sets of brothers are Staff Sgt. Ian as they prepared for their one-year deployment to Afghanistan. Deutch and Sgt. 1st Class Richard Deutch; Spc. Andrew Petersen Countless hours training in non-stop drizzle during a two-month and Staff Sgt. Derek Petersen; Spc. William Lowell and Spc. Walter pre-deployment phase that focused on mounted and dismounted Lowell; Maj. Mike Glynn and Spc. Brendan Glynn; Spc. Mark convoy security techniques, small arms weapons and mortar team Schiemer and 1st Lt. Michael Schiemer; Spc. Dan Buri and Spc. synchronicity created a sense of camaraderie within the squadron Gary Buri; Pfc. Marc Elloso and Pvt. John Elloso Pacheco; Spc. comprised soldiers from Nevada, Arizona, Guam and Georgia. Matthew Marlow and Spc. Clinton Marlow; and Staff Sgt. Shawn But the temporary bonds created during training don’t match Woodhams and Spc. Matthew Woodhams, all of Nevada. the cohesion within the squadron created by its nine sets of brothers Andrew Petersen said he wasn’t going to let his brother Derek who joined the unit together, trained together, and are now deployed take all the military glory in the family and that’s why he joined together in the 1/221st’s deployment to Afghanistan that began in the squadron. late June. For the next 10 months, the squadron’s nearly 700 soldiers “A few years ago, I always thought to myself that if my brother will perform security operations for 12 provincial reconstruction ever went, I’m going with him because there’s no way he’s going to

20 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 take all of my thunder,” Andrew Peterson said. “We’re all brothers in Squadron emergency management specialist Senior Airman arms, but it’s even better when you have your real brother with you. Cory Galli said the troops are responsible for electrical, heavy equip - Some of the brothers are likely to face combat together during ment, plumbing and other engineering functions at both locations. the upcoming months. All agreed it would be a horrible if the The 152nd is the first Air Guard civil engineer unit to be based at the unspeakable occurred, and a brother was lost. Afghanistan location and the unit is making a good first impression. “It would crush me if I were to lose my brother over there,” “The folks we’ve sent there represent the highest standards of Andrew Petersen said. “I think he would want me to drive on and the Air Guard and the unit is enjoying showing off what we can do,” continue on the mission and worry about that grief later.” Galli said. “My brother and I are fevered patriots. We love this country and Two of the airmen set to deploy from the wing’s operations unit we love serving this country,” Walter Lowell said. “If something are Lt. Col. Bart O’Toole and his son, Airman 1st Class Bartley were to happen to him, I would honor him as a fallen soldier more O’Toole. The elder O’Toole is the squadron commander of the 192nd than a regular soldier because he’s my brother.” Airlift Squadron and the younger O’Toole is an aircrew flight equip - The number of brothers in the squadron was so extraordinary ment technician in the 152nd Operations Support Flight. that it was mentioned on CNN, and the Las Vegas Review Journal This will be Lt. Col. O’Toole’s eighth deployment in 23 years. His sent a reporter to Indiana to track the brothers during their training. mission overseas will be airlift operations of personnel and supplies throughout the OEF area of responsibility. Air Guard deployment affects Bart O’Toole said that the most difficult aspect of deployment is missing milestones in his family life. He said he missed several two generations of one family birthdays, three Thanksgivings and two Christmas holidays while RENO – The Nevada Air Guard continues to support Operation deployed. He was able to attend three of his children’s high school Enduring Freedom and is set to send three units to Kuwait and graduations, and he has one more to go. The fact that his family Afghanistan this summer and autumn. understands the importance of his deployments makes it easier for One heavily tapped unit in the Nevada Air Guard is the 152nd Bart to perform his duties. Civil Engineer Squadron based in Reno. About 40 airmen from the “When your father is in the military, you understand that he has 152nd are currently deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan through a job and duty to his country and when he has to leave, we step up December of this year. to the plate, and let him do his job,” said Catherine O’Toole, Bart’s daughter. “You just suck it up and do what needs to be done. There is no sniveling, whining or complaining. You look forward to phone calls and e-mails, but you can’t dwell on his absence.” This deployment promises to be unique because Bart is deploy - ing with his son Bartley. This is the first deployment for the younger O’Toole after 30 months in the military. Bartley O’Toole’s job over - seas will be to maintain and issue aircrew survival equipment and instruct aircrews on its use. Bartley is both excited and nervous about deploying. He believes a deployment with his father will encourage him to work harder. In Reno, his father gives him extra tasks because he is always in the same vicinity, and he is sure it will be the same overseas. Nine couples set to have children during time in Iraq LAS VEGAS – Fifty-five years ago, the U.S. military attempted to maintain a policy that allowed its soldiers and airmen to remain at home for the birth of their children. Fortunately for the Nevada Army Guard’s 1864th Transportation Company, that military policy has gone by the wayside – otherwise the unit may not have had enough soldiers to fill its ranks when it left for Iraq in early June. Lt. Col. Bart O’Toole, right, and his son, Airman 1st Class Bartley Nine soldiers left expecting children to be born during the O’Toole, are both set to deploy this fall. The elder O’Toole is squadron course of the one-year deployment, including Staff Sgt. Ekow commander of the 192nd Airlift Squadron, and the younger O’Toole Adentwi, Spc. Justen Crittenden, Spc. Humberto Gamboa, Spc. is an aircrew flight equipment technician in the 152nd Operations Patrick Homewood, Spc. Kyle Marshall, Spc. Stephen Mattson, Pfc. Support Flight. Photo: Senior Master Sgt. Brad Kenealy Mario Nikic, Spc. Christopher Rosales and Pfc. Sherman Saulog.

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 21 and belief system and is consistent with the Army values and standards.” The younger Moore values his father’s knowledge on their current deployment. “It’s a great opportunity to be deployed with my father,” Ryan Moore said. “He has a wealth of experience in doing exactly what we are doing.” With Ryan’s enlistment three years ago, the Moore family has been involved with the Nevada National Guard for three genera - tions. Patrick’s father, retired Chief Warrant Officer Bobby Moore, served for 30 years in the Army Guard. Moore also has two brothers who served in the National Guard. In addition to supporting her husband’s and son’s military service, Patrick’s wife and Ryan’s mother, Karla Moore, serves as a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve with A Company, 328th Combat Support Hospital, in Sacramento, Calif. Even though they are thousands of miles away in another country, Karla Moore takes solace in the belief that the father-son tandem is making up for some lost time. At the time of the 1864th Transportation Company’s departure ceremony in April, the unit was “I am thankful Ryan gets to be with his expecting nine new babies over the course of the next several months. Expectant parents father because it allows them to have at included, from left, Staff Sgt. Ekow Adentwi, Emelia Adentwi, Spc. Stephen Mattson and least some time together,” Karla Moore said. Jessica Mattson. Photo: Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez “Patrick missed out on large parts of Ryan’s childhood due to deployments in Desert That doesn’t even take into account unit NCO responsible Stor m, and Afghanistan. I think this commander Capt. Derek Imig, whose wife is a way of giving Ryan a glimpse into that Raimey gave birth to the couple’s third child for soldiers, son life. It will never give Ryan and Patrick those just two days before the 1864th’s deploy - AFGHANISTAN –Like most veteran non - years back, but it offers a strong bond for ment ceremony on April 9. commissioned officers in the Army Guard, the rest of their lives.” I “I’ll be honest with you,” Imig said. UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief Master Sgt. “Having so many soldiers with pregnant Patrick Moore accepted the news of a wives puts extra stress on the unit. Soldiers pending deployment to Afghanistan as part getting home to see babies being born is of his job. Unlike most NCOs, though, was important. I know what that’s like; I’m living the fact Moore would prepare for and spend that myself right now and it’s stressful.” the deployment with his young son, Ryan, a Imig said he’s going to make getting fellow soldier in Moore’s unit. soldiers home a priority. During this Year of the NCO, Moore finds “I hope that we will be able to accom - himself in the curious position of being modate everyone’s leave request,” Imig responsible for the soldiers in his task force said. “But even if there’s one that we can’t as the acting first sergeant while also keep - accommodate, I’ll be disappointed.” ing tabs on his son, Spc. Ryan Moore. Both Adentwi is a squad leader in the second are in southern Afghanistan with the platoon. His wife, Emelia, is five months Nevada Army Guard’s C Company, 1/168th pregnant. The Adentwis know they are going Aviation, working at an air base serving on to have a boy, but they haven’t decided on a medical evacuation task force. a name yet. “I plan to take leave in August “I truly believe having my son with me so I can be home when the baby is born,” is quite appropriate because of who we are Adentwi said. Like Imig, this is Adentwi’s as Guardsmen,” Patrick Moore said via e- second deployment to Iraq, and he is full of mail from Afghanistan. “The National Guard Master Sgt. Patrick Moore, left, stands with confidence. is a community-based organization forged his son, Spc. Ryan Moore, beside one of the “The first time I went, I didn’t know from decades of patriotism, tradition and Nevada Army Guard’s 1/168th Aviation’s what to expect,” he said. “Now I have an service. Whether I am mentoring Ryan as a UH-60 Black Hawk aircraft at an air base in idea of how things are going to be, so I’m soldier or as my son, the baseline used for southern Afghanistan. not nervous at all.” guidance is drawn from my personal values Photo: Courtesy of Master Sgt. Patrick Moore

22 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 High Rollers fifth in Corporate Challenge Raitter’s run of RENO – The Nevada Air National Guard tallied five individual success continues gold medals and one team gold to finish fifth overall May 10-20 at marathon trials in the City of Reno’s Corporate Challenge 2009, an annual LINCOLN, Neb. – Spc. Bill Olympic-style competition in a variety of sports and activities. Raitter’s run of success at The High Rollers’ team finished fifth overall in the competi - the National Guard Marathon tion of large and small companies and organizations entering Trials continued May 3 with hundreds of athletes in various age groups vying for points in his 15th-place finish among sports including track and field, swimming, mountain biking, the top distance runners in softball, golf, basketball, road racing and tug-of-war. the National Guard. Raitter’s This was the fourth year the Nevada Air Guard participated finish placed him on the All- in the Corporate Challenge as a tie-in to its overall fitness Guard Marathon Team for the program. In addition to the health benefits, Corporate Challenge sixth time in six attempts. promotes teamwork, camaraderie and organizational pride. Raitte r, 39, barely beat the “It was important to participate in our local community as magical three-hour barrier by well as build new relationships and strengthen existing ones,” sprinting the final 400 meters said Senior Airman Cory Galli, gold medalist in the race walk. to record the time of 2:59:39. Brig. Gen. Robert Fitch, Air Guard commander, just missed “It was a struggle over a bronze medal in the walk race with his fourth-place finish. the last few miles and I knew MEDALISTS FOR THE HIGH ROLLERS : it was going to be close,” Gold Medalists: Rick Hays (Communications Squadron), said Raitter, a dental specialist with the Medical Detachment. long jump (15 feet, 8 inches), shot put (35 feet, 10 inches), 100- “I had to keep my streak intact: six for six in making the meter (13.52 seconds). Caesar Garduno (Ops Group), 1,600- All-Guard team and never running over three hours for meter (5 minutes, 38 seconds). Cory Galli (Civil Engineering), the marathon.” race walk (time unavailable). Jennifer Harrell (Military Raitter made the All-Guard team three times as a member Personnel Flight), Suzie Reynolds (Retired), Elliott Morris and of the Oregon National Guard from 2001-2004 and has now Steve Gilbert (Maint Group), team bowling (2,183 pins). made the team as a member of the Nevada National Guard three consecutive years. He was the top finisher among all Silver Medalists: Tiffany Tatum (Finance), 100-meter. National Guard runners in 2002 when he ran 2:33:04. Robin Tibaduiza (Finance), shot put. JoAnn Meacham Another Nevada Guard finisher, Staff Sgt. Frank Marquez, (Logistics Readiness Squadron), 100-meter, 400-meter. finished in 5:45. Nevada did not have enough runners to score Cassandra Frankfurt (LRS), shot put. Sheryle Wilkerson (MPF), as a team. The Oregon squad won the team competition. shot put. Maryana Moyer (MPF), 800-meter. Mike Williams Raitter’s All-Guard status makes him eligible to represent (Ops Group), 50-meter freestyle. Kenny Dupree (Intel the National Guard at a variety of races across the nation this Squadron), long jump, 100-meter. Maston Bethel (Maint year, including the Air Force Marathon in Ohio. Group), 5K. James Upton (Maint Group), 50-meter backstroke. Raitter has a new goal for next year and said, “My days of Bronze Medalists: Shaun Cruze (Finance), 5K, softball winning the overall National Guard race are probably over, but throw, 400-meter. JoAnn Meacham (LRS), mountain bike, I am looking forward to winning the master’s division in 2010.” 1,600-meter. Cassandra Frankfurt (LRS), 800-meter. Sheryle The All-Guard Marathon Team comprises the top 40 male Wilkerson (MPF), mountain bike. Maryana Moyer (MPF), 5K. finishers and the top 15 female finishers among National Amy Short (Mission Support Group ), walk race. Eric Chappell Guard soldiers and airmen. (Intel Squadron), walk race. Mike Williams (Ops Group), Up in the lead pack, the top male Guardsman was 1st Lt. 50-meter breaststroke, 800-meter. Bill Vineis (Medical Group), Nathan Flores of the Guard in 2:39:22 and the top 50-meter breaststroke. Dave Gonzalez (Intel Squadron), 5K. female was 1st Lt. Varinka Barbini of the Kentucky Guard Terrance Hunt (Maint Group), mountain bike. Martin Rodriguez in 3:18:07. (Maint Group), 400-meter. James Upton (Maint Group), A record number of states (48) and runners (182) partici - 50-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle. Joseph Jaquish pated in the competition this year. Nevada runners aiming to (Ops Group), 50-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle. compete in 2010 need to meet the following standards in a Tiffany Tatum, Maryana Moyer, Martin Rodriguez, Josh certified marathon before next spring: under four hours for Arbogast and Dave Gonzalez , track pyramid relay. Tiffany men under 40; under 4:15 for men over 40; and under 4:30 for Tatum, Mike Williams, Joseph Jaquish and James Upton , all women. swimming relay. Kenny Dupree, Greg Jemmerson, Joe Deese, Call Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka at (775) 887-7250 Josh Arbogast, Cassandra Frankfurt, Boodie Ross and Robin for information. Tibaduiza , basketball.

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 23 AWARD S•PROMOTION S•RETIREMENTS Moving Up and Moving On • March, April & May 2009

AWARDS

Meritorious Service Medal Nevada Distinguished Service Medal SPC David Sumner ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SGT Scott Taylor ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SGT Thomas Vonbargen ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CPT Andrew Wagner ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SFC Jesse Snedden ...... A Trp, 1/221st Cav SSG Christopher Thompson ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Adam Seelye ...... 1/189th Aviation MAJ Michael Glynn ...... 991st Troop Cmd CW4 Daniel Walters ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Justin Claman ...... 1/189th Aviation SFC Linda Turner ...... JFHQ CW3 Joseph Baumann ...... 1/189th Aviation SPC Robyn Collins ...... 1/189th Aviation SSG Curt Prokasky ...... 593rd Transp Co CSM John Hefner ...... 1/189th Aviation Army Commendation Medal SSG Luke Conklin ...... JFHQ CW3 Aaron Wallace ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Steven Watson ...... 1/189th Aviation Nevada State Commendation Medal SSG Shaun Weakland ...... 1/189th Aviation SFC Jason Taylor ...... 1864th Transp Co SGT Kevin Basta ...... 1/189th Aviation SSG Damon Gray ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn CPT Shawn Bromley ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Dawn Hunt ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SSgt Dario Cruz III ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn CW3 James Anderson ...... 1/189th Aviation 1LT Jacquelyn Burns ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SSgt Robert Downs . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSG Dean Penrod ...... 1/189th Aviation SPC Harris Cohen ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SrA Jose Escobar Jr. . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SSG Thomas Zaremba ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Jose Ramos ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SrA Belinda Fountain . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SPC Robert Thompson ...... 1/189th Aviation SSG Allen Sosnick ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SrA Steven Kots ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn CW4 James Baumann ...... 1/189th Aviation SGT Patrick Graham ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn SrA Catheryne Reyes . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SSG Christopher Thompson ...... 1/221st Cav SFC Christopher Keesee ...... 92nd CST SrA Bryanna Richard . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SGT Cheri Cramutolo ...... 106th Public Affairs Det 2LT Timothy Wells ...... 92nd CST SrA Raenell Sanders . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn MAJ Shawn Casey ...... 140th MP Det SSG Luciana Irenze ...... 991st Troop Cmd SrA Kristine Schwind . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SSG Anthoney Lacoe ...... 150th Maint Co SFC Allen Palmer ...... 421st RTI SrA Jauies Sosa ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SPC Christopher Oakden ...... 150th Maint Co SSG Tracy Castro ...... 593rd Transp Co SSgt Rhoderick Estrada . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SGT Aaron Parks ...... 150th Maint Co SPC Christopher Mancebo ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav SSgt James Riger ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SSG Epifanio Rodarte ...... 150th Maint Co SGT Jorge Granados ...... 421st RTI SSgt Annette Soria . . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SGT Bryant Steele ...... 150th Maint Co SGT Stephanie King ...... JFHQ TSgt George Bily Jr. . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn CW4 Ernie Stover ...... 150th Maint Co SSG Leonel Paradis II ...... JFHQ TSgt Jason Peoples . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn SSG Raymond Polson ...... 1864th Transp Co SSG Roger Decoster ...... JFHQ TSgt Deborah Zubaty . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Maj Jeffrey Zupon ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn SSG Jason Fincher ...... JFHQ LtCol Shelly Assiff ...... 152nd Mission Support Flt Maj Koby Harding ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn SSG Justin Harris ...... JFHQ MSgt Cameron Pieters ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn SFC Gary Giddens ...... K Trp, 1/221st Cav Nevada Humanitarian Service Ribbon SSG Edward Castillo Jr...... 3/140th S&S SGT Alexander Drossulis ...... NVARNG Med Det CW3 Jeffrey Busboom ...... 3/140th S&S SSG Ivan Parsons ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret CW4 Jeffrey Ducharme ...... 3/140th S&S CW4 Brandon Hose ...... 3/140th S&S Air Force Commendation Medal 1LT George Caddel Jr...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CW2 Michael Girdler ...... 3/140th S&S MSgt Dean Long ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn CPT Matthew Jonkey ...... 3/140th S&S MSG Lance Vanbuskirk ...... 421st RTI SFC Edward Rael ...... 3/140th S&S MSG Carl Adams ...... 421st RTI SPC Michael Swaney ...... 3/140th S&S CPT Kirk Anderson ...... 92nd CST CPT Darren Chrisman ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SGT Patrick Graham ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn CPT Todd Hine ...... 92nd CST 2LT David Connolly ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SSG Kenneth Hodes ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn CPT John Lyle ...... 92nd CST SPC Nicholas Herzberg ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SGT Daniel Cruz ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn SFC Christopher Keesee ...... 92nd CST SGT Shawn Horner ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SGT Dennis Kemp ...... 485th MP Co SSG Joe Sherych ...... 92nd CST SSG Henry Willrich ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SSG Marcella Purkey ...... 485th MP Co SSG John Fansler ...... 92nd CST CW3 Kevin Keeler ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CPT Christy Hales ...... 593rd Transp Co CW3 Christine Lane ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SPC Clyde Kyser ...... 593rd Transp Co Army Achievement Medal CW3 Aaron Southerland ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SSG James Pace ...... 593rd Transp Co CPT Kyle O’Connell ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SPC Kevin Gardner ...... 593rd Transp Co SSG Caroline Boardrow ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SPC Michael Hill ...... 593rd Transp Co SPC Julio Arevalo ...... 485th MP Co SPC David Morris ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CPL Dustin Barr ...... 593rd Transp Co SPC Phillip Roen ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC MSG Patrick Moore ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SSG Daniel Prothro II ...... 593rd Transp Co SSG Larry Klein ...... 3/140th S&S SGT Carl Pearson ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SSG Jacob Roberts ...... 593rd Transp Co 2LT Dustin Petersen ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SFC Timothy Stanton ...... 593rd Transp Co SSG Thomas Polacek ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CW4 Robert Bagnato ...... 3/140th S&S Congratulations! SSG Stephen Staley ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC LTC Kim Labrie ...... 991st Troop Cmd

24 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 MAJ Neil Oscarson ...... 991st Troop Cmd SSgt Kelly Gannon ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Paul Hinen ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSG Patrick Marshall ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav SSgt Jason Gummert . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Joshua Benedict . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SGT James Burch ...... JFHQ SSgt Joseph Hodges . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Jillian Decair ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn COL Craig Wroblewski ...... JFHQ SSgt Cecil Levy ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Amanda Falconer . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SMSgt Steven Martin ...... JFHQ SSgt Gabriel Sanders . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Jayson Guy ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SGT Donna Menesini ...... JFHQ SSgt Sean Stewart ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Benjamin Hale . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn MAJ Kristian Kirkland ...... 1/189th Aviation SSgt William Young Jr. . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Anthony Haley . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn MAJ Michael Heil ...... JFHQ SSgt Jonathan Archibald . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Michael Mccaffrey . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn COL Mark Bittick III ...... JFHQ SSgt William Duggins . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Frank Nash ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSgt Jeffrey Mello ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Philip Rice ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn Nevada Outstanding Graduate Award TSgt Timothy Daniels . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Sharon Torres . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Michael Krysztof . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Steven Wolfgang . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Christopher Geraci . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Yantzy Arnell . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SGT Philip Sondgeroth ...... 137th MP Co TSgt Steven Hickey ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Milbert Bourgeois . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSG Michael Raviart II ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn TSgt Jared Hiles ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Sherri Johnson . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SGT Pak Castillo ...... 421st RTI TSgt Steven Irwin ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Todd Lawson . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SFC Karen Harris ...... 421st RTI TSgt Sean Obrien ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Steven Kennedy . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSG Heather Carlquist ...... JFHQ TSgt Dominic Tanzi ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt James Miller . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SGT Scott Smith ...... JFHQ TSgt Stephen Bracher . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Darren Pruden . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSG Tiffany McKimmy ...... JFHQ TSgt Timothy Daniels . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Joseph Rodriguez . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SPC Robin Kinney ...... JFHQ TSgt Michael Diaz ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Inthasone Sackdavone PFC Godfrey Campo ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret TSgt Benjamin Foster . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Christpher Hallock . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Eric Shingleton . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn Nevada Overseas Deployment Ribbon TSgt Steven Irwin ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Travyce Varnum . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Lancer Maciel ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Carrie Ventura . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Ricardo Marin ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt David Woginrich . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn TSgt Thomas Nelson . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Jason Aceves . . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSgt Timothy Hill ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt James Riger ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn A1C Melissa Ballard ...... 152nd Services Flt A1C Calvin Hobson ...... 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn TSgt Milton Robertson Jr. . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Christopher Pope ...... 152nd Services Flt A1C Lera Masine ...... 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn TSgt Robert Sandoval . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Megan Winkel ...... 152nd Services Flt MSgt Keith Maslowski . . . . 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn TSgt Paul Spencer ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Capt Jeffrey Bellato ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn SrA Jeremiah Brown . . . . . 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn SMSgt Robert Montgomery 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Capt Kevin Eikleberry ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn TSgt Michael Smith ...... 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn MSgt Ryan Service . . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Capt Robert Hoadley ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn LtCol Robert Gregory ...... 152nd Airlift Wing SSgt Stacy Walters . . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Capt Jason Little ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn TSgt Edward Richer Jr...... 152nd Airlift Wing SSgt James Begley . . . . . 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Capt Charles Steffens ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn 1stLt Christopher Solberg . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn CMSgt Michael Drisdale ...... 152nd Maint Grp Capt Spencer Trehal ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn A1C Jennifer Schultz . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Roy Lee ...... 152nd Maint Operations Flt CMSgt Christopher Santor ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn CMSgt Richard Depaoli . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Maj David Manson ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn LtCol Caesar Garduno ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn LtCol Kevin Knuf ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn LtCol Jon Schulstad ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn LtCol Craig Wesner ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Michael Adams ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn Maj Derek Gardner ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn Maj Glen Martel ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Douglas Barron ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Timothy Broadway ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn Maj Robert Nicholas . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Robert Perry ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Thomas Glover ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Michael Nelan . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Bruce Stowe ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Cory Hallock ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Billie Holm ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SMSgt Jesse Kimsey ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Blake Martelle ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt James Lindsay . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA Joshua Mutua ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Michael Martin ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Charles Atkinson . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SrA David Wilcox ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Santiago Santiago ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Christopher Barber . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Mark Jewell Jr...... 152nd Maint Sqdn SMSgt Kelly Cavins ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Rafael Chelli ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Masten Bethel ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn SMSgt Craig Wells ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt Raymond Fierro . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Mark Bodnar ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn TSgt Russell Stewart ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn MSgt David Hansen . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Tristian Cornett ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn TSgt Seth Dextraze ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Ward Lacy ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Nevada Recruiting Ribbon MSgt Adam Liby ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Christopher Jensen ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt John Sekora ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Robert Malson ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn MSgt Timothy Spencer . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SSgt Tugba Giles ...... 152nd Medical Grp MSgt James Speth ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn LtCol Theron Gough . . . 152nd Operations Support Flt SrA Jeremiah Brown . . . . . 152nd Aircraft Maint Sqdn MSgt Reuben Telles . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Maj Matthew Speth . . . 152nd Operations Support Flt LtCol Robert Gregory ...... 152nd Airlift Wing MSgt David Curtis ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Steven Snyder . . 152nd Operations Support Flt CMSgt Rick Scurry ...... 152nd Intelligence Sqdn SrA Eric Archibald ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn SMSgt Kenneth Riley . . 152nd Operations Support Flt MSgt Bruce Stowe ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn SrA Michael Link ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn TSgt Chester Sergent Jr. SMSgt James Morgan IV . . . . . 152nd Medical Group SrA Kelly Warren ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn ...... 152nd Operations Support Flt SMSgt Martin Meinhardt . . 152nd Mission Support Flt SrA Cory Galli ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn A1C Justin Smith ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn Capt Joseph Deese ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn SrA Emory Simons ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn LtCol Mark Hall ...... 152nd Security Forces Sqdn MSgt Garfield Parris ...... 232nd Operations Sqdn SSgt Michael Ladera . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Kevin Bennett . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn SSgt Mark Samaniego . . . . . 232nd Operations Sqdn SSgt Cole Anderson . . . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt James Blazer . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn BrigGen Robert Fitch ...... JFHQ SSgt Damien Falconer . . . 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn MSgt Robert Vance . . . . 152nd Security Forces Sqdn

Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 25 PROMOTIONS

COL/Col Todd Poulton ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Scott Lynch ...... 1864th Transp Co Peter Menicucci ...... JFHQ Leon Ferran ...... 421st RTI Darrell Rapoza ...... 1864th Transp Co Ricardo Hart ...... JFHQ Philip Snow ...... 1864th Transp Co LTC/LtCol Richard Gilberti ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Sharon Testa ...... 1864th Transp Co Warren Rapp ...... 232nd Ops Sqdn Daniel Ulino ...... 1864th Transp Co Steven Wright ...... 232nd Ops Sqdn SSG/TSgt William Wilson ...... 1864th Transp Co Allen Sosnick ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn Christopher Avilla ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn MAJ/Maj Michael Love ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn Steven Bunch ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn Jerome Guerrero ...... JFHQ Patrick Quinn ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn Michael Salazar ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn Juan Ruvalcaba ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn Lenin Belalcazar ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn CPT/Capt Vincent Arthur ...... 485th MP Co Eugene Hamilton ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn John Brownell ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Mathew Kuhfuss ...... 485th MP Co Orian Moss ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn Jami Cavins ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Michael Peterson ...... 593rd Transp Co Brent Peden ...... 485th MP Co Mikael Magnuson ...... 992nd Troop Cmd Noel Garcia ...... 593rd Transp Co David Summers ...... 485th MP Co Jeffery Figueiredo ...... 421st RTI Mark Thomas ...... 72nd MP Co Richard Catlin ...... 593rd Transp Co Joseph Giglio ...... 92nd CST Richard Jager ...... 72nd MP Co 1LT/1stLt Jeffery Kelmar ...... 991st Troop Cmd Christian Marx ...... 72nd MP Co Anthony Reich ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn Lukas Haaglund ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Markus Stierwalt ...... 72nd MP Co Elizabeth Gabriel ...... NVARNG Med Det Albert Blaney ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Adam Dubois ...... 777th Engineer Det Ramon Dyragos ...... JFHQ Gil Reeder ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Judy Tunnyhill ...... 777th Forward Spt Co Scott Katherman ...... JFHQ Preston Crossman ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Lawrence Moreno ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav Christopher Desotell ...... 150th Maint Co Helman Roman ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav 2LT/2nd Lt Jennifer Pantea ...... 421st RTI Adam Fenner ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav Lorenzo Aranda ...... 72nd MP Co Michael Davis ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav David Hoinoski ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav Wesley Leedy ...... 3/140th S & S Ian Deutch ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav Ryan Moorebace ...... JFHQ Benjamin Delapaz ...... 1/221st Cavalry Roberto Torres-Vargas ...... HHT, 1/221st Cav Crandall Payne ...... JFHQ John Sivia ...... 1/221st Cavalry Eric Monroe ...... I Troop, 1/221st Cav Mark Bright ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav Vania Apodaca ...... C Co, 422nd Sig Bn Christopher Sackett ...... I Troop, 1/221st Cav Sara Harger ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Victor Vanhorn ...... 485th MP Co Raymond Barquin ...... I Troop, 1/221st Cav Michael Henderson ...... 152nd Airlift Wing Hayes Wilson ...... 485th MP Co Steve Branson ...... I Troop, 1/221st Cav Tugba Giles ...... 152nd Medical Grp Willard Hubler ...... 609th Engineer Co Chad Melanson ...... I Troop, 1/221st Cav Jennifer Harrell ...... 152nd Mission Support Flt Ryan Kinney ...... 609th Engineer Co Salvador Orozco ...... K Troop, 1/221st Cav Paul Spencer ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Todd Brown ...... JFHQ Donald Goodballet ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav Edik Dominguez ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Geraldine Reyes ...... NVARNG Med Det Jason Lashley ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav Bradley Noble ...... 152nd Civil Engineer Sqdn Matthew Steffen ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav Timothy Buxton ...... 152nd Intel Sqdn CW3 Heather Carlquist ...... JFHQ John Connell ...... 152nd Intel Sqdn Stephen Nielsen ...... 1/189th Aviation Rachel Mira ...... JFHQ Desaree Viera ...... 152nd Intel Sqdn Ryan Davidson ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Troy Helgerson ...... 152nd Medical Grp WO1 Crisa Justice ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Joseph Rodriguez . . . . . 152nd Securtiy Forces Sqdn Michael Ingenluyff ...... JFHQ Curtis Terry ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Michael Moore ...... 152nd Securtiy Forces Sqdn Augustine Reyes ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Liliana Garcia ...... 152nd Services Flt MSG/SMSgt Paul Duncan ...... NVARNG Rec/Ret Anthony Henry ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Christopher Cobb ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn Michael Ingenluyff ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn Adam Hensley ...... 152nd Maint Sqdn SGT/SSgt James Koth ...... 232nd Ops Sqdn John Bogdan ...... HHT, 1/221st Cavalry Heather Cate ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC Mark Samaniego ...... 232nd Ops Sqdn Phillip Roen ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC SFC/MSgt Brian Colonna ...... 1/168th MEDEVAC CPL Jason Huth ...... 152nd Securtiy Forces Sqdn John Hefner ...... 1/189th Aviation Joel Spencer ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Brett Vegeto ...... 152nd Mission Support Grp Jason Coleman ...... 1/189th Aviation Timothy Hardin ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Keith Olson ...... 100th Quartermaster Co James Vail ...... 1/221st Cav James Ketelsen ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Eric Kent ...... 240th Vertical Const Co Marquetta Anderson ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Lucas Mccusker ...... 100th Quartermaster Co John George ...... HHC, 422nd Sig Bn Carlos Lamprich ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Joel Spencer ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Helena Schroeder ...... 72nd MP Co Elizabeth Price ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Edward Goosun ...... 240th Engineer Co Jason Elfberg ...... 72nd MP Co Marcus Watts ...... 100th Quartermaster Co Kevin Koranek ...... 240th Engineer Co Benjamin Green ...... 777th Forward Spt Co Eric Christiansen ...... 1864th Transp Co David Warner ...... 240th Engineer Co Tanya Leonard ...... 991st Troop Cmd Raul Gamboa ...... 1864th Transp Co Curt Cummings ...... K Troop, 1/221st Cav Sonya Stevens ...... 991st Troop Cmd Patrick Homewood ...... 1864th Transp Co Christopher Noor ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav Jason Nunes ...... D Troop, 1/221st Cav James Jacobs ...... 1864th Transp Co Jared Silva ...... L Troop, 1/221st Cav 26 / BATTLE BORN / Summer 2009 ENLISTMENTS

152nd Maintenance Heather Logan Georgina Velasquez 609th Jordan Brown I Troop, Operations Flt Nicholas Ramacle Stacie Skillmanmitchell Engineer Co Ryan Freet 1/221st Cavalry Michael Rogers Brandon Williams Jennifer Scott Michael Cristando Samantha Sutton Johnathon Gragg Sean Nguyen Thomas Dorsett Regina Hatcher John Koch Mario Guzman David Gallagher Michael Ramsay Damian Williams Craig Kenison Kevin Dunn Andrew Stgermain 152nd Sarah Spy Pierre Simonvil Jordan Christensen Charles Smith Terry Cochran Maintenance Sqdn Joseph Hasenstab Christian Cale Richard Martinez Eric Fettig Carolyn Ellison 232nd Christopher Williams Austin Rhees Bethany Sifford Scott Lasco Tyler McCollum Operations Sqdn Jason Gamble Vaughn Braeuninger Mayra Duran Jason McPhetridge Matthew Storey Jawann Wilson Darnell Williams Antonio Cruz Clayton Quest Lee Wilson David Yao Marco Jaramillo Eric Lane 992nd Troop Cmd Antonio Tognoni Christopher Hernandez Thomas McDonald Dennis Heidt K Troop, Annie Kelley 1/168th MEDEVAC Brian Bradley 1/221st Cavalry Jeffery Sarkis Steven Grisnick 137th MP Co C Co, 422nd ESB James Adams Budie Ross Lincoln Delgado 72nd MP Co Aaron Martinez Julius Acoff Jessie Pascual 1/189th Aviation Colleen Beelman Eujil Peralta Donald Clark Scott Reynaloconnor Brett Long Jessica Stephens Gary Rapoza Kevin Nurmi Jerry Dendy Joshua Smith 777th Raeanna Burd Scott Deese Jennifer Ghera Rear Det., 150th Engineer Det Clifford Oehmke Michael Mccoy Robert Plant 1/221st Cavalry Maintenance Co Jazmin Hunt Alexander Smith John Stone Rusty Scovel Rasheed Powell Danny Perkins Ryan Gillmore Anthony Davis Mark Schiemer Steven Hering Harley Dahl Ian McMurray Montoya Scott Ganz Savery Joshua Flores 777th Forward Daniel Nail NVARNG Med Det 152nd Aircraft Christopher Hodges Melodie Harris Support Sqdn Todd Haring Kristina Young Maintenance Sqdn Michael Monzon Adam Preston Brynn Allen Nicole Fraser Jessica White Michael Hollins 140th Vertical Kyrie Butterfield Sparkle McCuiston Katherine Dew Tye Pauly Const Co Jeffrey Hoggan Det 45, OSA Theodore Martell Garold Wiseman Emil Almachar Timothy Holtzclaw Ryan Scheidt Michael Fedor Karen Stevens Frank Chavez Thomas Gyllenhammer Jeffrey Hopkinson Jason Herlong Alison Hernandez Matthew Kibler Allison Sage Leonardo Jensen HHC, 422nd ESB Kihana Jessie 152nd Airlift Wing Antonio Gonzalez Myla Galicia Christopher Cummings Anthony Fosterackers Jason Yuhasz Rhys Newell Jason Shaw Erik Stombaugh Bria Heese NVARNG Rec/Ret Michael Engfer Kenneth Hunt Jack Stone Gerald Hickman Allison Mangosing Jaime Soto Jordan Abubakr Thomas Stone Leif Dawson Tyler Hopkins 152nd Christopher Miller Daniel Gibson Matthew Ellison NVARNG Training Civil Engineer Sqdn Jeffrey Granados Mark Rose Steven Campos HHT, 1/221st Cavalry Site Det Garrett Gonzales Cameron Harris Jarod Upham Nicole Diaz Ian Uhl Michael Gonzales Douglas DelPorto Andrew Bergmann Bradley Brazil Arturo Robles Leah Hansen 152nd James Brumfield Danielle Winston Communications Flt Nikita Hampton Ryan Kershner RETIREMENTS Christopher Stowe Eduardo Lomeli Howard Lilienfeld Jacob Grigor 152nd Richard Dalton 485th MP Co SPC William D. Bower ...... 1864th Transp Co Intelligence Sqdn Adam Matson Rebekah Blodgett MSgt Earl D. Harris ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Scott Mitchell Darion Hannah Christopher McClung TSgt Shelley C. Schy ...... 152nd Log Readiness Sqdn Christopher Degeiso Robert Duncan Nathaniel Krider Nathan Franklin Eliverto Becerra SSG Donald P. Miller ...... 593rd Transp Co Ryan Jensen Shawn Shue 152nd Logistics SPC Tyheita D. Williams ...... 593rd Transp Co Readiness Sqdn Kevin Moriarty Delaney Geissinger Brandie Hanson Alton Tate Mark Caballero LtCol Ross A. Swezey ...... 192nd Airlift Sqdn Tam Reeve Justin Steinberg MSgt Stuart S. Veaudry ...... 152nd Airlift Wing 152nd Medical Grp CSM Kelly F. Cusanelli ...... JFHQ Robert Wood 100th 593rd Rimando Poyaoan Quartermaster Co Transportation Co CSM John V. Hefner ...... JFHQ Matthew Padgett Dennis Orr SGT Gina M. Putt ...... JFHQ 192nd Airlift Sqdn Romeo Reyes Justin Whetstone Jonathan Turner Jesse Valles James Wettlaufer Summer 2009 / BATTLE BORN / 27