Times Spring 2015

SDF Times Spring 2015

COMMUNICATIONS Message from the President, BG(AK) Roger E. Holl: s Message from the President The Need Other News The State Guard Association of the United States is highly proactive in its News from the State Guards efforts to prepare State Defense Forces to respond to the needs of the states. In Word Search today’s environment, the world is a dangerous place. In addition, changing weather patterns are continuing to bring natural disasters which affect our

citizens. There has never been a greater need for State Defense Forces to be UPCOMING EVENTS capable of augmenting the National Guard in time of emergencies in a highly October 29, 2015 professional manner. SGAUS Board Meet at 1600 Hanover, MD Strategic Planning

October 30, 2015 The Strategic Planning Committee of the State Guard Association of the SGAUS JAG/Legal CLE Training United States will soon be contacting you to survey your thoughts on how SGAUS Hanover, MD can best serve every soldier in SGAUS and your State Defense Force. SGAUS is

Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2015 concerned with every soldier, so please participate in the survey. In addition, the 2015 Annual Conference State Guard Association has a working group that is making recommendations for Hanover, MD changes to NGR 10-4. NGR 10-4 is the regulation which defines the relationship of

Nov 18 – 21, 2015 State Defense Forces to the National Guard Bureau. SGAUS Chaplain Training Edinburgh, IN All State Defense Force Commanders should be involved in this NGR-10-4 analysis. This is a unique opportunity. LINKED DOCUMENTS Bringing the Best Training to Every State Defense Force Soldier 1. SGAUS Annual and JAG In addition, SGAUS is active in bringing the best training to every soldier in Conference Registration Form every State Defense Force. The Military Emergency Specialist Program provides 2. SGAUS Annual Conference critical Incident Command training, which enables our soldiers to contribute Agenda – To Be Published greatly in the field of operations. The Chaplain’s School is training Chaplains and 3. SGAUS JAG/Legal CLE Training Agenda many others on how to meet the needs of victims and first responders. 4. SGAUS Chaplain Training Registration & Agenda

SGAUS Association Office P.O. Box 2441, Clarksville, TN 37042 ONLINE STORE www.sgaus.org . [email protected]

President’sPresident Message Message

At the SGAUS Annual Conference on 30 October 2015, a highly relevant Judge Advocate School will put on a program that military lawyers, their staffs and most NCO and Officer personnel should attend to understand the types of laws controlling operation of State Defense Forces.

Since State Defense Forces are often deployed to disaster scenes, a new SGAUS Engineering School is being offered at the Annual Conference to train State Defense Forces in damage assessment and debris removal and other engineering topics.

SGAUS Scholarships and Stipends

Now SGAUS and the SGAUS Foundation are providing financial assistance to State Defense Forces for publications and also for scholarships and stipends. Go to our website at https://www.sgaus.org/reference/programs~awards.asp to learn more. Don’t overlook these benefits. Encourage others to apply.

Your State Guard Association of the United States is more proactive than ever before to meet the needs of State Defense Forces and their soldiers. I greatly encourage each one of you to renew your membership and to attend the SGAUS Annual Conference in Hanover (Baltimore), Maryland from 30 October to 1 November 2015.

BG Roger E. Holl

President

State Guard Association of the United States

Deadline for Registration 29 SEPT 2015

SGAUS Annual SGAUS Registration SGAUS JAG Conference Agenda – To Be Published Form Conference Agenda OtherOther NewsNews

Recent News:

 Operation Baltimore Rally – Maryland Defense Force Called to Duty  Governor Calls Up Texas State Guard – Jade Helm 15

Read all about it: 1. Jade Helm 15: What is a SDF? 2. The 21st– Century Militia: State Defense Forces and Homeland Security 3. Why more States should establish State Defense Forces 4. Operational Risk for States 5. Legal Status of the Militia

News letters from our State Defense Forces

The following states have provided newsletters click the links below to read more. Georgia Mississippi Want to see your Tennessee newsletter here CA MEMS send a copy of it

for the next

SGAUS edition.

Alaska

professional manner to state disasters.

At the Annual Conference, Brigadier Alaska Hosts the Annual Conference of the General Roger Holl, Commander of the Alaska State Guard Association of the United States State Defense Force, was appointed the 2014- 2015 President of SGAUS. Lieutenant Colonel CPT Melissa Holl, ASDF Public Affairs Officer John James, Director of Operations and Training The State Guard Association of the for the Alaska State Defense Force, was named United States held the 2014 Annual Conference Secretary of the Executive Board. Corporal at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage Taylor Cosper of the Alaska State Defense Force September 11-14. Anchorage Mayor Dan was selected as the SGAUS Soldier of the Year. Sullivan welcomed officers and enlisted Alaska’s SFC Helga Polsey was named Non- personnel from State Defense Forces from Commissioned Officer of the Year for SGAUS. throughout the United States and its Territories. State Defense Forces from numerous The State Guard Association of the states shared their best practices at the United States (SGAUS) is a non-profit conference. In addition, SGAUS honored corporation that promotes the creation of State Brigadier General Mike Bridges, Acting Adjutant Defense Forces with state military departments General for Alaska, for his contributions and and also creates nation-wide training programs guidance to state defense forces and his for state defense force members. participation in the conference as the Banquet Speaker. John Madden, Director of Emergency The Alaska State Defense Force has Services for the State of Alaska was also benefited from its association with SGAUS honored for his contributions to the conference through participation in the Military Emergency as he spoke to the State Defense Forces on Management Specialist training and the proper response to natural disasters. Chaplain’s School. This year, SGAUS is creating a Staff Judge Advocate Academy for attorneys Alaska Army National Guard Chaplain, and an Engineering Academy for professional LTC Richard Koch and Chaplain’s Assistant SFC engineers. These training opportunities prepare Charles Boldt were both honored by SGAUS for state defense force personnel to respond in a their teaching and contributions to the SGAUS Chaplain’s School held in Alaska in 2013.

The State Guard Association of the United States Annual Conference was a reminder that State Defense Forces are a significant asset to the state, when disaster requires a professional response.

SGAUS Alaska 2014 132 ---Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mr. John Madden, receives an award from the State Guard Association of Alaska

Alaska

SGAUS Alaska 2014 --- Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mr. John Madden, receives an award from the State Guard Association of the United States for addressing how state defense forces can meaningfully participate in disaster response.

SGAUS Alaska 2014 ---BG (AK) Roger Holl, Commander of the Alaska State Defense Force and President of the State Guard Association of the United States, presents the key note speaker, Alaska’s Acting Adjutant General and Commissioner, BG Mike Bridges with an award honoring BG Bridges contributions to the State Guard Association of the United States and to the success of the conference.

Magazine article ASDF Hosts SGAUS Conference

Article authored by, and photos taken by:Captain Melissa Holl

Alaska State Defense Force, PAO 38800 Robinson Loop Road Is Log into the SGAUSSterling, website AK 99672 907-862-0330 [email protected] your membership current?

Log into the SGAUS Website California

due to the 100 atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted during the Cold War. California State Military Reserve Reservists were trained alongside police Disaster Training: officers, SWAT operators and firefighters during the four-day class. Protective gear worn by If California experiences a nuclear emergency, trainees included dosimeters that measured Daly City City Councilman Mike Guingona might how much radiation they were exposed to, and be among the military personnel responding to they carried radiation detectors that enabled the crisis. them to locate the “hot spots” in the mock city where their drills were conducted. A second lieutenant in the California State Military Reserve, Guingona recently traveled Guingona said a typical exercise involved with his unit to the Nevada desert, where he carrying out a search-and-rescue operation received disaster training at a site formerly used inside a dark, smoke-filled building where for aboveground nuclear weapons tests. dummies represented disaster victims and were tagged so as to tell the trainees how injured or The CSMR is under the command of the sick they were, along with their level of governor and used as a force multiplier for the radiation exposure. Learning to make hard California National Guard. While primarily choices about triage and personal safety are tasked with peacekeeping, security and disaster paramount in the training, Guingona said, response within California, the president does explaining that responders must be prepared to have authority to mobilize the CSMR and deploy make judgment calls as to whether or how to its troops outside the state during emergencies. attempt any given rescue. The CSMR was among the agencies that provided aid in New Orleans in 2005 after “You’re asking yourself: ‘Are the readings in Hurricane Katrina. here low enough to justify dosing ourselves in order to get the person out? If there’s this Guingona, who was 52 when he enlisted in amount of radiation and the guy’s not 2013, said that of the military agencies he was ambulatory, what’s the best thing to do?’” interested in joining, the CSMR was the only Guingona said. “And while this is going on, one whose age requirements would not exclude you’ve got an instructor behind you saying, him. ‘Your dosimeter’s going off! Do you think you should be this close to that hot spot?’” Guingona and the other members of CSMR Second Special Battalion Regional Support Command North journeyed to the Nevada Offered under the Center for Radiological National Security Site for their nuclear response Nuclear Training’s Counter-Terrorism training. Formerly known as the Nevada Test Operations Support program, the training is Site, the Department of Energy reservation is designed to prepare participants for a variety of about 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, and the elevated radiation levels found in the area are California

possible emergencies, including those in which terrorists might employ a “dirty bomb” that uses conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material, or even an improvised nuclear device that produces a nuclear explosion.

But Guingona downplayed what some might see as the sensational aspects of the subject, noting that the training was also relevant to non-terror scenarios. One example he cited was the possibility of a rollover or collision involving a truck transporting the nuclear material used in imaging devices for the health care industry.

Guingona said he’s interested in learning how well the various public safety agencies in San Mateo County are prepared for a nuclear emergency, and Hillsborough Police Capt. Doug Davis recently reached out to him to discuss the weapons-of-mass-destruction training that county SWAT operators receive in the Terrorism Counter Assault Team he commands.

Mike Guingona is a Daly City councilman who also serves as a second lieutenant in the California State Military Reserve.

Georgia

Georgia State Defense Force Award honored at the 2015 Military Awards Story by 2LT Allan Hayes, Deputy PAO, Georgia SDF, [email protected] Ceremony. Photo by 2LT Allan Hayes. The annual Georgia State Defense Force Award was presented by Colonel Rusty Hightower, THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA, GSDF Chief of Staff, to c/Maj. Adams for his Dahlonega, March 31, 2015 – Growing up in outstanding leadership, academic achievement The City of Springboro, a suburb of Cincinnati and dedication to the high physical, moral, and and Dayton Ohio, 175 miles from Lake Eerie, the mental standards of the Georgia military nearest significant body of water, young James tradition. In its second year, the award was Adams dreamed of attending the United States initiated by the GSDF General Staff as a way to Coast Guard Academy. In his senior year of High show support for, and be a part of, the annual school, he realized that his ideal of serving his awards ceremony of the military college for the nation in the armed forces was more closely state. aligned with the mission of the Army or Marine Corp. He decided on the Army as a career The University of North Georgia, designated by because of its more soldier centric mission and the Department of the Army as a Senior Military broader opportunities to serve as an officer. College, is one of six senior military colleges in Naturally, when given the choice of an ROTC the nation. Col. Hightower, and his wife, program in Ohio or Georgia, this smart cadet attended the military college and they currently chose the University of North Georgia (UNG). have a grandson in the cadet corps. While speaking with other presenters and guests at On this night, Cadet Major James Adams, a the UNG Parents & Family Association reception senior who will graduate this May with a major held after the ceremony in the Great Room of in Political Science and a minor in Military the Hoag Student Center, Hightower said that Leadership, sat with fifty-nine fellow members “it is always a pleasure to see these exceptional of the Boar’s Head Brigade, as the Corps of young people and know that the future of the Cadets at UNG in known, awaiting his turn to be country is in their capable hands.” After posing for some photographs for Adams’ family and certain GSDF Public Affairs officers in front of the center’s giant stone fireplace and beneath Georgia

the stained glass windows and flags of the home nations of international students, the distinguished Colonel reflected, “I owe this school everything.”

Cadet Major Adams serves as the Company XO of the Military Science III year Leadership Development Program (LDP). The LDP is a structured set of rotations where MSIII cadets are assigned to specific roles in an organization consisting of Companies, Platoons, and Squads. While filling this position he is evaluated according to his ability to exemplify the seven Army Values as well as perform in 17 Leadership Dimensions.

Upon graduation May 2nd, and his concurrent commissioning, Adams will join the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps at Fort Lee, VA. As a newly invested officer, his first task is to complete the four-month Ordnance Basic Officer Leadership Course.

The Georgia State Defense Force Award presented to Adams included a certificate, a GSDF coin, the Commendation Medal and 200 dollars. He was much honored to have received the award and said that his award money “will be very helpful.” He will use it to help defray the cost of uniforms and further academic pursuits.

Col. Hightower presents the Georgia State Defense Force Award to Cadet Major James Adams.

Cadet Major James Adams with GSDF Cadet Major James Adams with his Chief of Staff Col. Rusty Hightower in Georgia State Defense Force Award. the Great Room of the Hoag Student Center.

Georgia

Operation Roughrider Colt

Story by 2LT Allan Hayes, Deputy PAO, Georgia SDF, [email protected]

Photo by MAJ Pervis Brown and SSG Kimber Amber

FLORENCE REGIONAL AIRPORT, Florence, S.C., March 11, 2015 – Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF) troops played key roles in training and assisting Georgia Army National Guard (GAANG) soldiers with transportation, communications, and maintenance operations during a simulated disaster drill March 6-11 in Georgetown, South Carolina. A Company, 4th Battalion, 5th Brigade of the GSDF are a fully embedded unit with the 1177th Transportation Company of the GAANG in LaGrange Georgia. The 1177th is part of the

Homeland Response Force (HRF), 201st Regional WO1 Seay, SSG Kimble, and SGT Treadwell received the Georgia Commendation Medal Support Group, FEMA region IV. The HRF was called to from the 201st RSG GAARNG for participate in a multi-state disaster response training “Outstanding performance of duty and exercise named Operation Vigilant Guard 2015 which was basedsupport on inHurricane Operation damage Vigilant likeGuard that 2015.” sustained by coastal South Carolina during Hugo in 1989. The 1177th requested GSDF support with line haul trucking and forward supply company roles during the operation.

SSG Amber Kimble, SGT Christopher Treadwell, and WO1 Howard Seay were the GSDF soldiers participating in the mission. At the end of the exercise all 3 Soldiers were presented the Georgia Commendation Medal. This was the second and third award for all GSDF soldiers attending the Soldiers of the GSDF and GAANG work together troubleshooting equipment on the disaster training mission. Georgia

exercise. While serving on the mission,

GSDF troops participated in a line haul mission convoy to the simulated disaster area providing additional medical supplies to civilian and military response workers and they competently assembled the 1177th TC OE-254 antenna and performed initial communication checks between the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and roving military vehicles measuring effective range.

The 1177th TC Commander requested GSDF assistance for TOC operations for the duration of the mission including: setup, communications, action plans, dispatch tickets for multiple chocks of GAARNG vehicles, Personnel Status Reports (PERSTAT), convoy planning, and distribution of multiple state assets. During a visit to the 1177th TC Command Post (C2), Col. Vernon Atkinson, Commander of 201st Regional Support Group, spoke very highly of GSDF involvement, dedication, and integration with the GAARNG. He expressed his desire to continue expanding the GSDF’s integration, and conveyed his deep gratitude towards the GSDF troops that were present.

GSDF soldiers assemble the 1177th TC OE-254

antenna.

GuardIndiana on domestic missions, but when they find out, they want to learn more. There are

IGR supports r

IGR supports Warfighter hundreds of Guard Reservists working full-time as lawyers and doctors, teachers and salesmen, but we all come together to serve Hoosiers in their time of need,” said Heifetz. During the recent Warfighter Exercise at Atterbury-Muscatatuck, a team of IGR personnel helped backfill critical support positions, which allowed several thousand Soldiers and Airmen to remain focused on the joint service computer simulated exercise staged at Atterbury’s Joint Simulation Training Exercise Center. One IGR team member, Sgt. Robert Jackson of Cpl. Larry Cooper of Irvington, Sgt. Robert Jackson of Linwood, and Cpl. Daryl Thomas of Irvington Indianapolis, contributed his experience as an provide support to active duty, reserve, and National IGR certified military police officer during the Guard troops from across the nation during the recent exercise by assisting on patrols with the Warfighter Exercise at Camp Atterbury. The three installation MPs. Together they ensured Indianapolis volunteers are members of the Indiana security and good order paved the way for Guard Reserve, a state recognized supplemental force to the Indiana National Guard. smooth operations.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Les Newport. “I’ve been working maybe five or six jobs on post. I’ve been (working) at the gym, EDINBURGH, Ind. - After years of providing processing, and working at the USO,” said support for deploying units at Atterbury- Jackson. “This gives me an opportunity to wear Muscatatuck, Indiana Guard Reserve Soldiers, the uniform, and it’s an honor for me to the all-volunteer auxiliary force of the Indiana represent my state and my country. One of my National Guard, continue to find new ways to proudest moments was the day I put on the make their presence felt as the state and uniform. And the second most meaningful was Military Department of Indiana adjust to new when I graduated from the state MP academy.” missions and priorities. Atterbury MP, Spc. Cortlandt Overbay, who Cpt. Terry Heifetz, the IGR public affairs officer spent time on patrols with Sgt. Jackson, had and a Ball State University professor, spends never had the opportunity to work side-by-side much of his personal time off letting people with the IGR Soldiers prior to the exercise, but know about the IGR and the hundreds of had nothing but praise for their efforts. dedicated Hoosiers who fill its ranks. When asked about his experience working with “A lot of people in Indiana have no idea there's the IGR during warfighter, Spc. Overbay said, an all-volunteer force to back-up the National “They are here Indiana

to support us, the same way we support the rest of the military, and what we do, they do just as efficiently. It speaks to the character of who they are, to come in here and do all this. Not a lot of people will come down here and do that.” Cpl. Larry Cooper, also an Indianapolis native, joined the IGR two years ago after a career in emergency management and firefighting. Cooper said he most enjoys meeting and supporting military personnel from all over the country. “I’ve met active duty units, guard and reserve units,” said Cooper, “and most of them are interested in (the fact) the IGR is an all-reserve force. I’ve met some really great Soldiers coming through. One of them is a sergeant from Africa. He and I have exchanged information, and he’s with the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado.” The IGR traces its lineage to before the Civil War and was first known as the Liberty Guard, and later as the Indiana Legion. According to Heifetz, the IGR is recognized by state law as the official supplemental force to the Indiana National Guard, according to Heifetz. “It's easy to join. We're looking for people who have served in the armed forces and still want to serve in a different way and those who didn't get a chance to serve, but want to give back,” said Heifetz. “Anyone interested can check our website at www.in.gov/IGR for information about how to join.

Deadline for items needing Board consideration is August 1, 2015

Guidelines: SGAUS Chaplain Training 1. No more than one page. 2. Must be present 3. Must be active/current SGAUS member for more info:

Format: 832-423-3934  Subject:  Presenter: [email protected]  Issue:  Points of concern: (bullet points):  Recommendation/s: g

Maryland

Operation Baltimore Rally By: BG(MDDF) Brian Kelm

As of 0730 2 May 15 the MDDF has activated 43 personnel to support JFHQ, JTF Chesapeake and FOB Raven as part of Operation Baltimore Rally. Support has been provided in the form of Chaplain, Medical, and staff and sustainment support to the JTF/MJOC/Adaptive Battle Staff. Although I am very sorry about the reason for the call up of the MDDF, this has been a superior example of how the MDDF can be mobilized to support the Maryland Military Department. It made me feel good when I visited FOB Raven how many National Guardsmen came up to me and CSM Scott and thanked us for what the MDDF was doing to support the historic effort and how impressed they were that we are volunteers. Without a doubt National Guardsmen know of the MDDF and what it provides to the fight. I could name each of the 43 personnel who answered the call, but there are many more who wished to also be part of this effort that had to be told to stand by and wait for the call. A few names of personnel who went up an above include: COL (MDDF) James Coleman, LTC (MDDF) Michael Behringer, Chaplain (COL) (MDDF) Raymond Copp, MAJ (MDDF) Gary Miconi, MAJ (MDDF) Carolyn Copp, LTC (MDDF) Phillip Terry-Smith, COL (MDDF) Walter Hettinger and many others. At the time of the writing of this report the MDDF has received new mission FRAGO to support the JRSOI for stand down of MDMILDEP units at CFMR. I am so proud of the all MDDF Soldiers who participated or desired to participate in the mission, as it has validated that my vision of a more operational and professional MDDF has truly been achieved.

Maryland Governor Hogan with Maryland Defense Force soldiers at FOB Raven Operation Baltimore Rally.

Maryland

MDDF Personnel Participate in HAZMAT Training 2nd Lt. Anthony Granado

The potential emergency may arise from a natural disaster or an international terrorism incident but the men and women of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) are preparing to meet the challenge. MDDF personnel recently completed an important three-day hazardous material (HAZMAT) training at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation. The training was designed to provide the knowledge and skills needed to obtain certification through the National Professional Qualifications System (NPQS/Pro Board) as an operations-level responder. The course was designed by the Texas A&M University Engineering department.

This three-day course focused on the specific challenges that first responders face during a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)/terrorist or a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) incident. The training was designed to help personnel recognize hazardous materials and prevent the unnecessary contamination of people, property, and the environment. “It is important for MDDF to get this type of training as these threats sadly aren’t going to go anyway time soon. But MDDF will be ready,” said Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, who also participated in the training.

Some of the topics addressed in the training included:  Assessing WMD hazards  Predicting the likely behavior of HAZMAT/WMD materials  Identifying defensive strategies for a WMD incident  Effectively operating and communicating in a unified command structure of the Incident Command System (ICS)  Determining Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needs, and;  Performing emergency decontamination

Twenty-five MDDF personnel participated in this training activity. For Lt. Col. (MDDF) Edward Hubner the experience was not only educational but enjoyable. “I had a great time and learned a lot. I hope to never have to use these skills but we always need to be ready if necessary.”

The Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) is the State’s uniformed volunteer military unit providing professional and technical assistance to the Maryland Military Department. Established in 1917, the MDDF consists of nearly 450 personnel who perform legal, engineering, finance, medical, chaplain, field support and ceremonial services for the State of Maryland. For more information: www.mddf.maryland.gov. Maryland Maryland

Nineteen MDDF State Soldiers Receive MEMS Certifications Col. Michael Barrett

Chief Warrant Officer (MDDF) Eric Drummer, Military Emergency Management Specialist (MEMS) Academy Director, for the State of Maryland, announced today that nineteen Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) personnel were presented with their Basic, Senior and Master badges, at the graduation ceremony on March 21, 2015, held at Pikesville Military Reservation in Pikesville, Maryland. Thirteen new MEMS qualified personnel earned their Basic Badge, four earned their Senior Badge and two received their Master Badge, the highest award issued by the MEMS Academy.

The MEMS badge is awarded only after completion of a rigorous course of on-line and classroom study combined with several years of practical experience and hands-on participation with local emergency management agencies. The MEMS Academy was created and is administered by the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) to further the educational advancement of state guard personnel from all fifty states and Puerto Rico.

Col. (MDDF) Michael E. Barrett, president of the Maryland State Guard Association, the local SGAUS affiliate, said that “the MDDF commanding general, Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm has placed great emphasis over the past four years on having all MDDF personnel take part in this important and vital training program because emergency management is a core mission of the MDDF.” Currently, almost 30% of the entire MDDF force strength is MEMS qualified.

Maryland

MDSGA & MDDF Select the 2014 NCO and Soldier of the Year Winners Maj. Stephen Rice

At the recent Maryland State Guard Association (MDSGA) holiday ball, Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera was named the 2014 Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) of the year. At the same event, 2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard was named the 2014 Soldier of the year. These awards are given by the MDSGA upon the recommendation of the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF) NCO Council and the approval of the Commanding General of the MDDF.

Sgt. (MDDF) Kevin Carrera enlisted in the MDDF in 2011 and quickly made an impact. His career began as a human resources specialist with the MDDF’s 10th Medical Regiment. His hard work and dedication earned him a promotion to administrative NCO where he continued to perform at an exceptional level. Currently, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera serves as the supply sergeant for the 10th Medical Regiment.

In addition to his assigned unit duties, Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera also serves with the MDDF Honor Guard that was formed in 2012. Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett, president of the MDSGA shared that, “His leadership by example, has been a positive motivation to other MDDF state soldiers throughout his three and a half years of service.” “His dedication to duty, spirit of volunteerism and leadership, have made him very deserving of this honor.”

2nd Lt. (MDDF) Jeremy O’Mard enlisted in the MDDF in 2010. Since that time he has “been one of the most active and the most visible NCOs in the MDDF,” according to Col. (MDDF) Michael Barrett. 2nd Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard joined the Information Technology unit (D-6) initially as a technical troubleshooter and was quickly promoted. Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard developed a reputation for being able “to get the job done and get it done right,” according to Col. (MDDF) Barrett.

MarylandMaryland

After being promoted to sergeant, earlier in 2014 Lt. O’Mard was asked to take a commission in order to become Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm’s Aide de Camp. Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Kelm stated that, “He caught the eye of the senior command staff because of his professionalism and devotion to duty.” “He continues to do a great job in this new role.”

At the holiday ball, both Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera and Lt. (MDDF) O’Mard were somewhat surprised by the recognition. Sgt. (MDDF) Carrera stated that, “I didn’t expect this but I am happy and very proud to receive this award.” Lt. O’Mard added that, “I didn’t know that this was going to happen but I am humbled and appreciative of this special honor.”

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Maryland Maryland Maryland

Maryland Defense Force Supports Historic Maryland Adjutant General

Change of Command

Maj. Stephen Rice On February 28, 2015 at the Fifth Regiment Armory in Baltimore, Maryland, Maj. Gen. (MD) Linda L. Singh was sworn in as Maryland’s new adjutant general replacing Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins. Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh also made history becoming the nation’s first female African- American adjutant general. Previously Gen. Singh had served as Maryland’s assistant adjutant general – Army.

In this new role, Gen. Singh will lead the Maryland Military Department which includes the Maryland Army National Guard (MDARNG), Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Maryland Defense Force (MDDF). Several dignitaries were in attendance for the ceremony including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and senior leaders from the National Guard Bureau. In support of the ceremony, nearly 250 troops stood in formation. Companies from the MDARNG, MDANG, MDDF and Civil Air Patrol were represented.

Leading the MDDF volunteers in formation was Col. (MDDF) James Coleman, deputy commanding general of the MDDF. He commented that, “We had fifty state soldiers on the drill floor for the ceremony and they looked great.” “It was a wonderful experience and we were honored to be a part of this historical occasion.” He also shared that, “The MDDF is excited for the future and we look forward to working with Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh in service to the citizens of Maryland.” Maryland

Maryland Maryland

The MDDF was also ably represented at the ceremony by the MDDF Band which is officially known as “Maryland’s Musical Ambassadors.” Under the direction of Lt. Col. (MDDF) Jari Villanueva the MDDF Band performed a marching “sound off” musical salute to Gen. Singh. As part of the tribute, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva led the band in a pass in review in front of the adjutant general. Following the ceremony and during the adjutant general’s reception, Lt. Col. (MDDF) Villanueva directed elements of the MDDF Band in a jazz performance that entertained appreciative guests. “It was a busy day for us but we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do our part in support of Maj. Gen. (MD) Singh.” Brig. Gen. (MDDF) Brian R. Kelm, commanding general of the MDDF commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of how we executed our mission today.” Members of the band include retired and former members of our nation’s military service bands, music educators and students from all over the state. The band provides musical and ceremonial support to the Maryland Military Department and the State of Maryland. There are 22 states (plus the commonwealth of Puerto Rico) that have State Defense Forces to provide additional uniformed volunteer support to the National Guard. Maryland is only one of four states to have a State Defense Force band.

Sci Technology and Society Program Students “Save” an Armory Massachusetts

HISTORIC STATE RESERVE UNIT HOLDS CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

Capt. (MA) Ted Sarandis, HQ-MSDF HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The Massachusetts State Defense Force will hold its Change of Command Ceremony on Saturday, 10 January at 2:00 p.m. at the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Force Headquarters at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA. The Adjutant General of Massachusetts, Major General L. Scott Rice, will preside over the ceremony.

The outgoing commander, Major General (Massachusetts) Gary Pappas, will retire from military service after a long and distinguished career at both the state and federal levels. The incoming commander Brigadier General (Massachusetts) Paul G. Smith will assume command after completing an exemplary career of more than 30 years in the U.S. Army National Guard. Maj.Gen. (MA) Pappas and Brig.Gen. (MA) Smith each served as Land Component Commander—the operational leader of the Massachusetts Army National Guard during their careers.

Though its unit name has changed over the years, the Massachusetts State Defense Force (MSDF) continues to provide respected, relevant, ready and reliable support and augmentation to the Massachusetts National Guard since its inception in 1863. The MSDF does so by leveraging the significant experience and professional capabilities of civilian volunteers and former/retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces and/or Military Forces of the Commonwealth.

For more information on the Massachusetts State Defense Force, please visit the Unit website at http://states.ng.mil/sites/MA/resources/MSDF/default.aspx MississMississippiippi

Toys and Joys Helps Mississippi Families

Thirty-three children in the Jackson, Mississippi area had a much better Christmas thanks to the efforts of Mississippi State Guard members. Members solicited donations for gifts, wrapping paper and supplies and then joined together at the Raymond Road Armory in Jackson to prepare for the delivery.

“We asked area churches and organizations for a list of those in greatest need. We then did our best to raise as much as possible to see how many on the list we could help. We had an anonymous donation that helped a lot, “ said Sergeant Major Michael Peusch of the 127th Company.

An assembly line was set up in the armory to prepare, wrap and package the gifts for the teams that were going to deliver them.

“We split up into separate teams,”said Peusch. “This way we could make sure that all of the children got their gifts on time.”

While this was he first year for the program, members are already looking forward to next Christmas.

“There were many more children on the list than we could help this year. We hope by next year we can increase the number of children and families we can help.”

MississippiMississippi

Members of Second Brigade also helped spread holiday cheer in North Mississippi when the participated in the annual Horn Lake Christmas Parade in North Mississippi.

Click here to see the SGAUS Programs and Awards

To submit an application for the following please download the appropriate form, complete and follow the submission instructions.

¨ SGAUS Scholarship program ¨ SGAUS Soldier of the Year

¨ SGAUS Stipend program ¨ SGAUS Officer of the Year

¨ SGAUS NCO of the Year

All Applications MUST be in NLT 30 JUNE No extensions

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Emergency Response Battalion

Officer Candidate JOHN W SCHMIDT

On 7 March 2015 members of the 21st Emergency Response Battalion (ERB) (EN) and the 65th Regiment of the New York Guard conducted support operation for the 152nd ESC New York Army National Guard at the Youngstown Training Area in Ransomville, New York.

The mission was to conduct clearing operations to widen the roads in Training Area 3. The units from the New York Guard supplied troops to conduct chainsaw and clearing operations, and the 152nd NYARNG provided equipment operators to clear snow from around the trees that needed to be cut down. (Pictured left are 1SGT Steven Tyrrell and SSG James Peck. (NYG)

This support mission helped the members of the 21st and 65th keep their skills with chainsaws current. This was a very important training evolution for the 21st and 65th because it gave them the opportunity to work with their National Guard counterparts showing joint training and joint operations between the two entities. This facilitates a positive relationship within the units and also ensures seamless integration between the New York Army National Guard and the New York Guard units, when they would be called upon for Joint missions and future activations together.

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The 21st and 65th completed their tasks without incident. Pictured below are the cleanup operations of trimming a cutting the logs in smaller sections. MAJ Geoffrey Milligan Commander of the 21st ERB supervised soldier for both the 21st and 65th during this part of the operation.

SPC John Sage and SGT Bradley SPC Burnham cutting a group of Bray are cutting and trimming trees. trees.

Cleaning up operations

SGT Jeffery Locke, SPC Jerry Silvis, and SSG James Peck begin

cleaning up after dropping a tree. NewNew YorkYork

Martin Ingram, Breezy Point resident and New York Guard officer receives Medal for Valor-New York State military award recognizes Ingram's roles as fire chief during Hurricane Sandy

CAMP SMITH TRAINING SITE, NY -New York Guard Colonel Martin Ingram, a resident of Breezy Point, Queens, received New York State's highest medal for bravery-- the Medal for Valor-- on Saturday, March 14. The award recognized Ingram for his actions as fire chief of the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department on Oct. 29, 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit New York.

Hurricane Sandy flooded the ocean front community, and fire destroyed many of the areas structures. Ingram led the efforts to evacuate citizens from rising flood waters, entered a burning building to save a stranded resident and extinguish the fire-saving other buildings from being destroyed-and rallied other members of his fire department by his personal example. Ingram has been a member of the New York Guard since 2004 and currently serves as commander of the New York Guard's 88th Brigade, headquartered at Lexington Avenue Armory.

Ingram, age 64, was awarded the medal during a leadership meeting at the New York National Guard training site here north of Peekskill. New York Guard Commander, Brig. Gen. Stephen Bucaria made the award.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo praised Ingram for his heroism and his efforts that night. "I am proud that New York's highest honor will be given to a local hero, Lt. Col. Martin Ingram for his selfless efforts to help fellow New Yorkers during Super storm Sandy," Cuomo said. "A Queens resident, Lt. Col. Ingram put the needs of New Yorkers in harm's way first, without regard to his own safety. I thank him for his dedication to the people of New York and I am inspired by his courageous efforts," the governor said.

The New York Guard Chief of Staff, Colonel George J. DeSimone added the following about Col Ingram after the award presentation, “Col Ingram's personal sacrifice during the terrifying hours as Super storm Sandy came on shore in Breezy Point, clearly indicates the type of man he is. In his teens, Marty was a Lifeguard; as my Deputy Commander in the 88th Brigade, Marty always displayed a willingness to help others. It seems that Marty is destined to serve others. His actions during Super storm Sandy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the New York Guard. I am very proud to know Marty and call him a friend.”

The Medal for Valor is awarded to any member of New York's organized militia, which is composed of the New York Army and Air National Guard, the New York Naval Militia, and the New York Guard. The medal is awarded for acts of valor, heroism, courage or gallantry in either a civilian or military capacity.

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The complete account of COL Ingram's actions can be found at: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/157120/martin-ingram-breezy-point-resident-and-new-york-guard- officer-receives-medal-valor#.VQnYAI7F-Sp

New York Guard Col. Martin Ingram was congratulated on Saturday, March 14, 2015 after receiving New York State's highest military award, the Medal of Valor, from New York Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Stephen Bucaria. Ingram received the award in recognition of his heroic actions as the fire chief of the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Department during Hurricane Sandy. The New York Guard is the state's volunteer defense and emergency response force. Photo by Capt Mark Getman- New York Guard

New York

New York Guard Activated For Operation Lake Effect (Buffalo, NY) New York Story by LTC Dave Greenwood, 10th BDE PAO

On Tuesday, November 18 and Wednesday, November 19, 2014 the Buffalo, NY area received record amounts of snowfall. The highest amounts were in areas to the south and east of the city. Some areas received over 6 feet in a single day. There was a significant danger of roof collapse to residential structures if the snow was not removed. Further, temperatures were expected to increase over the New York next 5 days with the added risk of flooding. The New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) were deployed to the area to assist residents, but more manpower was needed and the New York Guard was called upon for State active duty to assist the National Guard Units.

Seventeen soldiers of the 10th Brigade, NYG (which included personnel from 102nd Engineer BN, 21st Engineer BN, 2nd Emergency Response BN, and 10th BDE HQ) and eight soldiers of the 65th Regiment, NYG arrived in Buffalo on November 21and began snow removal operations on November 22nd. Over the course of the next two days, a 12 person team was deployed to Absolut Care nursing home in Orchard Park NY to remove snow from the roof. Transportation to/from the site was provided by the 152nd NYARNG Engineer Support Company. The NYARNG also provided snow shovels, wheelbarrows, and snow blowers for snow removal to the NYG units.

By the morning of November 23rd, 12 NYG soldiers along with 11 New York Naval Militia (NYNM) Sailors were put on standby to deploy to the Alden Stockpile to learn how to set up and use water pumps and generators for future flood missions. The NYARNG provided the sand bags, pumps and generators. Additionally, 1 NYG soldier was assigned to the 53rd Troop Command, NYARNG S4 team to help unload and manage supplies from 2000 – 0800 each night; while another was assigned to the JOC at Connecticut St. as the NYG LNO.

On November 24th, due to rising temperatures, flooding now became the new concern. At 1100, 10 NYG soldiers and 17 NYNM members moved as one unit responding to requests for flood response. During the day, the combined NYG/NYNM unit moved from Willowdale, to Hamburg to Silver Creek, assisting the NYARNG with emergency flood missions. As further support, throughout the deployment to Buffalo, two, 2- person NYG details were assigned to guard the entrance to the Connecticut St Armory each doing a 12 hour shift.

By November 25th with the emergency winding down, the New York Guard mission was stood down. This last day of deployment was highlighted by a visit to the NYG troops by Brigadier General Stephen Bucaria, Commander of the NYG as he expressed his appreciation for a job well done to the soldiers of the NYG. The NYG soldiers then traveled safely back to home station.

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The NYARNG JOC leadership team was impressed with the quality of work done by members of the 10th BDE and 65th Regiment, NYG and this snow emergency, proved the value of the New York Guard to the safety and security of the citizens of New York State.

Photos by Specialist Tom LaVoy- New York Guard-

New York New York

Soldiers of the 10th Brigade, NYG and 65th Regiment, NYG assist the New York Army National Guard with snow removal operations on November 22nd - 23rd 2014 at the Absolute Care nursing home in Orchard Park NY to remove snow from the roof., where over six feet of snow accumulated in a 24 hour period.

Photos by Specialist Tom LaVoy- New York Guard-

Soldiers of the 10th Brigade, NYG and 65th Regiment, NYG assist the New York Army National Guard with snow removal operations on November 22nd – 23rd 2014, at the Absolute Care nursing home in Orchard Park NY to remove snow from the roof., where over six feet of snow had accumulated in a 24 hour period.

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New York Naval Militia will train with new loudspeaker system on Hudson River Friday

New York Naval Militia members will be conducting training with a high-tech loudspeaker system on the Hudson River in the vicinity of Peekskill and Verplanck on Friday, April 24.

The system, made by the LRAD Corporation of San Diego, California, is designed to allow Naval Militia patrol boats to communicate with other vessels or people on shore more effectively than traditional bull horns or speaker systems.

Local residents may hear sounds from the speaker system being exercises on the Hudson River.

LRAD stands for Long Range Acoustic Device. The systems can transmit intelligible speech for more than a kilometer. The Naval Militia has a LRAD 300 system which can be mounted on its nine patrol boats as required.

Seven members of the New York State Police and three New York City Police Officers will join nine members of the New York Naval Militia in learning how to operate the device. Six members of the New York Air National Guard will also participate in the training program.

The New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is funding the training.

Before moving on board New York Naval Militia Patrol Boat 400 for the waterborne portion of the training, the participants will conduct class room training at the National Guard's Camp Smith Training Site.

The New York Naval Militia consists of members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserve who simultaneously belong to the Naval Militia as well as their federal reserve military forces. They put the skills they have learned on federal military duty to work for the state when responding to disasters like Hurricane Sandy or the recent snow storm in Buffalo. Five percent of the force is allowed to consist of retired and former Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members.

The New York Naval Militia operates a fleet of nine patrol boats known as the Military Emergency Boat Service which operate on lakes Ontario and Erie, Lake Champlain, the Hudson River and in New York Harbor in support of law enforcement and the Coast Guard.

Photo: New York Naval Militia members training with an LRAD 300 loud speaker on board Patrol Boat 400. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico State Guard Shooting Team “Champions for three years in a Row” By; Col (PR) Gelabel Monserrate PAO/PRSG

For three years in a row the Puerto Rico State Guard Shooting Team has been bringing home the Championship Trophy of the “Puerto Rico Rifle and Pistol Match” . This competition is held every year at the facilities of Camp Santiago Training Center at Salinas Puerto Rico with the participation of around ten teams of National Guardsmen from around the Country. The event was a four day competition this past November of 2014, once again congratulations for the PRSG Shooting Team

Team Captain third from right to left Ltc Miguel Reyes and his PRSG Shooting Team 2014 Champions for three years in a row, congratulations once again you have proved the reason why we are “Second to None”

Puerto Rico State Guard Puertoprovides health services Rico to local communities: SEE VIDEO South Carolina

her Daughters and Grandsons

S.C. State Guard readies for disaster by taking part in Vigilant Guard 2015

In March, a major category 4 hurricane named Zephyr made landfall on the South Carolina coast and subsequently moved through the state into North Carolina, causing widespread destruction and havoc along the way. The South Carolina State Guard joined with the South Carolina National Guard, in support of state and local authorities and in cooperation with regional partners and federal forces to provide resources for disaster response and consequence management.

No, a real hurricane didn’t hit South Carolina but Vigilant Guard (VG15) did. Vigilant Guard was a multi-state, multi- agency exercise focused on interagency coordination in preparation for emergencies and catastrophic events in South Carolina. U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau sponsored this exercise. From Charleston to South Carolina's upstate, over 150 CERT-qualified State Guard troops worked alongside of National Guardsmen and local emergency personnel.

The mission was to conduct civil support in areas affected by a simulated category 4 hurricane from March 3 to 12 for the purpose of saving lives, reducing human suffering and BG Mullikin(front right) briefs General Frank J. minimizing large-scale property damage or destruction Grass (front left) on the diverse capabilities and within the state of South Carolina. readiness of the historic South Carolina State Guard during Vigilant Guard 15. General Grass serves as the 27th Chief, National Guard The exercise included various field training exercise events Bureau and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of including: mass casualty, water purification, wellness checks, Staff. In this capacity, he serves as a military Points of Distribution for relief supplies, hazardous adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense materials, traffic control, hospital support, River Ferrying and National Security Council. Operations, Bambi-bucket operations, and Search and Rescue.

Vigilant Guard is a quarterly emergency preparedness exercise held in various parts of the country and both tests and enhances relationships between civilian, federal, and military partners. The participants react to simulated emergencies such as severe weather, or infectious diseases, working together to help citizens. Participants react to the events by either working the exercise with the various staffs through administrative channels, or by practicing a real-world response to an event.

SCSG Commander, Brigadier General Thomas Mullikin was in the field throughout the exercise to assess SCSG capabilities and evaluate how effectively the State Guard worked with federal, state, and county officials." South Carolina

Our state has the potential for many threats, including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, andhurricanes. We must remain ever vigilant," said Mullikin, adding "I am very proud to have had the State Guard be a part of this real-world training exercise. Our troops performed extremely well and lived up in every way to our motto - Trained and Ready."

Because of VG15, the SCSG is better prepared to work with federal, state, and local authorities to respond to natural or man-made disasters. As hurricane season is just a few short months away, the State Guard continues to train and prepare to respond by being the "first boots on the ground" whenever and wherever it might be needed in South Carolina. The last Vigilant Guard in South Carolina was in 2008, exercising response activities to an earthquake in the vicinity of Beaufort, S.C.

The State Guard is a part of the S.C. Military Department. Its membership consists of dedicated citizen- volunteers united by a shared spirit of community service.

South Carolina State Guard troops on the coast working with local first responders during the aftermath of a simulated CAT 4 hurricane hitting the South Carolina.

The State Guard can be followed on Facebook or found on the web at www.sg.sc.gov.

South Carolina

Emergency responders, medical teams practice dealing with disaster

Nearly 300 men and women from local and statewide public safety agencies, local hospitals and military personnel to include the South Carolina State Guard joined forces Wednesday for a large-scale mock disaster drill at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

An Air Force C-17 lands at Columbia Metropolitan Airport during Wednesday’s disaster drill. (photo by Allen Wallace)

Columbia Fire Department Special Operations Chief Jason Kruser said events like the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina demonstrated the need for such drills.

“It’s definitely shown the need to be prepared,” he said. “I think our state has really gotten out in front of that.”

Wednesday’s drill focused on coordination between the U.S. Army National Disaster Medical System with local first responders and hospitals in response to a Category 5 hurricane hitting the South Carolina coast.

The drill included the arrival of a C-17 military transport airplane with volunteer patients that were transported to area hospitals.

The South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Incident Management Team managed the drill with assistance from the Midlands Incident Management Team, and employees from 33 agencies took part.

The National Disaster Medical System coordinates emergency transportation and medical aid during large-scale events that would otherwise overwhelm the capabilities of emergency responders and medical providers in local jurisdictions. “We rehearse this every year,” said Maj. Jeffrey Jackson of the South Carolina

South Carolina State Guard. “There are a lot of experts to get together to fine-tune this. It’s like a machine.”

Jackson said communication is critical to the success of the operation, and Wednesday’s incident commander, Assistant Chief Mike Edmonds of the Columbia Fire Department, agreed.

“My job and my staff’s is to come in and add order to the chaos,” Edmonds said. “Challenges in the past and I’m sure challenges in the future will be communication.”

The group Wednesday handled two waves of patients, with that role played by volunteers with approximately 70 patients in each wave. Edmonds said the goal is to be prepared for any number of waves of casualties. “In a real world scenario, that could be perpetual,” he said.

Edmonds said all those involved take the exercise seriously but that it is also a lot of fun.

“What better way to hone your skills?” he said.

Tentatively SGAUS is planning on having the first training session the week prior to the SGAUS Convention, October 19-23, 2015 in Maryland. Point of contact for more information is BG(MD) Brian Kelm at [email protected]

SEE PROGRAM MATERIALS Tennessee

National Talk Show Host Visits with the Tennessee State Guard

January 9th, 2015, Phil Valentine Talk Show (99.7), Nashville, TN – Most people know Phil Valentine as the American conservative talk radio show host in Nashville, Tennessee. He broad-casts daily on flagship station WWTN, a Cumulus Media station, and is syndicated through Westwood One on over 110 radio stations. He is probably best known in Tennessee for leading protests against a state income tax.

Phil Valentine being a former TNSG member knew the importance of being prepared for any natural or manmade disaster. Valentine encouraged his listening audience to consider joining the TNSG (http://www.jointnsg.org).

(Left to Right: Col Tony Shipley, BG Kenneth Takasaki, Phil Valentine, COL Ray Harwell, BG George Arzente)

Tennessee

TNSG 1941 to 1946, Model for Today By Daniel E. Brown, CPT (TN) In January, 1941, with war raging in various places around the globe, and with the expectation that the United States would soon be at war, the Tennessee Legislature passed and Governor Prentice Cooper signed into law, The Tennessee State Guard Act. That act was: AN ACT to provide for a State defense organization to be known as the Tennessee State Guard to be used when any part of the National Guard of this State is called into Federal service, to authorize the issuance of bonds and the borrowing of money, and to provide penalties for violations of this Act. (Chapter No. 15, Public Acts, 1941)

Highlights of the Act are as follows:

 The Governor was empowered to enlist, organize, maintain, equip and discipline a volunteer defense unit known as the Tennessee State Guard, and he could likewise enlist, organize, maintain, equip and discipline a volunteer auxiliary unit known as the Women’s Auxiliary of the Tennessee State Guard. Men were required to be between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five, and the women were required to be between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five. (Governor Cooper is left end of the front row in the picture.)

 The Governor was also authorized to procure the necessary equipment to properly equip the State Guard and make available state armories and other state property as may be required for drilling, housing and instruction.

 Every member would subscribe to the following oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will well and faithfully perform my duties as a member of the Tennessee State Guard to the best of my ability, and I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the State of Tennessee and I will serve the State of Tennessee honestly and faithfully against all enemies, whomsoever, and that I will obey the orders of the Governor and the officers placed over me, according to law.”

 Members could be charged with a misdemeanor for missing drills, subject to imposition of a fine of no less than $2.00.

Tennessee

According to Col. Jacob McGavock Dickinson, state guardsmen were “not tin soldiers playing at war. These guardsmen are patriotic American citizens who work and drill earnestly in order to be a very real protecting factor inside the state during the emergency, while the national guard is away at military sites as part of the regular army.” (from the Tennessee State Library and Archive, hereinafter TSLA, citing Col. Dickinson’s quote in the Nashville Tennessean, November 7, 1941)

The state guard act authorized a $500,000 bond issue, and, as noted above, it authorized the governor to “make such expenditures as deemed necessary from the Emergency Appropriation Fund.” (See TSLA) As constituted per the 1941 act, the Tennessee State Guard (TNSG) was comprised of three divisions (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) located within the three grand divisions of the state (West, Middle and East Tennessee), and Major General Thomas A. Frazier, the Adjutant General of Tennessee was appointed commander of the TNSG. (See TSLA)

The TNSG accomplished a number of successful missions during the period of world war. Among its missions was:

· Assisted the Army with manning certain posts

· Guarded armories

· Directed and controlled traffic for federal military exercises

· Participated in scrap metal drives

· Assisted civil defense operations

· Raised funds for the war effort

In addition to those routine functions, the TNSG was also mobilized for some other non- routine missions: Guarding a B-17 that made an emergency landing (the bomber had to be dismantled to be moved from its landing site) · Peacekeeping force in Sullivan County after rioting had occured

Rescue and relief work following a train wreck in Campbell County

· Assisting in capturing escaped prisoners of war in Lincoln County Tennessee

(See TLSA)

And after the war, one of the TNSG’s missions that garnered considerable notoriety was its peacekeeping efforts in Columbia, Tennessee after rioting occurred in the area. An incident involving racial tension resulted in the deaths of two citizens and police officers being shot at. Rioting ensued, and the TNSG sent approximately 800 troops to act as peacekeepers, assisting local police and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. At the time of the incident, the state police and local police agencies simply did not have enough manpower to send an overwhelming response to quiet the situation. However, the TNSG had a statewide force consisting of approximately 6000 soldiers during its membership peak. Units in the Columbia area mobilized and were a stabilizing influence that allowed peace to be restored in the town.

The historical record demonstrates the need for state defense forces in time of war and in time of peace. The purpose of the TNSG has changed little in the last 74 years. The soldiers of the Tennessee State Guard stand ready to assist Tennesseans in times of emergency. Because we are unpaid volunteers, we are truly the state’s citizens soldiers, and we are proud of our history of service to the state.

Tennessee

Basic Noncommissioned Officer and Initial Entry Courses

March 27th -29th, 2015, IET (initial entry training)and BNCOC (Basic Noncommissioned Offer Course) was in full swing as new recruits from east, west, north and south Tennessee gathered for their annual training requirements. Volunteers from across the State of TN looked forward to their training exercises and practical lessons. Both courses encompassed 2 1/2 days of training. There were 17 IET and 16 BNCOC graduates this training session.

The BNCOC course concentrated in Squad Level Drill and Ceremony, History and Creed of the NCO, Risk Management, Troop Leading Procedures amongst other Basic NCO level training as required by active duty elements. The future BNCOC classes will be given under the new title of "Advanced Leader Course (ALC)" to continue the TNSG commitment to mirror the active duty Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES).

IET Soldiers studied Wear and Appearance of the Uniform, Land Navigation skills, TNSG History, numerous first aid and medical classes amongst other subject material. Classes were conducted at Volunteer Training Site (VTS) Smyrna, TN. The facilities were provided by the Tennessee Army National Guard, which included classrooms and billeting for all soldiers. Graduation was conducted on Sunday, March 29th, 2015 at 1000 hrs.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Jackson, commander of the Tennessee Militia, who eventually became the seventh U.S. president, penned those words to Pvt. David Crockett, Lt. Sam Houston and 5,000 other militiamen as they mobilized for the War of 1812. With little notice, these citizen-soldiers left their jobs and families, laying the cornerstone for Tennessee's "volunteer" tradition.

Contact http://www.tnmilitary.org/tennessee-state-guard for more information on joining Tennessee

New Assistant Adjutant General for the Tennessee National Guard

2 May the Tennessee State Guard gave a presentation to the new Adjutant General for the Nation Guard(TN) Brigadier General Tommy Baker. After the briefing BG Baker stated that the Tennessee State Guard gives the National Guard a tremendous advantage across the State of TN. There are members from all parts of the state from various professional back grounds both in the civilian world and military service. The TNSG is another added force multiplier for the National Guard. In closing, BG Baker stated it’s just amazing how many volunteers are in the State Guard dedicating many years to service. It’s impressive to so many volunteers who have no financial gain in this but who willingly put themselves out there to be part of something bigger for the community. This is a true sense of satisfaction. Brig. Gen. Baker has served as a Cavalry and Armor Officer, Maintenance and Logistics Officer and in various command and staff assignments within the Tennessee Army National Guard. Most recently, Brig. Gen. Baker served as the J-4 for Joint Force Headquarters-Tennessee. As the J-4, Brig. Gen. Baker was responsible for the Logistics and Maintenance operations for the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard. Brig. Gen. Baker was commissioned in 1985 from Tennessee Military Academy and is a 1995 graduate of the University of Tennessee-Martin with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration. He received his Masters Degree in Business Administration Military Management from Touro University, and is a 2011 graduate of the United States Army War College with a Masters in Strategic Studies. He deployed to Kuwait in 2004 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom III serving as the Theater Combat Service Support Automation Management Officer, and again in 2008 as the Commander of the 30th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Q-West, Iraq. His awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

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BG Palmer takes command of the Army Component of the Texas State

Guard

Former Shreveporter Howard N. Palmer Jr., a 1975 Southwood High School graduate, on Saturday 0328 was promoted to brigadier general in the Texas State Guard, in the Texas Military Forces.

Maj. Gen. Gerald “Jake” Betty, commander of the Texas State Guard, promoted Palmer and formally handed him the Army Component Command of the Texas State Guard in a ceremony at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.

Palmer will command almost 1,000 Texas State Guard soldiers in six civil affairs regiments across the state, according to a release.

“I couldn't be more honored, or more humbled, by the opportunity to lead one of the premier organizations of this type in the United States,” Palmer said. “With my mentors’ support, and the support of the officers, NCOs and enlisted members of the Army Component, we’re going to continue moving forward as an organization with a culture and a strategy of continuous improvement.”

Palmer was commissioned as a second lieutenant of the Louisiana Army National Guard after completing the ROTC program at Louisiana College in 1980. He ended his federal service as a lieutenant colonel in the Texas Army National Guard in 2008. His federal service active duty assignments included deployment to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge in 2000, Operation Noble Eagle II in 2003 and Operation Jump Start from 2006- 2008.

He is a graduate of Field Artillery School Officer Basic Course; Field Artillery School, Cannon Battery Officer Course; Field Artillery School Officer Advanced Course; Combined Arms and Services Staff School; Command and General Staff College- Graduate; and Field Artillery Pre-Command Course.

At the ceremony Palmer also received The State of Texas Outstanding Service Medal for exemplary service in the military forces of Texas. Palmer's highest awards for military service are the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air TexasTexas

Force Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal with four oak leaf clusters, as well as various other state and federal ribbons.

Palmer joined the Texas State Guard as a colonel in 2008. He served as the commander of its 4th Regiment since 2010.

Palmer holds a BA in English and History from Louisiana College and an MA in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas. He is an assistant principal at Denton High School in Denton, Texas. He and his wife, Dr. Mary “Beth" Palmer, have a son, 1st Lt. Howard N. Palmer III, serving in the US Air Force.

Texas State Guard hones water rescue skills

BASTROP (KXAN) — Members of the Texas State Guard Maritime Regiment extracted a car submerged in Lake Bastrop on Saturday. There was nothing foul or suspicious about the vehicle because it was nothing more than a training exercise, however the skills can be crucial for cases when a vehicle ends up underwater.

“We are ready to aid those local agencies that do not have the assets to do things like what we did today,” said Brigadier General Brian Smallwood.

The Maritime Regiment TXSG is made up of 240 volunteers and operates across the state of Texas and many took part in the “underwater disaster preparedness” exercise.

Wednesday they played out a scenario of a car plunging into Lake Bastrop after being carjacked. Two potential “victims” were inside the car while a ground search took place for the suspect.

Using four divers and giant yellow air lift bags, the team located and then lifted the car out of the water with a very careful technique.

“There could be evidence and we have to be safe with the vehicle,” said Lt. Stephen Moffit.

See video at this link:

http://kxan.com/2015/04/11/tx-state-guard-team-practices-recovering-car-from-lake/ Texas

Texas State Guard signal unit prepares for emergency response

By Capt. Esperanza Meza

DALLAS - With natural disasters a constant threat, coordinating emergency response efforts is important to provide assistance and resources to communities.

The Texas State Guard, 19th Regiment signal unit conducted a three-day field communications exercise at the National Guard armory in Dallas, Feb. 6-8, 2015.

The exercise tested the unit’s ability to communicate over great distances, as well as across the local community to effectively manage operations and provide support to the communities and officials involved.

“During actual emergencies, there is a strong likelihood that the Texas State Guard will be working hand- in-hand to pass emergency radio traffic and digital messages back and forth,” said Maj. Glen Fowler, the regiment’s communications officer. “This means that establishing relationships in advance preparation is a good idea.”

Guardsmen worked with communications equipment powered by an 8,000 watt generator, emergency battery backups, and digital equipment that enabling high frequency messaging capabilities, for both near and remote locations, without the need for Internet access.

Guardsmen were able to connect with other state emergency resources without internet or phone communications, using mobile dual band very high frequency and ultra high frequency transceivers with vertical antennas and high frequency transceivers, something that is often needed in the event of a disaster, said Fowler.

The field exercise involved voice and digital modes, using high frequency and very high frequency transceivers, communicating with other military stations and Military Auxiliary Radio System volunteers across Texas and several other states.

MARS volunteers are amateur radio operators, licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and trained by the Army to operate as government auxiliary radio stations on the high frequency spectrum provided by the Department of Defense. The 19th Regiment has three Army MARS station licenses issued by Army MARS headquarters in Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

“The Texas State Guard has its own communication systems, but they need to be closely connected with Texas

other regional, state and national communications resources,” said Fowler. “Such interoperability helps to ensure that we can reliably communicate over great distances as well as just across a local community to be able to effectively manage our own operations as well as provide support to the communities and groups that we serve.”

The regiment’s signal team sent digital messages between Dallas and Austin using high frequency messaging modes, during the three-day exercise, and made numerous voice and digital communications connections with components all over the state.

Warrant Officer 1 Lew Thompson, Texas Army MARS Texas Military Forces liaison officer, worked one on one with the regiment during this exercise, providing additional technical support and remote communications test message reception and transmission.

“The exercise was used to further the communications capabilities and individual knowledge and skills of members of the signals unit and to show that long-range high frequency communication is a valuable resource for the Texas State Guard that should not be overlooked,” said Fowler. “It allows various components of the Texas Military Forces to be able to communicate state-wide to serve as the voice of command and carry out our important and diverse disaster and community support missions.”

Courtesy Photo

Cpl. Christopher Parrish, 19th Regiment signal unit, Texas State

Guard, conducts a radio exercise during part of a communications

exercise conducted at California Crossing National Guard Armory

in Dallas, Feb. 6-8, 2015. The exercise tested communications at

great distances, operations management and how to provide

support to the communities and officials involved during a natural

disaster. (Texas State Guard photo by Capt. Esperanza Meza)

Texas

Governor Abbott Directs Texas State Guard to Monitor Operation Jade Helm 15

AUSTIN – Following discussions aimed at ensuring Texans are fully informed on Operation Jade Helm 15, Governor Greg Abbott today met with Major General Gerald “Jake” Betty, Commander of the Texas State Guard, and directed him to monitor the Operation.

Governor Abbott directed General Betty to provide regular updates to the Governor's Office to ensure that Texans' “safety, constitutional rights, private property rights and civil liberties will not be infringed” during the eight-week training period from July 2015 – September 2015.

Read Governor Abbott's full directive to General Betty here.

According to the U.S. Military: Operation Jade Helm 15 is a planned military exercise that will be led by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and will include personnel from the U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Green Berets), U.S. Navy SEALS, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, USMC Marine Special Operations Command, USMC Marine Expeditionary Units, the 82nd Airborne Division and civilian interagency partners. This Operation will take place over an eight-week period beginning in July of 2015 in locations across the State of Texas and neighboring states New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado.

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Virginia

The VDF BOLC Program 2014-5

The Basic Officer Leadership Class is a 1 year obligation for active members who have completed basic training and course requirements and have the academic credentials to qualify. The course covers both Commissioned and Warrant Officers

In addition to continuing their volunteer work with their home regiment they must participate in field leadership exercises as a cadre on 4 to5 exercises during the year. The FLX are held at various locations and involve training with other groups such as the National Guard OCS Programs

The course work and training require over 244 hours of additional time over and above their regimental training, their jobs and their family. The commitment requires careful time management and support from family, fellow workers and the BOLC Cadre.

Of the initial cadre of 14 we have 6 who will be graduating March 28th

The plan year started with an introductory course in drill and ceremony as well as plan expectations for the year. The BOLC was instructed in guard duty, FEMA course work, uniform expectations, and given psychological profile testing, which is repeated at the end of the plan year to determine the degree of improvement.

The extensive FEMA coursework sets the candidates up to qualify for their MEMS badges by the end of their training year, as well as add to the “stress” factor of having on going assignments and deadline to meet.

In May the BOLC participated in a Field Leadership Exercise (FLX) at Ft Pickett along with the OCS Programs of the National Guard from VA, WVA, MD, DEL, and DC. This led to practical leadership skill development exercises for each candidate and improved the communication skills conducted thru squad lane training, the end state being to prepare and train candidates to become officers in a stressful environment in a professional manner, with all training conducted thoroughly and safely.

In June the BOLC cadre reported to Manassas VA for the annual VDF “Staff Ride”. This year the “ride” was the Bull Run Civil War battlefields. Conducted under the leadership of COL Dennis Mrockowski, a well known and highly respected military historian, each candidate was given assignments in advance of the ride to prepare and deliver a briefing of specific aspects of the various actions at Bull Run. This helped develop the sense of history, military strategy and planning and execution a mission requires The next months were spent in the candidates “home Regiment” where they continued to study practice and memorize the text Small Unit Leadership by COL Dandridge Malone, while under thewatchful eye of their Regimental Commander. During this time the Cadre participates in monthly conference calls to keep mission focused and encourage each other to work on the course requirements and to resolve any potential study and time management concerns. Virginia

The September Field Training Exercise offered a large group experience with the entire Force of the VDF during a Change of Command Ceremony

During this time the candidates were assigned course work, drill and ceremony ,leadership exercises, and full time KP for the entire force beginning at 0330 and ending at 1800. This stressful atmosphere creates the strain of a mission environment and allowed each candidate to rise to the occasion and overcome conflicts, communication issues and lack of sleep. During this period 3 members of the class received from MG Taylor, the force Commander, his “coin” for outstanding performance, which was over and above the programmed BOLC evaluations and testing

The Fall/Winter period is spent “in house” where skills are mastered and course work leading to the completion of the FEMA Personal Development Series and the Basic MEMS award are wrapped up

During this period the candidates are encouraged to visit with their elected state representatives to introduce themselves and discuss the role of the Defense Force in their district and in the state. This is followed with a display of all the Department of Military affairs forces at the opening of the state legislature each year.

By year end all course work to date was required to be certified. From that point and remedial work necessary was initiated with the goal to have all graduate in March as planned.

Each month during the plan year the candidates are assigned leadership roles. One serves as the Officer in Charge (OIC) and another as his First Sergeant. The teams are responsible for the planning and execution of the assigned training and graded on that performance by the TAC Officer. This is the most important leadership development role the BOLC offers. Failure in this capacity is not an option for successfully completing the BOLC program.

In February of the New Year the next BOLC classis selected and reports for the initial introductory training phase along with the current class which then serves as mentors for the new. The new members are designated with a red ribbon under their OCS logo which is eliminated as they master basics.

A joint visit to force HQ along with a visit to the JOC Augmentation Team at the National Guard HQ is part of this day. We try to show the VDF capabilities in all areas of missions assigned to the VDF so that new Officers will have a good overview of all our missions as they go forward to lead and recruit and motivate their troops under their command.

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The February session is also the evaluation session for the potential graduates, work assigned and submitted is evaluated, work pending is examined, a final psychological evaluation is completed and an individual counseling session is held. From this session we have our graduates and any alternatives necessary for finishing the program or being dismissed.

The cycle for BOLC repeats itself every 12 months. The leadership for the program will vary from year to year. We hope to build upon the initial success and use the new officer core as a foundation for the future in bringing to the VDF the finest Officers possible, with the values, beliefs and skills needed to succeed in today’s Defense Force

With the Graduation of the first class in March 2015, the program continues with a roll out, each year, of new Officers and Warrants.

A special thanks to the State Guard of Texas for their support and suggestions, the Dandridge book is a good example of their input that made a significant difference is the leadership development. As the size of the VDF grows we plan to utilize more of the Texas ideals. By having a larger force we can dedicate the 12 months to team building with monthly gatherings for training, rather than the limited time now due to duties of the Cadre in their home Regiments

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