Lower costs, Vets Day bird Winter faster ship- hunt brings weather is ments with Guardsmen here, so be PlainsPlainsnew system 2 GuardianGuardiantogether . . .5 prepared . . .8

Volume 61 No. 1 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol January 2017 Kansas Guard responds to emergency in Neodesha 35th Division By Steve Larson Public Affairs Office deploying to An explosion at a chemical manufactur- ing plant in Neodesha, Kansas, left area Persian Gulf residents scrambling to figure out their Thanksgiving Day plans. Public Affairs Office The explosion occurred at approxi- The 35th Infantry Division Head- mately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, quarters, located in Leavenworth, 2016. Runoff from firefighting operations Kansas, has received notification for a entered the Fall River at Neodesha and deployment to the Persian Gulf and subsequently flowed downstream into the Levant regions. Approximately 500 Verdigris River, resulting in contamination Soldiers from both the Kansas and Mis- of the water supply for Neodesha, Cof- souri National Guard will be activated feyville, Independence and several rural in support of Operation Spartan Shield communities that purchased their water beginning in mid-2017 to enhance on- through those cities. going theatre security operations. The Kansas Department of Health and “Our nation has, once again, called Environment initially issued a do not drink upon the Soldiers of the 35th Infantry order for the Neodesha and Rural Water Division to take on a demanding task to Districts 3, 4, 6, and 8 because of possible support the national security goals of contamination. Water intakes downstream the United States,” said Maj. Gen. Vic- along the Fall River and Verdigris River tor J. Braden, commander, 35th Infantry were closed, cutting off potable water for Division. “As Americans, we relish the area residents. challenge and, through superb training, Gov. Sam Brownback issued a State of we will thrive.” Disaster Emergency for Montgomery and Elements of the 35th Infantry Division Wilson Counties. Airmen with the 190th Air Refueling Wing set up a reverse osmosis water purification deployed in 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2014 “We are thankful there was no loss of system to augment water supplies for communities affected by a Nov. 22 explosion at a to support peacekeeping operations in life and are grateful to all first responders, chemical plant in Neodesha that temporarily contaminated the Fall and Verdigris Bosnia and Kosovo. This is the first time community volunteers, and local offi- Rivers, forcing water suppliers to cut off intake from those rivers. (Photo provided) since 1944 the entire division headquar- cials,” said Brownback. “The state will water for area residents. KDEM partnered and approved for consumption, the water ters has been activated. continue to offer full support and re- with Walmart, Sam’s Club, the American was transported via tanker trucks to distri- “This is a calling that requires inten- sources.” Red Cross, United Way, Harvesters, bution points. sive preparation, specialized education, “Our first priority is the health and United Methodist Committee on Relief "They were very professional and did an and continuous learning and develop- safety of all those affected by this explo- and other private companies and organiza- outstanding job," said Neodesha city man- ment of skills,” said Braden. “It will re- sion,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the tions to coordinate donated water supplies. ager Ed Truelove. quire the support of our families, our adjutant general and director of the Kansas As an added measure, the Kansas Na- KDHE and the Environmental Protec- communities and our employers to en- Division of Emergency Management. “We tional Guard was tasked to deploy two re- tion Agency took regular water samples sure our mission’s success.” stand alongside the governor, local offi- verse osmosis water purification systems from the Fall and Verdigris Rivers to mon- The 35th Infantry Division is one of cials and volunteers, offering immediate, from the 190th Air Refueling Wing in itor water for chemical and bacterial con- 18 divisions in the Army and one of on-the-ground support.” Topeka to Elk City Lake west of Neodesha. tamination. Water outflow from several eight divisions in the Army National KDEM activated the State Emergency Each system was capable of purifying reservoirs upstream of Neodesha were in- Guard. Operations Center in Topeka 24/7 to coor- 1,500 gallons of water per hour and tem- creased in an effort to dilute contaminents dinate response efforts and locate potable porarily storing it on-site. Once purified and flush them from the water systems. 184th Jayhawks celebrate 75 years of service By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy veterans congregated in Hangar 41 at Mc- Intelligence Wing. PAID 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs Connell Air Force Base Sept. 10 to cele- Hugs, handshakes, laughter and stories PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT Friends, coworkers, family members and brate the 75th anniversary of the 184th of the “good ol’ days” from current and for- mer members of the wing filled the atmos- phere of the building that served as the unit’s main hangar since 1954.

“You hear it all the time that the Guard’s a family… they’re acting like they’re at a family reunion.” Col. David Weishaar commander, 184th IW

“That’s really what this was all about— bringing these guys back together,” said Col. David Weishaar, commander, 184th IW. “You hear it all the time that the Guard’s a family…they’re acting like they’re at a family reunion.” The celebration opened with a formal presentation given by current command-

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka ers. As part of the presentation, the wing OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL

Adjutant General of Kansas invited Retired Navy Capt. Thomas Fla- Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Senior Master Sgt. Joel Unger (left), 184th Intelligence Wing, and his father, retired Penalty For Private Use, $300

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT nary, son of Lt. Paul N. Flanary, the unit’s

NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL Master Sgt. John Unger, a former unit member, look at photos from the past 75 years during the 75th anniversary celebration Sept. 10. Hundreds of photos and memorabilia first commander, to speak to the audience. were on display. (Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW Public Affairs) (Continued on Page 14) DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT Page 2 Plains Guardian • January 2017 130th Field Artillery Brigade change of command “The right man for the right job at the right time.” By 1st Sgt. Brent A. Anders Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant adju- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment tant general and commander of the Kansas Replica Colonial Army National cannons fired, followed “Whether you are a full Guard-Land compo- by modern artillery, in nent; and Command recognition and cele- bird colonel or a private, Sgt. Maj. Howard bration of the Kansas the great thing about the Whitley, senior en- National Guard’s 130th military is that you are al- listed advisor of Field Artillery Brigade Kansas Army Na- change of command ways learning and trying to tional Guard-Land ceremony held Sept. 18 push yourself further.” component. in Frank Anneberg “I think regardless Park, Manhattan, Col. Thomas Burke of whether you are a Kansas. full bird colonel or a The ceremony was private, the great witnessed by Guardsmen, family, friends thing about the military is that you are al- and distinguished visitors that included ways learning and trying to push yourself

Col. Thomas Burke, (right) accepts the colors of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade as its incoming commander during a change of command ceremony at Frank Anneberg Park in Manhattan, Kansas, Sept. 18. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Brent Anders, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) further and trying to help our organizations have a war fighter exercise coming up in grow,” said Col. Thomas Burke, incoming 2019 and it is the culminating event for all commander of the 130th FA. “Anytime a the training that Colonel Rueger has got Soldier has an opportunity to go outside everyone started with in helping to grow the their comfort level and serve in a greater ca- organization. So, we have to work toward pacity it is an opportunity to learn.” 2019 in a lot of skill sets to continue to Burke, who prior to this assignment was grow the organization.” commander of 69th Troop Command, said “I’m moving on to a different position in taking command of the 130th FA he was with the 35th Infantry Division," said Col. assuming control of a well-established unit. John Rueger, the outgoing commander. Cannons fire during a change of command ceremony for the 130th Field Artillery “Colonel Rueger has done a phenomenal "I’m excited about that. I’m excited to go Brigade held at Frank Anneberg Park in Manhattan, Kansas, Sept. 18. (Photo by 1st job," said Burke. "The organization was just up there and continue my military career. Sgt. Brent Anders, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) stood up officially about a year ago. ...We (Continued on Page 5) Lower costs, faster shipments the goal of new system By Steve Larson To facilitate the use of commercial carriers, Harsch, “With our area truck runs, it’s normally on about a Public Affairs Office Krull and Sgt. Patrick Stowe, traffic management special- three or four-week cycle, hitting various areas in the “Energize.” ist, began compiling a list of data that would be needed – state,” said Krull. “With this, we will immediately be Anyone familiar with the Star Trek television or movie se- point of origin, destination, package size and weight, and from one to five days for each transaction to take place ries knows that was the signal to activate the transporter, a other information. This information was turned over to the and we’ll trim that to three. device that could send material or people thousands of miles Data Processing branch of the U.S. Property and Fiscal Of- “In addition to being able to reduce the amount of in a matter of seconds. fice, which developed an online form that an armory sup- money that we are spending using the area truck, we can However, until – and if – such a high-tech device is ever ply sergeant can fill out and send with the click of a mouse. ship supplies and materials more quickly and more effi- invented, whenever the Kansas National Guard needs to send “It will be like your checkout when you order something ciently,” said Krull. “We’ve worked to remove unnecessary supplies or equipment from one place to another, it has to online,” said Harsch. “You just complete the data, you hit steps and requirements to create a more simplified and effi- rely on the tried and true method of putting the shipment on a the submit button, it comes up to the State Movement Con- cient process. By minimizing time spent traveling, we will Kansas National Guard truck and driving it from one city to trol Center and we do the rest of the work for you. improve efficiency and maximize our time accomplishing another, which, in addition to time, requires manpower and “With the new system, they can create shipping labels day-to-day missions.” fuel. Food and overnight lodging for the drivers must also be and email them to the armory, which they can put on the Going commercial would also free up personnel to con- factored in. All of which cost money, in one way or another. package. We have the ability right here at the USPFO centrate on their regular jobs. Two years ago, Lt. Col. Roger Krull, Service and Supply Transportation Section to create FedEx, to create UPS, (or “We’re needing more and more people working on the chief for the Kansas Army National Guard, and Chief War- other) shipping labels and we’ll send it right to you.” floor of the warehouse to do other support missions,” said rant Officer 5 Kevin Harsch, Commercial Transportation su- Harsch said the turnaround time on routine shipments, Krull. “A lot of these armories, where there are one or two pervisor, began thinking how they could reduce all those from the time the shipper submits his online request form people, three at most, you take one person to drive to Topeka, factors. Their discussions led them to consider an alternative to the time he receives his shipping label, is less than 10 they can’t get anything accomplished back at their armory. solution: commercial carriers. minutes on average. Krull said the new system is expected That’s completely lost time and effort.” “We have commercial partners that run the roads – FedEx, to drastically cut the time a shipment is in transit, as well. (Continued on Page 15) UPS, CTI, Roadway and other partners—that do this for a living every day,” said Harsch, “and they can do it at a much more efficient rate than we can by putting employees on the road in a government vehicle, paying their wages, paying their fuel, paying the operating expense of the vehicle to get it from point A to point B.” Working the numbers, Krull and Harsch realized going commercial could save the Kansas National Guard and the taxpayers quite a bit of money. Krull cited an example in- volving the shipment of a 500-pound engine to Kansas City. “To send somebody from Topeka with our truck, a driver, just a small amount of fuel to go to and from, we estimated it was going to be $300 to $500,” said Krull. “We could do it for $65 if we went through Roadway or any other commer- cial carrier. We said ‘Wait a minute. This has some pretty sig- nificant savings. “Once we started doing the calculations, we realized how cheaply we can actually move supplies and goods across the state while allowing the customers at each end to continue to do their job.” Using an average number of 460 cargo pallets the Kansas Army National Guard moves each year, they calculated the cost at approximately $75,000 a year for vehicle mainte- nance, Soldier pay, lodging, food and other expenses. “Using commercial carriers, and based on a high-cost average of $65,” said Harsch, “the cost of sending 460 Sgt. Patrick Stowe, traffic management specialist, processes a shipment request from his desk at the U.S. Property pallets is $29,000.” and Fiscal Office in Topeka. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) January 2017 • Plains Guardian Plainly Speaking Page 3 The Kansas National Guard, one team with many strengths By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli The Adjutant General “When I think of the Kansas National Guard, I see a diverse Have you ever heard the phrases Army force of infantry, field artillery, pilots, tankers, security forces or Strong; Fly Fight Win; Always Ready, Al- ways There? military police, engineers, truck drivers and a host of other skills. Slogans like these give military mem- bers a motto to follow while serving their A good description would be ‘One Team, Many Strengths.’” state or nation. When I think of the Kansas National Guard, I see a diverse Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli force of infantry, field artillery, pilots, tankers, security forces or military police, The Adjutant General engineers, truck drivers and a host of other skills. or Airmen, they were all part of our team, to keep them informed. Airmen, communicate with your employ- A good description would be “One Team, the Kansas National Guard. To the families on our team, we are here ers! Updated information will make the Many Strengths.” Over the next several months, units of to support you. You serve a vital role in the transitions easier for them when you are One team was clearly seen during the the Kansas Army and Air National Guard success of the mission and I understand the called away to serve. Planning will not be joint operations for the recent ice storm will be preparing to deploy for overseas importance of the role you play. in a vacuum. We will keep a constant flow that involved the Kansas Division of Emer- missions. Approximately 700 Soldiers from Several Family Readiness Groups have of information for employers so they can gency Management, Kansas National the 35th Infantry Division, 635th Regional already been established for the units that make the plans or necessary changes. Guard, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Support Group; 2nd Battalion, 130th Field are deploying. Some of these groups can be We are doing this together. We are One Department of Transportation and other Artillery; and Company G, 1st Battalion, joined on Facebook to make it easier to Team, Many Strengths. partnering agencies. Every section used 111th Aviation will be supporting opera- stay connected. I encourage you to get in- I am proud to be a part of the Kansas Na- their strengths to keep the citizens of tions in southwest Asia. Airmen from the volved in these groups to support or get tional Guard and I am proud to see how the Kansas safe and informed before, during 184th Intelligence Wing and 190th Air Re- support, if needed. Soldiers and Airmen continue to selflessly and after the storm. Approximately 200 fueling Wing will also be deploying to sup- To the employers, I understand how dif- serve the state and nation. I know our team Guardsmen were activated to provide port other ongoing operations. Even ficult it is to maintain a business when with their many strengths will keep adding stranded motorist assistance on Kansas though our missions will be at different lo- Guardsmen are deployed. Soldiers and to the success of the missions. roads and highway and generator support cations, we are still one team, the Kansas for electrical needs. National Guard. Our many strengths were demonstrated I recognize that deployments, activations Murdock, Brown honorary when approximately 150 Soldiers and Air- and additional training puts a tremendous men, from different military disciplines, amount of stress on Guardsmen and our ad- captains at GCCC football game were requested to travel to Washington ditional teammates; their families and em- D.C. to support the 45th presidential inau- ployers. As Guardsmen, we cannot succeed guration. Regardless if they were Soldiers without their support and we owe it to them Warrior to Warrior Your abilities enhance Kansas National Guard’s readiness By Command Chief Master Sgt. during this next year are extremely opti- James Brown mistic. The joint force that is represented State Command Senior Enlisted Leader by the Army and Air has a multitude of The new year can present opportunities abilities and experiences that we will use for change and, effective Jan. 1, 2017, for to strengthen our team and achieve the the first time in over 30 years, I will no TAG’s priorities. longer be involved in working with law Each member of our organization has enforcement. While my position within the ability to create positive impact. This the Kansas Na- is more likely to be produced when mem- tional Guard will bers feel they are positively contributing not be changing, to the team versus acting alone. The re- the status in sults of one team acting towards a com- Col. Roger Murdock (right), chief of joint staff, and Command Chief Master which I serve mon goal will likely result in increased Sgt. James Brown (tossing coin), command senior enlisted leader, acted as cere- will. By accept- performance, confidence, accountability monial captains participating in the traditional coin toss in midfield of Garden ing a full time po- and ownership. City Community College's Broncbuster Stadium, Oct. 1. Kansas National sition as the The possibility of state or federal acti- Guard and the college are partners in a program called Task Force Broncbuster, Kansas command vation is a realistic scenario that must focusing on opportunities for Soldiers to gain valuable civilian and military edu- senior enlisted drive every aspect of how we operate. In- cation in a traditional student role. The Broncbusters won the game against But- leader, I pledge to dividual readiness will be a priority for all ler Community College 43-0. (Photo provided) continue to serve units and unit training plans will reflect our Soldiers and Command Chief Master those requirement. An effective training Airmen with loy- Sgt. James Brown plan based on a unit’s needs and mission “No one really knows why they are alty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, analysis will increase readiness, build ca- integrity and personal and administrative maraderie, and give our Soldiers and Air- alive until they know what they'd courage. I will represent and serve the en- men a sense of belonging. die for.” listed men and women of the Kansas As Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, we Army and Air National Guard and be their represent a demographic with unique abil- Martin Luther King Jr. representative to the Kansas adjutant gen- ities that enhance mission readiness. One eral and champion all matters regarding of our greatest strengths lies in the variety the professional development, discipline of skillsets we bring to the fight through a of the force, readiness, training, utiliza- combination of our military and civilian PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian tion, health, morale, and welfare of our roles. Being mentally and physically pre- The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content warriors. pared to deploy these skill sets when of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- With the enlisted force having senior ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, called upon, while supporting TAG initia- photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- representation across the entire force, my tives, will remain our focus as we con- olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will pay- ment be made for contributions. expectations for what we can accomplish tinue to strengthen our enlisted force. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]).

Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office Gov. Sam Brownback Director Adjutant General of Kansas Catherine Horner 785-646-1192 Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director Editor Stephen D. Larson 785-646-1194 Katie Horner Public Information Writer Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-646-1190 Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-646-1622 Sgt. Zach Sheely e-mail: [email protected] Production Assistant Videographer Jane Welch Capt. Matt Lucht 785-646-1195 Staff Writer The Plains Guardian may be read online at Sgt. Zach Sheely 785-646-1191 http://kansastag.gov Command Historian For change of address, contact Jane Welch. Master Sgt. Jeremy Byers 785-646-1197 Page 4 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Domestic Operations display capabilities for Guards Soldiers state leadership at 184th Intelligence Wing r showcase abilities, By Senior Airman Lauren Penney none of these pieces have come with a prime mover.” 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs That’s where the joint operations comes in. The Army incentives at On Oct. 18, 2016, the parking lots of the Roost Dining Fa- Guard has many more vehicles, which is written in as part cility and 184th Medical Group were filled with the vehicles of the state’s capability packages. Kansas State Fair and equipment that support the many missions of the 184th “There may be times we Air Guardsmen will have to Intelligence Wing. rely on our Army counterparts to move our pieces of Leadership from the wing and Kansas National Guard equipment to wherever they’re needed,” said Chappell. state headquarters received briefings on each squadron’s About four months was spent planning for the briefing. s budgets and the amount of funding needed to operate effi- “We had many meetings involving our emergency man- ciently. The briefings were followed by a tour so leadership agement personnel from the 184th and 190th Air Refuel- could see for themselves how each squadron’s equipment ing Wing, as well our Mission Support chain of commands works and what they potentially needed. from both wings,” said Col. Chris Ioder, director of opera- Because the majority of the Kansas National Guard are tions, Kansas Air National Guard. Army Guard, the objective of the day was to educate state “My goal was to bring visibility to our Kansas National leadership on Air National Guard-specific domestic opera- Guard Domestic Operations capabilities, but more specifi- tions equipment and to demonstrate how the Airmen use cally, capabilities unique to the Kansas Air National Guard,” their capabilities. said Ioder. “I wanted our Kansas National Guard leadership, “This was an effort to brief and show all the air-specific along with our KDEM (Kansas Division of Emergency Man- capabilities and show how much funding Congress sets agement) representatives, to see what the Kansas Air Na- aside to equip the Air National Guard to help mitigate emer- tional Guard brings to the domestic operations fight.” gencies and disasters that affect the states and communities Kansas National Guard leadership is responsible for we belong to,” said Master Sgt. Ross Chappell, emergency keeping Army and Air Force Guardsmen trained and ready management superintendent, 184th Civil Engineering to respond to the incidents and disasters that happen. Squadron. “My hope is that everyone will begin to have a greater For the most part, operations and funding seem to be suf- appreciation for and focus on our Kansas National Guard ficient with few problems. domestic operations capabilities,” said Ioder. “That will “The main shortfall is transporting all of these domestic mean better training and planning from our leadership operations pieces to a response,” said Chappell. “The Na- going forward. Our Kansas Air National Guard capabili- tional Guard Bureau sends these fantastic pieces of equip- ties and responsibilities need to be known not only by our ment, but outside the Mobile Emergency Operations Center, Airmen, but also our local community officials.”

Spc. Vanessa Lugo, a power generation equipment re- pairer with the 35th Infantry Division, explains the basic functions of the Mk 19 grenade launcher to 12- year-old Colton Miller at the Kansas Army National Guard exhibit at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas, Sept. 15, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Brandon Ja- cobs, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) By Sgt. Brandon Jacobs 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Amid hundreds of booths, fried turkey legs and a giant cows made of butter at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchin- son in September sat four vehicles of warfare surrounding a large tan shelter tent. As fair-goers examined the static Tech. Sgt. Al Daniels, air transportation specialist, 184th Intelligence Wing, explains the function of communica- displays, Soldiers of the Kansas Army National Guard tions equipment to Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, at McConnell Air Force Base, Oct. 18, 2016. were on hand to tell about their equipment, the Guard’s (Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW Public Affairs) mission and the benefits it offers. “We have a two-fold mission here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Reichert, a recruiter stationed in Hutchinson. “We are Kansas Guardsman participates in Strategic Broadening Seminar here to serve and interact with civilians of all ages, as well Public Affairs Office British counterparts. Upon arrival at the Defense Academy, as show potential recruits what the Guard can do for them. Maj. Rodney Seaba, Office of Personnel Management, they participated in a four-day critical thinking seminar at “People don’t know that the National Guard is the Kansas Army National Guard, recently returned from a six- Cranfield University aimed at establishing the baseline for largest reserve component in the military,” said Reichert. week Strategic Broadening Seminar conducted at the United success while participating in follow-on modules. “Being the largest means we have more jobs, more full- Kingdom Defense Academy in Shrivenham, England. The course covered the nature of warfare, the current and time positions, and more avenues for promotion. One of The seminar is an Army Chief of Staff program designed emerging strategic environment, the contributions from the the key advantages is you don’t follow the National to educate and enhance an appreciation for the complex con- military to achieving the U.K.’s strategic goals while under- Guard, the Guard will follow you.” temporary security environments future senior leaders need standing their defense policy and the global effects on British Although Soldiers join the National Guard for varying to lead Army, Joint, Interagency and multinational task forces defense. The course also analyzed strategy and policy, the reason, they tend to stay for one common purpose. They and teams. fiscal context of British defense, and the capability strategy enjoy the benefit of getting to be at home and still serve Seaba and 28 other U.S. Army officers took part in the In- at the Ministry of Defense level. Academy lectures, coupled their country honorably. termediate Command and Staff Course – Land with their with student trips to many of the key locations of the Min- “I joined because my family has a history of service,” istry of Defense, facilitated a rapid learning curve. said Pfc. Taryn Vaughn, Humboldt, 35th Military Police The experience of this course was more than just educa- Company. “The National Guard gives me the option to do tional, it also aimed to provide each student with a greater my duty and still go home.” understanding of British culture and history. Vaughn, who stands five feet tall, regularly shocks peo- “The experience gained while in the United Kingdom al- ple when she tells them she is a military police officer. lowed me to gain a much greater appreciation for the factors “I surprise people all the time,” said Vaughn. “The affecting security and defense in the current environment,” Guard is very rewarding, very difficult, but very fun and said Seaba. challenging.” In addition to the educational and cultural experiences “The Guard really is the best of both worlds,” said Staff made available to the U.S. students, the opportunity to de- Sgt. Hendrik Rijfogel, Colby, a Multiple Launch Rocket velop lifelong relationships with British counterparts proved System crewmember with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 130th beneficial. During the six-week course, Seaba was part of a Field Artillery. “I serve part time in the Guard and am able 12-student group with 11 British officers from all branches of to maintain a civilian career.” the British Army. These relationships are lifelong and will “It’s a team effort,” said Rijfogel. “With all the different serve to further strengthen the special relationship between [military occupation specialties] in the Guard, we can pro- the U.S. and British armies. vide a wide variety of services to our state and country. If “The knowledge gained from this experience is buoyed by you want an education, the Guard can help pay; if you Maj. Rodney Seaba, Kansas Army National Guard, the realization that an understanding of world events allows want to change your life the Guard can help.” (white shirt) participates in an exercise with British army me to better serve the Kansas Army National Guard,” said To find out more about the opportunities and benefits of officers at the United Kingdom Defense Academy in Seaba, “especially when understanding how events are meas- the Kansas National Guard contact your nearest recruiter Shrivenham, England. (Photo provided) ured through critical thinking and cognitive management.” at goo.gl/YLFKQU or call 1-800-Go-Guard. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Soldiers, Airmen share common bond in Veterans Day bird hunt By Capt. Matt Lucht Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant shooting,” said Tafanelli. leadership away from the office, uniforms Public Affairs Office general; Brig. Gen. Jay Selanders, Kansas Shells were loaded and the dogs were and responsibilities. Some were surprised Most military members like to enjoy Vet- assistant adjutant general-Air; and Col. sent out as the eight hunters split into two as the day went on. erans Day relaxing and taking advantage of Matt Oleen, Kansas Army National Guard separate parties in hope of getting a few “I didn’t know that the adjutant general the generous offerings of businesses and deputy chief of staff. birds for their freezers. The hunting event was a hunter and to be a bird hunter like restaurants. Five Kansas National Guards- “We were able to take out five Soldiers was a prime way for leadership, Soldiers this,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Dix, men chose to relax outdoors for their 2016 and Airmen from the Kansas National and Airmen to enjoy the hobby that they all noncommissioned officer in charge, Office Veterans Day hunting at Muddy Creek Guard and go out for some great upland have in common, hunting. of Personnel, Joint Force Headquarters. Game Birds near Meriden, Kansas, with hunting, some great camaraderie and wing “We do a lot besides our Guard job and “He had his dogs out there and the dogs there is time for the adjutant general and were trained well. To be out there with him everything else and there is another time and see him working his dogs, he is just an- where you can just relax and enjoy each other person like us. other’s company, enjoy the outdoors in this “I got such a kick, he didn’t have to case, which we never get enough of,” said shoot to enjoy. He was getting everyone Selanders. “So this is one of those opportuni- else involved once his dogs were on point ties. It was very informal, lots of fun and I and encouraging them on like ‘You guys think that everyone had a great time, relax a ready?’” little bit and took a day off on Veterans Day.” As the sun went down and several birds “Day to day, I just see the typical people collected, all agreed that it was a great day that I work with,” said Tech. Sgt. Austin of camaraderie and a great way to spend Bowman, engine mechanic, 190th Air Re- Veteran’s Day. fueling Wing. “I don’t think that I have “This is great for me, to be able to go out ever had any face to face time with those with some of our Soldiers and Airmen,” said guys [leadership] and the others that work Tafanelli. “It was really a lot of fun to watch with them, so it was pretty nice to get out those guy have a good time and work behind and talk with them.” the dogs. A great day to reflect on Veteran’s The Guardsmen were able to see the Day and spend it with our troops.”

The bird is up and a hunter takes aim during a Veterans Day hunt at Muddy Creek Game Birds Preserve, near Meriden. (Photo by Capt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) 130th FAB change of command (Continued from Page 2) can deal with change to be able to move the “It’s been a great opportunity with the organization forward and they’ve done 130th Field Artillery Brigade. I’ve learned that. They have really supported me. a lot. It has been a tremendous experience They’ve done a lot of things that have al- and allowed me to grow as a leader and af- lowed me to set a vision and they’ve exe- fect an organization from the ground up.” cuted on it. Rueger credited the Soldiers under his “They have a great commander coming command for his success. in -- Colonel Tom Burke," said Rueger. “I greatly appreciate all of the hard work "He is the right man for the right job at the and effort that the Soldiers of this unit did right time. He is going to take this organi- over the last two years to stand up the or- zation to the next level. He has tremendous ganization and react to all of the change ability. He has a wide range of experiences that we’ve had in the Kansas National that are going to really allow this organiza- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, takes a downed pheasant from Bella, Guard," said Rueger. "Change is constant tion to move forward and prepare for what- his German shorthair pointer, during a Veterans Day hunt Nov. 11. (Photo by Capt. in our organization. It takes Soldiers that ever comes down.” Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) Divish receives command of 69th Troop Command By Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett chanic in Company A, 1st Battalion, 635th 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Armor. He received his commission from In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at drill, the 69th Troop Command took time Emporia State University in May 1989 as a out to welcome their new brigade com- Distinguished Military Graduate. mander, Col. Tony Divish, in a change of After earning his commission, he command ceremony at Nickell Armory in served in various positions in CompanyA, Topeka, Sept. 10, 2016. including platoon leader and executive of- Family, friends and peers gathered to ficer. He has been assigned to many dif- witness the pageantry of the ceremony with ferent positions at the company, battalion pass and review of massed 69th TC units, and brigade levels within the Kansas Na- including the polished sounds of the 35th tional Guard. Divish deployed to Iraq in Infantry Division Band. 2008-2009 as battalion commander for Outgoing commander, Col. Thomas the Special Troops Battalion, 287th Sus- Burke, will continue his military career as tainment Brigade. commander of the 130th Field Artillery His military education includes the Brigade in Manhattan. Armor Officer Basic Course, Combined Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, commander Logistics Officer Advanced Course, Com- of the Kansas Army National Guard-Land bined Armed Services Staff School, Com- Component, presented the brigade colors to mand and General Staff College and the Divish, symbolizing his confidence in the U.S. Army War College. He works full commander’s ability to handle the respon- time for the Kansas Army National Guard sibility of command and maintain or im- as the director of logistics. prove the unit. Divish is a graduate of Emporia State “I am honored for the privilege to serve Col. Tony Divish accepts the command flag of the 69th Troop Command from Brig. University, where he earned a bachelor’s as the commander of the 69th Troop Com- Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant adjutant general - Army and commander of the degree in psychology with a minor in mand,” said Divish. Kansas Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony Sept. 10. Spanish. He earned a master’s degrees in “This is not a job that is taken lightly. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) business management from Webster Uni- You have to have your wits about your- you over the past 12 months” said Burke. between two great leaders that have ac- versity and a master’s degree in strategic self; you definitely have to be a servant of “My departure is bittersweet. This com- complished histories,” said Mohatt. “I studies from the U.S. Army War College. the Soldiers, because there are so many of mand has been a great blessing for me. I know the future is going to continue in Burke began his military career in 1981 them looking to you for leadership, for have learned much about you... about the the same manner.” as a combat medical specialist and was guidance, for assistance and whatever organization over the last year while pro- 69th Troop Command is major subordi- commissioned a second lieutenant through those needs are in a Soldier’s life. I fully viding an overarching leadership. I can nate command of the Kansas Army Na- the ROTC program at Iowa State Univer- understand those responsibilities and ac- honestly say the leaderships built have tional Guard. sity in 1990. cept them.” been the best part of command.” Divish enlisted in the Kansas Army Na- Burke’s previous assignments include “It’s been my privilege to serve with “It’s an honor to be able to pass the flag tional Guard in May 1985 as a tank me- (Continued on Page 14) Page 6 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Medical mission helps 184th Medical Group build bonds in Armenia

By Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz The mission was the first time in the past 10 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs years that a medical unit has visited Arme- Thirty-five members of the 184th Intelli- nia. gence Wing, primarily from the 184th Med- Dr. Nune Grigoryan, optometrist and chief ical Group, supported a humanitarian civic doctor, Hrazdan Medical Center, worked outreach mission in Armenia in August alongside Lt. Col. Darin Nitschke, op- 2016. The purpose of the two-week mission tometrist, 184th MDG. was to train U.S. and British forces in their “The first thing that I learned from Doctor medical specialty fields. Nitschke was to smile. It was just not a job, it Airmen were divided between two gov- was a pleasure to work with him,” said Grig- ernment hospitals, oryan. “Though [the Hrazdan Medical Armenian hospital Center and Gavar “Smiles can reach a staff] works with dif- Medical Center. Three ferent instruments than soldiers from the 6th million people.” in America, I learned a Battalion, British Reg- lot from him and I ular Army were em- Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, hope that we continue bedded into the 184th 184th IW Medical Group. to share our experi- MDG component in ences.” Gavar. The Airmen Classes taught by and Soldiers worked the 184th MDG for the in many sections of the hospital. Armenian medical staff members included “This is the first time partnering with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced car- Kansas Air National Guard and it’s been an diac life support, basic life support, infection absolute pleasure,” said Cpl. Andrew Fuller, control procedures, and stroke therapy and Airman 1st Class Cora Bloom (right), aerospace medical technician, 184th Medical combat medical technician class 1, 6th Bat- assessment. Airman 1st Class Cora Bloom, Group, demonstrates how to conduct a stroke assessment for emergency room nurses talion, British Regular Army. “We are happy aerospace medical technician, 184th MDG, and staff members at the Hrazdan Day Care Center for Children with Disabilities in to be here and be part of this experience. “ presented a stroke assessment class to Hraz- Hrazdan, Armenia. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) The project was accomplished, in part, dan emergency room nurses and staff mem- for every patient.” The generous hospitality of the Armenians through the National Guard Bureau State bers at the Hrazdan Day Care Center for The American and British personnel also was expressed in a variety of ways, such as Partnership Program. The SPP has been Children with Disabilities. reached out to the Gavar Orphanage, which inviting the U.S. and British personnel to building relationships between U.S. military “I taught a National Institutes of Health cares for approximately 63 children. The join in their coffee breaks. members and 76 developing countries for scale that determines what body part and children were given toothpaste, tooth- The Total Force components at the Gavar more than 20 years. The program matches how severe a stroke has affected a patient,” brushes, instructions on body hygiene and hospital received a visit from Richard Mills, National Guard with armed forces or equiva- said Bloom. “Using this scale will give the toys. The Airmen and British personnel vis- U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, and Judith lent organizations of a partner country in a emergency room nurses a quantitative value ited the orphanage off-duty to play games Farnworth, British Ambassador. mutually beneficial relationship. Kansas has to their stroke assessment. They can do all of and interact with the children. “This program not only gives the hospitals been partnered with Armenia since 2003. it in an organized manner and the same way “Smiles can reach a million people,” said the help of some talented medical experts to Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, flight operational provide continued quality care, it also serves medical technician, 184th MDG. “It was a as a valuable training and experience for our great time interacting with the children and U.S. and U.K. medical staff,” said Mills. teaching body hygiene.” “The U.S. volunteers are gaining experience Additional donations to the community in- with conditions and ailments that may not be cluded clothes from the 184th MDG mem- common in the U.S., and working with Ar- bers, 1,000 toothbrushes from King’s menian doctors and nurses, they gain a better Storehouse Food Bank, Texas, and 300 pre- understanding of working across cultures, a scription eyeglasses from the Lion’s Club In- valuable skill for a unit that is ready to de- ternational, Texas. ploy worldwide on short notice.” Visit reaffirms success of Kansas, Armenian partnership

By Capt. Matt Lucht gency Situations and really see as they get Public Affairs Office that hands-on-experience of working with 6,414 miles separates Topeka, Kansas, some of similar equipment that we have from Yerevan, Armenia. But when Maj. and what they have was really fun to Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general of watch,” said Tafanelli. Kansas, and several other Kansas National Maj. Dennis Sewell M.D., Headquarters Guard leaders were invited to the Republic and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, of Armenia Sept. 18-23, 2016, to help that 108th Aviation, first visited Armenia in Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, flight operational medical technician, 184th Medical nation celebrate 25 years of independence, 2007 to help the Armenian military design Group, checks a patient’s eyes in Gavar, Armenia. Ghaffari was one of 35 members it was a small distance to travel. a combat medic program. With the pro- from the 184th Intelligence Wing who supported the humanitarian civic outreach Kansas and Armenia have been partners gram only weeks away from launch, mission. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) in the National Guard Bureau’s State Part- Sewell and a medical team were on hand nership Program since 2003 and, over the for any last minute questions. years, the two nations have engaged in nu- “With the continued partnership of folks merous exchange visits. that come after me, and the ones that have “It’s really impressive to see not only been here before, we are going to make this how far along the Armenians have come,” a success and there are going to be a lot of said Tafanelli, “but really how far along we lives saved on the battlefield because of it,” have come in terms of our partnership and said Sewell. really what we are able to gain from these For Airmen Garrett Browne, 190th Med- training events as well.” ical Group, the trip was a double-first: his Tafanelli had the opportunity to sit on the first time in Armenia, as well as his first reviewing stand during the independence time outside the United States. parade and saw a visual difference in the “I think that, if anyone that hasn’t been seven years he has been adjutant general. outside of the U.S. they should jump on the “To see how proud the Armenian people opportunity if it arises,” said Browne. “I were, to see how well prepared and disci- think that it is a great place to be and for plined the Armenian troops were,” said me, personally, being that it was my first Tafanelli, “it was really a pleasure to be time outside the United States, it was a here as well as an honor to attend.” great experience.” However, the trip wasn’t just for the cel- “We have some outstanding young men ebration. Tafanelli visited with several and women who serve in our formation in Kansas Guardsmen who were in Armenia the Kansas National Guard,” said Tafanelli, conducting medical and emergency re- “and whenever we can project that profes- sponse classes for their Armenian counter- sionalism, that dedication to mission, that parts and heard ideas on how Armenia and dedication to service abroad and really see Kansas can continue to partner on these the overall impact that it has had on a Capt. Andrew Jamerson, laboratory officer in charge, 184th Medical Group, takes and other types of exchanges. country and really more important the peo- blood samples as part of an outreach mission in Hrazdan, Armenia. The purpose of “To watch our [73rd] Civil Support ple and the friendships that has been devel- the two-week mission was to train U.S. and British forces in their medical specialty Team members work alongside counter- oped over the years. It really is rewarding fields. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) parts that work in the Ministry of Emer- as the adjutant general.” January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Soldiers motivated and Year-end wrap-up, looking ahead ready at annual fitness event By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Smith We currently have more By 1st Sgt. Brent Anders Thompson received a specially engraved Command Chief Warrant Officer 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment eagle trophy for his performance. warrant officers in the As we head into a new year, I would Although there was a dense fog at the be- Team placement awards were also pre- like to thank you all for your continued state than ever before. ginning of the Adjutant General’s Army sented. The third-place team, with a total service and the Physical Fitness Test competition, hosted in score of 1,102, was the 997th Brigade Sup- We are also at our high- sacrifices that Salina Sept. 18, 2016, by the 235th Regi- port Battalion, consisting of 2nd Lt. Rachel you and your est number for readiness ment, Guardsmen from across the state of Nelson, Staff Sgt. Cody Breon, Spc. Devon families make. ever, but we still have a Kansas were excited, motivated and ready Willard and Pfc. Justin Boswell. The sec- Less than one to compete, with a clear vision of what ond-place team, with a total score of 1,137, way to go... so I ask for percent of Ameri- they wanted to accomplish. was the 235th Modular Training Battalion, cans today your assistance by pro- “My team and I came here to compete, consisting of Lt. Col. Michelle Hannah, 1st choose to serve because we wanted to show what [Head- Sgt. John Duerr, Sgt. 1st Class William viding names of quality this country and quarters and Headquarters Company] was Cookson and Staff Sgt. James Hill. The much of the pop- Soldiers that you feel made of,” said Spc. Derick Cruz, Head- first-place team, with a total high score of ulation does not would make quality war- quarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd 1,309 points, was the Kansas National know the sacri- Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Guard Medical Detachment, consisting of Chief Warrant Officer 5 rant officers. fices you make, Regiment. “I think it’s a great event. It’s an Col. Robert Thompson, Capt. Samuel Or- Michael Smith but without all of opportunity for other units to get together nelas, Capt. Jarrod Fox and 1st Lt. Scott you, we couldn’t enjoy the freedom that tem and Officer Evaluation Report and show their showmanship of athleti- Gregory. we do every day. support form. You have to be proac- cism. You get to meet new people and do Each team received an engraved plaque I want to briefly point out some of the tive in maintaining your record, be- great things.” with medals for each team member. The achievements made within the KSARNG cause if you don’t, no one else will. Enlisted Soldiers and officers competed first-place team will also have their name en- Warrant Officer Cohort this past year: By updating all your records at one against themselves and one another. Sol- graved on the main TAG APFT trophy kept • During our Aviation Warrant Officer time you can better track and update diers competed individually and as teams at the 235th Regional Training Institute. Pre-flight boards, five Soldiers were the schools and training you have re- in all three of the APFT events: two-minute Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant ad- selected to attend flight school. Cur- ceived during the past year. Promo- pushups, two-minute sit-ups, and two-mile jutant general and commander of the rently, Warrant Officer Aviation is tion boards are looking over your run. Competitors’ scores were calculated Kansas Army National Guard, competed in over 100 percent, yet we need avia- records and if you don’t update your using the standard age/gender score sheets, the event to set an example for others. tors in the pipeline to become warrant records or OERs, you can be over- but could score on the extended scoring “I feel it gives a transparency to myself officers because it takes approxi- looked because you don’t meet pro- system if they reached a minimum of 100 and the standards I hold myself to,” said mately two years of training to be- motion requirements. points on each event. Mohatt. “I would charge every commander, come a warrant officer aviator. I also want to remind everyone that each The Soldier with the highest score in the leader and Soldier to do the same, to hold • Chief Warrant Officer 5 Peter Panos, year the National Guard Association of pushup event was Sgt. 1st Class Chase Tay- themselves to that kind of standard. the National Guard Bureau command Kansas elects a Warrant Officer of the lor with 101 pushups. Cruz won the indi- “When you put the uniform on, I think chief warrant officer, was the guest Year. Candidates for this award will be rec- vidual highest sit-up score with 102 sit-ups. you kind of have a competitive approach speaker at the Kansas National Guard ommended according to the following: The individual with the highest score on towards your life,” he said. “So when you Association Warrant Officer lunch- 1. JFHQ: Recommendations may be the two-mile run was Capt. Jarrod Fox with do a challenge, you are laying a gauntlet eon, and updated us with progress forwarded through command chan- a time of 10:49. Each of these Soldiers re- out there for individuals to test themselves made concerning the Warrant Officer nels to the appropriate commander. ceived an engraved plaque. against their peers and against the entire Promotion System and other warrant 2. Army National Guard: Recommen- The overall highest score by an individ- force. That’s a good thing. What it really is, officer initiatives. dations will be forwarded through ual Soldier in all three events was Col. is sending a message to the organization • Continued to refine the Senior War- the unit commander to the appropri- Robert Thompson with a total score of 344. that physical fitness is important.” rant Officer Advisory Council and ate major subordinate command. ensure that topics brought up for dis- JFHQ and each major subordinate com- cussion are given their due attention. mand will initiate the recommendation • Increasing warrant officer readiness. process in sufficient time to ensure that the We currently have more warrant offi- chair of the awards committee, National cers in the state than ever before. We Guard Association of Kansas, receives the are also at our highest number for nomination at least 10 days prior to the as- readiness ever, but we still have a sociation’s annual conference. The objec- way to go. Current warrant officer tive for the Warrant Officer of the Year is strength puts us at 84 percent. We to provide recognition for outstanding still have approximately 25 vacancies leadership, loyalty, initiative, and public to fill. On average, 10-15 warrant of- service displayed by a warrant officer. ficers leave the Kansas Army Na- The NGAKS conference will be April tional Guard annually, so I ask for 28-29 in Wichita, so there is still time to your assistance by providing names submit warrant officer names to the com- of quality Soldiers that you feel mittee. Two out of the past three years would make quality warrant officers. our warrant officers were also selected as I ask that any noncommissioned offi- National Warrant Officer of the year. cers who would like to become a Finally, if you know of any warrant of- warrant officer to contact me. ficer news, such as promotions, gradua- In each issue of the Plains Guardian, I tions, retirements, or changes that affect try to give helpful advice to junior warrant warrant officers and you would like to officers, so the advice for this issue is: see them in the Plains Guardian, please Competitors in the annual Adjutant General’s Army Physical Fitness Test event start • Now is a good time to update your send them to me and I add them. (Phone the two-mile run, the final event of the competition. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Brent Anders, biographies, Interactive Personnel 785-274-1903; michael.w.smith293.mil@ 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Electronic Records Management Sys- mail.mil) Girl Scouts learn about careers in aviation from those who live it By Sgt. Zach Sheely aviators on hand to talk about their experiences and the op- Public Affairs Office portunities that are available. More than 200 Girl Scouts packed the Museum of the “It has turned out to be a tremendous experience for Kansas National Guard in Topeka for the “Girls in Avia- me,” said Master Sgt. Summer Walters, unit deployment tion” event Oct. 1, 2016, to meet multiple generations of manager, 190th Air Refueling Wing, who also served as a female military aviators and discuss careers and opportuni- KC-135 crew chief for 18 years. “I wanted to make sure ties for girls in aviation. that I could hold my own out there. I got in there, got my The scouts, from Topeka and the surrounding region, hands dirty. I liked the challenge of it. met current and former female pilots and crew members “Working with the guys was great. They’ve treated me with the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Avi- really well. They’re kind of like the brothers I never had.” ation Regiment and the 190th Air Refueling Wing. Retired Col. Pam Luthie-Rodriguez was there to offer “This is something that they would have probably not her wisdom as the first woman pilot in the Kansas Army seen had we not brought them here,” said Tammy National Guard. McBride, co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 866, Olathe. “We “It’s an awesome opportunity,” said Luthie-Rodriguez. wanted them to talk to women who actually work on “We’re hoping that some young girls will look at us and planes and fly planes. say ‘That’s what I want to do,’ and they’ll think it’s possi- “We don’t want them to be stuck in the thought that they ble. It’s available to them.” have to be teachers, or veterinarians, or stay-home moms. Girl Scouts and sponsors gather near a KC-135 at the Luthie-Rodriguez said opportunities for women were not They can do anything they want.” Museum of the Kansas National Guard for Girls in as robust during her career and that there was a stigma The Girl Scouts viewed the static aircraft at the museum Aviation Day Oct 1, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, about women in aviation and in the military as a whole. and had face-time with multiple generations of military Public Affairs Office) (Continued on Page 13) Page 8 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Winter weather is here. Make sure you’re prepared for it By Steve Larson • Extra hats, socks and mittens tion from the Kansas Department of Transportation by Public Affairs Office • First aid kit with pocket knife calling 5-1-1 or visiting the Kandrive website at kan- It’s a message that most people have heard before, but • Necessary medications drive.org. it’s one that bears repeating: The time to prepare for se- • Blanket(s) To find information on road conditions when not in the vere winter weather is now. • Tow chain or rope state, call 1-866-511-5368. “As most Kansans know, winter weather in the state can • Road salt and sand The Kansas Department of Health and Environment en- be extremely variable from one year to another, even from • Booster cables courages Kansans to plan ahead and dress appropriately one day to another,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director • Emergency flares for bitterly cold weather and to know the warning signs of of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. • Fluorescent distress flag hypothermia. Information about staying safe in winter “We’ve already had one round of snowfall accompanied Information on winter driving tips is available from the weather is available at goo.gl/XgE06N by bitter temperatures. This may signal the start of a bad Kansas Highway Patrol at goo.gl/pzzGHu. You can also For a complete list of items for a home or car emer- winter or it could turn out the rest of the season is mild. follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twit- gency kit, go to www.ksready.gov. Additional information The best course of action is to be prepared.” ter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org. on preparing for winter weather is available from FEMA Morgan advised all Kansans to check their home and If you must travel when winter road conditions are de- at www.fema.gov, the American Red Cross at www.red- vehicle emergency kits and replenish any outdated sup- teriorating, then plan ahead to get the latest road informa- cross.org, or your county emergency management office. plies. KDEM recommends a minimum three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person), nonperishable high-energy foods, extra blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, a safe alternate heat source, extra medications and other essentials. Pet owners are reminded to see to the needs of their pets, particularly if kept outdoors. When making your home emergency kit, make one for your pets, as well, with the same three-day supply of food and water, med- ications and other essentials. Ensure that your pet has a warm, dry shelter with straw or other bedding material, and access to food and water that is not covered by snow or ice. If you do not have a heated water dish, make sure to replace the water at least daily when temperatures drop below freezing. During severe conditions, it is advised to bring the pet indoors to a garage, mud room or other warm area. Road travel is discouraged during extreme storm situa- tions; however, if you must travel in those conditions the Kansas Highway Patrol encourages taking extra precau- tions to keep yourself and your family safe. Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your car at all times in case you get stranded or stuck in traffic. Arrange your travel plans so you can leave well ahead of bad weather and keep an emergency kit in your car.” Recommended items to include in your vehicle: • Shovel, windshield scraper and small broom • Flashlight • Battery powered radio • Extra batteries • Water • Snack food • Matches 35th Infantry Division conducts back-to-back command post exercises By Spc. Stefanie Fulcher 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs "Repetition is key, And these efforts Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division will be seen when we arrive over- from the Kansas and Missouri Army Na- seas and are ready to tackle a 24- tional Guards continued preparations for hour cycle of supporting those their upcoming overseas deployment dur- brigades that we're commanding." ing two separate five-day command post Col. Jeff Van exercises held at Camp Clark, Missouri. deputy commanding general "One of the commander's training objec- 35th Infantry Division tives is to centralize operations and to be expeditionary," said Col. Jeff Van, 35th In- tailor training for future command post fantry Division deputy commanding gen- exercises," said Col. Timothy Bush, 35th eral, operations. Infantry Division chief of staff. "It's re- It was for that reason the 35th Division ally an incredible opportunity that allows left the comfort of Leavenworth and de- us to go through multiple repetitions of a ployed its mobile command post to Camp specific battle drill and better familiarize Clark to better simulate a real deployment all staff personnel with their individual where both states could enhance the overall functions." collective readiness of the unit and support The first command post exercises, con- systems during a shared mission. ducted in December, gave the Soldiers of "We decided to change what's been nor- the 35th the opportunity to fine tune those mal in the past of doing the collective train- individualized practices while simultane- ing at Fort Leavenworth," said Van, "and, ously creating a more cohesive team. instead, deploy our headquarters to a cen- "Information in this environment does tralized site that would be easily accessible not just flow vertically up and down the for both states to enhance collective train- chain-of-command,” said Van. “It has to Maj. Gen. Victor J. Braden (left), 35th Infantry Division commanding general, gives ing and better support." flow laterally to each section that might an operational overview to Maj. Gen. Robert P. White, 1st Armored Division com- The exercises, held in December and benefit from that information. If you don't manding general, during Command Post Exercise 2 at Camp Clark, Missouri, Jan. January, are a continuation of training ef- exercise this, it won't just come overnight." 9. Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division from the Kansas and Missouri Army Na- forts built from lessons learned at last sum- Taking what was learned from the expe- tional Guards are continuing their preparations for an upcoming overseas deploy- mer's warfighter exercise in Leavenworth. riences of the first command post exercise, ment. (Photo Sgt. 1st Class Mark Hanson, 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs) Where most large-scale warfighter exercise 35th Division leadership had a better idea selves and improve our overall process." frequency in practice have been staples in include multiple elements from various ac- of areas needing focus as they moved into Leadership within the 35th has spear- the division's success, allowing for acceler- tive-duty, National Guard and Reserve the second exercise in January. headed this challenge by incorporating an ated learning. units across the country, these command "We took the smaller pieces that needed aggressive and compressive training plan "Repetition is key," said Van. "And these post exercises consisted only of 35th In- work and went through a crawl-walk-run that includes extended drill periods, lan- efforts will be seen when we arrive over- fantry Division Soldiers. process," said Van. "This not only allows guage courses and increased communica- seas and are ready to tackle a 24-hour cycle "The CPXs serve to establish a base- us to better ourselves through individual tion within the organization itself. of supporting those brigades that we're line of division readiness that allow us to functions, but be able to re-evaluate our- The continuity in training and increased commanding." January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Page 10 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Ceremony inducts two into Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame

Photos and story by Capt. Margaret Ziffer the love, sacrifice and support of their 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment spouses, their families and their friends. The Kansas National Guard Hall of “There’s a lot of people responsible for Fame hosted its 2016 induction ceremonies me being here – my family is the biggest Nov. 6 at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. one,” said Axtell. During this annual event, retired Maj. “There are so many I would like to thank Gen. Russell C. Axtell and retired Sgt. Maj. for this honor,” said Holt. “In my opinion, Lynn Edward Holt were welcomed as the there is no higher honor that can be given organization’s newest members. to a retired member of the Kansas National “Today we recognize two of our own Guard.” who have made immeasurable contribu- Axtell also credited the entire National tions in shaping the Kansas Army and Air Guard community for successes and how it National Guard that we know today,” said has been able to grow and evolve over the Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general years. “Throughout my career, I worked of the Kansas National Guard. with great individuals who were dedicated The Kansas National Guard Hall of to their work and to each other. That’s re- Fame was established by the National ally the strength of what we do, the Guard Association of Kansas to recognize strength of the National Guard: the sense of individuals who have served in the Kansas community that exists in this organization,” National Guard or its predecessor, the said Axtell. Kansas State Militia, and who have made a “It is easy for all of us to get distracted significant contribu- by the day-to-day tion to the National “There’s a lot of people re- grind and the busy Guard achievements, schedules and forget tradition, or history, sponsible for me being the deeper reason Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn Holt accepts an award from Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the ad- according to the Mu- why we serve,” said here – my family is the jutant general, during the 2016 Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame induction cere- seum of the National Tafanelli. “But on biggest one.” monies in Topeka Nov. 6. Guard’s website. In- days like today, we ductees must be nom- Retired Maj. Gen. pause to honor two with the KSANG as an F-105 instructor ceived proper training. He served from the inated by their peers Russell C. Axtell leading examples of pilot with the 184th in 1973. During this detachment through state level. He is and selected by a dedication and serv- time he served as an academic, simulator known for his ability to recognize Soldier committee. 2016 Hall of Fame inductee ice. We also take a and flight instructor. He moved through a needs at all levels. The same care he felt The achievements moment to remind succession of positions, from life support for Soldiers carried over into his commu- of this year’s in- ourselves of a deeper officer to squadron operations officer to nity activities. Holt’s passion for people ductees were numerous. truth – that America still needs her pro- chief of academics. In 1979, he transi- and their needs exemplifies his true charac- “Any Airman who has served with Axtell tectors and warriors, perhaps now more tioned to the F-4 Fighter by attending up- ter. He devoted his entire adult life to the would consider him an unusually fine and than ever. grade training with the 426th Tactical betterment of our nation, our state and the capable leader, having guided the 184th “Thank you for allowing us to be re- Fighter Training Squadron at Luke Air Kansas National Guard. Tactical Fighter Group and, later, the entire minded of what real integrity, character, Force Base, Arizona. He also resumed his Born July 27, 1951 in Topeka, Holt grad- Kansas Air National Guard through some and selfless service looks like,” said college education, graduating with a uated from Topeka High School in 1969. very difficult times,” said Tafanelli. “He is Tafanelli. “Thank you for spending decades Bachelor of Science degree in aeronauti- Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the an Airman’s Airman, a general with intelli- of your lives dedicated to things greater cal engineering in 1977. KSARNG as a cook with Company A, gence, a sense of humility and perspective than yourselves.” Other assignments include deputy com- 169th Support Battalion as a cook. He that few others have.” More information about how to nominate mander of resources, and the Air National completed his basic and advanced individ- Tafanelli remarked that Holt is one of a Kansas National Guard retiree for induc- Guard advisor to the ual training at Fort few individuals who left such an indelible tion into the Hall of Fame can be found at Air Force’s Tactical “In my opinion, there is Leonard Wood, Mis- mark on the enlisted force in the Kansas http://www.kansasguardmuseum.com/. Air Command for souri, in 1971. Army National Guard. Retired Maj. Gen. Russell C. Axtell plans and operations no higher honor that can Shortly after re- “For over three decades, he has faith- Axtell joined the Kansas Air National at Tactical Air Com- be given to a retired mem- turning from basic fully served at the detachment, company, Guard in 1968 while attending the Wichita mand Headquarters ber of the Kansas National training, he became battalion, brigade and state level, earning State University’s Reserve Officers' Train- at Langley AFB, Vir- the unit supply spe- a well-deserved reputation for selflessly ing Corps program, and received a direct ginia. He was re- Guard.” cialist until May ensuring that his Soldiers were trained, commission in May 1969. He received sponsible for 1973. He assumed motivated and ready to execute whatever pilot training at Reese Air Force Base from advising the staff on Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn E. Holt the duties of unit missions came their way,” said Tafanelli. July 1969 until July 1970. Afterward he at- policies, plans, and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee supply sergeant and “He has a tireless focus on a simple but tended F-100 Combat Crew Training programs. He also was employed as the powerful philosophy: work to make the School with the 162nd Tactical Fighter coordinated issues unit administrative unit better every day.” Group, Arizona Air National Guard, Tuc- between TAC-gained ANG units, state ad- supply technician, where he was pro- The two inductees were not able to reach son, Arizona, and was in the first F-105 jutants general, National Guard Bureau, moted to sergeant. He was promoted in these achievements alone, however, and Combat Crew Training School class con- ANG support center, and TAC. Addition- May 1974 to staff sergeant in the same Tafanelli pointed out that their families also ducted by the Kansas Air National Guard, ally, he coordinated war plans, exercises assignment. In July 1977, he was as- made numerous sacrifices over the years, 184th Tactical Fighter Group, McConnell and deployments. signed as the personnel supervisor, record with “lost opportunities and missed Air Force Group, Wichita, Kansas, receiv- In 1990, Axtell returned to Kansas as the section, 69th Infantry Brigade, Adjutant events,” which enabled Axtell and Holt to ing honors and graduating as the outstand- commander of the Smoky Hill Weapons General Section and promoted to sergeant serve the Kansas National Guard. ing graduate in 1972. Range, 184th Tactical Fighter Wing, first class in April 1978 and master ser- The inductees themselves also credited Axtell became a full-time technician Salina. During this time, he resumed his geant in 1982. flying career in F-16 fighter aircraft as an Holt transferred to Headquarters and instructor pilot. While at the 184th, he led Headquarters Support, 35th Infantry Divi- the unit to the best-ever unit effectiveness sion at Fort Leavenworth in October 1985, inspection with the ultimate reward as the where he served as the replacement detach- Outstanding Unit Award, the first ever ment supervisor. In August 1992, he trans- awarded to a gunnery range. ferred to headquarters of the Kansas State After a short stint as the director of Area Command in Topeka and was pro- Fighter Forces for the ANG, Andrews moted to sergeant major. After graduation AFB, Washington D.C., he was selected from the United States Sergeants Major as commander of the 184th Fighter Academy in 1995, he was assigned as the Group, which converted to a heavy personnel sergeant major in the Directorate bomber unit, the first ANG unit in the na- of Personnel office. In 2001 he was assigned tion to receive the B-1B Bomber. as the HQ STARC battalion sergeant major In 1997, Axtell was appointed as the until he retired in December 2003. chief of staff for the KSANG and he was Holt served his community as president appointed the assistant adjutant general-air of the Tecumseh North Elementary for Kansas in 2000. In 2003 he was se- School Parent Teacher Organization; lected as the ANG assistant to the com- coach, fundraiser and building committee mander, Air Forces Space Command, of Shawnee County Amateur Baseball As- Peterson AFB, Colorado. sociation; coach and manager of Dorn- His awards and decorations include the wood Girls Softball Association; former Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service tornado spotter with the Kaw Valley Ama- Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and nu- teur Radio Club; assistant chapter dad, merous other Air Force and Kansas Na- DeMolays; THS reunion committee Class tional Guard Awards. of 69 from 1989 to present; Arab Shrine Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn E. Holt Past Potentate – 2005, Arab Shrine clown Holt built his distinguished Kansas Army and past president of Arab Shrine Past Retired Maj. Gen. Russell C. Axtell speaks during the 2016 Kansas National Guard National Guard career developing strength, Potentates Association 2011 and secretary Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. retaining Soldiers, and insuring Soldiers re- treasurer since 2012. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 11

Speaking from experience Kansas Army National Failure to prepare can stunt career growth Guard welcomes first By Sgt. Zach Sheely If any of this sounds familiar to you, I Public Affairs Office implore you to take your career in the Na- woman into Chaplain Corps “The purpose of this performance tional Guard more seriously, and that starts counseling is to inform you that you did with physical readiness. Being physically not meet Army physical fitness standards ready is at the very core of military serv- by failing a record Army Physical Fitness ice, regardless of your branch, status or Test as a gradua- military occupation specialty. tion requirement I showed up at WLC, the first level of for the Warrior the Noncommissioned Officer Profes- Leader Course sional Development System, unprepared, and inform you both mentally and physically. that your failure Upon arrival, Soldiers are measured for to pass the APFT height and weight and tested in the APFT. retest will result I assumed that the APFT administered in your dismissal there would be just like every other APFT from the Warrior I had taken, and the NCO grading my Leader Course.” performance in pushups and sit-ups This was writ- would score leniently and count any and ten on a Develop- Sgt. Zach Sheely all pushup and sit-up repetitions. Much to mental my dismay, they did not. Counseling Form and was, along with a The cadre at NCOES will tell you – as DA Form 1059 marked “unsatisfactory,” they reminded me – that they are there to given to me before I left Camp Ashland, apply and uphold the standard. You can’t Nebraska – a failure of the then-named fake it on an APFT at NCOES. You must Warrior Leader Course. arrive prepared. I had failed the initial APFT at the War- School slots are valuable to every Sol- rior Leader Course by three pushups, and dier. When a Soldier fails out, as I did, it then failed the APFT retest seven days is a waste of a slot that another Soldier later. I was unceremoniously removed from may have been waiting for and needing to class later that day and told by my small advance their career. group leader that I needed to pack my bags If you do fail out of an NCOES or Retired Col. David Jenkins, former Kansas National Guard state chaplain, pins the silver and report to the operations building imme- MOS-producing school because of APFT bar of the rank of first lieutenant on 1st Lt. Jamilah Moss’ uniform during a commission diately. I was being dismissed early as a and/or height/weight failure, rest assured and promotion ceremony Nov. 23, 2016, at the Lawrence Indian United Methodist non-graduate of the course. that you will spend the next year or more Church in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) I was one of several Soldiers who were proving to your command team that you involuntarily removed from the course for deserve to go back. At my first sergeant’s By Sgt. Zach Sheely, ing that there's need for chaplains led to failing to meet Army standards in either behest, I took a dozen or more APFTs to Public Affairs Office me coming on board with the APFT or body composition. That was show that I was ready. The Kansas Army National Guard wel- the Kansas National Guard." a long and lonely drive back to Kansas. I was determined never to fail another comed a new chaplain who is unlike any Moss was promoted to the rank of first It was a genuinely humiliating experi- APFT again and, more importantly, to other into the Chaplain Corps during a lieutenant as family, members of her ence that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, live a healthier lifestyle. I sought out ex- commissioning ceremony at the Lawrence church and fellow KSARNG Soldiers con- and it could have been so easily avoided perts in fitness and nutrition and asked for Indian United Methodist Church Nov. 22, gratulated her. with preparation and the right mentality. their help, including my first sergeant. 2016. “Jami's been a blessing to the Kansas I made the mistake early in my National Soldiers do not want to see Soldiers fail. Chaplain (1st Lt.) Jamilah Moss is the Army National Guard," said Chaplain Guard career of disregarding physical train- I participated in the Comprehensive Sol- first female chaplain in the Kansas Army (Col.) Peter Jaramillo, state chaplain. ing and the importance of body composi- dier Fitness program, which was invaluable National Guard. "She's accepted the call. What she brings is tion to my overall readiness. I coasted by to my military career and my personal life. "I'm grateful and honored," said Moss, unsurpassable in many ways. She brings for years on my annual APFT, preparing I’m happy to say that I returned to "and I know that it comes with a lot of re- her own unique calling, she's endowed very little and completing the bare mini- Camp Ashland, Nebraska, in late 2016, sponsibility, but it's a celebratory experi- with a rich cultural background and she mum number of repetitions in both pushups and graduated the Basic Leader Course. ence in many ways." has great pastoral skills." and sit-ups needed to pass – repetitions that I’m now ready to take the next step, but Moss, who served in the U.S. Army Re- In April 2016, the Kansas Army Na- may have not been up to standard. the reality is that I stunted my career serve in the early 1990s, said that the jour- tional Guard opened all military occupa- I would crash diet the week before a growth by a year or more. ney to the chaplaincy has been years in the tions to women, including infantry and height/weight measurement, eating only Nothing will hinder your career or slow making. field artillery, a fact that makes Moss' salads and baked chicken to ensure that I your upward progression quite like failing "I really felt a call on my life for a long commissioning even more opportune, ac- squeaked by on my tape measurement, to meet the APFT and/or height/weight time," said Moss, “the call to serve God, cording to Chaplain (Maj.) John Potter, then returning to bad eating habits imme- failure. Take it from someone who has but I didn't know what that looked like. deputy command chaplain. diately afterward. experienced failure firsthand. Take the Now it has developed into being a full- "There's an incredible importance in It was a lifestyle. I didn’t hold myself to a steps needed to fix yourself. It is possible. time pastor and being a part of the Army having female chaplains," said Potter. "As high enough standard, and I paid the price. It starts with you. National Guard. I knew long ago… that I we continue to increase the numbers of fe- wanted to help but I didn't know how and males in combat arms, it's huge that we at the time, I wasn't a Christian.” have a female presence in all branches. So Moss serves as an elder in the Oklahoma for this to happen in 2016 is historic, it's Shriners donate circus tickets Indian Missionary Conference with the unique. In a way, it's kind of sad it hasn't United Methodist Church and pastor of the happened until now. Lawrence Indian United Methodist "But it's not like she's just going to be a Church. Moss said her service to her chaplain for females, that's not the case at church and to the Soldiers in the Kansas all. She's going to be there for everyone. Army Guard are one in the same. It's a huge honor to bring her in. She "My desire is to serve the people of comes from such an incredible background God in any capacity I can," said Moss. and culture that she's going to bring to the "So, being prior service and understand- Chaplain Corps of the Kansas Guard."

In a show of support for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard and their families, the Topeka Arab Shrine donated approximately 2,500 tickets to the 2017 Shrine Circus to the Kansas National Guard during a brief presentation Jan. 4, 2017, at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka. Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general of Kansas, accepted the tickets on behalf of the Kansas National Guard. Page 12 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Kansas Guard assists with Topeka city JROTC drill competition By Capt. Rory Mele, municating with those students, he said, that we are not just here to recruit their 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and it’s important for the students to see kids, but we are actually a part of the com- “Without the Kansas Na- “That was on point,” was whispered by another face in uniform from time to time. munity here to assist their children.” tional Guard, we could not a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Sgt. 1st Class Craig Jackson, the recruit- “As a parent, there is a sense of security cadet after watching a drill and ceremony ing and retention noncommissioned for knowing that there is a plan,” said Sarah pull off an event such as presentation by cadets from a competing Holton and Topeka, expressed that, as citi- Good, a mother with one cadet in high this.” school during the Annual All City Drill, zen Soldiers, Guardsmen are often recog- school and one cadet at Kansas State Uni- Retired Lt. Col. Ron Daniels, Fitness and Marksmanship Competition at nized for their response to disasters, but are versity on scholarship to join the Air Force. Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, also recognized for the work and service that “With school, and beyond school, there is a senior aerospace instructor, Kansas, Dec. 3, 2016. they do in the communities where they live. plan for what my son is going to do with Washburn Rural High School Cadets were not the only ones critiquing “You cannot measure the trust built by the rest of his life and I don’t worry about the precision and discipline of the exercises getting out and serving the community,” him being successful because he has being a part of this program.” being conducted. Judges were organized said Jackson. “The moms and dads can see learned all of the skills needed to do that by Good said that the JROTC program and provided by the Kansas Army National helped her kids develop a maturity level Guard Recruiting Battalion and consisted that almost cannot be taught outside of the of seven Kansas National Guard Soldiers, JROTC and ROTC structure. three Kansas State University ROTC cadets The students are in it for other reasons. from the Persian Guard, and two Marines; “We want to be different,” said Pvt. who scored each competing team by a list Miguel Monteclaro, Topeka High School of specific criteria. JROTC company commander, who recently All five JROTCs in the Topeka area – joined the National Guard. “We want to Marine, Army, Navy and Air Force cadets – show the world what young men and women participated in this competition, according to of our generation are still capable of.” retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Daniels, “First and foremost, with JROTC, our Washburn Rural High School’s senior aero- guiding role is to create good citizens for space instructor. They competed in marks- America,” said Daniels. “We want to instill manship with air rifles earlier in the week, good citizenship, making every cadet a and in the President’s Physical Fitness Test, good citizen of character, no matter their doing sit-ups, pull-ups, a 30-yard shuttle run branch and, I think that I can speak for all and a mile run prior to their Precision Drill of the other JROTC instructors, that with- competition. The drill competition included out the National Guard, we couldn’t do a unarmed and armed regulation, armed and lot of the things we do and we are very unarmed exhibition and color guard. grateful for them.” Kansas National Guard Soldiers who are “It’s great to see citizen-Soldiers support expert in the various event disciplines, have the high schools,” said Jackson. “These are judged these events in the past our future leaders right here. So the more “Without the Kansas National Guard, we they can see positive role models and indi- could not pull off an event such as this,” viduals is an amazing thing and it is great said Daniels. “They do a great job of get- to get the support of my fellow recruiters ting in and helping us with the cadets.” Cadet Jared Koopman, battalion commander of Topeka High School’s JROTC, dis- and others within the Army.” Daniels said that the events these cadets cusses left and right limits with Sgt. 1st Class Veronica Bartley, Kansas Army Na- Along with providing the judges, the do require a great deal of military disci- tional Guard, who served as a judge at the Annual All City Drill, Fitness and Kansas Army National Guard Recruiting pline focus and individuals from the Na- Marksmanship Competition at Washburn Rural High School, Dec. 3. (Photo by Battalion covered the expenses of 16 tional Guard provide not only judges for Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) plaques to be handed out for each of the those events, but they help through com- competitions. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 13 From Guard to Guardian Never ignore patch messages Airman honored for lifesaving actions

By Staff Sgt. Rachel Waller going to let anyone burn to death in a car. 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs “I reached in and grabbed the mom’s May 23, 2015, is a day Staff Sgt. Clinton wrist and squeezed as hard as I could and Brown will never forget. ripped her daughter out of the back seat,” It was a little after three a.m. and Brown Brown said. “Her son was behind the had been driving for almost eight hours driver seat, so I just grabbed him and and could see the lights of his hotel in the pulled him out of the vehicle.” distance just outside Marshall, Texas. At After he pulled the children out, the po- that moment, a car blew past him at more lice arrived and were able to get the than 80 miles an hour, running red lights woman out of the burning car. before it T-boned into another car. For his actions, his first sergeant, Master xkcd.com. “I pulled in as fast as I could, slammed Sgt. Jerry Gardiner, 161st IS, nominated the car in park and jumped out barking out him for the United Service Organization By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Sackrider pictures of your aunt online. orders to my wife,” recalled Brown, 161st National Guardsmen of the Year. Cybersecurity Officer Software and patches are supposed to be Intelligence Squadron intelligence analyst. “Clint Brown is the type of person that Imagine hiring a construction company digitally signed. That is, your computer can “I needed to help these people.” is very compassionate with a tremendous to build a house. Your house has plumbing, look at its fingerprint and look it up on a Assessing the situation, Brown realized capacity to do what is right for himself, his doors, windows, furnace, and all the other database and be sure it is from the proper the driver in the T-boned car was pinned in family, and the community,” said Gardiner. items one needs to live comfortably. company and has not been modified. You and needed the most help. “[He is] a quiet, humble and inspiring indi- A month after you move in, you realize if can trust your computer to know the proper “I reached in there and tried to feel his vidual who puts service to his country and the thermostat is set on 72, the air condi- patches during system notifications; do not pulse,” said Brown. “We tried to provide family before himself.” tioner and the furnace both come on. You trust websites. If you do feel you need a aid to the driver, but he was gone. His fi- Ultimately, Brown was selected as the notify the construction company and they patch, go to the vendor’s site directly, not ancée was in the car with him.” recipient of the award and was honored replace your thermostat. from a link on a webpage or email. Brown’s wife, Stefanie, stayed with the during the 2016 USO Gala in Washington, Then word gets out that the windows Have your computers set to automati- woman while Brown moved on to check D.C., Oct. 20. could be opened from the outside with a cally update your operating system and the other vehicle. “I was shocked,” Brown said about the specially-bent butter knife. So the window main programs. Luckily, Windows now re- Suddenly, it caught fire. Brown and an- selection. “I am literally the small-town manufacturer sends out new locks to every- members where it left off when it rebooted other bystander tried to kick the windows boy who grew up helping people. I’ve al- one with that brand of window. your computer. Many times you won’t even in, but had no luck. Then, the driver of a ways tried to help. It’s who I am; I will This process of mediating faulty con- know your system restarted. Of course, passing semi-truck approached them with sacrifice my life if I need to.” struction or new exploits happens daily there exists that small chance of data loss, a hammer. Recently, the Brown family learned what with your digital systems. We know them save often. “I ran over, grabbed the hammer and happened to the people involved in the ac- as patches, those annoying messages that Can your system be completely patched? broke the back passenger window out,” he cident. pop up and tell us we need to download, in- No. There are ways to sneak into your sys- said. “There were two kids in the back seat “The guy that was killed was 19-years- stall, and (shudder) reboot our computers. tem that the programmers aren’t aware of. who were fully awake and conscious. The old,” Brown said. “The other driver was We don’t have time for that (postpone, These are called Zero Days, so named be- mom was still in the driver seat. She was charged with first-degree murder and a postpose, ignore). cause there are no days between the time of going crazy. couple counts of child endangerment. She The issue is that our systems need to be the patch (which doesn’t exist) and the time “She was turned around, holding onto was found not guilty by reason of insan- patched to operate smoothly and safely. to be able to exploit a system. Some zero both kids and wasn’t letting go. She was ity.” Patches not only cover operating systems, days are out there for a year before soft- going to let them burn in the car.” Brown doesn’t know what happened to but applications, drivers, and security ware companies realize it. Unfortunately, The truck driver returned with a fire ex- the two children he rescued, but to his chil- measures to keep our systems and informa- the bad guys knew about it all this time, tinguisher and attempted to get the flames dren, he will always be their hero. tion (and pictures of our Aunt Ruth) safe. using it and not letting it slip that it’s there. under control with little success. Soon the “My youngest daughter will tell you I’m It is true that a patch can make a system In that case, we use other means to protect front of the car was engulfed in flames. her hero,” he smiled. “It makes me unbe- worse. Much testing goes on before a our systems -- defensive software, firewalls Brown, a father of three, said he remem- lievably proud and brings tears to my eyes patch is rolled out, but with the myriad of and, above all, vigilance. bered thinking to himself that he wasn’t to hear it.” configurations of hardware and software, As we learned with the massive internet there are bound to be some hiccups. Let outage this year, devices within the Internet this not deter you in keeping your systems of Things (IoT) need to be patched as well. up-to-date. Printers, phones, security systems, watches, Another issue is how do we trust a patch? and televisions and other items all need to Many times a website will notify you a pro- be patched. It’s a hassle remembering to gram (usually Flash or Java) is out of date, keep these systems up to date, so again it’s and you should immediately download a best to allow them to update themselves, patch that they sooooo graciously offer. In and tolerate a slight inconvenience now reality, the patch is a Trojan horse that will rather than trying to get your identity (or spy on you, steal your data, or post those family pictures) back later. Workshop focuses on military education assistance programs Last year, during National Education nity College, Kansas State University and Week, the Kansas National Guard hosted Southwestern College. its 7th annual workshop for 27 school certi- LOI schools have a high volume of Sol- fying officials, registrars and financial aid dier enrollments and the school’s registra- counselors from 12 Kansas institutions of tion and withdrawal processes are higher learning. The workshop is designed integrated with GoArmyEd. Each term, for employees that manage the accounts of these schools upload a portion of their students who use the GI Bill, Federal Tu- course offerings into GoArmyEd and Sol- ition Assistance and State Tuition Assis- diers are able to search the system for their Staff Sgt. Clinton Brown was named United Service Organization National Guards- tance programs. classes. Non Letter of Instruction schools men of the Year for his lifesaving actions in May 2015. (Photo provided) The workshop was hosted by Maj. have fewer Soldier enrollments and the Chuck Leivan, the Kansas National Guard school’s systems are not as integrated with Education Services officer, and his staff. GoArmyEd. However, all schools use the Girls Scouts, women in aviation The section coordinated with the Depart- electronic invoicing, grading, and gradua- (Continued from Page 7) good that these changes are happening.” ment of Veteran’s Affairs, the Kansas tion reporting features within GoArmyEd. “There was definitely a stigma,” said The Girls in Aviation event coincided Board of Regents, Kansas State University “I have attended this workshop for the Luthie-Rodriguez. “No one ever told me with the 2016 Fly Kansas stop at the Com- and the Office of Officer Strength Manage- past three years and I always learn some- this, but I know there were certain guys bat Air Museum in Topeka. The girls were ment providing a wide-range of topics rele- thing new here” said Summer Bond, finan- that wouldn’t fly with me.” able to observe airplanes from across vant to the audience. cial aid coordinator at Kansas City According to 1st Lt. Courtney Brungardt, Kansas land and take off, visit with the pi- “One of the most gratifying things about Community College. aeromedical evacuations officer, 1st Battal- lots and get an up-close look at the various this workshop is to actually see these vari- The presentation by Maj. Feng Zhang, ion, 108th Aviation Regiment, that stigma aircraft that included a tour of the fuselage ous agencies learn from each other. It’s like Specialty Branch officer strength manager, is a thing of the past. of a KC-135 with the 190th ARW. magic when the lights go on and someone included information on the incentives and “My unit has been nothing but profes- “I learned a lot about what planes look has that ‘A-ha!’ moment,” Leivan said. opportunities for doctors, physician assis- sional,” said Brungardt. “They don’t expect like on the inside and what women can do Dominic Barnes, Military Student Serv- tants, dentists, nurses and chaplains have if anything more or less from me than they in the military,” said Madalyn Hesterlee, a ices coordinator for K-State Global Cam- they commission in the National Guard. would my male counterparts. I’m grateful Girl Scout with Troop 1494, Kansas City pus at Fort Riley, briefed the requirements “We had a lot of positive feedback and I that we... can do not only this job, but all the Kansas. “It was really cool (to meet of a Letter of Instruction schools for feel confident that this event reinforces our other jobs that have recently opened. women in aviation) because most of the GoArmyEd. There are six Letter of Instruc- efforts to develop relationships with indi- “Things have definitely changed, and I time men were allowed to do stuff, but tion schools in Kansas: Barton County viduals at all levels with our external stake- think it’s for the better. We can do our jobs knowing that women can do stuff too, it Community College, Fort Hays State Uni- holders fostering stronger partnerships in just as good as a male can and I think it’s was really cool and a good experience.” versity, Grantham, Kansas City Commu- the future,” said Leivan. Page 14 Plains Guardian • January 2017 leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Gregory Rowley, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Chad Ewertz, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster cluster Awards and Decorations Tech. Sgt. Christian Grant, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Dajuan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Souphan Keodouangkham, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Spc. Paul Mason, Co E, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Paul Vernacchia, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Spc. Keenan Toll, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kroulik, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf leaf clusters Legion of Merit cluster Staff Sgt. Cole Watts, 184th IW, Wichita KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Tech. Sgt. Keith Melvin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Staff Sgt. Stephan Westermann, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak clusters leaf cluster Meritorious Service Medal Tech. Sgt. Graham Moulden, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Staff Sgt. Shawn Whetstone, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, with oak leaf clusters leaf cluster oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jared Petefish, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Airman Joseph Alberts, 184th IW, Wichita Brig. Gen. Robert Windham Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with cluster Senior Airman Timothy Blake, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf cluster Lt. Col. Peter Austin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dustin Pieschl, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Airman Patrick Demoe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Col. John David Johnson 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth clusters cluster leaf cluster Col. Russell Richardson, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lt. Col. Christopher Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Tech. Sgt. David Prosser, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Christopher Fernandez, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Ron Boyer, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth oak leaf clusters leaf clusters Senior Airman Shane Fowler, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Bradley Hilbert, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak Tech. Sgt. Jesse Reid, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Senior Airman Robert Fry, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Meritorious Service Medal leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Francisco Salcedovaldivia, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Lt. Col. Bradley Hinkle, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Schneider, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three Senior Airman Mark Hallacy, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Lt. Col. Jared Maag, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka oak leaf clusters leaf cluster Lt. Col. Russell Sakati, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dylan Swearingen, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Scott Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita Col. Thomas Burke, 69th TC, Topeka, with four oak leaf clus- cluster leaf cluster Senior Airman Veronica Kellogg, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak ters Lt. Col. Phillip Stadler, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two leaf cluster Lt. Col. Richard Fisher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Laken Meyer, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Lt. Col. Tanya Wehrli, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Heath Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Jordan Morgan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Lt. Col. Matt Twombly, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson, with cluster leaf clusters leaf cluster three oak leaf clusters Lt. Col. Robert Williams, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak Tech. Sgt. Hasan Zaidi, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Daniel Ball, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Sebastian Adame, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Timothy Button, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe, with oak Maj. Scott Avery, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Jenna Bausch, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Christopher Purdy, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster Maj. Joseph Blubaugh, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Staff Sgt. Jesse Boring, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Christopher Ruhlen, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Dwayne Byerly, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka cluster Staff Sgt. Chad Broome, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak Senior Airman Aaron Slaughter, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Adam Johnson, 69th TC, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Maj. Kevin Cline, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf clusters Senior Airman Ariel Ward, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Elizabeth Tipton, 73rd CST, Topeka, with two oak leaf Maj. Jeffrey Dickman, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Bradlee Brown, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Jim Xayavongsy, 184th IW, Wichita clusters Maj. Brandi Staniec, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Senior Airman Stephen Duncan, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Davis, HHC, 169th CSSB, Chief Master Sgt. Von Burns, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Brown, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Senior Airman Angela Edwards, 190th ARW, Topeka Olathe, with oak leaf cluster leaf cluster oak leaf clusters Senior Airman David Glassman, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 2 Amanda Davis, HHC, 635th RSG, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Montgomery, 190th ARW, Topeka, Staff Sgt. Keri Christian, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four oak Senior Airman Travis Gould, 190th ARW, Topeka Topeka with two oak leaf clusters leaf clusters Senior Airman Benjamin Hunter, 190th ARW, Topeka Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Whitley, HHB, 130th FAB, Man- Chief Master Sgt. Thane Stauffer, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Chelsea Dennison, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Tyler Leed, 190th ARW, Topeka hattan, with two oak leaf clusters three oak leaf clusters leaf cluster Senior Airman Andrea Lopez, 190th ARW, Topeka 1st Sgt. Nancy White, HQ, 235th Regt, Salina Chief Master Sgt. John Womer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Christopher Erhart, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Ryan Lu, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Richard Anderson, 235th Regt, Salina, with oak leaf cluster leaf cluster cluster leaf cluster Senior Master Sgt. Michael Akers, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Terence Gallagher, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Senior Airman Auston McKinnon, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Terry Abernathy, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Man- Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Fabian Medrano, 190th ARW, Topeka hattan Senior Master Sgt. Keith Decker, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Robert Hollar, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Zachary Thomas, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Burke, HHD, 635th RSG, Topeka three oak leaf clusters cluster Senior Airman Kelsey Warren, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Francisca Jimenez, 73rd CST, Topeka, with two Senior Master Sgt. Allen Ewell, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Adam Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Paul Webber, 190th ARW, Topeka oak leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Gray, 190th ARW, Topeka, with cluster Airman 1st Class Steven Bohling, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Darwyn Luat, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Jamie Johnson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Airman 1st Class Logan Borovetz, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Melnick Jr., 778th Trans Co, Kansas City Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Hansen, 184th IW, Wichita, with cluster Airman 1st Class Travis Gantt, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Aimee Plankinton, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka two oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Jacob Masters, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Kole Johnsonhanna, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Ross, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Joel Unger, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Grant Myers, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Stubbs, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Maurice Balance, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Matthew Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Airman 1st Class Jon Potts, 184th IW, Wichita Lenexa, with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Vincent Finney, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Airman 1st Class Dylan Gardner, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Barry Vogelbacher, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Brandon Lambert, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brandon Rhoten, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Chevy Honeycutt, 190th ARW, Topeka Lenexa, with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Matthew McCoy, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Anathea Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Airman Alexandria Brun, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Alvin Winns, HHC, 130th FAB, Manhattan Master Sgt. Eric Porterfield, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Benjamin Roe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Airman Alyssia Logan, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Jay Yeager, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Justina Saucedo, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Cheryl Baranow, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Tech. Sgt. Heath Jones, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Rectenwald, KSARNG Training Center, Tech. Sgt. Rafael Marrero Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Salina Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka 184th IW 75th Anniversary Army Commendation Medal Air Force Commendation Medal (Continued from Page 1) dience and they need to see where we came “We knew that in looking back at 75 from, and pass the torch on to them, so at 1st Sgt. Kit Portz, 2137th FSC, Manhattan, with three oak leaf Maj. Seth Rundle, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf years, it was critically important that we had 100 years they can have a celebration like clusters clusters Capt. Mary Burkett, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster the right audience,” said Maj. Deb Balen- this and say some of the same things about Army Achievement Medal Capt. Matthew Lucht, 184th IW, Wichita tine, director of staff, 184th Wing Staff. this wing,” said Balentine, who was a mem- Senior Master Sgt. Terry Martin, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak leaf clusters “The intent is to honor the past and make it ber of the celebration planning committee. Master Sgt. Loth Chhang, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak clear to everyone that we continue to hold The committee, which was organized by Maj. Michael Ehrstein, 177th IAS, Wichita leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Julie Hoefer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak the same standards [of excellence].” Senior Master Sgt. Pauly Arnold, chief, In- Kansas Meritorious Service Ribbon leaf clusters After the formal ceremonies, visitors formation Protection office, began planning Tech. Sgt. Justin Jacobs, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster were invited to look through old photos the celebration in late 2015. Tech. Sgt. Christopher McCarthy, 184th IW, Wichita and memorabilia that were on display. “I would rank this as a huge success,” said Maj. Larry Leupold, 130th FAB, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Paula Conley, 190th ARW, Topeka Many attendees picked up their copy of the Balentine. “Anytime you get all the seats Kansas National Guard State Staff Sgt. Ramon Espana, 184th IW, Wichita recently published history book, “Fighting filled and you have such an engaged crowd; Emergency Duty Service Ribbon Staff Sgt. Joshua Gibbs, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Cody Larson, 184th IW, Wichita Jayhawks: Seventy-five Years of the Air to see everyone zeroed in on what we had on Staff Sgt. TJ Tasker, 184th IW, Wichita National Guard in Wichita.” A 23minute the screen, they were listening, they were Maj. Kevin Kennedy, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Air Force Achievement Medal documentary that covered the unit’s history playing along with us as we went. The Topeka entertained guests as well. A time capsule turnout alone, to me, was a huge success.” Capt. Casey Atkins, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Capt. Clarence Schreiber, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, from 1990 was opened and a commemora- “I think it was great,” said Weishaar. Topeka Maj. Carlton Abner, 190th ARW, Topeka tive bench, which will go in the Reflections “The work that was put into this and then Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steven Hood, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, Capt. Derek Craig, 190th ARW, Topeka 135th Avn Regt, Topeka Master Sgt. Roger Brooker, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two of Freedom Airpark, was unveiled. the crowd that came out was just simply Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandy Nichols, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th oak leaf clusters “We also have the young troops in our au- amazing. It brings back great memories.” Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Preciliano Deleon, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ingmire, Co B, 1st Bn, oak leaf clusters 108th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Norman Foster, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Morabito, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th leaf cluster Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Paul Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita 69th Troop Command Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Reynolds, Co Bn, 1st Bn, Master Sgt. Michael Hummer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak 108th Avn, Salina leaf cluster (Continued from Page 5) National Guard. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Keyes, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, Master Sgt. John Ives, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf 135th Avn Regt, Topeka clusters company fire direction officer and execu- Burke deployed to Iraq from January 2004 Sgt. 1st Class David Lebbin, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Daniel Mangiaracino, 190th ARW, Topeka, with tive officer, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 194th through February 2005 with the 2nd Battal- Sgt. 1st Class Michael Munson, Co D, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, three oak leaf clusters Topeka Master Sgt. Eva Mayberry, 190th ARW, Topeka Field Artillery in Algona, Iowa; battalion ion, 130th Field Artillery. He also deployed Staff Sgt. Ryan Kohlman, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. James Mayfield, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two fire support officer, 1st Battalion, 168th In- to the Horn of Africa as the battalion com- Staff Sgt. Heath Martin, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina oak leaf clusters Sgt. Steven Baker, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Topeka Master Sgt. Mark Moulden, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two fantry in Council Bluffs, Iowa; recon-sur- mander, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery Sgt. Ricardo Bonilla, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina oak leaf clusters vey officer, logistics officer, liaison officer, from March 2011 through February 2012. Sgt. Tony Dickey, Co C, 2nd Bn, 211th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Michael Ragan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Sgt. Jeremy Leach, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka cluster battalion fire direction officer, Battery A Burke attended Iowa State University, Sgt. Darren Love, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Curtis Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita commander and assistant operations officer where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sci- Sgt. Christian McGraw, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Master Sgt. Eric Stanley, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Topeka cluster for 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery in ence degree in electrical engineering. He Sgt. Matthew Palcher, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Al Daniels, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Ottawa, Kansas; operations duty officer, later received a master’s in business admin- Spc. Rudolph Fink, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Tech. Sgt. Russell Essman, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Topeka; op- istration from the University of Missouri, erations officer and executive officer for Kansas City. Burke has completed the Field Sgt. 1st Class Charlie Williams, HHC, 169th CSSB, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery; fire ef- Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Ar- Olathe Retirements Staff Sgt. Dennis Dewitt, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, fects officer, liaison officer, and assistant tillery Officer Advance Course, Paladin Kansas City chief of staff - Resource and Budget officer Commanders Course, Combined Arms and Kansas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Keith Wilson, 2nd Bn, 235th Regt (MTB), Salina for the 35th Infantry Division; commander Services Staff School, Command and Gen- Brig. Gen. Robert Windham Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Staff Sgt. Jay Yeager, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery; eral Staff College and is currently a student Topeka Wichita Col. Suzanne Wheeler, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Craig Brown, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, and training officer for the Kansas Army in the U.S. Army War College. Lt. Col. Timothy Nehls, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lenexa Capt. Cory Durbin, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lenexa Kansas Air National Guard Capt. Brian Webb, HHC(-), 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lt. Col. Chris Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka A 24/7 Resource for Kansas City Lt. Col. Russ Sakati, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terrell Bonnett, JFHQ KS- Lt. Col. Phil Stadler, 190th ARW, Topeka LC, Topeka Maj. Brandi Staniec, 190th ARW, Topeka 1st Sgt. Gregory Kittle, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Chief Master Sgt. Joe Montgomery, 190th ARW, Military Members, Lawrence Topeka Master Sgt. Larry Dew, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Thane Stauffer, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Graham, Co A, 2nd CAB, Chief Master Sgt. John Womer, 190th ARW, Topeka Spouses and Families 137th Inf, Lawrence Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, JFHQ KS-AC, Sgt. 1st Class David Istas, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Jon Kuchera, 287th SB, Wichita Master Sgt. Vincent Finney, 190th ARW, Topeka 1-800-342-9647 Sgt. 1st Class Darwyn Luat, 287th SB, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Kansas National Guardsmen support annual Freedom Fest event By Capt. Rory Mele the 40-mile Gravel Grinder bike ride and 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment the Spur Readiness Test, consisting of five Banners displaying photographs of veter- military-style obstacles, within 3 hours and ans from all military branches lined the 40 minutes. street that led to the south end of Emporia. The event attracted men and women of There, veterans and civilians, young and all ages, including participants like Shawn old, made final preparations to compete in O’Mara, who competed in the event last the Spur Ride at the 14th annual Freedom year and wanted to race again. Fest held at All Veterans Memorial Park “I fully embrace this celebration for our Nov. 6, 2016. veterans,” said O’Mara, a participant on the “Freedom Fest is a celebration of veterans Dirty Kanza Promotions team, “and I’m in the city of Emporia, which is the founding proud of our city for embracing Veterans city of Veterans Day,” said Command Sgt. Day and all vets.” Maj. Steve Harmon, coordinator of Freedom The race this year also welcomed a first Fest. “The Spur Ride is our starting event of its kind team that included Capt. Timo- that attracts around 250 participants and thy Hornik from the Blind Veterans Associ- roughly 200 spectators from Kansas, Mis- ation and his guide, Lt. Col. Matthew souri, Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma.” Battiston, both retired cavalry Soldiers who The Spur Ride is a competitive commu- met as students at the University of Kansas nity gathering event that is part of the All Veterans Association and decided to pre- Veterans Tribute week began in 2003 by pare together for this event. volunteers to honor all veterans and their “I had done the Spur Ride last year and I families, according to the Emporia Main completed the Dirty Kanza 200-mile bike Street volunteers’ website. race earlier in the year,” said Battiston. “Tim Freedom Fest included individual events had heard about me riding through the KU such as the 5K Freedom Run/Walk and a Veterans Associations and had asked me to Retired Lt. Col. Matthew Battiston and retired Capt. Timothy Hornik, Blind Veterans 16-mile or 40-mile Freedom Ride, where start riding with him in the mornings.” Association, compete as a team in the Spur Ride at the 14th annual Freedom Fest in participants bike through the Flint Hills at Hornik, who lost his sight in a service- Emporia. (Photo by Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) their own pace. It also included a timed connected injury after taking direct fire most challenging part was the 40-mile years, according to Lt. Col. Jason Nelson, competition called the Dirty Kanza/635th from a sniper, completed each event by Gravel Grinder on a tandem bicycle battalion commander. Armor Regiment Spur Ride. Participants in holding on to Battiston’s arm or shoulder through the gravel roads of the Flint Hills. “We have a more robust role this year by the Spur Ride had to complete the 5K run, and listening to verbal instructions. The Hornik was already an avid runner, but providing 15-20 personnel to support run- they both started biking in the mornings ning the Spur Ride event and assisting with before school. They started biking 15 miles aid stations on the run and the bike trails,” and increased their distance over the next said Nelson, who also presented partici- four to five months, eventually leading to pants with their awards at a final ceremony. their involvement in the Spur Ride. Participants were called to formation Hornik and Battiston said that they en- where first time racers received a shiny new joyed the event, the association with other spur and those competing for a second time participants, and the support they received received a leather spur strap to attach to their throughout the competition. Their goal is to first-year prize. Along with these awards, get a few more teams from the Blind Veter- participants were encouraged to come again ans Association into the Spur Ride next year. next year and to challenge their friends. The success of the event can be credited “We have a lot of dreams and plans for to the diversity of its participants and to the this event,” said Harmon. “Currently, we many volunteer organizations, sponsors are looking to expand the Spur Ride por- and individuals who worked together to tion of this event which will give partici- make the event run as safely and efficiently pants a taste of what it’s like to go through as possible. an actual Spur Challenge with a cavalry or The proceeds from major sponsors help armor unit by hosting, here in Emporia, a run the event, said Ben Schubert, coordinator true Spur Challenge that anyone in the mil- of the 5K Run/Walk event. Volunteer groups itary across the nation can participate in.” from the local university provided commu- Harmon explained that a Spur Challenge nity service, troops from the Boy Scouts of for a Soldier or trooper is very extensive, America helped with crowd control and lasting more than five days. Participants get safety on the run, and local organizations of- very little sleep and must rely on each other fered food and drinks to participants and vol- to get through the event, which includes a unteers throughout the event. physical fitness test, range qualifications, a Company D, 2nd Combined Arms Bat- ruck march, multiple go/no go stations on Runners take off on the 5K Run/Walk at the 14th annual Freedom Fest in Emporia. talion, 137th Infantry Regiment has been warrior tasks, and the chance to demonstrate (Photo by Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) providing support for this event for several their leadership skills.

stead of transferring equipment to the goes out to all the commercial carriers. It Lower costs, faster shipments warehouse first. rates that shipment. Once it goes out, it (Continued from Page 2) supply room and take up critical space, that “That’s how it used to be,” said Stowe. looks at all the carrier information and puts Krull said a faster shipment turnaround can be rather painful and create an issue of “Things would come in to the warehouse, them in sequential order from the cheapest time will also free up warehouse space and loss of accountability,” said Krull. requiring extra accountability, and then the to the most expensive. improve accountability. Part of the improved accountability and warehouse would take the necessary steps “We’re required by regulation to start at “If you, as a customer, have to hold on to time savings also comes from facilitating to ship it out. Now, Soldiers and employees the cheapest carrier and call down the list something for three to four weeks in your direct armory-to-armory shipments in- will be able to request and coordinate ship- until we find a carrier that will take it on ments between any of our armories and cost comparison. We’re mandated by De- other facilities throughout the state.” fense Travel regulations to start at the top Harsch said the new system will not en- and work our way down to pick the next tirely supplant the old method of moving carrier. We can’t just pick the hundredth equipment and supplies. carrier because he’s our buddy.” “The customer will send the shipping re- After some trial runs, the new system offi- quirements to the State Movement Control cially rolled out Dec. 1 of last year. Even so, Center,” explained Harsch. “The Direc- Krull said, the system is a work in progress. torate of Logistics staff will first see if they “We’re going to evaluate some things can support it with military assets. If throughout the next year or more and there’s a unit out there that needs some there probably will be some tweaks to the training and already has training slated, web page or some other things that we we’re not going to bypass the State Move- discover along the way,” said Krull. “This ment Control Center. If they can support it is a foundation and an evolution of where – they’ve already dedicated the time, the things can go.” fuel and the Soldiers to the mission – we’re Krull said he did not know of any other going to allow them to do that before we state using such a system. push it off to a commercial partner.” “This may very well turn out to be a If the decision is made to send the ship- good model, especially on the Army Guard ment by commercial carrier, the selection side of the house, throughout the nation of which carrier to use will be handled by someday,” said Krull. The new shipping process will allow the Kansas Army National Guard to ship any the Cargo Movement Operating System. “This is just one piece of projects that lo- item -- from a single sheet of paper to a piece of equipment weighing hundreds of “Once we input all the data into it, we hit gistics has in the works,” said Harsch. pounds -- faster and cheaper. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) ‘Send request,’” said Harsch. “The request “Stay tuned.” PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Page 16 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Annual Engineer Regimental ball Recruiter’s efforts earn him top award celebrates camaraderie, history By Capt. Margaret Ziffer “The Soldiers of the 891st have trav- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment eled to Alaska, Belize, Costa Rica, Hon- The 891st Engineer Battalion held its an- duras, Panama, El Salvador and Armenia nual Engineer Regimental Ball Sept. 17, to move the earth and to make life better 2016, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. for the people of these communities,” Lt. Col. Kenneth Weishaar, battalion, said Nusz. “We have travelled to Ger- commander, opened the evening by re- many to support the active Army. We viewing the year’s accomplishments. High- have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to lights included several teams from the conduct combat missions. We have re- Headquarters and Headquarters Company sponded to natural disasters throughout completing the Bataan Memorial Death the state of Kansas. March; integrating 24 Armenian peace- “During World War I, the Soldiers of keeping soldiers into their annual training; Fort Scott saw battle at Argonne, Alsace the Forward Support Company completing and Lorraine. During World War II, the over 1,700 miles of driver’s training; the Soldiers in the battalion saw battle in 226th Engineer Company’s continuation of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, their total Army partnership with Fort Ardennes, Alsace and central Europe.” Riley; the 224th Engineer Company’s “The mission of the Engineer Corps is clearing and grubbing of 93 acres of train- as varied as the contents of this punch,” ing sites and six miles of ATV trails; and said Nusz. “Topographic engineering, the 35th Military Police Company’s sup- combat engineering, facilities engineer- port of a Wolf Creek training exercise. ing and civil works, mobility, counter “Time limits my ability to tell you mobility, survivability and the underlin- everything we accomplished this last ing requirement to get the job done and Although not a Kansas Army National Guardsman, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bufford, year,” said Weishaar. “However, we did get it done right -- this is the Army Corps was named the top Recruiter and Retention producer for the Kansas National accomplish a lot. I wanted to let you of Engineers.” Guard and Army Reserve in 2016. Buford is part of the Recruiting and Retention know that your taxpayer dollars were Three Soldiers of the battalion, Lt. Col. Office office at Fort Riley (Photo provided) hard at work. Eric Blankenship, Sgt. 1st Class Jamie “We are prepared not only to fight and Mosbrucker and Staff Sgt. Melvin Eu- “We are on mission to put Soldiers in the The state of Kansas offers incentives for win our nation’s wars, but we are also here banks, became the newest recipients of Guard or Reserves coming off of active joining the Kansas National Guard that to serve the homeland and support our the Bronze de Fleury Medal, which is duty,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bufford, many other states don’t. friends and neighbors.” awarded to individuals who have ren- 1st Division, Headquarters Battery. “So, “Kansas has one of the best stabilization Weishaar also thanked the families and dered significant service or support to an based on my efforts for fiscal year 2016, I policies,” said Bufford. “For four years, friends of the 891st Engineer Battalion. element of the Engineer Regiment. was the top producer of people in the that Soldier is not deployable. So if you get “Most of the time when we have these The spirit of the Engineer Corps was Guard or Reserve.” those infantry Soldiers that are coming off events, the commander or senior officer evident throughout the event. Col. Matt Oleen, deputy chief of staff, of active duty that have a three or four year thanks the families for their sacrifice,” said “It’s the history and the camaraderie,” Kansas Army National service obligation re- Weishaar. “I want you to understand that said Nusz. “It’s especially nice to see the Guard, presented Buf- “Kansas offers state tu- maining, it just makes that’s not a cliché, that’s not something retirees come back for it. We try to get ford with the Recruit- sense for those Sol- ition assistance for col- that just goes in the script. An M1 tank is away from doing it on a drill weekend so ing and Retention diers to stay in Kansas just as important to accomplishing the mis- that everyone can relax and have some fun. Producer of the year lege. There aren’t a lot of for the non-deployable sion as family support. So, don’t ever take “Engineers now, as always, clear the award for his efforts. states that offer that.” eligibility. That was a your support of our Soldiers doing their way,” he said. “From the establishment of Over the past year, good sale for me. jobs lightly, because I can tell you that the the corps in the eighteenth century to the the Kansas Army Na- Sgt. 1st Class “Also, Kansas offers senior leaders and I certainly don’t.” exploration of the universe well into the tional Guard trans- Ronald Bufford state tuition assistance Before the traditional punch cere- twenty-first, you will see the tangible evi- ferred in 150 for college. There mony, Maj. Justin Nusz, battalion ad- dence of the engineers and forever hear active-duty Soldiers aren’t a lot of states ministrative officer, recounted the the engineer motto ringing in your ears: from across the nation. Bufford and the re- that offer that, where a Soldier can take ad- legacy of the battalion. Essayons (Let us try)!” cruiting and retention team at Fort Riley vantage of state tuition assistance to any were responsible for a majority of those. private college in the state of Kansas.” “Sergeant Bufford was the recipient of The benefits aren’t just one-sided. The the award,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Luck, Kansas National Guard also gets quality interstate transfer coordinator, Recruiting Soldiers to fill vacant positions. and Retention Battalion, “but he made it “Cost and time,” said Luck. “The Guard clear that it was the team that helped the doesn’t have to pay an applicant to go to contracting process; it really was a team ef- basic training or back to training. If we get fort. They [Fort Riley team] did 77 of the a Soldier from active duty, the day after his 150 total just from Fort Riley. He [Bufford] expiration term of service, we have a basic- did 40 of those 77.” trained and job-qualified Soldier.” “Our team is very strong and we all back Bufford and the team are preparing for each other,” said Bufford. “So when the next fiscal year with the goal of taking award was given to me, I took it for the home another award from the Kansas Army team. I really feel good about taking care of National Guard. the state that I am in.” “We do have a higher goal than 77 from Two to three thousand active-duty Sol- last year,” said Bufford. “We have a differ- dier from Fort Riley have to meet with ent mindset on how we are going to handle Bufford’s office as their service commit- our units so I am sure that Fort Riley will ment is coming due. If the Soldier chooses come out number one again for state of to continue their service, they have two op- Kansas and we are trying to outdo what we tions -- the National Guard or the Reserves. did last year.” Civil Air Patrol Cadets take part in Veterans Day activities Civil Air Patrol cadets from Kansas sisted with passing out programs and City Composite Squadron and Heartland opening doors. Cadet Squadron came together to serve Cadets from Heartland Squadron pre- the Shawnee community during local sented the colors for a Veterans Day Cel- Veterans Day events. ebration at Gardner/Edgerton High Kansas City Composite Squadron car- School. They also participated in a ried the colors for the city of Shawnee Wreaths Across America donation event Kansas Veterans Day Celebration at the at Bass Pro Shops in Olathe. Shawnee Civic Centre. This is the fifth “Laying a wreath on those who have year that the Civil Air Patrol has played fallen warms my heart,” said Cadet Sen- an active role in the event. ior Master Sgt. Serena Armenta. “It’s an “I’m here because my dad is a vet- honor because it’s one of the little things eran,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Bailey. we have the privilege of doing for those “This is to honor him” men and women who gave up so much Cadets from both squadrons also as- for us to be where we are today.” Holton bids Airmen con- New series: farewell to tend for Army Emergency Soldiers of Guard Best Management PlainsPlainsBattery A . . .2 GuardianGuardianWarrior . . . .6 101 ...... 9

Volume 61 No. 2 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol May 2017 In their own words KDEM, National Guard recount the “Battle of the Blaze” By Sgt. Zach Sheely Public Affairs Office When people think of emergencies in Kansas, floods and tornadoes may come to mind. However, that may be changing after a series of fires blackened more than 1,000 square miles of Northwest, Southwest and Central Kansas – all within a matter of 10 days in March. Lives were at stake in the small communi- ties that dot the map of America’s Heartland, and the first responders’ swift and calculated response was vital to protecting them. An abundant growing season in 2016, followed by a dry winter, low relative hu- midity and high winds combined to form perfect conditions for a fast-moving, blis- tering fire. The numbers are staggering – one fatality, approximately 658,000 acres (roughly the size of Rhode Island) burned, thousands of livestock lost, and 40 homes destroyed. It’s the largest recorded fire event Kansas has ever seen. The agencies of the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department, including the Kansas National Guard and Kansas Divi- sion of Emergency Management, partnered with numerous other local, state and federal agencies to safeguard the lives of Kansans and contain this conflagration. Angee Morgan, deputy director, KDEM Grassfires swept across vast swaths of countryside in a number of Kansas counties in March, leaving behind more than 650,000 “I’ve been in emergency management acres of scorched farm and rangeland. The fires, the largest recorded fire event in Kansas history, caused one fatality, destroyed since 1987 and we’ve never had a day in 40 homes and killed thousands of livestock. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) Kansas when the threat of wildland fire “In our first phone call to FEMA, we had to get the right resource to fit the need at would need the aerial fire suppression help was that great,” said Morgan. five fires that were not contained and were the local level to protect lives, property and of the Kansas Army National Guard. FEMA granted a Fire Management As- threatening cities that had evacuated,” said critical infrastructure.” “The capability of fighting the fire from sistance Grant to the state of Kansas on Morgan. “It’s extremely difficult to get the KDEM works closely with the Kansas the air is critical because, as we saw in March 6. The FMAG provides a 75 percent FMAG and we got it in record time. It was National Guard under the Adjutant Gen- the Anderson Creek Fire in 2016, the ter- federal cost share while the state pays the just unheard of. eral’s Department umbrella, and it became rain is different from other parts of the remaining 25 percent of firefighting costs. “Our goal in emergency management is apparent that the local fire responders (Continued on Page 8) 35th Division deploys for Operation Spartan Shield By Sgt. Zach Sheely diers from all Army components in the Hood, Texas, conducting additional premo- Public Affairs Office Central Command area of operations. In bilization training. PAID The 35th Infantry Division will be chis- the short term, the Soldiers will be at Fort (Continued on Page 6) PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE eling out another chapter on the tablet of PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT its rich, 100-year history this year, as the division deploys to Persian Gulf and the Levant Region in support of Operation Spartan Shield. It’s the first time the 35th has mobilized its entire headquarters since World War II – 73 years ago. This deployment is the culmination of nearly of year of strenuous preparation, and family and friends spent the afternoon of April 29 saying goodbye to their Soldiers during a deployment departure ceremony at Lansing High School in Lansing, Kansas. “It’s hard work,” said Maj. Gen. Victor Braden, commanding general of the 35th. “We train like our lives depend on it. This is a great responsibility and it is taxing. But we have a responsibility that when the call to danger comes, we must be ready, and the 35th Infantry Division is ready. “Our nation has called us to the ancient desert as a land force of strength,” said Braden. “It is a daunting challenge, but it is 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL our heritage and our destiny to embrace the Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division stand at ease during their deployment cere-

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT challenge and succeed in our mission.” NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL The division will be sending approxi- mony April 29 at Lansing High School, Lansing, Kansas. The Soldiers will deploy to mately 500 Soldiers to the Persian Gulf for Southwest Asia and the Levant in support of Operation Spartan Shield (Photo by

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT nearly 10 months, where it will lead Sol- Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Page 2 Plains Guardian • May 2017 Holton community turns out to say goodbye to their Soldiers By Steve Larson Sprigg said that the unit’s mission is Public Affairs Office somewhat different than many of the The high school gymnasium in Holton, Kansas Guard’s recent deployments. Kansas, was packed the morning of April 14 “We’re sending field artillery soldiers as the community came together to bid downrange to do a field artillery mission,” farewell to Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Bat- Sprigg explained. “It’s a pretty big deal. It talion, 130th Field Artillery as they prepared hasn’t happened in a very long time.” to deploy for a year-long mission to Kuwait. “We’re pretty excited about this,” said “Your presence here today makes a very Spc. Matthew Pyles. “We’re actually going special occasion even more special,” said over to do our job. We can’t wait. It is Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant gen- going to be a good deployment. We’re all eral. “What’s amazing to me is, as we look pretty tight, we have a good group with us. at the families, the friends and our commu- We’ve got good leadership. We’re ready.” nity, that community is the special bond Pyles said the mutual support the Sol- that the National Guard has.” diers give to each other will be key to their The battery will deploy to their mobiliza- mission’s success. tion station at Fort Bliss, Texas, for addi- “We’re responsible for each other. We tional training before moving on to Kuwait watch each other’s back,” said Pyles. in support of Operation Spartan Shield. “That’s how we’re going to survive.” “I have every confidence that these Sol- Although Pyles has deployed before, he diers are… ready to perform the mission admitted it would be hard to leave his fam- they’ve been asked to carry out in support ily for a year. of the defense of our great nation,” said “But it’s something that we have to do. Tafanelli. “They have taken all of their It’s our job,” he said, but added that serving equipment and added sections from mainte- in the military was something he had al- nance, logistics, communications, intel, as ways wanted to do. “I’ve wanted to be in well as additional operational personnel, To the sound of thunderous applause from family and friends, Soldiers of Battery the military ever since I was young. My and have made one cohesive unit in nine A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery file in to their seats for their April 14 de- dad’s former military; so’s my step-father. months. They have done all of this while ployment ceremony at Holton High School. The Guardsmen will deploy to Kuwait I’ve got a lot of uncles that are former mili- completing all the required mobilization for a year-long mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (Photo by Steve tary, too. It’s a family tradition. and theater-specific training, continuing Larson, Public Affairs Office) “I wouldn’t trade this for anything.” their field artillery core competencies and this deployment,” said Tafanelli. “The achieving section certification for 12 High- strength of our military has been and will Mobility Artillery Rocket System crews, always be our people.” 73rd Civil Support Team seven ammunition sections and five fire di- In his remarks, Capt. Michael Sprigg, the rection sections.” battery commander, thanked the leadership Tafanelli thanked the Soldiers for their un- of the Kansas National Guard for their con- passes recertification tests yielding commitment to the state and nation. fidence in him and the unit. “Your dedication and selfless service is the “Thank you for believing in us and our foundation of what makes our military the ability to accomplish the mission you have greatest military on the planet,” he said. selected us for,” said Sprigg. “We appreci- “Thank you for your willingness to serve and ate the continued support we get from the your desire to make a difference. You repre- battalion, brigade and the state. Without it, sent the best of what our state and nation has we would not have been as successful so to offer and each one of you is exceptional.” far or had the smooth premobilization Tafanelli also thanked the families and training we did.” friends who came to honor their Soldiers. Sprigg said he was surprised by the com- “The Kansas National Guard stands with munity’s overwhelming turnout. you and is deeply invested in supporting “Next time, we’re going to have to get a you as you support your loved ones over bigger gym, I think.” WOCS, NGAUS, and developing your career By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Smith performing noncommissioned officers Command Chief Warrant Officer within specific military occupational spe- The annual National Guard Association cialty and ask them to take a large step in Conference was held April 28-30 in Wi- their career to become a warrant officer. If chita. Chief War- you have recently thought about taking rant Officer 3 that next step, I strongly urge you to con- David Lockhart sider this opportunity. was recognized With the arrival of spring came the start as the 2017 War- of the fiscal year 2017 State Warrant Offi- rant Officer of cer Candidate School course in Salina. the Year. Lock- WOCS kicked off with a “Zero Phase” in hart entered the March, which was designed to familiarize KSARNG in candidates with course expectations and 2015 and is cur- information as they prepared to enter rently assigned Phase II of training. as the WOCS Phase II began on April 7 with nine course manager Chief Warrant Officer 5 candidates enrolled in the course. Once at the 1st Battal- Michael Smith the candidates successfully complete ion, 235th Regiment. Phase II, they will finish Phase III, the During the NGAUS Conference, at- last portion of WOCS, at Camp Atter- tending warrant officers were given an bury, Indiana. Upon graduation of Phase opportunity to hear from Chief Warrant III, candidates will be reintegrated into Officer 5 Richard Kunz, command chief their units as the National Guard’s newest warrant officer at Headquarters, Com- warrant officers. bined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Warrant officers need to understand the who spoke about changes within the war- importance of Professional Military Edu- rant officer community, and warrant offi- cation and need to make sure they stay on cer professional development and its top of their future. If you are currently curriculums and instruction. enrolled in a distance learning course and A key discussion centered on recruiting waiting to attend the residence course, I Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team talented Soldiers to become warrant offi- urge you complete the distance learning perform “man down” procedures as part of their Training Proficiency Evalua- cers. The warrant officer is one of the course as soon as you can. I’ve been re- tion recertification with Army North evaluators. The battle drill, conducted in hardest positions to fill, primarily because ceiving e-mails and phone calls from var- Wichita, was intended to use and stress all critical team functions, including of the amount of experience, technical ex- ious school houses asking to see if any command and control, safety, communications, equipment functions and capa- pertise, and documented leadership that is KSARNG Soldiers would be able to fill bilities, hazardous material monitoring, hazardous material exposure, personnel required to even be able to apply for can- last-minute cancelations. By completing decontamination and medical evacuation and treatment protocols. (Photos by didacy. Our goal is to identify those top- (Continued on Page 10) Capt. Jason Davee, 73rd CST Unit Public Affairs Representative) May 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Kansas National Guard serves more than just our state By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli The Adjutant General I couldn’t be more proud Recently, Mother Nature has reminded of what they accomplished Kansans of the need to be prepared for any type of disaster. We experienced blizzards, while they fulfilled what severe thunderstorms, flooding and fires, all makes the National Guard in the last five months. During unique, our state mission. each of these events, the Soldiers tary Police Company have trained and are and Airmen of the ready to answer our nations call. I am confi- Kansas National dent that these Kansas Guardsmen will pro- Guard assisted in vide quality perimeter security in support of several different ca- Operation Enduring Freedom. pacities, ensuring The “King of Battle” has been called to Kansans were safe. support with Operation Spartan Shield. As I touched on Battery A, 2-130 Field Artillery, along with this in my last arti- other Soldiers and elements of the Kansas Maj. Gen. cle, this demon- Army National Guard, will support re- Lee Tafanelli strates how we, as gional partners with field artillery for oper- Kansas National Guardsmen, are one team, ational missions, bilateral and multilateral many strengths. I couldn’t be more proud of military exercises, and theater security co- what they accomplished while they fulfilled operation activities in Central Command. what makes the National Guard unique, our The 35th Infantry Division held their de- Gov. Sam Brownback addresses Soldiers of the 35th Military Police Company during state mission. ployment ceremony at Lansing High their deployment ceremony March 18 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Topeka. Just as we were prepared for our Kansas School as the headquarters deployed to the (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) mission of storms, flooding and fires, sev- Persian Gulf and Levant regions. These marked the centennial of that war. Now, the overseas. The Soldiers of the 635th have eral units of the Kansas National Guard are Soldiers will be supporting Operation Spar- 35th ID heads off to write another chapter been preparing diligently for this deploy- preparing to deploy all over the world to tan Shield to enhance the ongoing theatre in their honored history. ment and I know we are sending our best to take on overseas missions. security operations. The 35th Infantry Divi- When a military member sustains injuries represent Kansas and the United States. Security for our military assets is an ongo- sion had its origins during World War I and in a forward area or combat zone, getting With adversaries constantly testing our ing mission and Soldiers from the 35th Mili- it is fitting that the United States recently them medical care within the “golden hour” cyber security, I am comforted by the fact is essential. Company G, 1st Battalion, 111th that the 184th Intelligence Wing, Cyber Op- Aviation will be providing that much needed erations Group, is on duty to meet that threat. medivac capability. Gov. Sam Brownback Kansas National Guard Airmen are currently joined me and other Kansas National Guard conducting tailored defensive cyber opera- leadership for Company G’s recent deploy- tions for Air Force Cyber command. ment ceremony. It was a great opportunity These are just a few of the ways our for us to emphasize to the Soldiers and their Kansas Guardsmen are supporting not only families how important their mission is and our state mission, keeping Kansans safe, how proud we are of them. but also our federal missions overseas. Just as important as getting medivac ca- The strength of our military has been and pabilities to the field, Kansas Air Guards- will always be our people. I have had the op- men are providing fuel when and where it portunity to meet many of these Soldiers, is most needed. The 190th Air Refueling Airmen and their families during their de- Wing is providing fuel on both ends of the ployment ceremonies. I am proud to serve globe supporting Pacific Command and with each and every one of you, and thank Central Command. you for your sacrifice. The Kansas National The 635th Regional Support Group will Guard stands with you and your family and also be supporting continued operations is deeply invested in supporting you. Warrior to Warrior Volunteering: An investment in our organization’s future By Chief Master Sgt. James L. Brown ance when we were growing up? A ma- Command Senior Enlisted Leader jority of us were lucky to find purpose As part of supporting the adjutant gen- and guidance that we so desperately eral’s priorities, this office is heavily in- needed upon making the decision to join vested in building the military. The military has provided us partnerships with tremendous opportunity. To ensure within local com- those same opportunities are available for munities around others, it’s important to communicate the state. Reach- what it is that the Kansas National Guard ing out and find- can provide. ing ways to add Volunteering is a selfless act and some- value to the com- thing we value within our ranks. Working munities in which and assisting those in need throughout we serve will help our community should not be viewed as tell our story and an obligation, but as a tremendous oppor- raise awareness of Command Chief Master tunity. We have the ability to positively the Kanas Na- Sgt. James Brown contribute to those around us. tional Guard. Multiple partnerships around the state One of the focal points and opportuni- have already provided a benefit for all par- ties that we have in strengthening our ties involved. I have no doubt that building ties to the community is within youth partnerships with today’s youth will be an- organizations. Our enlisted members other step in the right direction as we con- have the capabilities to provide a posi- tinue to strengthen our organization. tive influence and make a difference in Currently, we are working with the the youth of our communities. Our Boys and Girls Club and Big Brothers youth represent the future. They are and Big Sisters. There are additional who we will rely on in order to carry plans to support the OK Program and the our organization forward. Special Olympics. Today’s youth have a real-world need We are looking for Soldiers and Air- for mentors and role models. The Kansas men who want to get involved and make National Guard possesses the exact type of a difference in their communities. If you individuals that can fulfill that need. We would like more information about the owe it to future generations and communi- programs or to discuss ways in which you ties to start making a difference today. can help, please email Sgt. 1st Class Where would some of us be if we “Chip” Cunningham at Charles.a.cun- weren’t able to find direction and guid- [email protected]. Page 4 Plains Guardian • May 2017 Disaster leads to civilian career Soldier climbs the mountain of total personal fitness By Maj. Arthur Grover, Kansas Civil am currently at 145 pounds and I just feel Air Patrol Smoky Hill Squadron; 2nd more confident as a person,” said Purdy.” I Lt. Megan Reed, 2nd Combined Arms find I have more drive, I want to do better Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment; and and be the best athlete I can be. Sgt. Tracy Marble, Regional Training “Before, I was running a 30-minute, two- Site Maintenance mile APFT test; I couldn’t do a single push- Spc. Meaghan Purdy felt she had offi- up. At my most recent APFT, I have maxed cially reached rock bottom. my pushups and sit-ups and dropped more “I did not have the motivation to work than 13 minutes off my run time.” out,” said Purdy, a medic with the Kansas Today, Purdy believes that because of National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Avia- CrossFit she is better in her professional life. tion. “I had gotten to the point where I “As a Soldier, CrossFit has kept me gained 70 pounds -- I was out of shape.” more physically fit and improved my In August 2015, Purdy, weighing 212 APFT dramatically. I know it will only pounds, started her weight-loss journey continue with that,” said Purdy. “It’s allow- with daily workouts out at the gym. ing me to spread awareness that Soldiers “Someone introduced me to CrossFit,” can find outlets other than the typical three said Purdy. CrossFit is a branded exercise events to gauge a Soldier’s toughness. program that incorporates exercises from “I also help other Soldiers by conducting interval training, weightlifting, jump train- 60-day weight-loss challenges on proper nu- ing, powerlifting, gymnastics and other fit- trient and foundations on proper exercise. ness regimens. There are so many other ways out there, and “I was so against it; everyone hurts if they found their niche, working out would themselves doing CrossFit and that’s all be fun. It’s helping me want to help people.” you ever hear about it.” CrossFit is also helping in developing It didn’t take long for Purdy to change Purdy’s personal life. her mind. “I’m about to get my personal training “I fell in love with it. That was really just and nutritional certification,” said Purdy. “I how I got into it.” got my life-coaching certification. And, One year and many painful, sweat-filled yes, I definitely want to get my level-1 cer- Spc. Justin Boswell’s daily routine in his civilian career as a wind turbine technician sessions later, Purdy had completely tification in CrossFit.” affords him a bird’s-eye view of the Kansas countryside. (Photo provided) changed the course of her life and improved Purdy gently folded her hands on the herself in more than one way. table and smiled. By 2nd Lt. Blake Stokes, Joint Forces explained. Although dealing with 300-foot “Since I started my weight-loss and “I’m at that point in my life where Cross- Headquarters; Spc. Chase Owen, Det. 1, heights and 32,000 volts of electricity are CrossFit, I’ve definitely put on muscle Fit makes me want to be better every day 99th Maintenance Company; and Pv2 just part of the job. Boswell mitigates the mass, dropped body fat percentage, and I and I hope that my journey helps others.” Victoria Williams, 105th Mobile Public risks by observing numerous safety precau- Affairs Detachment tions. One of these precautions is the in- Ten years ago, Spc. Justin Boswell al- spection of watch where he conducts a most lost his life. 360-degree walk around of the turbine lo- On May 4, 2007, Boswell and his family cation, looking for any problems crouched in their neighbor’s basement and Boswell said that during the inspections prayed as a mile-wide tornado went he makes note of any birds or animals through Greensburg, Kansas. He recalls the killed by the turbines. His company studies event as sounding like a terrifying train migration patterns of birds, such as the en- roaring over his head. dangered whooping crane, and uses the As part of the town’s recovery program, data to better avoid injuring animals. Greensburg worked toward becoming a “We would rather take a hit on our site green community, using solar panels, recy- being down to avoid harming these ani- cling, and other eco-friendly measures. mals, than to keep the turbines operating,” Wind farms became staples around his said Boswell. home town. Boswell said his military background ac- One day, while building fence in the coun- tually helped him land his current job, try, Boswell saw a wind turbine farm and adding that the company is very military was instantly intrigued. Using the education friendly and enthusiastic about hiring mili- benefits he receives as a member of the tary personnel. As with the Guard, the Kansas National Guard, Boswell attended company values their employees’ well- Vatterott College in Wichita to pursue a vo- being by providing equipment such as cation as a wind technician. Upon gradua- safety rescue kits to help protect their em- tion, he received a job with a company ployees and help them do their job safely. whose operations include wind turbines. “Safety is the most important thing, not “I conduct maintenance and trouble only as a soldier, but as a wind technician shoot any issues on the turbines,” Boswell in my civilian life.”

Kansas Guardsman enjoys Spc. Meaghan Purdy, a medic with the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, has invested countless hours of sweat and aches over the past two years transforming herself from an overweight, out-of-shape young woman into one who is high speed “me” time fit and nearly 70 pounds lighter. (Photo provided) By Sgt. Thomas Bane, Sgt. David Craw- He had to learn racing wasn’t only about ford and Spc. Kayleigh Schneider speed, but also driving technique.” He grips the steering wheel until knuck- “Thankfully, they have a practice day be- PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian les turn white. The sharp odor of gasoline fore each race where instructors can ride and rubber fills the air. G-forces whip his along with drivers and offer helpful advice The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- body from side to side, his heart fires as for the aspiring race car drivers.” ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- fast as the pistons in his engine -- and a Baumann has participated in 12 races olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will pay- smile stretches from ear to ear. over the past four years using his personal ment be made for contributions. Spc. Steve Baumann, a small arms and vehicle, a 1997 Mazda Miata. Because he The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). artillery repairman in the Kansas National has to do the mechanical work on his car Guard, loves driving his race car. himself, Baumann attained the certifica- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Baumann’s love for the sport began tions needed to work on cars as a profes- Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office when he picked up a flier for a racing event sion, which tied into his job at the time as Gov. Sam Brownback Director at the Fort Riley airfield in 2012. an Army wheeled mechanic. Adjutant General of Kansas Catherine Horner 785-646-1192 “It was a thrill.” said Baumann “but I Baumann said racing, for him, is not just Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Deputy Director - Administrative Editor Jane Welch 785-646-1190 was not as good of a driver as I thought. (Continued on Page 11) Catherine Horner FAX 785-646-1622 e-mail: [email protected] Production/Graphics/Writer Stephen D. Larson Deputy Director - Communications The stories on this page were written by students of the Unit Public Af- Sgt. Zach Sheely Capt. Matt Lucht 785-646-1195 fairs Representative course conducted by the Public Affairs Office March Production Assistant Chief Editor and Writer Jane Welch Stephen D. Larson 785-646-1194 5-6 at the Regional Training Institute in Salina. Course participants Multimedia Specialist The Plains Guardian may be read online at Sgt. Zach Sheely 785-646-1191 learned about writing, photography techniques and other skills that will http://kansastag.gov Command Historian help them tell the stories of their unit and the Kansas National Guard. For change of address, contact Jane Welch. Master Sgt. Jeremy Byers 785-646-1197 May 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Ten years later: Remembering the Greensburg tornado By Jeff Guy Dodge City Globe, used by permission On the evening of May 4, 2007, then Kansas Gov. Kath- leen Sebelius was with her family at a jazz festival in Louisiana. She started getting calls saying a possible storm might hit in the region that included Kiowa County. And it would be bad, the callers said. Later, she heard a tornado had devastated the city of Greensburg. “I think, like most people, I was pretty stunned when I began to understand the magnitude of the storm,” Sebelius said in a phone interview. Randy Mettner, who at the time was the executive offi- cer for state Adjutant General Tod Bunting, was camped out with his wife in Council Grove that night. Suddenly his Blackberry “was white hot.” It was Sebelius telling him there had been a tornado in Greensburg and he needed to “get down there,” Mettner recalled. Bunting, who as adjutant general was also director of emergency management and homeland security in the state, received a call from Southwest Kansas Security Co- ordinator Matt Mercer, saying, “This town is gone. Send everything and everybody.” Almost immediately after the tornado hit, emergency management, police, sheriff’s departments, the Kansas Highway Patrol arrived on the scene. “Any discipline that was part of lifesaving was there that Devastation as far as the eye can see was the scene in Greensburg, Kansas, after an EF5 tornado struck the town first day,” Bunting said. “Kansas all became Kiowa Coun- May 4, 2007. (Photo by Sharon Watson) tians on the spot. People came there throughout the night Sebelius arrived that morning and met with McKinney. baskets full of phone books. to help with search and recovery.” “Dennis, who in spite of the fact that he’d lived there all “They made the magic happen,” Alldritt said. Joan Wagnon, then Kansas secretary of revenue, saw the his life, was so disoriented because of the lack of land- Hundreds of people came through, needing help. They devastation on the 10 o’clock news and called her friend marks,” Sebelius said. “It was impossible to tell where the needed things like a copy of their driver’s licenses, titles Dennis McKinney of Greensburg, who then served as a streets and houses were.” for their vehicles, birth certificates, copies of personal tax state representative. She actually made contact with him. Sebelius appointed Steve Weatherford, then head of the records and more. McKinney was anxious to let people know he and his fam- Kansas Development and Finance Authority, to coordinate “Some folks literally lost everything,” said Aldritt. ily were okay, Wagnon said. the state and federal response and to work with the Con- “They were really in a pinch. We were there to help folks At sunrise the next morning, a Saturday, Bunting was gressional delegation. Weatherford had also been regional however we could.” flying from Topeka to Greensburg in a Black Hawk heli- director of Housing and Urban Development under Presi- Bunting had high praise for Alldritt. “You talk about copter. Sharon Watson, public information officer for the dent Bill Clinton. someone who helped with paperwork and getting people adjutant general’s office, and Steve Harsha, director of “He was from Liberal and western Kansas,” Sebelius back to their lives. She was a superstar.” public assistance for Kansas, were also on the flight. said. “We wanted someone who was very familiar with Mettner said his “favorite Carmen story” is of a man in Sebelius also arrived in Greensburg. western Kansas and knew a lot about state and federal gov- his 70s who arrived at the DRC with his daughter in a “This was a massive tornado,” she said. “It wiped out the ernment. He knew where to get federal funds. People knew pickup truck. The man said, “I’m just too beat to get out of whole town. I’d seen tornadoes before. I had never seen him, liked him and trusted him.” my truck.” Carmen said, “You know, we have a lot of curb- anything like Greensburg.” Relief side service.” “It was the most devastating thing I’d ever seen in terms The gymnasium at Barclay College in Haviland was set On another occasion, Mettner recalled, a woman wear- of that much loss in one location,” said Watson. “As far as up with FEMA and other federal government agencies on ing a cowboy hat had lost livestock in the tornado. She was the eye could see, there wasn’t a house or tree in its normal one side and state agencies on the other side. Every state angry because she could not get help from FEMA, and she state. It was difficult to tell where you were because there agency was represented. was yelling at Alldritt, who just listened. The woman then were no landmarks or signs. It was very eerie.” Wagnon introduced Mettner to Carmen Alldritt, then di- broke into tears and they embraced. “The damages were horrific,” said Wagnon. “When I rector of the vehicle division of the state Department of “After she vented and got it back together, she did well,” went out and saw the destruction, I thought, ‘My word, I Revenue. Mettner made Alldritt his assistant in coordinat- Mettner said. can’t believe anybody survived.’” ing the Disaster Recovery Center. Later, the Department of Agriculture helped the woman. Angee Morgan, then state coordinating officer, oversaw Alldritt recalled that the Haviland Telephone Company Many faith-based organizations, such as Mennonites, the state response and recovery efforts. She coordinated volun- set up what they called a “T1 line” in the gymnasium to Salvation Army, Baptists and even Scientologists were on teer, state and federal agencies to get resources into the enable all the phones and technological equipment to be hand. Mettner remembers a group from a Baptist church community. She had worked the 9/11 attack on the World hooked up. that came in from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Trade Center and been deployed to hurricanes in Florida. “Without them, nothing would’ve happened,” Alldritt said. “I tried to give them some money,” Mettner said. “They “There is something unique about each disaster I have “No one would’ve had any communication without wouldn’t take it. And they fed us — my heavens.” worked, but the thing about Greensburg was I had never them.”Alldritt recalled that people from the federal agen- One day, a famous Scientologist and actress offered to worked a disaster where there was virtually nothing left,” cies needed phone books. She told people from the phone help the relief effort. Alldritt got a call from a childhood Morgan said in an email. “No phones, no businesses, no company she needed 75 phone books. Within the hour, friend — actress Kirstie Alley — asking how she could power, no water, no schools — nothing.” people from the phone company came in carrying laundry (Continued on Page 9) Family and friends give aviation Soldiers a warm send off By Sgt. Zach Sheely Sept. 11, 2001. Company G is the third of Public Affairs Office several units deploying in 2017. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered “Everyone is seeing an increase in opera- at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in tional tempo, and we’re feeling it here in Topeka April 21 to honor Soldiers of Com- Kansas,” said Kansas Governor Sam pany G, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation, Brownback. “We’re seeing a more aggres- Kansas National Guard. sive stance by the administration. Gener- The Topeka-based helicopter unit is de- ally, things around the world are more ploying in support of Combined Joint Task stable when the United States takes a mili- Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, the tary stance. U.S. military intervention against the Is- “The number of people that we’ve had lamic State of Iraq and Syria. Their pri- wounded and then been saved has grown mary mission will be aeromedical substantially because of what you do. I evacuation. continue to constantly be in awe of the peo- “For those who may not know how im- ple who willingly sign up and be selfless portant this mission is,” said Maj. Gen. Lee and courageous in such a way.” Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant general, “they Brownback presented an official Kansas are integral to what we call that golden state flag from Kris W. Kobach, Secretary hour when an individual may be wounded of State of Kansas, to Capt. Andrew Web- on a battlefield. ster, the commander of Company G, in “I have every confidence that these Sol- support of the unit’s mission. diers are trained and ready to support the “I especially want to thank the families mission that they are being asked to carry that are here today,” said Webster. “I think Capt. Andrew Webster, commander of Company G, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation, ac- out in support of the defense of our great too often we forget about the dedication and cepts a Kansas flag from Gov. Sam Brownback. The flag, which had flown over the nation.” unhesitating service that our families pro- Kansas statehouse, will go with the unit on its deployment to the Middle East in sup- Tafanelli said that this is the fifth overseas vide to us while we’re gone. I hope you can port of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. (Photo by Sgt. deployment of Kansas Army National Guard find solace in the fact that the Soldiers’ mis- Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) aeromedical evacuation aviation assets since sion in formation today is to save lives.” Page 6 Plains Guardian • May 2017 Airmen contend for Army Guard’s Best Warrior title By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy cord, “but it’s good to come show off our 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs squadron and show what we can do.” Airmen assigned to the 284th Air Sup- The Kansas weather added interesting port Operations Squadron competed with twists to the event, especially with a snow- Soldiers from across the state in the Kansas storm that occurred during a weaponry National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition skills course. The course required contest- at the Great Plains Joint Training Center ants to hike a few miles while stopping at near Salina, March 10-12. scattered stations to disassemble, reassem- Airman 1st Class Broderic Peddicord ble and troubleshoot various weapons. and Staff Sgt. Jacob Mattern, both joint ter- Just as the event kicked off, a winter minal attack controllers, 284th ASOS, took storm blew in. However, it didn’t seem to first place in the Soldier category and sec- affect the performance of the contestants. ond place in the noncommissioned officer “My fingers were cold but it didn’t make category, respectively. me fail any tasks,” said Peddicord. The three-day competition included The games provided opportunities for the mostly field events, such as an Army physi- Airmen to bond with the Soldiers they cal fitness test, daytime and nighttime land could possibly deploy with at any time in navigation and weaponry tests. The tasks the future. were centered on skills and knowledge “We support the Army, so it’s good to let used by Soldiers on the battlefield. them know what we do and what our capa- Though the Airmen stuck out a little, bilities are,” said Peddicord. “So if we do they stayed focused on the mission at hand. work with them down range in the future, “We got a lot of interesting looks just they’ve already worked with us and we al- based on what we’re wearing,”said Peddi- ready have that mutual respect.”

Airman 1st Class Broderic Peddicord, joint terminal attack controller, 284th Air 134th Air Control Squadron Support Operations Squadron, participates in the Kansas National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition, March 11. As part of the competition, Peddicord was required to disassemble and reassemble various weapons, and check them for malfunctions as supports Jaded Thunder quickly as possible. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th IW Public Affairs) By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy Jaded Thunder closely resembled combat 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs experience for the 134th ACS. The The 134th Air Control Squadron, 184th squadron provided the same services for Intelligence Wing, Wichita, deployed per- the exercise as they did while deployed 184th Intelligence Wing hosts sonnel and equipment to Salina Regional overseas just one year ago. Airport in February to support air operations “We had eight different locations, and annual NGAUS conference for the annual Jaded Thunder exercise. throughout the entire area of responsibility, By Capt. Matt Lucht are all competitive, so this year we intro- Jaded Thunder is an interoperability and we got planes where they needed to go,” 184th IW Public Affairs duced the President’s Cup. So all through- integration exercise that brings together spe- said Vizner. “If they don’t have radar in With the banging of a gavel, Maj. Jason out the weekend, people who attended or cial operations forces and conventional certain places, or don’t have our radio com- Inskeep, president of the National Guard participated in events score points for their forces from all services, active duty, Guard munications, then the airplanes are flying Association of Kansas, officially opened units. At the banquet, we award the top and Reserve, to train in a setting similar to a blind and the operators can’t help them.” the 2017 Joint Conference. This year’s con- overall unit for the conference.” combat environment. The exercise took The exercise also provided other learning ference was hosted April 29 and 30 by the Even though the conference business place at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range near opportunities. Drill-status Guardsmen, the 184th Intelligence Wing with the theme of sessions were focused around military sub- Salina, which provides 34,000 acres for aer- part-time force that makes up the bulk of building partnerships for our future. jects, organizers also wanted to include ial, ground and urban combat training. the Air National Guard, used the exercise “It is truly a joint conference to allow all families. Spouses and children were wel- The 134th ACS divided into two entities to gain experience in leadership, job of these associations [National Guard As- comed to participate in several activities during the exercise -- a radar communica- knowledge and project management. sociation of Kansas, Enlisted Association such as a 5K fun run, zoo visit, spouse spa tions package at McConnell Air Force Base “It’s definitely helping me with my com- of National Guard of Kansas and Kansas day and the awards banquet. in Wichita, and a deployed air battle execu- munications skills,” said Staff Sgt. Chance National Guard Family Programs] to put “I don’t think that we can be successful tion package at Salina Regional Airport. Presson, radio frequency transmission spe- on a quality event for its members, who are in our military career without our fami- “Our main part is to link back to Mc- cialist, 134th ACS. all members of the Guard, and families,” lies,” said Col. David Weishaar, 184th In- Connell, where we’re considered the de- Presson, now in his seventh year as an said Inskeep. “It is a time to come together telligence Wing commander. “The ployed radar,” said Staff Sgt. Brock Vizner, Air Guardsman, said Jaded Thunder helped and network with peers, get some profes- partnership starts at home and if you don’t data maintenance specialist, 134th ACS. him see how doing his military job affects sional development and participate in so- have a great partnership there, in my mind, “We push information and links that con- the overall mission; something that could cial activities.” you won’t be successful.” nect the aircraft to [other] equipment which be easy to lose sight of as a part-time Planning a large scale joint conference As the gavel struck to close the 2017 then sends it out to a satellite and back Guardsman. doesn’t happen overnight, but Capt. Keith Joint Conference, Weishaar acknowledged down to the distant end.” “Seeing the bigger picture and setting up Marshall, chairman of the 2017 Joint Con- the amount of work it took to host the The information at the distant end al- like this definitely helped me in knowing ference committee, started organizing event, but was happy to see all the partici- lowed operators, who communicate di- that what I do here will help warfighters months in advance with the help of approx- pants come and enjoy their time in Wichita. rectly with aircrew, to direct traffic accomplish the mission down the road,” imately 70 members meeting at least “I feel very fortunate to be the wing between various airplanes and helicopters. said Presson. monthly. Each host unit tries to make the commander and this conference is tremen- conference experience better than the pre- dous amount of work,” said Weishaar. vious year. New this year was the awarding “People spend a lot of personal time put- of the President’s Cup. ting this together and there is no way that I “We wanted to bring in some fun and can thank them enough for what they have competition into it and build some esprit done. I think they will made us, the 184th, decor,” said Marshall. “In the military, we and the city of Wichita look great.” 35th Division deployment (Continued from Page 1) course for the National Guard. You are “The Soldiers of the 35th have worked the first National Guard division to be tirelessly over the last several months to ordered to a full deployment as a divi- build your individual and collective sion headquarters in support of Opera- readiness,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, tion Spartan Shield. Kansas adjutant general. “It is without “Your mission is a ‘no fail’ mission.” question that several months, years and Tafanelli acknowledged and thanked decades from now, we will look back on the Soldiers’ families for their sacrifice the investment that the Soldiers before in his remarks. you have made and will continue to “For the last 100 years,” said Tafanelli, make over the next several months.” “the Santa Fe Division has set the stan- Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adju- dard for the Soldiers of our states and tant general of the Missouri National across the nation, but we could not do it Guard, said this is a unique opportunity without our families, friends or support- for the National Guard to showcase its ers here today. capabilities. “The Kansas and Missouri National “Soldiers of the 35th, today and for the Guard(s) stands with you, and is deeply Staff Sgt. Chance Presson, radio frequency specialist, and Staff Sgt. Brock Vizner, next year, the eyes of the Army and the invested in supporting you. The strength data maintenance specialist, 134th Air Control Squadron, check communications nation will be on you,” said Danner. of our military has been and will always equipment during joint exercise Jaded Thunder at Salina Regional Airport, Feb. 21. “The Santa Fe Division is charting a new be our people.” (Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW Public Affairs) May 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Army, Air Guard dentists team up to get the job done By 2nd Lt. Ryan Smith Guard marked the beginning of a future The collaborative effort was the result of the Kansas Army National Guard spent Kansas Medical Detachment UPAR that seeks to create more effective, effi- the endeavors of the Medical Working enough money on dental treatments to pay In early November 2016, a joint effort cient, and cost-effective medical care for Group formed by Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the monthly Tricare Reserve Dental pre- between the Kansas Army and Air National Soldiers and Airmen. the adjutant general, and led by Lt. Col. mium for all Kansas Guardsmen. Lee Norman, Kansas Army National Guard “I would like to see what we can do to state surgeon and Col. Greg Kahrs, state surgeon for the Kansas Air National Guard. ...Shewanick estimated the The working group included the command- Kansas Army National ers of the Air and Army Medical Detach- Guard spent enough money ments and key leaders in the Air and Army National Guard medical community. on dental treatments to pay In November 2016, Maj. Bryan Shewan- the monthly Tricare Reserve ick, a dentist with the Kansas Army Na- Dental premium for all tional Guard Medical Detachment, was assigned to help support the physical as- Kansas Guardsmen. sessments mission of the 190th Air Refuel- ing Wing at Forbes Field, Topeka. This was help improve the dental health of our Army the first planned mutual support mission National Guard Soldiers,” said Shewanick. between the Kansas Army and Air National “We would save a lot of time and money if Guard medical detachments. Soldiers brushed and flossed their teeth.” After a tour of the 190th’s dental facili- “Our (Army) PHA dental examinations ties and completion of several online train- often take longer as it takes time to docu- ing courses, Shewanick worked alongside ment 15 cavities, or to scale thick plaque Maj. Jeff Larkin, the 190th ARW dentist. off teeth in order to exam them, not to “I did not realize the Kansas Air Guards- mention the additional time spent counsel- men were required to turn in a dental exam ing Soldiers,” said Maj. Robert Colt, a form from their dentist to remain in the Kansas National Guard dentist. Kansas Air Guard,” said Shewanick. “The “All too often we see Soldiers who we Kansas Army National Guard does not identify as dental class II who ignore the have this requirement. problem and do not seek dental care,” said “I was surprised at how many Airmen Capt. Josh Davis, another Army dentist. had excellent dental health. At a recent “At their next PHA, they end up being den- Army PHA, the unit I assessed had only 25 tal class 3 and require more significant and percent class I (with no problems) and 25 invasive dental treatment.” percent class III (requiring dental treatment “We require our Soldiers to shave to Maj. Bryan Shewanik, a dentist with the Kansas Army National Guard Medical De- to be mission-capable.)” maintain their facial hair,” noted Davis. tachment, examines the teeth of a Kansas Army National Guardsman. (Photo by 2nd Following a recent Army Physical Health “Perhaps we should require them to brush Lt. Ryan Smith, Kansas Medical Detachment UPAR) Assessment mission, Shewanick estimated and floss their teeth.” Soldiers learn lifesaving Training gets real-world test skills at ACLS course By 2nd Lt. Ryan Smith Vernon Perkins Jr., 2nd Battalion, 235th Medical Detachment UPAR Regiment. Additional instruction was pro- During annual training, Soldiers of the vided by the independent contractor, Kansas Army National Guard’s Medical Lifeteam. Detachment spent some time learning a Instruction included interpreting electro- new set of skills, skills that could spell the cardiograms and basic life support methods difference between life and death for the such as CPR and the use of Automatic Ex- people they may have to treat. ternal Defibrillator. From there, the course- Over the span of two days in June 2016, work progressed to more advanced the Soldiers took part in an Advanced Car- techniques, such as use of oral and nasal air- diovascular Life Support course, learning way devices, waveform capnography, water- how to diagnose and treat someone experi- soluble lubricants, and one-way valves. encing cardiac arrest. As a recently graduated nurse practitioner, “It gave me the opportunity to refresh Herring appreciated the opportunity to pro- my own skills as an ACLS instructor,” said vide training to other Soldiers of the unit. Maj. Judee Herring, one of the instructors “The ACLS course provided Soldiers the and organizers of the course. “I think it is chance to receive quality training, which always important to teach others and this they may not have had the opportunity for was an opportunity to share knowledge I in the civilian world. They can take this had gained through my experiences as a training into their civilian jobs and be bet- nurse and a nurse practitioner.” ter prepared to serve the patients they see. In addition to Herring, course organizers It also gave a few medics exposure to more Col. Robert Thompson had just finished the Lenexa Freedom Run in June 2016 included Staff Sgt. Clinton Mumbower, advanced training than what they had expe- when he had to put his recent medical training to use. (Photo provided) Staff Sgt. Daniel Buck, and Sgt. 1st Class rienced prior.” By 2nd Lt. Ryan Smith Fortunately, Thompson had recently Medical Detachment UPAR completed a two-day Advanced Cardio- Although there’s a lot to be said for vascular Life Support course during his being in the right place at the right time, annual training. The course, facilitated by having the knowledge and skills you need the Medical Detachment, taught partici- at that moment are also important. Col. pants how to accurately assess a patient in Robert Thompson had just crossed the fin- cardiac arrest and administer basic life ish line of the Lenexa Freedom Run in support methods, including the use of June 2016, when his moment came. CPR and auto defibrillation equipment. “My wife, Margaret, had just finished “‘No pulse, start CPR,’ I said,” and joined me with the kids when some- Thompson recalled. “He did not appear one shouted ‘Medic! Medic! Medic!’” to be breathing, but had some occasional said Thompson, commander of the agonal breathing efforts.” Kansas Army National Guard’s Medical While the off-duty firefighter followed Detachment out of Lenexa. Thompson’s instruction and began per- About 15 yards past the finish line, an- forming CPR, the nurse asked someone other participant had collapsed and was to call 911; Lenexa paramedics stationed laying on the ground, face down on one in an ambulance 40 yards from the finish side and unmoving. Thompson rushed to line were on their way. the man’s side and was joined by off- The victim was defibrillated and oxygen duty firefighter and a nurse. was administered. Once stabilized, he was “We carefully rolled the victim onto transported to a local emergency room, his back,” said Thompson. “The lips where he later died. were turning purple and the face had an “Unfortunately, CPR survival rates ashen gray appearance. I checked for a are low, particularly for older individu- Using a practice mannequin, Staff Sgt. David Owen instructs Soldiers of the Kansas pulse and observed the face and chest for als such as this person, who had prior National Guard Medical Detachment on endotracheal intubation. (Photo by 2nd Lt. breathing. I could not feel a pulse.” (Continued on Page 10) Ryan Smith, Medical Detachment UPAR) Page 8 Plains Guardian • May 2017 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Grassfires burn more than 650,000 acres across the state (Continued from Page 1) Atkins also credits his fellow Kansas state,” said Morgan. “You cannot get fire Guard pilots and crewmembers for their trucks into some of these areas. There are professionalism and resilience. no road systems in place. There are deep “It’s a testament to the type of people canyons. The ability of being able to at- who are in the Kansas Guard,” he said. tack from the air is vital.” “They’re willing to give up their time to go Morgan said that the communication be- on state active duty in a moment’s notice, tween the civilian agencies and the Kansas no questions asked. It shows the type of Guard was seamless. character and the type of people we employ “The interaction goes very well because here at the facility, as well as the Kansas we work together daily,” she said. “It’s re- National Guard. ally important to have pre-disaster relation- “It’s a privilege to work with people ships established so we understand each like that.” other’s capabilities.” Spc. Orin Meyer, UH-60 Black Hawk Maj. Ryan Bernard, commander, Army crew chief, Company A, 1-108th Aviation Support Facility #2, Salina Aviation, Topeka “We tried to get an aircraft out the door “I was glad to be able to do my job,” said as quickly as possible based on the request Meyer. “It’s an incredible experience. I was from KDEM to be available,” said Bernard. happy to be a part of that.” At approximately 2 a.m. on March 6, Meyer, who works on reconstructing Bernard received notification that UH-60 bridges in Wichita, has served in the Guard Black Hawk helicopters with accompany- for more than two years. This was his first ing Soldiers and Bambi buckets were A fire-stained chimney is all that remains of one Kansas home devastated by a wild- real-world experience as a crew chief. needed to assist with fire suppression in fire that swept across the property in March. The blaze was one of many that flared “I wasn’t nervous, I was excited,” said Rooks County in Southwest Kansas. up across the state over the span of 10 days, the result of a combination of dry condi- Meyer. “We train a lot and I have trust in Bernard, as with many Kansas National tions and high winds. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) my pilots. They have the utmost level of Guard Soldiers and Airmen, serves in mul- haul the water to dump it where it is needed very rewarding.” professionalism.” tiple roles. He is the 1st Battalion, 108th most. The Bambi bucket is affixed by a 30- Atkins also flew aerial fire suppression The crew chief sits in the rear of the air- Aviation Regiment logistics officer, an ex- foot line on the underside of the airframe and missions during the Anderson Creek Fire in craft and is responsible for everything that perienced UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter can hold up to 660 gallons of water. Barber County, which, until this year’s happens in or to the helicopter and helps to pilot, and the commander of Army Aviation The aviators of the Kansas Army National blaze, was the largest in recorded Kansas maintain it. On a fire suppression mission, Support Facility #2. Guard gained valuable experience in aerial history. He said teamwork is paramount they are the eyes of the pilots while making “At four o’clock in the morning,” said fire suppression during the Anderson Creek when coordinating response to an emer- water dips and drops. Bernard, “I notified the operations officer Fire of 2016 and this year, which Bernard gency of this magnitude. “My job is to guide the pilots down to to start the alert roster and to give (the Sol- said adds to their capability and readiness. “It’s pretty spectacular watching the get the bucket filled,” Meyer said. “Once diers) a 5 a.m. show time. Going into it, “From the time before Anderson Creek agencies from all the different backgrounds it’s filled, we get the location of where we you have no idea how long the mission to now,” said Bernard, “we have a lot better and training come together, with no previ- need to drop. Once I have eyes on the tar- may last, so you have to pack a minimum idea of what we’re capable of in an emer- ous experience working together, to deter- get and once we’re over it, I hit the release of a three-day go bag.” gency response. We’ve learned a great deal mine the best course of action,” Atkins and drop the bucket load on the fire.” Initially, Bernard was the pilot in com- about ourselves and our readiness.” said. “The guys on the ground are the ex- Meyer also captured photos and video mand of the lead aircraft from AASF #2 The regiment fielded new UH-60M model perts. They’re the ones who know what of from above the fires. One photo he and remained the officer in charge of the Black Hawks in early 2016. The pilots – they need done.” took of an unburned house surrounded by fire suppression mission throughout its du- who often have civilian careers – have also Along with the Kansas National Guard charred landscape was used widely by ration. The mission began with two Black had to train to fly the new models. National Soldiers, there were civilian-operated fixed- news outlets. Hawks on March 6, then grew to four with Guard helicopter pilots are required to fly a wing aircraft and three CH-47 Chinook heli- “That was pretty neat,” said Meyer. “I the addition of two additional birds out of minimum of 96 hours per year, the same as copters from the 11th Expeditionary Combat was kind of in shock that everything around Aviation Facility #1 in Topeka, to seven their active-duty counterparts. Aviation Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve Avia- it had burned, but the house. And there were total aircraft by March 8, all equipped with “We are blessed in Kansas to have the tion Command, Gardner, Kansas, assisting a lot of other houses like that we and the Bambi buckets. most competent, proficient and flexible with aerial fire suppression. crews on the ground helped save.” Bernard said the view from the air was aviators in the country,” said Bernard. “I It was the first-ever domestic air mission Staff Sgt. Gilbert Gonzales, readiness unlike anything he had ever seen. truly believe that.” for the U.S. Army Reserve under the Im- noncommissioned officer, Company A, “Seeing the amount of land that burned Capt. Casey Atkins, operations officer, mediate Response Authority, which author- 1-108th Aviation, Topeka from the air took my breath away,” said AASF #2, pilot in command of UH-60 izes local Army Reserve commanders, at “It’s a feeling of elation,” said Gonzales Bernard. “There were some areas where Black Hawk helicopter the request of a local civil authority, to take of being activated to help with an emer- the landscape was black as far as the eye “It’s special,” said Atkins, an experi- action to save lives, prevent human suffer- gency. “You’re excited, you’re pumped. could see.” enced medevac and assault UH-60 helicop- ing or mitigate great property damage in a This is why people join the military and the Bernard said the Soldiers’ mission was to ter pilot. “Being an aviator, you don’t get a situation of urgency. Guard, to help their community. It’s a great contain the fire and protect property. lot of interaction with the people you’re The Chinook is a twin-rotor helicopter sense of accomplishment and pride. Each Black Hawk is piloted by two Sol- helping, but being down in those communi- that can lift heavier loads than a Black “These are the things they show you in diers and there are two crew chiefs in the ties and seeing their gratitude makes you Hawk, and can utilize a larger 2,000 gallon the recruiting office.” rear of the aircraft. For fire suppression mis- feel like you are making a difference. Bambi bucket. The pairing of USAR and The seven Kansas Army National Guard sions, the helicopter uses a large bucket to “That’s what you signed up to do, to be KSNG aviation assets was a first for the helicopters dropped a combined total of dip water from a predetermined source, then able to help people that are in need. It’s state of Kansas in an emergency response. 482 buckets of water, which equates to “We actually teamed up a Chinook and a roughly 289,200 gallons of water. How- Black Hawk together, which gives you ever, Gonzales said that most of the credit 2,660 gallons of water,” said Atkins. “The should go to the firefighters on the ground. guys from the USAR were excellent and “I want to make sure that everybody un- worked with us great. They were just like derstands the ground crews did a majority of we were, ready to do whatever it took to the work,” said Gonzales. “We came in and get the situation under control. It was a we helped close things up, but the ground complete team effort.” crews were working their butts off.”

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas Na- tional Guard, draws water into the collapsible 660-gallon bucket slung beneath it. The Black Hawk crew was assisting firefighters on the ground battling one of sev- eral grassfires in the state in early March. (Photo by Chris Irsik) May 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Kansas Division of Emergency Management

Emergency Management 101 Ten years later: Remembering The Adjutant General the Greensburg tornado (Continued from Page 5) church leaders gathered. He prayed with help. After talking on the phone with a vet- them.” erinarian who was caring for virtually all Watson saw him shake hands with a lot the pets in town, Alley drove to Greensburg of National Guard members. in a van loaded with dog and cat food. “He also met with families and talked to “To this day, I regret I didn’t have a them,” she said. “He was able to interact chance to visit her,” Mettner said. with a lot of the public.” Media, Presidential visit Morgan said it was an honor to meet Steve Hewitt, then city administrator for Bush, whom she described as “kind” and Greensburg, started doing media interviews “compassionate.” The president gave her almost immediately after the tornado. He daughter a handwritten note. was the primary spokesperson for the city. “He was very genuine and gave us all But Watson said “It was hard for individ- words of encouragement and hope,” Mor- uals who would normally be spokespersons gan said. “He was extremely gracious to to do that role because they were dealing me and it is something I will never forget. I with the loss of homes and locating neigh- felt like we were hanging out with a good bors and family members.” fishing buddy, not the president of the Watson took calls from media outlets United States.” throughout the country and as far out as the Bonding experience United Kingdom, Australia and Japan. She After the president left, the many media Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant general and director of the Kansas Di- gave out the numbers to two cell phones outlets camped out in Greensburg started to vision of Emergency Management, discusses grassfire suppression operations in and they would both be ringing at the same leave as well. Around that time, another Clark County with a member of the Ashland Fire Department March 10. (Photo time. disaster hit in southeast Kansas — severe by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) “The media calls came in so fast it was flooding — and the regional and national almost impossible to keep up with them,” media chased that story. By Steve Larson paredness. It was redesignated as the she said. “The uniqueness of the tornado The state and federal workers at Barclay Public Affairs Office Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- taking out an entire town and the number College stayed for another week before This article is the first in a series about ment in 1993. of deaths brought the story to the top of the leaving. the roles and responsibilities of the Since becoming adjutant general, news very quickly.” “Everyone gave it 150 percent every sin- Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- Tafanelli has directed the state’s emer- Watson had taken the PIO job six months gle day and beyond,” Alldritt said. “It was ment. gency response in numerous disasters – earlier and the Greensburg tornado was her kind of a brothers-in-arms situation for a Tornadoes. Floods. Blizzards. Wild- tornadoes, floods, winter storms, and, first major disaster to work. lot of people. We really had a bonding ex- fires. These are just a few of the natural most recently, widespread wildfires that “It was completely overwhelming,” she perience.” or man-made disasters that have plagued consumed more than 650,000 acres in said. “Early on, I didn’t think much about Morgan remained in Greensburg the the people of Kansas since the days the multiple counties – acting as the gover- it. As the days grew into a week, it defi- longest, staying there until December. She pioneers first pushed west across the nor’s agent to protect the people of nitely took its toll on me and the emotional originally stayed in a motel in Dodge City, prairie. Back then, help – if it came at all Kansas. Tafanelli said the guiding docu- toll of what was going on around me was then moved into one of the small “boxes” – came from neighbors, who may live ment for emergency management prac- something I wasn’t expecting.” FEMA constructed a few feet from the miles away. An expanding population tices and policies in the state is the The media attention reached its height temporary office where she worked. soon required an expansion of resources Kansas Response Plan. when President George W. Bush arrived in “I was working 16 to 18 hour days and it to deal with widespread disasters. Greensburg. was much safer and certainly felt more like Today, when such a disaster over- Alldritt remembers standing outside with home to live right in the community,” she whelms the resources of one of the state’s “...the ultimate responsi- a woman who worked for FEMA and see- said. “I remember one night some months 105 counties, emergency management of- bility for emergency re- ing the president’s helicopter approaching into the disaster, feeling very over- ficials in that county look to the Kansas sponse is at the local Greensburg. The woman from FEMA said whelmed. We all had worked so hard and Division of Emergency Management for she had been to a lot of disaster sites and it there was so much more to do. I wasn’t support. Sitting at the helm of that divi- level. Our job is to pro- was usually three or four weeks before the sure the debris would ever be gone so we sion is the state’s adjutant general, who is vide the coordination and president would arrive at the scene. could start the rebuilding.” also the leader of the Kansas National However, the Greensburg tornado was the Morgan has maintained friendships with Guard, a state military position. The man support necessary for the country’s first major disaster since the 2005 the people from Greensburg over the years. in that position since 2011 is Maj. Gen. local level to be able to debacle of Hurricane Katrina in which Bush She called them survivors. Lee Tafanelli. manage the response.” and the federal government were criticized “My heart still aches when I think of “State statues, specifically in Kansas for not responding soon enough what the people experienced the night of Statutes Annotated 48-907, lays out the Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli “We may have been the beneficiaries of the tornadoes,” she said. “I’m proud to be a authority of the adjutant general to also Kansas adjutant general lessons learned,” Sebelius said. “It became Kansan because of the resilience of the be the director of emergency manage- clear we’d have access to federal support. I people of Greensburg.” ment,” explained Tafanelli. “The think it was very gratifying for a lot of peo- Bunting said the work that went into statutues outline the roles and responsi- “The Kansas Response Plan is what ple to have the president of the United helping the people of Greensburg and the bilities of the adjutant general as it re- drives emergency preparedness, response States arrive and say there would be federal resolve of those people was one of the lates to emergency management here in and recovery in the state of Kansas,” said help. He came armed with that promise and most incredible things he had ever seen. Kansas Tafanelli. “It outlines the strategies, con- he delivered on that promise.” “The credit goes to dozens and hundreds “The adjutant general’s’ authorities cepts, the assumptions and the practices Bunting was part of the team that briefed of people of every discipline,” he said. “We are driven by statutes and those specific for both the local level and the state level Bush when he arrived in Greensburg. didn’t have anybody who didn’t do a good authorities granted by the governor,” and how we interface with the federal “He walked through most of the town,” job. We worked our tails off. It’s something said Tafanelli. “Many of the adjutants level for emergency management and dis- Bunting said. “He walked to where all the I’ll remember my whole life.” general across the nation have multiple aster planning in the state. duties. With some it’s emergency man- “It’s all built on the National Incident agement; a number may have veteran’s Management System framework,” he affairs, homeland security or other pub- continued, “but the basic premise of the lic safety type responsibilities. Maybe a Kansas Response Plan – and this is very third of the adjutants general across the important for Kansas and probably most nation have emergency management in other places – is that the ultimate re- their portfolio.” sponsibility for emergency response is In Kansas, this dual-hat position was a at the local level. Our job is to provide result of the way the division came the coordination and support necessary about. The State Civil Defense Agency for the local level to be able to manage was established in 1951 as a result of the the response. Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950. The “We take the necessary steps to coordi- State Civil Defense Agency was charged nate and prioritize required resources, at with providing civil defense to protect the state level or federal level. But again, life and property in Kansas from nuclear the local authorities are in command and attack, but did not address other disas- control at their level for their disaster and ters. In 1955, the State Civil Defense we are here to provide them the support Agency became part of the Adjutant they need within all facets of emergency General’s Department. The agency’s management.” name was changed in 1975 to Division Tafanelli said that the division’s role of Emergency Preparedness to reflect its does not begin and end with a disaster, Soldiers of the 891st Engineer Battalion help remove debris from the streets of role in natural disaster response and pre- (Continued on Page 11) Greensburg, Kansas, following the EF5 tornado that leveled much of the town May 4, 2007. (Archive photo) Page 10 Plains Guardian • May 2017 Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Veronica Kellogg, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Staff Sgt. Kyle Swendson, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster Awards and Decorations Staff Sgt. Paul Vernacchia, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Patrick King, 184th IW, Wichita leaf clusters Senior Airman Wesley Kubie, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Master Sgt. Brandon Lambert, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. William Voss, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf cluster Master Sgt. Richard Longberg 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Cole Watts, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Laken Meyer, 184th IW, Wichita Legion of Merit Master Sgt. Matthew McCoy, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Cody Wirth, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Senior Airman Jordan Morgan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Master Sgt. Nathan Miles, 190th ARW, Topeka clusters leaf cluster Master Sgt. Brandon Murray, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Joseph Alberts, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Christopher Noe, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Steven Peyton 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Nicholas Allbritton, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW, Wichita Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Hall, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Master Sgt. Eric Porterfield, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Timothy Blake, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Curtis Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Travis Bryan, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Jon Potts, 184th IW, Wichita Meritorious Service Medal cluster Senior Airman Chynna Carey, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Christopher Purdy, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Travis Schuler, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf cluster Senior Airman Jacob Rogers, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Anisa Shinkle, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Ryan Crutchfield, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Senior Airman Christopher Ruhlen, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Daniel Strickland, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf cluster Senior Airman Aaron Slaughter, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Lisa Mullinax, 1st Bn, (OCS/WOCS), 235th Rgmt, Master Sgt. Stephen Vogt, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Patrick Demoe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Senior Airman Ariel Ward, 184th IW, Wichita Salina Tech. Sgt. Heath Jones, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster Senior Airman Jim Xayavongsy, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Robert Wood, HQ, 235th Rgmt, with three oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Rafael Marrero Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Christopher Fernandez, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Daniel Bequillard, 184th IW, Wichita clusters Senior Airman Shane Fowler, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Steven Bohling, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Shawn Miller, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, with Air Force Commendation Medal Senior Airman Robert Fry, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Airman 1st Class Logan Borovetz, 184th IW, Wichita three oak leaf clusters cluster Airman 1st Class Garrett Browne, 190th ARW, Topeka Maj. Rodney Seaba, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with three oak Senior Airman Mark Hallacy, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Airman 1st Class Alexandria Brun, 184th IW, Wichita leaf clusters leaf cluster Airman 1st Class Travis Gantt, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Joshua Urban, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka, with Maj. Seth Rundle, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Senior Airman Christopher Harrington, 184th IW, Wichita, Airman 1st Class Chelsea Jellison, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf cluster clusters with oak leaf cluster Airman 1st Class Kole Johnsonhanna, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandy Nichols, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Maj. Kevin Thomas, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Benjamin Heiliger, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Alyssia Logan, 184th IW, Wichita Avn, Topeka Capt. Matthew Lucht, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Dylan Honeycutt, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Warrant Officer 4 Stephen Patterson, 35th ID Band, 1st Lt. Cameron Carlson, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Scott Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Tyler Reich, 184th IW, Wichita Olathe leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Michael Riblett, Counterdrug Task Force, 1st Lt. Alex Porter, 184th IW, Wichita Topeka Master Sgt. David Chirinos, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Darin King, Co A, Rec & Ret, Topeka, with oak Master Sgt. Elizabeth Damman, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf cluster Master Sgt. Brett Peine, 184th IW, Wichita Latitude 37 degrees north... Master Sgt. Christopher Lucas, HHD, 635th RSG, Topeka, Master Sgt. Ricky Ramsey, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf with two oak leaf clusters cluster Master Sgt. Jodi Melby, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with two oak Tech. Sgt. Ashley Grady, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf clusters leaf clusters Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Jennings, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hi- Tech. Sgt. Chris Guild, 184th IW, Wichita awatha Tech. Sgt. Jerling Hodges, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Karl Klamm, Co B, Rec & Ret, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Justin Jacobs, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Sgt. 1st Class Craig Laber, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe, with cluster oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Christopher McCarthy, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Darin Leifried, Co D, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Em- Tech. Sgt. Danielle Peavler, 190th ARW, Topeka poria, with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Mark O’Brien, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Levi Vincent, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak Sgt. 1st Class Gary Woody, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson leaf clusters Sgt. 1st Class Kathy Zabel, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with two Staff Sgt. Kalim Dausuel, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Blake Elliott, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Dennis DeWitt, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Manhattan Staff Sgt. Ramon Espana, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Shawn Evans, 235th Rgmt, Salina Staff Sgt. Joshua Hahn, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Kerry Free, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Manhattan Staff Sgt. Shannon Johnston, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Bradley McDowell, Det 2, 731st Trans Co, Hutchin- Staff Sgt. Cody Larson, 184th IW, Wichita son Staff Sgt. Jacob Mattern, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Patrick Stevens, Co B, Rec & Ret Bn, Wichita Staff Sgt. Abbie Moreno, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Christopher Seward, 184th IW, Wichita Army Commendation Medal Staff Sgt. Seth Sharpe, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. TJ Tasker, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Routh Whitford, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Adam Edwards, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Hernandez, Co A, Rec. & Ret, Topeka, Senior Airman Grant Saylorperkins, 190th ARW, Topeka with two oak leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Alyssa Elder, 184th IW, Wichita

Army Achievement Medal Air Force Achievement Medal

Senior Master Sgt. Denton Stafford, 190th ARW, Topeka Capt. Sterling Scales, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak leaf Master Sgt. Kenny Everett, 184th IW, Wichita clusters 1st Lt. Cameron Carlson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Kansas Meritorious Service Ribbon cluster Master Sgt. John Ives, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Michael Ragan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Col. Tony Divish, 69th TC, Topeka cluster Kansas National Guardsmen Spc. Devin Ramsey (right), 731st Transportation Com- Master Sgt. Curtis Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita pany, and Spc. Anthony Vandewiel, 35th Military Police Company, gather direction KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Tech. Sgt. Matthew Crawford, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Al Daniels, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster and distance data from a proposed survey point, which will be replaced with a per- Meritorious Service Medal Tech. Sgt. Chad Ewertz, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf manent post once funding is approved. This information will be used in testing pack- cluster Tech. Sgt. Paul Jones, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf ets for Garden City National Guard Land Navigation Course. Garden City Boy clusters Scouts, Garden City High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Gar- Col. Thomas Turner, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Souphan Keodouangkham, 184th IW, Wichita, with clusters oak leaf cluster den City Community College ROTC have shown interest in using the course once Lt. Col. Peter Austin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kroulik, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf completed. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeromy Fisher) clusters cluster Lt. Col. Bradley Hilbert, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak Tech. Sgt. Keith Melvin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf leaf clusters clusters Lt. Col. Jacob Schwartz 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Douglas Parker, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Lt. Col. Marilee Smalley, 184th IW, Wichita cluster WOCS, NGAUS, and Maj. Amy Blow, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. David Prosser, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Maj. Janet Dial, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf clusters Capt. David Schonberg, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Joshua Swilley, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Jacob King, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Williams, 184th IW, Wichita developing your career Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Noe, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Tech. Sgt. Heath Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf two oak leaf clusters clusters Chief Master Sgt. Michael Shields, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Aaron Alexander, 184th IW, Wichita (Continued from Page 2) Soldier care on a daily basis. oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Desirae Beason, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf your distance learning course sooner in- On July 15, there will be a Warrant Offi- Chief Master Sgt. Thane Stauffer, 184th IW, Wichita, with cluster three oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Jesse Boring, 184th IW, Wichita stead of later, you have greatly increased cer Call in Salina at a location to be deter- Senior Master Sgt. John Baxter, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Staff Sgt. Bradlee Brown, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf your chances to get to a school you need mined. This event will coincide with WOCS leaf cluster cluster Senior Master Sgt. Clinton Bradfield, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Paul Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita before it becomes a necessity and holds up and our current candidates will be in atten- Senior Master Sgt. Keith Decker, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Shana Hagedorn, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak your career. dance so they may meet some of their coun- Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Ginzel, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Hansen, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Mark Hamlin, 184th IW, Wichita As leaders, many warrant officers have terparts who are currently operating within two oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Robert Hollar, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf been asked what makes them successful and their warrant officer MOS. The next morn- Senior Master Sgt. Douglas Latessa, 190th ARW, Topeka, cluster with oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Adam Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf how they positively influence other Soldiers ing, following the Warrant Officer Call, the Senior Master Sgt. Alan Laub, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak cluster to follow them. For me, a method that has candidates will formally be presenting their leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Michael Kleymann, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Senior Master Sgt. Joel Unger, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster been successful has been the “F-R-O-G” song and sign, and I would ask that you Master Sgt. Emily Albers, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Staff Sgt. Cole Melby, 190th ARW, Topeka method -- Family, Recreation, Occupation, make every effort to be present. There is a leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Brandon Moberly, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Master Sgt. Maurice Balance, 184th IW, Wichita leaf clusters and Goals. As long as you keep these topics great team building event and every effort Master Sgt. Mack Beatty, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brandon Rhoten, 184th IW, Wichita at the forefront of your mind as you’re work- placed into this presentation each has really Master Sgt. Michael Clark, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Anathea Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Brian Gigax, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Benjamin Roe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster ing with Soldiers, it is easy to learn where done an outstanding job. Master Sgt. George Hart, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Dajuan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita their values lie and determine what gives In closing, please remember that no mat- them motivation. Ultimately, interacting with ter where you’re at in your military career, FA, Hutchinson Soldiers using this method will ensure lead- you did not get to this point alone. Mentor- Sgt. 1st Class David Strange, 35th ID, Fort Leaven- Retirements worth ers know their Soldiers better, and by doing ship is one of the key factors for our suc- Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Towson, HHC. 169th CSSB, so, they will be enabled to practically apply cess, so please don’t forget to pass it down. Kansas Army National Guard Olathe Staff Sgt. Kerry Free Jr., Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Lt. Col. William Yanek II, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Manhattan Maj. Luke Phillips, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Darel Long, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Capt. Kraig Buffington, HHC (-), 2nd CAB, 137th Lenexa Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Adrian Davis, Det 2, 778th Trans Co, Salina Training gets real-world test Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott Davis, 35th ID, Fort Sgt. David Dewitt, 778th Trans Co (-), Kansas City Leavenworth Sgt. Kenneth Horsley Jr., Det 2, 778th Trans Co, (Continued from Page 7) doing what he loved.” Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Fulks, Co G, 1st Bn, Salina bypass surgery,” said Thompson. Thompson said there is room for im- 111th Avn, Topeka Sgt. Chadley Kuker, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, 1st Sgt. Travis Eichhorn, 772nd Eng Co, Pittsburg Dodge City “It is important for first responders to provment in CPR survival rates. Sgt. 1st Class Karl Klamm, Det 1, Rec & Ret Bn, Sgt. Lee Smith, 778th Trans Co (-), Kansas City “Prompt action by first responders can Topeka note the low survival rate as they may Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Laiter, 35th MP Co, Topeka Kansas Air National Guard feel bad or guilty for the person not sur- help increase survival,” said Thompson. Sgt. 1st Class Richard Myers, 35th ID, Fort Leaven- viving. Certainly, all of us had hoped the “First responders quickly taking action worth Col. Shelly Bausch, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Mark O’Brien, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Col. Chris Meyer, 184th IW, Wichita runner had survived and our thoughts can also help restore some circulation and Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Rock, 35th ID, Fort Leaven- Chief Master Sgt. Chris Noe, 190th ARW, Topeka and prayers go out to the runner and his reduce brain damage and brain death for worth Chief Master Sgt. Eli Shields, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sollers, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st Senior Master Sgt. Doug Latessa, 190th ARW, Topeka family. The family noted that he died those who do survive a cardiac arrest.” May 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Employers, National Guard balance John Rueger receives soldier employment through ESGR By Capt. Margaret Ziffer involved in extended combat operations in brigadier general star 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs one place or another. It is an important as- Leadership from the Kansas and Mis- signment, and we have to figure out ways souri National Guard met April 13 with to make that work. So that’s what we do.” civilian employers of their soldiers during To reduce the stresses associated with an Employer Support of the Guard and transitioning from civilian employment to Reserve event at the Kansas City, Kansas, deployments and back again, Braden said it armory. is essential for employers to stay engaged ESGR is an all-volunteer organization that with their Soldiers, and that just knowing acts as a liaison between soldiers in the Na- that they have a job to return to lessens the tional Guard and Reserve and their civilian burdens on Soldiers while they are gone. employers. The group organized the event as “These Soldiers will be gone for a year,” part of ongoing efforts to recognize and said Braden. “The last thing you want to thank civilian employers who value and em- have to worry about when you are deployed ploy military service members. is what your next job is going to be.” “We basically smooth things out so that Braden suggested three strategies that there are no issues for the soldier and they employers with deploying soldiers can use can do both their civilian job and their mili- to maintain communication during periods tary job,” said retired Lt. Col. Dave White, of extended soldier absence: employer outreach representative volunteer. 1. Ask for your soldier’s address and Maj. Gen. Victor Braden, commanding write to them. As a second option, general, 35th Infantry Division, has made even an occasional email will let sol- working closely with ESGR a top readiness diers know their employer is still priority as the division prepares to go to the thinking about them. The Kansas National Guard welcomed its newest general officer during a ceremony Levant and the Persian Gulf. That mission, 2. Engage in social media by taking ad- at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard April 21 as Carrie Rueger attached a which will support the national security vantage of platforms like the 35th In- brigadier general’s star to the uniform of her husband, Col. John Rueger. Rueger, goals of the United States and promote sta- fantry Division Facebook and Twitter who serves as the deputy commanding general of the 35th Infantry Division, entered bility and security by maintaining readiness, pages. the military in 1987 when he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, will take Kansas and Missouri members of 3. Stay connected with the Employer Kansas Army National Guard. He was commissioned as a field artillery second lieu- the division overseas and away from their Support of the Guard and Reserve. tenant in 1989 as a distinguished graduate of the ROTC program at Kansas State civilian jobs for nine months. ESGR can help address employer- University. He has held several positions within the field artillery and Joint Forces Braden told the employers that the expe- employee issues before they become Headquarters. He has served as commander at the company, battalion and brigade riences soldiers gained from their civilian larger problems. Employers of military levels. A lifelong Kansan, Rueger is the son of former adjutant general the late Maj. employment is an important asset to the service members can request ESGR Gen. James Rueger. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) National Guard. representatives to come talk to their or- “I had a staff sergeant who had a PhD,” ganizations or give briefings to man- said Braden. “I had captains who were agement teams. Soldier enjoys high-speed “me” time school principles. I had privates who had White also emphasized it is essential that (Continued from Page 4) to go talk to like-minded people, drive a extensive experience as plumbers and car- civilian employers familiarize themselves about the competition with the other driv- car as fast as I can over the weekend and penters. Having soldiers with that breadth with the Uniformed Services Employment ers, but also with himself. Baumann admit- then go home.” of knowledge and experience is an advan- and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, the ted one of his biggest hurdles was Although he is not giving up his racing, tage unique to reserve component units.” federal law that establishes rights and re- overcoming competitiveness and self-dis- Baumann is looking toward a future work- Although civilian-soldiers are an asset sponsibilities for uniformed Service mem- appointment as he learned it was really ing in small arms. for the units, there are often some chal- bers and their civilian employers. about the fun. “The parts are cheaper and not as lenges associated with maintaining that “Make sure your HR (human resources), “It’s my ‘me’ time,” he continued, “I get heavy.” civilian-military balance, both for the sol- your personnel people are familiar with the diers and for the employers. law as it applies to reservists and guards- “How many of you have gone on leave for men,” said White. “They are the best em- a vacation for two weeks? When you come ployees you are ever going to get. You back, things might have changed, even in should do your best to support them, be- two weeks,” said Braden. “And so, when cause they are supporting your country.” you are gone for a year, a lot of things can be There are also strategies that soldiers can different. Sometimes there are policy use to let their employers know they appre- changes or personnel changes or the dynam- ciate their support. If soldiers feel their em- ics change. It can take a while to adjust.” ployers have done an exceptional job Shawn Reynolds, deputy chief of police supporting their military service, they can with the Olathe Police Department, said his nominate them for one of four ESGR organization currently has three members awards to recognize their efforts. deployed with a fourth preparing to deploy Soldiers and employers of soldiers can in May. Reynolds said it can sometimes be contact an ESGR representative for more difficult because those soldiers are counted information about employer briefings, sol- on as part of the organization’s workforce. dier and employee rights and responsibili- “Absolutely, there are challenges when ties, and employer award nominations. you have folks that you are counting on for “We are looking forward to working with your work force who get deployed,” said ESGR as we continue to build on this innova- Reynolds. “You know, I think it is just tive organization that we have,” said Braden. something that employers have to adapt to. More information about ESGR can be For the past 10 or 15 years, we have been found online at http://esgr.mil.

Spc. Steve Baumann can often be found competing on the race circuit in his personal vehicle, a 1997 Mazda Miata. (Photo by Sgt. David Crawford, UPAR) Emergency Management 101 (Continued from Page 9) number of other proclamations that we but extends to all phases of emergency do... is to get statewide exposure to emer- management, including mitigation, pre- gency management. paredness, response, and recovery. “A lot of that is done through the local “Each county is required, by statute, to level for citizens – making sure they have have a county emergency operation plan an emergency kit or that they have emer- and we work with them on that plan,” said gency plans for their family, to make sure Tafanelli. “We also provide training and they have the necessary supplies that they participate in exercises to test their re- can sustain themselves in the event that sponse plans.” they are involved in a disaster. Tafanelli added emergency management “The more that the Kansans can do along isn’t solely the province of local, state and those lines, really makes the overall re- federal officials. sponse to a disaster at the local level or Maj. Gen. Victor Braden, commanding general of the 35th Infantry Division, gives “The public’s role is to be aware of state level much, much easier on the com- an overview of the 35th’s upcoming deployment to the Persian Gulf and the Levant their county emergency operation plan,” munity and allows us to flow the resources during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve event at the Kansas City, he noted. “As you see in a lot of our pub- in when we need them and really ensures Kansas, armory April 13. (Photo by By Capt. Margaret Ziffer, 35th Infantry Divi- lic service announcements, whether it’s that we mitigate the impacts of the disaster sion Public Affairs) Severe Weather Awareness Week or a to the best extent we can.” Page 12 Plains Guardian • May 2017 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Exercise helps Civil Air Patrol Easter people hone communication skills By Chaplain (Col.) Peter Jaramillo and a hardworking woman who endured Joint Force Headquarter Chaplain suffering in the last few years of her life. In an Easter homily delivered in the 4th As a young woman, she was a registered century, St. Augustine said “We are an Army nurse who served her country during Easter people and Alleluia is our Song!” World War II. She saw action, stationed in The Easter message is the hope of new Scotland and England, caring for wounded life after the Lord Jesus endured the horror and the dying. of his passion, crucifixion and death, and I was told about the sense of compassion on the third day that she displayed not only for her com- rose from the dead. rades, but when even dealing with enemy Easter gives hope, prisoners of war who also had great med- especially when its ical needs. They were given the same level truth is applied to of care and compassion. Her medical Soldiers and their Nightingale Pledge knew no difference to a families who are dying man who needed care. often going In a like manner, the chaplains that are through some of being deployed with 35th Infantry Division the most difficult and 635th Regiment are keenly sensitive times of their lives about the realities they will face, and they in preparing for Chaplain (Col.) bring a skill set that only chaplains can deployment. The Peter Jaramillo offer. Chaplain (Maj.), Richard Dunn, volatile, ever- Chaplain (Maj.) John Potter and Chaplain changing events of the predeployment (Capt.) Ron Marshall are highly skilled and A Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 taxies to takeoff at New Century AirCenter to support time, getting a family care plan together, seasoned chaplains, men of God who will a Kansas Wing communications exercise March 21. (Photo by CAP Flight Officer informing the boss about when exactly will offer God’s presence to whatever environ- Cole Oakland) be the last day of work in the civilian job, ments, needs or realities that they may face. making time for precious moments with I am confident that the risen Lord, the con- By Flight Officer Cole Oakland participated on the ground and communi- loved ones before leaving the country, and queror of death, will be their rear guard and Kansas Wing, Civil Air Patrol cated using high frequency radios for readying the heart and mind for a new real- strength. Getting real time information into the ground communication or very-high fre- ity on everyone’s behalf, all these can be This Easter season promises hope, new hands of first response teams is critical to quency radios to talk with aircraft. New stressful and take their toll. It is a big ac- life and joy of the power of the resurrec- saving lives and property during a disaster. Century Composite Squadron, Olathe; complishment just getting through the tion. I pray for our Soldiers from Kansas However, transmitting that information may Topeka Eagle Squadron; and Emerald City grind of today. National Guard, soon to be deployed, and be a problem when cell towers and phone Composite Squadron, Wichita, conducted At a recent funeral Mass I celebrated for ask God to use our Soldiers and our chap- lines are down as a result of the disaster. both ground and air operations. a 95-year-old woman, I reflected on her lains for good to complete this mission and A March 21 communication exercise gave The Kansas Wing flies Cessna 172 and victory of life! She was a faithful Catholic, bring them home safely. members of the Kansas Wing, Civil Air Pa- 182 high-wing, single-prop aircraft. Some trol, the chance to practice how to respond to of these aircraft are equipped with Garmin a disaster when such services are down. G-1000 “glass cockpit” instruments, which On-line tools help narrow the “Conducting routine training such as this consists of four computer screens that have allows us to keep our skills sharp, test new flight control information in addition to ideas, and get new members familiarized maps of the terrain below. search for the right college with how we operate,” said CAP Lt. Col. The exercise flights lasted approximately By Maj. Chuck Leivan include any university that accepts depart- Mark Lahan, project officer for the exer- one hour with most flights taking off be- Education Services Officer ment of Defense and Veterans Affairs fund- cise. “Civil Air Patrol’s communications tween 6:30-7 p.m. The aircraft were flown Because the decision to pursue civilian ing, not just publicly funded Kansas system provides a means to conduct mis- to designated points to attempt communi- education is one of the most critical deci- universities. sions during normal conditions and when cation with ground stations. Crews logged sions you will make in your career, there Any Soldier can sign up for a commercial infrastructure is unavailable or the strength and readability of the signal are many variables to consider before be- GoArmyEd account. GAE is the web-en- unsuitable.” and messages passed. ginning. The keys to success in picking a terprise system that manages Federal Tu- The exercise used real world scenarios to “One of the reasons that we train the way degree are degree program choice and em- ition Assistance applications and tracks improve the ability of Civil Air Patrol to that we do is so that we can still communi- ployability. To help you make a plan, here Soldiers’ progress while attending school. respond when normal communication cate even if the phone system and the inter- are three online tools. The third degree search tool is at channels are interrupted. net fail,” explained CAP Capt. Sid The first tool, available at http://www.ks- www.netsolutions.com/army. To use the Kansas City Composite Squadron, Ashen-Brenner, CAP director of communi- degreestats.org/program_search.jsp, allows site, a Soldier must register and get a user- Shawnee; Heartland Cadet Squadron, cations, Kansas Wing. users to search for a degree program at our name and password. After registration, the Lenexa; 77th Composite, Emporia; “The communications program is partic- Kansas Regents Universities. Soldier can log in and use all the functions Lawrence Composite Squadron; Flint Hills ularly import as it supports Homeland Se- Once a user identifies a pro- of the website. This includes college en- Composite Squadron, Junction City; curity, search and rescue, emergency gram type, all the public trance practice exams, Armed Smoky Hill Composite Squadron, Wichita, preparedness, disaster relief, and other op- schools that offer that pro- Services Vocational and Southeast Cadet Squadron, Cherokee, erational missions,” said Lahan. gram will populate a Aptitude Battery search result. Users practice tests, Col- can pick a few at a lege Level Exami- Breaking the world record time for a side by nation Program side comparison on tests, and degree estimated cost, per- searches. The centage of graduates degree working in Kansas searches in- and median annual clude earnings of graduates. schools in This type of com- foreign parative information countries helps the user under- and a Soldier can stand the cost-benefit and potential oppor- research information by region, demo- tunities for employment for the degree the graphics, campus life, admission standards user may choose. There is no log-in or and costs. questionnaire to fill out to research infor- If you or your Soldiers have any ques- mation on this site. tions about education benefits, incentive The second tool is VIA, found on payments or want to speak to an Education www.GoArmyEd.com. VIA is a personality Counselor about how to best use the vari- inventory questionnaire for Soldiers and at ous benefits eligible members have, please the end, VIA makes recommendations for call the Education Services Office (785) degree programs that fit the Soldier’s inter- 646-1081. For more information about Ed- ests and potential post-Army income if the ucation Services you can go to Soldier pursues a particular degree pro- www.kansastag.gov and click the quick gram. VIA degree recommendations may link labeled “Education Services.” Sgt. 1st Class Kim Fox, Company G, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation, Topeka, com- petes in the long cycle event of the SCALA Kettlebell Cup in Nǣvested, Denmark, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little April 1. The event requires competitors to repetitively clean and jerk two kettlebells temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” for 10 minutes without setting them down. Fox is only the second woman in the Benjamin Franklin world to compete with two 28-kilogram weights (123 pounds total). Fox beat the previous world record of 31 repetitions by completing 40 reps. She also holds the Memoirs of the life & writings of Benjamin Franklin absolute world record of 66 reps with 24-kilogram kettlebells. (Photo provided) Kansans, Kansas joins 184th con- British train communica- ducts active with Armenian tion network . shooter PlainsPlainsfirefighters . .5 GuardianGuardian ...... 8 exercise . . .11

Volume 61 No. 3 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol August 2017 35th Infantry Division assumes authority for Task Force Spartan By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Miller Council partnerships.” Maj. Gen. Victor J. Braden, commanding Task Force Spartan is a multicomponent general, 35th Infantry Division, assumed organization made up of active Army and command of Task Force Spartan from Maj. National Guard units rounded out by U.S. Gen. Blake Ortner, commanding general, Army Reserve support units. 29th Infantry Division, at Camp Arifjan, “In this role, they will perform the criti- Kuwait, July 13. The transfer of authority cal task of mission command for Operation ceremony was presided over by Lt. Gen. Spartan Shield, an operation ongoing since Michael Garrett, commanding general, 2011,” said, Garrett, “Now in its sixth year, U.S. Army Central. OSS is U.S. Central Command’s effort to TF Spartan’s mission in the Middle East deter regional aggression and malign influ- is to support the United States’ global ence in the region.” strategic plan, provide regional stability, Operation Spartan Shield is U.S. Central security, and maintain a land-ready opera- Command’s means to deter regional ag- tional force, said Braden. gression and stabilize countries within the “It’s a challenge we accept,” said region. From Egypt to Pakistan, Kaza- Braden. “We will build upon the success khstan to Yemen, the U.S. Central Com- of the 29th and expand Gulf Cooperation mand’s area of responsibility is

35th Infantry Division • Headquarters at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas • Commanding general is Maj. Gen. Victor Braden. Deputy commanders are Brig. Gen. John W. Rueger, Kansas, and Col. Jeffrey P. Van, Missouri. • One of 18 U.S. Army divisions. Maj. Gen. Victor J. Braden, commanding general, 35th Infantry Division, and Com- • Approximately 500 soldiers from headquarters element are involved in this mand Sgt. Maj. Timothy Newton, senior enlisted advisor, uncase the division’s colors deployment. This is the first time since 1944 the entire 35th Infantry Division during the Task Force Spartan transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Headquarters has been activated. Kuwait, July 13. The 35th Infantry Division assumed command of TF Spartan from the 29th Infantry Division. (Photo by Master Sgt. Mark Hanson) • Known as the Santa Fe Division. Shoulder patch is based on the Santa Fe cross used to mark the Santa Fe Trail. strategically important as well as volatile. Now, the unit once known as “The In- “We remain indebted to the National fantry Spearhead” of Lt. Gen. George S. • The division has a training alignment with 33rd Infantry Battalion; Illinois; 45th Guard Bureau, and the Director of the Patton’s Third Army, the 35th ID is part of Infantry Brigade, Oklahoma; 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia; 67th Battlefield Army National Guard and the Army Re- the Third Army again to assume the mis- Surveillance Brigade, Nebraska; 142nd Fires Brigade, Arkansas; 35th Aviation serve Command for all they have done to sion of Task Force Spartan. Brigade, Missouri; and 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Missouri. ensure we can continue this important mis- The 35th “Santa Fe” Division deployed to • Organized in 1917 for deployment during World War I. Consisted of units sion here in the Central Command AOR,” Kuwait to accept the responsibility of Task from Kansas and Missouri. The division trained at Camp Doniphan and de- Garrett said. Force Spartan and oversight of Operation parted for France in 1918; involved in the Meuse-Argonne offensive in Sep- The two divisions also have a storied Spartan Shield. tember-October. past with shared experiences since World “The Santa Fe Division looks forward to • Elements of the 35th Infantry Division deployed in 2003, 2007, 2013 and War I. Both divisions fought in Europe dur- building and maintaining a ready land force 2014 to support higher commands in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia ing World War I and World War II, includ- that supports our nation’s goals of regional and Kosovo. ing 1918’s Meuse-Argonne Offensive and stability and security,” said Braden. “We the battle for Saint-Lo in July 1944. relish the challenge before us.” Gillock takes command of 997th Brigade Support Battalion By Steve Larson 997th Brigade Support Battalion to Lt. Col. Christie had been commander of the bat- Public Affairs Office Molly Gillock during a change of com- talion since it was activated in July 2016. PAID Lt. Col. Erica Christie relinquished com- mand ceremony June 16 at the Kansas Na- Standing up the battalion was “a lot of hard PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE mand of the Kansas National Guard’s tional Guard armory in Manhattan. work, a lot of extra weekends, which no- PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT body complained about.” Chrisitie said leaving the battalion pro- duced “mixed emotions at this point.” “It’s always a blessing to take command and you have a lot more time when you’re not in command,” she said, “but there’s 584 of my favorite people that I just said good-bye to.” Christie stepped down from her position to attend the U.S. Army War College in Carlyle, Pennsylvania, where she will study strategic studies. She will also transi- tion to a job at Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas. For her part, Gillock said she had big shoes to fill, but she was ready to get to work. “I’m very, very excited to have the op- portunity to be a battalion commander,” said Gillock. “I’m looking forward to working with the soldiers. I’ve been out here for the last two weeks… to shadow Colonel Christie and get her battle rhythm 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL and work with Sergeant Major Posch. Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT Lt. Col. Molly Gillock (left) accepts the command flag of the 997th Brigade Support “I’m going to pick up where she left off. NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL Battalion from Col. Thomas Burke, commander of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade, We’ve got a lot of training challenges with during a change of command ceremony June 16 in Manhattan. (Photo by Steve Lar- a new battalion, a lot of work to do. We’re DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT son, Public Affairs Office) going to keep pushing on.” Page 2 Plains Guardian • August 2017 Kansas Soldiers, Missouri Airmen conduct joint exercise By Sgt. Zach Sheely Fitting it aboard the C-130H is an exercise Public Affairs Office in precision. The Soldiers had to reduce air The maximum allowable payload of the pressure in all six of the HIMARS tires, to, C-130 Hercules aircraft is approximately in the words of Air Force Chief Master Sgt. 42,000 pounds in a cargo hold that meas- Rhys Wilson, “stuff” it into the aircraft. ures some nine feet high. “This was two months of planning to bear On June 6-7, those limits were tested as fruition for about six minutes on the Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 130th Field ground,” said Wilson, an aerial port superin- Artillery loaded a High Mobility Artillery tendent with the 139th Aerial Port Squadron. Rocket System into a C-130H at Rosecrans The rapid infiltration simulated fire exer- Memorial Airport in St. Joseph, Missouri. cise is a drill of expeditionary accuracy, Airmen assigned to the 139th Airlift Wing and it is something that each component of the Missouri Air National Guard then would expect to conduct in realistic opera- transported the HIMARS to Fort Riley, tions. With the 1st Infantry Division coor- Kansas, where it was unloaded in a rapid- dinating the air space and landing zone, the infiltration, simulated-fire exercise. exercise gave both the Army and Air The joint exercise was a first for both units. Guard, and active-duty Army the chance to “We’ve been told that these HIMARS build on partnerships. are transportable in an aircraft since we “The partnerships have been great,” said fielded them in 2011,” said Army Staff Sgt. Cairo. “We’ve done a few things over the Aaron Cairo, section chief, Battery B, 2- last year with the 1st ID and now this with 130 FA. “I was skeptical because of the the Missouri National Guard and their C- weight and size, but now we’ve done it.” 130s. Having to do this downrange in a de- The HIMARS stands more than 10 feet ployment would have been a lot tougher A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System from the Kansas National Guard’s 2nd tall at its highest elevation, and though it without this practice today.” Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, is unloaded from a C-130 Hercules flown by the weighs approximately 32,000 pounds with- “It’s extremely important for us to all 139th Airlift Wing out of St. Joseph, Missouri. The HIMARS was loaded and un- out rockets loaded, it’s considered a “light” work together,” said Wilson. “Every time loaded from the plane as part of a joint exercise conducted at Fort Riley, Kansas, multiple rocket launcher. Mounted on an we do joint training like this, people’s net- June 7. (Photo by Sgt. Zachary Sheely, Public Affairs Office) Army Medium Tactical Vehicle frame, it works get larger. Everyone did well. The Riley, said that it’s more than just getting Cairo noted the experience and skill of can carry six rockets in a pod and is oper- aircrew did a great job; the Army did a fan- face time with other service members. the aircrew and HIMARS crew members ated by a crew of three Soldiers. It was de- tastic job preparing their weapon for flight. “This is the responsibility we have as air and said that everyone who participated signed to be airlifted into hostile areas for “One force is more than just a slogan.” mobility liaison officers,” said Zahler, benefited from the experience. swift fire support, with the rocket pod Capt. Matthew Zahler, an air mobility li- “being able to translate the training objec- “This is a confidence builder, getting to ready to fire within a matter of minutes aison officer with the 621st Mobility Sup- tives that the Army has into Air Force ob- do it,” Cairo said. “Now we know it will after the aircraft lands. port Operations Squadron, stationed at Fort jectives where each side can benefit.” work going forward.” Kansas National Guard supports military appreciation event By Steve Larson from other military service branches. Public Affairs Office In keeping with the event’s military The Sporting KC soccer team hosted theme, the 35th Infantry Division Band “Sporting Salutes,” a military appreciation played in concert on the plaza prior to the night, Aug. 6, at Children’s Mercy Park in start of the game and the Kansas National Kansas City, Kansas, to express thanks and Guard had several soldiers on hand to visit support for all past and present U.S. service with the public and display a variety of members. military equipment. Four A-10 Thunderbolt More than 14,000 people turned out for fighter jets from Whitman Air Force Base, the event, including approximately 500 Missouri, performed a flyover prior to the military members, Gold Star families, vet- game and Gold Star families from Kansas erans and retirees. Special guests included and Missouri were recognized at special Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Don ceremony prior to the game. Ballard; Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the “The center point of the event was to Kansas adjutant general and dignitaries (Continued on Page 10) Warrant Officers must understand key Army National Guard tasks By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Smith Our strength depends on developing Command Chief Warrant Officer ourselves in our units through challeng- I’m deviating from the Warrant Officer ing training and leadership opportunities centric discussion this month to explain and repetitions allowing for the growth of Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Don Ballard, a former Kansas National the key tasks to make the Warrant Officer unit readiness and unit end-strength. Guardsman, prepares to toss the coin before the start of the game between Sporting Cohort and the Kansas Army National Things to focus on: KC and Atlanta United FC during the “Sporting Salutes” military appreciation Guard stronger. 1) Annual evaluations -- technical ap- event Aug. 6. (Photo by Katie Horner, Public Affairs Office) Sustained Readiness praisals, Officer Evaluation Re- Readiness is our #1 priority. We must be ports, Noncommissioned Officer ready to fight and Evaluation Reports and career/per- support what hap- formance counseling pens today and 2) Recognition -- Recognize others we will always that are doing an outstanding job prepare to fight 3) Predictability -- Avoid surprises and support to- 4) Benefits -- Make sure your Sol- morrow. There diers understand them will be an empha- 5) Chaplain visits sis on collective 6) Employer Support -- Recognition training and gen- 7) Family Readiness -- Events, holi- erating ready day gatherings, etc. forces to enhance Chief Warrant Officer 5 8) Timely promotions for Soldiers the mastery of Michael Smith Shared Understanding skills that support Inform and influence audiences, inside combined arms maneuver and wide area and outside the Kansas Army National security. To do this, units must reinvigo- Guard. Shared understanding allows for rate the basic fundamentals of warfighting, mission command and for synchroniza- focusing on decisive action, basic Soldier tion of efforts toward the end state. Our field craft, and continuous assessment of Soldiers must always understand the in- unit training plans that enable unit collec- tent of the mission and what is expected tive training readiness. of them. There is never too much coun- Soldier Care seling, whether it’s formal or informal. Every day we must keep foremost in Strengthening Partnerships Surrounded by members of the U.S. military branches from the Kansas City area, our minds our Soldiers, civilians, em- Develop teams within the U.S. armed Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James leads the crowd in a cheer during the ployers and their families. We must treat forces and in the communities we support. Sporting KC “Sporting Salutes” military appreciation event Aug. 6. (Photo by Katie others better than you want to be treated. (Continued on Page 11) Horner, Public Affairs Office) August 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Devastation of Hurricane Harvey affected us all By Maj. Gen Lee Tafanelli flood rescue teams to join in the emergency The Adjutant General response operations. These teams were Hurricane Harvey is another tragedy that from the Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, has galvanized the entire nation into action. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and First, we saw the utter devastation such a Tourism, Derby Fire Department, Chanute disaster wreaks on people – lives lost, Fire Department, Hutchinson Fire Depart- homes and businesses destroyed, an entire ment, South Hutchinson Police Depart- city’s infrastructure severely damaged in ment, Manhattan Fire Department, Mission ways it will take months, if not years, to Township Fire Department, Neodesha Fire fully restore. Department, Newton Fire It is hard to fully envision the magnitude Department/EMS, Parsons Fire Depart- of the destruction. Hurricane Harvey did ment, Pittsburg Fire Department, Salina not affect just one town, or even two. There Fire Department, Saline County Sheriff’s were miles and Office, Sedgwick County Fire Department, miles of destruc- Shawnee Fire Department, and Winfield tion all along the Fire Department. Their objectives was to Texas and search for and rescue individuals, provide Louisiana coast- basic life support medical care, transport line, extending humans and animals to the nearest location well inland. for secondary air or land transport, provide In the great city shore-based and boat-based water rescue, of Houston, there provide animal rescues, and support heli- was hardly a street copter and urban search and rescue in that did not experi- water environments. ence flooding to Maj. Gen. We also have Kansas National Guards- some degree. You Lee Tafanelli men and equipment on standby, ready to could hardly open mobilize if requested. These are the type of have lost their own lives in the effort to In the meantime, I urge all Kansans to a newspaper or look at a television screen missions we train for and there is never a save others. It is better to allow those who take a look at their own emergency prepa- without seeing image after image of water shortage of Kansas Guardsmen ready to are trained for such work to conduct those rations. Do you have an emergency kit in that reached to the rooftops in many subur- volunteer. rescue operations. They do not need to be your home and in your car? Do you have ban neighborhoods. We saw patches of In addition to the trained emergency re- rescuing volunteers in addition to those an emergency plan? Have you practiced it? metal that seemed to float along the surface sponse personnel, we have seen an out- who are truly storm victims. When severe weather is imminent, do you of the floodwaters and we suddenly real- pouring of support from everyday citizens. If you really feel the desire to volunteer listen to your weather radio or local news ized they were the roofs of cars. Even However, as much as it is human nature to your time and skills to help the people of station and heed the warnings? where the water was not as deep, we saw want to rush to the aid of our fellow man, Texas and Louisiana, I urge you to register Every year, September is designated as homes where the floods poured through that aid must be given in a way that truly with one of those agencies mentioned Kansas Preparedness Month. That makes it doors and windows, destroying household helps and does not hinder rescue and re- above, letting them know you are available the perfect time to make a kit and a plan if contents and treasured family heirlooms. covery efforts. and what skills you have. If there is a need you don’t already have one. Whatever you And then there were the faces. Faces that While sending truckloads of food, cloth- for your assistance, you will be contacted. can do now to safeguard the lives and showed fear, shock, and disbelief that such ing and other such items displays the good And remember, while there are very real safety of you own family will make it eas- a thing could be happening to them, to their intentions of the heart, it often only causes and very immediate needs in Texas and ier for our dedicated emergency response friends, to their city. Other faces were more problems. Such items need to be Louisiana, recovery is going to be a long, workers should the unthinkable every hap- weary from long hours of the struggle just sorted, packaged and stored, which re- slow process. If you can’t give money or pen in your own community. to survive. quires manpower that could be put to better volunteer now, there will be plenty of op- Stay safe and remember the people of And then those faces began to smile, to use. There also has to be a place to store portunities to serve later. Texas and Louisiana. cry with joy as the hope of rescue came into the goods until they can be distributed; sight. Whenever something like this hap- sometimes there is nowhere to do that. Warrior to Warrior pens, wherever it may be, that’s when emer- Looking at the pictures from Texas and gency responders go to work. Police, search Louisiana, you can easily see why that may Enlisted Force Advisory Council and rescue squads, emergency medical be the case. workers, and, of course, the National Guard Perishable foods present their own spe- works to address Airmen concerns immediately went into action to serve the cial time-sensitive problems and even non- people they have sworn to protect. They perishable foods still have to be sorted, By State Command Chief Master Sgt. • Title 10 to title 32 transition barriers were joined by hundreds of ordinary citizens packaged and stored. Often, there is a glut William Stacey • Title 10 to title 32 orders who turned out with boats of all sizes to of some items and not enough of others. State Command Chief - Air • ANG mobilization requirements look for victims stranded by swift floodwa- We have seen instances where tons of do- The Air National Guard Enlisted Force • Tricare Reserve Select for temporary ters that turned streets into rivers. nated items had to be discarded because Advisory Council is broken up into seven technicians, and Help came from all over the country and they could not be used. regions which • 30-day myPers timeout with EPRs. even from other nations, all ready to do The best way to help the people of Texas represent more How does this process work? Airmen whatever they could to save lives and ease and Louisiana is to donate money to rep- than 91,000 en- in the field will identify an issue and fill the suffering of Harvey’s devastation. utable civic, service and faith-based organi- listed members out a form 802, stating the concern/issue Kansas is the lead state this year for the zations experienced in disaster response of the ANG. The that affects Airmen at the national level. Emergency Management Assistance Com- and recovery operations. Donating money sole purpose of The form will be submitted to your wing pact, a multistate agreement that expedites allows these groups to buy exactly what is EFAC is to iden- command chief, followed by the regional emergency assistance between states when needed, when it is needed. tify and fix issues primary representative. During the quar- disasters occur and local resources are ex- Too often, well-meaning people self-de- that impact all terly meetings, the council will address hausted. The staff in the Kansas Division of ploy to a disaster area, which often does Airmen at the na- the proposed issue to identify if it is a Emergency Management have done out- more harm than good. Food, water and tional level. local or national level issue. standing work in coordinating personnel other resources are already scarce in those The state of State Command Once the decision has been made to and equipment to send to Texas and areas and those self-deployed volunteers Kansas is in Re- Chief Master Sgt. take on the task, it will be assigned to a Louisiana. It is a job that is still ongoing take resources from others who need it. gion Five, which William Stacey region. The region will then figure out if and will probably continue for some time. Search and rescue is dangerous work. I includes Ne- the issue is policy, procedural or legisla- Kansas sent a number of swiftwater/ have heard tragic stories of people who braska, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and tive and engage as required. Some issues Louisiana; representing 12,312 enlisted may be resolved quickly, while others Airmen. The EFAC council is made up of make take some serious time. Issues 17 current command chiefs on a two-year which require a change in the law may tour that fill the council roles of presi- take up to a year or longer to resolve. dent, vice president, secretary and a pri- As your state command chief, I am cur- mary and alternate representative from rently the alternate representative for Re- each region. The council works directly gion Five. I encourage all of you to with the Air National Guard Command highlight any issues that are affecting Chief’s office, identifying and resolving readiness and well-being. Any Airman at issues that affect the entire enlisted force. any level can submit a form 802 if you The council has recently joined with the feel there is an issue with any program or equivalent Army National Guard council procedure that has a negative impact at a to work related issues that affect both national level. Airmen and Soldiers across the entire Na- If you have an issue, identify it, do your tional Guard. homework on said subject and then for- What are some of the top current issues ward it to your wing command chief. If we affecting Airmen in the ANG? don’t know it’s broken, we can’t fix it. • Post 9-11 GI Bill four-year retainability Thank you all for what you do every • Standardized promotion boards for day! Be sure to take care of yourself, ANG Airmen your family and your wingman! Page 4 Plains Guardian • August 2017 Black Hawks up Kansas National Guard choppers wow area residents during flights By Dale Hogg tional Guard. It is a four-bladed, twin-en- By permission of the Great Bend Tribune gine, medium-lift utility helicopter used for Community leaders from several central soldier and equipment transport, medical Kansas communities got a bird’s-eye view evacuation, support for ground troops, and of Barton County during a June 21 orienta- other missions. tion flight sponsored by the Kansas Na- It holds 11 passengers and a four-person tional Guard Recruiting and Retention crew. The choppers in use were two-year- Battalion. old versions of the Black Hawks, which With a loud roar and “thumpa, thumpa, were first introduced in 1994. thumpa,” two olive green Black Hawk heli- The two Black Hawks were dubbed copters from Company B, 1st Battalion, “Chalk 1” and “Chalk 2.” Before the flights, 108th Aviation, lifted off from a Barton the pilots gave passengers a brief rundown Community College parking lot with of the aircraft, safety procedures and what to elected officials, educators, media and do in the event of an emergency. other professionals on board. In all, 37 pas- Then, with the blades loudly whirling sengers from central Kansas took turns tak- overhead, the passengers climbed aboard ing 20-minute flights. and buckled themselves into the harnesses. “Wow, that was pretty wild,” said Rob With the cargo doors wide open and a rush Bauer as he hopped out of the helicopter of wind, the birds left the ground, revealing after his ride. “That was cool.” a miniature world below. The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is the They passed over the patchwork quilt of aerial workhorse of the Kansas Army Na- gold and green fields dotted with farms,

Maj. Chuck Leivan, Education Services officer for the Kansas National Guard, tells orientation flight participants about the many programs and benefits of join- ing the Kansas National Guard. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) and criss-crossed by roads and highways. and Salina, and there are plans to visit The snake-like Arkansas River cut across Topeka and Wichita. the landscape and Cheyenne Bottoms The goal of the flights was to educate the looked like a shimmering medallion. public on what the Guard does and what it In addition to the Black Hawks, the offers, said Guard Public Affairs Officer Guard had demonstrations of various mili- Katie Horner during a pre-flight briefing in tary weapons and vehicles. the BCC student union. “This is a chance This marked the fifth orientation flight for us to share our story and it is a chance the KANG has done this year. There have for you to share our story.” been stops in Garden City, Hays, Pittsburg (Continued on Page 9) Sept. 30 is deadline to apply for $500 scholarships Applications will be accepted until Sept. extracurricular activities in and out of 30 for four $500 education scholarships to school, participation in civic and commu- be awarded by the 635th Armor Regiment nity services, career intentions with a spe- Sgt. Tony Dickey, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, gives a safety briefing to par- and 137th Infantry Regiment Scholarship cial emphasis on service to state and ticipants of the Great Bend orientation flight June 21. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide nation, and financial need. Public Affairs Office) scholarship grants to assist direct descen- The Scholarship Committee, in conjunc- dants, legally adopted children, grandchil- tion with the Topeka Community Founda- Big benefits from using GTCC dren, and great-grandchildren of those who tion, manages the 137th/635th Regiment served honorably to attend accredited Scholarship Fund. If you are interested in By Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz gram coordinator, 184th IW, and superin- schools of higher learning. donating to this scholarship, you may con- 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs tendent, 184th Comptroller Flight. Fugate Eligibility for scholarships is linked to tribute via the web site, www.topekacom- Airmen hear it every time they travel: manages and tracks the wing’s overall honorable service of parents and/or grand- munityfoundation.org or mail to Topeka “Use your GTCC for everything and pay it GTCC program. parents in the following past and present Community Foundation, ATTN: off right when you get back.” But why? Rebates are received at the end of every military organizations: 635th/137th Scholarship, 5431 SW 29th How does using the Government Travel fiscal quarter if the wing’s delinquencies • 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Battalions, 137th In- Street, Suite 300, Topeka, KS 66614-4486. Charge Card benefit Airmen and the 184th are under a two percent margin of total dol- fantry Regiment. Contributions are income tax deductible Intelligence Wing? lars spent using the GTCC. If delinquen- • 1st or 2nd Battalions, 635th Armor and easy to accomplish. 100% of the ad- The answer is a Department of Defense cies exceed the two percent margin, no Regiment. ministration fees are paid by investment re- rebate program from the GTCC. The more rebate will be awarded for that quarter. The • 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th turn or covered by a board member, so the card is used to make legal purchases, wing earned rebates during three out the Infantry Regiment. your entire contribution goes to the schol- the more of a rebate the base receives to four quarters for the 2016 fiscal year, re- • 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion arship. spend on different programs and projects ceiving a total of $37,255. The first quarter (World War II). Contact retired Col. Robert Bloomquist focusing on morale, welfare, quality of life, of the 2017 fiscal year has earned $12,300. The primary criteria upon which grants at [email protected] or 785-234-2688 and equipment that couldn’t be covered The GTCC program rebates are briefed will be decided include scholastics, apti- for the application form or questions about from the standard budget. during senior staff meetings where group tude and involvement in the many forms of eligibility. “I am excited about the extra resource and squadron commanders can request that can be used for quality of life items for funds through the commander of the 184th the wing,” said Col. David Weishaar, com- Comptroller Flight. The 2016 rebates have PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian mander, 184th IW. “We don’t get this been used to upgrade the 184th Medical money without the work of the finance per- Group breakroom, updating the 184th Pub- The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- sonnel and our Airmen’s timely payments.” lic Affairs equipment, and the 184th Civil ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- Unless otherwise exempt, all DoD military Engineer Squadron installing water bottle olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will pay- or civilian personnel who travel as part of filling stations wing wide. ment be made for contributions. their duties may obtain and use a GTCC. The “In addition to expanding the breakroom, The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions GTCC program provides card carriers a safe we are purchasing equipment including a may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). and commercially available method to pay commercial sized fridge and freezer to re- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office for expenses associated with official travel place the two household sized refrigerators, Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office without using their own personal funds. Ex- two coffee makers, two microwaves, a Gov. Sam Brownback Director amples include, purchases for airline tickets, toaster oven, and tables and chairs for our Adjutant General of Kansas Catherine Horner 785-646-1192 hotels, rental cars, food, and taxis. members to store, prepare and enjoy their Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Deputy Director - Administrative Publisher Jane Welch 785-646-1190 Two types of rebates, sales and produc- lunches in one area,” said Master Sgt. Catherine Horner FAX 785-646-1622 e-mail: [email protected] tivity, are available from the travel card Melinda Kellogg, noncommissioned officer Editing/Production/Graphics/Writing vendor. Sales rebates are based on charge in charge of Bioenvironmental Engineer- Stephen D. Larson Deputy Director - Communications Sgt. Zach Sheely Capt. Matt Lucht 785-646-1195 volume and productivity rebates are based ing, 184th MDG. “Personnel are respond- Production Assistant Chief Editor and Writer on payment timeliness. ing with excitement and enthusiasm to Jane Welch Stephen D. Larson 785-646-1194 Command Historian “All the rebate money comes back to our have a more functional breakroom space.” The Plains Guardian may be read online at Master Sgt. Jeremy Byers 785-646-1197 wing and is allocated to different groups to “If we want to continue using these ben- http://kansastag.gov take care of our Airmen,” said Chief Mas- efits then we need to continue paying our For change of address, contact Jane Welch. ter Sgt. Kelly Fugate, wing agency pro- bills on time,” said Weishaar. August 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Kansas Guardsmen, British soldiers train with Armenian firefighters By Sgt. Zach Sheely change of experience with the Shirak Res- Public Affairs Office cue Service in the 14-year partnership. “This has been the best experience of my While the Kansas and British soldiers life,” said Staff Sgt. Clinton Mumbower, were there to teach, the education was the medical readiness noncommissioned mutual. officer with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field “I’ve learned so many things,” said Cpl. Artillery. Nigel “Scotty” Scott, a combat medical Mumbower was part of a joint multina- technician with 6 Rifles. “One example is, tional team of medical and hazardous mate- I have seen these guys make things happen rials experts from the Kansas National with limited resources. They’re great at im- Guard and British Army who participated provisation.” in a training exchange with firefighters in the Shirak Province of the Republic of Ar- “My experience has been menia July 18-28. The training team consisted of 12 Kansas fantastic. I’d come back in Army National Guard Soldiers and six a heartbeat.” Royal Army Medical Corps soldiers with Cpl. Michael Ward 6th Battalion, The Rifles. Together, they trained approximately 200 Armenian fire- Kansas National Guard fighters at six Ministry of Emergency Situ- ations fire rescue stations across When combining multiple languages and Northwestern Armenia. cultures, communication would be impos- “The Ministry of Emergency Situations sible without translators. A team of six Ar- is working to increase the firefighters’ abil- menian interpreters provided this vital link Armenian firefighters practice CPR techniques under the watchful eye of two ity to provide medical care and to protect in communication. Kansas National Guardsmen. Twelve Guardsmen and six soldiers of the British themselves and others from chemical “The interpreters have been phenome- Army’s Royal Army Medical Corps, 6th Battalion, The Rifles, were in Armenia July weapons and industrial chemical hazards nal,” said Davee. “Not only are they well 18-28 under a training exchange arranged through the National Guard Bureau’s that may occur in everyday life,” said Capt. versed in the language itself, they also Partnership for Peace program. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) Jason Davee, a physician assistant with the studied before we even got here. So even a 73rd Civil Support Team, KSARNG. lot of the acronyms that we’re using and between the (three) countries,” said Pike. “I think we’ve built some strong bonds,” The training teams led instruction on medical terms, scientific terms, they’ve “Wherever we’ve gone, we’ve done that.” said Ward. “Anyone I’ve talked to has said first-response care and the steps to assess taken the time to study.” While this was this first event of its ‘You can come stay at my house.’ That is a and triage a casualty. The course also in- Armenian interpreter Sophie Simonyan kind, many participants noted the good bond. That’s about as good as you can get. cluded basic chemical, biological, radiolog- said that, in Armenia, it is common to relationships forged with their Armenian “My experience has been fantastic. I’d ical and nuclear threat awareness, speak multiple languages, and English counterparts. come back in a heartbeat.” recognition and response information. courses start at the primary school level. “These fire personnel are already very “Being a very small country, we have the knowledgeable,” said Cpl. Michael Ward, a need to learn many languages,” said Si- National Guard Bureau and combat medic with the 1077th Ground Am- monyan. “Learning English and speaking it bulance Company, KSARNG. “They al- well is the first step to communicating with TACOM come to Kansas ready have a pretty good basic life-saving anyone in the world.” By Staff Sgt. Mark Nussbaumer employs more than 60 people. The facility 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment officially began operations in February Representatives from the National Guard 1999 and produced its 1000th engine May Bureau and the U.S. Army Tank-Automo- 13, 2013. tive and Armaments Command paid a site Many of the products produced are part of visit Feb. 14 to the Advanced Turbine En- the Foreign Military Sales program, although gine Army Maintenance facility at Mar- there are many that are shipped to customers shall Army Air Field, Fort Riley, Kansas. inside the United States. The FMS program Other representatives included Brian Fer- allows the allies of the United States to trade ber from Honeywell and members of the certain products with the United States. The Kansas Army National Guard. ATEAM’s primary FMS program customer The visit was part of a team that looked is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. at the facility and the operations aspect of The ATEAM also provides onsite annual maintaining the AGT 1500 engine, X-1100 training support for all states. This support transmission and Full-Up Power Packs, allows the states to keep training even dur- and concluded with a tour of the facility ing a catastrophic failure. The company with special attention paid to the AGT performs various forms of support which 1500 dynamometer. The dyno, as it is can include sending an inspector and possi- called, runs an AGT 1500 engine as it bly a mechanic to their location to replace would be run in an actual M-1 Abrams Bat- or repair almost any part of the engine that tle Tank. This puts the engine through the can cause a tank to be shut down or allow- same extremes a tank could potentially ing the units to come the ATEAM facility face in combat to test their durability. to utilize their equipment. This allows the The ATEAM is part of the Kansas Na- units to maintain an extremely high level of tional Guard federal technician system and productivity and to minimize downtime. Cpl. Michael Ward (center), a combat medic with the Kansas National Guard’s 1077th Ground Ambulance Company, explains a medical technique to a group of Ar- menian firefighters with the aid of a British soldier and an interpreter. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) knowledge base. We just sort of tweaked In addition to translating the language, that and updated it, gave them some new the interpreters also served as liaisons to tools that they can use.” help cultural assimilation on all sides. The Kansas Guard and British soldiers “Through our fantastic interpreter, we presented the training curriculum in small, could joke back and forth, and once we es- joint teams to a rotating shift of firefighters tablished that we both have the same sense at fire rescue stations in the towns of of humor, they accepted me, and we moved Akuryan, Amasia, Artik, Ashotsk, Gyumri, right along as a family,” said Spc. Matt and Maralik Armenia. Chastain, a combat medic with the 1077th. 1st Sgt. Sarah Sell, the noncommissioned For many of the Kansas and British sol- officer in charge, said she was pleased with diers, it was their first trip to the Republic the rapid cohesion formed by the American of Armenia. and United Kingdom soldiers, and the “I’ve never been out of the (U.S.) be- training they delivered. fore,” said Pfc. Audrey Wilson, a combat “This team gelled quickly and worked medic with the 1077th. “I’ve also never well together,” said Sell, who serves as the been in a teaching position before, so that’s first sergeant of the 190th Air Refueling some excellent experience for me that I can Wing Security Forces Squadron in Topeka. take back to my unit and be better at com- “That’s a testament to the professionalism municating there as well.” and level of expertise of these soldiers.” Multinational partnerships are strength- The Kansas National Guard and the Re- ened at the ground level between peers, and Sgt. Maj. Mark Haselhorst (left), a surface maintenance mechanic supervisor, and public of Armenia are partners in the Na- 6 Rifles Cpl. Jessica Pike said that this mis- Master Sgt. Alberto Allamby (center), surface maintenance mechanic inspector su- tional Guard Bureau’s State Partnership sion was about more than improving health pervisor, explain a problem to Master Sgt. Eric Jaeger, National Guard Bureau Program and this circumstance manage- care and medical readiness. Maintenance Branch Noncommissioned Officer. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Nuss- ment event was the first direct peer ex- “It’s been about building a relationship baumer, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Page 6 Plains Guardian • August 2017 891st Engineer Battalion conducts field training in Coffeyville By Steve McBride peting against time and other teams. Community Editor, Coffeyville Journal “One lane will be the push up/sit up event,” said Hull. Used by permission “There is a grenade throw, where Soldiers learn to practice Under a bright sun with high winds, the 891st Engineer placing their grenades on the target. Another lane will be a Battalion, Kansas Army National Guard, conducted field leadership course that teaches them to move from one area training exercises near the Army National Guard armory in to another without touching the ground. They will do this Coffeyville April 7-8. on a piece of plywood and PVC pipe. This course will Sgt. 1st Class Frank Hull, operations noncommissioned make them think about working together to develop ideas officer, 242nd Engineer Company, set forth the plan for the to accomplish their mission and working together to day. achieve their goal.” “We will implement a lot of team-building exercises. Other exercises included the dismantling of an M-16 They will go through different scenario-based obstacles rifle and reassembling it in approximately one minute. such as the movement to contact which teams will carry Teams will compete on time with the M-16 exercise. paintball guns and move through an area where the ‘bad Going hand over hand, each team competed for best time guys’ will attack the group,” Hull said. “When a member crossing a rope bridge set up across a creek. of the group is shot they will keep moving through that “These are some of the exercises these Soldiers have to area to a point they will evaluate the casualties and per- participate in,” Hull explained. “A lot of this training is form medical attention by bandaging arms, legs, or what- about making these Soldiers think about how to overcome ever requires medical attention from a wound. obstacles and build as a team. It’s not about being your “If a Soldier needs more immediate medical attention we own person. It’s about a group effort.” will have an area where the casualty can be evacuated by As the exercises were beginning, they had just returned helicopter or ambulance to move them out of the area. from a 12-mile march. Each member was carrying their That’s one series of lanes the Soldiers will be training on.” weapons and full duffel bag, called a ruck. They marched For two days these Soldiers - 11 teams - worked on out six miles and returned another six miles, Hull said. every aspect of team building. They participated in exer- When the teams left for the field training exercises, each A team of Soldiers from the 891st Engineer Battalion cises, such as nuclear biological chemical. team had a pack radio that, when they get to a location, use their problem-solving skills to move their plywood “This is where they have to put on the protective mask they used to call into the command post, where it was platform over the ground. (Photo by Steve McBride, and protective suits and it is a timed exercise,” said Hull. logged in by the command staff, which allowed the com- Coffeyville Journal) “This can be very competitive on an individual basis yet it mand support staff to practice their skills. These field train- is a team building exercise where each team member helps ing exercises give every Soldier in the field the proper Kansas, briefed the tour group on the 891st Engineer Bat- each other succeed. This is important especially on the bat- training to react at a moment’s notice in case the time talion’s capabilities. tle field.” comes they are needed in any conflict situation. “I am commander of the Kansas National Guard Army Hull said teams will go through a series of lanes, com- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general for the state of and Air Force and the director of (the Kansas Division of) Emergency Management and director of (Kansas) Home- land Security,” Tafanelli explained. “What we are attempting to do at this event, and what our Army units do across the state, is they prepare for one of their two missions, and that could be either a federal mission to prepare for deployment or preparing for the state support that we do for the citizens in Kansas. This could be working with floods or other inci- dents that call upon our training. What we try to do is grow Army units that can do these two types of missions.” Tafanelli said that part of the Army National Guard’s mission is recruiting and trying to grow the numbers of their formations. “If you have any ideas on how to do that, please talk to us,” said Tafanelli. Tafanelli also addressed the building of relationships through partnerships. “We are asking our command teams to go out and work with the community and create those partnerships not just for recruiting but for building awareness for what the Guard can do to help the community,” he said. As the tour came to a close, Hull said the city of Cof- feyville approached the 891st Engineer Battalion and of- fered them all of the land on the other side of the National Guard armory property, approximately 200 acres that in- cluded tree lines, creek and a lot of land. The land allowed the battalion to expand its training exercises to reflect real- world scenarios. “We want to thank the city of Coffeyville and the Cof- feyville Community College for allowing us to train on this A Soldier of the 891st Engineer Battalion traverses a stream during field training exercise conducted in April at land and for the support everyone in the community has Fort Riley. (Photo by Steve McBride, Coffeyville Journal) shown us,” said Hull. “It’s been a great partnership.” Paola American Legion riders visit 190th Air Refueling Wing By Senior Airman Emily Amyotte 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs “We support what you do and all the support we’ve got from the 190th goes to The American Legion Riders, Chapter 156 from Paola visited the 190th Air Refueling Wing on June 25 to show show how much you appreciate what we do.” their support for Airmen and the refueling mission. George Honn, director The American Legion Riders are a national motorcycle Paola American Legion Riders club split into regional sectors that provide support for vet- erans and their families. The Paola chapter is one of the most active in Kansas and often rides in gratitude for mili- tary funerals as well as numerous parades, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day programs. “We support what you do,” said George Honn, Paola American Legion Riders director. “And all the support we’ve got from the 190th goes to show how much you ap- preciate what we do. Not very often do you get an invita- tion to do something like a personal visit onto base.” During their visit they met with Airmen, observed the Patriot Guard nose art painted on a KC-135 and paraded their roaring engines with American flags waving proudly behind each bike. Master Sgt. Chris Dubois, 190th ARW crew chief, con- ceived the idea of the Patriot Guard nose art; Senior Airman Skylar Caldwell, another 190th ARW crew chief, later de- signed and painted the image on the aircraft. Caldwell com- pleted the artwork in three days and revealed it in April 2016. The American Legion Riders agreed that it was a privilege to More than 25 members of the Paola American Legion Riders came to Forbes to see the nose art honoring their ef- (Continued on Page 10) forts. (Photo by Senior Airman Emily Amyotte, 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) August 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Civil engineer Airman builds civilian and military career By Tech. Sgt. Erich B. Smith job,” Ghareeb said. National Guard Bureau Her ambition on the civilian side parallels her obligation Though Senior Airman Samantha Ghareeb’s Air Force to her squadron, said Ghareeb’s supervisor, Air Force Mas- occupation involves excavators and bulldozers, one of her ter Sgt. Michael Martin, describing her as a “vital asset.” more memorable experiences in uniform – helping to reno- “She’s always the first to volunteer,” he said, adding that vate an orphanage in Latvia – required only hand tools. she is “almost looking for the hardest job there is to do.” “I was tasked with putting what felt like 50 layers of But it’s variety, Ghareeb said, that keeps her maneuvering stucco on the outside of the building,” she said. “It was a equipment, interpreting blueprints and wearing hard hats. great experience to help those kids.” “I like working on different projects in different loca- On the civilian side, Ghareeb, a heavy equipment opera- tions,” she said. tor with the Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th Civil Engi- Her past fieldwork has ranged from building zoo facilities neer Squadron, is a site safety coordinator for an energy to restoring living spaces for members of her community. company. Her entry into the construction world began in a While she said her work is aligned with her outdoorsy warehouse. spirit, Ghareeb doesn’t discount the value of the classroom. “I was a fork lift operator and I actually enjoyed it, be- She begins her senior year at Pittsburgh State University sides the fact that it was a dead-end job that had no future,” this fall, continuing her studies in construction and safety she said. management. When Ghareeb was in the process of choosing her Air “The classroom does have its strong points when it Force career path, she wanted to do something “hands-on comes to problem solving and general knowledge that is that allowed me to be outside.” Nearly four years after en- specific to the [construction] industry,” said Ghareeb. listing, Ghareeb plans on staying in civil engineering, a ca- “Having a degree is a helping hand to get you where you reer field that plays a crucial role of sustaining solid air want to be in life.” power from the ground, she said. For now, she said she is focused on absorbing as much “Basically, we fit into the mission by maintaining air- experience as possible, both in and out of uniform, before craft runways and parking aprons,” Ghareeb said. “Some pursuing positions of greater responsibility, such as a field of the highlights of our job involve operating, transporting Senior Airman Samantha Ghareeb, a heavy equipment engineer or project manager for a commercial construction and maintaining equipment while ensuring compliance operator with the Kansas Air National Guard’s 190th company. with environmental and safety regulations.” Civil Engineer Squadron, applies mortar to a building “She has a strong sense of who she is as an Airman,” She added her military experience helps her communi- in Daugavpils, Latvia, in June 2015. Ghareeb was part said Martin, adding she brings the qualities of a top-notch cate better with civilian equipment operators by identifying of a humanitarian project between her unit and Latvian Airman to the civilian world. what tasks and responsibilities they have on a job site. military engineers. (Photo by Master Sgt. Allen Pickert, Regardless of what capacity she fills on the job site, “I can understand what they need from me and what I 190th Air Refueling Wing) Ghareeb said construction provides a purpose-filled profes- need from them,” Ghareeb said, adding that improved or- She said the skill sets acquired from the Air Guard have sional life. “Hands down, my favorite feeling about con- ganizational and planning skills can be attributed to the paved her way for high-quality, civilian job opportunities. struction would have to be the moment when I can drive by hours she spends in uniform. “It’s [construction] all very “Employers see the value in the ability to operate vari- a project — or look at it in pictures — that has been com- precise. It’s not just about pushing dirt around.” ous pieces of equipment, which can help me get a better pleted, and tell people that I helped build that.” 184th Civil Engineer Squadron makes waves in Hawaii By Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney nally thought, the engineers developed a 184th Public Affairs secondary plan of removing and replacing Before first light on June 3, a bustle of ac- everything under the roof. The roof was the tivity took place at the 184th Civil Engineer only salvageable structure of the building. Squadron. Bags were loaded and last minute With that decided, Airmen began prop- checks were made as Airmen prepared to ping up the roof and installing sections, leave for a two-week deployment for train- while the roofers shingled the steady parts ing at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii. of the roof. “What we’ve done at Bellows is, we’ve “It takes a huge group effort,” said Ives. been called in to basically redo this build- “Engineers need to be able to justify and ing,” said Master Sgt. John Ives, civil oper- know what things can and can’t be done ations manager and noncommissioned safely—that’s the main thing. We want to officer in charge of the project, 184th CES. keep our people safe while we’re working in The initial project was simply, remodel those different environments. We’re pulling an old security forces building at Bel- all those materials out and want to make sure lows—tear out and replace old walls and something doesn’t collapse on them.” carpet, along with reroofing the building. With all of the replanning, Airmen re- However, during demolition, extensive ceived training on jobs outside their field termite damage was evident throughout the of expertise. entire building, apart from the roof. “I got a lot of experience working on “As we got further into and started looking things that I’m not used to working on,” at the structural pieces of the building, we re- said Senior Airman Ricky Navarette, 184th alized that we couldn’t build on what ex- CES. “I don’t work with roofing, structures isted,” said Maj. Jeff Schmidt, 184th CES. or anything like that and now I get to work “We needed to basically start over. So then with all the different guys that are out here Engineers with the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron use a reciprocating saw to make a we had to figure out a way to do that, and to working on different aspects of the project.” cut during a construction project at Bellows Air Force Station, Hawaii. (Photo by salvage what we could out of the building.” Airmen from other squadrons also helped. Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) Since the damage was worse than origi- “Well, anybody coming out here from any kind of Air Force Specialty Code, “It also gave all our Airmen an opportu- would get some kind of training from this, nity to build camaraderie with others that being it’s construction,” said Master Sgt. they may not be able to do at home station,” Glen Godsey, civil engineering operations said Master Sgt. Marla Urban, 184th FSS. management at Smoky Hill. “So if you Despite the unforeseen complications, ever wanted to build your own deck, if you the 184th CES was able to tear down and ever wanted to repair something in your replace the building to about 65 percent own home, this could kind of teach you a completion before the Nebraska Air Guard little bit of that.” arrived to continue the project. The 184th Force Support Squadron serv- “I think that kind of resounds inside each ices team provided breakfast and lunch of us of how good our Airmen are and how every day for the workers, starting their willing they are to take something that we meal preparations before dawn. had an original plan and totally change it “It was a good experience for all of our and adapt and overcome,” said Ives. “Even younger Airmen who had never been on though we’ve had some long days and temporary duty before,” said Tech. Sgt. we’ve had some challenges, financially, and Chris Guild, 184th FSS. “The team really some materials and so forth and obviously pulled together to provide food support for with the project itself, they’re willing to just our fellow Jayhawks.” put their heads down and get it done.”

Team effort: Engineers with the 184th Civil Engineer Squadron lift a frame into place at a construction site at Bellow Air Station, Hawaii. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) Page 8 Plains Guardian • August 2017 Kansas joins nationwide emergency communication network

By Steve Larson Kansas will have a state of the art, interoper- Public Affairs Office able broadband network dedicated to them When a disaster strikes anywhere in the at all times,” said Dick Heitschmidt, state, quick and effective communication is Hutchinson chief of police, and chairman of key to emergency response efforts. In the Kansas 9-1-1 Coordinating Council. today’s electronic age, that means reliable, “Kansas first responders already have a re- uninterrupted voice and data transfer be- markable 800 megahertz system statewide, tween fire departments, law enforcement, and many of the 9-1-1 centers in the state of emergency medical services and other first Kansas are converting from the old legacy response agencies of all sizes. system to the state’s new next-generation 9- To better achieve that goal, Gov. Sam 1-1 system. By the governor opting in to Brownback announced that Kansas has FirstNet, that means that Kansas will be one opted to participate in a nationwide system of the very first states in the country to have designed to enhance public safety commu- all three of these critical communication nication and interoperability. tools available to the first responders.” At an Aug. 15 news conference in the “I talked to a Lawrence fireman just yes- Kansas Statehouse, Brownback signed a let- terday and he told me to pass on his thanks ter opting the state into FirstNet, a wireless to the governor and all the people responsi- broadband network dedicated to emergency ble for helping create this network,” said communications. This will make Kansas the Scott. “(He said) ‘It makes my job as a first 14th state or territory to opt in to FirstNet. responder safer.’” “This initiative positions Kansas to pro- “What this will provide for us is mission- vide state of the art emergency communi- critical voice at high speed, along with data cation services to the benefit of our and video,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, residents, businesses and visitors,” said Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signs a letter Aug. 15 opting the state into FirstNet, a the adjutant general and director of the Brownback. “Our first responders need to wireless broadband network dedicated to emergency communications. Kansas is the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- quickly and securely coordinate efforts dur- 14th state to join the network. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) ment. Tafanelli said the FirstNet system ing an emergency, and FirstNet will help dependent authority within the U.S. De- the FirstNet system, including the construc- will give the state the “ability to coordinate ensure that they have the tools they need to partment of Commerce. AT&T, in a pub- tion of approximately 26 new communica- and synchronize resources and efforts safeguard our state. This effort will also lic-private partnership with FirstNet, will tion sites in Kansas that will add to AT&T’s much more effectively and efficiently.” bring welcome broadband service enhance- build, operate and maintain a highly se- existing coverage. “They’ll get data when they need it, how ments to many rural parts of our state, in- cure, wireless broadband communications “Working with an established telecom- they need it, uninterrupted,” said Mike cluding tribal lands and those areas most network for Kansas’ public safety commu- munication leader such as AT&T allows Poth, chief executive officer of FirstNet. recently affected by wildfires this spring.” nity at no cost to the state. Kansas to take advantage of the experi- “The decision today by the governor will Brownback said the FirstNet system has “FirstNet really is a game changer for the ence, the expertise and existence of core in- help save lives, including those of first re- been under consideration even when he Kansas public safety community,” said frastructure they will be bring to bear on sponders in the communities they serve was in the U.S. Senate and was prompted Mike Scott, president of AT&T Kansas. this service,” said Brownback. each and every day.” by communication problems following the “It’s what they clamored for, it’s what they The decision to join the FirstNet system Poth said FirstNet and AT&T will begin 9-11 attack in New York. Federal legisla- need and it’s something they will put into was met with great approval in the first re- right away to offer services and features tion authorizing the system was signed in very good and effective use.” sponse community. that first responders need. 2012 creating the First Responder Net- Scott said that AT&T will be investing “The governor’s decision to opt in to “This is truly a network built for public work Authority, known as FirstNet, as in- approximately $40 billion nationwide on FirstNet will ensure that first responders in safety by public safety.” Don’t wait: A chimney inspection now may save you grief this winter • Discolorations and/or distortions of this fall, now is a good time to arrange for the cap at the top of the chimney an inspection. • Creosote pieces on the roof or ground To help prevent chimney fires near the chimney • Use only seasoned, dried out wood. It • Heat-damaged roofing material takes about six months for wood to • Cracks in the chimney’s exterior season properly. Wood that is com- brickwork pletely dry will sound hollow when hit • Evidence that smoke has escaped against another piece of wood, it will through mortar joints be dark in color and may have cracks If the sweep suspects there has been a in the ends. chimney fire, he may recommend replacing • Start fires with clean newspaper or dry flue tiles, installing a new chimney liner, or kindling. Gasoline or kerosene should perhaps even replacing the chimney. Costly never be used to start a fire. measures, perhaps, but much safer and less • Never burn cardboard boxes, wrapping costly than rebuilding a home destroyed paper or your Christmas tree. because of a chimney fire. • Make smaller, hotter fires rather than If an inspection reveals no sign of a large ones chimney fire, it is still a good idea to have *** *** *** the chimney professionally cleaned and What if you don’t have a chimney? By Steve Larson that quickly draws the smoke up and any minor repairs done now before you use Do you have a gas furnace? Now would Public Affairs Office out of the chimney, allowing it to con- the fireplace in the winter. be a good time to have it professionally in- When temperatures soar in the summer dense on the chimney walls So, have your chimney inspected each spected, cleaned and in good repair, which months, it’s not unusual to long for cooler, • burning unseasoned wood, which con- year by a certified inspector to make sure it not only keeps you safer, but makes sure wintry weather. Some may even envision tains more moisture, which causes is safe. To avoid being put on a waiting list your heating system is at its peak efficiency. sitting in their living room while a snow • cooler than normal chimney tempera- storm blows outside, enjoying the gentle tures that allow creosote to build up. warmth of a cheery fireplace. Creosote can be crusty and flaky, or tar- Yes, even though it’s hot, winter is com- like and sticky or hardened and shiny. What- ing and the prospect of that cheery fire ever form it takes, it is very combustible. If draws closer. So now is the time to make the internal flue temperature is high enough, sure that cheery fire does not turn into a the result could be a chimney fire. dangerous chimney fire. Chimney fires may be loud and obvious There are approximately 25,000 chimney with flames or dense smoke erupting from fires in the nation each year, resulting in the chimney. Slow-burning chimney fires, thousands of injuries, numerous deaths and on the other hand, may go undetected, but causing more than $120 million in property can cause as much damage to the chimney damage from fires that spread to the rest of as the visible sort. And a chimney fire may the house. escalate to a house fire. The purpose of a chimney is to carry The Chimney Safety Institute of America away the smoke, water vapor, hydrocar- recommends your chimney be inspected bons, gases and other byproducts of the annually. During the inspection, a profes- fire. These substances gradually build up sional chimney sweep looks for: on the inner walls of a chimney and form a • Puffy or honey combed creosote black or brown residue called creosote. • Warped metal of the damper, metal Creosote can form due to: smoke chamber, connector pipe or fac- • a restricted air supply -- the damper tory-built metal chimney and/or air intake vents aren’t opened • Cracked or collapsed flue tiles, or tiles wide enough to allow a good air flow with large chunks missing August 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Antiterrorism awareness Kansas Guardsmen visit U.S. Vigilance is everyone’s busineess Army National Training Center August was Antiterrorism Awareness vancement of terrorist tactics as well as A select few Kansas National Guard Sol- how the National Training Center training Month in the U.S. Army. It was the Army’s combat violent extremism. Army commu- diers from the Recruit Sustainment Battalion cadre utilize controlled explosives, smoke, eighth annual observance of this call to ac- nities are expanding information sharing visited the U.S. Army’s National Training noise and smells to create a demanding, re- tion for Soldiers, Army civilians, retirees, through partnerships with state, local, Center in the California desert June 3. alistic training environment for our troops,” and family members, urging them to be tribal, federal, and international law en- The Soldiers invited to attend were: Spc. said Col. Roger Murdock, chief of staff, aware of the dangers posed by terrorism forcement and security agencies. Preven- Hector R. Perez Cortes, Salina; Pfc. Colby Kansas Army National Guard. “They got to and to be prepared to help combat terror- tion is a cornerstone of the Army’s Casaus, Holcomb; Pfc. Brian Coughlin, St. experience the sights and sounds of a simu- ism. As the online radicalization and mobi- antiterrorism strategy. George; Pfc. Matthew Dickerson, Topeka; lated marketplace that you’d find in many lization to violence continues to be on the In support of an active antiterrorism Pfc. Fernando Fernandez, Wichita; Pfc. Jai- Middle Eastern nations. rise, vigilance and awareness remain criti- awareness campaign, the Office of the son Moravec, Wichita; Pfc. William R. “They also got to speak with support per- cal to countering threats. Provost Marshal General works continu- Polly, Lincoln; Pvt. Benjamin Baragary, sonnel and gain an understanding of how To commemorate the terrorist attacks of ously with subordinate commands, installa- Emporia; Pvt. Magdaline McCall, Maple each of their jobs are vital in supporting the 9/11, the OPMG Antiterrorism Division es- tions, stand-alone facilities, and operational Hill; Pvt. 2 Dominic Caswell, Peru; Pvt. 2 war fight,” said Murdock. “All in all, I be- tablished an antiterrorism information units to focus on: Jeffrey Doshier, Andover; Pvt. 2 Jonathan lieve it was a tremendous opportunity for booth in the Pentagon from Aug. 8-10 to • Recognizing and reporting suspicious Gallegos, Marquette; Pvt. 2 Ryan R. John- these new Soldiers to gain perspective into share information with the Army staff and activity (including iWATCH Army and ston, Ellsworth; Pvt. 2 Juan Muro, Wichita; the total Army experience.” other Pentagon employees. Army com- iSALUTE). Pvt. 1 Tiffany R. Allison, Pittsburg; and The visit coincided with the 2nd Com- mands and installations were encouraged to • Understanding the threat associated Pvt. 1 Cody R. Thompson, Ottawa. bined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regi- conduct similar community outreach ef- with violent extremism. The Recruit Sustainment Program is de- ment; 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, forts to spread the message about the threat • Educating the community on the own- signed to teach new Army National Guard and 772nd Mobility Augmentation Com- and protective measures. ership and use of unmanned aerial sys- recruits basic level tasks to help them suc- pany participating in NTC Rotation 17-07. Army antiterrorism initiatives address tems as well as the risks from ceed at Initial Entry Training as they transi- An NTC rotation is typically three to four the ability to counter an increase and ad- adversarial use. tion into their respective units. weeks in duration and simulates the harsh, The National Training Center, located at realistic operational environment that Fort Irwin, California, is the Army’s premier America’s military forces may face in com- training ground. Nearly the size of Rhode bat. The exercise presents scenarios with Island, NTC is the only training site of its potential adversaries our nation could face kind to support brigade combat teams train- and include guerrilla, insurgent, criminal ing together in an austere environment. The and near-peer conventional forces. purpose of the tour was to highlight the op- The Kansas Army National Guard units erational demand and training opportunities were training as a part of the 155th Ar- available with the Kansas National Guard. mored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi “The Soldiers selected for this tour re- Army National Guard, to demonstrate the ceived a unique, behind-the-scenes look at U.S. Army’s Total Force policy.

New recruits in the Recruit Sustainment Program visited the U.S. Army’s National Training Center in California in June. (Photo provided) Summer camp presents MAGIC opportunity for high school girls Great Bend orientation flight (Continued from Page 4) a chance at life.” Starting out as a T.V. meteorologist, Through tuition assistance, duty pay, the Horner said she covered plenty of disasters G.I. Bill and scholarships, members have a from a television studio and watched as the chance to get their schooling and career Guard came in to help victims. “Now, I counseling. Help is available while they have a chance to work with these heroes.” are in the service and after they are dis- “We want to give you a chance to see charged. our equipment and see who we are,” said But, it is more than that, he said. He has Capt. Chris Koochel, a Great Bend native responded with Guard units to western who now heads up Guard recruiting efforts Kansas for the recent blizzard and to for most of eastern Kansas. The Guard Greensburg for the tornado in 2007. helped with the Kansas State University “There’s no greater feeling than helping engineering grad’s schooling and “gave me your community,” he said.

Kansas Army National Guard Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation talk about their aviation careers to participants of a Mentoring a Girl in Construction summer camp at Forbes Field on June 5. The camp introduces high school girls ages 14 or older to trade skill occupations and gives them a chance to learn from women already succeeding in these jobs. (Photo by Lori Frerichs) Page 10 Plains Guardian • August 2017 Awards and Decorations Soldiers trained on Global KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Staff Sgt. Evan Sprague, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Micah Allee, 184th IW, Wichita Legion of Merit Senior Airman Steven Bohling, 184th IW, Wichita Combat Support System Senior Airman Kimbre Fritz, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Jett Jurgens, 184th IW, Wichita Several Kansas Army National Guard manage equipment and personnel, and Senior Airman Elise Terrell, 184th IW, Wichita Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Hall, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Airman 1st Class Abbey Evans, 184th IW, Wichita Soldiers reently received training on the other jobs. Sgt. Maj. Terence Goscha, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, Airman 1st Class Kaila Fowler, 184th IW, Wichita Global Combat Support System-Army, a Class instructors were Maj. Kade Garst, Airman First Class Christopher Kirk, 190th ARW, Topeka Meritorious Service Medal web-based, real-time Standard Army Man- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Cam Wahlmeier, Combat Readiness Medal agement Information Systems that is re- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marty Anschutz, placing the previous multiple platforms. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Herrman, Col. Douglas Hinkley, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with three oak When the system was distributed to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stuart Stupka, leaf clusters Maj. James Bilby, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Willy Pegues IV, KSARNG Training Center, Salina, Maj. Joseph Deeds, 184th IW, Wichita Kansas in late 2016, the focus was to get Chief Warrant Officer 2 Mike Schmidt- with oak leaf cluster Maj. James McCosh, 184th IW, Wichita the full-time force trained first. Since then, berger, Master Sgt. Jeff Aumen, Master Maj. Wallace Miller III, HQ, 235th Rgmt, Salina Capt. James Balten, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Robert Bieker, 731st Trans Co, Great Bend Capt. Keith Marshall, 184th IW, Wichita the state has recognized the need to organ- Sgt. Mark George, Master Sgt. Gene Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Moreno, Co B, Rec and Ret Bn, Wi- Capt. Jonathan Weishaar, 184th IW, Wichita ize classes to redistribute the training re- Quaney, Sgt. 1st Class Chris Crawford, chita Chief Master Sgt. James Caughron, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Charles Rhoten, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Senior Master Sgt. Emily Albers, 184th IW, Wichita ceived and have traditional National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Carrie Seeger, Sgt. 1st Class Hutchinson Senior Master Sgt. Fred Beat, 184th IW, Wichita Soldiers carry out their roles in GCSS- Ken Scheibe, Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Schei- Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Thompson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Cornelius Hulum, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Robert Bisterfeldt, 184th IW, Wichita Army during the drill weekend. deman, Staff Sgt. Alicia Aye, Staff Sgt. KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Master Sgt. David Chirinos, 184th IW, Wichita Over a one week period, 12 instructors Elwin Ocasio-Lopez, and Sgt. Justin Nee- Master Sgt. Jayme Gabbard, 184th IW, Wichita Meritorious Service Medal Master Sgt. Aaron Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita from the Surface Maintenance Office suc- ley. Technical support was provided by Master Sgt. Robert Johnston, 184th IW, Wichita cessfully trained more than 60 students in Staff Sgt. Danny Mersch, Kansas Re- Master Sgt. Jacob Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Daniel Strickland, 184th IW, Wichita various GCSS-Army tasks using the new gional Training Institute, and the Direc- Lt. Col. Johnnie Adam, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. John Winter, 184th IW, Wichita system, including how to dispatch equip- torate of Information Management help Lt. Col. Daniel Skoda, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Joseph Andra, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Tech. Sgt. Casey Blair, 184th IW, Wichita ment, update notifications, create reports, desk personnel. Lt. Col. Jesse Sojka, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Phillip Boucher, 184th IW, Wichita Maj Janell Blaufuss, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Chase Bryan, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Angela Brees, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. William Davis, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Darral Garner, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Jesse Diaz, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Keith Marshall, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Sean Greenlee, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Darin Brun, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Paul Kahl, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Caron Carlile, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Morales, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Melanie Graber, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Norris, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Cornelius Hulum, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Alyssa Parks, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. David Powelson, 190th ARW, Topeka, Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Rempel, 184th IW, Wichita with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jamie Rivas, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Christopher Pabor, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Christopher Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. John Williams, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Bradley Weaver, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Andy Wolfe, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Williams, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Aaron Rausch, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Anthony Young, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Patrick Demoe, 184th IW, Wichita Air Force Commendation Medal Staff Sgt. Blake Elliott, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. James Epley, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jennifer Erskin, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Freelend, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Eric Schoenberg, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Staff Sgt. Christopher Harrington, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Staff Sgt. Brandon Moberly, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Karega Paisley, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Rachel Mohr, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Justin Moody, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Rachelle Schrader, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Daniel Radford, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Timothy Schuette, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Brooke Cessna, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Andrew Skiles, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. William Davis, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Evan Sprague, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Chad Ewertz, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Paul Vernacchia, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Troy Jones, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Cody Wirth, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Quentin Morris, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jordan Wright, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Monique Adams, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Marianela Sargent, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Anna Calhoun, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Brianna Crackenberger, 184th IW, Wichita Air Force Achievement Medal Senior Airman Mark Deabler, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Judith Dunn, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Brandon Fruck, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Brandon Gochenour, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Scott Avery, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Tyler Martin, 184th IW, Wichita Kansas Army National Guardsmen receive instruction on using the new Global 1st Lt. Aaron Farris, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Elizabeth O’Brien, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Clinton Brown, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Travis Perkins, 184th IW, Wichita Combat Support System - Army during drill weekend in May. (Photo by Staff Sgt. leaf cluster Senior Airman Codi Prouty, 184th IW, Wichita Elwin Ocasio-Lopez, UPAR) Master Sgt. Ryan Current, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Brannon Schmitz, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Shawn Rucker, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Amanda Spies, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Benedict Joseph Axman, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Jared Stevens, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Angeline Burks, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Anthony Trifiletti, 184th IW, Wichita Leadership course has benefits for Tech. Sgt. Everardo Lopez, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Luke Vanderpool, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Logan Priebe, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Mitchell Young, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Colton Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Kenneth Jones, 184th IW, Wichita National Guard and community service As citizen-soldiers, leaders in the Kansas their goals.” Staff Sgt. Michael Creach, 778th Trans Co (-), National Guard often interact with their Mehlhaff said coursework included Kansas City Retirements Staff Sgt. Robert Pennington, 130th FAB, Manhattan counterparts in their hometown commu- such topics as Servant Leadership, Work- Staff Sgt. James Wellman, 35th MP Co, Topeka nity. It was with an eye to this interaction ing Styles, Steps to Performing Organiza- Kansas Army National Guard Sgt. William Leavitt, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lt. Col. Damon Frizzell, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Sean Smith, 1161st FSC, Wichita that Maj. Daniel Mehlhaff attended the tion, Wisdom Cycle, Collaboration, Maj. Brent Buckley, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Cpl. Mark Galindo, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Cof- Leadership Hays course earlier this year at Decision Making, Vision Process, Facili- Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Cameron II, 35th ID, feyville Fort Leavenworth Spc. Richard Allen, 250th FSC (-), Ottawa the request of Col. Thomas Burke, com- tation techniques, Creative Thinking, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandy Nichols, HHC (-), Spc. Javier Cabral, 1161st FSC, Wichita mander, 130th Field Artillery Brigade. Listening. Mehlhaff also received intro- 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Spc. Ronald George, 130th FAB, Manhattan Chief Warrant Officer 4 Larry Werneke, JFHQ KS- “I attended the course through a schol- ductions with key members in the Hays LC, Topeka Kansas Air National Guard arship from National Guard Association community including the deputy city Master Sgt. Larry Arnold, 130th FAB, Manhattan Lt. Col. Ingrid Trevino-Garrison, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Dale Burton, 635th RSG, Topeka Master Sgt. Christopher Ontiveros, 184th IW, Wichita of Kansas that they have available for manager, deputy police chief, Fort Hays their members to participate in commu- State University Foundation, and several nity leadership type programs,” said local businesses. American Legion Riders Mehlhaff, executive officer for the 997th Mehlhaff said he has already com- Brigade Support Battalion. “Since all pleted several professional military edu- (Continued from Page 6) art represents the great people of the Patriot meetings were during the duty day, I at- cation course including Command and visit and take photos with the nose art. Guard and Legion Riders. These individu- tended the meetings in uniform and was General Staff College, Logistics Captains “I love sharing the nose art with anyone als take time from their personal lives to able to start up many conversations about Career Course, and Ordnance Officer who has ever stood the line or wants to hear make sure service members and their fami- service in the National Guard, benefits, Basic Course. He found that many of the the story,” Dubois said. “I believe this nose lies are shown the proper respect.” types of individuals we look for, and the principles learned in those courses served partnerships and benefits our Soldiers him well in the Leadership Hays course. bring to civilian employers.” “I was able to apply several principles Military appreciation event Mehlhaff said the course was facilitated learned from PME to further our class dis- (Continued from Page 2) ing Kansas City believes the event was in- by the Hays Chamber of Commerce over cussions,” said Mehlhaff. “Some of the ele- honor the sacrifices of our military by part- credibly successful. It is also important for 10 half day sessions and also included a ments were critical and creative thinking nering with the Kansas and Missouri mili- Sporting KC to set aside a match to recog- three-day seminar at the Kansas Leader- for problem solving, decision-making tary bases to put on an immersive military nize our military because they are our ship Center in Wichita. The course was led processes, and creating a common under- appreciation match,” said Marty Nevshe- neighbors, as nearly 140,000 military per- by Chamber Executive Director Tammy standing of the desired end state and evalu- mal, vice president of finance, Sporting sonnel, veterans and military families live Wellbrock and three other facilitators from ating it against the current state.” Kansas City. “From this viewpoint, Sport- in the greater Kansas City area.” local businesses who had previously com- Mehlhaff also said techniques learned pleted the Leadership Hays program. in the Leadership Hays course will help “Both the Leadership Hays and KLC with his work for the National Guard. He sessions focused on how leadership is an recommends that all battalion and brigade activity, not a position, and defined leader- administrative officers and training offi- ship as the act of getting people to do hard cers attend similar courses in their own work,” said Mehlhaff. “They focused on communities. the community and volunteer needs and “It was a great way to meet centers of how to keep those volunteers engaged influence in the local area and strengthen while motivating the community toward partnerships,” said Mehlhaff. August 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Active shooter exercise catches 184th Airmen off “Guard” By Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney engaged in discussions and training on de- 184th IW Public Affairs cisions they’d have to make in an active- The sound of gun shots rang out in shooter event,” said Vogt. Building 65, McConnell Air Force Base, Despite the abruptness and surprise of during the morning hours on April 13. the exercise, the Airmen responded well, POP! “You’re dead!” and followed the wing instructions to barri- POP! POP! “You’re dead!” cade, escape or, if necessary, fight. Airmen were startled at their work sta- “Many Airmen barricaded themselves in tions as two members of the 184th Security their offices, while some tried to escape the Forces Squadron invaded the area, inform- area,” said Vogt. “This was a success on ing them this was an active-shooter exercise. many levels because it allowed our Airmen One man had a practice rifle, moving to actually react to an event like this, while quickly and aiming at people, stating they allowing our fellow active-duty first re- were dead if they didn’t have time to react. sponders to participate in the response por- Another Airman had a couple of two-by- tion of the exercise.” four pieces of wood that he banged to- With the increased frequency of active- gether, replicating the sound of a gun. shooter incidents preparedness and aware- Airmen scrambled to get behind locked ness are essential to minimize casualties. doors or behind desks if they weren’t al- Vogt suggests squadron antiterrorism repre- ready taken out. sentatives play a big role in readiness. “I thought it was a great experience and “Every squadron has antiterrorism repre- very well put together,” said Senior Air- sentatives who should be, at a minimum, man Rachel Mercer, 184th Force Support talking with their leadership about the im- Squadron. portance of exercising scenarios like this The exercise was conducted with no with their own Airmen,” said Vogt. notification to anyone but a few key per- A K-9 unit from the 22nd Security Forces Squadron checks out a room during a sur- Constant awareness of surroundings sonnel who did not belong to the two prise active shooter exercise April 13. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lauren Penney, 184th In- and having a plan could be paramount in units that were targeted — the 184th telligence Wing Public Affairs) saving lives. Force Support Squadron and the 184th to gauge the preparedness of Airmen and the 22nd Security Forces, the active-duty “I also think gaining control of the situa- Comptroller Flight. see how they reacted. component of McConnell Air Force Base, tion is a big game changer,” said Mercer. “I “Since we didn’t know about it, it really “The wing antiterrorism office felt the practice in what they need to do in the think if we were in a position to get control got everyone’s heartrate going like it was wing needed to test our ability to act, re- event of an active shooter -- assessing the of the gun or the gunman we can save a lot the real deal,” said Mercer. “I think it spond and recover to a situation of this situation, selecting a building entry point, more lives. I think that is part of ‘Service opened a lot of the members eyes to what magnitude,” said Vogt. “Active-shooter locating the shooter and deciding how to Before Self.’ You are trying to save your could possibly happen in that situation. It events are happening at a rapid pace all detain him, and helping people to safety or colleagues. No matter what the outcome, as made everyone think exactly what they had over the nation and if we don’t prepare for providing first aid to the injured. long as they are safe.” time to do and how they were going to ac- something like that to happen here, we “An exercise like this demonstrates the “The exercise took true total-force inte- complish it to get out of harm’s way.” would be failing our fellow Airman of the need not only for enhanced preparation on gration to another level,” said Vogt. “The Senior Master Sgt. Stephen Vogt, super- 184th Intelligence Wing.” the part of law enforcement and other first Airmen of McConnell Air Force Base ben- intendent, 184th SFS, followed the shooter Another part of the exercise was to give responders, but also for all Airmen to be efited from this exercise.” Kids Camp is a growing experience for National Guard youth By Julie Reynolds was that each squad’s guidon would have Intern, Oklahoma State University 10 streamers attached to it by the end of the Operation Kid’s Camp was a fun-filled, week. This routine set the campers up with week long camp for military children from a mentality of self-awareness each day that all over the state of Kansas. would encourage them to be better friends On May 29, 56 campers ages 8-12 made to others. their way to the Kansas Regional Training The streamers were one way the squad Institute in Salina. Some of the most seem- leaders could assess their squad’s progress ingly timid personalities at check-in that throughout the course of the week, but they first day quickly transformed. were also encouraged to pay attention to It did not take long for the kids to catch how each child improved regarding the on that their brightly colored T-shirt was Army Values. the ticket to find Some of the kids which squad they be- went out of their way longed to. When they to be a friend to others. met their squad and Three members of the squad leaders, they Alpha Girls squad no- met the friends that ticed the camp medic would be their family sitting alone at lunch for the week! In no and moved to her table time, the kids were to keep her company. having fun decorating Peyton, from the girls’ a guidon and making Charlie Squad, never up a squad motto to missed an opportunity show their membership in Alpha, Bravo, or to hold a door open for her friends. Chaz, Members of the boys Bravo Squad participate in a tug-of-war during Field Day at Charlie Squad. The chatter and giggles from the boys’ Alpha Squad, always demon- the annual week-long Kids Camp in Salina. (Photo by Julie Reynolds) coming from each room made it evident strated respect when addressing an adult and that they had already grown comfortable had the best manners. The kids’ eagerness to hard work demonstrating loyalty, duty, re- home Friday morning after a week of gain- with one another and were ready for a lend a hand did not go unnoticed. spect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and ing new experiences, friends, leadership week of fun! At the closing ceremony on Friday, personal courage. skills, and confidence and looking forward The Kansas National Guard’s Child & awards were given to reward the campers’ The tired, but happy campers headed to next year’s camp. Youth Program worked diligently to create hard work. The Charlie Squad girls were an atmosphere where children would have a awarded the Operation Kid’s Camp Leader- ton of fun while learning something valu- ship Cup for being the squad that showed Understanding key tasks able -- and there was always something to the most growth as the week progressed. (Continued from Page 2) Thanks you to the 235th Regiment for do and to learn: building rockets; going to Reese Perkins, Bravo Squad, was pre- We must develop our force, and the commu- their support. I especially thank Chief War- the zoo, waterpark, or bowling alley; watch- sented the Emma Williams Citizenship nities they serve and live in. The days of rant Officer 3 David Lockhart, WOCS bat- ing search and rescue dogs at work; explor- award. Kim Worley, camp director and lead having only an inward or “unit-based” focus talion course manager; Chief Warrant ing an UH-60 Army Black Hawk helicopter; Child and Youth Program coordinator, cre- are gone. As part of developing a profes- Officer 3 Ronnie Fankhauser and Chief or participating as a team on field day. ated the award to honor the memory of a sional force, we will develop partnerships Warrant Officer 3 Mike Whisler, training, Each morning’s routine began with a camper named Emma Williams, who tragi- throughout our sphere of influence. advising and counseling officers; and in- warm, energizing breakfast in the mess hall cally lost her life this past year. Worley said Finally, the Kansas Regional Training In- structors Chief Warrant Officer 4 Sandra followed by a formation led by Command Emma did a great job representing each of stitute had its Warrant Officer Training Corps Lashley, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brent Sgt. Maj. Jared Worley. Standing at atten- the Army Values, so it was only fitting that U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Campbell, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Abra tion, each squad was introduced and got to the award would be given in her honor. accreditation this past June. It passed with a Cloyd, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sean yell their squad motto. Worley went over Michelle Erwin, Emma’s mother, was there score of 100 percent. Additionally, several of Litherland for their hard work, dedication, the day’s activities and gave each squad to anonymously select the recipient of the the processes Kansas has developed are and commitment to excellence. leader the opportunity to present a streamer award based on the comments their squad being recommended for implementation into If you or someone you know is interested to their squad or an individual camper for leader made about them. Kassidy Seaba, the federal WOCS program. The KS WOCS in becoming a warrant officer, please call demonstrating one of the seven Army Val- Reese’s squad leader, and the administra- program continues to set the standard, and me at 785-646-1903 or email ues or other leadership qualities. The goal tive staff were incredibly proud of Reese’s has truly proven itself. [email protected]. Page 12 Plains Guardian • August 2017 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian House working to expand GI Bill By Hope Yen for enlistees who begin using their GI Bill Topel assumes command of House Republicans and Democrats un- money next year. veiled legislation that would provide the Kristofer Goldsmith, assistant director Regional Training Site – Maintenance biggest expansion of college aid for mili- for policy at Vietnam Veterans of America, tary veterans in a decade, removing a 15- said he believes it would help many former Soldiers and family members met at the cialty qualification, advanced and senior year time limit to tap into benefits and service members who, like him, aren’t Regional Training Site – Maintenance June noncommissioned officer education, addi- increasing money for thousands in the Na- ready to immediately enroll in college after 10 to participate in the change of command tional skill identifier, and sustainment tional Guard and Reserve. their service. Goldsmith was in the Army of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 235th Regi- maintenance training for multiple branches The bipartisan agreement is a sweeping as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005, ment from Maj. Wallace E. Miller III to of the U.S. military. effort to fill coverage gaps in the post-9/11 reaching the rank of sergeant. He returned Maj. Wesley O. Topel. Topel began his military career in Novem- GI Bill amid a rapidly changing job mar- home to constant nightmares and other “I’m honored to be given the opportunity ber 1988 with the Headquarters and Service ket. Building on major legislation passed in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. to command the Kansas Regional Training Company, 24th Marine Regiment, United 2008 that guaranteed a full-ride scholarship He was kicked out of the military with a Site- Maintenance,” said Topel. “The or- States Marine Corps Reserve. He joined the to any in-state public university — or a general discharge after a suicide attempt, ganization already possesses a very high Kansas Army National Guard in 1998 and similar cash amount for private college stu- barring him from receiving GI benefits. standard of excellence. Together as a team, was direct commissioned as a second lieu- dents — the bill gives veterans added flexi- “GI benefits are something service mem- we will build upon that firm foundation to tenant in the Ordnance Corps on July 11, bility to enroll in college later in life. bers earn while they serve, said Goldsmith. become a premier One Army School Sys- 2003. His past assignments include Joint Veterans would get additional payments if “They shouldn’t lose it just because they tem training institution within the Ord- Force Headquarters, 287th Sustainment they complete science, technology and en- aren’t transitioning back the way the gov- nance Corps.” Brigade, 287th Special Troops Battalion, gineering courses. ernment wants.” “It’s been a great honor to command this 170th Support Maintenance Company, and For a student attending a private univer- According to Student Veterans of Amer- organization over the last 20 months,” said 995th Support Maintenance Company. sity, the additional benefits to members of ica, only about half the 200,000 service Miller. “I’ve been able to grow personally Topel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Guard and Reserve could mean $2,300 members who leave the military each year and professionally from the mentorship I’ve psychology, a Master of Science in psy- a year more in tuition than they are receiv- go on to enroll in a college, while surveys received from the instructors and the com- chology, and an Educational Specialist De- ing now, plus a bigger housing allowance. indicate that veterans often outperform mand team. Major Topel will do a fantastic gree in school psychology from the The American Legion, the nation’s peers in the classroom. job carrying the organization forward.” University of Louisiana at Monroe. He also largest veterans’ group, said the plan would The legislation combines 18 separate Miller’s next assignment will be attend- completed graduate programs in building mean a “new era” for those who served in House bills, also providing full GI Bill eligi- ing a one year School of Advanced Mili- and district-level school leadership from uniform. bility to Purple Heart recipients. Previously, tary Studies education program at the U.S. Emporia State University. “Years from now, veterans who were un- they had to serve at least three years. In addi- Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Topel works full time for the North Cen- able to attend institutions of higher learn- tion, the bill would restore benefits if a col- Leavenworth. tral Kansas Special Education Cooperative ing during their military service or lege closed in the middle of the semester. The RTS-M is an ordnance training com- as the assistant director of special educa- immediately afterward will be able to earn The bill hasn’t been free of controversy. pany providing military occupational spe- tion in Phillipsburg, Kansas. degrees and begin rewarding careers that A draft circulated by Roe’s committee in can lead our economy,” said Charles E. April drew fire after it initially proposed Schmidt, national commander of the Amer- paying for the $3 billion cost of upgraded ican Legion. The group drafted the original benefits over 10 years by reducing service GI Bill of Rights in 1944 that created the members’ monthly pay by $100 per month. comprehensive education benefit for World Veterans’ groups sharply criticized that War II and future veterans. plan as an unfair “tax on troops,” noting The bill’s lead sponsor is Rep. Phil Roe, that Army privates typically earn less than R-Tenn., chairman of the House Veterans’ $1,500 per month. Affairs Committee. The No. 2 House The latest proposal would be paid for by leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., bringing living stipend payments under the said the House would act quickly to help GI Bill down to a similar level as that re- veterans. ceived by an active-duty member, whose Veterans’ issues have been one of the payments were reduced in 2014 by 1 per- few areas where Republicans and Democ- cent a year for five years. rats have found some common ground, un- Total government spending on the GI like health care, taxes and other issues. Bill is expected to be more than $100 bil- The education benefits would take effect lion over 10 years.

Maj. Wesley O. Topel (right center), incoming commander of the Regional Training Site - Maintenance, returns the unit’s command flag to Lt. Col. Willy F. Pegues IV, commander, Kansas National Guard Training Center, signifying his acceptance of the unit’s command. (Photo provided) Holton dedicates Purple Heart memorial Col. Thomas Burke, commander of the Foreign Wars Post 1367. 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Manhattan, Holton was designated as a Purple Heart was the guest speaker at a May 6 dedication City in April 2014, only the second com- ceremony for a Purple Heart memorial at munity in Kansas to receive that designa- Linscott Park in Holton. tion. The town was entered into the The memorial will include the names of national register of Purple Heart cities and all Purple Heart recipients from Jackson recognized by the Military Order of the County; currently, the list includes more Purple Heart, a federally-chartered fraternal than 160 names. Fundraising for the memo- organization authorized by Congress. rial was spearheaded by the American Le- The Holton armory is home to Battery A, gion Riders of Post 44, Mary L. Bair 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, which American Legion Post 44, Sons of the mobilized in April in support of Operation American Legion, and Holton Veterans of Spartan Shield.                                                                                                                                                   

     

                            

    

    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                        

       

  

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  