Preparatory program sets OHARNG recruits up for success PAGES 22-23

Recruiters from the Ohio Army National Guard Northeast Area Recruiting Command conduct a physical fi tness test for new recruits in the Recruit Sustainment Program during drill assembly last fall.

SGT KIMBERLY SNOW / 196TH MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, OH The Ohio National Guard Permit #3754 2825 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789 OFFICIAL BUSINESS rrolloll callcall Spring 2006 Volume 29, No. 1

The Buckeye Guard is an authorized publication for members F E A T U R E S of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Buckeye Guard are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. 12 Warfi ghter tests mettle Government, the Departments of the Army and Air Force, or the Adjutant General of Ohio. The Buckeye Guard is published Military Police Soldiers compete in quarterly under the supervision of the Public Affairs Offi ce, Ohio Adjutant General’s Department, 2825 W. Dublin Granville grueling contest against peers. Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Adjutant General of Ohio’s Director, Government and Public Affairs. Direct communication 16 The War Within is authorized to the Editor, phone: (614) 336-7003; fax: (614) 336-7410; or send e-mail to [email protected]. The Buckeye For some Ohio Guard veterans, Guard is distributed free to members of the Ohio Army and Air the toughest battle they fi ght is after National Guard and to other interested persons at their request. Guardmembers and their families are encouraged to submit any they return home to “normal” life. articles meant to inform, educate or entertain Buckeye Guard readers, including stories about interesting Guard personalities Gand unique unit training. Circulation is 19,000. Deadlines are: 18 G-RAP a rolling success Spring, January 15 Lead referral program earns Summer, April 15 Fall, July 15 guardmembers $2,000 per recruit. Winter, October 15 This issue was printed in June 2006 by Watkins Printing, a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Government 20 Organizational excellence under exclusive written contract with the Ohio Adjutant General’s Ohio Army, Air National Guard Department. The appearance of advertising in this publication, Sincluding inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse- recognized for quality, performance. Sment of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army and Air Force or Watkins Printing. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, PFC RYAN A. CLEARY / 196TH MPAD marital status, physical handicap, political affi liation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. If a violation D E P A R T M E N T S or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is State Sen. John Carey (from left); confi rmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Chillicothe Mayor Joseph Sulzer; State 2 Command focus Rep. John Schlichter; Capt. Donald Westfall, 3 Feedback from the fi eld ADJUTANT GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT commander, A Company, 216th Engineer Battalion; and Maj. Gen. Gregory. L. Wayt, State Commander-in-Chief 4 National news Gov. Bob Taft Ohio adjutant general, conduct a ceremonial 6 Citizen spotlight Adjutant General ribbon-cutting Jan. 14 to mark the opening Maj. Gen. (Ohio) Gregory L. Wayt of the Ohio Army National Guard’s new $6.55 24 Buckeye briefs Assistant Adjutant General, Army million Chillicothe Readiness Center. For Brig. Gen. Matthew L. Kambic more on new facilities, see pages 13-15. 26 All about people Assistant Adjutant General, Air Maj. Gen. Harry “A.J.” Feucht 28 Guardmember benefi ts

Command Sergeant Major, Army Command Sgt. Maj. William L. Gilliam

Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air O N T H E C O V E R Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Muncy TRANSFORMING INTO THE FUTURE: Current Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers represent Ohio BUCKEYE GUARD STAFF Guardmembers throughout history to the present day, and into the next phase for the organization: Director, Government and Public Affairs Dr. Mark Wayda front row, MSG Sheldon Chambliss (from left), 237th Personnel Services Battalion, SGT Yanira Nieves, Editor Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio and CPT Christopher Mr. Steve Toth Call, Company B, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment; back row, SSG Joshua Mann (from left), Editorial Assistant Sgt. Kimberly Snow SGT Corey Taylor, SGT Daryl Scott, SGT Darrick Clay and SGT Karisa Myers, all of JFHQ, and CPT Jeremy Banta, 731st Troop Command Detachment. Photographic Support Mr. Todd Cramer Photos by Todd Cramer / Adjutant General’s Department Photo Lab; Cover design by SSG Joshua Mann / Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio. For Contributors Army/Air National Guard Photojournalists more on transformation and how it affects the Ohio ANG Multimedia Specialists Army National Guard, see pages 2, 7-10. Unit Public Affairs Representatives

on the web @ http://www.ohionationalguard.com

Total copies printed: 19,000 Unit Cost: $.431 Publication Date: 6/06 FEEDBACK FROM THE FIELD CCommandommand focusfocus Former Buckeye still enjoys keeping up with Ohio National Guard happenings teams (BCTs). These BCTs will be more I would really appreciate the opportunity readily deployable and will provide in- of getting the Buckeye Guard magazine. Ac- creased combat power for the Army and tually 23 years ago I was in the magazine Change combatant commanders in meeting global for my wedding. My husband and I were requirements. Today, “similar” units are both full-time recruiters for the Ohio Army not always structured or equipped the National Guard, and our years are great same way. Post transformation, every For The Better memories. He retired in 1993 with BCT will be organized and equipped the 20 years, and I left the Guard to by Brig. Gen. Matthew L. Kambic same way, ensuring that combatant com- raise my family after 12 years, in Assistant Adjutant General-Army manders know exactly what they are get- 1988. Our oldest son was in the ting. Moving to this smaller, self contained Ohio National Guard and served organization will create a “plug-and-play” ver the next two years every Soldier in the Ohio Army in Desert Storm. capabilities-based model. It will also result National Guard will be impacted directly or indi- After retirement Herb went into in more evenly distributed burden-sharing rectly by force structure turbulence created by Army ministry full-time and we pastor in throughout the National Guard. Transformation. I have chosen to devote this article Iowa. Our son Matt has just joined O Along with combat arms units, combat to answering four basic questions that are, or soon will be, on the the Iowa National Guard and is at Fort service and combat service support bri- minds of most of our Soldiers. These questions are: What is Army Leonard Wood, Mo. for (Initial Entry gades will be organized into fi ve types: Transformation? Why is the Army transforming? What is modular- Training) and military police (Advanced combat aviation brigades, fi res brigades, ity? What does it all mean to me (you the Soldier)? Individual Training) school. battlefi eld surveillance brigades, combat We would love to keep in touch with support brigades (maneuver enhance- WHAT IS ARMY TRANSFORMATION? what Ohio is up to, as they were our family FILE PHOTOS ment) and sustainment brigades. The The Army Transformation Plan is an initiative that will extensive- for many years. Ohio Army National Guard began the From the “April 1983” issue of the Buckeye Guard (left): Proceeding under a saber arch ly restructure the total Army (Active, Guard and Reserve). Modular HERB & JACCIE KENYON by members of the 107th Armored Cavalry, SGT Jaccie Collette (right) is led down the process of transforming in early 2006. IOWA FALLS, IOWA Force Conversion is the implementation strategy that is designed aisle by SFC Harold Leone during her wedding to SSG Herbert J. Kenyon Jr. to create an agile, capabilities-based force to meet the needs of the Your leadership More than 93 percent of our force will experience some degree of change over EDITOR’S NOTE: While the Buckeye National Security Strategy and strengthen the Army’s capability to team is combines cross-county skiing and target the next two years. At the forefront is the Guard is routinely mailed out to current Only in the National Guard: Airman fi ght the Global War on Terrorism. Prior to this transformation, the shooting with a .22-caliber rifl e. Competitors committed to organization of two new modular forma- Ohio National Guardmembers and other division was the centerpiece of the Army, ideally suited for major gets opportunity to ski in Spain ski over a hilly course, stopping periodically leading and tions: the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat select groups, anyone who requests it may land campaigns against similarly organized forces. Although a Once again, my military service has to shoot at fi ve small targets in the prone and Team and the 371st Sustainment Brigade. receive a complimentary subscription to the powerful and capable force, the division is not the optimal structure managing taken me someplace that I’ve only read standing positions. The 16th Engineer Brigade and the 73rd magazine. for the threats of the 21st century. about. These championships are geared mainly effectively the Troop Command will also be impacted by Those planning to retire or separate must To meet these new challenges and threats, the Army is transform- As a member of the Ohio National Guard for teams of the Spanish military (marines, Ohio Army transformation. make a request via e-mail or conventional ing from a division-based force to a more fl exible brigade-centric Biathlon Team, I was selected to compete army, navy, air force, mountain troops and La mail to continue receiving the magazine after force. In the end, the transformed Ohio Army National Guard will National Guard in the VII Campeonato Nacional Militar Guardia Civil—their National Guard), but as WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO OUR they separate. Contact information for the be more modular, better equipped and more rapidly deployable to through transfor- de Esqui (The Seventh Spanish National an international gesture of goodwill, they in- SOLDIERS? magazine is listed on page 1. meet the challenges of the “no-notice, anytime, anywhere” environ- Military Ski Championships) held March vite other countries (this year it was the U.S., mation. It is a big Transformation is all about how the ment we are currently operating in. 6-10 in Candanchu, Spain. Germany, France and Morocco). job and will Army can better prepare, equip and train Hurricane Katrina issue among best, The National Guard Sports Offi ce, which The event consisted of four races: a 15-kilo- Soldiers to accomplish the tough missions WHY IS THE ARMY TRANSFORMING? require everyone says longtime reader, guardmember runs the NG biathlon program, has been meter Nordic, a 20k biathlon, an Alpine slalom we give them every day. Your leadership The Army of today is very different from the Army of 1775. How to remain fl exible I would have to say that the Fall/Winter sending biathletes to this competition for and on the last day, a 25k biathlon patrol, where team is committed to leading and manag- did we get from there to here? We transformed. We transformed to 2005 issue of the Buckeye Guard is the best years to promote good relations a team of four ski together. and work together ing effectively the Ohio Army National meet the needs of the battlefi eld. We transformed because of tech- that I have seen and I’ve seen a few over the between foreign militaries. Competing for and representing the U.S. as a team to Guard through transformation. It is a big nological advances. We transformed to remain a ready and relevant last 24 years. It tells such a great story of all They invited me based on military was thrilling, but a close second job and will require everyone to remain force. Today, the Ohio Army National Guard is converting from a make our the successes that we have had in the last year. my performance at the was experiencing Spain’s food and culture. fl exible and work together as a team to Cold War legacy force into a more modular and agile force. This Keep up the great work! National Guard Biath- In addition to racing, we interacted with our organization make our future organization the best it new force is designed to win the war today, while simultaneously I always leave mine in the break room lon Championships in military counterparts, all in all a great week the best it has has ever been. posturing the Army and the Ohio Army National Guard for the chal- where I work, but how can we get this maga- February and—I must of international military sport, cooperation There is a home for every Soldier in the lenges of the future. This new force will also allow the Ohio Army ever been. zine out into the public? What a recruiting admit—a rather de- and understanding. How lucky I’d been to Ohio Army National Guard! Transforma- National Guard to perform not only its federal mission of provid- tool. pleted biathlete pool participate. ing combat forces, but to provide well-trained and well-equipped tion will not reduce the number of Soldiers MSG JEFF LEWIS right now due to de- MSGT GREG RUDL Citizen-Soldiers to our Governor and our fellow citizens. in the Ohio Army National Guard. Howev- 737TH MAINTENANCE BATTALION ployments. 121ST AIR REFUELING WING The Ohio Army National Guard has gone through many of these transitions; from the er, some units will convert from one type NEWARK If you don’t know COLUMBUS forming of independent militia companies to the organization of the famous 37th Infantry of unit to another, for example, an infantry or didn’t watch Division and the post Gulf War force reduction of the early 1990s. In the end, the Ohio Army rifl e company may become a military po- EDITOR’S NOTE: The Buckeye the sport in EDITOR’S NOTE: The Ohio NG Biathlon National Guard has always been, and will always remain, a ready and relevant force in the lice company. These types of actions will Guard does go out to the public the recent Team is always looking for competitive endur- United States Army. require some Soldiers to reclassify into a through Army and Air National Olympics ance athletes in above-average cardiovascular different Military Occupational Specialty Guard recruiters at various events, in Torino, shape. If you know how to Nordic ski or target WHAT IS MODULARITY? (MOS) or transfer to a new unit at a new to select high schools and colleges, as biath- shoot, you’ll be ahead of the curve, but training Modularity is the strategy the Army is using to transform from the Cold War, division- location. Leadership at all levels will work well as through State of Ohio library COURTESY PHOTO lon can be provided. If interested, contact ONG based force, to a more modular brigade-based force. This restructuring will result in brigades system. Biathlon coordinator-coach, Lt. Col. Tom —continued on page 10 MSgt Greg Rudl competes for the Haidet at (614) 270-5018 or (614)336-7309. that are designed as modules which are self-suffi cient and standardized as brigade combat National Guard in a Spanish biathlon.

2 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 3 NATIONAL NEWS

Traditional blue Army Service possibly can.” National Guard among most capable Some form of TRICARE now COLUMBUS Uniform will become standard The chief said he has been himself since of nation’s forces, chief says he joined the Air Force in 1974 with two CCommandommand proprofi llee WASHINGTON—Army service uni- WASHINGTON—Over the past year, the of his hometown buddies. After basic train- available to all guardmembers forms will be streamlined to one blue Army National Guard has demonstrated not only ing, the three went their separate ways, and Service Uniform, the Army announced. its ability to be the nation’s “minutemen” the chief went on to he federal government recently for Group 1 coverage. There is no Title “We have all of these variations of and respond to calls immediately, but also its become a medic. increased benefi ts for TRICARE, 10/active-duty service requirement for uniforms—green, blue and white,” said ability to sustain several different missions at After a break in Tthe military insurance program Groups 2 or 3. Simply being a traditional Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoo- once, the chief of the National Guard Bureau service, he rejoined for servicemembers and their families. guardmember qualifi es a person for cov- maker. “It makes sense for us to go to one said here recently. the Air Force and to- On Dec. 18, 2005, Congress passed the erage under TRICARE Standard. At this traditional uniform that is really sharp and “It is a different National Guard than ex- day is the only one of National Defense Authorization Act for time, the Department of Defense has not high quality and which Soldiers will be isted fi ve or six years ago,” Army Lt. Gen. the trio who made the Fiscal Year 2006. Contained within the released any numbers or cost amounts as- very proud to wear. And that’s what we’ve H Steven Blum said at a Congressional military a career. legislation is a provision for every member sociated with the premium costs of Groups done by adopting this blue Army Service hearing of the Commission on the National McKinley takes on of the National Guard access to TRICARE 2 and 3. The Department of Defense must Uniform that refl ects simplicity, quality, Guard and Reserves. “It is not only not your his new role as the healthcare coverage on a cost-share basis complete work on premium amounts and utility and tradition.” grandfather’s National Guard, it’s not your spokesman for the by category. implement this new program for Groups 2 Many Soldiers already own an Army older brother’s National Guard. It’s not the Air Force enlisted The categories are as follows: and 3 by Oct. 1. BG Jack E. Lee blue uniform (now to be called the Army McKinley same National Guard that existed on the 10th corps at a critical 73rd Troop Command Service Uniform) and may continue to of September, 2001.” „Group 1: time in the service’s history. Legislature creates award to wear it. Since the War on Terrorism began, the Those members who have been called Age: 56 That fact is not lost on the chief, who recognize former ONG members Improvements will be made to the fabric National Guard has sent Soldiers and Airmen up to active duty for 90 days or more can likes to come across as a self-professed Full-Time Position: special assistant to and fi t. Reduction of the number of uni- to Iraq and Afghanistan to participate in all participate in TRICARE Reserve Select. The Ohio Legislature recently honored “country boy from Ohio.” But one conver- the adjutant general forms will reduce the burden on Soldiers aspects of combat, support and training, Blum Those eligible under this category will former Ohio National Guardmembers by sation with him dispels that image. He is Hometown: Ada, Ohio for purchases and alteration costs. said. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf pay 28 percent of enacting legisla- an Air Force professional who knows what Family: Tina, wife of 26 years; son, Rob, Introduction in the Army Military Cloth- Coast in August 2005, the Guard produced the premium, tion that created he must do to help the Air Force achieve its and his wife, Jackie, ing Sales Stores should begin in the fourth 50,000 servicemembers in a little more than with the Depart- the Ohio National three top priorities. ment of Defense and two granddaughters quarter of Fiscal Year 2007. Introduction in a week to respond to that disaster while still Guard Service When I was younger, I wanted to: “That’s wining the War on Terrorism, tak- (DOD) paying Medal. State Rep. the clothing bag should begin fi rst quarter maintaining its contributions to the War on llegislativeegislative be a Soldier like my Dad ing care of our Airmen and recapitalizing the other 72 per- 2009. The mandatory possession date is ex- Terrorism, Blum said. On Sept. 2, 2005, Bill Seitz (R-Cin- Most recent achievement: having the our inventory,” he said. LOUIS A. ARANA- pected to be fourth quarter fi scal year 2011. when President Bush visited New Orleans, cent (this cate- cinnati) proposed BARRADAS / AIR FORCE PRINT NEWS gory is the exact privilege to lead more than 2,500 service- A wear-out date for the Army Green the National Guard had more than 135,000 with johann klein the legislation mambers in support of same category llookook after being con- Class A and White dress uniforms will be Soldiers and Airmen deployed in Mississippi, No confl ict between warfi ghting, non- as found in last Hurricane Katrina relief operations last determined at a later date. ARMY NEWS Louisiana, and around the world, he said. tacted by one of September in Louisana and Mississippi SERVICE traditional missions, Rumsfeld says “It was probably the Guard’s fi nest hour,” year’s bill; noth- his constituents, Albert J. Mes- ing has changed, other than a The last good movie I saw was: WASHINGTON—Supporting nontra- he said. SGT SARA WOOD / AMERICAN FORCES temaker, who suggested that the premium increase). Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith ditional missions and humanitarian crises PRESS SERVICE State of Ohio create a service The book I’m reading is: New top Air Force enlisted leader doesn’t detract from the defense mission, „Group 2: award to recognize all former born, raised in Buckeye state Runners can sign up now for 2006 In the Company of Soldiers but rather, builds important relationships Those members of the Na- guardmembers who served Heroes: My Dad, a 40-year veteran of SAN ANTONIO—Command Chief around the world, strengthens capabilities USAF Marathon in Dayton area tional Guard who are un- honorably. the 148th Infantry, who was the unit fi rst Master Sgt. Rod McKinley admits he was a and fi lls vital needs, Defense Secretary WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE employed or cannot access Any former guardmember sergeant. He took care of his boys/Sol- bit nervous about becoming the 15th chief Donald Rumsfeld said here recently. BASE, Ohio—The offi cial U.S. Air Force healthcare coverage because who received an honorable or diers while enforcing the Army standards master sergeant of the Air Force. But it is With the National Guard making up Marathon will be held here Sept. 16, along their employer does not offer medical discharge is eligible to and being a role model not because the job is too tough or that be- just 19 percent of the U.S. military force with a Sports and Fitness Expo Sept. 14-15. it can participate in TRICARE receive the medal but must pay Nobody knows I’m: coming the Air Force’s top enlisted leader in Iraq, the Guard has the assets available Runners from all over the world are expected Standard.TRICARE Stan- for it at his or her own expense, a Jimmie Hendrix and hard rock fan intimidates him, he said. It is the fact he to support the recently announced border to participate.This year’s fes- dard is a fee-for-service plan. which is estimated at a cost of I’m better than anyone else at: nothing, is the next chief in the long line of those security mission, he said. tivities include a two day Those eligible under this category will pay $15.50. The medal is 1½ inches in diameter but I have a passing knowledge of a lot he calls “the great chiefs of our past” that “What is wrong—and I can’t fi nd any- Sports and Fitness Exposi- 50 percent of the premium, with DOD pay- and the front bears the Adjutant General’s of things and have learned humbles him. thing wrong—with a plan that on an in- tion located in the Ervin ing the other 50 percent. Department seal and two stars distinguish- to empower the people “I just hope that I can live up to half of ing the rank of the major general. The terim basis, temporarily, we would provide J. Nutter Center at Wright „Group 3: that know how to do their jobs what they have accomplished in our Air reverse side has an etched outline of the 6,000 out of 450,000 people who will be State University, gourmet Those members of the National Guard who My biggest pet peeve is: Force,” he said. State of Ohio and the words “Ohio National doing it on their active duty for training for pasta dinner, race- day are employed and are currently participat- Naysayers/negative people The chief, from Mount Orab, Ohio, as- Guard Service Medal.” There is also space two weeks?” Rumsfeld said. “They will go awards ceremony and a ing in their employer’s healthcare coverage The three words that best sumed the post July 1 from Chief Master beneath the text so the medal can be per- down there (and) do exactly what they do post-race festival beginning but would like to participate in TRICARE describe me: quiet but effective Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald Murray, who sonalized. It is attached to a 30-inch scarlet in their training. And they are not going to immediately after the fi rst runner crosses the instead of their employer’s healthcare plan If I could leave today’s retired after four years on the job. McKin- and gray ribbon so it may be worn around be out with guns, standing on the border, fi nish line. World renowned long distance can participate in TRICARE Standard. guardmembers with one piece of ley and his family discussed the move the neck. The medal and information about shooting at people trying to come across the runners Bill Rodgers and Alberto Salazar will As stated above, TRICARE Standard is a advice it would be: Be technically and before he took the post. He is ready for the how to obtain it will be available later on border. They are not law enforcement.” sign autographs, conduct clinics, speak at the fee-for-service plan. Those eligible under tactically profi cient in your duty assign- challenge, he said. this summer. Visit the Ohio National Guard Rather, Rumsfeld said, guardmembers gourmet pasta dinner and participate in the this category will pay 85 percent of the ment; live and support the Army Values; “I’m always real comfortable about any website, www.ohionationalguard.com for will support the U.S. Border Patrol as races on Saturday. The USAF Marathon web- premium, with DOD paying the other 15 and prepare your family for mobilization, job I have in the Air Force,” the 32-year future updates. it beefs up its force and moves its own site—www.usafmarathon.com—has training percent. GB for you never know when you will be veteran said. “And I’ve lived by a simple members from support to operational jobs. tips for all levels of runners and instructions Service on Title 10 (federal active duty) Johann Klein is legislative liasion for called to serve our state or country; philosophy: Whatever job the Air Force DONNA MILES / AMERICAN FORCES PRESS for entering the race. AIR FORCE MARATHON is a requirement for those qualifying the Adjutant General’s Department and have fun gives you, just to do the very best that you SERVICE NEWS RELEASE

4 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 5 CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT Three jobs keep Toledo Airman occupied By Senior Airman Janet Dougherty, 180th Fighter Wing establishing the demolition business. She returned to the 180th as full-time technician and traditional guardmember in 2005. “After earing three occupational “hats” has Master Sgt. Jamie those two years, I realized how much I missed the Air National Paxton quite busy, to say the least. Guard and got back in,” Paxton said. W “I am very stressed but extremely happy,” said Paxton, Paxton was quick to point out that her military experience greatly who fi lls two full-time positions—one as a full-time federal tech- assists her as the company’s president. “All of my military experi- nician at the 180th Fighter Wing as a fl ight services specialist, ence comes into play at the company,” she said. “We have continu- and the other as president of Paxton ity folders and checklists for everything we do, and my letters and Demolition—fi nds herself working memorandums are developed off my military experiences.” about seven days a week to manage DIVERSITY In addition to three to four additional employees, dependent both functions. upon the project work, Paxton Demolition is truly family-owned, “I work 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday at the 180th and even receives signifi cant support from Jamie’s oldest child, and work Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Paxton Demolition,” daughter Kodie. In 2005, Paxton deployed to Southwest Asia with she said. In addition to the two full-time positions, Paxton also the 180th, leaving behind the duties of company president to the has a third job serving as the 15-year-old. “We traditional first sergeant for prepped her for the fi ghter wing section at the about two months 180th. prior to my de- TODD CRAMER / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. While Paxton Demolition, parture by work- a Toledo-based company, has ing with her last Story by Staff Sgt. Joshua Mann, Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the 371st Sustainment been in business only five summer and by Brigade. The biggest impact will occur in the 16th Engineer Brigade, years, the Paxton name has taking her out on t’s about their risk assessment; their scan of the environment. as 50 percent of the current engineer formations—the 512th and 612th earned an outstanding reputa- excavation proj- The threat has changed.” Engineer Battalions, will be inactivated. Elements of 73rd Troop Com- tion in the community. “My ects,” Paxton said. “I The “their” that Brig. Gen. Matthew L. Kambic, Ohio as- mand will also see some reorganization and growth in its units. husband, Billy, is the third In addition to run- sistant adjutant general for Army, is referring to is the Department of “The plan is complex,” Kambic said. “The planning was challeng- generation of the Paxton fam- ning the business, the Army—the driving force behind the largest transformation Army- ing, and we spent months working through the various options and ily name running a demolition Kodie took care wide since the end of World War II. This transformation will not only courses of action.” business,” she said. “The fam- of her 10-year-old reorganize the active component, but also modernize and reorganize The planning began in late 2004 when word came down of the ily has been providing sister, Summer, the Army Reserve and Army National Guard. Army’s blueprint for modularity. As Ohio National Guard leadership demolition services for and newly adopted Since Operation Desert Storm, the Army has been committed to a began laying out the force, priorities were placed on maintaining over 40 years and our brother Ricklee, series of operations that have intensifi ed since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror- readiness and shrinking the lines of communication in commands. specifi c business gener- a nephew of Pax- ist attacks on the United States. Wartime missions and circumstances “We knew that maintaining readiness was essential,” Kambic said. ates over a half million ton’s whose adop- have forced the Army to adapt to enemies and conditions decisively “So, for example, every (future) engineer formation in the state is dollars in project work tion was fi nalized and quickly. That the enemies are increasingly resorting to unconven- currently an engineer formation; we went to great lengths to match annually.” just prior to her tional warfare testifi es to the effectiveness of these changes in Army up as many capabilities we already earned with the future force.” A Paxton Demolition crew member cleans up As the company pres- deployment. “She and joint conventional fi ghting forces. However, in order to get commands regionally closer together, some building rubble from a recent project site. ident, Paxton provides was spectacular at The result of this transformation initiative, known as modularity, units will convert from one branch to another. The 1st Battalion, 148th the management and not only running will be an operational Army that is larger, more powerful, fl exible and Infantry, for example, currently has companies spread out over Ohio. more rapidly deployable. Modularity will transition the Army from a As a result of transformation, those companies will all be stationed administration for the J. Paxton the business but operation, while her also our house- Cold War, division-based force to a more modular brigade-based force. in Northwest Ohio. husband does the job bidding and actual demolition work. “I do hold. I will have no worries when she is on her own.” It will transition the Army National Guard Actions such as these will require some all the administrative work including the banking and billing func- Kodie, a junior at Mason High School in Erie, Mich., holds a from a “legacy force,” or a strategic reserve, Soldiers to qualify into a different military tions,” Paxton said. “I enjoy it, but everything is ‘on fi re’ with a 3.8 grade point average, is a swimmer and plays volleyball at her into a ready and relevant force that will have The impacts of transformation occupational specialty (MOS) or transfer lot of last minute projects,” she said. “The work alone takes about school. “When I feel overwhelmed by it all I think of what my the same units and the same equipment as in the Ohio National Guard are to another unit. However, there will be no 15 to 17 hours a day, and at times is accomplished in some very daughter did this past summer,” Paxton said, adding that Kodie the active Army. reduction in the Ohio National Guard force dangerous situations.” plans on joining the Air National Guard when she fi nishes high “Right now we’re a force provider,” said dramatic— 93 percent of Ohio’s with this transformation, and Soldiers will Paxton said the company mainly provides commercial and school. Maj.Gen.Gregory L.Wayt, Ohio adjutant units will be impacted in some have the ability to work with their chain general. “When we provide a force to a residential demolition services. “We tear down houses, strip malls, Paxton, recently named 180th Fighter Wing First Sergeant of way by transformation. of command to fi nd the best option for and basically gut these types of buildings,” she said. “Some of the the Year, knows fi rst-hand what it is like to leave a business on a combatant commander, they all look differ- their future. work is subcontracted to us by a builder that has been hired for deployment and what employers can experience. “My husband is ent, and this is going to make sure every- “There is a position for every Soldier in construction work,” Paxton said. Business can also be awarded to very supportive of me in the Guard and I could not do what I do thing looks the same so that the combatant the State of Ohio. Our Soldiers who are the company as a minority business through the “Women’s Busi- without his support. As a small business, I fully understand the commanders know what they are getting.” displaced by a unit inactivating or being ness Enterprise,” which Paxton recently applied for and received impact of what it means to leave for the Guard (deployment), and These modular forces are being designed relocated are going to have an option about status as a WBE. “Ten percent of all projects must be awarded to my family is very supportive.” around the brigade combat team (BCT) concept. Restructuring from a their career,” Kambic said. “Their service to the Ohio Army National WBE companies, and we get a better opportunity as a WBE for As for the future, Paxton doesn’t plan to change much with her division-based to a brigade-based force will result in brigades that are Guard is as important in this newly transformed Ohio Guard as it was this work.” business, and also will continue to develop in her military career. designed as modules that are self-suffi cient and standardized, creating in the old Guard.” Paxton served as a 180th full-time Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) “I absolutely love my full-time technician and fi rst sergeant posi- a “plug-and-play” concept. Both Kambic and Ohio’s senior enlisted Soldier, Command Sgt. Airman for 11 years, from 1992 to 2003, before making the deci- tions,” Paxton said. “I want to make chief master sergeant; that The impacts of transformation in the Ohio National Guard are Maj. Bill Gilliam, said a key to making this transformation successful sion to leave her AGR position and to assist her husband with is my goal.” GB dramatic—93 percent of Ohio’s units will be impacted in some way. is the ability of Soldiers to remain agile and rely on their leadership At the vanguard in Ohio is the formation of two new modular units: to assist them in making tough decisions related to their futures.

6 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 7 year will be spent sending Soldiers to reclassifi cation Guard, for the betterment of the Army and for schools, as well as individual and small unit training. the betterment of the warfi ght. This is a time to The “look like tomorrow today” idea is something take the Soldiers to the next level.” Gilliam said can assist displaced Soldiers. “What we need to tell our Soldiers is: “Don’t “The best thing for a Soldier to do is just do “When we do a state mission, the whole in Washington for a number of years; many “The best things we can possibly do are be proac- be afraid of change, embrace it,” said Kambic, what they feel in their heart and listen to their state reacts to whatever the call is, it’s just times fi elding equipment that was already tive and get the Soldiers, before they actually start to who added this transformation is a direct reac- unit leadership. Their leadership has a broad not based on a community facility. And obsolete. As the National Guard remains transition, in a MOSQ course of what the unit is going tion to the big success that the Army has expe- spectrum, they know what’s going on to the left when we do it, we react in a joint environ- a dual-mission force, the equipment buys to become,” Gilliam said. rienced in deploying the National Guard. “Our and to the right of them, and they know where ment with the Air Guard and Army Guard,” associated with transformation are going to Gilliam stressed that this transformation is about Soldiers should be very proud of the fact that the Soldier would be best suited to transfer,” Wayt said. “There are not many states that make Ohio more relevant, not only for the more than just how units look. “It’s not just the they have been able to do things that generations Gilliam said. have the capabilities we have to respond to warfi ght, but for homeland security and the transformation of the unit itself, it’s a transformation of guardsmen have not, and that is earn the trust Gilliam added that with the constant change anything in the state of Ohio.” state mission as well. with uniform policy, and it’s a transformation with and respect of our country, our political leaders in force structure, a Soldier with just one MOS Not only are the formations going to look Even though most units began the pro- our education system. It’s for the betterment of the and our Army.” GB throughout their military career will be the like the active Army, but these modular cess of transformation in late 2005, the ef- exception. A Soldier that may be a military units will fi eld the same equipment as their fective date for completion is Sept.1, 2007. police (MP) offi cer one day could bounce into active counterparts—a much-needed im- The intent is to have any units crossing the infantry or vice-versa, something that may provement for Ohio, which has been given command lines transferred to the gaining OHARNG will undergo largest force

aid a number of individuals as they progress a low priority on equipment from leadership command by this September. The following SSG JOSH MANN through the ranks. structure change in nearly 40 years “Sometimes their type of unit had a cap on their NCO (noncommissioned offi cer) level, By Staff Sgt. Joshua Mann understand the tradition that they came from. going to a new unit, an engineer unit or to an Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio I think it’s an honor for those that went before MP unit, may improve the NCO levels to where us, that our modern day Soldiers get to wear / JFHQ-OH they can actually gain a promotion out of it,” ighlighted by the organization of the 37th that patch.” Gilliam said. Infantry Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and Added 37th Division Veterans Association The face of the National Guard in Ohio has Hthe 371st Sustainment Brigade, the force Secretary/Treasurer Cy Sedlacko: “The return IO changed dramatically over the years from early structure in Ohio Army National Guard will see its of the 37th Division patch has been long formations of independent militia companies to largest transition since the 1968 inactivation of the looked for by the veterans of the division. the organization of the 37th Division and the 37th Infantry Division. Although most units will The veterans are honored and pleased that heavy formations of the Cold War. Yet, every continue to serve under their current designation, the patch will be on the uniforms of the 37th time reorganization has occurred, Ohio Soldiers this transformation will allow Ohio to return some Brigade Combat Team.” have adapted to the change. An example of this historic designations to the force structure. Ensur- Two other Ohio units, the 1st Battalion, is the recent reorganization of the 1st Battalion, ing that the legacy of those who served previously 145th Armor and 2nd Squadron, 107th 147th Armor into the 1st Battalion, 174th Air continues in today’s modern Ohio National Guard. Cavalry, will be assigned to the 2nd Brigade Defense Artillery, which currently has a ma- The 37th Armor Brigade will transform back to Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division from jority of its Soldiers going through training to its roots as infantry—formerly the 73rd Separate Pennsylvania. However, they will be under deploy as MPs to provide force protection at Infantry Brigade, when it becomes the 37th Infantry the day-to-day command of the 37th BCT. installations in Europe. BCT in 2007. Once the transformation is complete, The 1-145th Armor will be transformed from It is a strong model that Kambic hopes the the 37th BCT will be one of the 34 Infantry, Armor the 1st Battalion, 107th Cavalry as a ma- remainder of the state follows. and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams in the Army Na- neuver battalion. This new, combined arms “If the rest of the state embraces transforma- tional Guard, and the centerpiece of modularity. formation will bear the lineage and honors tion the way that battalion, its leaders and its Organic to the 37th BCT will be two infantry of the 145th Infantry and consist of two tank Soldiers did, we will be widely successful and battalions (the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry and 1st companies, two infantry rifl e companies and won’t miss a beat,” he said. Battalion, 125th Infantry, Michigan Army National an engineer company. Another key factor in the decision process Guard), as well as a fi res battalion (the 1st Battalion, For most of the 73rd Troop Command, was to analyze Ohio’s infrastructure, in concert 134th Field Artillery), an armored reconnaissance the changes will be minor. “We’re going to with the stationing decisions. Currently, Ohio squadron (the 1st Squadron, 126th Cavalry, Michi- retain a lot of our structure; it’s just going to has an average armory age of 46 years—10 gan Army National Guard) and the 237th Brigade be modernized,” said Brig. Gen. Jack E. Lee, years older than the national average. Recent Support Battalion. A new element of the 37th BCT commander, 73rd Troop Command. additions in Bowling Green, Chillicothe, will be the 37th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, Both the 437th Military Police Battalion Woodlawn and Coshocton have set the stan- which will be comprised of engineer, signal and and 155th Chemical Battalion will each add dard for future readiness centers in Ohio. military intelligence companies. a company. Changes also occur to the avia- However, it was determined that there was too One of the most anticipated changes associated tion community, as the 1st Battalion, 137th much infrastructure for the amount of money with this transformation is the return of the historic Aviation adds one company and key aviation received by the state and federal government 37th Infantry Division’s patch to the uniforms of maintenance and support units are reorga- to maintain those buildings. In order to offset the 37th BCT. The 37th Infantry Division has a nized. The 112th Transportation Battalion those fi nancial defi ciencies, the plan in Ohio proud history of service in both world wars and the Headquarters will reorganize from the 731st is to sustain certain properties into the future distinction of being the only National Guard division Troop Command Detachment and continue while building new, multi-unit facilities every in World War II to maintain the same commanding to oversee the fi ve transportation companies year, and at the same time closing two or three offi cer, Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler, throughout in Ohio. older facilities. It is a plan that Wayt thinks will SSG JOSHUA MANN / JFHQ-OHIO the war. The biggest change to troop command will not affect Ohio’s ability to respond to a state Ohio Army National Guard force structure will have a different look beginning in “There’s so much history in our state about the occur as the 371st Corps Support Group tran- mission when needed. Fall 2006, as major changes include stand-up of two new brigade elements. 37th Division,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, sitions into the 371st Sustainment Brigade; Ohio adjutant general. “This is going to ensure that one of the fi ve types of support brigades in tradition lives on in our Soldiers today, and they the modularity plan. This new formation will 8 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 —continued on page 10 MG Gregory L. Wayt (left), Ohio adjutant general, perform many of the key combat service support functions that headquarters depending on the need of the mission, something Col. congratulates Combat Action Badge recipients MAJ the support group accomplishes now. Alan Rogers, of the 16th Engineer Brigade, said will benefi t combat- Joe Gabriel (from left), SGT Kimberly Snow, SGT The organization of the 371st is based on specifi c operational ant commanders in the fi eld. Matthew Metter and SPC Darnell Blanks. plans and has two organic units, an early entry element and signal “Those battalion headquarters will be generic and have the capabili- detachment. Also assigned are the 211th Maintenance Company ties to provide command and control to a lot of different elements,” and the newly formed 684th and 285th Medical Companies. Fi- Rogers said. “You can plug in those headquarters where needed and nally, the 237th Personnel Services Battalion will transition into then put the appropriate resources underneath them.” the 237th Human Resources Company and the 337th and 437th Rogers said that with the current structure, a battalion may have Human Resources Platoons. specifi c resources, such as vertical con- Lee added that although some des- struction, spread over various compa- ignations will go away, the function nies. Modularity will consolidate those in which they served will remain. resources into one vertical construction “It’s going to be a little different in company. Other modular formations that we lose the 737th Maintenance include horizontal construction, sap- Battalion Headquarters, but that’s per, mobility augmentation companies rolled into the sustainment brigade and fi refi ghting, survey, concrete and so we don’t really lose that function,” asphalt teams. he said. Ohio’s engineer battalions have The most signifi cant changes occur distinguished themselves in Iraq and in the 16th Engineer Brigade, with Afghanistan, receiving numerous cita- two of the current engineer battalions OHARNG HISTORICAL HOLDINGS tions and being recognized by a number

inactivating. However, many of the Transformation of the Ohio Army National Guard of senior Army commanders. Rogers STEVE TOTH / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. PUBLIC AFFAIRS individual companies will transition also includes a multiyear plan to replace out-of-date acknowledged it may be diffi cult for into new engineer formations as oth- armories, such as the one in Eaton (above), with some Soldiers to see their organization’s ers transition to engineer formations versatile state-of-the-art facilites (see pages 13-15). colors cased only months after returning CAB ceremony honors four Ohio Guard Soldiers of the 37th BCT. from combat. However, he is confi dent Story by Steve Toth projectiles qualify a Soldier for the CAB. Another considerable change is the switch from fi xed battalions that the Soldiers will accept the challenge. Adjutant General’s Department Snow, who served around Ba’qubah, of organic, lettered companies to fl ex battalions, similar to the “I have to believe that’s going to be diffi cult for them, but at the Public Affairs Iraq with the 196th from February 2004 to current 512th Engineer Battalion. The Headquarters of the 112th same token they are good Soldiers, they did a great job and we believe February 2005, said she encountered “many and 216th Engineer Battalions will remain, with the addition of that they will continue to be great Soldiers and still want to support the OLUMBUS—They are four in- instances of both direct and indirect fi re, a forward support company for each. However, numbered engi- Ohio Guard and move onto another mission that they can do equally dividual Soldiers with diverse many of which I knowingly walked into. neer companies, with specifi c skill sets, will be assigned to each as well,” he said. GB Cmilitary experiences, but a common Fallujah was perhaps the most memorable, thread that bonds them. but there was another time when I was They are all warriors who have served walking toward the TOC (Tactical Op- in the Global War on Terrorism. They U.S. ARMY PHOTO erations Center) and heard a rocket come have seen and engaged the enemy in the The Army Combat Action Badge. whistling in. I was nearly paralyzed when execution of their missions, in defending I heard that whistling. I was caught in the Change For The Better themselves and their fellow Soldiers. intended for Soldiers who personally en- open so I simply hit the ground. I watched —continued from page 2 During a Feb. 2 ceremony at Beightler gage, or are engaged by the enemy. It is not it impact about 50 feet away. I took a mo- CCommandommand focusfocus Armory in Columbus, Maj. Joe Gabriel intended for every Soldier who served in a ment to collect myself, got up and ran for combat zone or imminent danger area. cover.” istrative offi cers to position full-time employees as quickly and of Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio, Sgt. with each Soldier to minimize the challenges of transformation “Churchill once said that ‘there is no As of late May, more than 700 Ohio effi ciently as possible. Kimberly Snow of the 196th Mobile Pub- and take into account the impact on all Soldiers and their families. more exhilarating moment for a man other Army National Guardmembers have earned There is a comprehensive plan to deal with all impacts related lic Affairs Detachment, Sgt. Matthew R. The Soldier still remains the most effective, fl exible and important than when he is being shot at.’ I fully con- the CAB, according to statistics provided to transformation. The Army Executive Council (Ohio Army Metter of Headquarters and Headquarters asset the Ohio Army National Guard possesses. cur,” said Gabriel, who served with the by the Ohio National Guard personnel National Guard Senior Leader Team) completed a review of all Company, 37th Brigade Combat Team, No full-time member of the Ohio Army National Guard will lose Army Reserve’s 346th Tactical Psychologi- directorate (J1). As of that time frame, stationing, activation, inactivation and conversion actions associ- and Spc. Darnell J, Blanks of Detachment their employment if they are willing to accept retraining, and in cal Operations Company (Airborne) from units with the highest amount of Soldiers ated with transformation. A complete and detailed plan has been 1, Company B, 216th Engineer Battalion, some cases, relocation. Where positions are eliminated through March 2003 to March 2004 in Baghdad, receiving CABs include the 1485th Trans- developed to lead our Soldiers and manage our equipment and were awarded the Army Combat Action force structure action, new opportunities will be presented to ef- Iraq. “It defi nitely changed my outlook on portation Company (115) and Headquarters facilities through the challenges of transformation. Badge by Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, fected employees. The goal of the Human Resources Offi ce is to life knowing that someone was trying to (87), B (85) and C (83) Companies, 216th I have complete trust in our leaders and our Soldiers to meet the Ohio adjutant general. realign and redistribute the full-time workforce throughout the take me away from my family.” Engineer Battalion. challenges of transformation. We continue to have the number one The Combat Action Badge (CAB) was transformation process to help achieve the highest level of readi- Specifi c criteria provided by DA said the The award itself is a silver (or black sub- state in the nation in terms of readiness. That is a direct refl ection approved by the Army Chief of Staff in ness in units across the state. Human Resources goals include: Soldier must be performing assigned duties dued for utility uniforms) badge two inches of the professionalism, dedication and commitment to our fellow May 2005 with a retroactive date to Sept. in an area where hostile fi re pay or immi- in width overall, conisting of an oak wreath team members. I am counting on those traits to see our organization 18, 2001. The Soldier that receives the „ Minimizing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) that impacts nent danger pay is authorized; in addition, supporting a rectangle bearing a bayonet through transformation with the same level of readiness we enjoy CAB must not be assigned or attached to both Soldiers and their families. the Soldier must be performing satisfacto- surmounting a grenade. The bayonet and today. That end state will require the best efforts of us all. We have a unit that would qualify the Soldier for the „ Realigning the workforce to like-type units (MOS and grade) rily in accordance with the prescribed rules grenade are associated with active combat, a good plan that is fully coordinated and synchronized. Now it’s Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) or Combat to the greatest extent possible. of engagement. Attacks by mortars, rockets, while the oak wreath symbolizes strength time to execute. Nothing left to do but “get ‘er done!” GB Medical Badge (CMB). „ Provide as much stability in the workforce as feasible. According to information provided rocket-propelled grenades, improvised ex- and loyalty, according to information pro- „ Work directly with the chief of staff and the MSC admin- by the Department of Army, the CAB is plosive devices, suicide bombers and other vided by DA. GB

10 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 11 INFRASTRUCTURE

Maj. Gen. Gregory. L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general (from left); former Woodlawn WARFIGHTER Mayor Susan Upton Farley; current Soldiers test mettle in Army Military Police competition Woodlawn Mayor David Terrell; and U.S. Rep. By Cadet John Bacon, 323rd Military Police Company hands-on challenges and tasks. Steve Chabot conduct After all the teams had fi nished, they made their way to an a ceremonial ribbon- hree Soldiers from Toledo’s 323rd Military Police Co- elevated-altitude physical fi tness test. It started with a 10-kilo- cutting Jan. 14 to mark mapany tested their skills against their peers at the U.S. meter run/walk in Load Bearing Vest (LBV), Kevlar helmet and the opening of the new TArmy Military Police Corps’ annual Warfi ghter Challenge chemical protective mask while carrying a simulated M-16 rifl e Woodlawn Training competition last September at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. (rubber duck) through a mostly uphill course in the mountains of and Community Teams consisting of one noncommissioned offi cer and two Fort Leonard Wood. The hike included two river crossings and a Center in suburban enlisted Soldiers (grades E-4 and below), from both 30-meter mud pit. When the team made it across Cincinnati. active and reserve component units, competed in a the second river, they were given three minutes of six-day mentally and physically challenging battle READINESS rest and then proceeded to conduct a 2,000-pound for supremacy. ammunition carry. Warfi ghters had to carry 1 ton of Team No. 57—composed of the 323rd’s Sgt. Nathaniel Gal- sand divided into 18 ammo containers across a 25-meter course, limore, Spc. Chet Engle and Spc. Mason Reich forged through without letting any of the containers touch the ground. As soon as 10 events that tested their minds, bodies and most of all, their they were fi nished, Team 57 did elevated push-ups for two min- wills to succeed. utes, directly followed by elevated sit-ups for two minutes. After On the competition’s fi rst day, Warfi ghter competitors were a short break, the warfi ghters hopped on buses and went to the awakened at midnight to head out to a 7.3-mile orienteering (land weapons range. There, competitors zeroed their weapons and then navigation) course. Each team had to fi nd fi ve geographical points ran 500 meters before fi ring M-4 machine guns from a standing and answer two questions at each point. By mile four of the course, unsupported position, then ran another 500 meters and fi red again the MPs had already soaked their Battle Dress Uniforms with from the kneeling unsupported position. After that, the teams ran sweat due to the intense humidity and the 60-pound rucksacks, another 500 meters and shot their M-9 pistols from the standing fully loaded to include a 25-pound sand bag for extra weight. unsupported position, only to run another 500 meters and shoot Just hours after fi nishing the nighttime course, the sun rose and the M-9 from the kneeling unsupported position while wearing Grand opening of two new facilities so did another test. At this part of the contest, teams took a written their protective masks. The fi nal event for the day involved the DDoubleDDoubleoouubbllee take:ttake:taakkee:: marks historic day for OHARNG exam, then moved to a timed rope rappelling course followed by Soldiers being blindfolded, then tasked with assembly and disas- a 50-meter timed Humvee push. Roughly an hour sembly of the M-9 and M-4; they after Team 57 fi nished these tasks, they took on then removed their blindfolds to By Pfc. Ryan A. Cleary with 15-20 acres to expand on, he said. Batteries for the 1st Battalion, 1-174th Air a 500-meter Physical Endurance Course (PECS conduct assembly and disassem- 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “I think it’s going to get us into the next Defense Artillery Regiment. Course) in which they jumped over walls, climbed bly of the MK-19 rifl e. century. And the way that the community is “By combining our resources, we now ropes, ducked through tunnels and performed vari- On day three, competitors were an. 14, 2006 proved to be a doubly his- involved with us is outstanding,” said Capt. have a 112,000-square-foot building to ous other team exercises, to include a simulated given fi ve hours of sleep before toric day for the Ohio Army National Donald Westfall, commander of Alpha support both the community and Ohio’s patient litter carry through obstacles. the fi nal event—a 15-mile road Guard as it marked the grand openings Company, 216th Engineer Battalion. National Guard,” Terrell said. “We’re ex- On the second day of the competition, warfi ght- march through the foothills of Fort J of two new facilities constructed for Ohio’s The newly constructed $6.55 million, tremely excited about the opportunity to ers were again awakened at midnight to compete Leonard Wood, again wearing full Citizen-Soldiers, and the communities which 32,000-square-foot facility features a pull the community together, and it’s been further, after only four hours of sleep.The teams gear and a fully-loaded ruck sack. host them while they train each month. library and learning center, multiple class- a wonderful relationship working with the were tested in warrior tasks (common skills) with An unplanned added challenge Ohio National Guard leaders, as well as local, rooms, administrative areas, full-service community and the Ohio Army National was a pouring rain that began just state and federal offi cials, were at public cere- kitchen and fi tness center with a state-of- Guard.” prior to the start of the road march. monies to open readiness centers in Chillicothe the-art workout area. The $13 million training and community Most teams made it throughout the and the Cincinnati suburb of Woodlawn. Buildings for vehicle maintenance and center was funded by local, state and fed- road march in less than fi ve hours. While In Chillicothe, Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Soldier barracks have been constructed for eral monies. The facility hosts the Village Team 57 did not finish among the top Ohio adjutant general, and Chillicothe Mayor further use by the 216th and other govern- of Woodlawn administrative offi ces as well teams, the 323rd Soldiers who competed in Joseph Sulzer, along with other local offi cials, ment agencies. as fi ve Ohio Army National Guard units, the Warfi ghter Challenge gained valuable snipped the ceremonial ribbon with pride at the Later that day, in the Cincinnati suburb with ample vehicle storage, maintenance experience, tested their limits and learned opening of the Chillicothe Readiness Center. of Woodlawn, Wayt and Mayor Raymond facilities, recruiting offi ces, fi ve supply what it takes to make it to the top for the “This is a great facility, and congrats to the Terrell, along with other area offi cials and offi ces and classrooms, two gymnasiums, 2006 competition. GB Ohio National Guard,” Sulzer said. “It is an elected representatives, took part in a rib- an exercise room, locker rooms and a full important part of our community.” bon cutting to open the new Woodlawn kitchen capable of supporting more than Col. William R. Radford, state facilities Training and Community Center. 700 Soldiers during a drill weekend. management offi cer, said the facility was built The innovative facility not only houses At the end of the day, it was clear that the specifi cally for the battalion. Radford indicated many recreational activities for members Ohio Army National Guard units and the that the Chillicothe facility is a model for future of the community, but also serves as home communities which host them will benefi t Ohio National Guard readiness centers, which to the Headquarters and Headquarters from these two premier, state-of-the-art ABOVE: The 323rd Military Police Company’s SPC Mason Reich (from left), SPC will be built with the needs of modern Army Company, 216th Engineer (Combat Heavy) facilities. Chet Engle and SGT Nathaniel Gallimore competed in a variety of competitive National Guard units in mind, and preferably Battalion, and the Headquarters, A and B GB events (RIGHT, TOP AND BOTTOM) during the Army Warfi ghter Challenge.

SSG EDWIN CORTES / 323RD MP COMPANY 12 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W W W . WO H. O I OH NI O A NT AI OT NI O A NL AG LU G A UR AD R . CD O. C M O M 13 13 When two new Ohio Army National Guard facilities were unveiled to the public in January History gives way to progress (see article on page 13), it capped a monumental 12-month period for ONG military By Master Sgt. Lee Trompeter Burgy Camp Sherman, asked him to help out by construction, marked by the opening of four major facilities within the state overall. 555th Air Force Band mowing the lawn. “I’m still helping out,” Richardson said BBOWLINGOWLING GGREENREEN TTRAININGRAIININGNING AANDND CCOMMUNITYOMMUNITY CCENTERENTER CCOSHOCTONOSHOCTON RREADINESSEADINESS CCENTERENTER thorny-branched, 62-foot tall Osage with a laugh at the time. Orange tree once stood fi rm in the Richardson said it takes two people 16 A ground at Camp Sherman near hours per week to mow the entire complex. „ LOCATION: „ LOCATION: Chillicothe. The site of a recently opened On hot summer days, he often eats his Bowling Green, Coshocton, readiness center for A Company, 216th lunch under the shade of another promi- Engineer Battalion, the 150-year-old tree nent Maclura Pomifera (Osage Orange) Wood County Coshocton County unfortunately had to be removed to make that stands front and center to the campus’ way for the new facility. many trees. „ OPENED: „ OPENED: Prior to the tree being cut down in late Among the many special features of August 2005 March 2005 2004 so construction could progress, Ross Camp Sherman, Richardson noted the County native and Korean War veteran majestic rolling hills that form a backdrop Blain Richardson had been looking after the to the main campus. „ COST: „ COST: campus and facility for more than 35 years. “That is the inspiration for the Great $11.3 Million $3.9 Million What began for him as a part-time summer Seal of the State of Ohio,” he said. job (the post is closed in late fall and winter) Richardson said he also has enjoyed „ SIZE: „ SIZE: became a labor of love. helping schedule rifl e range and grounds 82,082 square feet, 26,000 square feet, “The Hedge apples of the Osage Orange visits, including one visit a few years ago trees are not poisonous and are native to by some of President Clinton’s Secret on 16.7 acres on 17 acres states like Oklahoma and Texas,” Richard- Service agents, who “zeroed weapons in

son said in an interview prior to the tree’s zero weather,” he said. He advised them „ FEATURES: OHARNG FACILITIES MANAGEMENT OFFICE „ FEATURES: removal. “This (was) a male tree because to return in the summer, when the massive Two regulation-size State-of-the-art OHARNG FACILITIES MANAGEMENT OFFICE only the female type trees are able to bear Osage Orange tree would have been in hardwood basketball courts; 4,300-square-foot4,300-square-fo fi tness area; elevated running maintenance bay the fruit.” full bloom. Following his enlistment as a cook in “The wages aren’t high but this work is track;classroom space; commercialmercial kitchen withw banquet facilities for up to that allows Soldiers to work on vehicles in a fully the Army from 1958 to 1960, he returned relaxing and gratifying, as long as it doesn’t 500 people enclosed environment; recruiting offi ce; classrooms; fi tness room to the area and took a job as a highway interfere with my fi shing time,” he said. “I patrol license examiner. Army National guess I will just keep helping out until they „ TENANTS: „ TENANT: Guard Col. Kermit Patchen, an offi cer at kick me out.” GB B Company, 1-148th Infantry; WWoodood County MRDD;M City of Bowling Green Detachment 2, 1485th Transportation Company CCHILLICOTHEHILLICOTHE RREADINESSEADINESSESS CCENTERCENENTER WWOODLAWNOODLAWN TRAININGTRAINING ANDAND COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY CCENTERENTER „ LOCATION: „ LOCATION: Woodlawn, Camp Sherman Hamilton County (near Chillicothe), Ross County „ OPENED: January 2006 „ OPENED: January 2006 „ COST: $13 Million „ COST: „ SIZE: $6.55 Million 112,000 square feet PFC RYAN A. CLEARY / 196TH MPAD on 17 acres „ SIZE: „ FEATURES: 32,029 square feet OHARNG FACILITIES MANAGEMENTMA OFFICE Multiple classrooms; two gymnasiums with hardwood fl oors; administra- tive offi ces; vehicle storage and maintenance facilities; recruiting offi ce; „ FEATURES: state-of-the-art fi tness areas Multiple classrooms; library aandnd learning center;ce administrative offi ces; full- service kitchen; state-of-the-artrt fi tness area „ TENANTS: Headquarters Service Company (HSC), 216th Engineer Battalion; Camp Sherman employee Blain Richardson stands near an Osage Orange tree „ TENANT: A, B, Headquarters and Headquarters Batteries, 1-174th Air Defense which subsequently had to be removed to make way for a new Ohio Army National A Company, 216th Engineer Battalionattalion Artillery Battalion; Village of Woodlawn Guard readiness center for the local Chillicothe engineer unit.

1414 B B UU CC KK EE YY EE GG UU AA RR DD SS PP RR II NN GG 22 00 00 66 W WW WW .W O H. O I HO IN O A N T A I OT IN O A N L AG LU G A U R A D R . CD O. C M O M 15 15 with a trembling voice. not to seek the services of mental health professionals. In Cockerell’s case After the attack Cockerell does not remember much, but her deteriorating home and work life were the catalyst for seeking assistance. accounts of the incident record her being transported to a fi eld Cockerell recalled, “Coworkers said I was different; my kids noticed a change; hospital where she received treatment for lacerations to her and my husband said I was distant. It was a very confusing time for me.” face, neck and legs. Although she could not walk for a while, After getting past the stigma, Cockerell began working with a local mental The War Withinn she knew she was lucky to be alive. health provider to confront her feelings of remorse, guilt and isolation.“I have Cockerell is one of the nearly 5,700 men and women who fi nally accepted that I have PTSD and, although I don’t think I will ever be the New programs provide help after the homecoming have cleared routes of IEDs, delivered supplies, patrolled same, I am better-equipped to deal with my feelings,” she said. “People need sectors and provided medical support under life-threatening to understand that it is OK to get help.” for Ohio’s servicemembers and their families conditions. Since the Global War on Terrorism began, more For Ohio’s returning servicemembers, that help is available. “We recognize than 50 units from all across Ohio have served in Operations that not just Ohio National Guard Soldiers, but any servicemember exposed Story by James A. Sims II Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Joint Guardian. The to war is forever changed,” said Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant Adjutant General’s Department Public Affairs men and women of the Ohio National Guard have answered general. To address the specifi c needs of servicemembers, the Ohio National According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD can that call to duty in record numbers and many of them have Guard has forged partnerships with agencies like the Ohio Department of occur in people who have experienced or witnessed life-threatening uring the Civil War, it was called “Soldier’s heart” or “nostal- witnessed unspeakable traumatic events. Mental Health, Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, events. gia.” World War I through Vietnam, the condition by which “People read or hear about the Global War on Terror and veterans centers, Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities and People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through Dservicemembers would exhibit irritability, depression, guilt and think that it is some sort of slogan or advertising campaign,” Ohio Council of Behavioral fl ashbacks upon returning was called “shell shock.” fl ashbacks or nightmares. They are typically overwheled by memo- said Command Sgt Maj. Verna Henderson, who deployed to Healthcare Providers. IMPORTANT RESOURCES ries and sensations of battle and may feel panicky, isolated, angry For many years, medical professionals debated the actual cause of Iraq with the 216th Engineer Battalion. “In reality, the Global Ohio’s TRICARE-approved or depressed. “These symptoms are very real,” said Col. Stephen C. these symptoms. Before long-term cases were studied, many clini- War on Terror is just that...war. We ask young men and women behavioral health providers If you or a servicemember you know is Ulrich, Ohio National Guard state surgeon and a family doctor in New cians believed that a traumatic event was not enough to cause these to put themselves in harm’s way. They are exposed to life-alter- along with professionals in the having diffi culty readjusting to daily life or may be Lexington. “In some cases, these symptoms can be severe enough to problems. Some suggested malingering or attributed the symptoms ing experiences and many of them are never the same after.” state’s behavioral healthcare exhibiting symptoms of PTSD, please contact have a signifi cant impact on the servicemember’s daily life.” one of the agencies listed below. to pre-existing neurotic conditions. As soon as Cockerell was well enough to travel she was system are trained to treat Master Sgt. Crystal Cockerell, who deployed in February 2004 to It wasn’t until the early 1980s that post-traumatic stress disorder transported back to the United States for further medical treat- military personnel returning Iraq as a food service specialist with the Ohio Army National Guard’s Ohio VA Medical Facilities: (PTSD) became a fully recognized and diagnostic term. ment and rehabilitation. from combat. “We participated 216th Engineer Battalion, knows the symptoms all too well. “I was Brecksville...... 440-526-3030 In truth, PTSD is a new name for an age-old condition. “I was getting medical treatment for my physical injuries, in training workshops with prepared to deploy and thought once in theater, I would be assigned Chillicothe...... 740-773-1141 It is now accepted that war, by its very nature, creates severe but didn’t think I needed to see someone about all the stuff that agencies who want to provide psychological impact on to a mess hall,” said the 10-year veteran of active-duty before joining Cincinnati...... 513-861-3100 was going through my head,” Cockerell said. “At the time I assistance,” Wayt said. “We Columbus...... 614-257-5200 the National Guard. people in very real and didn’t know what was going on, I just knew that things were helped them examine the in- Dayton...... 937-268-6511 However, in Iraq, many of the services provided to Soldiers are very lasting ways. not right.” depth issues that affect return- Toledo ...... 419-259-2000 contracted out to private companies. That meant that Cockerell and What Cockerell did not know was that her fl ashbacks, night- ing servicemembers.” Wade Park...... 216-791-3800 other members of her section were tasked to perform their second- mares, feelings of isolation and irritability were all symptoms of A look at the numbers reveals ary missions of supporting convoy patrols. Those missions included VA Benefi ts...... 1-800-827-1000 PTSD. The traumatic effect that war has is not discriminating; an alarming fact. According to traveling along some of the most dangerous stretches of highway on men, and women, young and old alike can be affected by their a recent study, researchers have earth. VA Tele-Nurse (Ohio)...... 1-888-838-6446 experiences and develop PTSD. According to a study published found that nearly two-thirds of “We knew how dangerous it was because we saw burned-out trucks in July 2004 in the New England Journal of Medicine, as many Iraq veterans who “screened and the awful damage that other vehicles sustained,” Cockerell said. Military One Source...... 1-800-655-4545 as one in fi ve veterans will return from the war in Iraq with positive” for PTSD and other “The missions were diffi cult but we did our jobs. I just could not PTSD or related mental health conditions. psychiatric disorders do not VA Center Readjustment Counseling understand why they kept trying to destroy all the good work the “In theater we could keep a watchful eye on our Soldiers. seek treatment. Service...... 513-763-3500 engineers were doing,” added Cockerell with a bit of frustration When one of our own was wounded or killed in action we “I urge anyone who may be in her voice. “We were there to help.” tapped into available resources such as combat stress teams and feeling a bit different, to get Ohio Resource Network (ORN) Referral The 216th sustained heavy losses during their deploy- chaplains the to help Soldiers deal with their grief,” Henderson past the stigma, call someone Helpline for Substance Abuse ment; 27 members of the unit were wounded in action and Services...... 1-800-788-7254 (option 2) said. “But Soldiers are reluctant to to seek mental health treat- and get some help. Your life three were killed, including Pfc. Sam Bowen, who was Available 24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week ment because of the stigma associated with it.” may depend on it,” Cockerell traveling in a convoy when his vehicle was struck by a Once Soldiers return home, they must decide whether or said. rocket propelled grenade on July 7, 2004. GB State of Ohio Mental Health Referral “When I heard that Sam was killed, it hit me very hard,” Helpline...... 1-877-275-6364 After surviving an IED (1-877-ASK-ODMIH) Available M-F, 9 am to 4pm Cockerell said. “We had become good friends during the attack while deployed deployment and would write to each other’s spouses to to Iraq, Ohio Army Substance Abuse Treatment Facility let them know we were doing well and taking care of National GuardMSG Locator...... http://www.fi ndtreatment.samhsa. each other.” Guilt, frustration and anger were just some Crystal Cockerell gov/facilitylocatordoc.htm

of the emotions that Cockerell began to feel shortly (right) benefited from SSG BOB BARKO JR. JR. BARKO BOB SSG thereafter. programs established Mental Health Facilities Locator...... As bad as things were for Cockerell, she could not to help servicemembers http://www.mentalhealth.org/databases/ imagine that things would get worse. transition back to everyday Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services A month later, Cockerell was riding in a convoy of life after returning home. trucks along a road near Samarra, when it happened. Administration (SAMHSA) Referral Helplines “It was the loudest noise I have ever heard in my life,” ...... 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

/ 196TH MPAD 196TH / ...... 1-800-662-9832 (Spanish) she said. “I remember a searing sensation all over my ...... 1-800-228-0427 (TDD) body and looking at the heat burning circles in the glass Available 24 Hours/Day, 7 Days/Week as the windshield melted.” Cockerell’s 2½-ton truck had been struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Sources: Ohio National Guard; Department of Shrapnel from the explosion ripped through her legs Veterans Affairs; Ohio Department of Alcohol and and shards of bomb fragments and glass shredded Drug Addiction Serices; and Ohio Department of her hands and face. “I just remember the faint sounds Mental Health of people yelling and fl ames all around,” she added 1LT CHARLES L. WILKINS III / 216TH ENGINEER BATTALION 1616 B BU UC CK KE YE YE E G GU UA AR RD D S SP PR RI NI NG G 2 20 00 06 6 W W W .W O WH I. OO NH AI OT NI O A NT AI OL GN UA LA GR UD A. C R OD M. C O 17 M 17 Recruiting referral program pays big dividends for enterprising GG-RAP:-RAP: Soldiers, Airmen

the National Guard as a whole,” Smith said. Ohio’s recruiting numbers refl ect a fa- “We saw how successful the program was for vorable nationwide trend in recruiting and the Army and thought we’d try it out. So far, retention. According to the National Guard it’s been working. I think it’s going to be a real Bureau fi gures for April, Ohio Army and advantage for the Air National Guard.” Air Guard end strength were 96.8 percent The G-RAP program operates under a and 98.5 percent respectively. Retention premise borrowed from corporate America, fi gures for Army and Air Guard were 110.2 which holds that current employees make the percent and 98 percent respectively. COURTESY PHOTO best ambassadors—especially when they are “We’ve been able to sustain a tremendous SrA Robert Clubbs (second from right) rewarded fi nancially. amount of momentum going into 2006,” received an fi rst Ohio Air National Guard “I think $1,000 to $2,000 is a small and Kambic said. “In (Fiscal Year) 2005 we G-RAP award incentive check for helping to well-deserved price to pay to our great Soldiers recruited over 1,500 Soldiers. In 2006, recuit prior service enlistee Charles Wiley who spend their time and energy to help us we’re nearly halfway there.” (third from left), pictured with his family. gain quality new members,” said Brig. Gen. Since Oct. 1, 2005, the Ohio Army Guard Also pictured is Col Dewey Perkins, 200th Matthew L. Kambic, Ohio’s assistant adjutant has recruited more than 660 new Soldiers RED HORSE Squadron commander. general for Army. “Who knows more about and the Air Guard has recruited more than 320 new Airmen. With current enlistment the qualities and traits necessary to join the gardless of their MOS (military occupational bonuses of up to $15,000 for Air Guard and fold than the Soldiers in all of our diverse units specialty) is a rifl eman. Well, we also say that $20,000 for Army Guard enlistments, along around the State.” every Soldier has a job of being a recruiter as with the Ohio National Guard Scholarship G-RAP is only one of several initiatives well. Everywhere they go and whatever civic Program which pays 100 percent tuition at responsible for a major turnaround in recruit- groups or professional organizations they are state-sponsored universities, the trend is ing efforts. part of, there is a potential to talk about the expected to continue. With the nation’s seventh largest Army Ohio National Guard and invite good people “G-RAP is just another great tool that National Guard, Ohio is currently 10,500 to join our ranks.” members strong and ranks fi fth in recruiting we have to encourage our Soldiers to take GB a greater personal interest in bringing solid, nationwide. —Sgt. Kim Snow, 196th Mobile Public Af- TODD CRAMER / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. potential candidates into the Ohio Army “The Ohio Army National Guard is over 100 fairs Detachment and Steve Toth, Adjutant PV2 Matthew Maddux (second from left), was the fi rst Ohio National Guard Soldier to get $2,000 through the Guard Recruiting National Guard,” Kambic said. “You’ve percent of its authorized strength,” Kambic said. General’s Department Public Affairs. Assistance Program (G-RAP). MG Gregory L. Wayt (left), Ohio adjutant general, and BG Matt Kambic (right), assistant adjutant “People are signing up in record numbers.” heard the saying that every Soldier, re- general for Army, present a ceremonial check to Maddux to recognize him as Ohio’s fi rst successful recruiting assistant. Also pictured is recruiter SGT Sonny Hernandez (center) and Maddux’s enlistee, PV1 Marc Smurr (fourth from left). chieving Strength from Within” by Pvt. Matthew Maddux, a member of The Army Guard’s success with the G-RAP helps launch successful year for Army, Air recruiters is the core principle behind the the 324th Military Police Company in program attracted the attention of Ohio ““AANational Guard’s new nation- Middletown. Maddux helped to recruit Air National Guard offi cials, who adopted The shining stars of Ohio Army and Air National Guard recruiting (fi gures as of May 31, 2006): wide recruiting initiative, formally known Pvt. Marc Smurr into the unit. For his ef- the program in early April. They also are as the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program, forts, Maddux received a check for $1,000 showing success with the program, and • Ohio Army National Guard recruiter Sgt. Sonny Hernandez from Dayton recruiting is ranked second in the nation and is currently or G-RAP. when Smurr enlisted, and another $1,000 since early April, have recruited 383 RAs, vying for the Army National Guard’s top spot. Hernandez reached 247 percent of his yearly goal of 23, enlisting 57 new recruits as of Contracted by Docupak, Inc., G-RAP is when Smurr shipped off to Initial Entry who have generated 86 leads and enlisted May 31, 2006. He is on pace to reach his personal goal of at least 80 new recruits for the year. a voluntary program designed for National Training (IET). eight new Airmen. Guard Soldiers and Airmen who Maj. Todd Audet, from the Port • OHARNG recruiter Staff Sgt. Kevin Hollenbacher from Toledo recruiting reached 160 percent of his yearly goal of 15, with 24 wish to serve as part-time recruiter STRENGTH MAINTENANCE Clinton-based 200th Red Horse new recruits as of May 31. assistants (RAs). Docupak facili- Squadron, enlisted the fi rst new • OHARNG recruiter Staff Sgt. James Miller from Southeast recruiting reached 144 percent of his yearly goal of 16, with 23 new tates the program for the National Guard and Prior to leaving for IET, Smurr secured Airman through G-RAP on April 28. recruits as of May 31. verifi es RA applicants. Once hired, the RAs two G-RAP enlistments of his own, and Senior Airman Ashley Schmidt, from the cultivate quality potential Guardmembers will potentially earn up to $4,000 when Toledo-based 180th Fighter Wing, has • Ohio Air National Guard recruiter Master Sgt. Craig Conner from Springfi eld recruiting enlisted 44 new Airmen, reaching 81 percent from within their own communities. they ship to IET. already enlisted two new Airmen through of his yearly goal with four months remaining in the fi scal year. The program, initially available only to Since the initiative kicked off in De- the program. Ohio Army National Guardmembers, offers a cember 2005, more than 2,100 Ohio Army Chief Master Sgt. Wes Smith, recruiting • OHANG recruiter Tech. Sgt. Lawrence Wright from Columbus recruiting enlisted 36 new Airmen, reaching 75 percent of his goal $2,000 incentive to those who actively recruit National Guardmembers have registered and retention superintendent for the Ohio with four months remaining in the fi scal year. new servicemembers. and been trained as G-RAP recruiters. They Air National Guard, explained the Air The Army Guard’s fi rst offi cial enlistment have produced more than 650 leads and Guard’s interest in the program. • OHANG recruiter Tech. Sgt. Matthew Michael from Toledo recruiting enlisted 31 new Airmen, reaching 86 percent of his goal with under the G-RAP initiative was generated helped to enlist more than 90 Soldiers. “The numbers had been dropping for four months remaining in the fi scal year. —Compiled by Sgt. Kim Snow, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

18 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 19 Ohio Air National Guard units mark many organizational successes stateside, overseas

The following is a round-up from various Ohio Air National Guard units of signifi cant achievements during the past 12 months.

178th Fighter Wing Ohio Gov. Bob Taft May 27 presented the Springfi eld-based 178th Fighter Wing the Out- standing Unit Award (OUA) for exceptionally meritorious service from Jul. 15, 2003 through Jul. 14, 2005. “This is an outstanding achievement for the members of this wing,” said 178th FW com- mander Col. Richard Lohnes. “This award acknowledges the members for all their hard work, outstanding performance, continuous excellence in production and dedication to the mission.” Over the two-year period, the 178th trained 82 F-16 pilots in six different courses, supported MSGT CLIFFORD FULTON / 178TH FIGHTER WING 170 individual mobilizations, fl ew more mis- SSgt Dallas Root (third from left), a 178th Fighter Wing member and Ohio State Highway sions than any other like unit during the period Patrolman, receives the Ohio Cross from Gov. Bob Taft (fourth from left), as Col. Paul with no accidents and successfully completed McClelland (from left), OHSP commander, MG Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general, TODD CRAMER / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. its fi rst Air Education and Training Command and Col Richard Lohnes, 178th FW commander, look on. See article on page 27. A delegation of Ohio Army National Guard leadership displays awards received at a May 4 ceremony at the Pentagon, as a Special Operational Readiness Inspection. Awarded for Category winner (National Guard) in the 2006 Army Communities of Excellence competition. The win netted $750,000 from the Army. exceptionally meritorious service that clearly fl ying in Iraq and Afghanistan. with American Red Cross, FEMA and Columbus sets the unit apart from similar units, the unit “The Inspector General stated that it was Regional Airport Authority during Operation last received the award in 1978. the best unit seen in over two years includ- Provide Comfort, to prepare for the arrival and ing active duty and reserves,” said wing care of displaced hurricane victims. OHARNG again earns top ACOE honor 123rd Air Control Squadron commander Col. Mark Stephens. “This is he Ohio Army National Guard employees and Soldiers. The we are not only listening to our of Ohio Army National Guard An inspection team from the Air Combat no small feat.” Ohio Army National Guard practices, Ohio was selected for a 180th Fighter Wing (OHARNG) was selected by Soldiers, but we’re taking their Command (ACC) conducted a Unit Compli- The 179th was recently removed from The 180th Fighter Wing deployed more than T successfully competed against site visit. During the three-day visit, the Department of the Army as a suggestions on how to run this ance Inspection (UCI) of the 123rd Air Control the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 300 Airmen to southwest Asia with Aerospace 27 other states and installations a team of examiners investigated Fiscal Year 2006 Army Communi- organization and putting them Squadron in April 2006. One of 14 like organi- list and placed in an enclave status, allow- Expeditionary Forces (AEF) from Aug.1 to win the Special Category, a various items in the state’s submis- ties of Excellence (ACOE) Special into action,” Kambic said. zations to be rated, the 123rd met or exceeded ing the base to remain open and eligible for through Sept. 30, 2005, providing aerial support separate division to allow the sion and verifi ed the accuracy of the Category winner. The ACOE award The OHARNG’s ACOE standards in more than 90 inspected areas, and future fl ying missions. Stephens attributed throughout the Central Command Region. They National Guard to compete in state’s self-assessment. Examiners recognizes the OHARNG’s effort in submission was evaluated by a was only the second to complete the inspection the removal to strong community support logged 2,600 hours with 370 sorties. the ACOE. then submitted the results to a board improving overall performance and team of APIC-certifi ed exam- and be found in full compliance. and the determination of wing and state Throughout 2005, the wing deployed ad- The ACOE Program uses of senior examiners who validated capabilities. iners. The submission explains “Quite simply, the results of this inspection leadership. ditional personnel to support operations in the Army Performance the entire process and made the fi nal Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, how the OHARNG are the product of a lot of hard work,” said The unit supported Task Force Buckeye Germany, Israel, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates Improvement Criteria award determination. Ohio adjutant general and Brig. functions and pres- Capt. Jeff Wyatt, chief of maintenance. “If I following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and Iraq, as well as hurricane relief operations (APIC) as the basis The OHARNG has submitted an Gen. Matthew L. Kambic, assistant ents the results had to pinpoint why the squadron did so well, fl ying more than 291 tons of cargo, and on the U.S. Gulf Coast. adjutant general for Army, accepted for evaluation in achieved using ACOE self-assessment annually it would have to be persistence. Nothing can supplied clergy, medical, aerial port, civil the ACOE awards since 2002 and has received numer- the award from Army Chief of Staff recognized busi- take the place of persistence.” engineering and public affairs support in 200th RED HORSE Squadron General Peter Schoomaker at a May competition. The ness practices. ous awards including the National Conducted once every four years, the UCI Mississippi and Louisiana. 4 ceremony at the Pentagon to rec- APIC provides The APIC exam- Guard Bureau (NGB) “Rookie of The 200th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy assesses a unit’s compliance with and adher- Operations Repair Squadron Engineers (RED ognize winners in the competition. a framework for iners evaluated the Year” in 2002. The organization ence to public law as well as Air Force, Air in-depth organiza- was also recognized as the NGB’s 121st Air Refueling Wing HORSE) was awarded the Meritorious Unit “We are extremely proud of and scored the National Guard, Department of Defense and From January through April 2006, 85 tional assessment and overall winner in 2003, 2004 and Award for its 2005 deployment to Iraq, where this accomplishment,” Wayt said. submission in the ACC policies and directives. Airmen from the 121st volunteered for measurement for con- 2006. In 2005, the organization they completed more than $14 million in con- “It recognizes years of hard work seven APIC Categories deployments up to 120 days in support of tinuous improvement ef- was awarded First Place Gold struction projects. and effort by every Soldier in the (leadership; strategic planning; Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Free- forts and is closely aligned with Division as the NGB’s entrant to 179th Airlift Wing The fi rst Air National Guard unit mobilized OHARNG and our goal of main- customer focus; measurement, dom and other contingencies in locations the Malcom Baldrige National compete in the Department of the The Air Mobility Command Inspector Gen- to work directly for the Army, from January taining an effective, quality orga- analysis and knowledge man- all over the world including Iraq, Kuwait, Quality Award Criteria. The Army competition. The OHARNG eral in March 2006 awarded the 179th Airlift through July 2005, the 200th became the fi rst nization.” agement; human resources; Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Diego Garcia, criteria include several modi- was awarded the Department of the Wing an “excellent” rating during the unit’s RED HORSE Squadron to complete Army In addition to the award, the Ohio process management; and Europe and South America. fi cations to refl ect the military Army’s Special Category winner in Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). Power Platform Training, designed to teach Army National Guard received business results). Nearly 250 Airmen from the 121st Air environment. 2003 and 2006.—Adjutant General’s The ORI came on the heels of a two-year Army convoy and weapons tactics. $750,000 to be used toward improv- Based upon the examiners’ activation supporting Operations Iraqi Free- Refueling Wing were involved in relief ing the quality of life of OHARNG “This recognition shows that recommendation and review Department Public Affairs GB dom and Enduring Freedom, in which the unit efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and —Compiled by Sgt. Kim Snow, 196th Mobile logged more than 5,000 hours of accident-free Rita. Personnel from the 121st also worked Public Affairs Detachment GB

20 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 21 Although the RSP has been around in SFC James Youngdahl (right) calls cadence as he marches new Ohio Army concept—by names such as “pre-basic”—for National Guard recruits from the Recruit Sustainment Program back in from many years, recent innovations and an active a one-mile run during drill assembly at the North Canton Armory. GGETTINGETTING A interest on the part of Ohio National Guard leadership have taken the program to a whole new level, Paley said. RRunningunning The recently restructured program sees the recruits through three phases. In red phase—indoctrination—newly enlist- ed troops report to the RSP for their fi rst drill. HHeadead SStarttart They receive introductory briefi ngs and attend classes on Army values, personal fi nance and Recruit Sustainment Program gives new military customs and courtesies. Ohio Army National Guard recruits an Recruits enter white phase during their advantage over their counterparts second drill assembly. The longest phase, the troops continue to receive classroom instruc- tion and hands-on training in basic Soldiering skills. In blue phase, recruits attend one fi nal drill assembly before shipping out. They go to PV1 Michael T. Patterson, of Magnolia, Columbus with their recruiters to meet with participates in small unit tactics training at a Recruit Sustainment Program drill the RSP battalion staff and receive a physical assembly last fall at the North fi tness assessment and overall evaluation to Canton Armory. ensure they’re ready to report for IET. Pvt. 1st Class Brad A. Shaffer of Canton, a through (an RSP) too, but you could tell interest in seeing the recruits through the split-option Soldier assigned to D Company, which programs were better than others.” process, Paley said. 1-148th Infantry, par- Prior to recent improvements in the Gone are the days where new troops ticipated in the RSP RSP, training pipeline losses—a statistic see their recruiter only as long as it takes program. Shaffer grad- that tracks recruits from signing to actu- to enlist them and send them to their unit. uated from basic training in August 2005 and is ally shipping—ran as high as 40 percent, In fact, new troops are now assigned to scheduled for the infantry advanced individual meaning close to half of total Ohio Army the recruiting command and do not report training (AIT) course in July at Fort Benning, National Guard recruits would “drop out” to their units until they return from initial Ga., where Shaffer will be trained in his chosen or be dropped for various reasons even be- entry training. military occupational specialty (MOS). fore making it to basic training. The losses Individual recruiters act as squad leaders By Sgt. Kimberly Snow were tough on recruiters who had to cover to their new recruits, preparing them both 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Although Shaffer said he’s glad he’ll never have to repeat basic training, RSP prepared the same ground twice, Paley said. mentally and physically for the challenges xperience. College money. Job training. Pride. him for what to expect. He said the emphasis Since May 2005, the attrition rate has they will soon face. Their reasons for enlisting are as diverse as the on teamwork and leadership was particularly decreased to about 10 percent, exceeding This day, training began with a modifi ed recruits themselves. What they hold in common is a helpful. all expectations and causing a lot of excite- Army Physical Fitness Test, called the “leg-up” over their fellow future basic traininees “I knew more than anyone in basic training,” ment. It also saves the Army money, at a APFT for short. from other states. Shaffer said. “It taught me everything—clay- time when resources need to be utilized “Come on, guys!” shouted Sgt. 1st Class E mores (mines), map reading, throwing gre- prudently. James Youngdahl. “I just had a private do More than 50 new recruits gathered last November at the North Canton Armory for their one-weekend-a-month drill nades, squad movements, reaction to fl ares, Paley attributes the turnaround to the 74 push-ups in one minute! All this excite- assembly. But instead of reporting to their new units, they M-16s (rifl es). Some of the other Soldiers went hard work and determination of the en- ment and we still have sit-ups to do. Yeah! reported to their recruiters. tire recruiting team Alright troops!” The troops are participating in the recently restructured and particularly, to The recruits, in varying levels of physi- Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP), a new take on an old the vision and in- cal fitness, urged one another on and idea. novation of Lt. Col. responded to Youngdahl’s enthusiasm by Jerry Rees, head clapping their hands and shouting encour- of the OHARNG agement to their fellow recruits. The goal STRENGTH MAINTENANCECE Recruiting Com- of the morning’s test was to diagnose and Capt. Robert H. Paley administers the program, which mand. make recruits aware of their own fi tness helps integrate recruits into their new role as Soldiers and “It’s his baby,” levels and to familiarize them with Army prepare them for Army basic combat training, now known Paley said with a physical training, Youngdahl said. formally as initial entry training (IET). His enthusiasm laugh. “I’m just Back in the classroom, Sgt. 1st Class for the program is evident in the smile he wears as he babysitting.” Terry Carpenter began by asking the new passionately talks about where the program has been The most crucial recruits why they enlisted. and where it is going. change in the RSP “For the job training and experience,” “We’re really excited about (the program),” he said. “Our has been to put replied one recruit. goal is to make it the benchmark program in the country. the program com- “College money,” another simply That’s a lofty goal, but I think we can be the best in the SFC Terry L. Carpenter delivers an initial counseling to recruits pletely in the hands stated. nation.” reporting for their fi rst drill assembly with the Recruit Sustainment of the recruiters, “I enlisted because coming here fi lled me Program at the North Canton Armory. who have a vested with a sense of pride,” said another. GB

22 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 23 BUCKEYE BRIEFS

the Ohio Army National Guard Personnel Lee presented two Soldiers with the Order UPAR Conference schools Soldiers match,” said Staff Sgt. Jane Friend, an NCO Directorate, Equal Opportunity Branch. of St. Maurice Award for distinguished service with the Ohio Army National Guard Small During the two-day event, conducted to the infantry community. The award, offered in how to ply public affairs craft Arms Readiness Training (SART) team, COLUMBUS—Nearly 100 Soldiers April 22-23, about 85 Soldiers were briefed by the National Infantry Association, was which hosted the state matches. Indiana representing most of the state’s National on topics encompassing fraternization, presented to retired Col. Dan Snyder and 1st also provided personnel and support for Guard units gathered at the Defense sexual harassment and assault, ethnic ob- Sgt. Rodney G. Rose, a member of the Xenia the range. Finance and Accounting Service Center servances, diversity, religious accommoda- based Company A, 1st Battalion, 148th Infan- Four of the six states in the region par- (DFAS) March 11-12 for the 2006 Unit tion, and EO laws and regulations. try Regiment. Snyder served as commander of ticipated in the event, Friend said, adding Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) “The classes teach Soldiers to become the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment and that Wisconsin and Minnesota did not Conference. Soldiers from the Columbus- EO representatives,” said Sgt. Maj. Atrel the 1st Battalion, 166th Infantry Regiment in compete. based 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detach- Henderson, state equal opportunity special- the 1980s as well as various positions in the Unlike the individual events of the fi rst ment taught classes on media relations ist for the Army and Air National Guard. 73rd Separate Infantry Brigade. day, the Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Combat and media escort, basic photography and “They become the eyes and ears for the Rose has served in the Ohio National Guard Pistol Match is a team event where strategy videography, story writing and other topics commander and the fi rst line of defense since 1983 and has been the fi rst sergeant at is of the utmost importance, according to Lt. aimed at schooling unit representatives in for any EO issues.” Company A since 2003, recently serving in Col. Michael K. Clites, a National Guard basic public affairs techniques. Throughout the weekend, the group Kosovo. Marksmanship Training Unit offi cer and SPC HUGH MARTIN / HHC, 1-107TH ARMOR “The conference is important to give the participated in role-playing exercises and In addition, fi ve Soldiers were recognized distinguished pistol marksman from the UPARs some of the basic skills necessary CPL Brian Speer (standing), of Headquarters discussed EO policies and procedures to for their recent service in support of Hurricane Arkansas Air National Guard. to convey the stories and accomplishments and Headquarters Company, 1-107th Armor, solve the scenario. Katrina relief. The Army Commendation In this event, each team must complete a of the Ohio National Guard,” said Capt. CDT ZACHARY R. FEHRMAN / 196TH MPAD instructs fellow unit member PFC Stephen “The workshop has given me the tools Medal was awarded to Capt. Craig Brunner, two-mile run in less than 25 minutes, rest Marshall Jackson, 196th First Lt. Bret A. Gould, captain of the Illinois Sommers at the Stow Armory before the unit to handle real-life EO issues, especially commander, Company E, 1st Battalion, 148th for three minutes once commander. “Telling our National Guard team, oils the slide on his pistol conducted range fi re at Camp Perry. since I have never been involved in any,” Infantry Regiment, Urbana; Capt. Christopher the last team member has stories helps to gain the before the Gen. George S. Patton Combat said Sgt. Al Huerta, a medical sergeant with Call, commander, Company B, 1st Battalion, fi nished the run, then at a trust and cooperation of Pistol Team Match at Camp Sherman. Armor Soldiers perform weapons Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2- 148th Infantry Regiment, Bowling Green; distance of 50 yards get our communities.” qualifi cation on shores of Lake Erie 107th Cavalry. 1st Sgt. Gregory Durenberger, fi rst sergeant, a minimum of seven hits ciw; second place, 1st Lt. Louis E. Longhenry, As more and more Na- CAMP PERRY—They arrived at the armory While registering, each Soldier was Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st and at 25 yards get six hits, Detachment 2, 38th Infantry Division; third place, tional Guard units pre- around 5 a.m., well before dawn. After a quick given a binder containing the slides of all Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, Lima; Clites said. Sgt. 1st Class Sharon L. Whitescarver, 135th MP pare for and return from formation and roll call, the Soldiers of Headquar- the presentations, list of EO publications and 1st Lt. Eric Pugh of Venedocia, support The teams also com- Company. deployments throughout ters and Headquarters Company, 1-107th Armor and regulations, EO forms, case studies and platoon leader, Headquarters and Headquar- peted in the Falling Plates Greene won the Chief of Staff, Col. Alfred C. the world, a strong foun- loaded onto buses and headed to Camp Perry near the contact information for the OHARNG ters Company, 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry match, where at distances Faber Match; Whitescarver garnered the Maj. dation in public affairs is Port Clinton. Equal Opportunity advisors. Regiment, Lima. of 25 to 50 yards, the team Gen. Gregory L. Wayt Top Gun Award. more important than ever While at Camp Perry during the sunny, but “Ohio is one of the top states in address- The Ohio Commendation Medal was also members rush to the line, The Maj. Gen. “A. J.” Feucht Match winner before. chilly weekend last November, the Soldiers con- ing and preventing EO complaints,” said presented to Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Mertz, secure their weapon and was the 220th Engineering Installation Squad- Brig. Gen. Matthew ducted Individual Weapons Qualifi cation (IWQ) Lt. Col. Edward Moore, state equal oppor- assistant gunner, Company E, 1st Battalion, a magazine, load and fi re ron team, which consisted of Tech Sgt. Jeffery L. Kambic, Ohio assis- along with other training. From about 8 a.m. tunity offi cer. “This type of education and 148th Infantry Regiment. SSG JOSHUA MANN / until the last of six metal Hooper, Master Sgt. Matthew Eyen, Sgt. Joshua tant adjutant general for until dusk, shots could be heard from the M-16 training is key to unit cohesion, readiness JFHQ-OHIO plates is knocked down. Benson and Tech. Sgt. Darrin White; second Army, stressed the im- rifl e range. Soldiers shot at pop-up targets from and the success of every mission.” SFC The team to knock all its place went to the 200th RED HORSE team portance of public affairs the prone, unsupported position and prone, sup- NANCY MCMILLAN / 196TH MOBILE PUBLIC plates down in the shortest of Hrynciw, Capt. Steven Parsons, Staff Sgt. WEB PEEK: A friendly welcome at the unit level, referring ported position from the foxhole. A few of the AFFAIRS DETACHMENT time wins. In the event of Gregory Finding and Staff. Sgt. Edwin Nagel; to the UPAR as a combat tankers in the company shot at the pistol range. SPC PARKER STEELE / 196TH MPAD a tie, remaining rounds and placing third was the team from E Company, multiplier. Here, they fi red at pop up targets ranging from Viale Memorial Mess again draws SSG Wade Yuellig of the are counted to determine 1-148th Infantry, which was manned by Wenger, “To establish and main- 10 to 25 meters. 196th Mobile Public Affairs the winner. Sgt. Jeffery Brinley, Sgt. Eric Doerzerbacher and infantrymen, friends from all parts tain the goodwill and pub- The Soldiers also utilized the computerized Detachment instructs a class Aside from being fun for Sgt. Peter Swebilius. LIMA—The 1st Battalion, 148th Infan- lic acceptance essential Engagement Skills Trainer, or EST. While on this on shooting and producing the competitors, the com- The Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Team Match try Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard, for your unit to be combat virtual fi ring range, they conducted night fi re and video to attendees at the petition enhances combat winners were: “The Deadeyes” from 1486th held its annual Viale Memorial Mess March ready and succeed, you fi ring while wearing a protective mask. Along 2006 Unit Public Affairs survivability, said Sgt. Transportation Company, with Sgt. 1st Class 18 at the Holiday Inn here. One hundred have to exercise an ele- with the pistol and rifl e ranges, some Soldiers Representative Conference. Maj. Todd Friend of Joint Richard A. Bartlett, Staff Sgt. Thomas Butler, and sixty people attended the event, held ment of public affairs,” he participated in the shotgun range and a practice Force Headquarters. Be- Staff Sgt. Daniel Studer and Sgt. 1st Class Rick in honor of 2nd Lt. Robert M. Viale, who said. PFC RYAN A. CLEARY / 196TH MOBILE range for the M-203 grenade launcher. cause of the presence of both Army and Air Gruver in fi rst place; runner-up honors went to received the Medal of Honor during World PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT After the long day on Saturday, Soldiers again War II as a member of Company K, 148th Guardmembers, it also gives both branches 135th MP Company team of Whitescarver, Staff rose at 5 a.m. on Sunday morning for PT (physical Infantry Regiment. a chance to learn from each other. Sgt. Lee F. Oliver, Spc. Richard L. English and training). For most Soldiers, this was their fi rst Brig. Gen. Jack E. Lee, commanding Pistol matches at Camp Sherman In the course of the two-day competition, Pvt. 1st Class Cedric C. Pompey; fi nishing third training weekend at Camp Perry since return- draw out best marksmen in Midwest more than 27,000 rounds were spent. A list- was the 200th RHS team of Hrynciw, Parsons, general, 73rd Troop Command, was the STEVE TOTH / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. PUBLIC AFFAIRS ing from Iraq. SPC HUGH MARTIN / HHC 1-107TH keynote speaker for the evening. Lee en- CHILLICOTHE—The fog begins to lift ing of Ohio winners follow. Finding and Nagel. ARMOR listed in the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry MG Gregory L. Wayt (left), Ohio adjutant over the pistol ranges at Camp Sherman as State Command Chief Master Sgt. Chris- For more information on future competitions, Regiment in 1968 and was its commander general, presents a gift to one of the the 83 competitors make their way from topher Muncy match winners were: fi rst contact Staff Sgt. Jane Friend, of the Ohio Nation- Workshop keeps unit representatives from 1994 to 1997. Past 37th Brigade U.S. Department of State Foreign their barracks to the fi ring lines. place, Capt. Michael A. Hrynciw III, 200th al Guard SART team, at [email protected]. Service Nationals who visited the updated on important EO issues Combat Team commander, Col. James It is the second day of this regional and RED HORSE Squadron; second place, Sgt. mil. Air Guardmembers should contact Master Adjutant General’s Department this RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD Green, and current 37th BCT commander, state pistol competition, with Army and Benjamin D. Wenger, E Company, 1-148th Sgt. David Krutsch at david.krutsch@ohmans. spring as part of an Ohio government BASE, Ohio—The 121st Air Refueling Wing was Lt. Col. Richard Curry, as well as the 1- Air National Guard teams from Ohio, Infantry; third place, Sgt 1st Class Jeffrey ang.af.mil. To watch a broadcast news piece on tour. For more on the visit, log onto the setting for the Equal Opportunity Represen- 148th commander, Major Douglas Mor- Michigan, Indiana and Illinois participat- Greene, 838th Military Police Company. the state matches, long onto www.ohionational- www.ohionationalguard.com. tative (EOR) Training Workshop conducted by row, also made remarks. ing in the events. State Command Sgt. Maj. William Gil- guard.com. CDT ZACHARY R. FEHRMAN / 196TH “Indiana is the host state for the regional liam Match winners were: fi rst place, Hryn- MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

24 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 25 ALL ABOUT PEOPLE individual. There are more than 15,000 Ohio Air National Guardmember top ous educational trust fund for the family’s patrol, he saved the life of a victim whose Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen in several two children and covering the cost of the vehicle crashed into a frozen pond on In- different types of Army and Air National graduate in his basic training class reception that was held at the Austintown terstate 71 in Warren County. Guard units, with a multimillion dollar LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Tex- Armory following the funeral. Fyda and his The medal he received, the Ohio Cross, state and federal budget. as—Airman 1st Class Nathan McWherter was company have also been there for Pratt’s was established on Sept. 7, 1995. Since its “Our mission is to create an environment selected March 16 as the top honor graduate of wife, Linda, in her time of loss by directing inception, there have been only eight other for student-athletes to be successful,” said his Air Force Basic Military Training class of her to fi nancial counseling resources and Ohio National Guardmembers awarded the Smith, who noted that the top goals of the more than 600 new Airmen. keeping in touch with the family. Ohio Cross. program are for student-athletes to accom- This was an immense accomplishment, as “It’s employers like you that make the The Ohio Cross may be awarded to plish things that will help them throughout McWherter had to achieve greater than a 98 difference in our organization,” said Brig. any member of the State of Ohio military life—earn their degree, foster a winning at- percent academic average over two compre- Gen. Matthew L. Kambic, Ohio assistant forces (National Guard or Reserve) who titude and develop as people and potential hensive tests; had to exceed all physical fi tness adjutant general for Army, as he presented a distinguishes himself/herself by gallantry leaders. “I believe in leadership, ultimately. standards (the AF fi tness standards now exceed National Guard Minuteman statuette to Fyda. and selfl ess service at the risk of his/her People are all that matter,” he said. “The or are equal to all other branches); had to pass “It’s obvious to me that you care a lot about life. The Ohio Cross is the only award that COURTESY PHOTO all red-line inspections; TODD CRAMER / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. business that I am in, and the business that your employees.” must be presented by the governor or the SMSgt Caroline French (right), of the 121st you are in, is about people.” and receive his Military Fyda was also presented with the Employ- adjutant general. Air Refueling WIng, along with CMSgt The Ohio State University Athletics Director Smith said his administrative and coach- Training Instructors’ rec- er Support of the Guard and Reserve “My “I am honored to receive this award, but I Rudy Dalton (left), 121st ARW acting Gene Smith (left) receives an eagle statuette ommendation. command chief, and CCMSgt Dick Smith, from Maj Gen Harry “A.J.” Feucht, Ohio ing staffs assess talents and skills of stu- Boss is a Patriot” Award for his generous did what any other trooper would have done A chosen few are se- command chief of the Air National Guard, assistant adjutant general for Air, to dent-athletes, and decide how to develop support to Sgt. 1st Class Pratt and his family. in the same situation,” Root said. lected Basic Military 73RD TROOP COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS celebrate French receiving the ANG’s commemorate Smith’s speech as part of people, personally and professionally, for Maj. Gen. Harry “A.J.” Feucht, Ohio as- Training honor gradu- Airman Leadership School Flight Chief of African-American History Month. the good of his organization, very similar sistant adjutant general for Air added: “Staff to what military leaders do at all levels. ates. With this selection Airman receives Ohio Cross Sgt. Root is a true hero. He displayed the the Year award. the member is awarded “Life is about relationships, moving SPRINGFIELD—Staff Sgt. Dallas Root, courage, ability and selfl essness that are the an Air Force ribbon that OSU’s Smith speaks to Ohio National people toward a common goal,” he said. a member of the 178th Fighter Wing and an hallmarks of service in the National Guard they will be able to wear day in-resident course and not have to go in a Guard on importance of teamwork “Put all your differences aside. It does not Ohio State Highway Patrolman, was award- and Highway Patrol. The citizens of Ohio their entire career. Of temporary duty (TDY) status. COLUMBUS—As Gene Smith will tell matter where you come from or what you McWherter ed the Ohio Cross May 20 at the Springfi eld should rest easier knowing that Sgt. Root these chosen few, Mc- “Personally, I feel pretty honored to have you, he has had the opportunity to be “the fi rst believe in—it’s about working together to Air National Guard Base. and his colleagues in the National Guard Wherter was the top been thrown into the situation almost by ac- African-American (insert achievement here)” get it done.” Root received the Ohio Cross for his ac- and Highway Patrol stand ready to respond honor graduate. McWherter went onto his AF cident, and to then receive such recognition,” for quite a few things. With the help of his wife, Sheila, it was tions while he was on duty with the State at a moment’s notice, no matter what the Technical School to become an NDI (Nonde- French said. “At our graduation banquet, it was “I’ve had a number of those experiences in a lesson that Smith learned fi rst-hand some Highway Patrol, on Feb. 24, 2005. During a threat.” structive Inspection) apprentice for the 121st exciting to see the senior airmen so proud of my life, so it is indeed an honor when I have the years ago when he was being courted at Root also has received the O.W. Merrell Aircraft Maintenance Group. their accomplishments, and to see their realiza- opportunity to refl ect and share in the celebra- Iowa State, a job he declined four times Meritorious Service Award (highest award McWherter is the son of Ohio Air National tion of the signifi cance of PME (Professional tion of African-American History month.” before fi nally accepting it. of valor an Ohio State Highway Patrolman Guard Lt. Col. Larry McWherter of Joint Force High-fl ying honors Military Education) and why it’s so important Smith, athletics director at The Ohio State “I asked my wife, ‘why in the world can receive), the Superintendent’s Citation Headquarters. CCMSGT CHRIS MUNCY / HQ, to one’s military career. I’m excited to be part University in Columbus, was the speaker for would they hire a black guy in Iowa?’” said State of Ohio’s Law Enforcement Distin- OHANG of the process.” CCMSGT CHRIS MUNCY / HQ, this year’s Ohio National Guard program Smith, supporting a stereotype about rural guished Medal of Valor, Warren County OHANG recognizing African-American History Month, populations’ attitudes toward minorities. Award of Valor (Earl Butts award), Ham- conducted Feb. 7 at the ONG’s Joint Force “She said, ‘you’re being just as racist as Employer goes above and beyond for ilton County Safety Commission Award, Toledo Security Forces manager gets Headquarters at the Robert S. Beightler Ar- the people you think are racist.’ She was fallen Army Guardmember’s family the International Association of Chiefs Bronze Star medal for Iraqi actions mory in northwest Columbus. right, I was judging people based on the COLUMBUS—Tim Fyda, President and of Police, and the Division of State and TOLEDO—Chief Master Sgt. Charles Smith was named OSU athletics director in color of their skin.” CEO of Fyda Freightliner in Columbus, was Provincial Police 2005 Trooper of the Year Aliff of the 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo, was April 2005 after spending nearly fi ve years as In his seven years at Iowa State, Smith recently recognized for his outstanding and for the North Central Region. awarded the Bronze Star medal Feb. 24. Aliff, AD at Arizona State. Prior to that, he served said he never had one issue and felt nothing generous contributions to the family of Sgt. Gov. Bob Taft, commander-in-chief a member of the 180th Fighter Wing for more as AD at Iowa State and Eastern Michigan. but welcomed wherever he went. 1st Class Dan Pratt, of the 211th Maintenance of the Ohio National Guard, presented than 20 years, served as the expeditionary When he was named to the Iowa State job in “Whatever you do (in life), as a team, you Company, Newark. the award to Root during the ceremony forces manager for the 407th Expeditionary 1993, he was the fi rst African-American AD in come together and you do your job,” Smith On the morning of Nov. 3, Fyda received an in Springfi eld. ADJ. GEN. DEPT. PUBLIC Security Forces Squadron at Ali Base, Iraq. the then-Big Eight (now Big 12) Conference. said. “Everyone has a role—we have to ac- e-mail from Pratt while Pratt was serving with AFFAIRS As the senior enlisted member for the larg- Even 13 years later, Smith said there are only cept those roles and take the responsibilities his deployed unit in Iraq. The e-mail was one PHOTO COURTESY OF MAJ ANTHONY DGIACOMO est squadron of the 407th Expeditionary Air nine African-American ADs out of 123 NCAA that are assigned to you.” of excitement and a sense of accomplishment. French earns nationwide acclaim SSG Gary Sarver (left), a CH-47 fl ight Group, he managed a staff of 40 personnel in Division I-A athletic departments. According to Maj. Gen. Harry “A.J.” Pratt was writing his employer to let him know engineer from Company G, 137th recogition for teaching prowess support of the defense of Ali Base, a unifi ed “I feel privileged an honored to be the ath- Feucht, assistant adjutant general for the about his many accomplishments, his desire to Aviation (Heavy Helicopter) is presented MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Senior Mas- installation consisting of 8,000 Army, Marine, letic director at The Ohio State University,” Ohio Air National Guard, this year’s Afri- be home with his family and how he couldn’t with the Air Medal by BG Jack E. Lee, ter Sgt. Caroline French, base education Italian and other coalition forces. In addition, Smith said. “I am here in an unbelievable can-American History Month celebration wait to return to his full-time job at Fyda 73rd Troop Command commander. and training manager at the 121st Air Aliff monitored the morale and welfare of situation—director of athletics at the largest was especially poignant with the recent Freightliner (Austintown Division) where he Sarver won the prestigious medal, Refueling Wing, Columbus, received the the enlisted force and ensured that the intent (NCAA) Division I-A program—900 student- deaths of two historical fi gures in America’s worked as a mechanic. along with 17 of his fellow Company G Air National Guard’s Airman Leadership and directives of the commander were car- athletes, 36 varsity sports and a $91 million civil rights movement—Rosa Parks, cata- Fyda could not have known that Pratt would Soldiers, for fl ying combat missions in School Flight Chief of the Year award ried out. budget.” lyst for the Montgomery, Ala. bus boycott die of a heart attack that evening, only a month Iraq while attached to Company C, 193rd here Jan. 30 at the College of Enlisted The 180th Security Forces manager, Aliff Smith’s talk focused on the several similari- in the 1950s, and Coretta Scott King, wife before the 211th was to return home. Aviation, Hawaii Army National Guard. Professional Military Educations (EPME) has also supported Operation Noble Eagle, ties between the composition and operations of of the Rev. Martin Luther King. At the cul- Fyda is a big supporter of the National Guard Sarver fl ew more than 300 combat fl ight awards banquet. Operation Enduring Freedom, Checkered Flag, the Ohio State athletics program and the Ohio mination of the program, Feucht presented and Reserve. During Pratt’s deployment, Fyda hours while deployed. His most notable French was recognized for her work Joint Task Force Bravo, Operation Northern National Guard, one that starts with statistics Smith with an Ohio National Guard Min- stayed in touch with the family and provided mission was fl ying Saddam Hussein to with two classes at Rickenbacker ANG Watch, Buckeye One, Operation Cornerstone and dollar fi gures, but ends in a more tangible uteman statue in gratitude for him speaking support to Pratt’s wife. Following Sgt. 1st his arraignment in Baghdad, Iraq. Base during Summer 2005. Thirty-eight and Operation Iraqi Freedom.180TH FIGHTER at this year’s event. STEVE TOTH / ADJ. GEN. Class Pratt’s death, Fyda quickly offered help resource—development of people to accom- students were able to graduate the 30- WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS plish organizational goals greater than each DEPT. PUBLIC AFFAIRS to the Pratt family by setting up a very gener-

26 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 W W W . O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D . C O M 27 RIGHT: BG Matthew GUARDMEMBER BENEFITS STEVE TOTH / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. PUBLIC AFFAIRS L. Kambic (left), Ohio assistant adjutant phase is wrapped up with a traditional 12-mile general for Army, New program offers alternative America Supports You: service helps presents the seniors tactical road march. to obtain warrant commission deployed families stay connected on the Coldwater The Army National Guard is running After completing the fi nal phase, graduates Connect and Join is a 24-hour a day, 7- High School Football a pilot program designed to evaluate, will be appointed as warrant offi cers in the day-a-week Internet-based communications Team with a “Tour train and graduate technical warrant of- Army National Guard or Army Reserve. Once company providing a safe, secure way for of Champions” fi cers in order to fi ll a large number appointed, warrants must complete their des- families and deployed servicemembers to trophy Jan. 23 to of vacancies within the ignated Warrant Offi cer Basic Course within stay in touch. recognize the school‛s 54 states and territories. two years. During that course, they learn America Supports You is a Defense Depart- 2005 Division IV state championship. The Warrant Officer advanced technical skills in their fi eld as well ment program highlighting grassroots and as supervisory skills and techniques specifi c ABOVE, LEFT: Candidate School-Re- corporate support for the nation’s service- Several volunteers OC NICK ROZANSKI / OHARNG RECRUTING MARKETING serve Component, or to warrant offi cers, setting them apart from members and their families. the generalist, strategic offi cer. who have been key WOCS-RC, is intended “Connect and Join is life at home, re-created to the success of the to give enlisted Soldiers Noncomissioned offi cers in grades E-5 for the families and the deployed serving,” and above who want to apply must meet Ohio National Guard holding the rank of sergeant founder Linda Dennis said. Family Readiness several criteria, including: be between the and above the chance to The site offers suggestions for projects that Program were PFC RYAN A. CLEARY complete the training nec- ages of 18 and 46; score 110 or better on families can make and send to their loved recognized at April‛s essary to become warrant the General Aptitude Area Test; and meet ones via the mail, as well as archival tools to state conference in offi cers. certain medical, security and licensing make scrapbook pages to keep after a service- Columbus, including It gives them another op- requirements depending on their specifi c member has returned home. It also includes Guard Judy York (left), tion to become a warrant of- military occupational specialty. a calendar system, which Dennis considers a 180th Fighter Wing, fi cer without having to spend For those in Ohio who have ques- key element. Toledo, and Carolyn / 196TH MPAD Arnold, 121st Air 33 straight days attending the tions or want more information, call “It allows you to journal every day,” she Chief Warrant Offi cer 5 Dale Fincher, Refueling Wing, reserve component Warrant Of- said. “It’s the family refrigerator. It’s a re-cre- Columbus. fi cer Candidate School at Fort state command chief warrant offi cer, ation of life at home that allows you to put all Rucker, Ala. at (614) 336-7265. TSGT GARY HICKS those little missed moments, keep them dear, / NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU Snapshots “Some employers say, ‘You get one just by using a calendar format.” ABOVE: SFC Freddie Dixon (second from right), operations week end a month and two weeks a year With security being a top priority for the NCO with the 237th Personnel Services Battalion, receives the and that’s it,’” said Maj. Scottie Moore, Earned Retirement Opportunities Act group, each registration is limited to fi ve users, Meritorious Service Medal during a retirement celebration marking an Army Guard training offi cer at the provides help to combat veterans including the family editor, the deployed ser- his 31 years of military service. Dixon, who offi cially retired April 30, was joined by 237th PSB CSM James Barker (from left), 73rd Training and Doctrine Command (TRA- An act signed into law May 29 by President vicemember and three others of their choos- Bush solves a confl ict in the tax code by al- Troop Command CSM David Collins, Lillian Collins, Dixon‛s wife, DOC) at Fort Monroe, Va. “Through ing. Each site is unique to the family using it, Kim, and LTC Steve Stivers, 237th PSB commander. this program, they get the same training lowing servicemembers who serve in a combat and cannot be viewed by anyone else. to the same standards they would get at zone to contribute to their individual retirement “They choose their own username and STEVE TOTH / ADJ. GEN. DEPT. PUBLIC AFFAIRS Fort Rucker, only presented in a differ- accounts, according to Defense Department their own user password,” Dennis said. “And ent way.” offi cials. from then on, it’s between the Soldier, the

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP PERRY OF CAMP COURTESY PHOTO RIGHT: Dr. Gene The Army Training System Course is The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (servicemember) serving our country and their Harris, superintendent split into three phases: Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow family back home. It’s not for public viewing. of Columbus Public Phase 1, distance learning, is designed servicemembers to include tax-exempt combat It’s all between the Soldier, the family and ABOVE: Sheri Judd (from left), administrative assistant to the Schools, was the to test applicants. It tests Soldiers’ zone pay in determining the allowable income the friends.” director of Civilian Marksmanship Program; Deborah Boyle, programs featured speaker during military knowledge including common tax deduction for contributions to retirement Registration codes can be obtained by call- manager for the Civilian Marksmanship Program; Gary Anderson, a Women‛s History tasks and warrior skills. Students can savings plans. ing 1-888-729-9828. There is a fee for the director of the Civilian Marksmanship Program; BG Matthew L. Kambic, Month program in take these courses on the Internet at The tax code requires a certain amount of service after an initial 90-day trial period. Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army; Retired COL Richard March hosted by Joint home or at a National Guard distance taxable income for someone to be qualifi ed AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE Dreiman, assistant quartermaster general for the Adjutant General; Force Headquarters, learning center. to deduct contributions to retirement plans, and COL James H. Chisman, base commander, Camp Perry Training at Beightler Armory in After successfully completing the Fenton said. Servicemembers who received Site, participate in a ceremony in which the CMP presented the Ohio Columbus. DL phase, candidates spend the next tax-exempt pay in combat zones were running ONGSP APPLICATION DEADLINES National Guard with a check for $190,000 to conduct infrastructure fi ve monthly drills in Phase 2 which is into trouble because their taxable income wasn’t Fall term, July 1 improvements at Camp Perry. Spring semester/Winter quarter, Nov. 1 offered at 13 regional training institutes high enough, so they were either prevented from SPC JEFFREY MCKALIP / HHT, 2-107TH CAVALRY contributing to their retirement accounts, or they Spring quarter, Feb. 1 across the country, including one for Summer term, April 1 Ohio Army National Guardmembers were facing tax penalties for doing so. conducted by the 145th Regiment at The “Heroes Act,” as it’s been dubbed, makes It is the responsibility of each individual Rickenbacker Army Enclave in Co- an exception to the rules about retirement ac- student-guardmember to hand deliver or mail lumbus. They attend classes dealing counts for servicemembers in combat zones. a completed application to the Ohio National LEFT: The 13,000th with operations, military history and The Heroes Act is retroactive for two years, Guard Scholarship Program Offi ce, located graduate from the Air National Guard Academy of leadership. so anyone who has served in a combat zone at the Adjutant General’s Department, 2825 in the past two years can fi x tax problems or West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio Military Science (AMS) at Finally, warrant offi cer candidates at- 43235-2789, by the deadlines listed above. McGhee-Tyson Air National tend Phase 3, a rigorous, fi eld intensive make contributions they may have missed due Guard Base, Tenn., is from This must be done prior to each term a two-week course where they test their to this problem. Servicemembers have three the 179th in Mansfi eld. student attends school. You may also renew

warrior skills, physical and mental abili- years to fi x problems from the past. The Internal AIR FORCE PHOTO U.S. Second Lt Nicole Ashcroft your application online at www.ongsp.org. ties and other advanced Soldier training Revenue Service will be issuing more guidance (third from left) is using real war scenarios within a con- in the future. SGT SARA WOOD / AMERICAN For more information, call (614) 336-7032 ABOVE: Five Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters currently the wing‛s public or toll-free (888) 400-6484. temporary operating environment. The FORCES PRESS SERVICE Troop, 2-107th Cavalry, Hamilton, extended their affairs offi cer. enlistments earlier this year in a group ceremony. Pictured are SPC Garret Carter (from left), SPC Eric Leavitt, SPC Anthony Vinnedge, SPC Charles Amos and SSG John Rushing. 28 B U C K E Y E G U A R D S P R I N G 2 0 0 6