Army North Monthly Publication

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The U.S. Army’s Journal for Homeland Defense, Civil Support and Security Cooperation in North America ARNORTHMonthly June 2011

McBride assumes command of CCP1, Pg. 3

Army North puts Fort Hood- based CBRN Soldiers to test, Pg. 10

Army North exercises capabilities during Ardent Sentry 2011, Pg. 14 www.arnorth.army.mil Page 2 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 3 Pg. 5 Fort Sam Houston honors retirees; HHBn Soldiers commemorate Memorial Day with battalion run McBride assumes command of CCP1 Army North PAO Pg. 6 Army North hosts force protection conference FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride assumed command of U.S. Army North’s Pg. 7 Texas Highway Patrol learns ‘honors’ tips from Contingency Command Post 1 Military Honors Platoon at Fort Sam Houston’s historic quadrangle May 13 from Maj. Gen. Pg. 9 Army North hosts 3rd annual John Basilica Jr. as Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, commanding general, U.S. Motorcycle Safety event Army North, presided. Basilica served as the CCP1 Pg. 12 Elementary students visit with nature at commander since April 2008. Army North’s Historic Quadrangle McBride previously served as the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s assistant deputy commanding Pg. 13 Army North leaders participate in career day general, Army National Guard. Basilica was commissioned after Pg. 17 Army North tests 83rd CST during external graduation from the U.S. Military Academy in 1978. evaluation He served 10 years of active duty and was appointed to the Louisiana National Guard in 1992.

Front Cover: FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Sgt. Maj. Eliodoro Perez, operations sergeant major, Contingency Command Post He has served in numerous 1, U.S. Army North, passes the CCP1 colors to Maj. Gen. John Basilica Jr., outgoing CCP1 commanding general, during the change duty positions in command and of command ceremony May 13 in which Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride assumed command. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel staff throughout his career with Torres-Cortes, Army North PAO) operational assignments in Iraq and in support of Hurricane Katrina Back Cover: YAKIMA, Wash. — Soldiers from the 181st Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, from Fort Hood, Texas, scan Pfc. Ammar Gibbs for radiation May 13 after he simulated losing consciousness during a search of a suspected chemical or biologi- relief. cal weapons lab at a Yakima County, Wash., detention facility warehouse as part of an external evaluation conducted by U.S. Army McBride served in a variety of North. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, Army North PAO) command and staff positions during his career, including commanding an Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III Attack Helicopter Battalion, a Light Command Sgt. Maj.: Command Sgt. Maj. David Wood Utility Helicopter Battalion and the 56th Troop Command (Airborne). Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, commanding general, U.S. Army North and Fort Sam He also served as the commanding Houston, passes the colors to Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, incoming CCP1 U.S. Army North Public Affairs Office general for the 43rd Military Police commanding general, signifying the change of command May 13 at Fort Sam Houston’s historic Quadrangle. Chief Public Affairs Officer: Col. Wayne Shanks Brigade during Operation Iraqi Public Affairs Sergeant Major:Sgt. Maj. Eric Lobsinger Freedom from 2005-2007. needed to ensure Department of Command, conducts Homeland Public Affairs Operations: McBride will now lead the Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres headquarters designed to deploy on Defense personnel responding to Defense, Civil Support operations Editor: Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson short notice to coordinate activities support local, state and federal and Theater Security Cooperation The ARNORTH Monthly is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of the ARNORTH Monthly are not necessarily views of, or endorsed by, of military response forces for officials during a disaster have activities in order to protect the the U.S. Government, Department of the Army or U.S. Army North. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute natural or man-made disasters. centralized command and control. American people and our way of endorsement by the Department of the Army, U.S. Army North or the ARNORTH Monthly, of the products and services advertised. The contingency command post is U.S. Army North, as the Joint life. All editorial content of the ARNORTH Monthly is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the U.S. Army North Public Affairs Office. Do you have a story to share? The ARNORTH Monthly welcomes columns, commentaries, articles, letters and photos from readers. designed as an all-hazards command Force Land Component Command For more information about the Submissions should be sent to the Editor at [email protected] or the Public Affairs Sergeant Major at [email protected] and include author’s and control unit. and Army Service Component United States Army North, visit name, rank, unit and contact information. The ARNORTH Monthly reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the paper. It has the capability to go anywhere Command for U.S. Northern www.arnorth.army.mil. For further information on deadlines, questions, comments or a request to be on our distribution list, email the Editor or callwww.arnorth.army.mil commercial number (210) 221-9035 or DSN 471-9035. www.arnorth.army.mil Page 4 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 5

ARNORTH Fort Sam Houston honors retirees welcomes Lt. Col. Blake Burslie, CCP Lt. Col. Eric Robinson RGN IV 1st Lt. Brian Everman, HHB CW2 Kristopher Ward, G2 Sgt. Maj. Tomas Gonzales, G3 Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Reid, Photo by Col. Wayne Shanks, ARNORTH PAO Rgn X Remembering fallen heroes Photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, U.S. Army North PAO FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Alamo Council Scouts: Frank Moran, Cur- Sgt. 1st Class FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Eight service members and a Department of the Army Civilian officially tis Smith and Mark Moran, place American flags on the graves of fallen heroes Christopher Williams, CCP1 retired before family, friends and well-wishers during the post retirement ceremony at Army North’s historic May 27 in preparation for the Memorial Day remembrance at Fort Sam Hous- Quadrangle May 26. The retirees are: Col. Stephen Walker (left), deputy commander, 321st Civil Affairs ton National Cemetery. Boy Scout Troop 23 and Cub Scout Pack 23 meet on Lei Silva, G6 Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve; Col. Alfred Carter, director, deputy chief of staff, Operational Protection Fort Sam Houston. Directorate and Provost Marshal, U.S. Army South; Col. James Larsen, chief, Training, Exercises and Education, U.S. Army North; Lt. Col. Lawrence Hallstrom, chief, Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston; Maj. Carlos Valenzuela-Durr, support operations officer, 4th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, ARNORTH says Army Reserve; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Gregory Welker, senior counter intelligence technician, U.S. Army South; Master Sgt. Samuel Ruiz III, senior maintenance supervisor; 4th Battalion, 5th Air and Missile Defense goodbye Regiment, Fort Hood; Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Speight, operational rations noncommissioned officer in charge, Headquarters, Veterinary Command; and Emily Chlebowski, biological laboratory technician, Department of Lt. Col. Ladaryl Franklin, Defense Veterinary Food Analysis and Diagnostic Laboratory. CCP1 Lt. Col. Clyde Lynn, CSTA HHBn Soldiers commemorate Memorial Day with battalion run Maj. Keven Bayless, G3/5/7 FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Lt. Col. Shannon Maj. Brunttee Faye, G3/5/7 Miller (front, left), Staff Sgt. Daniel commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Lewandowski, G3/5/7 U.S. Army North, leads the Steven North, G2 battalion on a Memorial Day observance run in the Irene Jackson, G3/5/7 early morning hours May Photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, Army North PAO CIVILIANS OF THE QUARTER 26. The Soldiers and their Yin the hen leaders observed a moment FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Aidan, 10, shows off Yin, a Golden Comet (2d QTR, FY11): of silence to commemorate chicken, one of the three chickens he donated to Army North May 10. He and the sacrifices of service his mother Amy Kappler also donated two French breeds, a Golden Cuckoo Cat. I : Adam Quintero members throughout the Marans and a Black Faverolles, after hearing about the free-roaming deer, Cat. II : William “Bill” Donaher nation’s history before geese, ducks, peacocks and a rooster in the Quadrangle from a friend. Aidan heading out on a 3-mile run was presented a certification of appreciation from Lt. Gen. Guy Swan III, Cat. III: Luis A. Camacho through historic Fort Sam commanding general, U.S. Army North and Fort Sam Houston. Houston. Photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, U.S. Army North PAO www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 6 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 7 Army North hosts force protection conference Story and photo by Randy Mitchell Army North PAO

SAN ANTONIO — U.S. Army North hosted a force protection conference here May 3-6 to focus on increasing the safety and security of service members, civilians, family members and installations. The conference was led by Army North’s Provost Marshal Office and covered a wide range of topics for the force protection professionals. The event marks the fourth annual conference headed by Army North, which is the Army proponent for force protection in the continental United States. It served as an Photo by Sgt. Maj. Eric Lobsinger, Army North PAO opportunity for the attendees from Training for memorials across the force protection spectrum Maj. Gen. Jeff Mathis, Joint Staff J-3/4, speaks to attendees of Army North’s 4th Annual Force Protection Conference May 5 in downtown San Antonio to discuss to meet one another and learn about FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Staff Sgt. William Rea (front right), Military Honors Platoon, and Trooper Ed Zamora the importance of increasing safety and security of service members, civilians, (front left), Highway Patrol, San Antonio, lead the way May 18 as Soldiers from Fort Sam Houston’s Military Honors some of the shared risks community family members and installations. Platoon share their skills and techniques in paying honors and respects for their fallen comrades with troopers from the members face every day. Texas Highway Patrol. Nineteen troopers from Texas Highway Patrol’s Region 6, which stretches from south of Dallas “The agenda for the conference An additional unique change to each command faces. down to Victoria, joined the Soldiers to observe how the military conducts its services and to practice some of their was designed to enhance the conference this year was the “Usama Bin Laden is dead,” he techniques. Their fellow participants were Sgt. Timothy Ivey and Spc. Adrian Sanchez, both with the honors platoon, and collaboration among the force addition of a table top exercise to said. “But challenges still exist. The Cpl. Bob Bratton, Highway Patrol, San Antonio, and Cpl. Eddie Longoria, a commercial vehicle examiner from Victoria. protection stakeholders to build draw participants together in handling threat is still very real to our military greater synergy within the a crisis that could affect any of their and American way of life.” Good Conduct community,” said Chris Frels, Army locations. The lack of a Department of North’s deputy provost marshal, who “The table top exercise was the Defense Force Protection policy is FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Lt. Col. Shannon Miller, commander, organized the conference. highlight of the conference and first one of the greatest national security Headquarters and Headquarters The event attracted more than a of its kind whereby all represented challenges, said Maj. Gen. Jeff Battalion, U.S. Army North, returns hundred participants, to include those commands participated in a scenario Mathis, the Joint Staff J-3/4. a salute from Sgt. Peter Melton, from the Army commands throughout based exercise designed to bring out “There is no FP DoD-level policy,” Operations Company, HHBn, during the continental United States, sister force protection gaps and seams, said Mathis. “No DoD-wide law a battalion awards ceremony May 26. Melton was presented a good services, U.S. Northern Command reinforce force protection and anti- enforcement policy. We need to conduct medal during the ceremony. and the Department of the Army. terrorism reporting procedures, work our way through these issues at Maj. Stephen Short, Office of Public A key focus of the conference was and strengthen information sharing the policy level.” Affairs, Army North, was presented to gain a better understanding of the relationships,” said Frels. “Each command presented an Army Achievement Medal and Sgt. major force protection challenges Maj. Gen. Perry Wiggins, the challenges and shared ideas with each Irma Johnson was presented an Army Achievement Medal. within the continental United States, deputy commanding general for other on how to fix problems and identify force protection gaps and Army North, kicked off the exercise address the issues,” said Frels. “There seams in the execution of the FP by welcoming those attending as is an enduring threat to DoD, and we mission and to work together as a he emphasized the importance of must be prepared to prevent, deter group to develop solutions to the working together within current and mitigate those threats that would identified challenges. budget constraints and challenges that diminish our war-fighting capability.” Photo by Staff Sgt.Keith Anderson, Army North PAO www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 8 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 9 Army North cruises for motorcycle safety Could you be an Army combatives FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — champion? Motorcycle riders from U.S. Army North line up to roll out of the sally port for a group ride Try out for one of 24 to Texas Pride Barbecue for openings in the Fort Sam lunch during Army North’s 3rd Houston combatives team. Annual Motorcyle Safety event Tryouts will be held June May 25. The ARNORTH safety 9-10 at the 32nd Medical office hosted the event in which Brigade combatives building, riders inspected each other’s Bldg. 1160. motorcycles and conducted a thorough safety briefing The Fort Sam Houston team before heading out. Riders also will compete at the 2011 All volunteered some of their own Army Tourney at Abrams lessons learned, and offered some tips for driving in major Gym at Fort Hood, Texas, cities like San Antonio. Bottom from July 14-24. Right: Sgt. 1st Class Monsanto Jefferson rides down Interstate Weight classes for males: 35 on his 2006 Suzuki GXSR 110 and under 600 with the group on the way 125 and under to lunch May 25. Bottom Left: 140 and under Army North motorcycle riders roll 155 and under out through the sally port during 170 and under U.S. Army North’s 3rd annual 185 and under Motorcycle Safety event May 25 205 and under at Fort Sam Houston’s historic Quadrangle. 206 and up Photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, Army North PAO

Weight classes for females: 120 and under, 136, 153, 169, 185, 198, 227, 228 and up

If you’re interested, call 210-872-1714, or email [email protected]

Photo by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, Army North PAO Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Manuel Torres www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 10 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 11

chemical suits radiation – set up a mass suddenly, Army North puts Fort Hood- decontamination they started site for civilians checking exposed to an their suits,” based CBRN Soldiers to test unknown agent said Michelle Story and photos by during a sporting Anderson- Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson event. As the Moore, Army North PAO civilians came radiation health pouring out of physicist, YAKIMA TRAINING CENTER, the gym, Soldiers Office of Wash. — It was a Friday the 13th triaged them into Radiation more terrifying than a horror movie minor, delayed Protection, as Soldiers from two Fort Hood- and immediate Washington based chemical companies faced categories, and State simulated chemical, biological, ambulatory and Department of radiological and nuclear scenarios. non-ambulatory, Health. Serving as the “directors” with separate Moore, who for the training event were the areas for males Pfc. Ammar Gibbs and Sgt. Damon Ford, initial entry team members from Fort often works members of U.S. Army North’s and females. Hood’s 181st Chemical Company, search a suspected chemical or biological with Army Civil Support Training Activity, “I think it’s weapons lab May 13 as part of an external evaluation in a Yakima County Weapons who orchestrated the training and great that we get detention facility warehouse. of Mass external evaluations May 2-24 in to do something Destruction and around the Yakima Training Tim Stampley (right), an observer/controller/trainer from Civil Support Training here in the states – that we’re experienced role players from – Civil Support Teams, brought a Center, Wash., for the active-duty Activity, U.S. Army North, observes as Soldiers from the 181st Chemical training to help Americans when around the country, including first small amount of Cessium-137 to Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion, decontaminate a non-ambulatory “victim” companies. May 13 during a mass decontamination scenario outside the training center’s the time comes,” said Spc. Justin responders who worked in 9/11 the exercise for Soldiers to respond During the exercise, Soldiers gym. Members of Army North’s CSTA were putting the active-duty Fort Hood- Burleson, CBRN noncommissioned operations in New York City. to. The sample was only strong from the 172nd and the 181st based Soldiers through a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear external officer in charge, 181st Chem. Co. Working with Army North and enough to set off the detectors. Chemical companies, both of the evaluation before the 181st Chem. Co. officially takes part in the new Defense For the mass decontamination experienced first responders was After Soldiers isolated the 2nd Chemical Battalion at Fort Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Response Force mission Oct. 1. external evaluation, the Fort Hood very beneficial for the Soldiers, radiated area around the bus, they Hood, worked through scenarios Soldiers worked under Bernie said Maj. James Scott, operations entered the warehouse building involving Ricin, Abrin, Anthrax, Nuclear Response Force. It is a forces,” Ritter said. Tillson, a retired assistant fire chief officer, 2nd Chem. Bn. where they painstakingly surveyed Nitric acid, radioactive materials much larger organization than the Some of the training was new out of Boca Raton, Fla., who served “The opportunity to place every nook and cranny with and a host of weapons that could previous CBRNE Consequence for the active-duty Soldiers, who as an incident commander. our Soldiers with seasoned multiple detectors until coming potentially be used as instruments Management Response Force, found themselves working with law “Our purpose here is to introduce professionals has been something across a simulated Anthrax lab. of terror. which was composed of Army enforcement, first responders, civil them to the personal interaction we couldn’t replicate,” Scott said. “We throw multiple things at “This is our first opportunity Reserve and Marine Chemical authorities, and complying with a they’ll have to have with an In a separate evaluation May them at a time,” said Ken Whited, to work with active component Biological Incident Response host of domestic regulations Army incident commander,” Tillson said. 13, Soldiers from the Hazardous Division G senior evaluation Army forces within the technical Forces. The size of the force will units do not normally operate under Soldiers worked with Materials Response Platoon, 181st analyst, CSRG – Central, CSTA. support forces,” said Larry Ritter, increase from approximately 3,800 when conducting operations in a Chem. Co., were trying to enter “If they learn something today it operations and evaluations analyst, people to more than 5,000. theater of war. an unused Yakima County Jail may save their lives tomorrow.” Civil Support Readiness Group – The 172nd and 181st Chemical “This is a lot different, working building that housed a possible For Pfc. Ammar Gibbs, a Central, CSTA, Army North. companies have been tapped as with civilians,” said Capt. Jeremy chemical or biological weapons member of the two-man initial Ritter said the training was the part of the DCRF. Gray, commander, 181st Chem. Co. lab when they faced an unexpected entry team that went into the same usually provided for Reserve- “Analysis done at the Office of “The Soldiers love the training, the surprise: a bus with a simulated warehouse, working in CBRN is component Soldiers, albeit more the Secretary of Defense indicated new equipment, the new challenges “dead” bus driver in front of the something to be proud of. compressed. needed growth in capabilities at the and working in a homeland security building and a real source of “Not too many Soldiers can As of Oct. 1, active-Army local, state and federal level and an mission, where you can actually Simulated victims of a chemical radiation setting off their detectors. speak on what we do,” Gibbs said. incident spill out of the Yakima Training units will work in a Defense additional need to grow lifesaving see the benefit.” Center gym wearing tags with their “You could see, watching them, “It kind of separates you from your Chemical Biological Radiological capabilities in our technical support In one scenario, Soldiers in notional medical symptoms May 13. when they realized it was real peers.” www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 12 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 13 Elementary students visit with nature Army North leaders participate in career day

RIGHT: Lt. Col. Shannon Miller, at Army North’s Historic Quadrangle commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North, helps a student from John J. Pershing Elementary School try on a U.S. Army aviator’s helmet May 20 during the school’s Career Day. The event is one of the culminating highlights of the school year for the San Antonio school, which is partnered with Army North’s Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion in the Adopt- a-School Program. Children at the elementary, primarily the first graders and kindergarten class, were provided an opportunity to try on military equipment, such as the aviation flight helmet, and heard about different military occupational specialties in the Army.

Photos courtesy of HHBN LEFT: A John J. Pershing Elementary School student tries on a Kevlar helmet and bullet May 20 during the school’s Career Day. BOTTOM: John J. Pershing Elementary School students try on U.S. Army Interceptor body armor and Kevlar helmets May 20 during the school’s Career Day.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson, Army North PAO Duck, Duck, Goose.

ABOVE: Capt. Loron Grantham, commander, Intelligence and Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army North, introduces a second-grader from John J. Pershing Elementary School to one of Army North’s noisier tenants, a goose, in the historic Quadrangle grounds April 14. Students were in the grounds as part of a field trip to complete studies in biology. Army North is partnered with the nearby elementary school, and many service members in the unit serve as tutors or mentors at the school. RIGHT: Capt. Michael Norton, U.S. Army North, explains the rules and responsibilities of feeding the wildlife to anxious students before handing over the feed. The children fed the peacocks, geese, ducks and deer in the grounds.

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efforts in Memphis, Tenn., with big screens, like a NASA this exercise was an earthquake Army North exercises capabilities Paducah, Ky., St. Louis, Mo., control room.” scenario, it helps us to prepare and Little Rock, Ark.; set up During the exercise, Ruiz said for other disasters, such as during Ardent Sentry 2011 temporary medical facilities he took requests for forces and hurricanes, flooding, a terrorist in Missouri and Tennessee; for information and made sure attack, etc. Army North is By Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson provided an air traffic control personnel and assets were sent America’s insurance policy for Army North PAO operations capability in Missouri; where they were needed most. He the homeland, so it’s important and coordinated efforts among said the hardest part of his job is to periodically review and update FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas more than 1,900 DoD Title 10 second-guessing himself. that policy.” — In a nationwide exercise, U.S. forces from around the country to “Sometimes you wonder, ‘Am When requested, DoD forces Army North, as a part of U.S. support disaster relief operations. I doing the right thing?’” Ruiz deploy to affected states where Northern Command, along with Army North personnel said. “That’s why this exercise they are needed the most. The units from around the nation, performed command, control and was so beneficial – because primary agency identifies those responded to what many consider sustainment of the command’s we were scrutinized and got locations to an Army North one of the greatest threats to defense coordinating elements feedback on how we’re doing.” defense coordinating officer. the United States: a possible and the large Title X federal The training process was Potential requests for earthquake along the New force that deployed into the critical for success, Tulley said. assistance could include: incident Madrid Seismic Zone, a 150-mile disaster area. “For the same reason you awareness and assessment; fault zone roughly parallel with “We coordinate operations in practice before a game, training search and rescue, air delivery, the Mississippi River in parts of the Combined Operations and prepares us for the real deal,” transportation and logistics; seven states: Arkansas, Illinois, Intelligence Cell,” said Sgt. 1st Tulley said. public communications; Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Class Natividad Ruiz, operations “This exercise allowed us to chemical, biological, radiological Mississippi and Tennessee. noncommissioned officer, Army further develop and rehearse and nuclear support; power In the national-level exercise, North. “It’s an operations center this scenario and, even though generation and civil engineering. Ardent Sentry 2011, personnel U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Maj. Eric Lobsinger, Army North PAO Staff Sgt. David Tennant (center) and Sgt. 1st Class Alfred D’Adda, both from Army North, the Joint Force assigned to U.S. Army North, work together during an exercise scenario May 18 Land Component Command at U.S. Army North’s Combined Operations and Intelligence Cell during Ardent to U.S. Northern Command, Sentry 2011, following a simulated 7.7 magnitude earthquake along the New conducted 24-hour operations Madrid Seismic Zone that notionally devastated much of the area in the seismic May 16-19 to support the zone and overwhelmed state efforts. Federal Emergency Management Agency in response and recovery recorded as some of the largest based out of Denver; and Region efforts following a simulated earthquakes to strike the X, which is based out of Seattle; 7.7 magnitude earthquake continental United States. along with two joint task force that devastated much of the Coordinating lifesaving and headquarters: Joint Task Force – area in the seismic zone and life-sustaining efforts with local, Civil Support, based out of Fort overwhelmed state efforts. state and federal agencies, and Monroe, Va., and Army North’s “Our primary task is to assist different military commands and Joint Task Force 51 at Fort Sam local authorities with saving lives branches, is complex. Houston, and deployed them to and mitigating suffering,” said For the exercise, Army North the eight affected states to assist Col. John Tulley, assistant chief (notionally or actually) activated in relief operations. of staff for plans, operations and eight defense coordinating Personnel established five training, Army North. “In the elements: Region I, which is incident support bases in case of the New Madrid Seismic based out of Boston; Region Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Zone, it’s not ‘IF’ it will happen III, based out of Philadelphia; Missouri and Tennessee; – it’s ‘WHEN’ it will happen.” Region IV, based out of Atlanta; provided air assets and personnel This year marked the 200th Region V, based out of Chicago; for medical evacuation, search anniversary of the 1811 Region VI, based out of Denton, and rescue and other missions; U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erik Cardenas New Madrid Seismic Zone Texas; Region VII, based out of provided communications teams Maj. Paul Lucci and Staff Sgt. Joshua Cookson, both serving with U.S. Army North’s Joint Support Force 51, track earthquakes, which were Kansas City, Mo.; Region VIII, to coordinate initial response disaster operations May 18 while conducting operations at Camp Bullis, Texas, during Ardent Sentry 2011, a national-level exercise that involved providing federal forces to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency. www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 16 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 17 AMILIES IVILIANS F Army North tests Montana’s 83rd Civil LEADERS C SOLDIERS Support Team during external evaluation Story and photo by Spc. Britney Bodner 103rd Public Affairs Detachment

HELENA, Mont. — It all starts with a suspicious package at a government building in downtown Helena, Mont. As security officers examine it, a mysterious liquid sprays out, prompting the 9-1-1 call for possible chemical contamination that ultimately leads to the deployment of the Montana National Guard’s 83rd Civil Support Team. Staff Sgt. Casey Carnahan, survey team chief with the 83rd Civil Support Team, The 83rd CST is used by tests contaminated air from a container held by Joe Jakubowski, an evaluation incident commanders to identify analyst with U.S. Army North, during an external evaluation in downtown Helena, chemical, biological and Mont. The external evaluation was conducted by personnel from U.S. Army radiological substances with their North stationed out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas to validate the unit’s training so projected consequences, as well as they can respond to incidences concerning hazardous materials. to offer advice on responding to these hazards. Texas, an evaluation analyst with Completing the mission during All these skills and training U.S. Army North. the middle of the night and were recently put to the test in “We watch how they set up in freezing temperatures also downtown Helena, Mont., when their trucks, put on their protective presented challenges with visibility the 83rd CST participated in an chemical suits, collect samples of and the proper functioning of external evaluation put on by a chemical agent and the process equipment. U.S. Army North from Fort Sam they use to identify the substance,” “I think it goes to the Army’s - Perform a through safety inspection before Houston, Texas. Jakubowski explained. training strategy that you have According to 1st Sgt. Cary “Anytime we can get an outside to be able to do your job at any lighting the grill - Never use a grill in an enclosed space Monbarren, the noncommissioned agency looking at our tactics, time in any condition,” said Capt. officer in charge of the 83rd techniques, and procedures, it gives Adam Karlin, a medical operations - Only use an approved charcoal lighter fluid to start a charcoal - fired grill, and never add any flammable CST, civil support teams have us a view that we don’t see,” said officer. “If we can complete the to participate in an external Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Whitney, the mission at night, in the cold, liquid to a burning fire - Follow the instructions for lighting your gas grill evaluations exercise every 18 communications team chief for the when you’re tired, you can do it months for national certification. 83rd. “They give us good feedback anytime.” - Keep grills away from houses, fences, trees and anything else with a propensity for burning This allows the 83rd to support about what we can do better.” The CST has to be prepared to emergency responders in the event This exercise gave the survey respond to an incident whenever - Don’t wear loose clothing when cooking on a grill of a hazardous material situation team the chance to investigate a call comes in, no matter the - Keep all flammable materials away from the grill that is beyond local capabilities. a dispersion device, which is time or the weather, Monbarren - Make sure the fire is out when you are done Exercises like this give the CST something they don’t see very said. External evaluations like this feedback on their performance by often, said Staff Sgt. Casey confirm what the team can do as What Have You Done somebody outside the team, said Carnahan, a survey team chief with well as solutions to help the team to Save a Life Today? https://safety.army.mil Joe Jakubowski, from San Antonio, the CST. work more effectively. www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 18 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011 June 2011 ARNORTH Monthly Page 19

News tions support and planning. bined with the snow melt have K. Shinseki. “It is important for eligible for individual assistance Memorial Day ceremony there. NORTHCOM is the joint com- caused flooding in that state as veterans to be aware of their rights through FEMA include: Autauga, “I’m announcing my choice Northcom supports batant command formed in the well. and understand there are many Calhoun, Cullman, DeKalb, El- for their successors today because wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, ter- About 97 Guard members there resources available to help them more, Etowah, Franklin, Jefferson, it’s essential that this transition be response to severe rorist attacks to provide homeland are performing security operations recover from this disaster.” Lawrence, Marengo, Marion, Mar- seamless and that we stay focused midwest weather defense and defense support of at the time of this report, said a The VA strongly encourages shall, St. Clair, Sumter, Tallapoosa, on the urgent national security NORTHCOM civil authorities. Montana Guard official. mortgage companies not to initiate Tuscaloosa and Walker. challenges before us,” Obama said. Heavy rains have also contrib- any new foreclosures in the disaster Counties in Arkansas affected If the Senate approves the PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, 4,300 NG Soldiers uted to rising waters in Vermont, areas for a period of 90 days. The by the tornado outbreak include: nominations, Odierno — known Colo. — At the request of the where about 93 Guard members agency also encourages mortgage Benton, Clay, Faulkner, Garland, for overseeing the transition from Federal Emergency Management respond to U.S. floods have been evacuating residents companies that service VA-guar- Lincoln, Pulaski, Randolph and surge to stability operations in Iraq Agency, U.S. Northern Command By Sgt. Darron Salzer, from around local lake bed areas. anteed home loans to extend every Saline. from September 2008 to Septem- officials activated their defense co- National Guard Bureau Officials there said rains have possible forbearance to borrowers Counties in Georgia affected ber 2010 — will replace Dempsey ordinating officer and defense coor- been consistent almost every day who are in distress through no fault by the tornado outbreak include: as the chief of the staff after just dinating element for FEMA Region ARLINGTON, Va. — The num- for about a month now. of their own. This includes suspen- Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, five months of holding the Army’s 7 and extended those functions for ber of National Guard members In Louisiana and Mississippi, sion of reporting to credit bureaus Floyd, Greene, Lamar, Pickens, highest military position. FEMA Region 6 in support of re- responding to severe spring flood- Guard members continue their bat- and waiving late charges for af- Polk, Spalding, Troup and Walker. Dempsey became the 37th Army sponse efforts to the severe weather ing rose to about 4,300 over the tle against the Mississippi River’s fected borrowers. Counties in Mississippi affected chief of staff April 11. in the Midwest. weekend as parts of the Missouri floodwaters after severe storms There are almost 26,000 veterans by the tornado outbreak include: While Dempsey will have served U.S. Army North’s defense River began to swell in states such swelled the river earlier this year. with VA-guaranteed home loans Clarke, Greene, Hinds, Jasper, just over five months as the chief coordinating officer and defense as Nebraska and North and South Operations in both states, such as in counties in Alabama, Arkansas, Kemper, Lafayette and Monroe. of staff of the Army, his term in coordinating element for Region 6 Dakota. transportation support, levee patrol Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennes- Counties in Tennessee declared the position is not the shortest initially were activated to support Other states, such as Tennessee, and inspection, search and rescue see that have been declared eligible eligible for individual assistance among Army chiefs. That record is flood relief in the South and have Vermont and Wyoming are also missions and levee security mis- for individual assistance by the include: Bradley, Greene, Hamilton held by Lt. Gen. John Bates, who been extended with the activation seeing flooding as flood operations sions are scheduled to continue. Federal Emergency Management and Washington. served from Jan. 15, 1906 to April of FEMA Region 7 to provide as- in Kentucky come to a close. Agency. 13, 1906, serving just under three sessment and coordinate Defense As of 5 p.m. May 31, about Tornado disaster Veterans should contact their Odierno nominated as months in the position. However, Department assets as required in 2,000 North Dakota Guard mem- insurance company as soon as pos- Maj. John Doughty served in an the Midwest, officials said. bers were on state active duty in re- assistance available sible to file claims for losses. At next CSA as equivalent position, as the United Defense coordinating officers sponse to rising waters in Burleigh, for some vets the same time, they need to contact Dempsey moves up States Army’s “senior officer,” and defense coordinating ele- Morton and Ward Counties as the Veterans Administration their mortgage companies to let Army News Service from June 20, 1784 to Aug. 12, ments work closely with federal, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers them know their circumstances. 1784 — a stint of just 53 days. state, tribal and local officials to opened dams up-river that are over- Washington — The Department Veterans should also start the WASHINGTON — President Among those serving in the chief determine what unique Defense saturated with heavy rainwater and of Veterans Affairs announced that FEMA disaster application pro- Barack Obama announced May 30, of staff position, a title first used in Department capabilities can assist snowmelt. special disaster assistance may be cess as soon as possible by call- that he will nominate Gen. Ray- 1903, it was Gen. George Marshall in mitigating the effects of severe Snowmelt is predicted to cause available to veterans with VA- ing 1-800-621-3362. Low interest mond Odierno as the next chief of who held the position longest, more weather. flooding in Wyoming, where about guaranteed home loans who have loans, cash grants, and housing staff of the Army. than six years, from Sept. 1, 1939 Emergency preparedness liaison 115 Guard members are perform- been affected by recent tornados in assistance may be available from Obama also announced he will to Nov. 18, 1945. He served in the officers from U.S. Fleet Forces ing sandbagging operations ahead the South. agencies associated with the disas- nominate Gen. Martin Dempsey, position for the duration of World Command, U.S. Air Forces North- of the floods as the state continues Veterans living in the desig- ter recovery effort. the Army’s current chief of staff, to War II. Gen. Winfield Scott served ern and Marine Forces North will to see a warm-up trend. nated disaster areas in Alabama, VA has information available on be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of longest in the Army’s top position deploy to FEMA Region 7 to help The Wyoming Guard has opened Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi its website that provides basic guid- Staff. as its commanding general for 20 the defense coordinating officer as- its State Operations Center and is and Tennessee may receive mort- ance on options veterans should Dempsey is expected to replace years, up through the first months sess and plan DoD support of civil working with civil authorities to gage assistance through their loan consider following a major disaster. Adm. Mike Mullen when his term of the Civil War. authorities. stay ahead of the waters, said a servicers. Veterans may also contact their as chairman ends Sept. 30. The Odierno currently serves as com- The Defense Department has Guard official. “VA wants to do everything we nearest VA Regional Loan Center president made the announcement mander of the U.S. Joint Forces capabilities that can save lives, as Montana also saw larger-then- can to help veterans and their fami- at 1-877-827-3702. in the White House Rose Garden Command, which is being deac- well as other capabilities such as usual snow pack in the mountains lies during this difficult time,” said Counties in Alabama affected by just before departing to Arlington tivated no later than Aug. 31. He airlift, medical and communica- this winter, and heavy rains com- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric the tornado outbreak and that are National Cemetery for the national entered the Army in 1976.

www.arnorth.army.mil www.arnorth.army.mil Page 20 ARNORTH Monthly June 2011