he he he he he T T T T T Militiaman

Happy trails The Contents Militiaman Summer 2006

4 Transformation underway The Adjutant for General Maj. Gen. Ron Dardis by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden Public Affairs 6 Chinooks assist in Anamosa’s Officer Hale Bridge move Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden Commanding Officer Maj. Matt Carver 8 New tool provides new leads Print Officer 1st Lt. Jamie Davis 10 Gold Star Museum insert Editor Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden 12 Through the ranks Staff Command Sgt. Maj. Doyle Norris 1st Lt. Melanie Meyer 1st Lt. Tim Mills Warrant Off. Candidate Paul Rieks 14 Fitness for Life Staff Sgt. Chris Silver by Mary Milligan Staff Sgt. Ron Isaac Staff Sgt. Sara Maniscalco Sgt. Matthew McArthur 18 Air Guard trio renders aid Spc. Alicia Dill Spc. Michael Kelly during I-29 fire/accident Spc. Catie Beck Pfc. Heather Easton

19 A tale of two generals The Iowa Militiaman is an by CW4 David L. Snook unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-81. It is published by the 135th Mobile 20 TRICARE Reserve Select Public Affairs Detachment, Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa 50131, and now available is printed four times annually. The news and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessar- ily those of the Adjutant General of On the cover: A CH-47 Chinook from Iowa, or the Department of the Davenport’s Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 211th Army. Aviation, transports the 100-foot section of a 127-year old cast Iron bridge from Hale to Address all submissions to: Anamosa. The three-sectioned bridge, The Iowa Militiaman transported across more than 15 miles of Iowa 135th Public Affairs Detachment countryside, now resides at Wapsipinicon State Camp Dodge Park, where it will become part of a recreational 7700 NW Beaver Dr. trail connecting Anamosa to the park. (Iowa Johnston, IA 50131-1902 National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Duff E. or E-mail: McFadden). [email protected]

The Iowa Militiaman 2 Summer 2006 Are you making a difference? (Editor’s Note: The following are excerpts recruiting new and prior service Soldiers. from the State of the Iowa National Guard Currently, we are exceeding the retention Address to the Iowa Legislature,on March 27). standard set by National Guard Bureau by more It is a great honor to stand before you repre- than four percent. With more than half the senting the wonderful men and women of the recruiting year remaining, we have reached 53 Iowa National Guard. On their behalf I want to percent of our recruiting goal. say a heartfelt “Thank you,” for all you have The Iowa is doing equally done over the years to assist us in building a well. In 2005, we finished the year at 104 world class organization. percent of assigned strength – 106 percent This extraordinary support has made it pos- today – with a retention rate of 98 percent. sible for the Iowa National Guard to serve our You know the great thing about our Soldiers state and nation during unprecedented times. It and Airmen, is when they go somewhere, they helped us create a climate of success that is the always leave it a better place than when they envy of National Guard and state officials arrived. If they see a problem they try and fix it. throughout the Nation. If they see someone in need they try and help. Yet no measure of success matters if, at the Chief Warrant Officer 1 Al Kakac, and his end of the day, you can’t fellow soldiers from Task say “yes” to one basic ques- Force 168, looked across tion – are you making a a barren stretch of under- difference? developed Afghani farm- As I share our story with land and saw an opportu- you , I challenge you to see nity to help bring the green how our Soldiers, Airmen revolution to that desolate and their families are mak- part of the world. TAG ing a difference – a differ- Working with the ence in our communities USDA and Iowa agricul- – a difference in our state tural experts, Kakac Sends – a difference in our na- helped develop the largest Maj. Gen. tion and a difference in the agricultural test plot in Ron Dardis, Global War on Terrorism. Afghanistan to teach Af- The Adjutant General Since 9-11, we’ve mo- ghans how to be better bilized and deployed more farmers. Showing them it’s Soldiers and Airmen than possible to improve their at any time in recent his- corn yields by more than tory – including World War II. You’d have to go 100 bushels merely by planting corn in rows to the Civil War era to find a higher operational rather than scattering seeds on the ground got tempo for the Iowa National Guard. And all of their attention. this is being done during a historic period of Staff Sgt. Mark Matteson, another Task Force institutional change for our armed forces – 186 Soldier, likewise saw a need and a way to changes that will affect us for years to come. make a difference. Matteson was appalled when The effects of the Base Realignment and he arrived in Afghanistan and saw children Closure process on the Iowa National Guard walking and playing barefoot. He emailed home were positive. Once fully implemented and and said send shoes – lots of shoes. Working funded, we stand to gain four Armed Forces through organizations like Shoes for Kids and Reserve Centers – one at Camp Dodge, one at family support groups, Matteson and his fel- Middletown, one at Cedar Rapids and one at low soldiers were able to put shoes on the feet Muscatine. These projects will bring in more of thousands of Afghan children. than $100 million of military construction In Iraq, the 224th Engineer Battalion also money into the state of Iowa. saw a need and made a difference. Working Last year, the Iowa with family members and Iowa businesses back ended the year number one in Strength Readi- ness in the National Guard system. We are currently number two in the nation in strength Making a difference readiness and are on a record-breaking pace for continued on page 16

The Iowa Militiaman 3 Summer 2006 Iowa Guard continues to evolve by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden sign of the operational Army into a standard- In order to keep pace with today’s increas- ized, stand alone, larger, more powerful, more ingly complex missions, which range from ter- flexible and more rapidly deployable force rorist threats, year-long combat deployments, that will enable the Army to change the way it and natural disasters at home, the National fights and the way it operates,” said Dr. Francis Guard must continue to evolve and transform to J. Harvey, Secretary of the Army.” remain a viable force, as well as a strategic However you look at it, said Lt. Col. Thomas reserve for the Army. Staton, deputy chief of staff – transformation, For Iowa Soldiers, transformation means Iowa Army National Guard, the Army has better opportunity changed its way of doing business. “The National Guard has undergone a total Iowa’s transformational development began transformation in the past few years,” said Lt. in Training Year 2005, with much of the higher Gen. H. Steven Blum, chief, National Guard level planning being completed by the state. Bureau (NGB), speaking before the Senate Figuring into the mix was analysis of the state’s Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on current organization, a review of the Army/ Defense. “The once ponderous Cold War stra- National Guard Bureau needs, and projecting tegic reserve transformed itself into an agile, Iowa’s future force structure. lethal operational force capable of joint and Some Iowa National Guard units are inacti- expeditionary warfare—a uniquely flexible vating because the Army, communicating with force simultaneously capable of responding to the Adjutant General, doesn’t feel they have a a broad range of civil and humanitarian crises. relative, viable mission in the future. Some And modularity is playing a large role in that new units are being activated from scratch, change. while others are transitioning into entirely new Modularity is the Army’s major force trans- entities. for mation initiative, which involves the total “We are re-organizing units, with The Adju- redesign of the operational Army, both active tant General ensuring we have a relevant force and Reserve. It will provide “plug and play” structure within the state to meet our combat- force elements that are interchangeable, ex- ant commander requirements,” said Staton. pandable and tailorable, to meet changing mis- “We’re then converting those units into new sions and needs. modular concepts, i.e., the 2nd Brigade Combat “The Army Modular Force Initiative is the Team (BCT), which was an organic brigade and Army’s most important transformational ini- part of the 34th Infantry Division. tiative for a reason; it involves the total rede- These modular BCTs provide improved in- Transformation

The Iowa Militiaman 4 Summer 2006 Inactivating units 234th Signal Battalion 34th CS (HHC/MMC) 134th Quartermaster Battalion (Water) Det 1, HHC, 34th Infantry Div. HHD, Co. D, 109th Aviation Battalion Infantry HHC Brigade (AUG) 1-147th Aviation Battalion CAB Det 1, HHB, 34th DIVARTY HHD, 734th Maintenance Battalion 1241st TMDE 1034th Quartermaster Company Co. A, 109th Medical Battalion 3657th Maintenance Company 767th Fire Fighting Team 834th Engineer SIB Battery C, 194th Field Artillery Co. A, Co, B, Co. C, 224th Engineer BN Troop D, Troop E, Troop F, 113th CAV DET 1, F, 106th Aviation PLT Activating units 734th RSG 1034th CSSB 2-234th BSTB Converting units 248th ASB 2/147th AVN units From To 1/134th S&S units HHC, 2nd Brigade HHC, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 2/211th AVN units 1-113th Cavalry 1-113th Recon. SQDN 209th Medical (2007) 334th FSB 334th BSB 294th Medical (2007) 185th CSB 185th Combat Service Suport Battalion 831st ENG Co. (HOR) 1st BN, 194th FA 1st BN, 194th FIRES BN 831st ENG Co. (MAC) 224th ENG BN HHD, 224th 831st ENG Co. (SAPPER) 109th Medical BN 109th Medical BN (2007) 832nd MAC ENG. Co. 833rd Sapper Co. 1559th QM (TWDS) telligence gathering systems and capabili- This issue was addressed with the ties, which allow brigade commanders to fo- Marshalltown Soldiers. Questions arose cus the effects of decisive combat power at whether their position will remain with the the right place, at the right time. incoming units, whether they would need to In the Army of the future, there will be relocate, or even if their job specialty will three types of BCTs – 1) Heavy (a mix of continue to exist. armor and mechanized infantry); 2) an Infan- “The good news is, we have a position for try BCT (IBCT) (Light, dismounted infantry; every Soldier in the Iowa National Guard,” said and 3) a Stryker BCT (with Stryker vehicles). Staton. “This is good for the state, as we remain Iowa’s 2nd BCT will become an infantry truly relevant, fielding relevant forces and rel- BCT. All other transformation within the state evant units throughout the state. will support that specific, relevant, modular “In many cases, that MOS may not exist component. within the new unit, so the Soldier has a few “The critical part in all of this, even with all options,” he said. “Number one, he/she can stay this change and transformation, is no Soldier in their MOS and transfer to a different unit. will lose a position,” said Staton. “They may Number two, he/she can choose to stay in their change their patch, but they won’t lose a posi- current armory and reclassify to a different tion. There’s a positive here for everyone. MOS; or finally, they can become a ‘free agent’ Some Soldiers may have to move to a new unit and go anywhere within the state and attain a or armory in order to stay in their current new MOS. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), while “When Iowa looked at transformation, we some may need to reclassify to a new MOS.” wanted to ensure, first of all, MOS and gender For example, with the demise of the 234th diversity throughout the state and increased Signal Battalion, Company C in Marshalltown opportunities for all Iowa Soldiers, regardless no longer has a viable signal mission. How- ever, Marshalltown is now getting a portion of an aviation support battalion and a detach- Transformation ment of the 2133rd Transportation Company, thanks to transformation. continued on page 11

The Iowa Militiaman 5 Summer 2006 Chinooks provide historic ride

Story and photos commander of the Army Aviation Support by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden Facility #3, Davenport, Iowa, and pilot of the When the CH-47 Chinook helicopter first second Chinook used in the operation. “They entered Army service in 1962, it was accepted our recommendations for completing envisioned as an air transportation workhorse, the mission, which is a tremendous load off moving everything from ground forces, us. It was a real pleasure to work with such a supplies and ammunition, to armament and helpful and enthusiastic group. My hat is off other battle-critical cargo. to them for their perseverance on this project.” Who would have thought it would be equally The Hale Bowstring Bridge began life in adept at transporting a 127-year-old bridge 1879, spanning the Wapsipinicon near the Hale across more than 15 miles of Iowa countryside. Township. It served the local population until Such was the case in early March, as two its closure in 1997, due to significant rust and aircraft from Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 211th damage from the 1993 floods. In 1998, it was Aviation, Iowa Army National Guard, listed on the National Register as the longest- transported three-sections of a cast-iron bridge standing bowstring arch bridge in Iowa. from Hale to Anamosa, gently settling them While most of the community was unsure upon their new, 25-foot supports. of what to do with 61-plus tons of history, Rose Once the bridge is fully re-stored, it will Rohr, chairwoman, Jones County Historic provide access across the Wapsipinicon River Preservation Commission, showed great to a recreational trail connecting Anamosa to foresight. Her dream for the bridge began as a Wapsipinicon State Park. question mark, then “became a vision and Besides the interest generated by local and challenge, and then a passion,” she said. state-wide media, the operation was also “A landowner stepped up and agreed to sell documented by The History Channel’s “Mega 10 acres of his land to the park, so the bridge Movers” series. could actually be part of a trail system through “The Hale/Anamosa people were wonderful the park and onto the road,” said Rohr. to deal with,” said Col. Randy H. Warm, facility The 100-foot long section was moved from

The Iowa Militiaman 6 Summer 2006 its original abutments on Feb. 28, 2003, while through the airframe and the rotor system. the two 80-foot long bridge sections were After initially picking up the bridge at Hale, we moved Feb. 18 and 19. The pieces were refur- made a slow, forward take-off with a very slight bished and then staged, awaiting its fate. climb which allowed us to clear the trees to the “Being in preservation, I learned a few years east of the pick-up zone. ago that the National Guard had flown other “We flew a course that we had flown the day bridges,” said Rohr. “Larry Lovetinsky, from before, which was devoid of towns and houses. (Facing page) A Kent Park, near Tiffin, connected me to NNW In the event of an emergency, we did not want to span is placed Engineering, who had worked with the Guard airmail the bridge into someone’s living room.” upon the bridge previously. My first attempt to contact the Once they approached the park, all of Warm’s abutment. (Below) colonel was negative. Our county engineer did movement commands came from his flight Staff Sgt. Shad not want this bridge and sent him some infor- engineer, Staff Sgt. Layne Marti, who was lay- Myers rigs a mation that was not relevant to our case. ing on the aircraft’s floor, looking out of the section of the “Last year I called Col. Russell Perry (Deputy hook access door directly above the bridge. bridge to a crane, Chief of Staff for Aviation and Safety, Iowa “Along with the inputs from the heavy load prior to weighing. Army National Guard). He was interested, liked on the aircraft, we also had to contend with our Myers is a former the idea, and set up the meeting with Col. own rotor wash that was directed back into the Anamosa resident. Warm. We had a lot of people that went to Mt. rotor system by the piers and the shoreline,” (Bottom) The Joy for that meeting. It was decided that if the Warm said. “Hovering with that much weight bridge, ready for bridge could be picked up and details could be and under those conditions was difficult, in transportation. worked out, they were interested. They were all addition to trying to set the four great at that meeting.” footpads of a 100-foot bridge Staff Sgt. Todd Isely and fellow crewmen onto four small notches on the from Army Aviation Support Facility #3 trav- abutment and pier. Page 7A eled to Hale the day before the lift to manage “It took roughly 10 minutes to the rigging and weighing of the trusses. De- place the bridge in the exact loca- spite cooler temperatures and approximately tion before releasing it from the two inches of snow on the ground, they went aircraft. This was a true team about their task of preparing the slings. effort and is exactly as we train. As Wednesday, March 8, dawned, the mood When we released the bridge I among those in Jones County was almost as felt a huge wave of relief,” he low as the early morning fog. The aircraft added. needed a minimum visibility of three miles and Warm wasn’t the only one a ceiling of 1,000 feet to complete the move. feeling relief at that moment. Until the morning mists cleared, the birds would For Rohr, it was the culmination remain grounded. of years of planning, prodding However, approximately 45 minutes after and positioning. the scheduled start, a Chinook could be heard. “I felt very overwhelmed. This Minutes later, the first craft appeared in the part of the project, I always felt, southeast, bringing a cheer from the crowd. was so crucial. I was relieved Since 25 to 50 percent of the bridges’ weight and thrilled to have such a his- came from the wooden decking — the smaller torical event take place in our spans weighed approximately 41,000 pounds region and community. Page 7B and the 100-foot long span weighed about “I was really humbled at the 55,000 pounds — the decking was removed. support of the Guardsmen, who However, even without the planks, the ap- were very friendly and approach- proximately 19,600 pounds of the 100-foot able, and all who partnered with segment was still very close to the Chinook’s us to make the project and the day 20,000-pound, maximum lift capacity. By com- itself so memorable and success- parison, each of the 80-foot spans weighed ful. Thank all of you from the only 16,500 pounds. To save even more weight, bottom of my heart,” she said. one of the helicopters traveled with just enough After a brief press conference, fuel to complete their mission. where the pilots and crew an- “The bridge actually flew very stable, al- swered questions, provided tours though we were working close to our max and met with members of the capability,” said Warm. “When almost 20,000 media, the aircraft returned to pounds is hooked to the CH-47, you can feel it Davenport.

The Iowa Militiaman 7 Summer 2006 G-RAPG-RAPG-RAP

New tool provides leads, enriches, empowers Iowa National Guard members now have a fully pass an online training course and agree to unique opportunity to cultivate quality per- the terms and conditions relating to ethical, spective Soldiers into their units, and earn a moral and legal behavior. Once this process is substantial bonus in the process. complete, the information will be reviewed and The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program notification will be made within 24 hours. Af- (G-RAP) is a contracted program designed to ter an individual has received certification, an help individuals become eligible to serve as a online account will be activated, a New Hire part-time Recruiter Assistant (RA). The RA Kit shipped, and an introductory meeting with applicant will be verified and hired by a con- the local Recruiting and Retention NCO tractor, Docupak of Pelham, Ala., and not the (RRNCO) will be arranged. Army National Guard. RAs will receive a $50 debit card upon G-RAP is a voluntary program, and has no successful completion of the online training. bearing on an individual’s status in the National They can then begin generating prospective Guard. Once selected by Docupak, participants Citizen-Soldiers. will act as an independent contractor. Docupak Once a potential Soldier is identified and will help guide the RA and provide the neces- pre-qualified, the RA will facilitate a meeting sary support needed to be successful. with their local RRNCO. The triad of RRNCO, This program is currently not available for RA and potential Soldier will then work closely Army, Guard and Reserve (AGR) Soldiers, those together to process the potential Soldier and on Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW), or move them towards accession. Military Technicians. Being an RA is done on After Docupak receives verification the po- personal time, never on Soldier time. tential Soldier has completed processing at the To become an RA, individuals must success- Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), $1,000 will be paid to the RA’s debit card. The “Remember, leaders lead final $1,000 payment is made once Docupak receives verification the new recruit has shipped from the front. A lot of people to Basic Training. say they’ll do it. They’ll complete Participants will receive an IRS 1099 Form the training and then never at the end of the year, and are responsible for do anything with it. Leaders filing/reporting their income and any associ- go through the program ated taxes. For questions, go to www.irs.gov or and actually help recruiters consult an accountant. complete their mission.” According to recent figures from Iowa Na- -- Staff Sgt. Howard Johnston tional Guard recruiters, Iowa has a total of

The Iowa Militiaman 8 Summer 2006 1,437 Recruiting Assistants, who have been them, that could be $2,000 you’re walking by,” responsible for 132 newly-enlisted Soldiers. he said. One Iowan who is taking advantage of this It’s just a matter of getting out there and new program is Staff Sgt. Howard Johnston, of getting it done, Johnston said. “Don’t be afraid Grimes. Johnston has been in the Iowa Army to talk to people. It’s a good way to build your National Guard since July 2005, after having unit up with people that you know and to make served 10 years as an active duty Marine. some extra money in the process.” Johnston said it was Sgt. 1st Class Gerald A. Johnston said it only took him 35 minutes to Keeler, a recruiter for the 185th Iowa Army complete the online training. Once that was Medical Command, who turned him on to the done, he was ready to begin prospecting. program. A former Marine Corps recruiter, “Remember, leaders lead from the front. A Johnston has been part of the G-RAP program lot of people say they’ll do it. They’ll complete since December. In that short time, he’s offi- the training and then never do anything with it. cially brought in eight Soldiers, with two more Leaders go through the program and actually awaiting confirmation. help recruiters complete their mission,” “Staff Sgt. Johnston has been a great asset Johnston said. for the G-RAP Program,” explained Keeler. According to Keeler, it’s a collaboration “Johnston was a former recruiter and one of that benefits everyone. the top performers for the Des Moines USMC. “I feel the recruiter and RA have to build a He enlisted in July 2005 and became a valuable partnership together where they work as a team,” asset for the National Guard from the begin- said Keeler. “By working and getting to know ning, providing a lead at an average of one to each other’s strengths and weak points, you can two a week. And this was all prior to the G-RAP accomplish much more and achieve each program.” other’s goals by working smarter, not harder. “One of the ways I talk to people is, I own my “As a recruiter, I have to build the trust that own security agency,” Johnston said. “When I will take good care of the applicant and the people come in to apply for a job, I hit them up RA. about becoming a Citizen-Soldier after the “By keeping the National Guard at the high- interview. I’m also the vice president of the est level of readiness we can, the RA can Des Moines Rugby Club, so, I talk it up with receive self-gratification from the G-RAP, as other rugby players, as well. well as the satisfaction of helping others,” he “The way I look at it, you walk past your added. mission every day when you’re at Wal-Mart, With the extra money, Johnston is helping Burger King, or the mall. There are people pay his mortgage. working at these places who only have part- Eligible individuals interested in becoming time jobs, who aren’t really happy with those a Recruiting Assistant may apply online at jobs. You just need to talk with them, it’s not www.GuardRecruitingAssistant.com, or call that hard. If you walk past without talking to 888-291-6004.

Flanked by Sgt. Brett M. Comegys (left) and Sgt. Maj. John D. Gipe, Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard (right), Pfc. Andrea Sondgeroth is presented a $1,000 GRAP check (Iowa National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden).

The Iowa Militiaman 9 Summer 2006 Tattoo policy changed tired pay. Until recently, the annuity for a The Army has revised its policy on tattoos surviving spouse, age 62 or older, was reduc- in an effort to bolster recruitment of highly- ed to 35 percent to reflect Social Security qualified individuals who might otherwise benefits. This reduction will phase out by have been excluded from joining. Tattoos are April 2008, and the full 55 percent will be now permitted on the hands and back of the paid, regardless of the spouse’s age, in neck if they are not “extremist, indecent, accordance with the Fiscal 2005 National sexist or racist.” Army Regulation 670-1, Defense Authorization Act. which was modified via a message released To make an open enrollment, a retiree Jan. 25, also now specifies: “Any tattoo or must submit a DD Form 2656-9, “Survivor brand anywhere on the head or face is prohib- Benefit Plan (SBP) and Reserve Component ited except for permanent make-up.” Survivor Benefit Plan (RSBP) Open Enroll- For women, allowable make-up would be ment Election.” This form is available permanent eye-liner, eyebrows and makeup electronically at www.dtic.mil/whs/direc- applied to fill in lips, officials said. Perma- tives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd2656-9.pdf. nent make-up should be conservative and Applicants will be formally notified of any complement the uniform and complexion in costs and have 30 days from the date of the both style and color and will not be trendy. notice to cancel by notifying the Defense The change was made because Army offi- Finance and Accounting Service or the cials realize the number of potential recruits reserve component, in writing. bearing skin art has grown over the years. Income program launched Weigh to Stay program The Defense Department has established The U.S. Army Center for Health Promo- the Reserve Income Replacement Program tion and Preventive Medicine, AKO and the to pay eligible Soldiers, mobilized for ex- WebEx Corporation are providing access to tended or frequent periods, the difference a registered dietician to meet the require- between their monthly civilian pre-mobiliza- ments of AR 600-9 (Army Weight Control tion income and their current total monthly Program). military compensation. Briefs Weigh to Stay, the Army’s standardized To qualify, servicemembers must: Be weight control program, is a 4.5 hour pro- serving on active duty in an involuntary status gram consisting of three classes and three and have completed 18 continuous months of follow-up sessions. Upon course comple- involuntary active duty; or have completed tion, participants receive a certificate that 24 cumulative months of involuntary active can be used for retirement points. duty within the last 60 months; or be serving Attendance is confidential and will only be on involuntary active duty for 180 days or reported to your commander at your request. more that starts within six months of Registering for these classes will not enroll separation from a previous period on members into the Army Weight Control involuntary active duty for at least 180 days. Program, and participants may register for Guard members serving on in-voluntary the course even if they are not flagged. active duty, earning at least $50 less than Participants must register through AKO, their normal civilian income, must verify complete a DD2870 and an electronic eligibility. Financial records submitted with survey. Once registered, participants will the application must include their most have acess to private training calendars, recent federal income tax return or other dietician information, discussion groups, and record of earnings that shows gross income access to weight loss materials. from the 12 months before mobilization. The first payments will be made at the end SBP Open enrollment of August. Congress authorized the Reserve Income Replacement Program as part of the The Department of Defense is allowing National Defense Authorization Act for military retirees, who opted out of some or fiscal 2006. The authority for RIRP will all of their Survivor Benefit PLAN (SBP) expire Dec. 31, 2008. coverage, to have another opportunity to To find the DoD Policy Guidance, elect coverage until Sept. 30. Compensation Calculator and downloadable Upon a retiree’s death, SBP provides an Eligibility Verification Form, visit http:// annuity of up to 55 percent of military re- www.dod.mil/ra/.

The Iowa Militiaman 10 Summer 2006 7105 NW 70th Ave., Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824, (515)-252-4531 Website: www.IowaNationalGuard.com A quarterly publication of the Iowa National Guard Memorial Association.

Vol. No. 3 Spring 2006 Issue No. 1 Japanese, Spanish-American items highlight new acquisitions

Thanks to the generosity of James Polka, of Urbandale, the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum recently acquired several captured Japanese military items from World War II. One item is an olive drab Japanese cotton tunic field uniform jacket, summer weight, with buttoned underarm vent openings. The tunic was part of the standard enlisted man’s M98 uniform. The front buttons and pocket buttons are smooth brown with built-in shanks. Of the same fabric is a pair of Japanese cotton, full- length field trousers with securing tapes. They complete the warm weather uniform. The pair of black Japanese rubber-soled, canvas-upper “Tabi” shoes, with separate big toes reminded Col. (Ret.) Al Rolfes of his experiences during WWII. “Tabi shoes were especially useful for Japanese snipers. They made it easier for them to climb trees in the jungle,” he said. The Japanese naval enlisted personnel field cap is a darker olive drab, with a cloth label (printed in Japanese) inside. Samall grommets serve as air holes and a simple cloth tie in the back enables a slight adjustment for fit. These acquisitions complement a WWI-era Japanese entrenching tool already in the Museum’s collection. In December 2005 the museum received a collection of artifacts, documents and photographs relating to the Spanish-American War service of Cpl. Walter A. Fleming, of Osceola. Fleming enlisted on June 13,1898, in Company I, 51st Iowa Volunteer Infantry and deployed with the regiment to the Philippines. Several new museum artifacts were among the Fleming items, including a late pattern 1898 khaki Field Service Coat imported from China with a photograph of Fleming in the Philippines wearing the coat. Also included is a khaki woven 50-loop cartridge belt with pattern 1887 “H” buckle plate. The items were delivered in a Spanish-American War era wood footlocker stenciled with the insignia of Company I, 51st Iowa Infantry. Other items included hand-written orders, medals, a pattern 1884 tinned iron meat can (mess kit), leggings, and a black leather Spanish Army cartridge pouch.

Gold Star Military MuseumM1 Summer 2006