Spring 2015

A Washington National Guard Engineer gets an opportunity to contribute to his native region - Pg. 10

Remembering the State Route 530 Landslide, One Year Later. - Pg. 8 Washington Military Department Provides for the Needy - Pg. 9

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 1 The Adjutant General of the Washington Na- tional Guard led a group of guardsmen to Washington, D.C., in February for a meeting with the Washington Congressional delega- tion. (Left to right) Capt. Keith Kosik, 141st History Detachment, Col. Gent Walsh, Chief of Staff Washington Military Department, Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, The Adjutant General, Washington National Guard and Col. Kevin McMahan, Director of Manpower and Personnel, Washington National Guard. (Courtesy photo)

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2 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 T BLE of CONTENTS

Commander in Chief Pierce County Looking Back at the State Washington State Governor Readiness Center Route 530 Landslide The Honorable Jay Inslee Page 8 Page 6 The Adjutant General Congressman Denny Heck Employees from the Emergen- cy Management Division and Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty joined the leadership of the Washington National Guard personnel from the Washington to break ground on a new $28 National Guard who responded Communications Director to the massive landslide came Karina Shagren million facility at Camp Mur- ray on Feb. 18. together on Sunday, March 22, State Public Affairs Officer 2015 in remembrance of the The Guard Brought event and the lives lost that Cpt. Joseph F. Siemandel day. Me Home Chief Editor The Best of the Best Page 10 Staff Sgt. Peter Christian In 2006, when Sochea Touch Page 14 Copy Editor and his family moved to Puy- It’s that time of year again Maj. Christina Martin allup, Wash., he had no idea when the organizations of the he was staying for good. The Washington National Guard Contributors Washington National Guard send their best and brightest to and Cobra Gold 2015 brought Lt. Col. James Bridgeman compete for the coveted title him back to the Eastern Hemi- of Best Warrior. Lt. Collete Mueller sphere for the first time since Bringing Strykers to Command Chief Master Sgt. he departed his homeland near- ly nine years ago, a homeland Washington Timothy Tyvan bordered by this tour of duty. Page 24 Sgt. 1st Class Jason Kriess Honoring Our With the deactivation of a Sgt. 1st Class Neal Mitchell local active duty Stryker bri- Guardsmen gade, Washington leaders Spc. Danielle Gregory Page 23 hope to use that equipment to Cpl. James Marchetti Gov. Jay Inslee and State Leg- strengthen capabilities, and islators gathered in Olympia to interagency cooperation. Lance Cpl. Wesley Timm honor the efforts of Washington Specialist Class Brianne Patterson National Guardsmen during the Operational Continuity recovery efforts after the State Mark Stewart Route 530 Landslide. Page 27 Steven Friederich What if an earthquake hit Wash- ington state and made many Chris Barnes Helping Those In Need state government buildings unusable? How would food as- Page 9 sistance be distributed? How Military Intelligence Soldiers would court functions operate? ON THE COVER from D Co. 898th Brigade En- How would payroll be issued? U.S. Army Spc. Sochea Touch, gineer Battalion spent about a vertical engineer with 176th an hour on March 6 delivering Engineer Company (Vertical), Saying Goodbye Washington National Guard, more than 2,000 pounds of food to Mr. Kay takes a break from building a donated by the soldiers and new classroom for the Ban Sub state employees of the Wash- Page 20 Prik School during exercise Co- ington Military Department. With an overall career span- bra Gold 2015 in Saraburi, Thai- ning six decades, Washington land, Feb. 5, 2015. Cobra Gold Emergency Management Divi- in its 34th iteration includes a specific focus on HCA, commu- sion’s Dick Kay was celebrated nity engagement, and medical by friends and co-workers on activities conducted during the his day of retirement. exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interest of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps pho- to by Lance Cpl. Wesley Timm/Released) MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 3 THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL GUARD WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD THE ADJUTANT GENERAL LAND COMPONENT SERGEANT MAJOR TAG Major General Bret Daugherty Command Sergeant Major Wayne Parker LINE The Cyber Frontline Recognize Your Best

It’s emerging as one of the greatest threats to face our citizens. And not surprising, the Washington Military Department is at the forefront of preparation.

We’ve taken considerable steps to become one of the nation’s leaders in cybersecurity. We’ve established a cyber program within our Emergency Management Division, and are one of the first states to include an annex within our state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) that specifically addresses a cyberattack. Our National Guard soldiers and airmen conduct invaluable vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to help our partners both in the public and private sector identify areas of improvement so they can strengthen their IT networks. And we’ve incorpo- rated a cyber thread within our quarterly exercises – realizing that an attacker will likely strike when we’re most vulnerable.

In April, our department continued to enhance our state’s ability to respond to a cyberattack with a groundbreaking discussion – pulling together leaders from all levels of government, the private sector, local utility companies and ports, as well as our tribal partners. This table-top exercise helped identify vulnerabilities, as well as the resources and expertise available across our state in the event of a major cyberattack.

A common theme throughout the discussion centered on the importance of partnership. We acknowledge that the cyber threat is too large to take on by ourselves.

We need you to partner with us and take some simple steps to protect yourself while on- line: • Ensure a site is secured before sharing personal identifiable information, like your social security number and birthdate. Even sharing your address can make you a target of crime; • Strengthen your privacy settings on your social media accounts so only those you personally know can see what you’re posting; and • Protect your computer with security software.

Our Department is also tracking Department of Defense warnings that those affiliated with the military are being targeted by terrorist groups via social media. Know that those monitoring our agency social media channels have been trained in Operational Security, and are taking measures to ensure we’re sharing photos and infor- mation in a safe and secure way. I’m proud of our leadership to address this growing threat. We’ve made great strides, and with your help – we further enhance our ability to prevent and respond to a cyberattack.

Thanks!

Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty The Adjutant General Washington National Guard

4 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 WASHINGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD THE LAND COMPONENT SERGEANT MAJOR NCO Command Sergeant Major Wayne Parker PERSPECTIVE

Recognize Your Best

Guardsmen,

In March, Sgt. Matthew Croft and Spc. Joshua Beal took home the Washington Army National Guard’s best Non-Commissioned Officer and soldier of the year honors. They showed that they were the best of the best among the Washington National Guard. As a Command Sergeant Major, it is a great feeling to see our young soldiers and airmen stepping up and becoming tomorrow’s leaders, but I also know that due to the overall general soldier skill set required to compete at the best warrior competition that we often overlook many outstanding performers in their traditional soldier/airman jobs.

We know that our Guardsmen are doing some incredible things, both at their units and in the com- munity, every day. It’s time we start giving them some praise.

That’s why I’m excited to announce that starting this month, we will be giving a monthly award for the Washington National Guard’s best soldier and airman of the month. This process will afford every soldier and airman the opportunity to be recognized in front of not just leadership, but their peers in the enlisted ranks, pushing them to also do their best.

Each month the senior enlisted leaders will go over the nominations and pick the winners. The soldier and airman winners will be featured on the Washing- ton National Guard’s social media and be awarded throughout the year with different opportunities. We want to show the best members in our formations that we as leaders recognize their contributions to our organization and that we appreciate everything they do!

For information on nominating a soldier or airman go to:

http://mil.wa.gov/form/washington-national-guard-soldier--airmen- of-the-month

Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Parker Land Component Command Sergeant Major Washington Army National Guard

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 5 Washington Military Department Breaks Ground on New Readiness Center at Camp Murray

Story by Steven Friedrich & Joseph Siemandel Washington Military Department Camp Murray, Wash. - Congressman Denny Heck joined the leadership of the Washington Na- tional Guard to break ground on a new $28 million facility at Camp Murray on Feb. 18. The new 81,000 square-foot facility, called the Pierce County Readiness Center, will provide guardsmen from multiple units a new facility to perform their full-time and traditional duties, in- cluding critical training to help prepare for state and national disasters. “This is truly a great day for the Washington National Guard and the soldiers of the 96th Troop Command,” said Major General Bret D. Daugherty, The Adjutant General in charge of the Washington National Guard. “The 96th Troop Command had to move out of our historic Tacoma Armory due to safety concerns. We were forced out of that old building because it was falling apart.” Construction of the new facility is already un- derway and creates more than 300 local jobs. The building is scheduled to be done by July 2016. The contract was awarded to Absher and Tetra Tech af- ter evaluating a number of competitive bids. Heck, who represents the 10th Congressional Dis- trict stretching from Olympia to Puyallup, said that he had more than 2,500 soldiers and airmen in his district.

6 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 “Really, it’s in recognition of their needs, leadership Col. Greg Allen and CSM Abby and protect our country from here.” their sacrifice and their service that we are West, who were both at the event. The new building will be built to meet able to get to this day and we should nev- “The 96th was making the best out of a LEED Silver environmental rating stan- er, ever lose sight of that,” Heck told the difficult situation in the old Air Guard fa- dards and include special purpose and ad- crowd. “The fact of the matter is they an- cility at Boeing Field and they continue to ministration areas, an assembly hall, locker swer the call. They answer the call every meet every mission given to them to include rooms and shower areas, as well as support time whether it’s to be deployed overseas responding to functions or to be deployed within this state to re- the landslide associat- spond to an emergency like Oso or like at Oso last ed with wildfires. Trust me, I was just informed our year and the the facil- snowpack in the Cascades is 20 percent the wildfires last ity. average so we all know what that means summer and Allen said in the coming summer months. They’ll continues to he was get the call again and just like they always deploy units grateful have, they’ll respond again. It is because of overseas to have them we stand here today.” even to this the new Daugherty paid special tribute day,” Daugh- facility. to the 96th Troop Com- erty said. “Places mand, includ- “The truth is like this ing its they deserve will real- a better home ly help us Rep. Denny Heck (D) Wash., speaks to 96th Troop Command Command Sgt. and I’m ex- Maj. Abby West during the ground breaking ceremony for the Pierce County in terms cited to break Readiness Center. (Photo by Steven Friederich) of reten- ground today tion,” to give them a better home. This ground- Allen said. “When you look at places like breaking facility today will start construc- Bremerton, Yakima and the aviation cen- tion of this new readiness center for the ter next to Fort Lewis, when a brand new great soldiers of the 96th Troop Command. soldier sees a brand new facility, it will in- For the next 50 years or so, maybe 100 spire that soldier to think that the Guard years – who knows? – Troop Command really cares about their people.” soldiers will train here. They’ll respond The citizen-soldiers and airmen of the to domestic emergencies from Washington National Guard are dedicated here. They’ll deploy to the mission of safeguarding lives and overseas property in Washington State, and serving as sentinels for freedom overseas.

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 7 Moving Forward Guardsmen Join Family and First Responders at SR 530 Landslide Observance.

Story by Specialist Brianne Patterson, 122d Public Affairs Operations Center, WAARNG

worked with from Oso,” said Washington One year after the State Route 530 Air National Guard Cpt. Kevin Wolff with landslide, friends and families of the vic- the 141st Civil Engineer Squadron. “We tims, members of the community as well as worked together during the whole scene first responders, employees from the Emer- and it’s good to hang out with him and re- gency Management Division and person- connect, to share some of the stories from nel from the Washington National Guard the past but also look toward the future.” who responded to the massive landslide Moving forward is exactly what the re- came together on Sunday, March 22, 2015 membrance event is about, giving commu- in remembrance of the event and the lives nity members and first responders another lost that day. The event began with a mo- opportunity to see each other, to see how ment of silence at 10:37 a.m., the time the Washington National Guardsmen visit the site of the they have all been able to move forward State Route 530 Landslide. (Washington National slide occurred. after such a Guard photo by Specialist Brianne Patterson, 122d The State Route tragic disaster Public Affairs Operations Center, WAARNG) 530 landslide, and to see more commonly “We all came togeth- the slide area known as the Oso er, people from different after its year mudslide, is the of growth. deadliest landslide walks of life just showed After the event in U.S. his- moment of tory covering one up just to help and we all silence the square mile, de- names of the stroying an entire came together and united 43 people neighborhood and lost that day 49 homes while in one common goal.” were read taking the lives of - Cpt. Kevin Wolff aloud, with 43 people. each name “It’s the one year accompa- anniversary of the nied by the ring of a bell. After each 530 [landslide] and we’re out here with the name was heard, the flag that was set up first responders who supported it as well as during the initial slide event was finally some soldiers from Delta Company 1-161 raised after remaining at half-staff for the community and in that unity, bonds were [Infantry Battalion],” said Washington year in recognition of the events that took forged that will be remembered for a life Army National Guard Cpt. Mike McCa- place that day and the lives lost. Although time. rthy, a Company Commander with Alpha the raising of the flag concluded the cere- “Even though there was this great tragedy Co. 1-161 Infantry Battalion. mony people were invited to stay a while that happened and so much loss of life it Prior to the start of the event guardsmen longer and continue to reconnect with the was also really awesome to see the unity of had the opportunity to reconnect with the people they met and bonded with one year the community,” said Wolff. “We all came first responders they worked with during ago. together, people from different walks of the response to the landslide. Some guards- “It’s humbling just to be back here with life just showed up just to help and we all men even kept in contact with people they all the families, with all the first respond- came together and united in one common met while supporting the slide recovery ers because we all became like a big fam- goal.” mission, however the remembrance event ily,” said Washington Air National Guard will be the first time they have gotten to see Airman 1st Class Nicole Holland, a medic each other since the slide. with the 141st Medical Group. “Throughout the year I’ve talked with a A tragedy struck the communities of Ar- couple of the firefighters [I worked with] lington, Darrington and Oso but everyone but since being here I’ve spent quite a involved united as one to recover from the bit of time with one of the firefighters I resulting events and bring closure to the 8 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Moving Forward

Washington Military Department Donates More than 2,000 lbs of Food to Local Food Banks Story by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department Tillicum/American Lake Gardens Commu- a long way to doing some real good around Most of the donations at the food nity Center – which helps feed low income here.” bank in Tillicum, a small community in the families living in the neighborhoods sur- Harper notes that 96 percent of the chil- city of Lakewood, come in around the holi- rounding Camp Murray,” said Major Gen- dren in the community get free or reduced days. This time of the year, the shelves can eral Bret Daugherty, The Adjutant Gen- lunches. “This area is the lowest income get pretty sparse – but the demand doesn’t eral in charge of the Washington Military single parent family community in Pierce decrease. Department. “Last year was a particularly County,” she said. “We’ve been putting out more food per rough year for the center. The good news – Harper says the community of Tillicum family than we’ve been getting lately,” said the center is bouncing back. But it kicked feels landlocked for many low-income res- Janet Harper, the secretary/treasurer of the off 2015 with entirely empty shelves, and is idents. food bank at the Tillicum/American Lake in desperate need of food donations. When “And a lot of our people don’t have ve- Gardens Community Service hicles,” Harper said. “People Center. come here with strollers, their Military Intelligence Soldiers children’s wagon, just to put from D Co. 898th Brigade En- their food in. Because it’s gineer Battalion spent about such a low income communi- an hour on March 6 deliver- ty, access to food is an issue. ing more than 1,400 pounds of Food stamps only go so far – food donated by the soldiers but they still need to get to the and state employees of the food since there are no gro- Washington Military Depart- cery stores here. That makes ment. our food bank so important. Donations were made in This has been a real shot in collection spots around the the arm for us, for the Wash- Emergency Management and ington Military Department to National Guard buildings on be so generous to us in bring- Camp Murray, as well as the ing this food to us.” National Guard buildings on Harper says there’s hope on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. the horizon for the Tillicum Last year, the department col- area. lected about 800 pounds of Soldiers from D Co. 898 BEB deliver food donations to the Tillicum Food Bank. (Wash- ington National Guard photo by Capt. Joseph Siemandel, Public Affairs Officer, Wash- “There are a lot of things food for the food bank. ington National Guard.) planned for this area but it In addition to the donations will take dollars and years,” gathered at Camp Murray and Harper said. “This is the cen- JBLM, an extra 625 pounds of food and citizens ask for our help – the Washington ter – we are the center of this community.” personal hygiene items were gathered at Military Department is known to respond.” The food bank is located at the Tillicum the Spokane offices of the Washington Na- Claudia Fisher, a program specialist at the American Lake Gardens Community Cen- tional Guard and donated to the Medical Tillicum Food Bank, says it gives out food ter, 14916 Washington Ave SW, Lakewood. Lake Food Bank. Combined with the Camp for about 400 meals per week. The center is open Monday to Friday from Murray donations, that’s more than 2,000 “All these boxes, this food will be about 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for anyone who wants pounds collected this year. a month and a half worth of food for those to drop off food donations. “As in the past, donations will support the families,” Fisher said. “This is going to go

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 9 What This Uniform Means Washington National Guardsman Borders His Homeland and Fulfills His Duty in Cobra Gold 2015 Story by Cpl. James Marchetti Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

SARABURI PROVINCE, Thailand - In 2006, when Sochea lot of fish because they’re easy to catch, but if I found any snakes Touch and his family moved to Puyallup, Wash., he had no idea he or turtle that was even better. My mother would walk to the city was staying for good. market daily because there weren’t any refrigerators. She would At 13 years old, the nearly 7,500 mile journey from Cambodia to buy fruit for cheap at the village and try to make a little profit by the U.S. was what he can only describe as eye opening. selling it in the city.” “I’d never seen an airplane before so it was really weird,” ex- One day, his mother introduced Touch to a new, strange-looking plained now 22-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Touch, on the site of man. his first international exercise at Ban Sub Prik village, located in “I didn’t really know what was going on, and just thought he was Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, Thailand. “Then a flight at- just coming to visit a lot,” said Touch. “I had never really seen an tendant served me a tuna sandwich and it was delicious. It was the American before, really. It’s hard to explain. It was really exciting first time I had ever had one before. I knew I was safe but it was but at the same time kind of scary, seeing something different like new and scary.” that.” “I didn’t sleep whatsoever on the flight, just kept walking up and down the aisles and checking things out,” added Touch, who is participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 with a detachment of “I had never really seen an Ameri- soldiers from the Washington National Guard’s 176th Engineer- ing Company (Vertical), based out of Snohomish, Washington. can before, really. It’s hard to explain. “Then we landed and I was seeing pavement instead of dirt on the It was really exciting but at the same roads, cars everywhere, people with blond hair and blue eyes, and I thought I was on a totally different planet.” time kind of scary, seeing something Many years before serving his new country in the National different like that.” Guard, he remembers the everyday, uphill battle in providing a comfortable life for his mother and older brother. Touch continues - Spc. Sochea Touch to carry the memories of his prior life in the small village of Cam- bodia that he will always remember as home. As it turns out, his mother had met the man – Touch’s soon-to- “Every day after school, for lunch, I’d walk to the rice fields and be stepfather – during a deployment he served in Cambodia as a see what I could get to eat from fishing,” said Touch. “We ate a member of the U.S. Air Force. Following the tour, he returned to the U.S. to separate from the Air Force, but quickly made his way back to Cambodia with the intention of relocating the family with him to the U.S. Touch had to let go of everything he knew, start afresh and learn everything from the ground up, settling into his new home and middle school. He turned his focus to his education in order to completely acclimate to his new life in the U.S. and traverse the daily waves of culture shock that came crashing down from all angles. “I was used to only being around a few people and knew every- body’s name in my village. Now I didn’t speak the same language as everyone, so I had to start from scratch - had to learn my A, B, C’s,” said Touch with near-complete control of the language U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gilbert Blas, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with Washington nine years later. “They had to bring an elementary teacher to my National Guard’s 176th Engineering Company (Vertical), based out of Snohomish, middle school just to teach me these things. Everything was very Wash., and a native of Sisophon, Cambodia, welds a purlin at Ban Sub Prik elemen- difficult and, during the beginning, everything I learned was from tary school, located in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, Thailand, on Feb. 3, 2015. As part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, a combined force of 176th Engineer Co., hand gestures and body language.” Royal Thai Air Force and Indonesian Marine Corps military engineers are construct- “I wanted to communicate as fast as I could,” he continued. “My ing a new multipurpose facility at Ban Sub Prik that will be utilized for classroom friends and teachers - I wanted to know what they were saying, space and as a community center. CG15, in its 34th iteration, includes a specific why they acted the way they did. My mind was so open to every- focus on humanitarian civic assistance and community engagement to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the provinces of thing that I didn’t really have trouble making friends or anything Lop Buri, Saraburi and Chanthaburi in Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. like that. The people at my school really accepted me and were James Marchetti) 10 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 U.S. Army Spc. Sochea Touch, a plumbing and pipefitting spe- cialist with a detachment of soldiers participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2015 from Washington National Guard’s 176th Engineering Company (Vertical), based out of Snohomish, Wash., stands in front of a new multipurpose facility his unit is constructing at Ban Sub Prik Elementary School, lo- cated in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, Thailand, on Feb. 3, 2015. Touch was born in a small village out- side of Sisophon, Cambodia, and left his homeland for the U.S. in 2006 when he was 13-years-old. (U.S. Ma- rine Corps Photo by Cpl. James Marchetti)

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 11

“This project will really change the way I look at my uni- form. I can say that I did my duty. I did what I signed up to do.” - Spc. Sochea Touch actually really curious why I couldn’t speak their language. They invited me to their houses all the time to kind of show me off to their families.” It took about two years for Touch to grasp the English language. By his freshman year of high school, he was able to thoroughly communicate with his peers, which was coincidentally around the same time he was first exposed to the U.S. Army. He remembers seeing the camouflaged soldiers disseminating information to students from a booth in his school’s gymnasium during a career fair he attended. At that time he was thinking of college and didn’t even visit the booth. “I didn’t really think anything of it until a few years later when I saw commercials about furthering your education through the Na- tional Guard,” said Touch. “I wanted a chance at higher education

U.S. Army Spc. Sothea Touch, a plumbing and pipefitting specialist with Washing- ton National Guard’s 176th Engineering Company (vertical), based out of Snohom- ish, Wash., and a native of Puyallup, Wash., lays ventilation blocks with a Royal Thai Air Force military engineer at Ban Sub Prik elementary school, located in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, Thailand, on Feb. 3, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. James Marchetti) U.S. Army Spc. Edward McClure, a carpentry and masonry specialist with Wash- ington National Guard’s 176th Engineering Company (Vertical), based out of Sno- homeland bordered by this current place of duty. homish, Wash., takes a break from laying ventilation blocks to communicate with “I heard about Cobra Gold right when I got into my unit in 2013,” a fellow soldier at Ban Sub Prik elementary school, located in Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province, Thailand, on Feb. 3, 2015. As part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2015, a said Touch. “The soldier that picked me up, my team leader, he combined force of 176th Engineer Co., Royal Thai Air Force and Indonesian Marine told me that every so often there’s a mission where you get to go Corps military engineers are constructing a new multipurpose facility at Ban Sub to Thailand. Immediately I let them know that I wanted to go, and Prik that will be utilized for classroom space and as a community center. CG15, in was on the waiting list for the last two years before I finally got its 34th iteration, includes a specific focus on humanitarian civic assistance and community engagement to support the needs and humanitarian interests of ci- on it.” vilian populations around the provinces of Lop Buri, Saraburi and Chanthaburi in The project at Ban Sub Prik tasks Touch and his team from 176th Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. James Marchetti) Engineer Co. with the construction of a new multipurpose facili- ty for the village’s elementary school; a duty that Touch believes to better myself. That’s just my personality; the person I am wants gives new meaning to his career in uniform. to always improve. But when I didn’t have the money I looked for “I hadn’t really been deployed before this so, wearing this uni- help, and the National Guard said they could help me.” form, when people would say thank you for your service, I never Touch joined the Army National Guard as a plumbing and pipe- really felt deserving,” said Touch. “This project will really change fitting specialist in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. His stepfa- the way I look at my uniform. I can say that I did my duty. I did ther was never keen on talking about his service, and it didn’t play what I signed up to do.” a factor in his decision to join. He plans to make a career in the But his team need not toil in the endeavor alone, as they work institution, and hopes to reach the rank of first sergeant one day. side by side with constructors from the Indonesian Marine Corps CG15 has brought him back to the Eastern Hemisphere for the and Royal Thai Air Force every day to get the job done on time and first time since he departed his homeland nearly nine years ago, a as efficiently as possible. 12 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 “This building, to me, represents three countries coming to- gether for the better of the youth,” said Touch. “Hopefully, it’ll open the kids’ eyes and let them know that there’s another world out there.” “If I had seen something like this growing up, I probably would’ve wanted to do whatever the soldiers were doing,” he added when asked if he felt like a role model to the students that watch the project come to life during their school days. “It would have empowered me to become one of them.” In order to achieve a comfortable life for himself and his family by the age of 60, Touch asserted he would continue to do what he has always done in life up until this point in the continuation of his education and dual career. “When I set a goal, I tend to forget everything until that goal is reached,” said Touch, whose youthful disposition masks a life- long journey experienced by so few by his age. “Right now my goal is to get my journeyman license, so I’m going to stay in the plumbing field and get my card and improve myself by joining the union.” “After that, who knows?”

Soldiers with the Royal Thai Air Force, Indonesian Korps Marinir, Indonesian Armed Forces, and U.S. Army, 176th Engineer Company (Vertical), Washington Army National Guard, construct a classroom at the Ban Sub Prik School during exercise Cobra Gold 2015 in Saraburi, Thailand, Feb. 5, 2015. Cobra Gold in its 34th iteration includes a specific focus on HCA, community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interest of civilian popula- tions around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Wesley Timm/Released) MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 13 Story by Spc. Danielle Gregory 122d Public Affairs Operations Center, WAARNG ten test and essay. One by one, soldiers jumped “A lot of points were lost on into the deep end of a pool and at- the oral board, which was really tempted to swim from one end to tough,” Hagemeier said. “That sec- the other in full uniform. tion alone was worth 72 points.” Normally a simple task, they Although the board was a mental struggled to stay afloat holding struggle for many, day two would a 7-pound rifle above their head test competitors’ endurance and without swallowing chlorinated bravery. water. The obstacle course, another After completing a physical fit- written test, a rope climb and pool ness test the day before, an obsta- events were next on day two. cle course that morning, and a rope Only six of the 16 competitors climb minutes before, these sol- made it to the top of the rope before diers were swimming with every- they headed for the pool. thing they had left. Blindfolded and armed with a However, there was no time to dummy rifle, soldiers stepped off rest for the 16 soldiers competing the end of a 10-foot-high platform in the Washington Army National plummeting towards the water. Guard’s 2015 Best Warrior Com- They were assessed on form and petition — they were only halfway the absence of fear in completing through day two. the challenge. The four-day event kicked off on “Even with just swim trunks, I Camp Murray March 5th, and kept have trouble swimming,” said Spc. the competitors busy virtually ev- Sochea Touch, 741st Ordinance ery hour of each day. Disposal Battalion. “So throwing “You have to be mentally and on my uniform, boots and a dum- physically tough, and then know my rifle, makes it 100 times hard- all your warrior tasks and battle er.” drills too,” said Master Sgt. Daniel The day concluded with a short Hagemeier, NCO in charge of the road march to the nighttime competition. land-navigation course where sol- Each of the WAARNG’s four diers were given a compass, a map major commands were involved in and a time hack to locate three planning, coordinating and judging coordinates. At midnight, soldiers the 36 graded events, ensuring the finally bedded down in field condi- soldiers were tested in every way tions with temperatures in the low possible. thirties. “We’re looking for an all-around Soldiers woke up early Saturday soldier that can get to the regional for day three of the competition — competition and do well,” Hage- facing the new day and challenges meier said. on only a few hours of sleep. A Guardsman crosses the finish line during the two-mile run portion of the The first day consisted of a PT physical fitness test during the 2015 Best Warrior Competition. (Washington National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Gregory, 122d Public Affairs Opera- test, an Army Service Uniform in- tions Center, Washington Army National Guard.) spection and oral board, and a writ- 14 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 together and keep moving,” Touch said. Outside of a few minor blisters, bruises and rope burn, no one was badly injured and every competitor saw the competi- tion to the end. “I think everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and it was really neat to see how the competitors worked together,” Wapnowski said. “On the side, they would collaborate and en- courage one another to finish.” Sunday, after being tested for three days in every way, it was time to see which NCO and enlisted com- petitor came out on top during the Spc. Ayla Scott, 506th Military Police Detachment drags herself through the low- awards ceremony. crawl obstacle during the 2015 Best Warrior Competition. (Washington Nation- al Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Gregory, 122d Public Affairs Operations Center, Washington Army National Guard.) It was foggy, but that didn’t stop the hind the scenes it’s as if we’re all competitors from completing another on the same team,” said Sgt. Mat- short road-march before zeroing their thew Croft, B Troop, 1-303rd Cav- weapons at Joint Base Lewis-McChord alry Regiment. (JBLM), while hoping the fog would Each Soldier also had a sponsor, clear in time for qualifying. who served as a mentor, helping the In short order the sun arrived — burn- competitors with everything from ing off the soupy fog — and the weapons training and studying to motivation qualification was in the books. Then Sol- through the events. Many even shad- diers headed to their machine-gun quali- owed their soldier in each leg of the com- fication and daytime land navigation out- petition — from ruck marches to sleeping side JBLM’s east gate. in the field beside them. They trekked off afterwards on a timed “She was already pretty physically fit 5.8-mile ruck march in full “battle rattle” and knowledgeable, so I just wanted to to a mock training area known as Leschi encourage her to keep going and stay mo- town. tivated,” said Sgt. Amy Wapnowski, Spc. “I was thinking about it in my mind as Ayla Scott’s sponsor. if it were a real-life scenario, as if I was After the timed ruck march Saturday, trying to make it back home so I could the hardest parts of the competition were talk to my family again,” said over — physically anyway. Pvt. Joseph Bell, The home stretch would test basic sol- HHC, 2-146th Field Ar- dier skills and their ability to respond to tillery Regiment. “I various urban warfare simulations, in think that’s actually cluding: nuclear, what motivated me biological and and pushed me chemical attack, re- to keep going.” acting to direct fire, Although searching a vehicle exhausted, for explosives and the com- clearing a building petitors al- tactically. ways stayed “My body was motivated, exhausted — arms and many tired, stomach felt rucked to- like I’ve been doing gether to sit-ups for days, my make it legs felt like jello and through. I had blisters on my “You feet, so I was just know, be- trying to keep it

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 15 Competitors smiled and reminisced as they watched a projected video of the competition and waited for the cer- emony to start. Although a competition, it was clear these warriors had created a strong bond. “Coming into the competition I didn’t know a lot of these guys, but through- out we encouraged one another,” Touch said. “We’re now joking around with one another and just having a great time.”

“I was thinking about it in my mind as if it were a real-life scenario, as if I was trying to make it back home so I could talk to my family again,” - Pvt. Joseph Bell A range safety walks the line as competitors qualify with their weapons during the 2015 Best Warrior Com- petition. (Washington National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Gregory, 122d Public Affairs Operations Cen- ter, Washington Army National Guard.) The results were tallied. Represent- ing the enlisted side, Spc. Joshua Beal, ognition during the ceremony. finish.” HHC, 898th Brigade Engineer Battal- “I’m elated,” Croft said after the cere- Beal, who was competing for the sec- ion, was named the 2015 Soldier of the mony. “The biggest surprise for me was ond time — is a testament to the fact that Year. Representing the NCOs, Sgt. Mat- winning because there were so many hard work and dedication do payoff. thew Croft, B Troop, 1-303rd Cavalry qualified people, and everyone worked “I knew I was right on the cusp, and Regiment, was named the NCO of the so hard.” there were a couple things I needed to Year. better prepare for,” Beal said. “I felt a Winners received donated gifts from lot more prepped (this year) because I sponsors and each major command, in- “Not many people get the knew what to expect, and I knew what cluding gift cards, a boot knife and a Na- chance to even come and my weaknesses were.” tional Guard jacket. represent their unit, and I The runner up for each was recognized as well; they were Pfc. Thadeus Tuck- actually won. It was a bit er, 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team overwhelming, but it was and Sgt. James Hanrahan, 144th Digital awesome.” Liaison Detachment. These competitors - Spc. Joshua Beal have the responsibility to fill in for the winners if they are unable to represent at the regional competition for any reason. In his forties, this was Croft’s first time Those who scored highest on each competing. A successful business owner, graded event also received special rec- Croft joined the guard a few years ago not for the money, but for the experience of serving and fulfilling a lifelong am- Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty awards Sgt. Matthew Croft, B bition. Troop, 1-303rd Cavalry Regiment, who was named the He said he encourages others to make NCO of the Year 2015. the most out of their time in the military as well and join next year’s competition. Those who didn’t win this year took “Absolutely try it; it was an invaluable note of Beal’s experience and were al- experience regardless of whether you ready making plans for next year’s com- win or not,” Croft said. petition. Beal agreed, and gave some advice for “I plan on participating next year, may- future competitors. be even for a few years — maybe I’ll “The Best Warrior Competition is not win one of these,” Bell said. “You got to Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty awards Pvt. Joshua a sprint,” Beal said. “In order to do well, really experience it for yourself. I could Beal, HHC, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, who you have to finish near the top with ev- sit here and talk about it all day, but it’s was named the Soldier of the Year 2015. erything — pace yourself so you can just one of those things words can’t 16 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 explain.” Win or lose, each competitor had an excit- ing four days, made lasting friendships and shook each other’s hands at the end of the ceremony. “Everyone walked out of here with friend- ships forged and strong bonds,” Croft said. “We had a great time together; it was a real- ly fun weekend.” Best Warriors Beal and Croft will go on to represent Washington State in the region- al competition in Wyoming in May with the hope of making it to the national, Ar- my-wide competition. With only 60 days until regionals, the win- ners said they have a lot of preparation to do. “That’s really soon for the amount of physical work I feel like I need to put in to be competitive,” Croft said. “It’s going to be constant preparation — both physically and mentally — and implementing (a study plan) and executing it every day.” Nonetheless, they said they enjoyed the experience, and they were looking forward to a new challenge. “I was really happy and gratified that I got the opportunity to do it,” Beal said. “Not many people get the chance to even come and represent their unit, and I actually won. It was a bit overwhelming, but it was awe- some.” Soldiers interested in competing in next year’s competition should go through their chain of command. Each company can send one NCO and one enlisted Soldier to com- pete.

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 17 Story by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department

What if a hacker knocked out the state’s power grid? What if terrorists seized control of area dams? And what if residential water systems were all shut off? More than 100 stakeholders across the public and private sectors came togeth- er on April 7 for a cybersecurity semi- nar and tabletop exercise to discuss just those kind of scenarios. The training event was coordinated by the Emergency Management Division’s Cyber Security Program and EMD’s Exercise and Training Section. “When they ask what keeps you up at night, it’s this issue,” said Bill Kehoe, Di- rector of IT for King County. “We do a lot of earthquakes and natural disasters, but we need to have more cyber security tabletops.” Major General Bret D. Daugherty says this week’s exercise is just the first of Benjamin Beberness, the chief information officer for the Snohomish County PUD speaks with Col. Gent Welsh many more to come. & Major General Bret D. Daugherty. (photo by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department) “Today’s exercise is to help us prepare for a large and significant cyber attack,” said Daugherty, The Adjutant General we are now preparing a cyber thread when the average attacker went unno- for the state of Washington. “We’ll also in each one of those exercises. A smart ticed for more than 400 days. Attacks conduct a quarterly exercise to prepare attacker, we figure, will probably hit us could cost up to $3 trillion loss of pro- for floods, fires, earthquakes, etc, but when we’re down. And we’re going to ductivity. train for that and be prepared.” Gov. Jay Inslee gave the closing re- Globally, seminar attendees were told marks at the end of the three-hour there’s a shortage of 1 million people workshop, stressing that hacker attacks to deal with cyber security, the people are more than just computer viruses and needed to protect critical networks. Last leaked emails, but could truly harm in- year, the average attacker on a network frastructure and grind the state’s econ- was able to go 243 days before being dis- omy to a halt. “We have prepared for earthquakes and fires and floods and what mother na- ture has thrown at us and we don’t need “Today’s exercise is to help us a 9.0 on the Richter scale hacking event Spokane Mayor David Condon, center, speaks during prepare for a large and significant on cyber security and I know some of the the tabletop exercise. He’s flanked by Brigadier Gen- best minds in the country are out there eral John S. Tuohy, the Assistant Adjutant General cyber attack,” of the Washington Air National Guard and Brig. Gen working on it,” Inslee said. “We have (Ret.) Gregory Touhill, deputy assistant secretary for always been a technologically advanced cybersecurity for the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. - Maj. Gen Bret Daugherty region and economy and I’m glad we (photo by Steven Friederich, Washington Military De- have used that skillset and we know how partment) covered. But hacking attacks are being significant it is. It’s not going too far to caught faster than just two years ago, say the entire economy depends on our

18 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 success.” punctured. You have to plan for that. Inslee addressed officials from Boeing, You have to understand the risks. At the Microsoft, T-Mobile as well as officials end of the day, you won’t have enough from public stakeholders, including the money and resources to be able to guard FBI, Washington State Patrol, Yakima everything. County, King County, the cities of Seat- “We are all in this together,” he added. tle, Tacoma, Spokane and many others. “It’s not just the cyber hazard, it’s the “The electricity that comes out of our physical infrastructure. We all have to outlets depends on cyber security,” Inslee have our eye on the ball.” said. “The system that keeps the planes “What worries me is what we don’t and trains depends on our success in this know,” State Auditor Troy Kelley told Auditor Troy Kelley talks about the risks involves from mission statement and we know that cy- attendees. “As a risk manager, some- a cyber threat. (photo by Steven Friederich, Washing- ber threats are no longer limited to vi- one who evaluates what will happen, we ton Military Department) ruses or bank hacks or leaks of private don’t know all of the infrastructure that emails. It’s become an all-encompassing is vulnerable. We don’t know what will deal with attackers for years now and threat that has the ability to shut down happen to the banking system or the is- has successful units, whose sole job is our hospitals, and prevent the delivery to test networks and work with public of absolutely critical goods and services. agencies to see where the risks are locat- This is a matter of public safety, not just e have prepared for ed for networks. “W Benjamin Beberness, the chief infor- embarrassment or inconvenience. It re- quires a total community effort to stay earthquakes and fires and mation officer for the Snohomish County ahead of those, who want to do us harm. floods and what PUD, notes that testing network vulner- abilities is essential, even for utilities like It’s exercises and discussions like we’re mother nature has thrown at having to be up-to-date and unearth as his, which serves just 330,000 customers. many weaknesses as we can find.” us and we don’t need a 9.0 Beberness compares the situation to Spokane Mayor David Condon says on the Richter scale hacking that of the hijackers of the planes on cybersecurity isn’t an issue that stops Sept. 11, which utilized a small airport in at the Cascade Mountains. He points to event on cyber security and I Florida to test their capabilities first. He Boundary Dam on the Pend Oreille Riv- know some of the best minds wonders if a hacker wouldn’t try their luck on the Snohomish County PUD er “is squarely in eastern Washington in the country are out there but it affects power across Washington before branching out to a larger power state. And although we always talk about working on it,” grid attack. the Cascade divide, in a scenario like “We all have similar systems,” Beber- this, there is no cascade divide and we’re ness said. “ If we’re not secure, what’s more interconnected than not.” - Gov. Jay Inslee to prevent a hacker or terrorist trying to “You will be hacked at some point,” get into our network and do something warned Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Gregory broader. We take cyber security very se- Touhill, deputy assistant secretary for sues involved there.” riously.” cybersecurity for the U.S. Department Daugherty notes that the Washington In the end, Washington Emergency of Homeland Security. “You will be National Guard has been preparing to Management Director Robert Ezelle says that the impacts on people have to be looked at, not just on infrastructure. “How do we coordinate and pull togeth- er the experts in the sector that would essentially be dealing with the technical side?” Ezelle said. “How do we get the information on the people impacted? … I’m going to be very very concerned about the most vulnerable in our society to reach out to make sure they’re being taken care of.” “We have always been a technologi- cally advanced region and economy and I’m glad we have used that skillset and we know how significant it is,” Inslee added. “It’s not going too far to say the entire economy depends on our success.” Washington Emergency Management Director Robert Ezelle speaks, flanked by deputy director Peter Antolin. (photo by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department)

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 19 Mr. Kay’s

StoryLast by Steven Friederich, Day Washington Military Department, Department of Communications

Camp Murray, Wash - Dick Kay never decades, he’s mainly worked for an assort- and empathy, and the ability to work long really liked using Excel to figure out his ment of public agencies, including stints hours.” formulas. at the beginning for the Federal Highway That description fit Kay perfectly. In fact, The civil engineer in Emergency Man- Administration and doing public works he plans to return back to the disaster re- agement’s Public Assistance Division said jobs in the Virgin Islands. He started with servist program -- but on a much less fre- he preferred the old fashioned pen and Emergency Management in 1996 as a di- quent basis. paper method, scratching out algebra and saster reservist and became a full-time civil “I love it,” Kay says. “I’ve loved the job arithmetic equations and then inputting it engineer a couple years later. and the people here so much. When a disas- all in the computer databases. Kay said he has retired a couple times ter happens, we go out and do a preliminary Remarkably, his boss Alysha Kaplan over the years. The last time, he says he damage assessment, a quick and dirty as- says, he was never wrong. just got so bored he needed to get out of the sessment. Those estimates are put togeth- “I’d go over the formulas again, just to house. He’s grateful that Emergency Man- er. It goes to the governor and then he or make sure, and he was always spot on,” she agement had the disaster reservist program. she tries to get approval from the president. said. “It’s amazing. … He manually tallied “I was going crazy,” Kay said. “I was a It’s very important that we try to get all of hundreds of entries over the years. He’s fisherman but didn’t want to fish. I became the damage we can. I’m not bragging but just sharp as a tack.” a couch potato.” I think I’ve been pretty pro-applicant. I’m “I trust my brain,” Kay said. “It’s the way The disaster reservist program was a not doing anything wrong, but I’m going to I’ve always done it.” perfect fit. The program description notes fight until the bitter end to help them out if At 84 years old, Kay says the time is final- that it’s for “individuals who learn quickly, they’re eligible.” ly right for him to retire. He says he started work well in a team environment, have ex- his first job in 1954 and, for the next six cellent communication skills, compassion

20 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 After working almost non-stop for 61 “It was sad but I went back to work,” Kay “It works in Utah; it’s great bait, I swear,” years, Kay says, “I really enjoy my work said. “We had a job to finish.” Kay said with a smile. and a big part of it was my supervisors Kay says sometimes he’d get razzed have always respected me and treated me about the traffic congestion problems in respectively. A supervisor has to treat peo- the Seattle area today and some of the de- ple with respect. Treat your employees re- sign choices, such as building the interstate spectively and like a human being.” through the city. Kay’s been married for 62 years to his “I just smile,” he says. wife Noreen Kay. For the past 53 years, He says it’s just chance that led him to they’ve lived in Lacey. Washington state. When he was first based What’s the secret to a long marriage? on the East Coast as part of the Federal Highway Administration, he was asked where he wanted to have his career. “This career has He wanted to take a position in Oregon. “I was told I got the job, but three days been the most reward- later, they gave it to someone else who was ing for me because already there,” Kay said. “But I ended up here and I love it.” I’ve been able to help Friends and colleagues at Emergency Management say they’ll miss Kay, describ- individual people,” ing him as a “model of class” and a “great role model.” - Dick Kay “This career has been the most rewarding for me because I’ve been able to help in- dividual people,” Kay told his colleagues. “I tell people we’ve had a lot of arguments “I just feel like he’s not only warm and at 62 years of marriage, but we tried to put funny and charming, but he also does his it to bed before we go to bed,” Kay said. best to help,” said Erika Lund, who works “That’s worked for us.” in recovery management for the city of Se- As part of the Federal Highway Admin- attle, but made sure to drive down to Camp istration, Kay helped design and work on Murray to be at Kay’s recent retirement building Interstate 5 through Seattle. At a party. recent retirement gathering, friends and “He’s not like my dad, but he’s very dad- colleagues noted that Kay has a reputation like to me.” for telling stories while traveling on Inter- The one story that stuck with friends state 5 – a practical blow-by-blow history and colleagues – and something Kay still of what it was like to build the state’s bus- swears by – is being able to catch fish by iest freeway. cutting up pieces of Velveeta cheese. As a “I was there when I heard about Kennedy retirement present, Kay was presented with being killed” on Nov. 23, 1963, Kay told a a block of Velveeta – even though none of colleague. his friends were ever able to replicate Kay’s “What did you do next?” apparent success with his bait of choice.

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 21 The Washington Army National Guard’s 1041st Transportation Company Shows what it means to...

Story by Capt. Joseph Siemandel JFHQ Public Affairs Officer, WANG

“Anytime the unit can get out and drive like being together at drill,” Dykes said. With the desire for more realistic is a good thing,” said Dykes. “This is what That worked well for the unit, which and hands-on training for Guardsmen, the they joined the Guard to do and we are al- spent four days together, driving the 2,600 1041st Transportation Company took part ways looking for the chance to get them mile round-trip journey from Spokane to in Nationwide Move 2015, an Army Re- behind the wheel.” Camp Roberts. In total, the unit had a com- serve-approved functional training exer- The 1041st Transportation Company sta- bined 52,000 miles driving. cise designed to provide Reserve compo- tioned on Fairchild Air Force Base, with a “I just can’t say enough about the pro- nent transportation and support units with detachment in Montesano, conducts large fessionalism of the unit and the soldiers. valuable, realistic training, by conducting and medium vehicle operations for the I am proud of the ‘Road chiefs’ and what operations in support of continental U.S. Washington Army National Guard. The they did during this exercise,” Dykes activities. unit, which has deployed to Iraq multiple said. (Photos courtesy of 1041st “The 1041st Transportation Company times since 2001, is also a large part of the Transportation Company) was the only National Guard unit to par- Washington National Guard’s Homeland ticipate in the exercise,” said CPT Ryan Response Force. Dykes, commander, 1041st Transportation “It is a great unit, the soldiers are so di- Company. “It was great training for the sol- verse in their skills, everyone brings some- diers and a lot [of] fun too.” thing to the table and The task was simple: load up and trans- they genu- port vehicles from the Marysville Armed inely Forces Readiness Center, and convoy the equipment down to Camp Roberts, Ca- lif., a total of 1,300 miles one-way for the “Road Chiefs.”

22 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Story by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Heartfelt Recognition Department Washington National Guard celebrated by Gov. Inslee, Legislature

“In addition to being proud of us, I’m also proud of our boss, Jay Inslee, … because our governor has been leading from the front helping the people impacted by the tragedy at Oso and the forest fires in Eastern Washington,” Daugherty said during the celebra- tion. “He’s been with us both through the mud and the flames. He’s led from the front and he listens to concerned citizens, who have really been impacted by these disasters.” “I want to thank you on behalf of 7 million people for your personal commitment for the safety and security of Washington state,” Inslee told those in attendance, including members of the Washington National Guard, as well as the other branches of the Washington Military Department. Inslee also gave special attention to state Sen. Steve Hobbs, a major in the Washington National Guard. Inslee noted Hobbs “is doing great work. It’s so great to have a leader in our Legislature to tell your story and when you see him, Amn. 1st Class Joseph Perez-Resop, Washington Air National Guard accepts a commendation for his efforts during the State Route 530 Landslide recovery from give him a pat on the back. He’s one of the great people in the Hon. Jay Inslee, governor of Washington. (Photo by: Steven Friederich, Washing- Guard.” ton Military Department) On the House floor, legislators also celebrated the Washington National Guard. State Rep. Dan Griffey noted that his cousin had served in the Washington National Guard and his grandfather was in the Na- Gov. Jay Inslee and Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty, the adju- tional Guard. tant general, honored members of the Washington National Guard Griffey is a firefighter from Mason County. in a ceremony on Jan. 30 for their work last year involving the “As a professional firefighter, I stood next to them trying to pro- Central Washington wildfires and the State Route 530 Landslide. tect homes desperately. We cried together when we couldn’t make The event capped off a day honoring the National Guard by both it happen,” Griffey said. “We sandbag communities. Sometimes the Washington State Senate and the Washington State House. we win, sometimes we lose, but we try. In the fire service, if we A commendation was issued to the 1-303rd Cavalry Regiment “for can’t handle it, we can call the Washington State National Guard their leadership and professional excellence during the 2014 Chi- and I thank all of you for that. … I have to tell you that firefighters, waukum Complex fire.” police officers, the House Republican Caucus, we have people we The commendation notes that the regiment “supported the De- look up to who are heroes. And the people we look up to the most partment of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service on are the men and women of our U.S. Armed Forces and we thank the fire line during the height of conflagration. Their ability and you so much.” commitment at all levels earned the confidence of the division State Rep. Christine Kilduff said that she was was proud that her chief and incident commander, proving the Washington National first floor speech was in recognition of those who serve. Guard’s allegiance to its citizens in a time of need.” “Today is for those who answered the call, the call for service, to Warrant Officer 1 William Elliot was issued a commendation for be there for neighbors when forest fires block out the sun or mud- his work as a liaison officer in the coordination of tribes impacted slides bury a community,” Kilduff said. “… Today is for remem- by the State Route 530 Landslide. bering the fallen, those who died overseas defending our freedom “His coordination efforts resulted in a medical response for Trib- and those who died here, helping families or after a lifetime of al public health needs, disposition of recovered Tribal artifacts and service. … There isn’t a day I don’t remember my father in law maintenance of salmon runs due to river blockage,” the commen- who fought in the Pacific during World War II…. The Guard won’t dation states. make you rich, it won’t make you famous and the haircut options Airman First Class Joseph Perez-Resop was honored with a are limited, but what you do is priceless. And we will always, al- commendation for “his dedication and exceptional compassion to ways be thankful.” those tragically affected by the State Route 530 Landslide.” Perez-Resop provided critical support in the recovery of 43 per- sons who lost their lives as a result of the landslide. “The support he provided enabled the citizens impacted by the slide to begin the healing and recovery process,” the commenda- tion states.

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 23 81st ‘Stryker’ Brigade? The Push to Convert the 81st Armored to a Stryker Brigade Combat Team

Story by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department

A joint resolution introduced Jan. 29 in the Washington State of the 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the Washington Na- Senate asks President Barack Obama to transition the Washington tional Guard into a Stryker Brigade Combat Team with brigade National Guard’s 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Stryker units stationed in Washington, Oregon, and California.” Brigade Combat Team. Personnel and equipment have returned The legislation is spearheaded by state Sen. Steve Hobbs, a ma- home from the war in the Middle East and decisions will soon be jor in the Washington National Guard, and is co-sponsored by 14 made on unit assignment for stationing these equipment resources. other state senators. The non-binding resolution would need to be approved by the full state House and state Senate and is just a request, but follows up on several other requests made by Washington National Guard of- ficials in recent years to convert the 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team. Strykers are armored personnel carriers and supply vehicles that can go anywhere and National Guard officials see a use for the vehicles in domestic emergencies such as flooding events. Pennsylvania is currently the only place that has a Stryker Brigade for National Guard use. “A Stryker Brigade Combat Team stationed on the West Coast will strengthen our nation’s defense by maintaining Stryker capac- ity focused on the Asia-Pacific Region, enhance Regular Army/ Army National Guard partnership, and provide a key domestic response capability,” the resolution states. “Your Memorialists re- spectfully pray that as you consider force structure balance in this era of constrained resources, coupled with the tactical, strategic, and domestic needs of our nation, you will support the conversion

“A Stryker Brigade Combat Team stationed on the West Coast will...enhance Regular Army/ Army National Guard partner- ship, and provide a key domestic response capability.”

24 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 A Place to Hang Your Hat Legislators push to help Guardsmen stay overnight in armories.

Story by Steven Friedrich, Washington Military Department

proved by the Senate Committee on Hu- ble,” Klippert testified. “This law would al- man Services, Mental Health & Housing low Guardsmen like myself, of which there on Jan. 23 and its companion bill passed are hundreds, if not thousands, who have unanimously out of the House Committee to travel those miles and many of them are on Community Development and Housing just starting their careers, to do the same.” & Tribal Affairs on Jan. 26 – the very same Klippert urged the committee to move to day the committee took public testimony. executive session and approve the bill right Brigadier General John S. Tuohy testified away. A few minutes later, that’s exactly in favor of the bill before both committees. what the committee members did. “We appreciate the wide support we’ve Prime sponsor state Sen. Steve Hobbs, received on this bill as well as from the who is also a major in the Washington joint committee of veterans affairs,” testi- National Guard, said he thought the law, Cots wait patiently at the Snohomish Armory, a Wash- fied Tuohy, the Assistant Adjutant General, which dates back to 1895, “was one of ington Army National Guard facility, for the return of Washington Air National Guard. “There those laws that maybe was lost in antiqui- the airmen of the 141st Air Refueling Wing stationed in would be no fiscal impact. It makes chang- ty and nobody knows why it was in place. Spokane, Wash. to support recovery efforts during the es to a very old statute that regulates the use I was surprised there was a prohibition in State Route 530 Landslide. (Washington National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Neal Mitchell, 122d Public Af- of our armories, primarily used for train- doing it.” fairs Operations Center, WAARNG) ing purposes on weekends and storing our “We drill one weekend a month, two equipment.” weeks out of the year,” Hobbs added. “I Legislators are looking to tweak a law The legislation would remove three live in Lake Stevens and drive all the way dating back to 1895 that could allow mem- words in the law to make that happen, with to Camp Murray. I’m a major and I make bers of the Washington National Guard to the proposed language, “The adjutant gen- enough money that I can get a hotel if I be able to bunk overnight at armories and eral may permit transient lodging of ser- wanted to.” readiness centers across the state so they vice personnel in armories,” removing the But, Hobbs notes, it’s not fair for a pri- don’t have to find another place to stay to words “during an emergency.” vate or specialist not making a big stipend complete their drill weekends and training. “This can be a burden but most overlook to have to use their “entire drill pay” to find There are about 8,200 Washington Air this, though, because they truly want to someplace else to stay. and Army National Guard soldiers and serve this state and nation,” Tuohy added. “This is a great opportunity to stay in airmen, most of which serve part time and Chief Master Sergeant Timothy R. Ty- the armory so they aren’t blowing all their participate in one drill weekend per month van with the Washington National Guard money to stay at a hotel,” Hobbs testified. and two weeks of annual training each year. also testified before both committees that a “I’m surprised we need this change but Current law allows a soldier or airman to significant number of Guardsmen are being it really makes sense,” said state Sen. Steve stay overnight during an emergency. But impacted when they have to find their own O’Ban, chairman of the Committee on Hu- the law doesn’t allow wiggle room if a lodging after driving long distances. man Services, Mental Health and Housing. Guardsman living in Western Washington “They love to serve,” Tyvan said Jan. 26. “This is a good bill.” is required to travel to Eastern Washington “They love what they’re doing.” for drill and needs to stay overnight. The Rep. Klippert is the prime sponsor of the change would allow The Adjutant General bill on the House side. A lieutenant colonel to allow guardsmen to stay overnight for today in the Washington National Guard, training purposes, typically through the use he testified that he served 12 years in the of a sleeping bag on the floor. U.S. Army Reserves and 12 years in the The state Senate unanimously approved Oregon National Guard, where he flew the legislation on Jan. 30 as dozens of Na- Chinook helicopters before he transitioned tional Guard members watched from the to the Washington National Guard. Living gallery as part of National Guard Day. The in Kennewick, he says he travels more than bill now heads to the House for consider- 250 miles to drill. ation, where an identical version of the bill “When I was in Oregon, I would simply was already making its way through com- bring my cot with me and my sleeping bag mittees. and would sleep in the Armory because The Previously, the legislation had been ap- Adjutant General signed that was permissi- MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 25 Drop, Cover and Hold On! How would businesses survive after the Big One hits?

Story by Steven Friederich, Washington Military Department

Seattle’s Emergency Management Division Burke says that recent disasters haven’t notes that the city has an estimated 819 un- seen a need to implement the business reinforced masonry buildings that perform re-entry system. The landslide at Oso last poorly in earthquakes concentrated in ar- year as well as the fires in Central Wash- eas expected to experience the strongest ington impacted just a few businesses and ground motion during earthquakes. There local jurisdictions were able to handle the could be issues with bridges, fires and land- needs of businesses. slides, as well. Burke says he’d like to get input from “A large Seattle Fault earthquake could the business community. In recent months, trigger a 16 foot tsunami that would strike he says he’s been approached by tele- the Seattle shoreline within seconds of the communication and infrastructure-related earthquake and flood it within 5 minutes,” businesses about establishing a business Seattle’s Emergency Management Division re-entry system. Some of these companies notes on its website. operate in hurricane and tornado prone ar- Burke says worst case scenarios may eas, where a pass system has already been mean that entire areas of the city of Seattle established. may have to be evacuated and kept clear “Really, this is a business-driven endeav- until it’s safe to return. or,” Burke said. “Our phone companies, “There’s scenarios out there where we’d our communication companies want to want to make sure a business owner is able make sure they can get into a disaster area to return to their business before the gener- and help reconnect services.” Kevin Burke, the business liaison of al public,” Burke said. “I am asking our private partners to give the state emergency operations center, says Burke notes that business disruptions me some detail of what they would like to the state’s business community has been negatively affect the people, property, see in a system as well as help us under- lucky in the aftermath of recent disasters. economy and environment of Washington. stand the scope of this issue in order to ad- But he sees a time when the state might For more than a year now, state Emergen- dress their needs and desires,” Burke said. not be so lucky and is hopeful some best cy Management officials have been work- Three main questions Burke has for pri- practices can be put in place for businesses ing on a pass that could allow business vate industry: before that time. owners and operators access into restricted • Has your business been affected When the 6.8 Nisqually earthquake hit or controlled areas following a major disas- due to a lack of a re-entry pass in 2001, there was some minor damage – ter in order to evaluate damage, make re- program? If so please explain a few cracked building structures, toppled pairs and initiate activities to restore busi- the impact. walls – on top of the 400 or so injuries. But, ness operations and services as quickly as • Does your business have re-entry for the most part, recovery happened rath- possible. pass arrangements in other states er quickly and most businesses were able At this point, the state agency has devel- that may provide a solution in to resume operation. Compare that to the oped what the business re-entry pass could Washington? 6.3 earthquake on Feb. 22, 2011 at Christ- look like and how it could function, with • What are your major concerns church, New Zealand, when that city’s individual bar codes and a potential win- and thoughts on a re-entry pass downtown core was devastated and recon- dow hanger to place on vehicles. system that would be critical to struction has taken years. The concept would allow a business own- consider in how the process is “Really, our recent earthquakes could er to move past a National Guard or police created? have been worse,” Burke said. “What if check post where roads would otherwise Burke is available by email at kevin. Seattle had an earthquake along a shallow be closed as a result of a single large scale [email protected] or phone at (253) 512- fault? The business community could be in disaster or a series of disasters covering a 7054. real trouble.” large geographic area. That’s a real possibility. The Seattle Fault “We have the infrastructure in place in zone extends east-west through the middle theory but still need to figure out the overall of the city and earthquakes could be as function,” Burke said. “It’s kind of like we large at a 7.5. The most recent earthquake have the frame of a car and we’ve detailed was about 1,100 years ago. it, but we still need to put in the engine.” 26 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Who Rescues the Rescuers? How should state agencies respond in the face of the worst disasters?

Story by Steven Friederich Washington Military Department government buildings or make access to agencies led by elected officials to also our government facilities all but impos- move forward with critical planning efforts sible. At the same time, we have citizens and ensure plans are continually updated that rely on important government services during future administrations. and we will need them even more follow- Daugherty said the only fiscal impact ing a disaster. Health care. Food assistance. would be one full-time employee at the Child welfare checks. It’s vital these ser- Washington Military Department to pro- vices are not disrupted following a state- vide technical assistance and help the dif- wide emergency to ensure the health and ferent agencies, which is already in Inslee’s well-being of all those we serve.” proposed budget. Goodman asked Daugherty to elaborate “By passing this into state law, we think on how, or what, the planning process we can get everyone on board,” Daugherty would look like. testified. Daugherty, who is in charge of the Wash- Barnaby Dow, the chairman of the Wash- ington Military Department including its ington State Emergency Management As- Emergency Management Division, said sociation’s legislative committee and the the process to look at continuity of opera- external affairs director for King County What if an earthquake hit Washing- tions started back in 2009, following a big Emergency Management, also testified in ton state and made many state government ice storm. favor of the bill. buildings unusable? “In January 2012, I opened the door to How would food assistance be distribut- our emergency coordination facility in ed? How would court functions operate? “We understand we Renton and there was half an inch of ice How would payroll be issued? on the ground,” Dow testified. “We know Major General Bret D. Daugherty, The have to get it together and we have a problem. We understand we Adjutant General in charge of the Wash- decide quickly how we’re have to get it together and decide quickly ington Military Department, testified be- how we’re going to open our doors or not fore the House Public Safety Committee going to open our doors the following day and how do we bring the on Jan. 14, urging approval of legislation services to our constituents? …. From run- which would require state agencies to es- or not the following day.” ning the buses to where to tell people with tablish continuity of operations planning court cases where to go. That is what the requirements. - Maj. Gen Bret Daugherty COOP plan does in real life. King County The Legislation is prime sponsored by has just gotten all of its departments to tune Rep. Roger Goodman, chairman of the up COOP plans and include all the other House Public Safety Committee, and the “How do you provide services if the elec- agencies and elected officials we have. We House measure lists 12 other representa- tricity is out?” Daugherty mused. “Is there complement the Emergency Management tives as a co-sponsor. Daugherty noted that an alternate site you can move to? How Division and Major General Daugherty for the legislation is also “backed by an over- will you staff it? Those types of things are taking the lead on this and we think it will whelming number of state agencies, law- what are addressed in a continuity of oper- be of real benefit, not only for their resourc- makers and associations.” ations plans plan.” es, but if we’ve all adopted the same dis- “It’s not a surprise that this bill has got- A House Bill report notes that Gov. Jay cipline, we can communicate better if we ten so much support,” Daugherty testified. Inslee issued a directive in 2013 requiring have to communicate between state agen- “It’s common-sense legislation that has state executive branch organizations to pro- cies and local agencies.” little cost to the state and greatly enhances vide essential functions and services during our state’s preparedness in the event of a an emergency or disaster and noted that it disaster. Continuity of operations planning was essential that each individual agency, is critical to ensure essential services can board, commission and council develop a be delivered to citizens in the event of an Continuity Of OPerations (COOP) for their emergency or a disaster and, as mentioned, organization. we all know a catastrophic earthquake is in Daugherty said that by enshrining the re- our future, one that could shut down our quirement in state law, it will compel state

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 27 Story by Lt. Collete Mueller, Western Air Defense Sector and Capt. Joseph Siemandel, State Public Affairs This year the hockey game is more than “Colonel Roberts has been amplifying Officer, WANG just a team building event. In a new part- our connection and community involve- nership, the event also raised money for the ment,” said Harmon of the efforts of the Airmen from the Washington Air Na- Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Human- commander of the Canadian detachment. tional Guard’s Western Air Defense Sector ity. Col. Mark Roberts, the Canadian de- As the game began, both teams got off to (WADS) and the Canadian detachment of tachment commander and Canadian team a great start with a half-time score of Can- WADS came together Friday for the 21st captain wanted to increase involvement ada 9, U.S.A. 5. Annual CanAm Hockey Classic at the with the community. “Over the years it’s gotten more serious. Sprinker Rink. “This is my third year here and we want It used to be just straight comedy because The Western Air Defense Sector located to build upon the game each year,” Rob- no one knew how to skate except the Cana- at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is responsi- erts said. “Last year we made it more of a dians,” said Montgomery. ble for continuously monitoring the skies family event, this year we wanted to make “For the first time in 21 years, the U.S.A of the western half of the U.S. year round. a bigger footprint, to make a difference in might have a chance at this one,” predicted The event has been a classic team build- the community.” Harmon. ing event for U.S. and Canada whose air- After recently volunteering with Habi- men work side by side every day. tat for Humanity, the Canadian detachment The final score was Canada 11, U.S.A 6. “It’s a great way for the two forces to has made them the unit’s official charity. get out together and have fun,” said Master Kayla Reopelle, the community engage- Although Harmon can’t be called a prog- Sgt. Shawn Montgomery, 1st Sergeant with ment coordinator for the Tacoma-Pierce nosticator, the U.S. team performed much the WADS. County Habitat for Humanity and Ms. better than in previous years. Monique Trud- “Our guys weren’t born with skates on,” nowksi, honorary said Master Sgt. Lyla PaoPao. “While we commander for get pacifiers, they get ice skates.” WADS, co-own- In total, the event raised $556 for the Ta- er of the Adriatic coma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity. Grill and member “It’s about family, community and WADS of the Puyallup coming together,” said Roberts. and Pierce County Chambers of Com- merce joined in on the event, throwing out the ceremoni- al first puck along with Col. Ronald D. Harmon, Vice Commander for the WADS.

Capt. Denis Dorion guards the Canadian goal from the opposing American team during the 2015 CanAm Hockey Classic at McChord Field, Wash. (Washington National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Christian, JFHQ Public Affairs Office.) 28 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 The Adjutant General Appoints New IG NCOIC. Story by Lt. Col. James Bridgeman, Washington National Guard Deputy Inspector General The Washington National Guard Joint Force Headquarters added a new member to the team when Master Sgt. Stanley Cruz was appointed as the Non-Commisioned Officer In Charge of the Inspector General’s Office, March 6. Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty administered the Inspector General Oath to Cruz, culminating an extensive certification process that began when the Adjutant Gen- eral nominated him for the position six months ago. The Depart- ment of the Army Inspector General approved his nomination and last month, Cruz graduated from the U.S. Army Inspector General the commander…” They accomplish this mission by conducting School at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Cruz fills a long-vacant traditional inspections in order to identify and fix systemic problems; assist- Guardsman position and rounds out a team led by the State Inspec- ing individuals in resolving issues; and conducting investigations tor General, Col. Michael Fleetwood. in order to address allegations of impropriety. Overlapping these The Inspector General position in the United States Army was is the teaching and training function that Inspectors General use created by the Continental Congress in 1777. The role of the In- to ensure understanding and compliance with policies and regula- spector General came into prominence the following year when tions. They serve as an extension of the eyes, ears, voice and con- Baron von Steuben was appointed to improve the training, disci- science of the commander and work with the chain of command pline and organization of the Army. Today, Inspectors General are to identify and resolve issues before they develop into widespread appointed to commands throughout our Armed Forces and their problems. The Inspectors General in the Joint Force Headquarters mission is to “determine the state of the command’s discipline, report directly to TAG on the state of all aspects of the Washington efficiency, economy, morale, training and readiness as directed by National Guard.

Flood and Landslide Damages Being Evaluated for Disaster Assistance Eligibility. Story by Mark Stewart, Washington Military Department to think that disaster assistance will make them whole. “Any fed- Late fall and early winter of 2014-15 saw Washington lashed eral assistance we receive only gets the recovery process started by a several major storms. The resulting landslides, floods and for most people,” said Grandinette. In the end, the U.S. Small winds damaged hundreds of homes, parts of a dozen state high- Business Administration made its low-interest disaster loan pro- ways, and caused power outages. Storms impacted eight counties grams available for homeowners, renters, and small businesses in from early November 2014 through January 2015. the impacted communities. In the end, uninsured damages and community disruption were Assessments of impacted infrastructure also found insufficient insufficient for the state to request a Presidential disaster declara- damage (less than the $9 million-plus state threshold) to request tion and the federal assistance that comes with it. federal disaster assistance through FEMA’s public assistance pro- The lack of a disaster declaration was not due to a lack of effort gram. However, the State Department of Transportation was able by the department’s Emergency Management Division recovery to obtain emergency federal assistance to repair eligible local road- staff. Human services and public assistance programs staff went ways and state highways, and through requests from state public to the field a half-dozen times to provide technical assistance and assistance staff, other federal agencies were able to provide assis- help communities assess their damage. tance through their own authorities. The damage assessment effort was the first for Geno Grandinette. He is EMD’s new Human Services Program Manager. “The coun- ty reached out to the state right away and asked for help,” he said. Grandinette and several disaster reservists spent a week in the field. Among their efforts was outreach to the Spanish-speaking community, with assistance from Aberdeen city staff and commu- nity groups. Part of Grandinette’s job was managing expectations. “People think that when the damage assessment begins, federal help is not far behind,” he said. “That’s not always true.” And, people tend MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 29 Workout of the “Birth”Day? Story by Steven Friederich Washington Military Department

Cadet Gomez, at the Washington Youth Academy recently turned 17 years old. He shows off his birthday present, a list of 17 exercises, which he had to do 17 times each. The neatly folded piece of paper was removed from his wallet and shown off for the camera. “I did it all,” he said. “It was hard work, but satisfying to know I completed it all. I’m keeping the list with me as a reminder.” Many cadets at WYA who stick with the program lose weight and start to build muscle mass. Commandant Chris Acuna explains the exercise procedure ca- dets do each morning: Every morning, before the real PT begins, the Cadets perform the preparation drill to warm up. The drill is a series of exercises that promote warm up through dynamic move- ment rather than static stretching. The source is U.S. Army FM- 7-22: Army Physical Readiness Training. There are 10 exercises in the preparation drill. 10 repetitions are done in order at a low to moderate 4-count cadence (depending on the exercise). A lead- er (now Cadets) leads the entire company through the exercises. They do this from memory. To help them remember them in order there is a phrase where each word starts with the first letter of the preparation drill exercise: “Be Right Home Real Soon. We found Pennies Behind Popeye’s.” We learned this phrase from our U.S. Army veteran cadre members.

Email - State? Or Federal? Story by Chris Barnes, Washington Military Department Some Military Department employees have both a state and a federal email address, and how do they know which email address to use? You have to ask yourself, is the work I am conducting on behalf of the state or federal government? If you are working as a state employee, use your state email address, or as a federal employee, use your federal email address. This will ensure that the department remains in compliance with respective state and federal records retention and disclosure re- quirements, and that you are in compliance with the department’s policies. Failure to maintain compliance could result in large fines for the department and discipline for the employees. Under both the Freedom of Information Act, and the Washing- ton State Public Records Act, the department can face fines for failure to disclose requested records. If emails are not retained in federal information systems. Compliance with this department the correct email system, the department may not be able to find policy reduces the risk to both the department and its employees. them in case of a records request. In order to minimize this risk, There may be times when it is necessary to use a federal email the department requires employees to use the right email address address as a state employee or a state email address as a federal for their work. employee in order to complete your work. These instances should Unified Washington Military Department and National Guard be limited to those occasions that are truly necessary, and vetted Policy No. 13-01 details this requirement. The policy notes that through your supervisor. Washington Military Department state public records shall be maintained within state information systems, and Washington Na- tional Guard federal public records shall be maintained within 30 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Around the Department In February the Guard gave Detachment 1, Bravo Company, 351st Aviation Maintenance Company a send off as the unit prepared to de- ploy to Kuwait for support operations. The unit also provided critical maintenance operations for the Washington National Guard’s helicopters as they dropped 2.5 million gallons of water during the 2014 wildfire season.

In February, Col Karen Mans- field, Director of Staff, Washington Air National Guard was selected to become the Assistant Adjutant General for the Alaska Air National Guard.

“Karen Mansfield is an outstand- ing leader and will be a wonderful asset to the citizen-airmen of the Alaska Air National Guard. I wish her luck and know she will do great things in her new position,” said “In the event of a Cascadia subduction Brig. Gen. John Tuohy, Assistant zone earthquake, our entire coastline is at risk for Adjutant General, Washington Air tsunamis,” he said. “We really want to see this National Guard. project succeed and then replicated up and down our coast so we are keeping all of our kids safe and all of our communities as well.”

- Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, The Adjutant General Washington Military Department, at the Ocosta Tsunami Shelter groudbreaking.

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 31 In January, the U.S. Department of the Army con- ducted a Disaster Mental Health Assessment on military members following a domestic emergency, the first study of its kind. Nearly 300 Washington National Guard sol- diers and airmen who responded to the SR 530 Landslide in Snohomish County took part in the assessment to help the Army determine the level of mental stress caused by a disaster response at home.

Brig. Gen. John Touhy addresses attendees from the Washing- ton Air National Guard as they hold their annual awards banquet at the American Lake Conference Center February 7th. Airmen from across the state celebrated the winners who were recognized as the best of the best. (ANG Photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Rider)

“I need you to go out into your communities and portray what we do in the National Guard. We’re doing a million things right every day.I need you to wear your communities out and tell them the stories we all have about the Guard.”

- Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, Senior Enlisted Advisor, ANG, February 8, 2015 talking with the 194th Regional Sup- port Wing.

32 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Coyote Company 1-112th Aviation out of Fair- child Air Force Base worked with Snohomish County Helicopter Rescue Team to conduct hoist training with the Washington National Guard’s new UH-72a Lako- ta Helicopters. The training was beneficial to both orga- nizations as they partner to- gether to combine resources during domestic emergency operations.

Last summer, SGT Terry Allen, a Intelligence Analyst with the 341st Mil- itary Intelligence Battalion and Homeland Response Force was selected to be featured on Home and Garden TV’s “House Hunters.” The episode aired this February and shows his family’s journey of purchasing a home in Dupont, WA.

Washington National Guardsmen joined more than 120 other athletes from 24 states gath- ered in Vermont for the 40th Annual Chief, Na- tional Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships. Competing over the course of five days the athletes pushed themselves to the limit both physically and mentally. - PFC Elise Putnam swept the women’s junior in- dividual events - Washington placed 5th overall nationally in the relay race - the highest known result for the WA National Guard Biathlon team event and were 2nd regionally to the Alaska National Guard. - The team was #1 overall with a female on the relay team

Employers and co-workers of Washington National Guard service members from the 66th Theater Aviation Command were invited to take a ride during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Lift which happened on both sides of the state! The ESGR Boss Lift is a way to enhance the employers understanding of what the role of a Guardsman is during activation both during federal and state missions.

(Photos courtesy of CW2 Jameson Peters, CW2 Kevin Crisp, 1SG Mark Logan and CPT Steven Page)

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 33 If You See Something, Say Something. Stomping Out Whistleblower Stigma

Chris Barnes, Washington Military Department

WHISTLEBLOWER PROGRAM If I file a Whistleblower complaint, will my identity be kept con- fidential? “If you see something, say something” State employees who want to report suspected improper govern- If the State Auditor’s Office initiates an investigation into the mental actions may participate in the Whistleblower program. The assertion of improper governmental action, the identity of the em- range of activities covered is wide: using a state computer or email ployee who submitted the complaint is kept confidential. for a private business, failing to competitively bid contracts, using However, if the State Auditor’s Office does not initiate an investi- a state position to extend privileges to the employee or someone gation, the employee who filed the assertion is not a whistleblow- connected to the employee, or grossly mismanaging public funds er, as defined by RCW 42.40.020(10)(a). Additionaly, his or her and resources. name will beexempt from public disclosure The Whistleblower Act (RCW 42.40) provides an avenue for A committee meets regularly and reviews all Whistleblower state employees to report suspected improper governmental ac- complaints received by our Office. We assess each complaint be- tions. fore determining whether or not to initiate an investigation. If you The Legislative intent is to encourage state employees to report have any questions regarding the Whistleblower program, recently improper governmental actions. The law makes retaliation against filed complaints, and more, please contact: people who file whistleblower assertions unlawful and authorizes remedies should it occur. Jim Brownell, Whistleblower Manager The State Auditor’s Office investigates and reports on assertions [email protected] of improper governmental actions made by a state employee as re- (360)725-5352 ported by another state employee. The procedures are different for assertions that are brought against judicial officers of the Supreme Cheri Elliott, Lead Whistleblower Investigator Court and the Court of Appeals. [email protected] You can read the full provisions on the Washington State Audi- (360)725-5358 tor’s web page: www.sao.wa.gov. Beginning with the 2008 amendment to the Whistleblower Act each state agency now has a Whistleblower designee to assist you with information and provide forms.

Nancy Bickford, Washington Military Department Designee [email protected] (253)-512-7712

There are two ways to file a complaint.

1. A current state government employee can obtain a form and file it through their agency designee or go straight to the State Auditor’s Office. 2. You can also contact Nancy Bickford and she will provide you with a hard copy form. For any questions please see the Intergovernmental Affairs and Policy Director – Nancy Bickford (253) 512-7712 and she would be happy to help you.

34 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2 Washington State is Keeping it Lean Story by Samantha Einarson & Staff Sgt. Peter Christian Washington Military Department

This course, which is called Introductory Green Belt training, is intended for supervisors and managers across the Washington Military Department. Although students who attend this course will not earn a Green Belt Certification, they will be better able to understand Lean basics and basic problem solving through class- room lecture and practical exercises. The pilot for this course is scheduled for 29-30 April 2015 with the subsequent 6-12 person courses offered the first and third Wednesday/Thursday of each month beginning in June 2015. The CPI Office offers additional courses beginning in June 2015. These 4-hour courses are a revised Introduction to Lean, which is on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and an 8-step problem solving course, which is on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Ad- ditionally, the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification course continues to be offered every even month. For more information on Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt certification, or to enroll in a class contact Washington Military Department Lean Coordinator:

Samantha Einarson [email protected], The Washington Military Department’s Continuous Process or call 253-512-8158 Improvement Office has developed a two-day course that meets the directive of The Adjutant General that all supervisors, both military and civilian, complete training to understand the basic principles of Lean and the tools needed to support CPI Projects. The LSS GB course that took place in December “I think the Washington Military Department could be a leader 2014 recently certified its first five students. The in the country by developing Lean standard operating procedures WMD’s newest certified LSS GBs are: and developing a program that other states and agencies can bene- fit from,” said Ronald Kapral of the Continuous Improvement Of- - Capt. Tyler Beal fice in a 2013 Washington National Guard article. “Lean energizes everyone in the organization from the enlisted to the officers and 92nd Maintenance Suqadron looks at ways we do business.” - Lt. Col. Christopher Blanco Human Resources Office ean energizes everyone in the - Master Sgt. Brian Gregory “L 141st Maintenance Squadron organization from the enlisted to - Bernadette Petruska the officers and looks at ways we do Intergovermental Affairs & Policy - Capt. Stephen Stearly business,” 141st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

- Ronald Kapral

MIL.WA.GOV VOL II // ISSUE 2 - 35 Senior Amn. Brant Shaw, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, (ASOS) Washington Air National Guard, pro- vides observation and direction from the ground during joint sling-load training with the Washington Army National Guard’s 66th Theater Aviation Command in support of Operation Evergreen Tremor at JointBase Lewis-McChord, Wash. Evergreen Tremor is an exercise designed to prepare Washington’s military and civil authorities to repond in the face of a Cascadia Subduction Zone event, or other similiar large scale catastro- phe. (Washington National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Peter G. Christian, JFHQ Public Affairs Office, Washington National Guard)

36 - EVERGREEN MAGAZINE VOL.II // ISSUE 2