OfficialOfficial Publication Publication of of the the Iowa Iowa National National Guard Guard Winter Fall 2011 2012

e Iowa National Guard

JCEP = JOB SUCCESS IOWA - KOSOVO PARTNERSHIP GRUELING LEADER TEST

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 1 4 Fall 2012

Th e Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tim Orr Public Aff airs Offi cer Col. Greg Hapgood Building blocks to job success Editor/Designer Master Sgt. Duff McFadden Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden State Photographer Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson

Contributing Writers/Photographers: Lt. Col. Travis "Chicken" Acheson Features 8 1st Lt. Brandon Cochran by 2nd Lt. Jeremy McClure

Th e Iowa Militiaman is an offi cial publication Iowa-Kosovo collaborate authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy L. Harpold published by the Iowa National Guard State Public Aff airs Offi ce and is printed four times annually. News and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Adjutant General 1100 of Iowa or the Department of Defense.

Full color version available online at www.iowanationalguard.com/ 23rd Bataan Death March publicaff airs/militiaman.htm Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden

Follow the Iowa National Guard on Facebook » Ordnance award to Iowans 7 www.facebook.com/IowaNationalGuard Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson

14 » A grueling leadership test Address all submissions to: Sgt. Adrian Muehe Th e Iowa National Guard Militiaman Magazine State Public Aff airs Offi ce 19 » Classic A-7 Corsair restored 7105 NW 70th Ave. by Master Sgt. Bill Wiseman Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824 or e-mail: [email protected] 3 TAG Sends Comm: (515) 252-4582 DSN: 431-4582 Maj. Gen. Tim Orr The Adjutant General

13 Family Readiness Shalee Torrence OnOn ttheh Cover Family Assistance Specialist

18 Education Offi ce PhotoPhoto by Sgt. Chad D. Nelson Maj. Linda Perdue Th e ppresident of the Education Services Offi cer RepublicRepu of Kosovo, AtifeteAtife Jahjaga, and 22 Through the Ranks Maj.Ma Gen. Timothy Command Sgt. Maj. Orr,Orr Adjutant General of thethe Iowa National Guard John Breitsprecker meetm at the Iowa State Joint Senior Enlisted Leader CapitolC during a recent

Departments IowaI visit in preparation 23 Chaplain's Corner forf a meeting with Chaplain (Col.) Paul Lippstock Iowa Governor State Chaplain Terry Branstad and Lt. GovernorGovernor Kim Reynolds. 2 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012

TAG Sends Maj. Gen. Tim Orr, The Adjutant General of Iowa

As the 2012 training year comes to a we expect to be out of Afghanistan after close, we have faced many great chal- 2014. Either way, we will be ready for deployed in support of Overseas Contin- lenges. Each of you continues to excel in any mission that comes our way. gency Operations. your mission, even under the most chal- lenging circumstances. Your dedication Th is summer, for the second time in our Th e 132nd Fighter Wing deployed last and support to this organization is greatly history, we conducted a state Annual winter to Afghanistan in support of an appreciated. Training period for all units in the Iowa Air Expeditionary Force rotation and National Guard between three loca- returned in April. Th e 185th Air Refuel- We continue to keep an extremely chal- tions, Camp Ripley, Minn.; Fort McCoy, ing Wing continues to support Opera- lenging pace in the Iowa National Guard, Wisc.; and Camp Dodge. In addition, tion Enduring Freedom with air medical but I feel it’s beginning to level off to I had our state staff and leadership team evacuation of our injured warriors and what I would call the “New Norm.” deployed to Camp Ripley to support this refueling missions across the globe. annual training. We continue to have daily challenges – As the demand for our units drops next in our future overseas deployment With all the deployments over the last year, we currently have only one unit requirements, homeland security prepara- 10 years, many of our Soldiers and Air- to receive possible notifi cation for OEF tions, consistent shrinkage in the federal men reported this was their fi rst annual deployment in Training Year 2014. and state budgets, the potential loss of training since joining the Iowa National the 132nd Fighter Wing aircraft, pend- Guard. Th e pace of our overseas deploy- However, we won’t consider our mission ing sequestration, a continuing resolution ments has peaked with the return of the complete until we bring home all our authority, force structure adjustments, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and will con- wounded warriors currently rehabilitat- recruiting and retention challenges, tinue to drop, unless something changes ing at various posts. Please remember casualty operations, Soldier and Airmen overseas. in your thoughts and prayers, the 16 wellness – and the list continues to grow. members we still have recovering at these Over this last year we mobilized 250 posts and the 68 others working through Despite these challenges, Iowa’s com- Soldiers and Airmen for overseas con- community-based treatment programs. mands and staff are working extremely tingency operations in Kosovo, Afghani- hard to train our Soldiers and Airmen, stan, Qatar, and Kuwait. We recently As part of our state homeland security increase the already high levels of readi- mobilized Company C, 2-211 General mission, we continue to prepare, plan ness in our deploying units, and con- Support Aviation Battalion (Medevac) in and exercise. Recently, we were sourced tinue to attract and retain talented Iowa July, and the Headquarters and Head- to support the January 2013 Presidential Guardsmen and women across the state. quarters Company, 1034th Combat Inauguration in Washington, D.C. with Sustainment Support Battalion in August 100 personnel. I will tell you, after com- What does the near-term future hold for to the Fort Hood, Texas mobilization ing off the Missouri River fl ood opera- the Iowa National Guard? platform to prepare for their Afghanistan tion which was the longest state disaster Our numbers of deployed Soldiers and deployment later this fall. Airmen continues to drop. We are at TAG Sends In the near future, there will be a few our lowest number of mobilized since other Iowa National Guard units to be continued on page 21 9/11. Based off the President’s guidance,

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 3 ast fall, Capt. Tony Chrisoph, Operations Offi cer for the 2nd LBrigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, returned home from Afghanistan. One of more than 2,600 troops, he was part of the Iowa Army Na- tional Guard’s largest deployment since World War II.

A full-time Operations Offi cer with the Iowa National Guard, Christoph discov- ered, like many other Americans, that funding cuts had eliminated his job. He found himself thrust into a stagnant job market facing an uncertain future. Building However, thanks to an innovative Na- tional Guard Bureau program – the Job Connection Education Program (JCEP) – Christoph was hired by the City of blocks Ankeny Police Department within a few months of his homecoming.

Initially established in Texas as a pilot program in March 2010, JCEP was to specifi cally designed to improve employ- ment and reemployment rates for laid- off , under-employed and unemployed Guardsmen, particularly those returning job from recent deployments. Iowa was the second state to off er this unique program, laying down its roots Nov. 1, 2011. Not coincidentally, Iowa’s search program was established just as members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry were returning home from a year-long Afghanistan deployment. success Since its Iowa inception, the program assists an average of 120 participants per by Master Sgt. Duff E. McFaddden month, with 86 current hires and a goal of 100 hires within the fi rst year.

While other job assistance programs exist, they typically focus on serving Soldiers transitioning from the military to civilian employment and life. JCEP focuses on the specifi c challenges faced by National Guard servicemembers who are deployed away from their employers or other job opportunities for extended periods of time.

“I had a great experience with the Iowa JCEP. Coming back from a deployment in which I lost my full-time job at home due to Department of Defense funding 4 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 cuts put a lot of stress on me,” said Chris- toph. “Th is program is a wonderful tool for Soldiers who are in need of assistance Sgt. Carlos Puente Morales: in fi nding civilian employment.” A JCEP success story What makes this program such a valu- able commodity in this day and age, is while JCEP primarily assists the Na- tional Guard, it also aids other reservists, spouses, retirees moving to the civilian world, and veterans who seek help.

One of the key components of this National Guard Bureau-based program is the ability of JCEP specialists to work closely with both employers and pro- spective National Guard employees. Th ey ensure employers are aware of, and know how to access, all the resources and benefi ts available in their eff orts to hire Guard men and women.

In JCEP, Servicemembers fi nd a distinc- Sgt. Maj. (Ret.)(Ret ) Shawn Hippen Hippen interview. ThThffi e offi cer said I came d out on top tive tool to help them identify aptitudes Although I have never met Sgt. Carlos over all the other applicants.” and abilities honed through the military, Puente Morales in person, the fi rst thing I arrive at a plan transferring them to a noticed talking with him was his infectious One of the things Morales feels that makes civilian job setting, and assist them in confi dence. Th is is a young man with big JCEP successful, is the one-on-one interac- understanding and mastering key job goals and knows how to pursue them. tion between the Employment Specialist search resources and services for optimal and the Soldier. “Th e one-on-one was excel- As a member of the Job Connection Edu- lent. Th e process from beginning to end was job placement. cation Program (JCEP) team, I had the so incredible. All the professional support, privilege of watching Morales’ dream of advice, suggestions, and feedback directly While JCEP staff certainly can’t guaran- becoming a police offi cer come to fruition. related to my obtaining employment. tee participants will get the job, they do Morales fi rst heard about JCEP while their best to ensure the resume and appli- “Everything the staff did for me, the demobilizing at Fort McCoy, Wis. After cation are appropriate for that position. follow-up emails and phone calls, brought registering on their website and receiving me success.” He said his follow-up, after he Th ey also make sure the hiring manager a welcome letter, Morales said he didn’t is aware a JCEP participant is interested obtained employment, was just as impor- know how much assistance to expect. tant, because he felt the JCEP Counselor and has applied for the position. It began with a resume that refl ected his truly cared about him as a person. While there is no single agency or or- skills and abilities. “I was surprised because Morales encourages other Soldiers to utilize ganization responsible for developing a it looked so professional and highlighted JCEP. “It’s a huge program off ered to vets all of my accomplishments. My improved robust workforce, JCEP’s intention is to improve on their skills, fi nd a job, or resume defi nitely gave me an edge over better their employment. Th ey give you to partner with existing state and local other resumes.” agencies, such as workforce commissions, everything you need to succeed in a very job centers, and community colleges, as a Morales then participated in a mock team competitive world.” complimentary resource that helps par- interview to prepare him for his upcoming I love the confi dence you can hear in Mo- interview with law enforcement offi cials. ticipants seek and secure employment. rales’ voice. Because of that, Morales said he felt “calm, Th e fi rst step to success, said Shawn Hip- secure, and very comfortable,” during his “One thing that I can say, I am thankful I pen, a JCEP Business Advisor and retired actual interview, which he attributes to signed up for JCEP because it gave me an obtaining his dream job with the City of edge through the job search process. I am Iowa National Guard Soldier, is to build Ottumwa Police Department. glad as a veteran, we can come back to the a resume. civilian side and have a program like this.” “Th e mock interview was the best. Th e tips and suggestions I received from the JCEP Truly we, the JCEP team, are the thankful JCEP professionals were huge. I was truly set up ones, having the pleasure of seeing a young Continued on next page for success and received excellent feedback. man’s dreams come true by providing him I was told by a member of the Ottumwa with the skills to obtain his dream job. Police Department I totally smoked the

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 5 “Th ere’s a lot of one-on-one interaction tact us right away, while others forget, provide the necessary tools needed for during this part, as well as a lot of career making it diffi cult to know the exact participants and state-wide companies counseling. Th ey’re asked, ‘What do you impact on those we assist. to achieve their goals. want to do,’ and they fi gure out a plan. Sometimes, seeking further education or “In reality, the more active a partici- It’s a win-win situation for everyone. training is their best option at this time,” pant is in JCEP, the more successful he said. they are. Th e closer we work together, “We’re NGB-funded, so I believe the quicker the hire happens,” he said. we’ve just begun to understand how Next, are one-on-one interviewing tech- employment is such a large part of our niques and mock interviews, which pre- With the addition of military commit- Soldiers’ lives,” said Hippen. “If our pares them for the “big” interview. From Soldiers have a great civilian career job search referrals to Partner Businesses ments, as well as family and personal Application Assistance, JCEP off ers responsibilities, securing full-time and family life, they’ll also have a great servicemembers a fi rm, yet constructive employment can be diffi cult in today’s military life. economy. follow-up throughout the hiring pro- “We make a positive impact on our cess. Mentorship and career counsel- Th e Job Connection Education Soldiers’ lives, we hope it’s not long ing rounds out this distinct process Program, which has now expanded before we push this program out to all “JCEP is merely a tool for Soldiers,” operations to four States – Texas, 50 States,” he said. said Christoph. “Th ey still need to Iowa Wisconsin and Tennessee –helps work hard and make it a job to fi nd a job. Th e individual needs to be proac- tive in this process and not sit back Society of Human Resource Managers survey and think just because JCEP is work- identifi es benefi ts ing hard for them, they don’t need to do anything. of hiring employees with military experience:

“I strongly believe the work and time ~ Strong sense of responsibility (97 percent); I personally invested in my job search, ~ Ability to work under pressure (96 percent); along with the assistance from JCEP led to the law enforcement opportu- ~ Ability see a task through to completion (92 percent); nity I accepted,” he said. ~ Strong leadership skills (91 percent); According to Hippen, sometimes ~ High degree of professionalism (91 percent); participants are just busy with their ~ Strong problem-solving skills (90 percent); lives. While applying for jobs, they get ~ Ability to multitask (89 percent); excited about getting an interview, or even getting hired, they forget to call ~ Ability to adapt to changing situations quickly (88 percent); and let JCEP know. ~ Ability to give back to U.S. veterans by showing gratitude for their service (88 percent); "Our most successful participants are those that are actively maintain- ~ Positive impact on the image and/or credibility of ing communications with us, letting organization (86 percent); us know their status and using all the ~ Sense of patriotism at organization (77 percent); tools available to them. ~ Technology/information technology skills and training "In some cases, participants are just (77 percent); looking for assistance converting their ~ Strategic planning/foresight (74 percent); military training, skills and jargon in ~ Fulfi llment of federal and/or state affi rmative action order to build an eff ective resume. requirements (73 percent); Once they receive their resume, job ~ Global perspective (61 percent); and search and interview training, they ~ Knowledge/expertise of defense issues (60 percent). sometimes begin their search on their own and we lose contact. Some con- 6 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Six Iowa Soldiers Honored with Ordnance Award by Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson Commandant and Command Sgt. Maj. Warrant Offi cer for the Iowa National Sultan Muhammad, Ordnance Regimen- Guard and a 42-year veteran of the Ord- ix Iowa Ordnance Soldiers were tal Command Sergeant Major. nance Corps. recently recognized at the Reserve SComponents Advisory Group to Th e Samuel Sharpe Award is a relatively While the six Iowans who received the the Chief of Ordnance for their contribu- new Army award. Introduced in 1994 award have all served in the Ordnance tions to the Ordnance Corps of the U.S. by the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps As- Corps for at least 20 years, Peters said Army. sociation, the award ensures Soldiers who length of service alone isn’t enough to display the highest standards of integrity earn this prestigious award. Th e Soldiers – Sgt. 1st Class John Rodda; and moral character, outstanding profes- “It’s a way to recognize those who have Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 Brian Beard;, sional competence and selfl ess service are made lasting contributions to the Ord- Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Kevin Unkel; offi cially recognized. Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Melissa Johnson; nance Corps, not necessarily someone Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Mike Gorshe; It’s estimated roughly 2,000 of these who has just been in for a long time,” and Chief Warrant Offi cer 4 Chris awards have been given to Ordnance Peters said. Olsen – were presented the Ordnance Corps Soldiers across the entire U.S. Order of Samuel Sharpe Award by Col. Army, according to Chief Warrant Offi - “No one act ensures a Soldier will receive Gregory Mason, Army Ordnance Center cer 5 Marvin Peters, the Command Chief this award,” he said.

Six Iowa Ordnance Corps Soliders stand at attention while the orders are posted for the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Award, April 5. The Soldiers (from right to left) are Sergeant 1st Class John Rodda, Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 Brian Beard, Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Kevin Unkel, Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Melissa Johnson, Chief Warrant Offi cer 3 Mike Gorshe and Chief Warrant Offi cer 4 Chris Olsen. All of these Soldiers have served in the Ordnance Corps for at least 20 years.

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 7 Iowa National Guard supports Kosovo Security Forces

by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy L. Harpold According to Brig. Gen. Imri Ilazi, the commander of the ince offi cially recognizing Operations Support its partnership with Kosovo Brigade, “Th ey are Slast year, Iowa has been host skilled, intelligent to many delegates from its state individuals that need partner. Ambassadors, high-ranking to learn to work as a government offi cials and key members of team.” the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) traveled to Iowa to learn from the Iowa National Th e scenario involved Guard. Iowa has sent many of its senior a NATO train derail- members to Kosovo for the same reason. ing in the town of Fer- izaj. Th ree train cars Th is year-long relationship reached a high were involved – one point when eight Iowa National Guard “The exercise was one with NATO troops, one with “hazardous Soldiers traveled to Kosovo to work with with greater tasks and chemicals” and one with “munitions and explosives.” Each car required multiple the KSF Operations Support Brigade diffi culty than the KSF has (OSB) during a 72-hour domestic re- KSF units to work in unison. sponse exercise. ever been missioned with... but they have heart, “Th e challenge the brigade faces is the large variety of occupational specialties,” Th is mission was no easy feat for the determination and Iowans. said Ilazi. “Search and rescue company, are motivated for example, has mountain, water and “It’s … a demanding 72 hours,” said Col. to do their very best.” urban rescue. All are search and rescue, Timothy Pheil, Chief of the Operational --Lt. Col. William McClintock but all are diff erent.” Support Brigade Mentoring and Advising Team. “We are going to do things in this To orchestrate such a diverse group, an exercise the KSF has not done before.” Incident Command Post was established Rarely used by the KSF, these reviews to manage the scene, while an Incident Th e challenges began early as the Iowa will help everyone in the KSF, especially Response Command Post was established team instructed the KSF, with their Kosovo’s non-commissioned offi cer to manage resources. main focus on conducting After Action corps. Classes reinforced the role of the Reviews (AAR). NCO in the KSF. Th e municipality’s fi rst request for as- sistance came after civilian fi rst respond- Th ese reviews, an evaluation of the It was Pheil’s desire to “teach the NCOs ers were overwhelmed by the derailment. positive and negative aspects of a mission to understand they are responsible for First to respond was the search and rescue or exercise, can impact the way a unit individual training.” He said the KSF’s company, followed by the fi refi ghting operates. By identifying what worked NCOs were still learning their role and company; both assets of the OSB’s Civil and what didn’t, leaders are able to make Iowa’s mission was to show how a good Protection Regiment. adjustments, fi x problems and sustain the NCO corps functioned. successful. Th e search and rescue team started While the classroom provided the NCOs extricating individuals from automo- “[Th e KSF Soldiers] listened to the rec- theory, the fi eld environment was where biles caught up in the derailment, using ommendations … and strived to fi x their the Iowa Team empowered them. Since hydraulic tools to pull simulated victims defi ciencies and meet the U.S. Soldiers’ the KSF needed to put theory into from the wreckage. Exercise controllers expectations,” said Lt. Col. Bill Mc- practice, this is where the continuous, then started a fi re on one of the train Clintock, Deputy Chief of Staff for the 72-hour fi eld training exercise, called cars, adding urgency to an already chaotic Iowa Army National Guard. “Friends One” in Albanian, paid off . scene. 8 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 Once search and rescue became aware of roles of the NCOs. Th ey took on more “Th e exercise was one with greater tasks the fi re, fi refi ghters were called in while responsibility, directing troop actions and and greater diffi culty than the KSF has search and rescue continued to remove carrying out their commanders’ intent. ever been missioned with,” said Mc- victims from the train and cars. According to Pheil, these NCOs began Clintock. “Th ey have heart, determina- to understand their place and became ac- tion and are motivated to do their very With multiple commands on the scene, countable for their Soldiers. Bockenstedt and Catrenich assisted the best.” OSB’s on-scene leadership in establishing As the OSB was learning and adapting, Like the KSF, the heart, determination a centralized incident site command. Th is the scenarios became more complex. and motivation of Iowa Soldiers helped allowed offi cers to coordinate a proper When errors were made, scenarios were set the stage for continued joint training response, which the NCOs and enlisted reset and repeated. missions. Th rough shared experiences Soldiers carried out. During an unexploded munitions and such as these, the partnership program Following the response, the OSB and fi re scenario, fi refi ghters ran in before between Iowa and Kosovo will continue Iowa team conducted an AAR with each the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team to grow. element. Each section walked through could clear a safe passage. Th e fi refi ghters the process and then NCOs then took became “casualties,” learning the value of charge, bringing their comments to their scene assessment and identifying dangers. company commanders. Capt. Brock Bockenstedt, Company As scenarios grew, they learned their B Commander, RSP, Recruiting and Th e commanders identifi ed fi xes for team wasn’t just their company, but Retention Battalion, Waterloo, con- when the scene was reset and played every Soldier within the OSB. Th e EOD ducts an informal after action review out. Proper use of the AAR resulted in started working with their Hazardous with NCOs from the KSF at a fi eld a much improved second response and Materials Company counterparts, sharing training exercise in Ferizaj, Kosovo. better management capabilities. equipment and tactics, while the medics (Iowa National Guard photo by Sgt. worked together with search and rescue. 1st Class Jeremy L. Harpold) Other identifi able changes included the

The Iowa Team

Lt. Col. William McClintock, Deputy Chief of Staff, Iowa Army National Guard Maj. Kipp Lenth, Offi cer-in-Charge of Operations, Iowa Joint Operations Center Capt. Jarid Catrenich, Company A Commander, Forward Support, 224th Engineer Battalion Capt. Brock Bockenstedt, Company B Commander, RSP, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Willie Adams, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Master Sgt. Steven Dreher, Operations, Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element, Noncommissioned Offi cer-in-Charge Sgt. 1st Class Nate Allen, Readiness NCO, 294th Area Support Medical Company Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Harpold, Readiness NCO, 135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 9 By Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden

ompleting a standard 26.2 mile marathon can prove challenging Cenough. However, if you factor in miles and miles of endless asphalt and desert, dry, searing temperatures and the occasional tarantula, scorpion, snake or bee, you have the makings for one memo- rable marathon.

Th e 23rd annual Bataan Memorial Death March, held annually at the White Sands A, 376th Supply and Support; Spc. Missile Range, N.M., honors a group of Brianna Alva, 23, of Davenport, HSC, World War II heroes responsible for the 248th ASB; Sgt. Torey Lasater, 25, of defense of the islands of Luzon, Cor- Iverster, OSACOM; and Staff Sgt. Lani regidor and the harbor defense forts of Hefel, 27, of Ankeny, 1034th CSSB, won the Philippines. On April 9, 1942, tens in a time of 7 hours, 51 minutes and 39 of thousands of American and Filipino seconds. soldiers surrendered to overwhelming Japanese forces. Lasater was a last -minute replacement for 27-year old Jamie Galvin, who was Th ousands died after marching for days unable to attend the march. Her father, through Philippine jungles in the scorch- Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Galvin, ing heat. Th ose who survived faced the 54, of Moline, Ill. fi nished in 6:32:50, as hardships of a Japanese prisoner of war part of Team Manny Lawton. SPC Tyler camp. Hulsey, 21, of Lorimor, Iowa, meanwhile, stepped in at the last minute for Sgt. Back row from left to right: Sgt. 1st Class Spc. Daniel Kelly, Sgt. Phil Barker, Comm Current marchers participate for many John Vorrath as Vorrath was competing in the Soldier of the Year competition. Stephen Galvin, Sgt. Taylor Heidman, anda reasons – as a personal challenge, for the Alison McCready. Middle row from left to spirit of competition, or to foster esprit de Anthony Van Cannon, Spc. Jacob Johnsori corps. Some march in honor of a family “I participated in the march because Lengen, Maj. Michael Tang, Sgt. Torey Lasn member or for a particular veteran who of the sacrifi ces of the men who went Sgt. Jeff Schwendinger. t survived or died during the actual Bataan through the actual March,” said Hefel, a Death March. four-time competitor. “I did it for them because I thought to myself, ‘If I don’t For the 15-plus Iowa National Guard honor these men, who will?’ Soldiers participating in this year’s march, the reasons were as diverse as the Soldiers “Th is year, to pay it forward, we also themselves. marched in honor of Command Sgt. Maj. Marilyn Gabbard, who helped me Marching as Team Marilyn Gabbard during my pursuit for Soldier of the Year allowed fi ve Iowa women the opportu- back in 2004,” Hefel added. nity to eulogize a former female mentor. Gabbard, 46, was killed when the UH-60 For Capt. Sarah J. Jacobs, what began Blackhawk helicopter in which she was as a check off her bucket list became a a passenger, was shot down northeast of homage to others. Th e fi rst-time marcher Baghdad, Iraq in 2007. from Mount Pleasant, Iowa wanted to challenge herself and accomplish “a life- Th ey actually won the Female Military time goal.” Light team event. Th e team, composed of Spc. Rachele Feil, 23, of Dubuque and a “I did it as a tribute to all the POW’s and member of Detachment 1, Company A, our fallen comrades,” she said. “I also 1st Battalion, 248th Area Support Battal- wanted to make sure I did it when there ion; Pvt. 1st Class Allison McCready, 19, were still Bataan Death March survivors The Female Military S of Cedar Falls, Detachment 1, Company that would be attending. It was such an Allison McCready, a 1010 | TThehee IIowaowowa MMiMilitiamanliittiiammanan | FFallalall 2202012012 Sgt. Torey Lasater pounds of non-perishable food items.

o say this is a rigorous and gruel- ing course is an understatement. TAccording to offi cials, “His- torically, about 25 percent of marchers become casualties during the Bataan Memorial Death March. Over half of these casualties are foot or ankle injuries. People who train by walking four or fi ve miles a day and then try to march 26.2 miles across the desert are the fi rst to honor to meet those survivors and to put become casualties.” myself through something challenging to pay respects to their sacrifi ces,” she said. “Th is year was the hardest year by far,” said Hefel. ”Th e temperatures rose to a In 1989, the Army ROTC Department grueling 90-plus degrees. Th e heat, the at New Mexico State University began wind, the dust, the sand and the dirt the memorial march to mark a page in were brutal to your feet, body and mind. history that included many native sons My team took off running and ran the and aff ected many families within the fi rst seven miles as fast as we could to state. In 1992, when the White Sands cover as much ground as we could for Missile Range and the New Mexico what we knew was ahead of us. National Guard teamed up to host the march, the event was moved to the mis- “From mile eight to about mile 16 was sile range. all up hill. Th en the rest of the way was rolling hills until the Sand Pit, which Since its inception, the march has grown tore our feet apart. Th ere is no way to John Shannon, from about 100 participants to approxi- train for the Sand Pit, unless you are near and Sgt. Maj. mately 5,200 marchers from across the a beach. My team stayed together and Private 1st Class United States and several foreign coun- cheered each other on the whole way. right: Staff Sgt. tries. While still primarily a military Without each other’s support, some of us n, Sgt. Travis Van event, many civilians choose to take this might have given up,” she said. ther, and Master challenge, as well. “Th is event is both physically and men- Teams consist of fi ve members and all tally demanding,” said Sgt. Tishauna members must cross the fi nish line within Acklin, of Mason City, whose team 20 seconds of each other. Th e minimum placed third in the Military Co-ed Light age is nine years old, providing they category. “It takes a lot of training and are registered and march with a parent/ even then it’s hard to prepare yourself. guardian or a member of their family 18 years or older. Th e route varies in terrain and the heat this year made it tough on a lot of par- Th e annnual march benefi ts the local ticipants. It was important for me as part community, as well. When it comes time of the team to keep an eye on my fellow to pack the mandatory 35-pound ruck team mates and stay together,” Acklin sack for the military heavy category, said. marchers are asked to bring beans, rice, nonperishable items, cans, macaroni, “After the march, I felt accomplished, pasta, or cat/dog food to use as weight. exhausted and grateful,” said Hefel. “Ac- complished because we fi nished together At the end of the march, these items can as a team, exhausted because it took us be dropped into the food bin located at almost eight hours a and grateful because the fi nish line, for donation to the Com- we did it in honor of the men that died, Light team, composed of Pvt. 1st Class munity Action Agency Food Bank. Last the men that lived and for Command Spc. Rachele Feil, Staff Sgt. Lani Hefel, year’s event brought in almost 11,000 Sgt. Maj. Gabbard.” and Spc. Brianna Alva. FallFaF lll 22012012 | TThehee IIowaowo a MiMMilitiamanlil tiiamana | 11 And while this year’s event is now his- tory, the Soldiers are once more looking toward next year’s grueling challenge. Bataan Memorial Death March “Doing 26.2 miles will never compare to what the real Bataan was like, but it’s a Iowa Team results way for people to go out there and try to imagine what it was like for those men. Female Military Team It’s a true honor and blessing. Your body Marilyn Gabbard (1st Place) is sore in places you never thought imag- Rachele Feil, 23, Dubuque, 7:51:38 inable,” said Acklin. Allison McCready, 19, Cedar Falls, 7:51:38 Brianna Alva, 23, Davenport, 7:51:39 “I plan to continue to do the Bataan for Sgt. Torey Lasater, 25, Iverster, 7:51:40 as long as my body lets me. It’s a well- Lani Hefel, 27, Ankeny, 7:51:41 organized event, a way to honor and Total Time = 39:18:13 remember those who have served and an Co-Ed - Military Team experience that I will never forget. It is William Dyess something I’ll be able to share with my Phil Barker, 28, Marshalltown, 7:14:49 family and friends for years to come,” she Tyler Hulsey, 21, Lorimor, Iowa 7:14:54 1 added. Tishauna Acklin, 26*, Mason City, 7:14:54 Taylor Heideman, 26, Cedar Falls, 7:14:56 “Anyone that is physically able and has the means should experience this event Daniel Kelly, 23, Boone, 7:14:57 at least once, because it’s a one-of-a-kind Total Time = 36:14:28 event with such a powerful message and Light - Military Team purpose and its fun,” said Jacobs. Manny Lawton “I’ve done it four times and would love Anthony Vancannon, 30, Ames, 6:04:11 to do it again, because the survivors won’t Travis Vanlengen, 29, Ankeny, 6:06:07 be around forever and to pay it forward John Shannon, 39, Ankeny, 6:07:58 to them is the greatest feeling,” said Stephen Galvin, 54, Moline, Ill., 6:20:28 Jacob Johnson, (DQ) Jacobs. Military ROTC Light “I believe it’s important for people to Place, Class Place, Name, Age, Hometown, Time understand why they participate in this 29, 15, Matthew Grussing, 21, Ames, 7:31.00 event. For some it may be about the ‘race’ 4, 3, Thomas Wilson, 21, Ames, 6:08:56 and for others it truly is a way to look 8, 6, Ian Hess, 22, Ames, 6:28:28 back and remember,” said Acklin. 11, 2, Jacob Rajcula, 19, Ames, 6:46:16

“Before participating in this event, read up on the Bataan Death March and get Individual Results an idea of what these men really endured. It will bring tears to a grown mans eyes. Military Heavy Place, Class Place, Name, Age, Hometown, Time “Trust me,” she said. “I’ve seen it.” 386, 35, John Breitsprecker, 49, Altoona, 11:15:23 Military Light Place, Class Place, Name, Age, Hometown, Time The 24th Annual 430, 124, Severin Gibert, 37, Davenport, 11:01:47 Bataan Memorial 374, 29, Sarah Jacobs, 32, Mount Pleasant, 9:39:09 Death March 124, 40, Jeff Schwendinger, 44, Granger, 7:16:09 is set for March 17, 2013. 392, 117, Michael Tang, 39, Grimes, 9:57:50 Registration will open Civilian Light in mid-November 2012. Arron Lincoln, 32, Des Moines (DQ)

12 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 Family Readiness Shalee Torrence, Family Assistance Specialist

Meet your volunteers Bixler recognized with National Volunteer award Name: Mary Bixler, FRG Volunteer can share my experiences and knowledge and empower others is rewarding. I stay MACOM / Unit: 67th Troop Com- a volunteer because I feel I'm making a mand, 109th Medical Battalion and diff erence and I'm appreciated and that's 832nd Engineer Co. important to me. Tell us about your Family: What resources have you found are the My husband Rob is an Agent II with the most helpful to Families and Soldiers? State of Iowa DCI-Gaming and Racing; Th e State conference is probably the my daughter Brandi does High Risk greatest tool that's the most helpful Obstetrical/Fetal Ultrasound in Phoe- to FRG volunteers and family mem- nix, Ariz.; my son Aaron has been in the bers. Joint Services Support and other Guard for 13 years, deployed to Egypt trainings are also very valuable and the in 2003-4, Iraq-2004-5, with the 224th handouts are helpful. Using the internet Engineer Battalion, California/Mexico as a tool is a must. Th ere are so many re- border-2007 and Afghanistan 2010- sources and reputable organizations that 11 with the 832nd. He was recently have great information to help military promoted to sergeant and transferred to Mary Bixler, receiving the 2012 families. Th ere are a lot of ideas to keep the 109th Med Bn. Maintenance Sec- National Volunteer Award for Re- the FRG fresh, interesting and educa- tion. I have a 13-year old granddaughter, gion 7, fl anked by Maj. Gen. Tim tional for families. Th e Family Assisting Abigail, who lives in Mt. Pleasant. She Orr, the Iowa Adjutant General for Specialist I have worked with over the last loves music. I also have a 10-year old the Iowa National Guard, and his seven years, as well as Family Readiness granddaughter, Aicia, who lived with us wife, Suzanne Orr. Support Assistance, are always available while her Dad was deployed, and I am and give the answers I am looking for. “on-call” daily for her. Both girls are ac- tive with the 832nd FRG. in 2003 when my son went to Egypt and What are your FRG Best Practices? I was very lost for information and felt Write everything down. You never know Tell us something fun or interesting very disconnected. I was determined this when you are going to need it – and you about yourself: was not going to happen again during will – and probably more than you think I own and operate a 1917 Nichols and another deployment. I attended several and absolutely with every deployment. Shepard Steam traction engine and assist meetings when the 224th deployed to Spend time researching and expanding a friend on a 1923 Baker steam engine Iraq and knew I had found a place I your knowledge using the internet and during the Old Th reshers Reunion. I could feel connected and informed. I taking classes on JSS or seminars. Use was creator and “Head Elf “of the North also felt I could volunteer in a lot of your Family Program specialists – you Pole Express Christmas event in Mt. ways to help families with their fi rst cannot do it all. Accept that with the Pleasant for almost fi ve years. I was one deployment issues. Th ere was not a lot military, everything changes and there are of the original three crazy originators of of volunteer support activities from the rules we have to abide by. Find ways to the Haunted Rails event in Mt. Pleasant unit’s families so every person that could involve the kids. Every volunteer is valu- that now draws over 10,000 people in help was a warm body welcomed with able and has something to contribute. October. I consider myself very “diversi- open arms. fi ed in my interests.” What advice would you sharewith What does being an FRG Volunteer other FRG Volunteers?: How long have you been a FRG Vol- mean to you?: Learn to be fl exible. Th ere are going to unteer? I have volunteered with a lot of orga- be a lot of personalities under a lot of I became a volunteer in 2004 when my nizations but with the FRG, I found diff erent situations you will work with. son deployed to Iraq. “family” and I found friends who share Understand where that person is coming a common bond of concern who bind How did you become a Volunteer? from before you form an opinion. Learn together for the greater good. It is about I did not have any kind of FRG contact to be a “Gumby Duck.” Be fl exible and something bigger than us. Knowing I let the little things roll off your back.

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 13 A grueling test of leadership by Sgt. Adrian Muehe

s the sun peeks over the horizon, 21 Soldiers race to the fi nish of a two-mile road course Aat Camp Dodge, Iowa. Tired, sweaty, they've poured every ounce of strength they can muster into getting the lowest time possible. 14 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 For these 12 junior enlisted Soldiers and feel like I’m the best in the state – there has.” nine non-commissioned offi cers, the tests are a lot of great NCOs in the Iowa of mental and physical endurance were Guard. It’s an honor to be representing “It’s just an honor to be here,” said Sgt. just beginning, as they kicked off the them here and now for the state of Iowa.” Robert Higgins, a Badger, Iowa, native Iowa Army National Guard’s Best War- and a forward observer for Detachment Lawson was notifi ed only two weeks ear- rior Competition. 1, Battery B, 1stBattalion, 194th Field lier he’d be participating in the contest, Artillery, 2nd BCT, 34th ID. Of the 21 participants, two emerged as but he was still able to win over his peers the best in the state. Spc. Seth Argan- who spent months training for the event. “From my experience through multiple bright, of Johnston, Iowa, an automatic deployments, I feel Iowa Soldiers are the “I hold myself to a constant state of rifl eman for Company C, 1st Battalion, best around, and to be here among the readiness,” said Lawson. “I try to uphold 168th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat best of them is an experience I’ll never myself to what I believe a NCO should Team, 34th Infantry Division, was named forget.” be, and that is to always be ready, healthy, Soldier of the Year. Non-Commissioned and technically profi cient.” Th e Best Warrior Competition is held Offi cer of the Year was given to Sgt. Chad annually at Camp Dodge and while it Lawson, of Eagle Grove, Iowa, the opera- Over the course of three days, all 21 is one of the premier events the Iowa tions NCO for Headquarters and Head- competitors had to complete various National Guard has to off er, there is little quarters Company, 2nd BCT, 34th ID. tasks, including an Army Physical Fitness offi cer involvement. Test, combat water survival , weapons “It feels great to make it to this point,” qualifi cation, land navigation, an obstacle “Th is is an NCO-driven event,” said said Lawson. “At the same time, I don’t course, a Capt. Phillip Turner, second offi cer-in- modern Army charge, 185th Regiment (Regional Train- combatives ing Institute), who was assisting with the tournament, a combat water survival tests. written exam, a nine-mile “Th is is to inspire confi dent and agile road march, leadership within our junior NCOs and and answeri junior enlisted Soldiers,” he said. military ques- Also present at this event were Soldiers tions before from the Kosovo Security Force, who are a panel of partnering with the Iowa National Guard senior NCOs. for training, learning how to implement “It’s intensity and empower their own enlisted Soldiers you don’t usu- and leadership., while mirroring Iowa’s ally expect,” training system. said Argan- “We are here observing with the intent bright. “We of implementing a similar training event [the competi- in our own country,” said Command tors] learned Sgt. Major Genc Metaj, the command real quick we sergeant major of the Kosovo Security all have diff er- Force. ent skill sets, strengths and He also said there is a high possibility weaknesses some of his Soldiers may compete next and while we year in Iowa’s competition. were all com- peting against Th e competitors also took away the same each other, message. Being junior NCOs and en- everyone listed, they have a lot to learn from their was helping leaders as they grow into becoming the everyone and future leaders of this organization. pushing each other along. It “Being here with the top NCOs of the really showed state and seeing how they operate and the camarade- lead troops really sets an example for us rie the Guard junior enlisted soldiers,” said Argabright. Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 15 Air National Guard - 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

132nd returns from Afghanistan deployment Lt. Col. Travis "Chicken" Acheson a single missed ATO sorties. Simply that all the time.” 124th Fighter Squadron commander incredible! Yes – you are correct, that’s how we roll. veryone – Job Well Done! As we Th e entire deployment – not a single However (think about it for a minute) prepare to depart, no doubt we Operations cancel and not a single in combat under the microscope when Eshould all be extremely proud of maintenance cancel. I know what it really counts – mega huge deal. You our eff orts. you’re saying, “It’s no big deal. We do make it look easy.

Th e fi rst fi ghter squadron to perform a Close Air Support Reset. Move 300 miles south from Bagram Airbase to Kandahar Airfi eld in 24 hours. Not

Th e fi rst U.S based F-16 unit ever to 2012 Afghanistan Deployment Highlights operate out of Kandahar. We were handed a Maintenance building and • Over 800 combat missions fl own, with pilots logging more than 3,200 an OPS building and told to stand up hours cumulatively; the very foundation by which the F-16 Viper will operate out of this base for • Numerous munitions employed in Close Air Support of International years to come. Security Assistance Forces; Th ank you Tech Sgt Andrea Jones for • Over 270 132nd Fighter Wing Airmen returning, with approximately running with the “Flag Flying Pro- 220 arriving as part of Saturday’s main body; gram.” Th e 124th fl ew (at last count) 1,226 American fl ags. • Over 50 of these Airmen were deployed for six months; A special thank you to our “Guest • These were the fi rst U.S. Air Force/Air National Guard F-16s based at Help” who volunteered to deploy with Kandahar, Afghanistan; us. We hope you enjoyed your time • This was the fi rst Air National Guard unit to move all aircraft, equip- with us as much as we enjoyed our time ment and personnel in the middle of a combat deployment. All told, the with you! unit moved 167 tons of cargo and 293 personnel from Bagram to Kanda- Th e list goes on and on. Th ere's not har; enough white space to single out every • Three pilots eclipsed more than 3,000 F-16 fl ight hours for their ca- outstanding performer. I am extremely reers during this deployment; proud to serve with all of you.

• In the unit’s last four major combat deployments (going back to 2005 Let’s fi nish strong, stay sharp and do and including this tour), the 132nd Fighter Wing has accomplished 1,964 our best to give a clean hand-off to the fi ne folks from the McEntire Air combat missions and 7,870 fl ight hours, for a 100 percent completion rate National Guard. of scheduled combat fl ights. Goodbye Afghanistan – It’s been a slice! 1616 || TheThe IowaIowa MilitiamanMilitiaman || FallFall 20122012 BriefsBriefs

Iowa law waives CDL drive test competed throughout the day at eight Th e program must lead to an associate House File 2403, signed into law by diff erent stations, fi nishing up with a degree, non-college degree or certifi cate. Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, authorizes fi ve kilometer trail buddy run. To give Eligible veterans may call 800-827-1000 the Iowa Department of Transportation an example of what type of athletes to learn more about the program, or visit to waive the drive skills testing require- these cadets are, they competed all day http://gibill.va.gov/benefi ts/other_pro- ment for a Commercial Drivers License and then ran a 21-minute 5k trail run. grams/vrap.html . Applicants will receive for Iowans who are on active duty in the a letter in the mail letting them know military service or separated, honorably, Th ey placed third out of 18 Co-ed if they are eligible to participate, from such service in the last 90 days, teams and were in the top fi ve percent of all the cadets. More than 130 teams provided the applicant meets certain Reservists may now respond competed from 29 schools, repre- experience and safety requirements. to Homeland Disasters senting 13 States. Th ey won two events and placed second in two others. New authority in this year's Defense Interested applicants with ques- Department authorization act allows tions about the new law should call the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine the motor vehicle information line: Nyemasater Goode earns award Corps reserves to be called up in response Statewide toll free 800-532-1121, ARLINGTON, Va. – Th e Honorable to natural disasters or emergencies. from Des Moines 515-244-8725, Erin C. Conaton, Under Secretary of TDD number 515-237-3192. Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and Except for a crisis involving a weapon James G. Rebholz, National Chair, Em- of mass destruction, the reserves his- Free pass for National Parks ployer Support of the Guard and Reserve torically have been prohibited from Service members and their families will (ESGR), presented the 2012 Secretary providing a homeland disaster response, be able to enter all of America’s national of Defense Employer Support Freedom Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, the Chief parks free of charge for a year. Th e pass – Award to Michael Th rall, chairman, Ny- of the Army Reserves, told reporters. the America the Beautiful National Parks emaster Goode, P.C. of Des Moines. and Federal Recreation Lands Annual "In a lot of cases, there were reserve- Pass, which normally costs $80 – became Th e Freedom Award, presented Sep- component Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and available to service members and their de- tember 20 in Washington D.C. to 15 Marines who were close at hand with the pendents on Armed Forces Day, May 19. employers from across the nation, is capabilities needed, but didn't have the the highest recognition given by the authority to act," he said. "Finally, we got Military personnel can get the passes U.S. government to employers for their the law changed. Th is new legislation says at any national park or wildlife refuge outstanding support of employees who that now we can use Title 10 reserves." that charges an entrance fee by showing serve in the National Guard and Reserve. their military ID. Family members also Representatives of each award recipient Iowa units earn national awards will be able to obtain their own pass, also met privately with General Mar- A pair of the Iowa National Guard’s even if the service member is deployed tin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint most storied units, the 2nd Brigade or if they are traveling separately. Chiefs of Staff . Combat Team, 34th Infantry Divi- sion (“Red Bulls”), and the 132nd Th e passes allow the holder and pas- Paid training for unemployed vets Fighter Wing, ahve were recog- sengers in a single private vehicle ac- Unemployed veterans ages 35 to 60 nized with national awards. cess to some 2,000 sites that charge per can apply for up to 12 months of vehicle. At sites where entrance fees are paid training through a new pro- Th e 2nd BCT was awarded the De- charged per person, it covers the pass gram sponsored by the Departments partment of Defense’s Citizen Pa- owner and three adults age 16 and older. of Labor and Veterans Aff airs. triot Unit Award, presented by the Offi ce of the Secretary of Defense BV Cadet dual fi nish third Th e program provides 12 months of Reserve Forces Policy Board. Buena Vista University Cadets Jaime training assistance equal to the monthly Oberg and Matthew Hanson recentloy full-time payment rate under the Mont- Th e Des Moines-based 132d Fighter placed third in the Annual ROTC Buddy gomery GI Bill-Active Duty program, Wing received the National Guard Ranger Challenge at the University of which currently pays $1,473 per month. Association of the United States Distin- Kansas in Lawrence. Th ey started the Participants must be enrolled in a guished Flying Unit Plaque, as weel as morning at 4 am with a 15-kilometer community college or technical school the Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Flight Safety road march with 35-pound packs, then program approved for VA benefi ts. Trophies. Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 17 Education Office Maj. Linda Perdue, Education Services Offi cer NGEAP for 2012-13 Academic Year ll Iowa National Guard service- soon as the award is determined. (3) Have satisfactorily completed Initial members who plan to apply Entry Training through one of the fol- Afor the National Guard Educa- Spring semester awards may be adjusted lowing: tion Assistance Program (NGEAP) are up or down based on available funding in reminded applications must be submit- order to stay within budget requirements. (a) Completed Basic Training and Ad- ted by July 1 for the Fall 2012 term, and NGEAP will NOT fund Summer terms. vanced Indivdual Training, or TECH Dec. 1, 2012 for the Spring 2013 term. School: Th e Adjutant General of Iowa can make Any applications received after these changes to funding limits at any time (b) Completed One Station Unit dates will not be accepted. during the 2012-2013 academic years to Training; Eligible Iowa National Guard Members ensure fair and equitable distribution of (c) Completed the Reserve Offi cer may complete and submit their applica- funds to applicants. Training Corps Leader’s Training tion online at https://ihaveaplaniowa. Members of the Iowa Army National Course and contracted as a Cadet in a gov/default.aspx. Applicants may go to Guard may use NGEAP in conjunction ROTC program win the State of Iowa; www.iowanntionalguard.com/Education/ with federally-funded programs such TuitionAssistance.htm for instructions. as the Army National Guard Federal (d) Enlisted under the Iowa National Guard Offi cer Candidate option (eli- Th e Iowa National Guard Education Tuition Assistance program. Members gible upon enlistment); Services Offi cer will approve applica- receiving federal benefi ts which pay tuition directly to the institution are also tions based on eligibility and date of (4) Attend an Iowa college or university eligible to receive NGEAP. In some cases, submission. No late applications will be accredited by the NCA; approved. receiving fi nancial aid from other sources may reduce the NGEAP award. (5) Have NOT met the academic re- Th e Iowa College Student Aid Commis- quirements for a baccalaureate degree or Based on Iowa Code section 261.86, sion compiles and posts the approved completed a total of eight semesters of NGEAP provides educational assistance recipient rosters on their website at undergraduate courses. www.iowacollegeaid.gov. Each school’s to members of the Iowa National Guard. fi nancial aid offi ce will verify enrollment Administered by the Iowa College Stu- (6) May not be an AGR or Technician of and coordinate with the Iowa College dent Aid Commission, NGEAP is for the Iowa National Guard. Student Aid Commission for payment members of the Iowa National Guard of NGEAP awards. Approved applicants who have not met the requirements of a To remain eligible for NGEAP, Iowa should ask their school how/when it'll re- baccalaureate degree and are enrolled in National Guard members must main- quest certifi cation for the NGEAP award. an Iowa college or university accredited tain satisfactory duty performance and by the North Central Association of Col- maintain satisfactory academic progress NGEAP funding is subject to an- leges and Schools (NCA). as determined by the institution where nual appropriation by the Iowa General benefi ts are utilized or applied. Members Assembly. Th e amount of assistance While the Adjutant General of Iowa ulti- of the Iowa National Guard who are awarded under this program cannot mately determines eligibility for NGEAP, awarded NGEAP funds and become inel- exceed the member’s cost of attendance Soldiers must meet these prerequisites. igible may have their awards recouped. as determined by the member’s college or (1) Be an active member of the Iowa university. NGEAP is currently funded Questions about NGEAP should go Army or Air National Guard; at 100 percent of he Iowa regents tuition to the Iowa National Guard Education Offi ce at (515) 252-4468, or by e-mail rates for academic year 2012-13. (2) Be a resident of the state of Iowa at [email protected], or see your (residency is determined by the Adjutant Maximum NGEAP awards for academic college or university fi nancial aid offi ce. General); year 2012-2013 will be determined at a later date – the actual awards are calcu- lated based on the number of NGEAP NGEAP applicants must submit their fall 2012 applications received for each term and school request no later than July 1. Any applications the actual cost of tuition. Th e Education Services Offi cer will provide an update as received after July 1 will not be eligible for funding.

18 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 Air National Guard - 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard 185th ARW restores classic A-7 Corsair Th e Air Force A-7 was later updated to by Master Sgt. Bill Wiseman carry a laser spot tracker; this added the 185th Public Aff airs capability to drop guided bombs. piece of 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) history received A total of 459 A-7’s were built and as- Aa facelift courtesy of the 185th signed to tactical fi ghter wings like the fabrication shop and the crew in the Air 185th. Production of Corsairs continued National Guard paint facility in Sioux through 1984, yielding a total of 1,569 City. aircraft built.

An A-7K Corsair with tail number 81- An A-7K sits in front of the Air National In 1977 the Air Force began replacing 073 is now complete with new metal Guard Paint Facility in Sioux City after the Corsairs of active duty squadrons, work and fresh paint making it look receiving new metal work and fresh subsequently transferring the aircraft to like it did in the height of the Cold War paint. The paint scheme depicts the Air National Guard units. By the end of when it fl ew in the mid 1980’s. colors used in the mid-80’s when it was the A-7 era, the aircraft was fl own exclu- used as the Air Force's primary air-to- sively by the Air National Guard. Th e A-7 has a lot of history with the ground attack aircraft. The 185th Fighter unit, with Tech. Sgt. Bruce Johnson’s Wing in Sioux City fl ew the “Corsairs” Col Dave Simon, the 185th Mainte- name on one side as the crew chief and from 1977 until converting to the F-16 nance Group Commander and one time Falcons in 1991. The 185th now fl ies Capt. Andy Erickson’s name on the other A-7 bomb loader, remembers that time, KC-135 Stratotankers The Corsair will side as the pilot. “Now when a unit wanted to do a ‘local eventually be featured at the Iowa Gold modifi cation’ they could send the change Th e fi rst stop for the historic jet’s return Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge in request to the Guard Bureau instead of Johnston, Iowa. (National Guard Photo to glory was the fabrication shop where the Air Force, it made the process much by Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot) it would get a facelift. According to Tech. easier” said Simon. Sgt. Pat Schroeder, 185th Fabrication Shop, the whole shop helped with the Th is is not the fi rst vintage aircraft to be Th e autonomy of the more ‘organic’ Air restoration. painted here - they have painted numer- National Guard served the aircraft and ous historic aircraft like the F-80, RF-84, the Air Force well by greatly extending “She was in pretty good shape consid- F-86, F-100 and the F-4 among others. the lifetime of the A-7 and keeping it a ering that she sat for over 15 years," viable weapons system for many years. Schroeder said. With fresh paint making the Corsair look like it came off the production line the Th e 185th Tactical Fighter Group fl ew Th e shop spent a little over four months two seat K-Model is now waiting for a the A-7 Corsair from 1977 until convert- repairing the corrosion and prepping the ride to its new home at the Iowa Gold ing to the F-16 Falcons in 1991. While old K-model to be a proud representa- Star Military Museum at Camp Dodge fl ying the A-7s, the unit won the Spaatz tive of the Iowa National Guard’s 185th in Johnston, Iowa. trophy for the second time in its history Tactical Fighter Group as a static display. in 1990, recognizing them as the best Air Originally a U.S. Navy aircraft, the A-7 Guard unit in the country. Schroeder said it was a lot of fun work- was fi rst used by the Air Force in 1965 to ing on a vintage plane and “getting to see replace the F-105s. Th e most important Th e 185th also earned the Air Force Out- how all of the stuff worked” as he put it. diff erence from the Navy and Air Force standing Unit award fi ve times -1985, versions is the Allison TF41-A-1 turbo- 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1991. In addi- After the fabrication shop was done, it fan engine, which provided more thrust, tion, the 185th’s Logistics Group also was off to the Paint Facility where the and a considerable boost in performance. won its second Daedalian Trophy, which staff started work on sanding and taping recognizes the best maintenance team in in preparation for a new paint job. Th e Th e Air Force version had a fi xed, high the ANG. fi nished product displays the green and speed refueling receptacle behind the gray paint scheme from the height of the pilot that was created for the KC-135’s In 1989, the 185th won the 12th Air cold war era of the mid-1980's and was fl ying boom, rather than the long probe Force A-7 gunnery meet for the second one of fi ve paint schemes that were ap- the Navy required. In addition, a lot of time and in 1989, the 185th received plied to the jet over the years. improved avionics upgrades were added the Gunsmoke A-7 Maintenance Team throughout the lifetime of the A-7. Award for its aircraft. Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 19 Air National Guard - 185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard

One of the teams participated in memory of Petty Offi cer 1st Class John Douang- dara who died in a 2011 helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan. A South Sioux City, Neb. na- tive, Douangdara joined the Navy and became a Military Work- ing Dog handler. Douangdara was serving in support of U.S. Navy Seals when the Chinook helicopter he was in was shot down. Th e team’s partici- pation reminded 2nd Annual POW/MIA Remembrance Run/Walk many you don't have to go far kicks off Sioux City Memorial Day weekend from home to fi nd heroes who've paid by 2nd Lt. Jeremy McClure 113th Cavalry, based in Sioux City, took the ultimate price. 185th Public aff airs top honors after logging in 495.6 miles. "Th e run is not about raising money, it's Th ey received a traveling trophy and will emorial Day weekend is the about raising awareness for the Freedom compete for it again next year. offi cial kickoff to summer. Park and what it means and what it will MWhile many were out enjoy- Th e event was organized by members mean for future generations to come,” ing the weekend, a few took time out to of the Sioux City Air National Guard's added Carlson. show their appreciation for those military 185th Air Refueling Wing. 1st Lt Jen- personnel who have sacrifi ced for us all. nifer Carlson, Master Sgt. Marty Hogan, Th e money raised from this event will be Master Sgt. John Sandman, and Master used to support the Siouxland Freedom Th e 2nd Annual POW/MIA Remem- Sgt. Joe Donovan spent many off -duty Park - a 55-acre park set alongside the brance Run/Walk, held on a Sioux City, hours organizing, promoting and recruit- Missouri River in South Sioux City, Neb. Iowa high school track, began at noon on ing sponsors to make the event happen. Recently, a dog park honoring military May 25, ending on May 26. working dogs was completed and opened “It was humbling to see people running to the public. Participants paid $25 to run or walk as in the middle of the night and in the long as they wanted, to show apprecia- rain to show their support of those who A pentagon-shaped interpretive center, a tion for the sacrifi ces made by service- sacrifi ced,” said Carlson. half-scale replica of the Vietnam Memori- members in defense of our nation. Many al Wall, and several trails are a few of the made it a team eff ort, as apporoximately “Th is was a concept that started six or features planned for the expansive park. 400 participants ran or walked more than seven years ago,” said Hogan. “Twenty- 3,300 miles during the 24-hour event. four hours is a sacrifi ce. Giving up part For more information on the Sioux- of your weekend is about remembrance,” land Freedom Park and the POW/MIA Th e Red Bulls, a team from Headquarters said Hogan. Remembrance Run/ Walk, go to http:// and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, www.siouxlandfreedompark.org/ 20 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 view crashing, and Fr. Bill and I were the of nothing and he enjoyed the physical But not forgotten fi rst to get there. Fr. Bill attended imme- training. continued from page 23 diately to the dying.” Near the end of 1964, he was assigned as While Bill’s fi rst responsibility was to his Chaplain to the 101st Airborne Division St Mary’s in Baltimore, Md. In 1948, he troops, he kept a special place in his heart Headquarters – Th e Screaming Eagles. returned to the Archdiocese of Dubuque for orphans and there were many orphans He was going to serve with one of the and was ordained. For the next fi ve years in South Korea. He reached out to them. most decorated divisions in military his- he served in Dubuque and Waterloo. “When we arrived at the orphanage, tory, and he was proud to be doing this. In 1953, the U.S. Army asked for more we were greeted by the nuns and many It was now 1965, and Bill had been chaplains. Here at last was the opportu- children. Bill would talk with the chil- promoted to major. And the U.S. was be- nity he was looking for. Nearly 30-years dren, and they would sit on his lap. Bill coming increasingly involved in a place old, he was granted permission to be an helped them to not feel the pain of the where the Cold War of the 1950’s was c Army Chaplain. He wanted to make up war. Th ere was one particular boy that starting to become very “hot." It was for not being in the service while he was identifi ed with both myself and the only a matter of time before this chap- going to Loras. Th is was his “payment” to Chaplain. Th e three of us became very lain would be going to war in Vietnam. his country. good friends,” Musarra remembered Public opinion was sharply divided, but He was commissioned a fi rst lieutenant After Korea, Bill was stationed in Japan this was familiar ground to Bill. He sim- and sent to South Korea, just as the war and Germany. In 1958 he was promoted ply kept his focus on the people whom there was coming to an end. Cpl. Tony to captain, and then off to Fort Ben- he was being called to serve. Musarra served side-by-side with Chap- ning, Ga., to become a paratrooper in the lain Barragy as his chaplain assistant. 101st Airborne Division. Th e training But not forgotten Musara recalled, “I will never forget this was intense, just the kind of test Bill was one day in particular. A jet came into our looking for. He was tough, he was afraid continued next issue

TAG Sends state disasters we have supported over the Iowa Army National Guard is at 98 last 10 years, this organization continues percent of allotted End Strength and continued from page 3 its day-to-day work and in the process, 101 percent of our Force Structure. has received numerous national recogni- • Our Army basic training ship rate tions for our performance. in our history, this has been a relatively is at 92.1 percent, well within the quiet year with no major disasters. We • Th e 132d Fighter Wing received the National Guard’s top 10. National Guard Association of the hope this trend continues into next year. • As for the quality of our recruits, United States Distinguished Flying we are in the top 10 percent. Ap- Unit Plaque, as well as the Maj. Gen. In March 2011, the National Guard proximately 20 percent of our basic John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophies. Bureau announced the Iowa National training graduates are either honor or Guard was selected as the newest member • Th e 132nd Logistics Readiness distinguished honor graduates. of the State Partnership Program, with Squadron won the Air National • Th is year we were successful in get- the Republic of Kosovo. Th e announce- Guard Base Logistics Activity of the ting support for additional funding ment is great news for the Iowa National Year Award. Guard and our future. Since then, we to raise our Iowa National Guard have conducted more than 30 exchanges • Th e 2nd Brigade Combat Team won Education Assistance Program (state between Kosovo and Iowa. the Citizen Patriot Unit Award pre- tuition assistance) to 100 percent of sented by the Reserve Forces Policy the Iowa Regents' rate. In addition, During our state Annual Training, Com- Board for, “substantial contribution we’re working legislative propos- pany C, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry to the security or defense of the U.S.” als that include exempting Inactive hosted offi cers and NCOs from the Duty Training and Annual Training Kosovo Security Force and I had Brig. • Th is year, HHC, 1034th CSSB re- pay and tax credits for businesses Gen. Xhavit Gashi, Military Attaché to ceived the Eisenhower Trophy as the that hire Guard members. the U.S., partner with me for the entire top Superior Unit in the State. annual training. Th is upcoming training Th ank you for all your hard work this We also have very good news in the readi- year, we have more than 15 exchanges past year. You have made a diff erence in ness arena: planned for our Soldiers and Airmen. the success of the Iowa Army and Air • Th e Iowa Air National Guard is National Guard. I know I can depend Despite the continued high operations at 97 per- cent strength and the on you to continue this hard work as we tempo, deployment numbers, and the begin our new Training Year! Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 21 Through the Ranks Command Sgt. Maj. John Breitsprecker, Joint Senior Enlisted Leader

The epitome of who we are as Citizen Warriors

ach year, the Iowa National Guard Headquarters board. State winners are conducts military competitions then submitted for competition at the Eto select and recognize our best National Guard Bureau level, with those Soldiers and Airman. I want to take winners going on to compete at the Air this opportunity to briefl y describe Force level for the coveted 12 Outstand- those competitions and congratulate the ing Airmen of the Year award. competitors, the winners and all those involved who make these competitions Th e Army National Guard’s Best War- ons, and a nine-mile road march with full happen. rior Competition (BWC) is similar in that it begins with Soldiers competing combat equipment. While there are many diff erences in how at the unit level. Th ose winners then Additionally, they face an appearance these contests are conducted, the results go on to compete at the battalion level, board where they are asked approxi- are the same – to identify the Best of the before moving on to state competition. mately 90 questions within 30 minutes Best. Th e State BWC was a three-day event on general military topics, followed by conducted at Camp Dodge March 27-30, Th e Air National Guard’s competition, a written exam and an essay. Th is was a with 21 Warriors representing each of the the Outstanding Airman of the Year hard fought contest, which came down to Iowa National Guard’s major subordinate (OAY), is an arduous selection process the very last event to determine the best commands. conducted by the State Command Chief, of the best (See enclosed article). Command Chief Master Sgt. Ed Schell- Th e BWC tests physical strength, endur- Th ese competitions identify the very hase and his team to identify the best ance, and tactical and technical com- best Soldiers and Airman in today’s Iowa Airman, Non-Commissioned Offi cer, petence. Our Warriors competed either National Guard, as well as those Soldiers Senior NCO, First Sergeant, Honor head-to-head, or through testing in an and Airman who demonstrate, on a daily Guard Program Manager and Honor Army Physical Fitness Test, a Combat basis, their respective values. My con- Guard Member for the Iowa Air National Water Survival Test, an obstacle course, gratulations go out to all the winners. Guard. both day and night land navigation, com- batives, qualifi cation on assigned weap- Warrior Ready! Th is process starts each August as sub- ordinate units submit nominees for achievements that occurred during the This year’s winners for the OAY competition: calendar year which stand the test of Airman of the Year: Sr. Airman Joshua J. Eernisse, 133rd Test Squadron “whole life/whole career” scrutiny. Th ey NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Randall L. Maines, 133rd Test Squadron are evaluated on three main areas – Lead- Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Brenda Safranski, 132nd Fighter Wing ership and job performance in their First Sergeant of the Year: Master Sgt. Keith R. Kutz, 133rd Test Squadron Primary Duty AFSC/MOS signifi cant self-improvement; and base or commu- Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year: Tech Sgt. Emily J Vondrak, nity involvement. Th is process evaluates 185th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard Member of the Year: Staff Sgt. Alex CM Raveling, everything from physical fi tness to profes- 185th Air Refueling Wing sional military education, what they do on-duty and while deployed and what BWC winners for Iowa: they do in their communities. Soldier of the Year: Spc. Seth Arganbright - 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry NCO of the Year: Sgt. Chad Lawson, Headquarters and Headquarters Com- Th e unit-level award winners then com- pany, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division pete at their base level, which occurs in October/November. Base award winners This year, the BWC and OAY State-level winners were recognized during the Adjutants General call by Maj. Gen. Tim Orr and presented the Camp Cup. then go on to compete at the state level They were additionally recognized during the Enlisted Association confer- in January, where they face a Joint Forces ence, along with the Outstanding Army Soldier and NCO of the Year.

22 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012 Chaplain's Corner Chaplain (Col.) Paul Lippstock, State Chaplain him in an unconventional family, like his friend, Mary Clemens. She But not forgotten an Th is.” It was recollects, “Bill showed love and care for everal months ago I presented an article people that everybody else seemed to reject. entitled “No Greater Love Th He had a soft spot for orphans. I should Sabout 32-year old Father Aloyius Schmitt, know. I was one of them.” the fi rst chaplain killed in Word War II on Dec. 7, 1941. He was stationed onboard the USS Oklaho- But Bill also had an adventurous side. He was ma in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He spent his childhood always looking to make life interesting. His in St Lucas, Iowa, and was ordained a priest for the cousin Tom Meany recounted, “Bill had no fear of anything. He had no fear at all.” Archdiocese of Dubuque. rst In today’s article I present “But Not Forgotten,” Faith was also another characteristic he em- about 42-year old Father William Barragy, the fi bodied. From a very young age he knew he chaplain to die in combat in the Vietnam War on was going to be a priest and wanted to be the May 4, 1966. He spent his childhood in Rockwell, “Pope of Rockwell, Iowa.” Iowa and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese e answer is In 1941 the United States entered WWII. of Dubuque. Just a few months earlier, he had enrolled How do you measure someone’s life? Th at Loras College in Dubuque, following his often how we impact the lives of others. If that's the call to become a priest. As many young men case, then Bill led quite a life. He was a humanitar- rushed to join the military, Bill was “torn” ian, a man of faith, a hero. Simply put, he did it all. between entering the service and following the call to become a priest. Born in 1923 in Kansas City, Mo., Bill was the He decided to stay at Loras, but it didn’t sit youngest of three siblings. His parents cult, separated especially early, so he was sent to his uncle in Rockwell. “To well with everyone. Some branded Bill a grow up without a father was diffi “coward,” some a “draft-dodger,” because he was in the priesthood. erenceHe would in his never life. forget during the timeit gave of the him Great an insight Depression. into what But it was like to otherbe at theend this and it made a diff of the pole, To do his part, Bill agreed to pray for a Sol- especially dier every day. He also sent Rosaries overseas to chaplains to give to the enlisted. It marked economi- . the beginning of his service to God and cally,” said Pro Deo et Patriot country... his nephew Robert After graduation from Loras, he was sent to Meisch. But not forgotten Bill was espe- continued on page 21 cially able to relate to orphans, who grew up like

Fall 2012 | The Iowa Militiaman | 23 Unemployed? We can help! JCEP is an employment partnership initiative, funded by the National Guard Bureau, designed to provide relevant and timely workforce training and job-placement assistance to Iowa National Guardsmen and their spouses. • Employment assistance ` • Interviewing Skills • Online job search training • Referrals • Preferred hiring by partner employers • One on One Counseling • Resume Assistance • Mock Interviews • Job Blasts • Personal assistance throughout the state

For Employment Assistance call: Camp Dodge Offi ce: 515-252-4285 / 4145 or Toll Free: 800-294-6607 x4285 / 4145 24 | The Iowa Militiaman | Fall 2012