TAG Update Fall 2009 COMMAND INFORMATION for the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT of MILITARY and VETERANS AFFAIRS

TAG Update Fall 2009 COMMAND INFORMATION FOR THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

From The Adjutant General Two more milestone missions and their associated achievements are now in the Pennsylvania National Guard record book. The 56th Stryker Brigade’s deployment to Iraq and our support of the G-20 Conference in Pittsburgh were missions completed to the highest standard.

The Stryker Brigade performed superbly in a difficult combat environment. Very few Army units have assembled, equipped, trained and deployed at such a rapid pace. Further adding to this accomplishment is that the majority of our force is comprised of citizen soldiers and this performance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The 56th Independence Brigade proved to the Army that fielding the Stryker in the Pennsylvania National Guard was the right investment for our nation.

While juggling the return of the 4,000-member Stryker force, another 2,500 Soldiers and Airmen deployed as a joint task force to support the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. With the eyes of the world on G-20 leaders, Pennsylvania National Guard personnel ensured a safe and secure environment by working closely with local, state and federal agencies.

While visiting Pittsburgh, I was so impressed with not only our troop’s professionalism, but also the community’s outpouring of support and encouragement. Our strength has always been that we are a community-based force – and once again – that was proven in Pittsburgh.

Two more tremendous accomplishments are now added to our long and distinguished lineage. Good work and well done!

Sincerely,

JESSICA L. WRIGHT MG, PAARNG The Adjutant General

Air Guard Updates

171st Air Refueling Wing

Deployments Col. Mark Van Kooten, the 171st ARW maintenance group commander, returned from a 70-day deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq. Twenty-eight members of a 40-member security forces team that deployed in February to Sather Air Base, Iraq, and returned in mid August. Their support directly contributed to operations in Iraq. The group was divided into three teams responsible for the security of crucial military base infrastructure and assets. Lt. Col. Steve Painter served as commander.

Orientation flights/community relations The orientation flight program has provided a firsthand experience of the wing’s mission to over 140 people. These flights included air traffic controllers, educators, law enforcement personnel and employers. The wing is proud to continue this tradition and provide this experience to the community. Six wing members and members of the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and 911th Airlift Wing took part in the Honorary Commanders Association event on Aug. 13. The HCA and military members boarded a C-130 at the 911th, then flew to Baltimore and toured the Army’s naval facility in Baltimore. The HCA members were awed at the abilities and logistical mastery of the Army and their naval vessels. The wing continued its relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates by having unit members record “shout outs” to their family and friends. These contain videos of unit members in uniform, saying hello to family and friends and yelling “Let’s Go Bucs!” One “shout out” is then played during the opening ceremonies of every Pirate home game. As of the end of August, over 50 unit members have recorded the spots.

Events The wing celebrated its 26th annual dining out event on Aug. 21. More than 300 people gathered to celebrate the unit’s accomplishments throughout 2009 and recognized individuals who exceeded their commander’s expectations. Airman 1st Class Lisa Weiss sang the national anthem as the base honor guard proudly posted the colors to begin the ceremony. The president of Robert Morris University, Gregory Dell‘Omo, was guest speaker. He explained the role of the university in the community and the importance of tradition in both the military and education.

111th Fighter Wing

Change of Command The former 111th Maintenance Group Commander, Col. Anthony Carrelli, assumed command of the 111th Fighter Wing in a change of command ceremony at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station on Aug. 2. Col. Paul Comtois, outgoing commander, retired from his military career to pursue other endeavors. A highly respected and dynamic leader, Col. Comtois was the driving force behind the post-BRAC vision to turn the base at Willow Grove into a joint interagency installation, an essential step in supporting important national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness missions.

Miscellaneous Guardsmen from the 111th FW participated in the Bicentennial Festival in Philadelphia July 2-5. The four-day event honored President Lincoln’s life, legacy and strong personal and political connection to Philadelphia. The 103rd Fighter Squadron performed two, three-ship flybys during the Independence Day Celebration in downtown Philadelphia on July 4. They first flew over the Southampton Parade and then over Independence Hall. Volunteers from the wing unfurled a giant American flag during the July 4 Phillies game opening ceremony while Tech. Sgt. Jody Johnson from the 111th Medical Group sang the National Anthem. The 111th FW and its members received praise for receiving a 96 percent compliant rating for a unit compliance inspection that occurred from July 9-14. Senior Master Sergeants Harley Delp (111th Communications Flight), Thomas Hickey (111th Communications Flight) and Alice Jenkins (111th Force Support Squadron) were promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant on July 12. The wing sent a four-member public affairs team to support Patriot 2009 at Volk Field, Wis., from July 17-24. In a combined recruiting effort with Clear Channel Outdoors Inc., the 201st RED HORSE Squadron, Det.1, unveiled a billboard next to Interstate 95 in Southampton, Pa., Aug. 8. Sixteen members of the 111th Maintenance Group deployed during the first week of August to a forward operating location at Fort Drum, N.Y., in support of the103rd Fighter Squadron.

193rd Special Operations Wing

Red Horse The Red Horse is on the road again, with 115 members deploying for seven months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This is their third major deployment since Sept. 11, 2001. The Red Horse also deployed 44 members to Guam recently for two week rotations.

211th Engineering Installation Squadron The EIS was recently notified that it received the prestigious Combat Communications Safety Award. Additional unit type code requirements were recently added to the rotation increasing our personnel requirement by 30 percent. Also, the squadron recently completed the Patriot 09 exercise in Bangor, Maine, and is currently in the midst of installing the protected distribution system at the 193rd’s Middletown base. The 211th also completed the first phase of the Ellsworth Air Force Base survey project, where it discovered and corrected numerous deficiencies with the base cable labeling and infrastructure blueprint.

271st Combat Communications Squadron The 271st was recently notified that it won the Brig. Gen. John E. Nolan Award for outstanding combat communications group unit of the year. The unit also deployed four personnel to southwest Asia in support of OEF and OIF and 92 personnel, seven pallets, and four pieces of rolling stock to Camp Dawson on a ten day annual field training operation readiness exercise. Most recently, the squadron supported the Red Rose IV exercise with personnel and communications equipment.

Schoolhouse The Air National Guard Schoolhouse trained 1,800 students in Fiscal Year 2009. More than 100 classes were offered in civil engineering and engineering installations, while the Services Regional Training Site

3 trained six services flights and the Regional Equipment Operators Training Site trained 12 civil engineer units.

112th Air Operations Squadron Unit personnel deployed in support of the Central Command Combined Air Operations Center and Special Operations Center and also at the 611th Air Operations Center, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The unit also celebrated its 60th anniversary with a gathering of 70 alumni.

Miscellaneous The 203rd Weather Flight and the 148th Air Support Operations squadron deployed in support of the 56th Stryker Brigade. The 553rd Band did a phenomenal job again this quarter, playing 16 performances throughout Pennsylvania during the summer. The 193rd Medical Group had an excellent summer, with three of their members receiving Army Commendation Medals and three receiving Army Achievement Medals for their support of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team at Fort Indiantown Gap. Two other members received an Army Commendation Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal for their respective work in Operation Enduring Freedom and in Honduras. Eight group members also participated in the recent Red Rose IV exercise at the Gap. The Operations Maintenance and Support groups had approximately 70 people deployed on a rotating basis since April, flying Commando Solo missions in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Within the support group, 13 members of the Services Flight deployed in support of the Air Expeditionary Force on Sept. 10. Also noteworthy was the group’s recent notification that the Services Flight received the Air National Guard Services Flight of the Year Award for 2008. The wing experienced another excellent quarter with notification that it was the recipient of its 13th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. The wing also scored high on its fourth unit compliance inspection for the year. As the Bollen Range closed out the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2009, it supported some 3,000 sorties (the average is 2,000 per year), resulting in 78,000 rounds strafe; 4,850 BDU-33s; 500 rockets; and 600 surface to air missiles being fired.

Stryker Brigade Combat Team

Independence Brigade completes mission The 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, has completed its mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first wave of returning soldiers began arriving at Fort Dix, N.J., in late August and additional soldiers returned to Fort Dix in September before returning to Pennsylvania. Their return marks the end of a year-long mobilization of the only Stryker Brigade in the National Guard and more than six months of combat operations north of Baghdad.

The 4,000-member brigade served as part of a multi-national division operating north of Baghdad in more than 800 square miles, including the areas of Abu Ghraib, Taji and Tarmiyah. They conducted more than 800 combined operations with Iraqi Security Forces. Also during the deployment, the 56th captured seven brigade-level, high-value targets; 80 other targeted individuals; and completed more than $22 million in essential services projects that helped rebuild communities north of Baghdad.

Directorate of Operations

Training The main events for the training section in the fourth quarter of 2009 have been the coordination and execution of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team demobilization and the preparation for deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom for Companies C and D of the 1-110th Infantry and Company B, 1-109th Infantry. We provided a command and control cell and organized the demobilization support effort to the 56th Brigade. The training section played a key role in the augmentation of Fort Dix operations, considerably expediting the throughput of Stryker soldiers. This effort resulted in soldiers returning to their families earlier than would otherwise have been possible. The lessons learned have been codified into a standard operating procedure document and planning is already under way for the support of the Combat Aviation Brigade when it returns this winter from its deployment to Iraq.

Marksmanship Training Unit The Small Arms Training Team trained 2,563 Army and Air personnel to date this year, including 2nd Brigade Soldiers who assisted with the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. The Marksmanship Advisory Council Region II Sustainment Training Exercise was conducted on Aug. 15-16, with 43 Army and Air personnel from five states participating. They fired the M16, M9 and the M240 B. The Governor’s 20 event was conducted on Aug. 22 with 38 Pennsylvania Guard personnel participating.

Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element During the fourth quarter, the PTAE certified pre-mobilization training for the 528th Finance Detachment; the leaders and trainers of the 228th Engineer Company; and the Soldiers of Detachment 22 Operational Supply Airlift Command. The certification was accomplished during their 21-day annual training and during drill weekends. Members of the element have been actively involved with the development of pre-mobilization training for upcoming missions for the 1-110th Infantry; the 1-109th Infantry and the 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Element members are continually revising lanes and lane training based on modifications of the 32 Army warrior tasks and 12 battle drills from the First Army. Additionally, select personnel from the PTAE assisted Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Officer Candidate School program during their field leadership lanes training exercise.

Mobilization and readiness We continue to support anti-terrorist missions around the globe. Currently, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard has units deployed in various areas to support this effort.

The 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team recently de-mobilized at Fort Dix after a successful deployment. The 28th Combat Aviation Brigade is due to de-mobilize at Fort Dix during the winter months. 828th Finance Detachment is currently serving in Iraq and is due home in the spring. Deployments in the upcoming winter months include Detachment 22 Operational Support Airlift Command and Companies C and D of the 1-110 Infantry.

166th Regiment Since July 1, the regiment has been running at full capacity, training approximately 1,700 students from across the nation in the full spectrum of sustainment, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and Non- Commissioned Officer Education System training. Additionally, through the regional Officer Candidate School programs, we have commissioned 22 Soldiers as second lieutenants and five Soldiers as warrant officers.

We have seen the change of responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. James Vail to Command Sgt. Major Krista Griffith. Also, in September we welcomed back 22 Soldiers that had deployed with the 56th Brigade in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Simulations The summer brought about new training opportunities with the Deployed Digital Training Campus. This system entered its maturity by earning the authority to operate designation. This allows the training campus to be connected to Army networks and paves the way for a Guard internet connection in the future.

The digital campus program consists of four sets of 21 laptops; a server suite; and a small satellite dish which communicates with a base/earth station located at Fort Indiantown Gap. The systems allow for full web connectivity, providing services such as web-based email, web-based courseware and web-based video-teleconference capabilities. In addition, the system carries Microsoft Office programs which allow for administrative support. Each digital campus comes with a projector, speakers and a printer.

Several units used the digital campus program during annual training. The 154th Quartermaster Battalion utilized a set for over 150 hours in support of unit training for drivers, security clearances and operator training. The 1-109th Infantry used the system extensively on driver training and administrative support of their exercises. They used it for over 500 hours in two weeks. The 55th Brigade also used the system for pre-mobilization training and administrative support for two weeks in August.

The digital campus was also used to support the return of the 56th Brigade at Fort Dix, N.J. All four sets were critical for command and control capabilities, with their ability to access web-based services that assist the soldiers with post-deployment and transition assistance. The support cell also used a digital campus for administrative assistance. The satellite-based communications capability allowed for simultaneous operations at four locations without interfering with New Jersey National Guard, Army Reserve and other outside networks, yet still provided the critical information technology support soldiers and units require.

Finally, two sets were used for the command, control and administrative support of the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. The sets covered numerous communications issues, including computer support without the need for hard wired systems. This capability allowed Soldiers to support missions without the complexity of creating temporary users on existing systems. The satellite feature once again was critical to success; the digital campus network allowed for units to communicate with each other without tying up existing hard wired Army and Air networks. The digital campus is proving to be both relevant and needed for all aspects of the National Guard mission.

Medical Battalion Training Site During the past quarter, the site opened its doors as one of two National Guard training sites qualified to conduct 68W Healthcare Specialist course. This challenging course was conducted this summer, culminating with the graduation of 22 highly trained medics.

Requests for Combat Lifesaver courses continued to increase. Mobile training teams consisting of 11 personnel were established and four separate iterations were sent to Kaiserslautern, Germany. Their mission was to conduct Combat Lifesaver in support of deploying troops from the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. A total of 411 troops received initial training as combat lifesavers, with 120 receiving sustainment training. With the addition of these training numbers, the Medical Battalion Training Site has conducted Combat Lifesaver for approximately 800 soldiers.

Our support of the state partnership program between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania continued with a joint training exercise conducted from Aug. 24-25 at Fort Indiantown Gap. Personnel from CERF-P (Pennsylvania Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force) team and the Lithuanian contingent received training in tactical combat casualty care.

Site improvements to our simulated combat training lanes continued with the addition of a new scent wave delivery system. This system is capable of producing smells such as raw sewage, burning flesh, gun powder and burning vehicles. With the addition of this scent system, realistic training continues to be enhanced throughout our training lanes.

Facilities and Engineering

Stryker Brigade projects The status of ongoing readiness center and field maintenance shop construction projects for units that are part of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team is listed below. The figures listed indicate the percentage of construction that has been completed as of mid September.

Bradford Readiness Center – complete, except for new food service equipment. Butler Readiness Center – complete, except for paving of military equipment parking lot. Carlisle Field Maintenance Shop – complete, except for emergency generator. Elizabethtown Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop – ready for occupancy; unit starting to move in. Lewiston Readiness Center – complete, except for furniture, due to arrive shortly. Northampton County Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop – 90 percent complete. Punxsutawney Readiness Center – completed. Reading Readiness Center – complete, except for lockers and punch list items. Hollidaysburg Readiness Center – 42 percent complete. Huntingdon Readiness Center – 76 percent complete. South Mountain Readiness Center – 70 percent complete. Kutztown Readiness Center – 42 percent complete. Hazleton Readiness Center – 55 percent complete. Lebanon Readiness Center – 38 percent complete. Philadelphia Readiness Center and Field Maintenance Shop – 35 percent complete. Graterford Field Maintenance Shop – 30 percent complete. Hanover Readiness Center – 43 percent complete. Willow Grove Readiness Center – 43 percent complete. Carlisle Readiness Center – 65 percent complete. Coatesville Readiness Center – construction to begin in 2010. Waynesboro Readiness Center (non Stryker project) – 60 percent complete.

Northeast Counterdrug Program

The Pennsylvania National Guard Counterdrug program continues to fulfill its three-pronged mission to interdict the flow of illegal drugs, reduce the demand for drugs and train law enforcement agencies and community-based coalitions with a drug nexus.

7 The Drug Interdiction and Operations sections support local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in the removal of drugs from the streets of Pennsylvania. Thus far this year, we have helped remove 21 pounds of cocaine and seven pounds of crack cocaine with a street value of $2.25 million; eight pounds of heroin with a street value of $1.7 million; and 590 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of $2.8 million. We are in the midst of marijuana eradication operations and have helped seize 2,684 plants with a street value of $5.3 million. In addition, $3.2 million in currency has been seized.

The Drug Demand Reduction section hosted eight youth leadership camps at Fort Indiantown Gap this past summer. More than 400 youth campers from across Pennsylvania were the first to experience a new curriculum focusing on leadership and team building. Using the military leadership model, the new curriculum focused on providing youth with the opportunities to work as a team, embrace diversity, solve problems and challenge themselves both mentally and physically. The goal of the program is to build future leaders and prepare them with life skills and the commitment to remain drug-free.

During this upcoming quarter, drug demand reduction specialists will prepare for the fourth year of “Stay on Track,” a National Guard school-based drug prevention program taught in middle schools throughout the country. With 17 Pennsylvania schools already committed at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, we anticipate exceeding last year’s participation, which boasted 33 schools, 153 classrooms and 3,886 students.

For the period of July 1 to Aug. 31, the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center served 1,072 local, state and federal law enforcement members and students from community-based organizations. With 9,430 organizations served as of Aug. 31, we are on track for an overall fiscal year total of 11,000 organizations served. During this same time frame, two more iterations of the newly developed National Guard Bureau Counterdrug Aviation Policy Course were executed, providing instruction to over 50 Army and Air Guard pilots.

NCTC has also worked extensively on implementing its first interactive online learning initiative. The recently launched Command Spanish Course is a four month online course that graduated seven students thus far and has 43 actively enrolled. We are also continuing to increase our training capabilities by developing further on-line courses to support the National Guard Bureau training curriculum, and we continue to explore training partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security and to pursue college credit for select NCTC courses.

Military Personnel Office

Recruiting and Retention The Pennsylvania Army National Guard continues to work towards its 2009 fiscal year end strength ceiling of 14,900 quality, deployable Soldiers. Units across the commonwealth have been issued a goal by the adjutant general of .50 percent non-validated pay; as of Sept. 2, the overall state non-validated pay is .66 percent.

In December 2008, the Army National Guard had 368,000 Soldiers. The Army Guard was directed to come within its congressionally mandated authorized strength of 358,200 no later than Sept. 30 of this year. Pennsylvania’s piece was to go from approximately 15,600 to 14,900 quality deployable Soldiers no later than Sept. 30 of this year. This directive caused many recruiting restrictions to be implemented by National Guard Bureau. The restrictions ranged from the inability to request medical and moral waivers to the inability to recruit those who score between 31 and 49 on their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

8 Effective Aug. 31, certain recruiting levers have been lifted if the state maintained a negative end strength of 1.5 percent and are within 1 percent of our assigned end strength ceiling. Currently, Pennsylvania is at 1.5 percent and is permitted to request medical waivers, enlist those who scored between 31 and 49 on the ASVAB and to recruit directly into the state’s end strength rather than contract into the Recruit Force Pool.

Our 2010 fiscal year strength objective is 15,088. Strength maintenance will continue to be a challenge. However, we feel certain that with the units and the Recruiting and Retention Battalion working together as a team we will again be successful and have a state formation of quality deployable Soldiers.

Deployment Life Cycle Division The Deployment Life Cycle team has developed ongoing programs and initiatives to provide our Soldiers and their families the services and resources needed to assist them throughout alert, pre-deployment, deployment, post deployment and dwell time. The DLC team will be conducting 74 one-day events beginning this November and running through June 2010. The Yellow Ribbon events concentrate on addressing potential issues and challenges associated with reintegration following a deployment. The complete schedule of events, which include strong bonds weekends, reunion and pre-deployment briefs, as well as post deployment health reassessments and resiliency seminars, can be found on the MILPO “Sharepoint” webpage.

G.I. Bill Effective Aug. 1, the Veterans Affairs office has been accepting applications from eligible military members for the new Chapter 33 GI Bill. This new education benefit can be used to pay up to 100 percent of tuition at an institute of higher learning; $1,000 per year toward books; and a monthly living allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing of an enlisted member at the pay grade of E-5. More information on this benefit can be found at www.gibill.va.gov. Pennsylvania Guard members who meet the transferability requirements and elect to pass the benefit to their dependents may do so at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB/

Directorate of Information Management

The J6 continues to work toward completing a major initiative with the National Guard Bureau, using Congressional funds to enhance communication capabilities during emergencies. The Pennsylvania National Guard has a mission to provide robust, deployable and interoperable communications to meet the needs of federal, state and local authorities. Upon completion, the current initiative will allow us to coordinate response efforts to civil disasters in all 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia.

In 2008, the J6 contracted with suppliers to design, integrate and field two First Responders Support Network Mobile Systems for use by the Pennsylvania National Guard. The first of these systems is integrated with all new equipment. The second system is integrated and comprised of a combination of new equipment and equipment from an original communications package.

Both systems are self-contained in deployable trailers which can be towed by commercial/tactical vehicles or transported by air directly to disaster recovery sites. The Pennsylvania National Guard expects delivery of both systems by November 30 following on-site testing and evaluation by J6 technicians. This is scheduled to take place in Georgia in October.

Eastern Army Aviation Training Site

Aviation Support Battalion The newest version of pre-deployment aviator training (PDAT) was implemented in August. PDAT now utilizes the aviation combined arms tactical trainer located to train aviators in the use of the electronic data manager (EDM). PDAT trains deploying National Guard aviators in order to enhance their effectiveness in avionics loading, mission planning and other technical skills.

The Eastern AATS recently implemented a new course, the instrument flight rules standardization course, in an effort to improve aviator flying skills. This course is open to all Army aviators, but focuses on redeploying National Guard aviators who are entering the National Airspace System (NAS) after more than 12 months in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

With the addition of the second Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) Cockpit Procedural Trainer (CPT), the Eastern AATS expanded its capability to support LUH schoolhouse training and regional simulator support. Cockpit Procedural Trainer No. 2 is also now operational. These are the only UH-72A training devices in the Army inventory.

Our last remaining UH-1 simulator will transfer to Beirut, Lebanon, through the Foreign Military Sales office. Removal of the Huey simulator is scheduled for this month. Only one UH-1 simulator, located in Germany, remains in the Army inventory.

The Eastern AATS Medical Company is anticipating increased flu shot requirements this fall due to the H1N1 vaccines. The company recently supported the TF ODEN (USAR) deployment to Iraq, which required a large amount of flight physicals above and beyond the normal throughput.

Aviation Training Battalion During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009, the Eastern AATS continued training the UH-72 Lakota. Through the end of September, the EAATS trained 39 students in the UH-72 instructor pilot transition course. The course is designed to take both National Guard and active duty instructor pilots and train them to become instructor pilots in the new UH-72 aircraft.

Implementation of the UH-72 aircraft qualification course and the UH-72 enlisted flight instructor course began in the spring of this year. Through September, both courses trained a total of 27 students. Training continues to be in very high demand due to the aggressive fielding schedule for the UH-72 throughout the Army. The Eastern AATS received its fifth and sixth UH-72s in March and April, respectively. These additional aircraft have allowed the training site to increase course capacity to meet the training demand of both National Guard and active Army units.

During the fourth fiscal quarter, the Eastern AATS conducted its first class iteration of the UH-60 maintenance test pilot course. The course is in high demand by both active and reserve component aviation units. The five-plus week course is designed to take experienced Army aviators and train them as maintenance test pilots for the purpose of standardizing maintenance tasks performed on the UH-60. In the past this course was only taught at Fort Rucker, Ala. The first two course graduates completed their training at the Eastern AATS in September. Future plans call for training 16 students next year at the Eastern AATS in addition to those programmed for training at Fort Rucker.

10 Staff In August, the entire Eastern AATS staff participated in a resource intense National Guard Bureau manpower study. The study was done in three phases over three weeks. The phases were orientation, work center development and measurement. The manpower group consisted of three NGB personnel and over 30 consultants. Approximately 650 staff tasks were measured and the entire manpower study utilized 1,149 Eastern AATS man-hours to accomplish.

Six Eastern AATS personnel, representing Task Force Aviation, manned the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Joint Emergency Operations Center during the G-20 conference in September. In July, the Eastern AATS conducted a change of command with Lt. Col. Todd R. Levendoski assuming command from Col. Timothy J. Hilty. Hilty is now the chief of staff for Joint Force Headquarters.

State Army Aviation Office Combat Aviation Brigade The 28th Combat Aviation Brigade has been the primary provider of aviation support to the Multi- National Division-South in Iraq since May 12. Headquartered in Tallil, Iraq, the CAB is supporting a variety of missions with its four geographically separated subordinate National Guard battalions.

Mission support includes both utility and cargo mission sets that enable the Division at both the general support and the direct support command structures. Additionally, the CAB provides continuous attack weapons team coverage throughout MND-S battle space with both a general support role to the Division and in a direct support role to the subordinate brigade combat teams The CAB also provides uninterrupted medical evacuation flights in support of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Finally, the CAB provides command and control aircraft for the Division leadership and an aerial reaction force for short notice scenarios.

The CAB consists of the brigade headquarters, the 2 -104th General Support Aviation Battalion, the 628th Aviation Support Battalion, the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion based in New Jersey, and the 1- 130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion out of North Carolina. These battalions are task organized and provide the best support to the Division and the brigade combat team commanders that own the battle space within the operational environment.

Human Resources Office

Technician Branch The Human Resource Office hosted training for new supervisors in August. This training is designed to prepare full time force supervisors to handle a very diverse and changing workforce. Supervisors were trained in the latest performance management techniques, position classification and position staffing requirements and were given detailed instruction in labor management relations. Feedback from our recent classes strongly supports that this training is both essential and extremely beneficial for new supervisors.

HRO also supported a request from the Association of Civilian Technicians to join them in a training session for their union stewards. A presentation was given by HRO outlining the current "state of the program" updates on projected strength in the future, and an overview of the Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The program was recently published by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

11 Several briefings were presented to employees at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station to better prepare them for the upcoming change in mission at that location.

Due to a significant increase in Army Active Guard Reserve (AGR) end strength, the HRO has been engaged in an aggressive AGR hiring program throughout this year. Deployments have also created numerous employment opportunities for temporary hires in the technician program throughout the state.

HRO hosted the second annual Unity Day event on Sept. 17 in Building 8-80. Norman Bristol Colon, director of the Governor’s Commission for Latino Affairs, was the guest speaker. As was the case last year, the event proved very popular, with numerous offices showcasing their culinary expertise by providing a wide variety of ethnic foods to sample for those in attendance.

AGR Branch During this past summer, the AGR Branch continued to experience a fast pace operational environment as the state closed in on its end of year target of 1,380 AGR Soldiers and 332 AGR Airmen.

The Army program continues to be the largest in the nation. And, with the additional Air program, Pennsylvania continues to be in the top three states in overall size of force in the country. In September, more than 240 AGR Soldiers returned with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team. AGR Soldiers and Airmen have participated in every mobilization the state has had this past year. Additionally, the AGR Branch resourced over 135 Soldiers to temporarily backfill mobilized AGR Soldiers and administratively reviewed an additional 550 individual packets to provide active duty operational support to the Pennsylvania National Guard.

State Equal Employment Managers Office The Human Resource Program Advisory Board meets quarterly to discuss upcoming diversity events as well as identifying population demographics comparing civilian population trends with Army and Air National Guard strength figures. Coordination continues with the Recruiting and Retention Commands to host high school students with tours of Fort Indiantown Gap. Upcoming events included the second annual Unity Day, which was held on Sept. 17. The advisory board continues to have success in developing partnerships between the Pennsylvania National Guard and commonwealth agencies and communities.

Public Affairs Office

Guard members play vital support in G-20 Summit Under the direction of the U.S. Secret Service, more than 2,500 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supported local, state and federal agencies by providing security and mission support during the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Sept. 24-25. Missions included serving as a regional response force, augmenting law enforcement personnel, performing crowd control, providing traffic control, and assisting with security.

“Ensuring a safe and secure environment in the state is an important mission for the Pennsylvania National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Randall Marchi, Operation Steel Kickoff commander and commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard. “We utilized a dedicated team of military personnel to successfully carry out this important mission.”

Guard and DMVA Public Affairs personnel from Joint Force Headquarters worked in concert with the Secret Service and publicized the Guard’s role in the event through satellite video feeds made available to media across the commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania National Guard has supported past high-level events, including the presidential inauguration. More than 1,300 of its Soldiers and Airmen were deployed to Washington, D.C. to support the January event.

“Our Soldiers and Airmen once again demonstrated the relevance, value and accessibility of the Pennsylvania National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard. “When our communities, commonwealth and country need us, we are always there.”

The Pennsylvania Guard’s role in the summit drew special recognition from Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau. In a correspondence to Maj. Gen. Wright, McKinley wrote: “A very sincere thank you from all the folks involved here in the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. You and your very professional staff did an outstanding job of preparation and execution of a very complex, multifaceted event. Everyone I have spoken with here in the Pentagon has been complimentary on the outcome and wanted you to know how grateful we are of your efforts. Please pass my thanks on to your entire team who made this look so easy.”

The stories appearing below were filed by Public Affairs Office personnel while on location at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh.

Operation Steel Kickoff starts with preparation Filed Sept. 20

PITTSBURGH – More than 2,500 Pennsylvania National Guard members moved into place Sunday for Operation Steel Kickoff, an upcoming National Security Special Event in support of the international G- 20 Summit in Pittsburgh.

The mission started with a joint reception, staging, onward movement and integration point process lead by the 213th Area Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Allentown, which began working out of a hanger at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa.

In short, the JRSOI process acts as the gateway for the Soldiers and Airmen deployed for this mission.

“We’re the support role, helping the Soldiers and Airmen get out and do the things they need to do,” said Army First Lt. Matthew Springer, 213th ASG, team leader for Operation Steel Kickoff’s JRSOI. “Our focus is on ensuring the war fighter is getting the things they need to be successful in their mission.”

The mission starts administratively, Springer said.

“We’re checking for ID cards, orders, dog tags, and critical personnel information,” said Springer. “Once they’re in-processed, Soldiers and Airmen move to medical where they receive their flu shots.”

This is the first joint operation of this magnitude for the 213th ASG and because it is taking place in their home state, OSK has left many with an extra sense of pride.

“It’s always a great experience when you can help, especially when it’s here on the home front, a mission right here in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Springer.

After being processed through medical, the service members are briefed by public affairs, legal, medical and intelligence. Once they’ve completed the briefings, they’re ready to go do their mission, said Springer.

Following the check-in process, Soldiers and Airmen wasted no time in practicing techniques needed to help support local, state and federal authorities keep Pittsburgh safe as demonstrators take to the streets in protest of the summit.

Several hundred joint task force service members practiced throughout the day with movement techniques, formations and crowd and riot control at the 171st ARW and Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s Crane Armory, Pittsburgh.

“We’re working hard right now because we have Army and Air Force members who haven’t trained together before,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bittner, Mt. Pleasant, Pa., a platoon leader from 1/110th, D Company. “We are working to mesh because we all take a lot of pride in this mission.”

For some Pennsylvania Air National Guard members, this was their first mission of its kind.

“This is definitely a different mission,” said Master Sgt. Pauline Gonzalez, a 23-year veteran and personnel specialist with the 211th Engineering Installation Squadron based at Fort Indiantown Gap. “It’s very hard and very challenging, but it’s been a rewarding experience.”

As the sun set on the first day of training for the big event, the Pennsylvania National Guard continued to practice in case protests become a threat to people and property.

“We have a duty and responsibility to make sure the citizens are protected,” said Gonzalez. “Demonstrators have their rights, but they have to exercise them peacefully and within the law.”

Preparation continues for Operation Steel Kickoff Filed Sept. 21

PITTSBURGH – Soldiers from Operation Steel Kickoff participated today in a site survey and community outreach mission aimed at getting acquainted with civic leaders, business owners and the streets of Pittsburgh in anticipation of the G-20 Summit here later this week.

“Our main challenge is getting to know the area,” said Army 1st Lt. Mike Bromley, C Company, 1-110th Infantry, Connellsville. “We want to see if we can get some rapport built with the people we’re going to be working around for a couple days.”

Due to street closures, working with local law enforcement to plan logistics and tactics of transportation is going to be another key step of preparation, said Bromley.

“We need to see where we can stage our gear, what assets we can get as far as storing gear, where we can have our drop off points and where Soldiers can get in and out of the vehicles,” Bromley said.

With disruption of normal traffic patterns and an influx of protesters who will use the Summit as a backdrop to exercise their rights, some tensions have started to build among native Pittsburghers.

Nichole Jones, a resident of Pittsburgh and a sales associate of a downtown store, said she’s a little scared to see how the city will handle the G-20 because it is a very busy city with large numbers of commuters.

“It feels a lot better to know when someone is here and seeing you (service members) here is a sense of security,” Jones said.

14 As for Bromley and the rest of the troops of the 110th, morale is high.

“We’re happy our company got this mission,” said Bromley. “We’re hoping things will go without incident, we’ll maintain neutrality with the public and let them know that we’re here for their safety and to protect property.”

Guard members preparing mentally, physically for G-20 Filed Sept. 22

PITTSBURGH – Soldiers and Airmen from across the commonwealth are preparing to protect the people in light of the approaching G-20 Summit, Sept. 24 -25. Today’s training at Hunt Armory focused on civil disturbance for the more than 300 staying here.

“The training is for the possible escalation of force and comes with the use of the baton and shield to get to where we need to be in a crowd,” said Sgt. 1st Class George Fitzgerald, Headquarters Company 128th Brigade Support Battalion, Pittsburgh. Fitzgerald is an instructor for the civil disturbance team used for Operation Steel Kickoff. The civil disturbance training is also taking on a deeper significance for the joint force troops because of the diverse background they come from.

“We took Soldiers and Airmen from a lot of diverse jobs to support this mission,” said Fitzgerald. “Part of our job description in the National Guard is to support the governor and to support the state of Pennsylvania, so this is just giving us training to support our local police officers during the Summit.”

As a native of Pittsburgh, Fitzgerald said he has some concerns about the disruption and possible destruction of the city.

“I’m from Pittsburgh,” he said, “and I don’t want to see someone from outside my city come and cause all kinds of problems for Pittsburgh. I’m a little invested in the mission.”

Spc. Matthew Madrid, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery 1-107th Field Artillery, New Castle, said preparation is the key in maintaining safety and protecting the people.

“Riots are a worst-case scenario and something none of us want to see happen,” said Madrid. “But if it does happen, we all want to be prepared and have the right techniques to keep ourselves safe and ultimately the people safe. That’s the oath we take - to protect the citizens of the United States of America.”

Community pins hopes on Operation Steel Kickoff presence Filed Sept. 23

PITTSBURGH – A driving September rain, diminished foot traffic and the screech of power tools securing screws into plywood and broken brick have turned a once-bustling neighborhood marketplace into a virtual ghost town.

With sweat pouring down their bearded cheeks, shop manager Perry Farina and co-worker Brandon Winters hurriedly board up windows outside their Italian produce store. A storm is brewing, it’s headed their way and these proud natives are taking no chances.

But unlike the painful preparations all too familiar to those who endure fall’s hurricane season, this potential tempest is human made, but no less frightening.

It’s called the G-20 Summit, a meeting of the world’s leading industrial nations centered on talks to drive the global economy. And while it is hoped talks here will benefit billions across the world, citizens in the host city of Pittsburgh are holding their breath that the next few days will not turn into the violent demonstrations marking other such meetings.

“There’s a lot of fear right now that protesters will break out our windows and shut down our businesses,” said Farina. “Everyone’s just scared. But seeing our National Guard on the streets has a lot of people around here feeling better.”

Safer, because more than 2,500 soldiers and airmen from the Pennsylvania National Guard are joining forces in Operation Steel Kickoff with local, state and federal authorities to keep order should crowd control and riots occur within the region.

“We’re hoping that people go out and exercise their rights peaceably and that we aren’t needed,” said Lt. Col. Dale Waltman, task force security commander of more than 600 joint force soldiers and airmen. “But should the need arise, we are prepared to assist with any contingency.”

That suits Kevin Chun, a grocery store owner, just fine.

“We never went through anything like this before,” said Chun whose normally busy store was empty today. As a business owner, I’m concerned, but the Guard being here with local law enforcement and others gives us all a piece of mind and we feel safe.”

Perhaps that’s because 42 agencies from every form of government have been teaming together to make sure protesters can exercise their constitutional rights while world leaders foster relationships and the citizens here remain safe.

“Communications with interoperability are always a challenge,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Richard Timme, Task Force Maritime commander and captain of the port. “But we’ve been together from the beginning and interagency coordination is working really well at this time.”

And as the multitude of agencies fan out across the bridges, buildings and businesses, Farina and Winters continue boarding up their storefront, dependent upon hope and the Pennsylvania National Guard just in case.

Biographies Commanders and senior leaders are reminded to keep a biography on file in the Public Affairs Office. In the past, short-notice requests for senior officer and commander biographies could not be fulfilled due to the lack of a biography on file. Contact the Public Affairs Office at 717-861-8352 for a biography format. You may also visit www.dmva.state.pa.us to view biographies of senior leaders.

Speaking events Interested in speaking at public functions? The Public Affairs Office receives many requests for speakers and would like to include you on the list of available participants. If you would like to participate, the Public Affairs Office will assist you with speaking points for the event. There will be a significant need for speakers for the upcoming Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11. If interested, contact the Public Affairs Office at 717-861-8468.

16 Official DA photos In order to schedule an appointment, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 717-861- 8330. Please schedule photos at least a week in advance. For more information about DA photos, please visit www.dmva.state.pa.us and click on the “other DMVA offices” link on the navigation bar on the left side of the page. Click on “Public Affairs” and access the DA photo link.

Environmental Division Fort Indiantown Gap recycles Recycling has become a big part of Fort Indiantown Gap. With the growing interest in the environment, recycling at the Gap is also on the rise. With many organizations contributing, the Gap was able to recycle 2.2 tons of aluminum cans in 2008. Recycling an aluminum can saves 96 percent of the energy used to make a can from ore, and produces 95 percent less air pollution and 97 percent less water pollution. Energy saved from recycling one ton of aluminum is equal to the amount of electricity the average home uses over 10 years. Have you ever stopped to think about the amount of office paper you go through in a day, a week or a year? Last year, the Gap recycled 68.4 tons of paper! Each ton of recycled paper can save: 17 trees; 380 gallons of oil; three cubic yards of landfill space; 4,000 kilowatts of energy; and 7,000 gallons of water. This means that last year we saved 1,163 trees; 25,992 gallons of oil; 205 cubic yards of landfill space; 273,600 kilowatts of energy; and 478,800 gallons of water.

When you recycle a ton of cardboard, you save nine cubic yards of landfill space and 46 gallons of oil. And last year, the Gap recycled 190.4 tons of cardboard. That’s over 380,800 pounds of cardboard!

Recycling is not only good for the environment, it also saves Fort Indiantown Gap a lot of money. The landfill charges $65.25 per ton to haul away garbage. Recycling, on the other hand, brings in a slight profit for certain commodities, not including the money saved from not sending it to the landfill.

Water Have you ever wondered what happens to all of the used water here at the Gap? In a typical day at work, it is common to use a substantial amount of water. Whether it is by washing your hands, using the restroom, watering your plants, or washing lunch dishes, you are sending that used water somewhere. Here at the Gap, we have an on-post, highly efficient wastewater treatment plant. Not only does it produce exceptionally clean water, it is continually bringing about new ways to save money. Recently, the plant switched to using magnesium hydroxide to help settle solids while filtrating. Previously, they had been using caustic soda, a highly corrosive and dangerous substance. This switch is saving the Gap $225 dollars a day and is much safer for the workers who handle the substance. In the future, the plant plans to have a sludge press installed. The sludge press will extract even more water from the waste (to be recycled back into the plant), which, in turn, will decrease hauling and disposal costs.

The wastewater plant also takes advantage of ultraviolet to kill pathogens in the water and also uses a process to remove nitrogen. Improvements and updates are ongoing as we continue our commitment to making the wastewater treatment plant both cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

Veterans Affairs

Pennsylvania holds first-ever statewide veterans expo The state Bureau of Veterans Affairs held its first-ever statewide veterans expo at the Forum building in Harrisburg June 16. A host of veterans’ service providers from the public and private sectors met to

17 connect with each other and discover what each organization is doing for veterans through Pennsylvania.

The expo focused on what information is currently being provided to veterans and featured briefings by subject matter experts on topics including post 9/11 G.I. Bill; homeless veterans; the VA medical system; and veterans court. All of these topics are currently being discussed within the veteran community and are considered extremely important. The expo also featured an exhibit area, with a wide variety of displays from organizations that support veterans to ones that are looking to hire veterans, such as the Pennsylvania State Police the state Department of Corrections.

“I have been trying to make a connection with the State Police for a long time,” Military OneSource Family Support Consultant Dena Jangdhari commented. “I finally got to make that connection at this expo!”

The event drew the attention of several state legislators, including representatives Marie Swanger, Robert Mench and Don Walko, and Auditor General Jack Wagner. The event drew media support from Pennsylvania Cable Network, Commonwealth Media Services and “What Vets Need to Know,” a show about veterans events produced by Marywood University and featuring the former Lackawanna County director for veterans affairs, Hal Donohue. Brig. Gen. Scott D. Wagner, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs, was optimistic that the expo would pay dividends for veterans in the future.

“We will have to wait and see what the total impact is,” said Gen. Wagner, “but overall, outreach and integration of agencies was a success.”

Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home Jeanette Gualtieri has been selected as commandant of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie. She has been an employee of the home for 29 years and brings with her a wide array of skills and experience.

She began her career at the Erie home in October 1980 when she was hired as the secretary to the director of nursing. Over the years, she worked her way up from her secretary position, and after furthering her education in the area of purchasing, she was promoted to purchasing agent in 1987. She then moved onto the business manager post in 2000 and obtained her nursing home administrator’s license in 2002. Jeanette is a life-long resident of Erie. She resides in Harborcreek, a suburb of Erie, with her husband, Mick.

State veterans’ homes gearing up to be smoke free The state veterans’ home system has taken steps to curtail smoking in the six state-run homes by adopting a new policy that will eventually make the homes entirely smoke free. As of Sept. 1, smoking inside the homes is banned for new residents. Only residents who have been “grandfathered” will be allowed to smoke in inside designated areas. New residents will only be permitted to smoke outdoors.

The rationale behind this decision is based on overall health concerns and a dedication to the care of residents at each home, officials explained. Other than obvious health conditions (cancer and heart disease), current research has outlined the detrimental health consequences associated with second-hand smoke. It is only fitting that the homes take this into account when providing quality care for residents.

Paul Cain, director of the bureau for veteran’s homes, has submitted written notification of the new policy to veterans currently on waiting lists. He strongly feels that this will help negate any unpleasant surprises for those awaiting admission to one of the homes.

18 Officials at the homes anticipate that there will be some resistance to the new policy, but the bureau is determined to see that the policy is executed. Facility staff members are prepared to assist residents and will offer a gentle approach of counseling and a smoking cessation program for those interested individuals.

State veterans’ homes staff step up during budget stalemate The staffs at each of the six state veterans’ homes are accustomed to helping the veteran residents who live at the homes. They assist them with the routine tasks of their daily lives, make sure they have taken their medicine and provide activities and trips for them to occupy their time.

Recently, the staff at three of the homes had to render assistance to an unlikely group: themselves. The budget impasse at the state capitol caused paychecks for all state workers to be delayed for an indefinite amount of time starting on the first of July. This caused financial hardship for many of those who occupy the low-end of the wage scale.

Three of the homes quickly went into action, devising various methods for assisting employees in need. At Southwestern Veterans’ Center in Pittsburgh, the staff took up a collection to purchase gift cards and bus passes for those less fortunate. A system was set-up that ensured confidentiality for the recipients. The program was well-received by the staff. Some employees came forward to ask for assistance and others were identified by their supervisors as potential recipients. On a few instances, anonymous donations were put directly into someone’s hands. A total of $2,025 was raised during this time and additional funds were also committed. The excess funds were returned after the state employees were paid on Aug. 7. Thirty-nine employees benefited from this informal program.

At Southeast Veterans’ Center in Spring City, donations of “food boxes” were solicited from the more well-off members of the staff. Each box consisted of two complete meals for four persons, laundry detergent and toiletry items. The needs of the employee determined the eligibility to receive these boxes. Twenty-seven boxes were distributed. The center also received a donation from “a friend of SEVC” who contributed money for Wawa gasoline cards. The Chester County Food Bank also helped out, offering 2,000 pounds of vegetables for all members of the staff.

19 State Safety Office

Recently the State Safety Office hosted the Principals of Occupational Safety and Health course at Fort Indiantown Gap. The course is designed for anyone with safety responsibilities and, as we all know, safety is everyone’s responsibility in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The SSO works with the Chesapeake Regional Safety Council, located in Baltimore, to provide training to our full technician force. Chesapeake is part of the National Safety Council and provides training to both private and public sector employees in the northeast. Their great teams of instructors have come to the Gap on various occasions to teach a multitude of courses. Many of their courses lead to certificates in safety and occupational health and the PAARNG has more than a dozen technicians who have earned an advanced safety certificate through Chesapeake. The knowledge gained by the students is then passed to the rest of the workforce. Also, after completion of training, many of the students become members of their shops’ safety committees and accident investigation teams.

We have a great partnership with Chesapeake. The training they have provided to our full time workforce has aided in our ability to push the Army Guard safety program to the next level and led to the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 1 being recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as one of the safest places in America to work.

Training opportunities are available to our full time workforce. The safety office can facilitate any training you may need. For further information or to schedule training at your site, please contact the State Safety Office at 717-861-8813 or visit our web site at www.pngsafety.state.pa.us.

Federal order concerning text messaging while driving a motor vehicle Below is a summary of a federal order signed by President Obama on Oct. 9 concerning text messaging while operating a motor vehicle:

With nearly three million civilian employees, the federal government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving. Recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging while behind the wheel highlight a growing danger on our roads. Text messaging causes drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others. Every day, federal employees drive government-owned, government-leased or government-rented vehicles as well as their own privately-owned vehicles while on government business. Some government employees utilize government-supplied electronic devices to text or e-mail while driving. A federal government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for state and local governments, private employers and individual drivers.

All federal agencies are being directed to take appropriate measures to implement the order within 90 days.

U.S. Property and Fiscal Office

Government Travel Card update Cardholders must be trained on the requirements of the travel charge card program and their responsibilities. They will be provided refresher training on a biennial basis thereafter. To accomplish this training, cardholders must use the training available at the defense travel web page https://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/passport. The course is travel card 101. Once a cardholder is finished, a certificate of completion should be faxed to Lauri Kollar at 717-861-8569.

20 A new feature for government travel card delinquency is offered on commanders’ corner by UIC. For authorization to utilize commanders’ corner, contact Sgt. McBroom at 717-861-8461. The point of contact for the travel card program is Sgt. Kollar, who can be reached at 717-861-8766.

Upgrade of Equipment USPFO issued more than $50 million in upgraded equipment, including:

Replaced 15 infantry fighting vehicle personnel carriers with the modern M2A2 version for 55th Brigade Combat Team units at a total cost of $20 million. Issued 105 truck load handling systems to the 2nd Brigade, the 55th Brigade, the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade and the 213th Area Support Group at a cost of $14.4 million. Issued 10 high mobility medium weight vehicles (Humvees) to 213th Area Support Group units at a cost of $350,000. Issued two medium tactical vehicle five-ton wrecker trucks to 2nd Brigade units totaling $338,000. Issued six semi-trailer vans to 55th Brigade units at a cost of $166,000. Issued 12 truck ambulance four litter M997s to the 2nd Brigade and 213th Area Support Group at a cost of $800,000. Issued seven dump trucks to 213th ASG units at a cost of $1.37 million. Issued 29 tractor trailers to the 2nd Brigade and 213th ASG at a cost of $4.8 million.