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Volume 51 No. 3 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol July 2008 Chapman tornado adds real-world mission to annual training By Spc. Jessica Rohr, 105th MPAD On June 11, 2008, at approximately “Being a National Guard 11:30 p.m. Chapman, Kan., was rocked by Soldier doesn’t just mean a devastating tornado that cut a swath through the town, injuring several people that you get called into a and killing at least one. combat zone when the big Nearby, at Fort Riley, the 1st Battalion, Army is short. You do a lot 161st Field Artillery was wrapping up a successful annual training exercise. Once more here at home than the storm passed and all was calm, the people realize.” Soldiers of the battalion were called into Sgt. Matthew Weller action to aid the rescue workers headed toward Chapman for the first 48 hours. The magnitude seemed higher because it The crew of 19 was led by Capt. Dave was the entire town pretty much that was Quintanar and Capt. Dana Graf Jr. The gone since it was so small.” Soldiers and nine humvees rushed to the Before starting their shift, Wright escort- scene, where they quickly integrated with ed Quintanar and Weller on a tour of the local law enforcement, firefighters and impacted area. During this informative emergency personnel. The team was trip, the crew of three was notified that charged with securing the area and not there was a medical emergency nearby. allowing anyone in. Gas and power lines Once on the scene, Weller went into had been severed and the potential hazard action, using his combat lifesaver training of injuring more people was too high to to aid a man who had fallen from his lad- allow anyone into the town. The security der and acquired a deep gouge above his team was also keeping looters out of the right eye. After having assisted the man area and, in turn, protecting the personal From the air, it is easy to follow the path of destruction that cut through the town of and stabilizing him, EMT arrived and belongings and property of the residents. Chapman, Kan., the evening of June 11. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Weller continued to be of help throughout. Quintanar, Graf and their advisor, Sgt. manned and functional, they started a properly to cordon off the area and fully “I am going to put Sergeant Weller in Matthew Weller, with Assistant Chief of “roving” patrol in the inner impact area, as accomplish their mission. for an award,” said Quintanar, “because Police Paul Wright, created a cordon plan well as making routine stops at each check After a few trips around the area Weller with the amount of blood that was flowing consisting of checkpoints and roadblocks point. One of their many duties was to said, “The wreckage was pretty intense, to all of the entrances of the town. Once ensure that their Soldiers were equipped especially since it is such as small town. (Continued on Page 11) 35th Military Police Company receives heroes’ welcome By Jane Welch Guard, they drove by the Kansas National On May 23, 2008, approximately 150 Guard Museum, where they received a Soldiers of the 35th Military Police heroes’ welcome from National Guard Company, Kansas National Guard, retirees and fellow Guardsmen who were returned to Kansas in style on four KC- holding a garrison-size U.S. flag. From 135 Stratotankers flown by the 190th Air there, the Soldiers were taken to Lee Refueling Wing, Kansas National Guard, Arena on the Washburn University cam- based out of Topeka. pus, where their families and friends wait- The unit members arrived at Forbes ed to welcome them home. Field and then got on buses. Escorted by Well-wishers had anxiously been await- members of the Topeka Police Department ing the arrival of the Soldiers. After what and the American Legion Riders/Patriot seemed like an eternity, the Soldiers G-RAP a great way to get paid for what you’re already doing! By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley The greatest tool for any successful Know any broke college students? RA is their recruiter. RAs may pick any It’s simple to help them pay for college recruiter and, according to retired Staff and earn a $2,000 bonus. Sgt. Allan Bingham, that teamwork is Traditional Army and Air Guardsmen, critical. Bingham, who retired from the as well as retirees, are eligible to become Army in 2005, has earned $14,000 Recruiting Assistants (RA), who may through G-RAP. Members of the 35th Military Police Company disembark from a KC-135 receive bonuses for referring potential The top recruiting assistant in the state Stratotanker flown by the 190th Air Refueling Wing. The 190th picked up the members, through the Guard Recruiter is Pfc. Joseph Kinsey, Detachment 1, Soldiers from their demobilization station at Fort Bliss, Texas, and flew them home Assistance Program. Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st Field to Topeka. (Photo by Jane Welch) Senior Master Sgt. Troy Kyle, Artillery, who earned $18,000. He also Recruiting and Retention superintendent attributes much of his success in the pro- marched into the arena and the crowd leapt “Thank you, God. They are home. They for the Kansas Air National Guard, gram to his recruiter. to their feet and started yelling and cheer- are safe.” He went on to say, “Dear Lord, describes G-RAP as an ideal recruiting Sgt. 1st Class Nancy E. White, ing. The looks on the faces of the Soldiers let us pray for all those who still find tool. RAs are familiar with the qualifica- Recruiting and Retention Detachment, showed that they were as happy to see themselves in harm’s way, protecting, tions to be a Guardsman, as well as said G-RAP makes her job much easier. their families as their families were to see serving and honoring our nation.” potential candidates in their own lives. After five years in the job, she is grateful them. Waters gave a brief summary of the 35th “When I first started G-RAP they sent for recruiting assistants. Maj. Paul Waters, the master of cere- MP deployment. The unit was mobilized me a couple T-shirts that said ‘Ask me “If you get a good G-RAPer, you keep monies, introduced the official party which on June 4, 2007, in support of Operation about the National Guard’ and, believe it them happy,” said White. consisted of Governor Kathleen Sebelius; Iraqi Freedom. They completed their or not, people would,” said 2nd Lt. Scott The benefits of a healthy recruiter/ RA Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant gener- mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas. Weber, Detachment 2, 170th relationship are mutual. Pfc. Edward al; Chaplain (Col.) Don Davidson and They arrived in Iraq at Camp Bucca on Maintenance Company, who has earned Magana, 287th Sustainment Brigade, State Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Rodina. Sept. 16 to conduct a detainee operations $13,000 through G-RAP. (Continued on Page 8) Davidson’s blessing, while simple, stat- mission in the world’s largest theater ed everything that needed to be said: (Continued on Page 12) Page 2 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Embedded Training Team returns from Afghanistan deployment By Jane Welch “Almighty God we are humbled by On April 21, 2008, at the Manhattan those who sit before us and by the actions National Guard Armory, 10 members of of these ordinary men who were willing to Embedded Training Team #3 Team go into harm’s way and do what they were Shocker, Kansas National Guard, were called to do,” said McCawley during the welcomed home after their deployment to invocation. “We know that none of them Afghanistan. woke up a year ago and said ‘I’m going to The official party for the ceremony con- be a hero today.’ But as they sit and will sisted of Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adju- stand before us they are heroes.” tant general; State Command Sgt. Maj. After the playing of the National Stephen Rodina; Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Anthem, Capt. Adam Johnson, the master McCawley, Headquarters and of ceremonies gave a brief summary of the Headquarters Detachment, 97th Military accomplishments of ETT #3. Police Battalion, Fort Riley; Sgt. 1st Class ETT #3 was assigned as transition team Gordon Lamb, noncommissioned officer mentors to work directly with the in charge of ETT #3; and Maj. Greg Platt, Afghanistan National Army. Their mission battalion team chief for ETT #3. was to develop and train and guide the Distinguished guests included efforts of their Afghanistan army counter- Congresswoman Nancy Boyda; Col. Vic parts. Team Shocker’s focus was to Braden, commander 69th Troop Command improve Afghan national security and fur- and Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly, ther develop a military which would be command sergeant major for 69th Troop capable of autonomous operations. Command. Upon arrival in Afghanistan, Team

Members of Embedded Training Team #3 wait for their moment to be recognized for their achievements while deployed to Afghanistan. The team spent a year train- ing members of the Afghan National Army. (Photo by Jane Welch) Shocker was split and the Soldiers Soldiers did in Afghanistan. We went and assigned to four separate teams at three trained the Afghan army.” different locations. Their assignments He went on to say “Let me tell you what ranged from administration to support, they really did. These Soldiers went and new unit development to front line com- they trained units that were so good that bat. Team Shocker’s missions took them they were selected as the best unit in the through every imaginable environment country. They were taken out to be com- from cities and urban environments to mandos, which were the elite fighting high deserts and even higher mountains. force of the Afghan National Army and Most Soldiers of Team Shocker returned then they trained the replacements of those home to their loved ones as heroes of free- Soldiers. Collectively, they ran over 500 dom. A few extended their commitments combat service missions throughout the and will remain in Afghanistan for an most hostile part of the country. They additional three months. encountered the Taliban and anti-govern- Johnson concluded by saying “As we ment elements on 60 different occasions watch Old Glory wave on the breeze, it is and they are all still here. They all have 10 an honor to welcome these fine Soldiers fingers and 10 toes. Lastly, they encoun- home.” tered 25 IEDs and took six of them head The volunteers of the Family Readiness on. And won every single time. Ladies and Group were also recognized for being the gentleman, if you ever want to know what Capt. Greg Edson receives a Purple Heart medal from Maj Gen. Tod Bunting, the critical link between Soldiers and home. real American heroes look like, there are adjutant general, for injuries received while serving in Afghanistan. Edson was one Platt addressed the group of family, 10 of them sitting right there. You take of several Embedded Training Team members who received awards and decora- friends and colleagues by saying “You your pick.” tions for their service during the deployment. (Photo by Jane Welch) have all heard the narrative of what these (Continued on Page 13) 1st Battalion, 635th Armor garners Superior Unit Award By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR Vitina Municipality Area of Operations, It was during May 2004, at Fort Riley’s Task Force Tornado conducted 3,623 Tank Gunnery Range 19, that the 1st mounted and dismounted patrols. The task Battalion, 635th Armor started training for force conducted medical community assis- its deployment for its mission to the tance programs, bringing physicians, Province of Kosovo. Now, four years later, optometrists, dentists and veterinarians to the battalion was once again on Range 19 assist the local population. During these conducting M1 Abrams Tank Gunnery. On five MEDCAPs 1,265 patients and 947 ani- May 31, many former and retired members mals were treated. Task Force Tornado con- of the battalion came to be with current cluded its period of service when they con- members as Col. Eric C. Peck, Joint Chief ducted the Transfer of Authority to Task of Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters, Force Alamo on Jan. 10, 2006. The Soldiers attached the Army Superior Unit streamer returned to Kansas on Jan. 27, 2006. to the battalion’s Colors. Following the presentation of the The new streamer joined three others streamer and award, Peck spoke to the streamers that marked the battalion’s past guests and the formation of Soldiers who actions in Normandy, Northern France and had stood down from training to attend the Central Europe. Peck then presented a event. In his address, Peck praised the framed Army Superior Unit Award certifi- exemplary manner in which the battalion cate to Lt. Col. Howard E. Wheeler, battal- had performed during the mission. He also ion commander, on behalf of the Soldiers told of the high praises offered by the lead- of the battalion. ership of the 40th Infantry Division. The Manhattan-based Task Force Col. Matthew A. Raney, 35th Division Tornado entered active duty in October chief of staff, spoke of the officers and non- 2004. The unit deployed to Fort Lewis, commissioned officers that had shaped the Col. Eric Peck, chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas, attaches Wash., for mobilization training. battalion and his military career. He also the Superior Unit streamer to the battalion colors of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor. Following the Task Force Tornado’s spoke of the exemplary manner in which the (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the Combat battalion conducted itself in Kosovo. officer, noncommissioned officer and every event of this type that I can. I miss Maneuver Training Center in Hohenfels, “I am so very proud of these Soldiers,” Soldier takes with them wherever they go. the comradeship of being with the unit.” Germany; the Soldiers deployed to Camp said Raney. “The battalion has always done Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Col. Robert Bloomquist, deputy director Bondsteel, Kosovo, in February 2005. everything in a superior manner. Leading Tiemissen, said “God has blessed me with of the United States Property and Fiscal While in Kosovo, Task Force Tornado and serving with them has been the high being the command sergeant major of the Office, said “I am proud of this battalion served as part of Task Force Falcon, the point of my 27 year military career.” best battalion in the United States Army and my involvement with it. The 635th Multi-National Brigade (East). The task Raney was battalion commander at the and that includes the 35th Military Police will always be with me.” Bloomquist was force served along with the British Royal time of the Kosovo mission. Company.” Tiemissen served in Kosovo as a former battalion commander for the Green Jackets, Task Force Hellas (Greece Wheeler echoed the sentiments of the pre- Company B first sergeant. 635th and served in Kosovo as part of and Armenia), Turkish, Belgium, French vious speakers. He spoke of the proud tradi- Retired Sgt. 1st Class Mike Westfall said Task Force Falcon as the deputy comman- and German forces. During its year in the tions of the battalion, traditions that every “I am very glad to be here. I try to make der, Civil Military Operations. July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Guardsman honored as “Living Legend” Diversity course builds By Sgt. Gilbert Gonzales, 105th MPAD Braving the soggy conditions and dark leadership and teamwork skies, residents of Augusta, Kan., attend- ed the annual Memorial Day program at Elmwood Cemetery sponsored by local veteran’s organizations to pay their respects for their fallen heroes and honor one of their own residents. This year’s guest speaker, Kansas Army National Guard member, Maj. Mike Wallace, was named as the 2008 Living Legend. Augusta Mayor Christie Williams said that Wallace had earned the honor by his willingness to serve the nation in numer- Maj. Mike Wallace, a “living legend” ous deployments, serving as a city coun- of the Augusta community. (Photo by cilman, and serving in numerous organi- Belinda Larson, Augusta Gazette) zations, such as the VFW, American over the years. I think that Mike deserves Legion and the Optimist Club. the recognition as a ‘Living Legend’ in “Councilman Wallace is always ready our community—it’s well deserved for the debate during City Council meet- because of his time and efforts serving ings. It shows he carefully researches our country in hot spots all over the city issues, cautiously weighs the needs globe for over 25 years,” said Crum. of the individual with the needs of the Wallace recently returned from a tour community, and readily voices his expec- in Southwest Asia, where he traveled tations and concerns,” said Williams. extensively throughout Iraq, Afghanistan, “It shows that he has taken his military Kuwait and other countries in perfor- A blind-folded “trust walk” was one of the exercises designed to develop mutual training of ‘being prepared for any con- mance of his duties. He was elected to trust among participants. (Photo by Chief Master Sgt. Danny Walker) tingency’ to a new level and applied it to City Council during the deployment. In By Chief Master Sgt. Phil Mahan and those ideas to be heard and allowing help out the City of Augusta. I enjoy the last 10 years, he has been deployed Chief Master Sgt. Danny Walker opportunity. serving alongside Councilman Wallace.” to Bosnia twice, and has commanded Members of the Kansas Air National 2. Success is the ability to work togeth- State Representative for the 77th several units throughout the Kansas Guard recently participated in a training er. Teamwork will checkmate talent most District, Dr. David Crum, who is a former National Guard. He is now commander seminar to look at diversity from a differ- of the time. mayor of Augusta, applauded Wallace as for the 105th Mobile Public Affairs ent perspective. 3. The most important issue is always well. Crum has a son, Chris, who is in the Detachment in Topeka. He is married to “It’s not your father’s diversity course,” human dignity and total quality respect. Army and is now deployed to Iraq, as well Teresa, and they have three children. said Col. Chip Mattingly. “There is some- These are the two main reasons why peo- as serving in Kosovo, and he knows the The annual event is sponsored by Post thing to be gained by everyone no matter ple will leave an organization. military life is demanding on families. 6746, Leonard Whitehall American their age, gender, or position within the 4. Prejudice is eliminated by developing “I have been Mike’s optometrist for Legion Post 189, Sons of the American organization. I found it to be a rewarding, high performance teams. It doesn’t matter years and have always enjoyed our talks Legion Squadron 189, American Legion healing process that will make me a better what you look like, where you come from, about local, state and federal issues, and Riders Post 189, and American Legion leader and person.” social economics or any other item. What how the military and he have progressed Auxiliary Post 189. The course is indeed a new way to look matters is that everyone is included and at what diversity is and what it is not and engaged as part of the team and helps one to build upon leadership and team work. another. If we are going to lead, then we TriWest donates $12,500 For many people, the word diversity seems must first be trusted; in order to be trusted, By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD the Kansas National Guard Foundation for to be about race, gender, religious back- we must be trustworthy. During the Kansas National Guard Joint a total of $12,500. ground and ethnicity. Although those are 5. True diversity is ensuring diversity of Conference on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in TriWest President and CEO, David J. components of diversity, it doesn’t define thought at all levels of the organization. Topeka, TriWest Healthcare Alliance McIntyer, Jr., personally presented the the whole meaning of diversity. Diversity is innovation of thought and donated $12,500 to Kansas charities. large check for the million pennies. “Since The Diversity Champions course helped allowing those innovations to be brought The first donation was going to take June 2004, our representatives have trav- the 23 members who took the course to forward. place during Saturday’s lectures about eled more than one million miles to sup- better understand others and themselves, 6. Everyone adds talent and value; each TRICARE health insurance benefits. One port the health care needs of 2.9 million build and work as high performing teams, must be developed and offered full oppor- of the attendees to the lecture would turn members of America’s military family,” he build upon their leadership skills and tunity to achieve. We must create opportu- out to be the millionth customer, and in said. “That includes the 21 West region understand how all of this relates to reten- nities for all. that mode, TriWest promised to make a states, to include Kansas. It serves active tion and recruiting. The three-day course 7. Diversity solutions must be situation named recipient an ‘unsuspecting philan- duty Service members, National Guard and challenged each person to understand specific. What works for one person may thropist’ and donate one million pennies Reserve members, military retirees and diversity and to understand stereotypes, not work for others. ($10,000) to the non-profit military organi- their families across the state. Some of the perspectives and belief systems by going 8. Diversity is a philosophy and is zation of their choice. educational briefings we give take place in through several exercises such as the everyone’s responsibility. What am I will- Retired Col. Henry Martin, Kansas Army remote locations so we make sure to do “Blind Trust Walk,” “The Web,” and “The ing to give of myself for the betterment of National Guard, was the millionth customer ‘whatever it takes’ to help our Service Stereotype Exercise.” Each exercise was the team? and he chose to donate the money to the members and their families to understand built on trust, helping each other to suc- 9. You do not have to be one of in order Kansas National Guard Foundation. and take full advantage of their military ceed and building leadership and team- to stand with. Diversity is about building But the granting of monies was not fin- health care entitlements.” work skills. It wasn’t just three days of relationships and understanding. ished. During the night’s banquet, the TRICARE educational briefings are PowerPoint slides; it was three days of The course took all of those corner- company donated an additional $2,500 to available online at www.triwest.com. interactive learning. It was a life-changing stones and allowed each person to go from event, and it helped us to understand that dependence and a feeling that we have no we all make a difference, and we all add control and feeling unsure of responsibility Soldiers get Indy car ride value. to interdependence in which we began to By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke, 105th League car for a few fast laps. The course centered around Nine collaborate, knowing that we were a team. MPAD Fast, however, is a relative term at the Cornerstones of Diversity: We truly began to trust and accept each During festivities at the Kansas Motor Kansas Motor Speedway. The race record 1. Diversity is about inclusion and other as we are but also challenged each Speedway on April 24, members of the hovers around 188 mph with the top quali- engagement – leaving no one behind. It is other to be better, to go that extra mile and Kansas Army National Guard were treated fier posting a speed in excess of 200 mph about bringing ideas forward and to allow never give up. to a pit tour, presentations and a back seat in qualifying runs. This day they would ride in an Indy Racing League car as part take laps at 140 mph, moderate by IRL of their participation in race events. standards, but fast enough to give the rider ESGR undergoing transformation The Army National Guard, the sole mili- the feel and exhilaration of racing in an By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD grams for all the Reserve components of the tary sponsor in the Indy Racing League open wheel vehicle. Gordon Sumner, Jr., Ph.D., who is the United States Armed Forces. These include series, sponsor car number 4, owned by “This might be better than flying,” said Executive Director of the National the Army National Guard, Air National Panther Racing and driven by Vitor Meira. Col. Alan Soldan, State Aviation Officer. Committee for Employer Support of the Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, “This is something that we do for our “Its incredible,” he beamed after exiting Guard and Reserve (ESGR) announced Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Soldiers,” said Sgt. Maj. Tom Holley, the car. “This is really a once in a lifetime that the ESGR is under transformation. He the Coast Guard Reserve. National Guard Bureau Accessions. “It’s opportunity… it’s just incredible!” spoke at the Joint State Conference held in “The most important thing we are good for morale and I think they really have Panther racing managing partner John Topeka from April 11-13, 2008. doing,” said Sumner, “is taking the mili- a great time. It isn’t often you get a chance Barnes feels the same way about the “This volunteer organization is trans- tary outreach and coupling it with the to do something like this. It gets them really Soldiers that Panther Racing and the forming to be more relevant, effective and employer outreach to make a strategic out- pumped up and excited about the program National Guard host at each stateside event. efficient and to be more proactive with the reach program. This will create an envi- and they get to have a lot of fun.” “It is our pleasure to be able to host employer outreach program—to re-ener- ronment so the employer and employee get Soldiers donned the Army National these Soldiers,” he said. “There is no way gize it,” Sumner said. the same pertinent messages at the same Guard race uniform, part of the safety we could repay all that they do. This is just Sumner serves as advisor to the Assistant time and help alleviate any confusion with equipment required, and then climbed into one way we can show our appreciation for Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs on their relationship, and the relationship with the back seat of a modified Indy Racing these true American heroes.” all matters involving employer support pro- their Reserve jobs.” Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • July 2008 Overseas and at home, we’re making a difference By Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting ings at Kansas State University as well as Around the Fourth of July we are quickly several homes. We deployed approximate- reminded of the tremendous sacrifices so ly 40 Guardsmen to help with security fol- many people have lowing these storms and are working made for our closely with FEMA and the Small nation, and I Business Administration to secure funding recently had an and make available loans to assist the resi- opportunity to visit dents and communities as they rebuild. some of the Our neighbors in Iowa and Missouri Kansas Guardsmen have experienced devastating flooding and and women serv- fortunately we have been in a position to ing in Iraq who are help just as others helped us through the making sacrifices storms of 2007. We sent some members of now to help our our incident management teams to help country. It was an Iowa respond to the rising waters as part Maj. Gen. honor to talk with of the emergency assistance compact we Tod M. Bunting them and encourage have with other states. Matt Mercer, them in the tough environment they find Southwest Region Homeland Security themselves in today. They are strong indi- Coordinator, deployed to assist in Iowa’s viduals well suited for the difficult job at State Emergency Operations Center. Alan hand and they are in good spirits, given the Radcliffe, Franklin County emergency daily challenges of war. They are making manager; Marvin Grimes, Anderson the most of their circumstances and some County emergency manager; and Don are using their down time to pursue online Button, Grant County emergency manager, degrees or learn to play guitar, and most deployed to Iowa for a two-week rotation Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting met with senior leaders during a visit to Iraq in June. importantly to keep in touch with family along with building inspector Bobbi Strait (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lorie Jewell) and friends. Your encouragement to them is from Marion County. critical and I appreciate what the families do We’re pleased to be in a position to help recently implemented its strategic imple- be unveiling to the public in Pittsburg. to help their Soldiers and airmen through a and saw what a difference this kind of help mentation plan for 2008 to 2014 and is in There, we have built a new armory on the deployment. We are continuing to work on makes in a disaster. Throughout the the process of closely tracking the initia- grounds of Pittsburg State University mak- ways to better assist our Guard members Greensburg disaster we relied on incident tives outlined in the plan. We encourage ing it the first ever Kansas National Guard through deployments, but we know it’s the management teams to bring their expertise everyone to review the plan posted on the armory to be located on a university cam- families who can make the most difference from their own jobs in emergency manage- home page of our website at pus. The Guard will have 39,000 square with their support. ment and assist the town with response http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral/. feet of the 97,000 square foot facility for Recently, the Midwest has seen its share and recovery. It was the first times our We believe you’ll be pleased with the offices, locker rooms, kitchen and training of storms including deadly tornadoes that state had used the teams and was a tremen- ideas presented and the initiatives under- and support areas, plus an exterior com- destroyed homes in Chapman and Soldier dous success. taken. pound and maintenance bay. The universi- and also hit Manhattan damaging build- The Adjutant General’s Department We also have a new initiative we’ll soon (Continued on Page 5) Soldier to Soldier Take ownership of your files Eat the elephant one bite at a time Chiefs: less than enough, particularly if that By Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Cullen long-term exercise program requires com- I wanted to take a moment in this issue good job is poorly or improperly docu- During my long and fulfilling career with mitment, discipline, and consistency, but to encourage each of you to take owner- mented. Each of us must review our per- the Kansas Army National Guard, I’ve seen many of us can’t see results quickly ship of your official military file. The sonnel file and take a real interest in the many Soldiers struggle with the Army enough and soon get discouraged. All documents content of our officer evaluation reports. Physical Fitness Test. How many of our those good intentions go by the wayside. included in this We must ensure what is being illustrated Soldiers will take Let’s break this down by starting with file and the infor- to someone evaluating our file is an the APFT this year commitment. “Today I’m going to do five mation contained accurate picture of our performance. We without any train- pushups and five sit-ups. You may laugh, in your efficiency should know our rater and senior raters ing between last but that is where you need to start: five reports are key in are saying what they mean to say and year’s APFT and and five. Tomorrow morning I’m going to your career pro- conveying the message they wish to this year’s? I’m get out of bed, stumble to the coffee pot, gression and pro- relate regarding us as professionals. surprised we don’t pour myself a cup of motivation, and then motion. I’m certain each of us could benefit have more serious do my five pushups and five sit-ups. Here I have partici- from an appointment and a visit to the injuries than we do, is where commitment comes in. I will do pated for eight personnel shop to personally get due to the lack of my five and five every day for the next years as a mem- Command Chief involved in our files and our future. preparation leading week. If you do this every day for a week, ber on many of Warrant Officer 5 Take a moment and read the regulatory up to this annual will you actually do only five and five? the federal recog- Mark Jensen requirements for the OER system and event. Command Sgt. Maj. Probably not. Most of us will likely do 10 nition boards for determine if the process your accustomed After talking to Patrick Cullen and 20, or 20 and 30 by the end of the first Warrant Officers being considered for to is the one you find illustrated. If not, Soldiers who barely week. Once we get started, we want to promotion and can comfortably tell you engage with your rater and senior rater pass or even fail, I hear many Soldiers pro- make it a bit more worthwhile. That’s the that we, as Warrant Officers, seem to take and do what is required on your part to claim they’re going to get in shape. nature of a Soldier; to do a little more than little interest in the currency or content of facilitate the correct process. Immediately after the test, we all have the required. Mission first: people always. our files. I’m as guilty as the next person It’s not only personally advantageous dedication of a tent revival. Many Soldiers At the end of the first week, we’re going in falling into a comfort zone that tells me to you as a Warrant Officer; it is your say, “I’ve seen the light! I’m never going to get up 15 minutes early (discipline) and I should be okay if I’m doing a good job. professional obligation. Have a safe and through this pain again!” Then Monday use this time to add a 15 minute walk. Sometimes simply doing a good job is recreational summer. comes around and it’s all a Soldier can do to Notice I didn’t say run, just a brisk walk get out of bed and limp to work. He thinks slightly faster than a normal pace. Enjoy to himself, “The last thing I’m going to do is the morning and experience something continue this pain and torture by working new. Watching and listening to the neigh- PlainsPlains GuarGuardiandian out again.” And the cycle starts all over. borhood waking up is a nice way to start The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content How do we motivate ourselves to begin a the day. Continue this program of five and of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not neces- sarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, fea- fitness program? I have found many ways five and 15 for the next week (or however tures, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be to motivate myself to stay in shape. One is many repetitions you prefer). high resolution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will payment be made for contributions. my desire to climb mountains, bicycle, raft, When I start the third week, I will have The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. canoe, and enjoy evening walks with my taken my morning routine to 30 pushups, Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). wife of 25 years. These reasons, along with 40 situps, and begin my walk with a two- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 the annual Bataan Memorial Death March, minute set of stretches. I start out with five Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office

The Adjutant General’s APFT competition, minutes of walking, followed by a 30-sec- Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office and that pesky annual APFT, have been per- ond run, and alternate running and walking Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Director sonal reasons for me to stay in shape. But until I finish the 15 minutes. By week four, Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting beyond these reasons is a fit for life outlook I have now developed a habit and I am Assistant Director Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 that I want to keep in my life and encourage experiencing some of the benefits of my Editor Sharon Watson others to share with me. new routine. I’m noticing I’m starting to Administrative Assistant Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Someone once said “You can eat an ele- feel better. If I do skip a day, I notice the Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] phant one bite at a time.” Even if you’re difference and start to look forward to my Production Assistant 40 pounds overweight or 40 points short of workout the next morning. I might be jog- Jane Welch passing each event of the APFT, it’s not ging the whole 15 minutes and feeling The Plains Guardian may be read online at impossible to get in shape. You just have pretty proud of the headway I’ve made. http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Plains Guardian current issue.pdf For change of address, contact Jane Welch. to do it a little bit at a time. Starting a (Continued on Page 17) July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Command chief inspires others Ask to take charge of their careers By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley the awards and decorations program. Still in his first year as state Command “I would love to see it excel,” said the Chief Master Sergeant, David Rodriguez Rodriguez. “It’s important to recognize represents the Airmen in the Kansas Air those who deserve it, especially for National Guard to the Adjutant General. morale. It’s contagious.” TAG Rodriguez’s goals as command chief Rodriguez’s goals focus largely on include mentoring, junior enlisted members. He wants to take training and assur- advantage of their ideas and perspective. Do we have enough equipment? ing promotions and “Some of our best ideas come from our awards are avail- young Airmen,” he said. “Many of them During the Greensburg tornado 52, but at one time we had three. With able for those who have important positions in the civilian response last year, there was a lot of 52, we can keep people trained. deserve them. world and we can benefit from that.” discussion about a shortage of National Only about 25 percent of our Black Essentially, Communication is important to Guard equipment for state responses to Hawk helicopters are flyable because of Rodriguez empow- Rodriguez; his background is in recruiting disasters. Has the situation improved post-Iraq repairs. Fortunately, that’s ers his enlisted and human resources and he has training in for Kansas? enough for most state emergencies and force to pursue their problem solving and conflict resolution. –Anonymous- puts us in a better shape than last year Air Force careers. One thing that was never a problem for We have seen progress, but we are not when the unit was deployed. Promotion oppor- Command Chief Rodriguez was race. The fact he is a ready to declare victory yet. The pro- We’re not asking for 100 percent new tunity was one of minority has never affected his career. posal to return National Guard equip- equipment. Before the war, we were at Master Sgt. Rodriguez’s chal- David Rodriguez “Race hasn’t been an issue,” he said. ment to the desired level for state mis- 40 percent of our allocated equipment. lenges when he first “Everybody gets the same opportunities. sions and federal missions is now fund- We are hoping to get to 70 percent. joined the National Guard. Although he It’s not about being a minority. It’s about ed through 2013, however, we are still We must have enough equipment to spent his first four years in the Army, in his doing the job successfully and improving waiting to see how things go between be ready to deploy in state and for the first eight years of service he was not pro- the mission.” now and then. War on Terror. We must have enough moted beyond the rank of senior airman. Another tool to make Airmen successful Although better, we are not where we equipment to train our Soldiers and air- “At that point, I thought there wouldn’t is the mentoring program, which is want to be. We are short on Palletized men for deployments and to help our be opportunities,” said Rodriguez. designed to make Airmen aware of their Loading System trailers, equipment to fellow Kansans. If we don’t then we’ll Fortunately, he continued to pursue his career choices and grow from the experi- haul engineering equipment, and be unable to fulfill our sacred obligation career. Now in his 24th year of service, he ence of others. humvees. The biggest shortage is the to protect the lives and property of our has attained the highest enlisted rank in the As a promoter of the program, what is Target Acquisition Radars. Typically we families and neighbors. Kansas National Guard. Rodriguez’s advice to airmen? have five, but currently we have none of That’s what we don’t ever want to see Although Rodriguez asks Airmen to “Never give up,” he counsels. “Even our own. In some cases, these shortfalls happen. work hard and take ownership of their when you feel like you have no control in are being addressed through returning ** ** ** careers, he believes in recognition. One of your life, other people are watching. If equipment and partnerships with other Send your question(s) by email to his goals, as command chief, is to promote they see you trying, they’ll help you.” states. As a result we are getting more [email protected] or by mail to PLS trailers and we now have one the Adjutant General’s Public Affairs Target Acquisition Radar. Office, Att: Sharon Watson, 2722 S. Henry named intelligence director Another area where we are short is Topeka Blvd., Room 108, Topeka KS By Staff Sgt. Emily Alley officer with the 69th Brigade. He earned a heavy equipment transportation sys- 66611. Questions may be submitted Joint Force Headquarters has appointed a Meritorious Service Ribbon for being the tems. We once had 96. Today, we have anonymously. new intelligence director. only National Guard division to complete a Lt. Col. Scott T. Henry is the acting senior turnaround. intelligence officer Henry’s future plans for the office include Stratmann is new J-6 director for the state of a fusion center, which would combine all Kansas, but won’t available intelligence, determine if it is By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley gy,” said Stratmann. officially assume applicable to Kansas and make it available Joint Force Headquarters has a new His goals are to consolidate and enforce the position until to all affected offices. He envisions seamless director of command, control, communica- policy to make state communication more his old job, chief of communication; ideally, he said, offices with tion and computers. efficient and he wants to emphasize cus- workforce support, a need to know could instantly pick up a Air National Guard Col. Chris A. tomer service. Although Stratmann has has been filled. phone and receive feedback from others. His Stratmann was witnessed improved joint operations, he Henry’s history emphasis on fusion and communication is a appointed as a state will strive to make them seamless. as an intelligence reaction to issues highlighted after 9/11. director, responsi- “This shop has a really good mix of officer has prepared “Several agencies weren’t talking to each ble for collecting, Army, Air, dual status and state employ- him to coordinate other,” said Henry. transporting, pro- ees,” Stratmann said. “It’s a model for Lt. Col. Scott Henry with offices As the senior intelligence officer, Henry cessing, dissemi- jointness.” throughout the state. hopes to improve coordination, inspections, nating and protect- Stratmann hopes his Air Force experience He enlisted in the Army in 1984 and training and education on handling classified ing information. will enable him to bridge the Army and Air served as a military policeman in and unclassified information. He especially He manages the Force relationships in a joint headquarters. Leavenworth. Just before the end of his wants a focus on improving relations with Kansas National One tool Stratmann has at his disposal is enlistment, Henry got married. Rather than other intelligence offices. Guard’s computer the Incident Response Vehicle, which reenlist, he earned a commission through the “We should be customer-service oriented help desk for the demonstrated its effectiveness in Col. Chris Stratmann Western Illinois University ROTC program. and get back to users as quickly as we can,” entire state. Greensburg, Kan., last May in the after- From the rank of second lieutenant to cap- said Henry. “We have to get information out Stratmann brings with him perspective math of the tornado that devastated the tain, Henry served as a mission intelligence to them.” from years of communication and leader- small community. He describes it as a ship experience at the 190th Air Refueling mobile communication center, equipped Wing. He originally enlisted as a crew with work and sleeping areas and a variety chief, but earned a commission as a navi- of communication options for incident Watson nominated for YWCA gator at the unit in 1989. Stratmann’s posi- commanders. Because it is so new, one of tions at the 190th ARW also include the Stratmann’s responsibilities will be to Woman of Excellence award chief of current operations, commander of establish a precedent in training and use of Sharon Watson, director of the Public the “Employers of Excellence” category. the 190th Mission Support Group and the the vehicle as he determines Kansas’ future Affairs Office for the Adjutant General’s Watson is the spokesperson for the 190th Communications Flight commander. informational threats. Department, was Adjutant General’s Department and over- He spent five years working with the “I’m thankful for the opportunity to bring one of 36 sees departmental communications, Communications Flight, where he gained my skills set to this position,” said “Women of including the publication of this expertise on information technology. Stratmann. “I’m looking forward to improv- Excellence” nom- bimonthly newspaper. She also works “In the past five years, we’ve become ing the ability of this organization to inees honored at closely with reporters across the state more dependent on information technolo- respond to daily operations and disasters.” the 20th annual and conducts crisis communication plan- YWCA ning and training. Leadership Before joining the department in 2006, We’re making a difference Luncheon in Watson worked as communications Topeka. The lun- director for the Kansas Department of Continued from Page 4 grounds near the entrance to promote cheon, held June Health and Environment for five years. ty’s portion will be used for offices for Kansas Preparedness Month on Sept. 8. 2 at the Ramada Prior to working in public affairs, several university departments, the ROTC, We will feature state equipment used to Sharon Watson Hotel and Watson was a broadcast journalist for and the student recreation center. There respond to emergencies and focus on the Convention Center in Topeka, recognized more than 10 years. will also be joint areas for the Guard and importance of individual preparedness kits Topeka business women who contribute She also worked as a newspaper the university including an assembly hall, and plans. It’s the first time we’ve done leadership in the community. reporter and in television news. Watson fitness center and classroom space. the event at the fairgrounds and we’re very The event also recognized seven high has a bachelor’s degree from William Mark your calendars for a big event at excited to provide this event in central school seniors nominated in the “Future Jewell College with a double major in the State Fair in Hutchinson in September. Kansas. Leaders” category and three businesses in Communications and Public Relations. We’ve been provided an area by the fair- Have a safe summer! Page 6 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Civic leaders get up-close look at training facilities By Jane Welch of the scenic landscapes of Kansas. On April 29, 2008, Brig. Gen. Jonathan The first stop was the Smoky Hill Range Small, the assistant adjutant general – located southwest of Salina. Before landing, Army and commander of the Kansas Army the helicopters circled Smoky Hill to give National Guard, took the opportunity to everyone an aerial view of the facilities. give a handful of civic leaders an inside Once on the ground, the leaders were bused look at the Kansas Army National Guard. to the Smoky Hill headquarters, where they Small and 13 civic leaders started with a received an overview of the Great Plains briefing to go over the agenda for the day. Joint Regional Training Center, Smoky Hill The group consisted of representatives and the Kansas Regional Training Institute. from the Kansas Legislature, the Revisor Then everyone boarded busses to get a of Statutes office, the Legislative Research closer look at the things that they had seen office and the Topeka Chamber of from the air. The first stop was at the Commerce. The day would be spent in urban target complex where Soldiers Salina, Kan., and the surrounding area get- receive training on conducting a house-to- ting a firsthand look at Kansas National house search in hostile territory. Guard facilities. The civic leaders then got a walking tour Their journey began by traveling in of the outdoor M-16 qualification firing style. The leaders were flown to Salina on range. This range is a fully automated range two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from that is computer operated and scored. It has the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Topeka. walk in fox holes or the individual can also For many, it was their first flight on a heli- fire from either a kneeling or prone position. copter. It was a beautiful sunny day and The new target system was installed in the helicopter gave them a bird’s eye view February and has wireless control. Maj. Dirk Christian briefs members of the Kansas Legislature and other civic lead- ers on Crisis City which is located at Smoky Hill Range near Salina, Kan. (Photo by Jane Welch) From the firing range it was a short combat scenario training for 12 of the walk to the Crisis City Rail Venue, which most common small arms and crew served is part of the Great Plains Joint Regional weapons and individual anti-tank weapons Training Center. The rail venue consists of in the Army inventory. The ETS 2000 also six railroad cars donated by Burlington provides the capability to build and sustain Northern Santa Fe to the project. The rail- marksmanship skills for squad and team car venue is the first training feature of fire distribution. Crisis City, which is a hands-on homeland The civic leaders all got a chance to test security public safety training area. This their skills with an M16A2 rifle. Although rail training venue will allow emergency the simulator looked like the ultimate responders from local, state and federal video game it wasn’t as easy as it looked. organizations, including law enforcement, Then it was around the corner to the search and rescue teams, medical response Vehicle Convoy Operations Trainer teams, public and private industry safety (VCOT). The VCOT gives a virtual sense professionals and the National Guard, to of being in downtown Baghdad and how to train together, conduct exercises and work conduct convoy operations. All the streets through realistic disaster scenarios. in the VCOT have been copied directly Then it was back on the buses for the from Iraq. The VCOT contains scenarios short drive from Smoky Hill Range to the for such things as improvised explosive Kansas Regional Training Center in Salina. devices (IEDs), route clearance, etc. During The first stop in Salina was the Indoor the course of a scenario, items such as Firing Range simulator where they learned obstacles in the road, IEDs, vehicles, and State Senator Phil Journey, District 26, gets to experience the turret in a convoy all about the Engagement Skills Trainer artillery can be inserted at any time. simulator located on the Kansas Regional Training Center at Salina, Kan. (Photo (ETS) 2000. The ETS 2000 provides The civic leaders got a chance to sit by Jane Welch) Soldiers with realistic marksmanship and (Continued on Page 17) Infantry Soldiers qualify on Bradley Fighting Vehicles By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley across the 15-mile range, the Bradley lum- In what could be described as majestic, bers to a stop and the crew will learn if Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion 137th they qualified. Infantry lined up in their M2 Bradley “I’m looking for fire commands, target Fighting Vehicle Systems on the morning kills and driving techniques,” said Sgt. of June 18 to prepare for testing during the Vince T. Brown, from the 1st Battalion battalion’s annual training at Fort Riley. 118th Infantry, South Carolina National The greatest graphics in the world Guard. couldn’t replace the actual experience, Brown came to Fort Riley to evaluate especially the company of heroes who Johnson and his crew, as well as the other lived in the dust and heat of a deployment. Bradley teams from the 137th, since “Video games just don’t have the same grades must be assigned externally. During effect anymore,” said Sgt. Ben R. Johnson, his critique, Brown shows each crew a a Bradley commander from the 137th, who black and white video, complete with spent eight years previously as a gunner. audio recording, of each test section. A ride along illustrates his point. With a In a detailed analysis, he explains the decisive clang, the door of the Bradley strengths and weaknesses of the team’s raises shut like a drawbridge to some engagements. Each attack must take place medieval fortress, locking in place. within a limited exposure time, before the Passengers sit in eerie shadow, lurking target has an opportunity to retaliate. If the in the belly of the Bradley. Scratchy voices Bradley does not escape before the threat crackle through a headset over the time expires, the crew will not get credit engine’s rumble and grind. Every round for the engagement. fired is punctuated by an acrid chemical “Lots of these are new crews,” said smell and a deep, spine-rattling thud. Brown. “We’re mixing them with the more A Bradley Fighting Vehicle of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry heads down the On June 18, Johnson’s Bradley team, experienced.” road toward the firing line at Fort Riley. (Photo by Jane Welch) which consists of a Bradley commander, Testing benefitted teams with experi- driver and gunner, tested to qualify on the ence, but also provided an opportunity to “Just because we’re not getting the Bradley can communicate with the nearly 30-ton beast. inspect the vehicles. Since 2004, when the deployed doesn’t mean the Bradleys outside. Staff Sgt. James Kipper, Johnson’s pla- 137th received the Bradleys, they have won’t,” said Sgt. 1st Class John M. Pfc. Suionn Chak, Headquarters and toon sergeant from the 137th, assured spent most of the time with limited main- McLean III, from the 137th. Headquarters Detachment, 169th Combat Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small during his visit tenance and disuse. In fact, for the several As important as the machine gun or Sustainment Support Battalion, requested to Bradley testing, “We’re having a blast, dozen Bradleys, there was only one TOW missile, the Bradley’s radio is piv- additional training with the 137th. He is sir. Seriously.” mechanic, or motor sergeant, to maintain otal to its mission. helping James during training and hopes to Although his job is intense, Johnson said them. Fortunately, only one Bradley had Staff Sgt. Terence D. James is a signal get experience in communication. Chak the work is worth it. maintenance issues during testing. support systems specialist. He quotes his said hands-on training is better than sim- “There are long days, long nights, but Although they have not deployed, the section motto: “You can talk about us, but ply studying and reading about his job. it’s fun,” he said. Soldiers want to be sure the Bradleys are you can’t talk without us.” James is “You could read a thousand travel At the end of the test, and a race back prepared. responsible for assuring the crew inside (Continued on Page 7) July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Kansas Guardsmen get a unique view of the U.S. during Kosovo deployment By Sharon Watson serving in Kosovo. She’s pleased to see The sun sets over Camp Bondsteel in Small and other visitors from home includ- Kosovo on a cool mid-April evening. ing Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth, Kansas National Guardsmen with the 35th and Chaplain (Col.) Don Davidson. Infantry Division make their way to dinner “It shows us support,” McCauslin said to meet with a distinguished guest from of the visit. “We know they care.” their home state, Brig. Gen. Jonathan Spc. Michael Ford of Leavenworth has Small, assistant adjutant general-Army and been in the Guard seven years, and said the commander of the Kansas Army the troops in Kosovo get a very positive National Guard. response from the local residents. It’s one of many trips Small has made “We’re doing great things here,” Ford during his 39 years in the Guard to visit said. “We’re helping schools, we’re getting some of the more than 6,000 Kansas Army windows, and wood stoves, and through Guard troops whether at annual training in donations from the troops here, we have Kansas or deployed to other parts of the been able to pay for wood for a year.” world. Spc. Jerry Gregory, of Leavenworth has But this trip is different. It is Small’s last served in the Kansas Guard five years and visit to troops outside Kansas before he works closely with the Albanians while retires in August 2008. Ford works more closely with the Serbians. “It’s bittersweet for me because I’m They talk about the differences between going to miss the Guard family, the entire each side, and the tension between the organization which I’m so proud to be a Serbians and Albanians the day President part of, and the people who are so dedicat- George Bush recognized Kosovo as a ed to what they do,” Small said. “I’m state. Prior to that, these troops hadn’t seen Sgt. Kyle Kolb, Iowa National Guard, briefs Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small (right) and looking forward to retirement though, and much media attention on Kosovo. Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth on the operation of a checkpoint on the will have many great memories of the time “The media doesn’t seem nearly as Kosovo-Serbia border. (Photo by Sharon Watson) I spent with the Kansas Guard. interested in Kosovo,” said Ford. At dinner, Small greets Brig. Gen. John “The media focus on Iraq is negative, ters of KFOR. Maj. Jeff Totman, is the When traveling throughout the area, Davoren, 35th Division, who assumed but it’s a lot more positive here,” Gregory only Kansas Guardsmen stationed at the U.S. troops on patrol must stay within the command of Kosovo Force 9 for the noted. headquarters. Kosovo border. In one area, troops con- NATO peacekeeping mission. The 35th Gregory, Ford and McCauslin all served “It’s different being away from the structed a road to go around Serbia known Division is one of eight divisions in the in Iraq prior to this deployment. Kansas troops, but I’m getting to know peo- as the KFOR Bypass. Army National Guard and is made up of “There seemed to be a lot of confusion ple from all over the world,” Totman said. The United Nations mission in Kosovo Guardsmen from Kansas, Missouri and in Iraq about how America was going to The diversity is evident in one glance includes training the Kosovo police force Illinois. They deployed in July 2007. In help, but here they see how America is down the street with troops from France, which has been in existence for seven years. Kosovo, the division is the headquarters going to help,” Ford said. Germany, Italy, Greece just to name a few. “We work very closely with the Kosovo unit for Task Force Falcon, a multinational The local support for the U.S. is evident During the stop at headquarters, Small vis- police force,” said Col. Richard Hayes. peacekeeping force. to the KFOR troops. ited with other Kansas troops who had “We have a joint relationship…They are Small spends the evening talking to the “If you drive in Kosovo, you see more stopped there for lunch. very motivated. They want to be in the troops about their experiences so far in American flags than you do at home,” During the trip, members of the KFOR lead and we support them.” Kosovo. McCauslin said. Joint Visitors Bureau take the Kansas team Hayes spends much of his time in Spc. Kimberly McCauslin, from The Kansas team witnessed this love for to the border of Kosovo where Serbian Kosovo in a community relations role and Shawnee, Kan., has been in the Guard two the U.S. flag as they traveled to Pristina, troops stand guard at a checkpoint. Staff has traveled nearly every road dozens of years and is completing her degree while the capital of Kosovo, and the headquar- Sgt. Kyle Kolb is a member of the 1st times. He also knows the area by air and Battalion, 194th Field Artillery in the Iowa describes it to the Kansas team as they Guard and stands guard on the Kosovo take a Black Hawk tour of the region. side. This checkpoint serves as the official During one stop in Stubëll, Kosovo, a entry point into Kosovo for commerce. restaurant owner, Luz Jozefi, invites Small “Approximately 6,000 cars a day come and his team in to visit and expresses through these three gates,” Kolb said. They appreciation for the work the Kansas search for smuggled weapons and drugs. (Continued on Page 18) Bradley Fighting Vehicles

Restaurant owner Luz Jozefi (left, in dark shirt) proudly flies a U.S. flag and expresses his appreciation to Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small for the work KFOR sol- diers are doing in Kosovo. (Photo by Sharon Watson)

Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor unpack 120 mm mortar rounds in preparation for a live-fire exercise at Fort Riley during their annual training. (Photo by Jane Welch) Continued from Page 6 Firestone, who has not been deployed books, but it’s not the same as taking a before. trip,” said Chak. “That’s the best compari- Medics are a necessity during training, son I can think of.” said Staff Sgt. Craig W. Lafon, from the Pfc. Robert J. Firestone also chose to take 137th, who works with Firestone. He said advantage of the 137th’s training. He is a crushed fingers and burns are both com- medic the Headquarters and Headquarters mon injuries during training. Maj. Jeff Totman, of the 35th Infantry Division, shows Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small Company, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, but “If we don’t have medics, we can’t train around the KFOR Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo. Totman is the only Kansas chose to train with the 137th to prepare for a on the Bradleys,” said Lafon. Guardsman stationed here, while the remainder of the nearly 200 Kansas troops are possible deployment next year. They may not have characters in a video stationed at Camp Bondsteel. (Photo by Sharon Watson) “It helps me know what to expect,” said game, but they keep the Bradley rolling. Page 8 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Education center a “one-stop shop” for homeland security During a special open house this spring, collaborate and integrate, to plan for and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Congresswoman deal with problems that affect us all.” Nancy Boyda and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, “Unlike many current initiatives across director of Kansas Homeland Security and the nation, the Kansas center is unique in the adjutant general, announced the open- its multi-agency, multi-discipline ing of a new homeland security education approach,” Bunting said. “Tremendous center in Topeka. effort has gone into designing a high-tech The Eisenhower Center for Homeland facility with the flexibility to help Kansas Security Studies, located on the State Homeland Security professionals from all Defense Building Complex at 2722 SW disciplines.” Topeka Blvd., Room 166, is a collabora- “I’m thrilled that the federal government tive public/private initiative that will sup- is able to support the state’s only dedicated port local and state government and pri- location where first responders, National vate sector homeland security partners. Guardsmen, homeland security profession- Designed as a “one-stop shop” for als, agency leaders and elected officials homeland security activities, initiatives can plan for and respond to a variety of and best practices for all of Kansas, the natural and manmade disasters,” said center serves as a classroom, simulation Boyda. “These types of efforts are critical center, and as a rapid set-up situational in helping us prepare for the future.” awareness facility for assisting with large- Currently, the Eisenhower Center for scale disaster response. Homeland Security Studies is partnered “Collaboration is the key to successful with more than 20 government agencies, homeland security efforts,” said Sebelius. educational institutions, non-governmental “This center will help Kansans work organizations and private industry part- together as a team and best leverage our ners. In addition, the center works closely physical and intellectual resources for with the Governor’s Commission on dealing with future challenges.” Healthy and Prepared Schools to keep Over the next year, a variety of classes, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting (left) the adjutant general and director of Kansas Kansas schools safe. The number of part- seminars and exercises will be offered Homeland Security, and Maj. Dave Young, director, Integrated Initiatives Office, ners is expected to significantly expand exploring subjects such as individual and answer questions about the purposes and goals of the Eisenhower Center for within and beyond the borders of Kansas organizational disaster preparedness, Homeland Security Studies during an open house on March 19. (Photo by Steve during 2008. homeland security situational awareness, Larson) The center is a result of several years of information sharing and basic homeland puter-generated simulations to allow pub- officials to experience and discuss the work between the Kansas Adjutant security principles. The multi-agency lic officials, private industry partners, non- challenges faced during natural and man- General’s Department and Defense multi-discipline approach will utilize com- governmental organizations and elected made disasters, including terrorism. Microelectronic Activity, a part of the Even before its official opening, the cen- Department of Defense. Initial money Topeka business recognized for ter staff has been busy, building partner- came from congressional funding in 2006, ships and teaching a variety of disaster with Boyda securing additional financing preparedness and response courses to more of $929,000 for the center for 2008. support of the National Guard than 420 students across Kansas. The center is named in honor of Kansan “This is a place where people come Dwight D. Eisenhower, who built an together to share thoughts and ideas,” said alliance of partners dedicated to overcoming Bunting. “This is where people come and the greatest challenge of the 20th Century. G-RAP: a great way to earn money Continued from Page 1 Bingham talks about the Guard, and the described his recruiter as essential to his good experience he’s had, whenever he success as an RA. gets a chance. Occasionally, he sees his “Find a good recruiter, someone you can recruits after they return from training; to call for any question you or your recruit date, none of them have regretted enlisting. might have,” said Magana, who earned “I have yet to hear of somebody with a $16,000 through G-RAP. “My recruiter, bad experience,” said Bingham. Sergeant First Class Frausto, has helped Magana found every one of his recruits me a lot in finding out answers to my happy with their decision as well. questions and adjusting his schedule to “Some have said they did regret joining meet my recruits.” when they were in training, but after the Sgt. Maj. Melvin Smith, Recruiting and basics they learned it was the best decision Retention Detachment, Production they ever made,” Magana said. Sergeant Major, oversees Army recruiters For Bingham, military service is not just in Topeka. He said there was an initial about the money. He describes his time in surge in recruits when G-RAP began; the the Army with reverence; he perceives the numbers have remained consistent. service as ultimately selfless. “I have great respect for a good “Somebody has to step-up,” Bingham Chuck Bredahl (right), Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, presented cer- recruiter,” said Weber. “By good, I don’t said, although he understands not everyone tificates of recognition to Tim Pasley and Alan Meyer, co-owners of Hobby Depot in necessarily mean one who puts up good is able to serve. “But there aren’t very Topeka. (Photo by Jane Welch) numbers. A good recruiter is always there many of them.” By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson Award. The Patriot award was presented in to help the Soldier and their family, and Besides the opportunity to serve in the Support of the Kansas National Guard recognition of Pasley and Meyer’s contin- give them their time even after the military, the benefit for RAs is the money, comes in many forms. Most are conducted ues and unwavering support of the Kansas recruiter has received credit for the appli- $2,000 per recruit. Half the bonus is paid unselfishly from the heart with no thought Army National Guard. Their most recent cant.” upon enlistment, and the other half after of personal gain. On April 30, the owners activity was to sponsor a recruiting event Successful RAs also suggest being the recruit ships to basic training or boot of Hobby Depot in Topeka were rewarded for the 35th Military Police Company. available to potential candidates and camp. for their support of the Kansas Army Wheeler said “I appreciate the efforts of answering their questions when they con- The Kansas Army and Air National National Guard. the 35th MP Company and employers like sider taking advantage of the benefits the Guard programs are the same. Kyle said 1st Lt. Christopher Coco, commander this that support our mission, even though Guard has to offer. the Air Force recently opened the program 35th Military Police Company, recom- they may not have Guard members as “I wish there were some techniques I to retirees, who first had access through mended the award based on the support employees.” could tell you I use, but I just use my peo- the Army. Tim Pasley and Alan Meyer, co-owners of “I want to thank Tim and Alan for their ple skills,” said Magana. “I just talk to Technicians and Active Guard and Hobby Depot, gave to the company. The support for our Soldiers,” said Braden. everyone about what I do for a living and Reserve (AGR) members, both Army and company’s chain of command was present, Bredahl echoed the same sentiment. “It my experiences in the military and they Air Force, may not use G-RAP, but the including Col. Victor Braden, commander, is employers like this that make the Guard want to do the same.” Army has access to a similar program 69th Troop Command and Lt. Col. work,” he said. “The key is networking!” said Weber. called Every Soldier is A Recruiter Howard Wheeler, commander 1st Battalion “We were very proud to host the 35th Bingham recruited his wife, who is now (ESAR). Air Force technicians and AGRs 635th Armor. Charles G. “Chuck” Bredahl, MP Company whose professionalism in a major in the Kansas National Guard. His do not have an equivalent program. executive director of the Kansas presentation, attitude and behavior were advice to potential RAs is to not be intimi- For those who are eligible for G-RAP, Committee for the Employer Support of exemplary,” said Pasley. “We also would dated, and discuss the benefits. it’s an opportunity to share the benefits of the Guard and Reserve, also attended the like to thank all of the men and women “I ask, ‘Don’t you want to make more the Guard. “I think everyone should get brief ceremony conducted at the Hobby who unselfishly serve and who proudly than this? How are you paying for col- involved,” said Magana. “It’s great money Depot. defend our nation’s freedom. Their efforts lege?’ ” he suggests. and easy to pursue.” Col. David J. “Joe” Wheeler, chief of and sacrifices will not be forgotten. Thank Kyle describes G-RAP as a tool with Although Bingham is retired, he staff, Kansas Army National Guard, pre- you for this great honor.” advantages everyone involved. describes G-RAP as an important part of sented Pasley and Meyer the Employer Meyer summed up the entire event by “G-RAPers are a wonderful bridge,” military service: every Soldier is a Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Patriot saying “Wow!” said Kyle. “Everybody benefits by it.” recruiter. July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Freedom Salute honors Soldiers and families of 108th Aviation By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR Soldiers returning from current deploy- “These Freedom Salutes ments, unlike many Soldiers returning ceremonies are a grateful from previous wars, are recognized for their efforts. The 1st Battalion, 108th nation’s way of saying Aviation (Assault) spent last year in Iraq ‘thank you’ and showing as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On to them that we really do May 4, the battalion conducted a Freedom Salute for its Soldiers and their families on care.” the drill floor of the Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small Reserve Center in Topeka. On May 3, the battalion’s Salina-based elements, Company B; Detachment 2, Headquarters Their service has been important. In some and Headquarters Company; Detachment small way, we are sending the message 2, Company D and Detachment 2, that we really do care.” Company E, conducted their Freedom For the event, the official party consist- Salute at the Kansas Regional Training ed of Small; Col. Victor Braden, comman- Center’s Eckert Hall in Salina. der 69th Troop Command; Lt. Col. David “These events are an illustration of the A. Leger, commander 1st Battalion, 108th Army doing something right,” said Brig. Aviation Regiment (Assault) and Gen. Jonathan P. Small, assistant adjutant Command Sgt. Maj. James Crosby, 1st general – Army and commander of the Battalion, 108th Aviation. Also with the Kansas Army National Guard. “These official party were Kansas State Freedom Salutes ceremonies are a grateful Representative Ann Mah, 54th District, Topeka and Erica Chapman and Gary Dew nation’s way of saying ‘thank you’ and Members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation color guard gives honors to our representing Frito Lay. showing to them that we really do care. nation’s flag during a Freedom Salute ceremony on May 4 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Topeka. The ceremony honored the Soldiers and families of the Iraq assignment difficult, unit for their service and sacrifices. (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Following comments from Small, each Karman Loughney, Cherry Jordon, rewarding for Kansas nurse deployed Soldier was individually recog- Mallory McGrann and Shantal Nickel nized and presented with a number of received the Distinguished Unit Center of items, including a cased American flag. Influence Award on behalf of the battal- Soldiers who have served on multiple ion’s Family Readiness Group. deployments received additional special Mah said “We cannot say thank you often recognition in the form of a ring to recog- or loud enough for these folks and their nize their service. Family members were families for the sacrifices for our country. I also recognized, with those on their first am glad to be here this is really cool.” deployment receiving a lapel pin, spouses “I am glad to be back, but I am very of Soldiers completing multiple deploy- proud of my wife and the job she did ments receiving a mantle clock and the while I was gone,” said Spc. Brady children receiving Future Soldier kits, Weissbeck. complete with games and a “Top Secret” Pfc. Lonnie Hajney, who did not deploy mission to complete. with the unit, but worked setting up the Others received recognition for their event, said “It was a lot of work, but it was contributions in supporting the battalion’s well worth it.” recent Iraq deployment. Jane Welch from “It is great to be back and I am proud to the Adjutant General’s Department Public have served,” said Sgt. 1st Class Paul Affairs Office was presented the Unit Johnston. Center of Influence Award for her support Sgt. Randal Taylor, who has now com- of the battalion during their deployment. pleted two tours in Iraq, agreed. “I am glad The Family Readiness Group presented to be back.” Chapman and Dew, on behalf of Frito Lay, His wife Holli said “We are proud to be the Outstanding Employer Award. Frito here.” Son, David, 20, didn’t comment, Lay provided significant support to the but younger sister Amber, 10, said “I am Soldiers while the battalion was deployed. proud of dad.” However, 15 year old Capt. Kathryn Watts-Harkness fills out a report at her work station at Balad Air Finally, Jodie Soldan, Janelle Hood, Hayley said it all “I love him.” Base, Iraq. (Photo provided) By Maj. DeAnn Barr worked more as a nurse practitioner. Her Oldest tanker takes last flight Capt. Kathryn Watts-Harkness, 184th average patient load was 10 patients, all Medical Group, became a nurse practition- with multiple complex wounds like burns, er to help people and she joined the amputations, post-surgical, etc. At one point, Kansas Air National Guard to serve her she carried 17 patients. country. She met both goals on Jan. 2, Watts-Harkness will never know precise- 2007, when she departed for a 120-day ly how many lives she helped to save, but tour to Balad Air Base, Iraq. is very glad she volunteered for her tour. Departing Wichita, Kan., where she “I felt it was my duty to volunteer. It works as a university nursing instructor, was one of the most enlightening and diffi- and arriving 14 hours later in the desert cult experiences I have ever had,” said provided a stiff culture shock. Watts-Harkness. “I wouldn’t trade it for a “It’s like walking through a door,” said million dollars.” Watts-Harkness. “It’s simply amazing. I try “By the same token, I won’t miss hold- to give a semblance of an idea to people of ing the hand of a child or Soldier who is what it is like. It’s like going from black to dying. That I won’t miss,” she said quietly white.” while staving off tears. Immediately upon her arrival, she was A survivor of 125 rocket and mortar thrust into a six-on, one-off 12-hour shift attacks, Watts-Harkness adapted quickly to rotation. Mass casualties required all hands working under deployed conditions. Aside and trumped time off. Watts-Harkness from making do procedurally with whatev- never did have much time off. er tools were available, she overcame other “I don’t recall how many mass casualties obstacles. I worked, but the most dramatic followed a “It was difficult getting used to the over- suicide bombing in a nearby mosque,” she whelming smell of body odor in intense The oldest KC-135E in the Air Guard inventory took off from the 190th Air said. “Mostly women and children were heat, and blood and burnt flesh.” Refueling Wing runway on May 28, headed for the Aircraft Maintenance and victims and within three hours we had 100 Despite the hard work and adversity, Reclamation Group in Tucson, Ariz. patients from the disaster.” Watts-Harkness left the desert feeling her The KC-135E, tail number 55-3145, was flown to Davis-Monthan Air Force As the hospital was already full, Watt- job had been well done. Base, Ariz. The jet is the oldest KC-135E that is still flying. The jet was manufac- Harkness was a leader in moving patients, “I can say without bragging, I made a dif- tured by Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash., and delivered to the United States Air setting up new beds and even creating a ference. We all worked as a team. On the Force on Dec. 18, 1957, as part of the 93rd Bombardment (Heavy) Wing, treatment area on the floor. In a hospital that flight home a Soldier looked at me and said, Strategic Air Command. During its lifetime, this jet has been deployed to did not boast running water, these improvi- ‘Hi, do you remember me?’ I didn’t, but Thailand, Spain, Japan and Guam. It was transferred to the 190th Air Refueling sations were no small task. Although she then he said, ‘You took care of me when I Wing in 2002. (Photo by Lt. Col. Tony DeJesus) deployed as a clinical nurse, in actuality she was wounded.’ That was soooo cool!” Page 10 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Soldiers jump at the chance to help tornado-stricken city By Spc. Jessica Rohr, 105th MPAD Local law enforcement and Riley County Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 635th firefighters were among the first to respond Armor and 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry’s to the tornado’s impact areas. Capt. Jason scout platoon were called to the scene Hutson, a scout from the 137th, who is also shortly after the EF4 tornado touched a Riley County firefighter, was sent to down late Wednesday evening in coordinate efforts with the Riley County Manhattan, Kan. At the time, both units Emergency Operations Center. had literally just returned from their two- “He went down and fed us with the ini- week annual training and many Soldiers tial information,” said Wheeler. “The ben- were staying the night in Manhattan when efit of the scout program is that the scouts the tornado hit. are able to tell what they are planning and “I was actually staying with a friend here what they are needing. From all that, we in town only a few miles away, and it’s were able to posture, and we were out the weird to see that it hit so close,” said Spc. door and on the ground less than an hour Derek Repp, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry. after the official request for forces came The troops were still on a two-day through,” Wheeler continued. recovery period after intensive training at Staff Sgt. Tom Elliot, a 20 year veteran Fort Riley. Nearly 40 Soldiers were stay- in the 137th scout platoon, was shocked at ing the night in the Manhattan National the damage caused only miles away from Guard Armory when the tornado sirens their armory. started. “I didn’t see it at first, but later when “They immediately knew to get to the were doing some patrolling, I was looking lowest ground possible and to an area around going, ‘Oh my gosh.’ House after without windows,” said Lt. Col. Howard house just swept away, tree branches Wheeler, battalion commander for the An EF4 tornado skipped through Manhattan, Kan., the evening of June 11, striking everywhere, cars sitting up in trees. It was 635th. “What we did worry about was business and residential areas alike. The Kansas State University campus sustained appalling.” accountability of our Soldiers and as soon an estimated $27 million in damages. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Despite all the damage and risks, the as the all-clear was given our command dents in this time of need. them and asked some of them to volunteer Army National Guard Soldiers did what sergeant major came right over and With only one night to recover from to assist with the storm, almost to a man, they were tasked to do. “We gave them checked on all my Soldiers making sure their annual training, Soldiers from the every one of the Soldiers was asking to go security, keeping the sightseers out, while everyone was okay.” 635th and from the 137th were tasked to out and help,” said Wheeler. “I was a part allowing the rescuers, clean up crews and Once daylight broke and the damage secure areas that had received the most of this battalion when we had the massive homeowners in,” said Elliot. Once the was assessed, the Soldiers instantly knew damage. However, as Wheeler explained, floods of 1993 and it’s interesting to see Soldiers were setup in full force, the local they needed to get ready. Chances would there was no need to try to “order” his the emotional effect on the Soldiers when police department was able to stand down be high that they would soon get orders to men into duty. it’s their own town. A lot of them want to a lot of their security efforts and focus on assist the city of Manhattan and its resi- “Morale was amazing. When I talked to get out there and help because they’re other areas of concern. touched, personally, by the damage.” (Continued on Page 13)

1st Lt. Brian Smith (center), 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, briefs his Soldiers about the checkpoints they will be manning near Miller Ranch in Manhattan, Kan. A Pvt. 2 Robert Hernandez, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, combined force of Soldiers from the 635th Armor maintenance platoon and the 2nd 635th Armor, talks with a motorist at one of several checkpoints set up to maintain Battalion, 137th Infantry scout platoon volunteered for disaster relief efforts after security in tornado-stricken areas. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) the June 11 tornado. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Hanson, 105th MPAD)

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius held a news conference at the Manhattan Airport with city, The power of the tornado destroyed this self-storage facility, scattering furniture, county and K-State officials to assure the public that the state would help their city clothing, books, toys and other personal belongings. (Photo by Sharon Watson) recover. (Photo by Sharon Watson) July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Tornadoes tack on real-world mission to annual training Continued from Page 1 “Basically, it was that if you left the town For many of the Soldiers this was a “We had a few glitches to iron out, but the and with (the victim), being on the scene I you weren’t coming back in until we got major change of direction. It gave them a system works as long as you work the sys- think he did make a difference.” the clear from operation center. Then, on sense of pride and accomplishment. The tem. I think that everybody, once we got Quintanar and Weller continued to watch the inner perimeter, it was making sure majority of them just returned from a the ball rolling, understood their part and the area carefully and respond to anything that we got everybody out of the area that wartime mission in Iraq. This gave them a everybody involved conducted themselves that would be considered out of the ordi- got hit the hardest.” chance to show the humanitarian side by as professionals. They were diligent in nary at least for this situation during their “That was pretty difficult to keep civil- rendering aid to the civilians by providing their job and at the same time caring to the patrol, while answering any problems that ian vehicles from moving when emergency security and support. civilian population. They did an outstand- checkpoints might have over the radio. vehicles are trying to move, and just trying From this disaster came a good collabora- ing job. I am proud of them.” “The general task was to make sure that to get people to leave their homes when tion of all the law enforcement agencies “Being a National Guard Soldier doesn’t we conducted the flow of traffic so that we they have been traumatized,” he continued. from the city on up to state, the fire depart- just mean that you get called into a combat had control of movement,” said Quintanar. “That was basically our mission.” ment, the military and American Red Cross. zone when the big Army is short,” said “We actually saw the readiness program Weller. “You do a lot more here at home in effect and it works,” said Quintanar. than people realize.”

Kansas National Guardsmen assisted local and state law enforcement officers in manning several checkpoints into Chapman. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Rohr, 105th MPAD) The Kansas National Guard supported law enforcement personnel by performing roving security patrols. (Photo by Sharon Watson)

The high school parking lot became the command center for local, county and state law enforcement, National Guard, firefighter, EMS and other first responders in Chapman. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, examines a light pole at the high school football field, bent by the force of the tornado. (Photo by Sharon Watson)

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting confers with Congressman Jerry Moran. Moran was in Chapman conducting an inspection tour of the damage. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Damage estimates will likely run into millions of dollars to rebuild the town. (Photo Rohr, 105th MPAD) by Sharon Watson) Page 12 Plains Guardian • July 2008 A big flag for a big welcome In memorium... By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD Kansas Army National Guard Spc. Holding the American flag for the Brady Weissbeck helped with the flag and returning Soldiers of the 35th Military reflects how he felt when he first saw it Police Company that returned from Iraq, after returning home with the 1st Battalion, volunteers at the Kansas National Guard 108th Aviation last August. Museum in Topeka cheered as the Patriot “The museum put the flag out for us and Guard escorted the recent group of heroes when I first saw it, I got this overwhelm- back home. ing sense of pride,” said Weissbeck. “It’s This would normally be an easy task, but great that there are people out here in the this American flag was a garrison flag— States that love and support us on our mis- measuring 20 feet tall by 38 feet long. The sions. I sure did miss Kansas when I was high winds during the day literally lifted the overseas and this gave me a sense of final- volunteers from the ground at times. ly being home.” “This is great, it’s the least we can do to Kansas Air National Guard Master Sgt. show our support for our returning troops,” Brian Fiffe agreed with Weissbeck. “I was said Museum host retired Col. Harley once in their shoes,” he said, referring to the Crull to his wife of 51 years, Carolyn. “I returning MP company, “and it really swells want these boys to know that we are with your patriotism when you see the flag.” them and support what they do, and that Fiffe, who had spent six months in the we’re glad they’re home.” Horn of Africa, made sure he was positioned Crull knows what it’s like to be as well as he could be to help display the A KC-135 Stratotanker from the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas Air National deployed away from home. He joined the flag. Because of its large size, volunteers Guard, flies over the Dodge City Cemetery during a Memorial Day service. 35th Division on his 17th birthday and had to stand on a display Sherman tank and Several communities requested National Guard fly-overs to honor the fallen vet- even was instrumental in bringing the divi- hold the top, while other volunteers held the erans of their community. (Photo provided) sion to Kansas. During that time, he spent bottom. Museum volunteers say that dis- some time away from home, too. So he playing the flag for returning military mem- and Carolyn try to attend every return cer- bers and cheering them as they go by is now World War II battle restaged at emony they can. a tradition with the museum. Kansas National Guard Museum By Spc. Jessica Rohr, 105th MPAD two reenacters to what it is today. The Museum of the Kansas National Many of those that have participated in Guard held the Eighth Annual World War the past are now sharing their enthusiasm II Reenactment on June 7, 2008. An over- with children and grandchildren. “The pur- whelming 150 plus spectators turned out to pose of the event is really to honor veter- witness the reenactments, recounts of vet- ans. I think everyone who collects and erans, restored vehicles, the famous restores the weapons or the vehicles thinks General Patton apology and to support the highly of our veterans and they realize that museum by participating in a cookout. there are a lot of things we couldn’t be The event was filled with 30 American doing if it weren’t for our military person- and 30 German soldiers in authentic uni- nel,” said museum volunteer Bruce forms and weapons played by retired, cur- Zimmerman. rent and future Soldiers alike. “It’s a huge The Museum is open to the public from dedication to preserve these elements of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through war,” said co-coordinator retired Saturday, located at 6700 S.W. Topeka Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Elliot. Eight Blvd., (the main entrance of Forbes Field) years ago, vehicle collector Geary Topeka, Kansas. Sunday appointments can Nicholson of Ottawa, Kan., approached the be scheduled for special groups at (785) museum with the idea of this collective 862-1020. You can also check them out at event. It started with only six vehicles and www.kansasguardmuseum.org. On the ground and on top of a Sherman tank, civilian and military volunteers hoist a garrison-sized flag at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard to welcome home members of the 35th Military Police Company from a year-long deployment to Iraq. (Photo by Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD) 35th Military Police Company Continued from Page 1 but I knew this today: I knew when I got internment facility. Initially, they fell under up today that we were going to go to Fort the 705th Military Police Battalion, then Bliss and bring home the finest MPs the became a part of the 400th Military Police world has ever known. I knew anytime Battalion on Feb. 10, 2008. The unit and you have a chance to make 150 MPs Soldiers distinguished themselves in every happy you had better take it.” task and mission they were assigned. The “I knew the Patriot Guard would be unit and its Soldiers were awarded a total here,” he continued. “I knew that the of six Bronze Stars, 121 Army Topeka Police would lead us in. I knew all Commendation Medals and 17 Army the way here there would be flags on the Achievement Medals and was nominated side of the road. I knew that because this is for a Superior Unit Award. Kansas, this is America.” Stinson took the podium and stated, “It The governor welcomed the Soldiers is great to be home.” He went on to thank and reminded everyone the ceremony was the 190th Air Refueling Wing for bringing a great opportunity to kick off the them home and the Patriot Guard for Memorial Day weekend. escorting them to Washburn. “And just as you celebrate with your “The last thing I said before I left for loved ones coming back this weekend, it this deployment is that the heroes of this should be a joyous celebration, but keep in deployment were the families,” said mind those families who aren’t able to “Nazi” soldiers take up positions behind an anti-tank barricade during a re-enact- Stinson. “They were the backbone of the welcome their loved ones home,” said ment staged at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard June 7. (Photo by Spc. Soldiers to call home and keep in touch Sebelius, “those who bore the ultimate sac- Jessica Rohr) with reality. The Family Readiness Group, rifice of someone in service. That is what families, friends and neighbors were as this weekend is about as we welcome instrumental in our success as these home these brave National Guard Soldiers Soldiers right here were. I want to thank back to Kansas and to the loving arms of the families for lending me such great their families.” Soldiers for the last 12 months and now I “Welcome home, guys – job well done. want to give them back to you.” And as Maj. Stinson already said, it is Stinson then turned to Lt. Col. Howard great to have you back in Kansas.” Wheeler, administrative officer for 69th To end the ceremony Bunting called Troop Command, and said, “Lieutenant Stinson and 1st Sgt. Robert Istas to the Colonel Wheeler, mission complete. All podium. Istas called the company to atten- Soldiers present and accounted for.” tion. Bunting closed the ceremony by say- “Sometimes you wonder how much you ing “God bless America. Dismissed.” know,” said Bunting. “I don’t know much, July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 13 Kansas medical officer makes the most of Afghanistan deployment Lt. Col. William J. Sullivan deployed to “It was quite a shock to them.” Afghanistan Aug. 25, 2007, where he Improved on site care resulted in a dust served as battalion surgeon for Security off rate of only one percent, which was Forces, 218th Brigade Combat Team-Joint much lower than the theatre statistic of Task Force Phoenix. Sullivan is a medical four percent. This resulted in decreased officer with the Kansas Area Medical exposure to flight crews and fiscal expen- Detachment, Lenexa. ditures for medical care. During the rotation Sullivan planned and In the little down time available, executed two civilian medical assistance Sullivan provided an internet based social missions including the largest in the histo- studies curriculum to St. Mary’s Grade ry of JTF Phoenix. School in Pittsburg, Kan. “The children “We brought much needed medical really enjoyed this program. It helped them assistance to over 3,000 civilians in the to better understand a complicated conflict Hued Khuyel area of Kabul cultivating a that affects their lives everyday.” great relationship with local Afghan popu- Sullivan returned home safely on Nov. lation,” said Sullivan. 24, 2007. Ironically, this bittersweet day The operations were executed in conjunc- marked the 40th anniversary of the return tion with British NATO coalition forces in of the body of Cpl. Michael Sullivan, Weir, the area. Sullivan organized a relief effort Kan., killed in action in Vietnam. Cpl. via internet with several local entities in the Sullivan was the godfather of Sullivan. Pittsburg area resulting in over 2,000 items For his meritorious achievements donated to the local residents. Sullivan was nominated for the Army Additionally, Sullivan improved interna- Commendation Medal, with two oak leaf tional relations between NATO coalition clusters and the Army Achievement Medal, partners by visiting, inspecting, and estab- Lt. Col. William Sullivan supervises a team of Air Force medics providing care to a with one oak leaf cluster. He was also pre- lishing a cordial report with the combat patient at Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan (Photo provided) sented the South Carolina Adjutant support hospitals in the area of operations. and surgeries. and medical events occurred. General’s Coin of Excellence and was the Arriving in theatre Sullivan observed there During the deployment Sullivan instituted “Many of our young medics and physi- first recipient of the SECFOR Coin of was little open communication between more than 20 fundamental changes to the cian’s assistant saw their first major trau- Excellence presented by Col. Robert NATO medical providers causing some Troop Medical Clinic operations resulting ma events on my rotation,” said Sullivan. Bradshaw, SECFOR commander. degree of ambiguity regarding triage, in more efficient trauma care. He developed definitive care of U.S. personnel, and a malaria prophylaxis surveillance program EMEDS mission takes 190th international relations. A triage matrix was and brought the battalion anthrax immu- developed for JTF Phoenix, standard oper- nization rate to nearly 100 percent. ating procedures for medical care were All Soldiers in the battalion were Medical Group to South Korea written and open dialogue developed with required to undergo Post Traumatic Stress By 1st Lt. Joe Blubaugh mission. In a letter of appreciation to the the hospital commanders resulting in a Disorder training. All medics were recerti- The 190th Medical Group’s Kansas and the Tennessee adjutants gener- warm relationship. fied during the rotation using the SAC Expeditionary Medical Support (EMEDS) al, Maj. Kenneth Burkett, Chief of During the rotation Sullivan observed CAMS-VT program. Extensive didactic disaster response mission has received a Expeditionary Medical Ops Training and U.S. commanders getting improved access and clinical education was provided to the lot of attention with deployments in sup- Exercises for the 13th Air Force, praised to their hospitalized personnel and a reduc- TMC personnel and their performance was port of Hurricane Katrina and the the professionalism of both units. tion of potentially unnecessary procedures noticeably improved as high level trauma Greensburg tornado. However, wartime “This exercise was executed without a contingency operations are the main mis- hitch because of the extra ‘hands-on’ sions of most EMEDS in the Air Force. finesse of your teams coupled with their Manhattan tornado The 190th Medical Group recently keen abilities as warrior-medics,” said Continued from Page 10 efforts by handing out food and water. One deployed to Daegu, South Korea, in sup- Burkett. “It is certainly no accident that the 1st Lt. Brian Smith, who led one of the little girl in particular delivered popsicles port of the latter mission. The unit was medics of the 190th MDG and the 118th patrol teams, was impressed at the to the troops, which was much appreciated tasked with setting up and inventorying AES were hand-selected from among a response time their unit had on the situa- in the mid-June heat. one of the several prepositioned EMEDS cast of ANG units based on a well-earned tion. “A lot of these guys are just coming Residents of one of the communities hit placed throughout the country for combat reputation as ‘top performers’ capable of off of combat tours or peace keeping mis- by the tornado personally requested that contingencies, all of which must be set up getting the job done.” sions, so quick reaction is not anything the Guard Soldiers stay nearby. “They just and inventoried at least once a year. The While the primary mission was set by unfamiliar. There was a sense of urgency, felt more comfortable, leaving their dam- Medical Group was requested by name by PACAF, both units were given time to we got everything together and out the aged homes with the Guard standing by on the Pacific Air Force (PACAF) at the sug- accomplish required readiness skills veri- door we went.” watch,” said Wheeler. gestion of the National Guard Bureau. fication with the EMEDS and CASF The citizens of Manhattan also wel- The 1st Battalion, 635th Armor has a While there have been several ANG equipment. comed the Soldiers’ presence as they long history of responding to natural disas- Medical Groups that have deployed for the “We had to be creative with our training strategically set up security check points ters throughout Kansas. They have same mission in the past, this deployment at times,” said Col. Janet Hanson, com- around the damaged areas. deployed troops to assist with Coffeyville, marked the first time a Medical Group and mander of the Medical Group. “However, “People have openly expressed their Greensburg and countless other blizzards a Contingency Aeromedical Staging while the EMEDS was set up, we wanted gratitude, saying thanks and shaking our and storms throughout the years. Wheeler Facility (CASF) have deployed together to to take the opportunity to complete the hands,” said Smith. recounted an old National Guard commer- support the PACAF mission. majority of our required annual training.” Many organizations, such as the cial that said, “Sleep comfortable the Members of the CASF from the 118th Both units also took the opportunity to Salvation Army and Manhattan Baptist Guard is on duty tonight,” a slogan that Airlift Wing from Nashville, Tenn., conduct a one day, mass casualty exercise Church, recognized the Soldiers’ hard holds much merit in situations such as this. deployed with the 190th. While in theatre, together. “This was the first opportunity the 118th successfully set up and invento- for many of our members to work this ried a contingency CASF, as well. closely with a CASF,” said Hanson. “The Embedded Training Team According to PACAF, both units per- CASF plays an integral role in EMEDS formed outstandingly in accomplishing the operations during a combat situation.” Continued from Page 2 ate, not to conquer, to restore liberty and Soldiers of ETT #3 received the NATO end tyranny’,” said Bunting. “In Service, Afghanistan Campaign and Afghanistan, there are people there that National Defense and Overseas Service certainly don’t have the best interest of the medals. In addition Bunting awarded the Afghans at heart. They are tyrants in that Meritorious Service Medal to Sgt. 1st sense of the word. And it takes Americans Class William Ferris; a Purple Heart was and it takes great Soldiers like you to go awarded to Maj. Greg Edson; a Bronze over there and show the world that that Star was awarded to Capt. Charles won’t be tolerated, that even in the most Lunkwitz and a Combat Infantry Badge remote parts of the world, America will go. was awarded to Capt. Steve Wasko. We are the beacon of light that says “I want to primarily say thank you to the nowhere on earth is safe from the fact that families who have been so stalwart of your our Soldiers will come and right any wrong support of these Soldiers over the last that has been done. And you have done year,” said Bunting. “I remember when we that. For the rest of your life you can look said farewell to Team Shocker. It doesn’t back and say that is what you did and it seem like a year ago.” made a huge difference.” “No unit, no group of people has ever Bunting concluded his remarks by giving served with more distinction in the Kansas the Soldiers one last safety briefing. He then Guard history than this team right here,” called Lamb and Platt to the front of the Bunting went on to say. “There may be room. Lamb brought Team Shocker to atten- only a dozen, but it is the best dozen we tion. “Team Shocker great job,” said have ever had.” Bunting. “I’m proud to serve with each and A “casualty” is evaluated by 2nd Lt. Mark Dixon (right) and Staff Sgt. Troy Manz “On the World War II memorial flag- every one of you.” Then in unison both (left), members of the 190th Air Refueling Wing’s Medical Group. The Airmen were poles it says ‘The Americans came to liber- Bunting and Platt shouted “Dismissed!” taking part in a skills evaluation exercise. (Photo by 1st Lt. Joe Blubaugh) Page 14 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Awards presented at Progress being made on behalf of Guard and Reserve Joint State Conference By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD summer that will be defining the opera- A number of individuals and organizations were recognized for their achievements The Honorable Thomas Hall, Assistant tional Guard and Reserve. It will state, during the past year at an awards banquet for the Joint State Conference, held in Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, ‘Here is what the operational Guard and Topeka April 11-13. Presenting the awards were Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting, the adju- spoke at the Joint State Conference held in Reserve is, how we equip it, build it, train tant general; Brig Gen. Jonathan P. Small, assistant adjutant general - Air and Brig. Topeka from April 11-13, 2008, and it, how we take care of the families and Gen. Deborah S. Rose, director of the Joint Force Headquarters, Kansas National explained how his office has made great the employers.’” Guard with the 35th Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Wayne Pierson assisting. progress for the Guard and Reserve in deal- Hall points out that the threat to the ing with their status, benefits, and support. United States isn’t going away, and our Army Officer of the Year “What is the Pentagon doing for the nation’s defenses have to sustain what’s 1st Lt. Jason Davee, the operations officer of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Guard and Reserve in the next decade?” been built. In the past six years, the largest Artillery, was named the 2008 Army National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Sumner asked. “I think it’s paramount to legislative changes that benefit the Guard Year for Kansas. prepare a budget to equip the Guard and and Reserve have occurred with 164 provi- Davee is an active member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Topeka. He also volun- Reserve, to provide benefits, and structure sions in the law have positively changed. teers at Stormont Vail Hospital Emergency Room where he assists emergency Room all of that together to continue the momen- “If we’re going to use the Guard and personnel in any capacity needed, and attends functions and fundraisers for the tum we have.” Reserve alongside the active duty, then the Leukemia and Lymphoma foundations. “So far, 670,000 Guard and Reservists Guard and Reserve must have the same He is a member of the American Legion and VFW and has attended previous have served in Iraq and Afghanistan; kind of equipment, the same kind of bene- National Conferences. Because of his leadership and devotion to the enlisted force, he 92,000 are serving today and I expect 50- fits, and their families taken care of the inspired four Soldiers to become commissioned officers. 100,000 will serve before the conflict is same way,” Hall said. “The benefits are the Air Officer of the Year over. So, we’re preparing the next admin- same for Guard and Reserve as the active Capt. Tanya Wehrli, the officer in charge of Readiness Management for the 190th istration to sustain the goals we have out- duty side when the government is utilizing Air Refueling Wing, was named the 2008 Air National Guard Company Grade Officer lined for the Guard and Reserve, and that’s you the same way as the active duty com- of the Year for Kansas at the Kansas National Guard Joint Conference on Saturday, transitioning to an operational Guard and ponents. Tremendous progress has been April 12, 2008. Reserve,” he said. made and my office will keep striving to Wehrli is a traditional Guardsmen who works for the Veterans Administration in “We will publish an instruction this make even better progress.” Topeka. She created, from scratch, the now flourishing 190th Student Flight, which educates new enlistees prior to basic training on Air Force Doctrine. This program has resulted in increased honor graduates from the 190th attending basic military training from about two to over a dozen per year. She volunteers as a soccer and basketball youth coach, is a member of Outdoor Kansas, and is active with the PTA. She is actively engaged with her local civic lead- ers as well as the National level and she continuously promotes the National Guard wherever she goes and is known for being a good source of information and education about what the Guard does for America. Military Volunteers of the Year 1st Lt. Scott Allen, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry was named the top Military Volunteer of the year recently, at the Joint State Conference held in Topeka from April 11-13, 2008. Because he is deployed, his wife Delane Allen and his mother, Mrs. Ruthie Adams accepted the award. This award is for the Kansas National Guard member who has shown the most commitment to support of the Kansas Family Programs and its mission and been exemplary in support and dedication. The top Volunteer of the Year for the Kansas Army National Guard was Stacy Sanders, the Family Readiness Group Leader for the 731st Maintenance Company. The top Volunteer of the year for the Kansas Air National Guard was Jessica Turner of the 184th Intelligence Wing. The award was accepted on her behalf by Hilari Thomas Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, addresses the partici- Delarosa. pants of the Joint State Conference in Topeka, April 11-13. (Photo by Sharon Watson) The top awards for the Air and Army National Guard Volunteer awards are awards for the non-military volunteers who exceeded all expectations to the Kansas National Guard Family Programs. Award winning journalist speaks The Kansas National Guard Youth Volunteer of the Year was Jessica Schmidt of the 190th Air Refueling Wing. She mentored others and worked countless hours support- at Joint State Conference ing the Kansas National Guard Youth Programs and the Family Programs as a whole. By Maj. Mike Wallace, 105th MPAD Families of the Year Award winning journalist, novelist, radio Three families were recognized for their dedication and hard work for the Family personality and military spouse, Jacey Support Programs and the Kansas National Guard. This year, the Steve and Janelle Eckhart, spoke to a crowd of more than a Hood family won the top award and won the Kansas National Guard Family of the thousand military personnel, family mem- Year. Steve is a chief warrant officer 4 and member of the 1st Battalion, 108th bers and civilian employees at the Joint Aviation. State Conference in Topeka April 11-13. This award is for families that dedicate at least 10 years of consistent volunteerism. Her program, hosted by the Kansas The Hood family earned it for their work supporting programs of the battalion. National Guard, was aimed at the military The Family Readiness and Support Award for the Air National Guard was earned family and how spouses can cope with the by Dottie Westergren and her family of the 190th Air Refueling Wing. problems they face every day when their The Sgt. 1st Class Timothy and Stephanie Theis family, of the 1st Battalion, 161st loved one is deployed. Field Artillery, won the Family Readiness and Support Award for the Army National “There are 10 things that must be Guard. addressed for the spouses of the military These two family awards are presented to families to recognize the family’s efforts when dealing with the deployment,” Eckhart Jacey Eckhart chats with Maj. Gen. when they go ‘above and beyond’ what is expected through volunteerism and support said, referring to her book, “The Homefront Tod Bunting and his wife, Barbara, Family Readiness programs. Club: The Hardheaded Woman’s Guide to during a session of the Joint State Raising a Military Family.” Conference. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Family Readiness Group Awards “You, as a National Guard member, are were important, such as, not letting small The Family Readiness Group of 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation was named as the not normal. It’s not normal to give up your issues build up, to go over small points Kansas National Guard Outstanding Unit of the Year. loved ones and lifestyle for a year or years daily, be understanding that your neighbors The group also won in the Scrapbook of the Year category for their outstanding at a time, to go to someplace like Iraq or will have no idea what it’s really like to scrapbook activities in which the families have supported the unit. The next award Afghanistan and expose yourself to danger. have your spouse gone for so long and in won was the Newsletter of the Year Award for the best newsletter that kept families of But that’s okay.” danger, and that it is no disgrace to get their unit the most informed of Family Readiness and Family Program Activities in “When you are getting ready to deploy, help when needed. the form of a newsletter. make sure that you and your spouse share, “You see,” she said, “in our society, we Capt. Joe Toepke of the 1-108th was named the Military Liaison of the Year for his and I mean, you’ve got to really talk to each have what we call the sheep, the wolves consistent display of outstanding leadership in providing liaison between Family pro- other. You’ve also got to get over your guilt and the sheepdog. The sheep are the gener- grams and Commands. of who you are and what you do.” al populace, carrying on with their lives Janet Kristinat, wife of Sgt. Jim Kristinat of the 1-108th was awarded the Kansas Eckhart points out that the husband and and doing no one harm.” National Guard Unit Youth Liaison Award. She served as the contact point within the wife are each members of a team and both “The wolves are those that threaten us unit Family Readiness Group for the Youth Coordinator of the state. The position pro- team members have to work together to with imminent harm. That’s why we have vided leadership, mentorship and coordinated educational activities. have a successful marriage. “Remember, a you, the sheepdogs of society. The sheep- The 1st Battalion, 635th Armor won the Family Readiness Website of the Year for deploying military person has to be worth dogs like to see everyone play fair and nice, its 35th Military Police Company website. The website award is given for the unit the sacrifices that they are asking from your and you will do whatever is necessary to that supported Family Program Issues and Family Readiness activities in the form of family. And this is most important of all— protect your sheep from the wolves.” a website, while keeping the families informed of activities in the unit. Accepting the each spouse must be faithful to each other, A 48-minute movie was created of her award were Family Readiness Group volunteers, Anita Nelson and Melissa Bethea. body and mind. Without this, all is lost.” lecture and is available upon request from Eckhart also covered other items that your Family Support Group leaders. July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Safety gear saves motorcyclist’s life after crash with deer By Maj. DeAnn Barr Sometimes, hidden in the folds of a seemingly really Neidhardt joins Air Guard bad day can lurk the best day of your life. For Lt. Col. Hans Neidhardt of the Kansas Air National Guard this day Headquarters staff began on April 15, 2008, while riding his motorcycle to Lt. Col. Hans Neidhardt has been selected as the new work. Director of Staff - Air for the Kansas Air National Neidhardt left his rural Kansas home at 6:05 a.m. on a Guard. two lane, 65 mile-per-hour highway, planning to enjoy his Neidhardt comes to the position from the 184th 40-mile ride to McConnell Air Force Base. An avid Intelligence Wing where he was the Intelligence motorcyclist since 1974, he automatically donned his full Squadron commander. An intelligence and communica- face helmet, a heavy leather jacket and chaps and leather tions officer, Neidhardt has over three decades service in gauntlet gloves. The weather was clear and the roads were the Kansas National Guard. He served eight years in the dry, when four miles from his home a deer darted out of Kansas Army National Guard, attaining the rank of staff the brush, traveling in a south to north path. sergeant and, to date, 25 years in the Kansas Air National With only seconds to assess the situation, Neidhardt knew Guard, from master sergeant to his current rank. he had three options: to hit the animal head on, cut in front Neidhardt replaces Col. Scott Dold, who is taking of the doe or attempt to maneuver around her backside. command of the 190th Mission Support Group, Kansas Neidhardt was extremely close to the deer when he chose Air National Guard. the third option, mindful of the ditch on his right side. “Everything went silent and I started to see things frame motorcycles providing the most severe trauma. More than by frame in slow motion,” said Neidhardt. The doe must likely, Neidhardt’s protective gear saved his life. The have stopped suddenly at this point, mesmerized by the deeply imbedded scratches on the helmet visor indicate he headlights, because Neidhardt hit her right haunch. slid for a considerable distance, facedown. “I could see, feel and hear the impact in very slow Although the left side of the bike does not have a motion. Then the bike started to violently shake, and I scratch or dent, the handle bar and footrest are bent to a Lt. Col. Hans Neidhardt displays the helmet he was could no longer control it. I must have blacked out 90 degree angle. Despite this, Neidhardt plans to get back wearing the morning he hit a deer while riding his because I do not remember going down.” on a new bike as soon as he’s physically able. “I still have motorcycle. Neidhardt has no doubt that the helmet At approximately 6:20 a.m., a young man heading east a passion to ride. I did everything right and wore protec- and other safety gear he was wearing saved his life. on the darkened road came upon the accident, alerted only tive clothing. It’s just one of those things that happen.” (Photo by Staff Sgt. Justin Jacobs) by the Yamaha 1100 V-Star’s headlights in the south ditch. Neidhardt took the Beginning Riders Course offered at Only after stopping to inspect the scene did the man see his injuries. McConnell AFB in 1983, and has enjoyed years of safe Neidhardt unconscious on the pavement, about 200 yards “The only injuries I sustained included broken ribs, a riding since that time. He would encourage any rider to from the initial impact site. Miraculously, he was not run collapsed lung, shattered shoulder bone and broken collar begin this hobby with the proper safety initiatives. over by oncoming traffic while lying limp in the roadway. bone. I only have five small spots of road rash on my “I encourage every cyclist to ride smart and safe—wear The first emergency responders called for Life Watch, hands. The minimized injuries were directly related to my protective gear,” said Neidhardt. “You never know if or suspecting grave internal injuries when only minor exter- safety gear,” said Neidhardt. when you have to react to a dangerous situation. nal bleeding was spotted. After further on-scene evalua- According to staff members on the Wesley Medical Remember you are on two wheels, not four. If my ‘story’ tion, Neidhardt was taken by ambulance to the regional Center Trauma Team in Wichita, Kan., most of their cases can change just one rider’s habits, then the pain from my trauma center where he spent nine days recovering from involve motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents, with crash has been worth it.” Guardsmen train to keep communications going during emergencies By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR It was a dark and stormy night when a “This is a good system. It tornado struck a small western Kansas will allow for greater com- town. The damage was widespread, emer- gency services were disrupted and the munication between the power was out. various responding ele- At least, that was the training scenario. ments in the event of a From Topeka, the State Emergency Operations Center started to dispatch disaster. Its capacities are responders. One of the many vehicles impressive.” heading to the site is a pickup pulling a nondescript trailer. Sgt. 1st Class Edd Savage Within hours, the Soldiers and Airmen of Kansas National Guard had established uplink allows the incident commander and the Joint Incident Site Communications his staff internet access for telephone and Capability. At first, operating out the video conferencing. This provides superi- JISCC tent, the modular facility is serving or communications between the site and as a communication link between Topeka the state’s civilian and military leadership. and the local responders. The JISCC The Joint Incident Site Communications allows federal, state, local, interstate, Capability is developed by an equal part- civilian and military agencies to commu- nership effort between AGT Federal nicate directly with each other. This is (Applied Global Technologies) Kennesaw. done without the agencies having to Ga., and Data Path, of Duluth, Ga. change radios or frequencies. The satellite Starting on May 5, Mark Kirkland, AGT, Working under the supervision of civilian trainers, members of the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability team assemble equipment during a training scenario at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Topeka. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Lucas) and Lyle Sloan, Data Path, provided five “Master Sgt. John Ryan and I are here days of instruction and training on the training on the JISCC in the event that we JISCC to members of both the Kansas are called out in an emergency,” said Army and Air National Guard. The train- Tech. Sgt. Cliff Kane, 190th ing conducted at the Armed Forces Communications Flight. Reserve Center, Topeka, involved both Sgt. 1st Class Michael Osborne, 69th classroom and hands-on training with the Troop Command logistics noncommis- equipment. The goal of the training was sioned officer in charge, said “The JISCC for the Soldiers and Airmen to set up and currently belongs to the 69th Troop operate the JISCC without direction of Command. This is a cool system, but it Kirkland or Sloan. will take a lot of continual training to cre- The Soldiers and Airmen started each ate a large enough pool of trained opera- training day by unloading the components tors to be able to respond to any emer- and setting up the JISCC. At the end of gency. Staff Sgts. Sam Doyle, Danielle the training day, the JISCC components Lucas and I will be spending much of our were repacked and placed back into the drill weekends taking care of the equip- trailer. ment and training our crew.” “This is a good system,” said Sgt. 1st The Joint Incident Site Communications Class Edd Savage, 1st Battalion, 635th Capability will soon be on line and ready Armor. “It will allow for greater commu- to respond to a natural or manmade disas- nication between the various responding ter, a disaster that no one wants, but living Laptops, phones and other communications equipment are given a thorough check- elements in the event of a disaster. Its in Kansas we must expect will happen and out during set-up. (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) capacities are impressive.” must be trained and ready for it. Page 16 Plains Guardian • July 2008 STARBASE program makes math and science fun By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley Since Kansas STARBASE began in “Standing in the tower, 1993, more than 35,000 students have watching the fighters take completed it. The program focuses on math, science off – I loved it! It was an and technology through interactive lessons honor to be there.” that allow students to understand, in a tac- Pfc. Michelle Blindt, tile way, how those subjects can be applied in a career. Math and science scores former STARBASE increase by 35 percent, according to test- participant ing before and after participation, said Jeff Gabriel, executive director of STARBASE. Company E, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Fourth, fifth and sixth graders have the agrees. Now age 20, she attended STAR- opportunity to attend STARBASE. Retired BASE in the sixth grade and cites it as the Col. Dennis Parry, Kansas National Guard, reason she enlisted in the Kansas Army who helped found the Kansas program dur- National Guard. She was intrigued by the ing the early ‘90s, says children that age are aircraft, rockets, simulators, helicopters the most intimidated by analytical subjects. and uniforms. He describes the variety of teaching “Standing in the tower, watching the methods as the most effective part of the fighters take off – I loved it!” said Blindt. lessons. Students get a tactile introduction “It was an honor to be there.” to the subjects. Also, because they interact However, Gabriel stresses STARBASE with fellow students, the lessons are more is not a recruiting tool. The program meaningful. Tanner Reed and the members of his STARBASE team explore Newtonian physics emphasizes math and science and explores A program instructor, Lisa J. Suhr, spent through hands-on experimentation. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Alley) teaching methods that make those subjects 16 years teaching science and the fourth mal, which gives her more freedom to interest activities, which you can’t always more appealing. grade. STARBASE is different from her make the lessons memorable. do,” she said. previous classrooms because it is less for- “These are motivating, through high- Pfc. Michelle Blindt, Detachment 2, (Continued on Page 19) “Amelia’s Angels” removes participation hindrances for STARBASE girls By Staff Sgt. Emily F. Alley President George W. Bush and the Army. star general, not only in the Army, but the phere. However, she has witnessed girls Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunnwoody was recent- If the Senate approves her nomination, United States military. who become overwhelmed. ly nominated to the rank of general by Dunnwoody will be the first female four- To help younger Kansans understand “What I see that’s different is a willing- nontraditional female roles, like ness to participate,” said Suhr. “They are Dunnwoody’s, STARBASE established a hesitant to raise their hands.” girls-only academy called Amelia’s Jeff Gabriel, the executive director of Angels. The program emphasizes math, STARBASE, said parents and teachers science and technology skills with fun, often misinterpret girls’ behavior as a lack hands-on activities for elementary and of interest. middle school students, but Amelia’s “I had a teacher who taught for 25 Angels is for girls only. years,” said Gabriel, “who said ‘I never “One reason we do Amelia’s Angels is realized I was discriminating. I was mak- the passive role girls take in a mixed gen- ing the assumption they didn’t care about der setting,” explained Brig. Gen. Deborah math and science.’ ” Rose, the director of the joint staff and Amelia’s Angels began through an obser- STARBASE advisor. “There is a tendency vation during a robotics lecture in about for boys to take over.” 2003. The instructor, Dr. Kevin Bacon, chal- Studies indicate that in late elementary lenged several visiting teachers to notice school, boys tend to become assertive, most comments and questions were from which intimidates their female classmates. boys. Throughout Bacon’s lecture, no girl Girls develop a fear of criticism and are asked a single question, although boys less competitive; they shy away from repeatedly raised their hands. demanding the same attention as the boys Mia, a 12-year-old student who attended and therefore become relatively ignored. the STARBASE Amelia’s Angels acade- An instructor in the STARBASE my, understands why. Amelia’s Angels academy, Lisa J. Suhr, is “We get stuck doing what boys want to Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose answers questions prior to a graduation ceremony for quick to clarify that not all girls are affect- do,” she said. “Amelia’s Angels,” a girls-only STARBASE program. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Emily Alley) ed. Many thrive in an assertive atmos- (Continued on Page 18) Regular maintenance keeps vehicles out of the shop and on the road By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR “When one performs the same tasks After the intensity of a deployment, it every day, as we did in Iraq, things like often takes a Soldier a few months to tran- humvee Preventive Maintenance Checks sition back in to the life of the Citizen and Services become second nature,” said Soldier. The same is true with the Soldier’s 1st Sgt. Jeffery Arnold. unit. It is necessary for a unit to get back Following the vehicle’s manual pre-oper- into conducting their tasks to the Army ations checklist, the sergeants explained to standard. This was the goal of the Soldiers proper procedures for each Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, check. In addition to the training, the vehi- 108th Aviation Regiment during April drill cles were being inspected. The lights were as they conducted vehicle Preventive checked, as well as the oil and other fluid Maintenance Checks and Services. levels. The electrical system and fan belts Sunday morning, April 6, found Soldiers were inspected. The vehicles were started and their sergeants checking their humvees and the instruments were noted for proper with the aid of the vehicle’s operator man- indications. Any deficiencies discovered ual. The Headquarters and Headquarters were recorded on inspection sheets. Company commander, Capt. Todd The sheets were provided to the ground Loughney, emphasized the need to get maintenance section of Company E. back to the basic Army standards for con- Company E’s maintenance specialists will ducting routine tasks. record the deficiencies and order any nec- “We have now been back from our essary repair parts. As the parts come in deployment for several months,” the vehicles will be repaired. Loughney said. “We are no longer doing The humvee that Spc. Heidi Stotler, tasks on a daily basis and several new flight operations, was inspecting would not Spc. Heidi Stotler, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 108th Soldiers have joined the unit since we start. Using the manual, she discovered Aviation, investigates why a humvee belonging to the unit won’t start. (Photo by Sgt. deployed. We need to integrate our new that the vehicle batteries were dead. With Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Soldiers into the unit and take this oppor- the help of her section sergeant, she “This has been a good time to train new of training.” tunity to train our Soldiers right. That is learned the correct way of jump starting a Soldiers,” said Sgt. Dana Smith, communi- This training to standards will become why our noncommissioned officers are out vehicle from another using slave cables. cations section. the norm for the unit as they move towards here conducting training with their She recorded the problem and submitted it Spc. Aaron Kearney, flight operations, their first annual training since returning Soldiers from the operator’s manual.” to the maintenance section. said “It is good to get back into the swing from their deployment. July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 17 Annual fishing tournament Awards and Decorations Kansas Army National Guard Kansas Air National Guard honors Kansas’ fallen heroes Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal By 1st Lt. Jonathan Mack, 105th MPAD in the lake. In the past there have been 10- The Fourth Annual Kansas Veteran’s 12 teams competing in the tournament but Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Hager, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Lt. Col. Thomas Ames, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Memorial Bass Tournament took place on this year the total reached 19 teams, well Bronze Star Cluster April 26 at the Coffey County Lake near exceeding the attendance of any other tour- Lt. Col. Brian Moore, 184th IW, Wichita Maj Jarrdo Moseley, 184th IW, Wichita Wolf Creek Generating Station. The tour- nament. Maj. Gregory Platt, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka 1st Lt. Daniel Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf nament, organized and hosted by the 2nd The tournament came to a close at noon Capt. Charles Lunkwitz, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Cluster Chief Master Sgt. Howard Koehn, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Battalion, 130th Field Artillery Family and the last of the boats trickled in to have Purple Heart Oak Leaf Cluster Support Group, is conducted annually in their catch weighed and see who bought in Chief Master Sgt. Brian Norris, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Akin, 184th IW, Wichita memory of all fallen Kansas service men the biggest bass. This year’s winning bass Maj. Greg Edson, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Robert Collins, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st and women. were caught by Bill Greenwood and David Oak Leaf Cluster Meritorious Service Medal Senior Master Sgt. James Scheidel Jr, 184th IW, Wichita, Participants had to provide their own Wilson. The winners of the Veteran’s 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster boats for the event, and they began to Memorial Bass Tournament were present- Senior Master Sgt. Brian Siefert, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Maj. Paul W. Schneider, HHB (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Oak Leaf Cluster show up at the Coffey County Lake at 6 ed with plaques, T-shirts and gift cards by Hiawatha, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Sandra Bearden, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak a.m. the morning of the tournament in Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting and State Maj. Shy Warner, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Leaf Cluster Capt. Randy S. Matthews, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka, 1st Master Sgt. Charles Garcia, 184th IW, Wichita hopes to be one of the first to get their boat Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Rodina. Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. James Hunter, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Chief Warrant Officer 2 Johnathan E. Keck, JFHQ KS-LC, Leaf Cluster Topeka, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Deborah Kill, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Ralph D. Figgers, BCTC, Fort Leavenworth Master Sgt. Orville Lanier, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class William Ferris, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Master Sgt. Stephen Mann, 184th IW, Wichita Topeka Master Sgt. Cynthia Price, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Sgt. 1st Class Eric D. Mincks, HHD, 635th RSG, Leaf Cluster Hutchinson, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Darin Frazier, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Kal J. Robinson, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Tech. Sgt. Lilianna Habtemariam, 184th IW, Wichita Manhattan Staff Sgt. Lucas Kekel, 184th IW, Wichita

Army Commendation Medal Air Force Commendation Medal

Lt. Col. William J. Sullivan, Kansas Area Med Det, Lenexa, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Greg Edson, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Master Sgt. John Graber, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf 1st Sgt. Joseph T. Lawyer, 250th FSC, Ottawa Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Doretha E. Bighems, DDR, Topeka Master Sgt. Nancy Wells, 184th IW, Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Staff Sgt. Chris A. English, Det 1, 170th Maint Co, Cluster Goodland Tech. Sgt. Tyrone Burson, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Staff Sgt. Barrie L. Gnagy, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Leaf Cluster Topeka Tech. Sgt. Michael Hagen, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. William L. Komma, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 1st Oak Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hines, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. John Hollar, 184th IW, Wichita Army Achievement Medal Tech. Sgt. Kent Niebuhr, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Samuel Redden, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Janet Stuhlsatz, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Lt. Col. William J. Sullivan, Kansas Area Med Det, Leaf Cluster Lenexa, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Andrea Fiene, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Luke Gifford, 184th IW, Wichita Afghanistan Campaign Medal Staff Sgt. James Hadorn, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Christopher Hogan, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. David Le, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Eric Ford, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. David Roberts, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Greg Edson, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Maj. Johnnie Gallegos, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Maj. Gregory Platt, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Air Force Achievement Medal Maj. Shy Warner, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka A fisherman proudly displays the one that didn’t get away during the Fourth annu- Capt. Joseph Ensminger, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Capt. Charles Lunkwitz, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka al Kansas Veterans Memorial Bass Tournament at Coffey County Lake. (Photo by Capt. Shane Pruente, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Dale Brooks, 184th IW, Wichita 1st Lt. Jonathan Mack) Capt. Steve Wasko, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Eric Maynor, 184th IW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Master Sgt. James Fenton, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Cluster Sgt. 1st Class William Ferris, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Tech. Sgt. Marvin Nice, 184th IW, Wichita Topeka Tech. Sgt. Chad Nicholas, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Carl Herring, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Shane Nulik, 184th IW, Wichita Eat the elephant one bite at a time Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Lamb, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Staff Sgt. Jason Barker, 184th IW, Wichita Continued from Page 4 you. After a couple of weeks, you might Topeka Staff Sgt. Benjamin Clifton, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. 1st Class Peter Nino, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Leaf Cluster Let’s jump ahead three months (consis- decide to get up a half hour earlier or Staff Sgt. Keith Courtin, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Teresa Crawford, 184th IW, Wichita tency). By this time, you’ve discovered a maybe even an hour. But remember: the Staff Sgt. Jeff Crees, 184th IW, Wichita NATO Service Medal Staff Sgt. King Dixon, 184th IW, Wichita new friend in your life: that sense of feel- key thing is to start slow and don’t overdo Staff Sgt. Melissa Gillenwater, 184th IW, Wichita ing better. Maybe you’ve even lost a few it at the beginning. Don’t start out trying to Staff Sgt. Christopher Hogan, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Eric Ford, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Bret Kaul, 184th IW, Wichita pounds. Overall, you feel more energetic eat the whole elephant: just take one bite at Maj. Greg Edson, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Michael Kekel, 184th IW, Wichita than you have in a long time. You’ll dis- a time. Listen to your body and don’t try Maj. Johnnie Gallegos, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Khamkert Khuesy, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Gregory Platt, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Brandin Peasley, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak cover that the days you don’t feel like working through pain. Spend a couple of Maj. Shy Warner, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Leaf Cluster working out are the very days that are the minutes warming up with calf and thigh Capt. Joseph Ensminger, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Shawn Rucker, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Charles Lunkwitz, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Theresa Spears, 184th IW, Wichita most beneficial once you get started. You stretches at the beginning of the workout, Capt. Shane Pruente, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Clint Stevens, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf feel better when you work out, almost and a couple of minutes at the end. Capt. Steve Wasko, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Cluster Master Sgt. James Fenton, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Staff Sgt. Morgan Stolp, 184th IW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf without exception. At first you’ll be tired If you are concerned about your health, Sgt. 1st Class William Ferris, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Cluster and sore, but in the long run, you’ll feel your first stop should be an appointment Topeka Senior Airman John Combs, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Carl Herring, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Senior Airman Thomas Dater, 184th IW, Wichita better. Now you take the APFT and find with the family doctor to make sure every- Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Lamb, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Senior Airman Cori Fortner, 184th IW, Wichita that you might be a little bit sore, but not thing is okay before you start your pro- Topeka Senior Airman Darral Garner, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Peter Nino, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Senior Airman John Montgomery, 184th IW, Wichita in the pain you’ve been in after last year’s gram. Working out, particularly once you Staff Sgt. Keith Courtin, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Senior Airman Abraham Northcutt, 184th IW, Wichita test. After the test, you might brag to your start getting in shape, shouldn’t be painful, Senior Airman Steven Peyton, 184th IW, Wichita Combat Infantry Badge Senior Airman Rachel Ringgenberg, 184th IW, Wichita fellow Soldiers that you work out harder so be aware of chronic pain and get advice Senior Airman Heather Stump, 184th IW, Wichita than this everyday. As a matter of fact, this from your doctor. Senior Airman Roger Williams, 184th IW, Wichita is your second PT test of the day! Good luck on your road to becoming fit Capt. Steve Wasko, ETT #3 Team Shocker, Topeka Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Will you pass the test? It’s strictly up to for life. Kansas National Guard Medal of Excellence

Karen Morrow, JFHQ KS HRO, Topeka Tech. Sgt. James Guy, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Paul Williams, Det 2, 170th Maint Co, Colby Sgt. Davette Cooper, Btry E, (TA), 161st FA, Great Bend Retirements Sgt. Clinton Everman, 772nd Eng Co, Pittsburg Sgt. Robert Fillpot, Det 1, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kansas Army National Guard Lenexa Training facilities Maj. Larry Block, HHD, 635th Sgt, Hutchinson Sgt. Albert Henkensiefken Jr., HHD, 169th CSSB, Olathe Maj. Kurt Bruggemeyer, HHC (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Spc. Willie Braden Jr., Det 2, HHB, 1st Bn, 178th FA, Continued from Page 6 HMMWV and detonated. Everyone Topeka Topeka Maj. Ronald Peery, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth behind the wheel or in the turret of a jumped when the device went off with a Spc. Timothy Day, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sallie Easley, HHC, 287th Sust Pfc. Austin Reece, Co C, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Wichita HMMWV and experience what it is like loud boom followed by rolling smoke. Bde, Wichita Sgt. Maj. Michael Hager, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka being in a convoy. Convoy training isn’t Although this IED was harmless it really Kansas Air National Guard Master Sgt. Dennis Mahan, 287th Sust Bde, Wichita Lt. Col. Francis X. Froncek, 184th IW, Wichita just about how to drive a HMMWV, but brought home what a convoy traveling on Sgt. 1st Class David Hawkins, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Maj. Kyle M Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Max Miller Jr., HHB, 130th FA Bde, Topeka involves how to react if one of the vehicles the roads of Iraq or Afghanistan faces. Chief Master Sgt. Gene A. Mohr, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Nelson, 2nd Bn, 235th Regiment Master Sgt. Jerry L. Atkinson, 184th IW, Wichita gets hit, how to cover a sector of fire, what Then it was back to the helicopters for (GS), Salina Master Sgt. Sandra J. Bearden, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Rick Vanrossun, HHC, 287th Sust Bde, is the proper interval between vehicles, the flight home. It had been a day filled Master Sgt. Gregory L. Burnetta, 190th ARW, Topeka Wichita Master Sgt. Brian E. Custer, 184th IW, Wichita communication with the convoy comman- with new experiences for the legislators. Staff Sgt. Stephan Childers, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Janet Dunn, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Chris English, Det 1, 170th Maint Co, Goodland der and many other things. The turret gun- Junior legislators, like Rep. Elaine Bowers, Master Sgt. Kim F. Eck, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Sammy Johnson, 778th Trans Co, Kansas City Master Sgt. Deborah M. Kill, 184th IW, Wichita ners in this simulated convoy wear a virtu- District 107, “welcomed the opportunity to Staff Sgt. Victor Ketter, Co E (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Master Sgt. Orville H. Lanier, 184th IW, Wichita Topeka al halo which gives them a three dimen- get to learn more about the Kansas National Master Sgt. Donald J. Lenk, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Kal Robinson, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Master Sgt. Friedrich Maisberger, 190th ARW, Topeka sional look at their surroundings. Guard and its mission.” She also felt like Manhattan Master Sgt. Mitchell D. Powell, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Mark Schmeltz, Co B, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, To help the civic leaders understand just the day had opened her eyes to some of the Master Sgt. Edward E Simpson, 184th IW, Wichita Wichita Master Sgt. Barry L. Weiner, 184th IW, Wichita a fraction of what Soldiers face when over- challenges that the Guard faces. Staff Sgt. David Sherraden, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Tech. Sgt. Janet Billbe, 190th ARW, Topeka Wichita seas a special demonstration was set up. For Small, who has set up dozens of these Tech. Sgt. Barbara L. King, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Charles Tucker, HHD, 635th Sgt, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Gerald McKinney, 190th ARW, Topeka An improvised explosive device (IED) educational trips for civic leaders, as they simulator kit was placed next to a say in the military - mission complete. Page 18 Plains Guardian • July 2008 Combat experience enhances Primate Assault Flight Support By Pfc. Jessica Rohr enced in Iraq. Aircrew practiced radio pro- Warrant Officer 2 Brandy Nichols said whether on the ground or in the air. It has not been that long since the cedures – such as tactical spot reports – “Enforcing the standards and trying to A great deal of knowledge was gained Company A, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation sending information to the Tactical replicate training closest to combat opera- throughout the mission in Iraq. “We are now Regiment returned home from Iraq to Operations Center. A majority of their tar- tions” is important to realism in the train- more mission focused and train the way we Forbes Field in Topeka. Nevertheless, they gets in country were vehicles called ing environment. fought in Iraq. We took the lessons learned are already back in full swing, with a few “bongo trucks” (half car, half pick-up Crew chiefs, aka “The Guardians of the and are adapting our training so we don’t changes here and there to their routine. truck). Today’s specialty was green trac- Aircraft” to the pilots, have some of the lose the skills we have developed,” voiced Each pilot and crew chief has brought tors. For every green tractor that was spot- most important jobs among the aircrew. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tim Brundage, the back many valuable lessons from their ted, crew chiefs would call them out and Multitasked for just about anything that is Company A tactical operations officer. combat mission, with many of these used replicate engaging their target. “Blue thrown their way, from maintaining to Within the Army National Guard the in training during the battalion’s April bongo truck, southeast, 500 meters!” was staffing the aircraft assigned to them, safe- resounding phrase “Train as we fight” has drill, simulating stressful situations so that the call from the crew chief. ty is always the number one consideration. become more important as time goes on. the crew may practice working them out. Being vigilant and alert of their sur- During flights, pilots can concentrate on With this company’s new training in place, The entire flight dealt with simulated roundings is what kept them well ahead of controlling the aircraft without worries, they will be ready when the state and scenarios very realistic to those experi- the enemy during the deployment. Chief because the crew chiefs are keeping watch nation call upon them to help those in over everything else. Their job never ends, need, both here at home and abroad. Night in town is no night on the town for Military Police Soldiers By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR 6. Working with Dierks, Sample started The 35th Military Police Company con- her night observing a drug dog search in ducted Law Enforcement training with the an apartment complex parking lot. When 97th Military Police Battalion during their Sample entered a club, she drew a lot of annual training at Fort Riley, Kan. As part attention. It was obvious that the patrons of this training, two members of the 35th were not used to seeing a female MP. MP Company were selected to be part of At the start of their second time through the Presence Patrol conducted jointly by the clubs, Dierks spotted an individual the Fort Riley Provost Marshall and the behaving strangely in one of the sports bars. Riley County Police Department. After escorting the individual out of the Sgt. 1st Class Chad Tripp, Headquarters club and doing a background check, Dierks and Headquarters Detachment, 97th MP released the individual to a friend. Battalion, said “We, in conjunction with However, Dierks would only do so if the the Riley County Police, have been con- two would leave. Dierks and Sample stayed ducting these presence/courtesy patrols. until a taxi arrived and the two drove off. We want the Soldiers to know the com- Sample was also involved in an incident mand cares for them. Also, it shows the when she backed up Dierks. When two indi- community that the command is interested viduals started fighting in one of the clubs and invested in their welfare. It is also she went to Dierks’ aid. During the scuffle, good to work with the local authorities.” Sample was struck on the side of the head. On June 4, Pvt. 2 Joseph Bonner con- “He was not trying to hit me,” said ducted a Presence Patrol with Riley County Sample. “I got in the way as he was trying Sgt. Justin Kaub, Company A, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, gives his gear a pre- Police Officers Derek Haskin and Bobby to hit the other guy. Officer Dierks put that flight inspection. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Rohr) Dierks in Aggieville, a roughly six square guy on the ground and handcuffed him.” block area that borders the Manhattan cam- Dierks ended up releasing the two pus of Kansas State University. During the brawlers. Amelia’s Angels removes hindrances day, it is a place of specialty and college- “Later, we were in a foot pursuit of a Continued from Page 16 dard,” observed Mia. related shops and unique restaurants. In the vehicle involved in a hit and run,” said During Amelia’s Angels, Mia said she Since earning her commission in 1983, evening, the sports bars and clubs come Sample. “We ran for about 12 blocks.” felt more comfortable working on projects Rose said she very rarely experienced alive with a mixture of college students, The suspect’s car was stopped by a and was able to plan and problem solve the hostility. locals and Soldiers. Riley County Police Car. activities. She said there was also more “The fact is, we prove ourselves,” she “I was a little nervous as we moved “I had to watch the driver, who was sit- time for crafts and tours. In the mixed said. from club to club,” admitted Bonner. ting, handcuffed on the curb, while the class, she said the boys were most interest- Rose demands personal accountability, With Bonner following Dierks’ lead, the officers searched the vehicle,” said ed in building rockets, which took more even for the smallest situations. Once, while team would quickly enter an establish- Sample. time. Amelia’s Angels, by comparison, is traveling, Rose carried several large bags to ment. Dierks knew the best position in Her night was not yet over. better adapted. an upstairs room. One of her male traveling each club from where he could observe the “As we were getting ready to call it a “It’s awesome,” Mia said. “You do more companions offered to carry the bags, but crowd. Bonner had to be on his toes as night, a car jumped over the median, a curb things that fit you.” Rose insisted on taking them herself. Dierks was quick to move out with little and ended up in a parking lot,” said Sample. The goals of STARBASE, said Gabriel, “It was nice of him to ask,” she laughs. warning. “This happened right in front of us. We had are to remove boys from the classroom and “But I should be able to carry my own “The whole night was very cool,” said to process the scene before we could go to introduce girls to mentors in nontradi- bags.” Bonner. “I would like to have done more, back. The driver was arrested for DUI.” tional careers. Rose’s career advice applies to men or but the night was very quiet and unevent- “This was training that I could have “The idea is to level the playing field,” women; the key is mentoring. Rose sug- ful. Sadly we came back early.” never gotten in a classroom,” Sample said. said Rose. gests learning from everyone you meet, Conditions were a little different when “It was a real rush. I appreciate the chance Although Rose serves STARBASE even informally. Spc. Cera Sample went out on Friday, June to have had the chance to have done it.” through an advisory group to the Adjutant “Look at people who are successful,” General, she has also volunteered as a men- but she also adds “and look at people who tor to students and regularly speaks at are not successful.” Amelia’s Angels graduations. Rose good- She recommends completing education, naturedly accepts that many of the students training and being prepared when a chance have no idea they are learning from the first for promotion arrives. female colonel and brigadier general in the “I’ve been fortunate,” Rose describes Kansas National Guard. Rose keeps a hum- her military experience. “I’ve had com- ble perspective of her accomplishments. manders who gave me opportunities, and “Somebody has to be first,” she says of believed in my capabilities.” the many glass ceilings she has shattered. Although women have valid distinctions “More important is the second, third, that separate them from some opportuni- fourth and so on.” ties available to males, Rose is not Rose finds it rewarding to have set a deterred. A successful military career is precedent that allows more women oppor- possible: she cites the Army’s recent nomi- tunities. The important thing is to empow- nation of the first four-star general. er those around her. “The only limit we truly have is our- “The people who do it first set the stan- selves,” said Rose. Kansas Guardsmen in Kosovo Continued from Page 7 restaurant a flag of Kosovo and the U.S. troops are doing and the difference they fly next to one another. make in Kosovo. The deployment is nearing its end and “We love America!” Jozefi says several troops are ready to return home. The 35th Spc. Cera Sample, 35th Military Police Company, chats with Riley County Police times during the visit. Infantry Division will return to Kansas this Officer Bobby Dierks during a patrol of Manhattan’s Aggieville area. (Photo by Sgt. It’s a common sentiment heard over and month after handing over the command to Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) over throughout the visit. Just outside the KFOR 10. July 2008 • Plains Guardian Page 19 Final tank gunnery training bittersweet for armor battalion By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR Tank Gunnery is an important part of a tanker’s annual training. This year was important for the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor. It was the first gunnery since the battalion was notified that it was being deployed to Kosovo. This was also the last gunnery the battalion would have before it is inactivated later this year. Lt. Col. Howard Wheeler, battalion commander, told his tank crews, “We are building memories here.” The task of making the memories a reality was given to the battalion’s master gunners. The master gunners were given two months to ready the M1A1 Abrams tank crews for gunnery. The mission had changed from gun truck training back to tank gunnery. Sgt. 1st Class Edd Savage, master tank gunner, said “The master gunner is the commander’s expert on matters related to gunnery.” “The master gunner is also the expert on fire control and turret mechanics,” added Master Sgt. Michael Breese, also a master tank gunner. “Normally, gunnery is a year- round process involving at least four hours during a drill using the Abrams Full Integrated Skill Trainer.” The device is a simulator that fits over the vision ports of the tank. Battle scenarios are presented to the crews, who react to the scenarios inside their own tank. “It has been a tough training curve,” said Breese. “Since we have not done gunnery since 2003,” said Savage, “that makes this the first gunnery for almost 80 percent of our crews. The record board does not reflect the true nature of what the crews are doing. There has The ground shakes and the mud flies when an M1A1 Abrams tank lets loose a round down range. The 1st been a drastic improvement in crew speed and cohesive- Battalion, 635th Armor conducted its last tank gunnery training during its annual training at Fort Riley in June. ness.” (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Sadly, the battalion will be inactivated later this year. “It is a sad thing that the battalion is going away,” said tank gunnery fired the last round from the 635th. The next Elements of the battalion will join with elements of the Sgt. Walter Craft, Company C Abrams gunner “I will still gunnery will be with both Abrams and Bradley Fighting 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry to form the new 137th be able to tank, but it will never be the same.” Vehicles of the new 137th HTCF. New battalion traditions Heavy Tactical Combat Force. At noon on June 10, the last Top Gun crew from the last will be created, but the 635th will not be forgotten.

Like cavalry troopers of old, tank crews of the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor prepare An M1A1 Abrams tank rumbles toward the firing line at Fort Riley during annual to “mount up” for the day’s activities during annual training. (Photo by Sgt. training. (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR) Windham assumes command of Kansas STARBASE program Kansas Regional Training Institute makes math and science fun By Sgt. 1st Class Linda Rocha Field Artillery Brigade and Task Force Continued from Page 16 Registration is free, because the acade- Command of the 235th Regiment, Tornado; commander, Task Force Certified elementary school teachers run mies are a function of the Department of Kansas Regional Training Institute, passed Hurricane in Baghdad, Iraq. the classes, but volunteers provide a Defense, but more schools have applied to from Col. Norman E. Steen to Col. Robert Windham earned an Associate of Arts unique perspective on how to apply math the program than are possible to accom- E. Windham during a ceremony on June 7. degree in business administration at the and science in their careers. For instance, a modate. Gabriel set up a rotation and lot- Windham was commissioned a second Kansas City Kansas Community College; pilot may speak about physics. Students tery system to allow each one an opportu- lieutenant, Signal Corps, from the Kansas a Bachelor of Arts degree in management tour military installations and actually sit nity. Title 1, or at-risk, schools are given Military Academy Officer Candidate and human resources from Mid-America in the control cabin of aircraft. priority. Guard units that offer STARBASE School. Assignments include platoon Nazarene University; a Master of Arts in “I would say it was a foundation to also hold funding activities throughout the leader and communications-electronics telecommunications management from become something great,” said Blindt. year, such as golf tournaments. They also officer with the 135th Combat Aviation Webster College; and a Master of Strategic Another graduate of STARBASE, Emily sell DVDs of the classes to the families of Battalion; Teach Assess Counsel Officer, Studies from the Army War College. He is Schmar, came back to intern this summer, children who attend. Kansas Military Academy; signal officer, a graduate of the U.S. Army Command before her senior year of high school. She Four STARBASE locations are offered in 35th Division Artillery; communications and Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff originally experienced the program in the Kansas: 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka; officer, 130th Field Artillery Brigade; state College and the U.S. Army War College. sixth grade. Schmar wants to become an 184th Air Refueling Wing, Wichita; signal officer; commander, 1st Battalion Windham has two daughters, Tara and engineer and enjoys STARBASE’s empha- Headquarters, 235th Regiment, Salina and 235th Regiment; deputy commander, 130th Natalie and is a resident of Junction City. sis on math and science. Headquarters, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, Tanner Reed, age 10 and a summer stu- Kansas City, Kan. Summer academies are dent at STARBASE, also enjoys math and available at several satellite locations to Interested in being a SCOUT for your county? said he would like to someday fly aircraft. serve schools that can’t commute. “To me, it sounds fun, and it would help During the school year, classes enroll We’re looking for Kansas Guard members and retirees of people get places,” he said. through schools; almost 60 participate annu- the National Guard to consider this important role, please Parry said STARBASE was originally ally. Summer academies are available to call 785-274-1117. designed for at-risk students, but has since individual students or groups that enroll expanded to serve all schools that request it. though the website www.kansasstarbase.org. PlainsPlains GuarGuardiandian Page 20 Plains Guardian • July 2008 One year later, Greensburg is on the road to recovery By Sharon Watson following the tornado. At that time, some destroyed Dillons. Driving on US 54 toward the town of tents housed hot meals for the workers and Signs expressing thanks welcome visitors Greensburg today provides little warning others provided showers. But on this day and residents along U.S. 54. Some say you are about to enter a town devastated the scene was much different. thanks to the emergency responders, FEMA, by a tornado a year ago. Hundreds of residents and visitors sang EPA, and local groups like the Rotary Club However, once inside the town, the evi- the lyrics to a well known hymn, “It Is and Elks. Others say thanks to first respon- dence is just as visible as ever despite the Well With My Soul,” and received a mes- ders and the National Weather Service, tremendous amount of progress Greensburg sage of hope and encouragement from pas- which provided the town some 20 minutes has made in the past year with the help of tors in the area. warning as local meteorologists relayed the Kansas National Guard, Kansas Division “Tragedy to triumph!” shouted Marvin their information regarding a tornado com- of Emergency Management, FEMA, numer- George, pastor of First Baptist Church in ing toward Greensburg. ous other state and federal agencies, and Greensburg. Many believe it’s that warning, along with many local organizations as well as thou- “It’s not a political statement,” he said. the residents’ decisions to heed it that saved sands of volunteers. “It’s an attitude. We are triumphant today. so many lives. Nine people died the night of On May 4, 2008, Greensburg officials What’s the difference between last year and the tornado, and three others later died from and residents marked the one year anniver- this year? Triumph. Maybe not everyone can their injuries sustained that night. sary of a deadly EF-5 tornado and cele- stand and holler triumph, but that’s okay. The town’s main tourist attraction, the brated their town’s rebuilding effort while I’m glad I’m here today to show the rest of Big Well, the largest hand dug well in the anxiously anticipating the arrival of a very the world we are triumphant in tragedy.” world, has a new gift shop which tourists special graduation speaker, President News helicopters flew above the service combed through throughout the day. Tours George W. Bush. capturing the anniversary events on video down into the well aren’t yet available, as Members of the Guard’s 184th for the world. The town, once not very Pres. George W. Bush shakes hands with they once were. Intelligence Wing in Wichita were among well known, had a population of 1,500. members of the military at McConnell Several new businesses held grand open- the first to meet Bush as he greeted some of Today it is approxmately half of that. Air Force Base. The President was in ings and many homeowners spent the day the crowd at McConnell Air Force Base Willard Olinger, pastor of Faith Kansas to deliver the graduation speech working on their rebuilding efforts. before going on to Greensburg for the high Tabernacle in Greensburg relayed a story in Greensburg on the one-year anniver- By mid afternoon all eyes were on the school graduation. Just a year ago, it was the to the crowd about a Wichita resident who sary of the Greensburg tornado. (Photo arrival of the president for the graduation. 184th that was among the first to arrive in was speaking to someone outside the U.S. provided by the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Patriot Guard members lined the streets to Greensburg in the early morning hours of Not being familiar with Kansas, the person Public Affairs Office) ensure the president received a warm wel- May 5th. The Guard stayed for two months asked if Wichita was near Greensburg. come. His entry was a quick one and the reassure those who had left that they are to assist, primarily with clean up of debris. Despite its newfound fame, many resi- graduation ceremony was closed except to still part of the Greensburg family. Today evidence of the Guard’s work and dents chose not to rebuild or to delay faculty, students and their designated guests. Faith Tabernacle was completely that of many other state agencies is still rebuilding and find another location to live Unlike a year ago when local first destroyed, but the concrete foundation pro- present as most blocks are debris free and in a nearby town. responders and the Kansas National vided the perfect location for the Kansas new homes are beginning to pop up Olinger says he knows many who did Guardsmen were plentiful in Greensburg, Air National Guard to set up a temporary throughout town. that, choosing to move closer to work in a this time only a few Guard members were hospital for Greensburg. Today that loca- A community church service began the different town or to avoid having to build in town to greet the president. tion remains the site for the Guard’s tem- May anniversary day celebrations with a new home. While its sad for the town, he Visitors from throughout the region and porary hospital called an Expeditionary songs of faith and hope in a tent in Davis doesn’t fault those who chose to do it. some from other states took their time dri- Medical Support System while the new Park on the east end of town. This was an “All of you who relocated…Greensburg, ving through Greensburg to see the Greensburg hospital is being built. This is area filled with dozens of tents for weeks is still your home,” Olinger said trying to progress on this anniversary. the Guard’s only presence in the town Signs expressing hope greeted them. now, unlike a year ago when as many as One on the First United Methodist Church 500 Guardsmen and their equipment were reads “Struck down, but not destroyed. on nearly every corner of town. Rising from the rubble with Christ.” On west of the church service on U.S. And the residents’ sense of humor is still 54, there is evidence the town’s only gro- alive and well in Greensburg, despite the cery store, Dillons, will be rebuilt. many losses. Just outside the Big Well, a Meanwhile, the Kwik Shop employees sign reads “get hammered in Greensburg kept busy trying to keep up with the influx Spring Break 08.” The hammer on the pic- of people coming through the town for the ture represents the non-traditional meaning one year anniversary celebration. It’s the of the expression and indicates the many town’s only gas station and has expanded hammers students picked up to help rebuild to provide more groceries after the tornado their community on their spring break.

Every house that goes up in Greensburg is another sign that the town, once nearly PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage destroyed, is on the road to recovery. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Permit No. 1 Augusta, Kansas U.S. humanitarian efforts deliver goods to Armenian orphanage The U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, year, which will also provide furniture and Robert Frazier, hosted a ribbon cutting equipment to an additional orphanage in ceremony with Mr. Ruben Markosian, Yerevan, provide firefighting gear to the director of the Fridtjof Nansen Orphanage Armenian Rescue Service and renovate in Gyumri, Armenia, May 21. The event aged water systems in three northeastern recognized the delivery of more than Armenian villages this summer. $33,000 dollars worth of household furni- The Fridtjof Nansen Orphanage was ture and equipment to the orphanage. founded in 2000 and has had 150 children This project was coordinated by Maj. pass through it since that time. One mea- Ed Keller, Kansas National Guard, who is sure of its success is that 80 children have assigned to the U.S. Embassy’s Office of been returned to families. The delivery of Defense Cooperation. The Kansas U.S. donated furniture will help sustain National Guard and Armenia are partnered the 70 remaining children who currently through the State Partnership Program, live at the orphanage. The property that which fosters military to military, military was delivered consists of bunk beds com- Blvd. 2800 Topeka OFFICIAL BUSINESS Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka,

to civilian and civilian to civilian relation- plete with mattresses, sheets, and pillows, Penalty For Private Use, $300 DEPARTMENTARMY OF THE

ships. as well as night stands, and wardrobe cab- NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS The furniture for the orphanage was inets. Additionally, two stainless steel donated by the U.S. European Command medicine cabinets, a medical exam table, based in Stuttgart, Germany. This single two pharmaceutical cabinets and an DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE project is only part of the ODC’s overall assortment of medical supplies were pro- Humanitarian Assistance program this vided to the orphanage’s clinic.