September 2012 Vol. 7 No. 7

GRIZZLYOfficial Newsmagazine of the California National Guard

Battling the blazes 6

Afghanistan homecomings, deployments www.calguard.ca.gov/publicaffairs 5 1 Leadership Corner

The National Guard: A sound investment September

Major General David S. Baldwin

The U.S. military is the strongest in the world, and it has at the expense of the reserve component. It’s time to turn ployments. In fact the most common complaint I hear from been for decades. But it is not a one-size-fits-all force. that model on its head. CNG Soldiers and Airmen is that there are too few oppor- tunities for these brave warriors to deploy. They joined the After the Allies’ historic victory in World War II, our ob- The past 11 years of conflict have seen unprecedented reli- military because they want to serve this state and nation, jective was clear: Defend this great nation against the So- ance on the reserve components, as Guardsmen and Re- and they hope our leaders at the Pentagon are listening. viet threat. For nearly half a century, the Cold War de- servists have been heavily integrated into overseas con- fined our military and drove the decision-making process tingency operations, working side-by-side with our active Increasing the reserve component’s role would come at a as our leaders built the Armed Forces to protect us against duty brethren. Putting the reserve component on a shelf cost. To maintain a true operational reserve, we must in- that enemy. and allowing the skill and experience we have gained to crease our time spent training for contingency operations. dwindle over time would be a huge national security mis- Rather than a traditional two-week annual training period, Thanks in large part to the might of our military, Soviet take. Furthermore, it would be a huge fiscal mistake, as the units may need to spend as much as seven weeks in train- influence throughout the world waned in the second half reserve component has been proven to bring capabilities ing, depending on where their unit falls in the deployment of the 20th century, and the Iron Curtain fell more than 20 to the fight at only one-third the cost of our active duty or readiness cycle. years ago, bringing the Cold War to a close. But unfortu- counterparts. nately, that historic threat continues to drive many of the We are very grateful to the businesses that employ our Na- decisions affecting our Armed Forces. This exceptional return on investment necessitates that we tional Guardsmen and Reservists and accommodate their break the Cold War paradigm and approach the looming training schedules, and we understand the challenges an For 70 years, the Defense Department has been building budget crisis from a requirements-based standpoint. When expanded training schedule would present. Nonetheless up our active components while simply filling in at the our leaders determine each commander’s requirements, we believe employers would continue to support our pa- margins with the National Guard and Reserves. That is a they should then determine if that need can be met by the triotic citizen-warriors, and we plan to work with federal model from a bygone era. Guard or Reserve. If the answer is yes, that requirement and state policymakers to create tax breaks and other in- must be filled by the reserve component. centives for businesses to employ National Guardsmen A congressional mechanism commonly referred to as se- and Reservists. questration will trigger across-the-board spending cuts on Our active components are needed to maintain an institu- Jan. 2 if lawmakers are unable to agree on a plan to re- tional base, provide a steady supply of trained and ready Relegating our reserve forces to solely a domestic-response duce the federal deficit. Sequestration would require the units to meet mission requirements and fill certain roles role would waste the experience gained during the past 11 Defense Department to slash $500 billion from its project- that are not appropriate for a part-time force. But if we can years and ignore the potential cost savings our country ed budget for the next 10 years, forcing military leaders to buy proven combat capabilities through the reserve com- desperately needs. Only with the help of our governors make tough decisions. ponent at a fraction of the price, we must do so at every op- and congressional representatives can we influence our portunity, for the good of our nation’s economy. leaders at the Defense Department to do what needs to be Unfortunately, recent moves by the Defense Department done: Return our nation to its militia roots and keep the indicate leadership remains locked into its Cold War para- Contrary to what some leaders might think, our part-time National Guard and Reserves at the forefront of our na- digm of maintaining maximum capabilities on active duty forces are not battle-weary and are not running from de- tional defense.

Good leadership requires work

Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr.

When I joined the California Army National Guard some “A leader is the one who knows the ways, goes the way and Another critical component of leadership is communica- 30 years ago, noncommissioned officers (NCO) carried shows the way.” tion, so while we are working on getting back to basics, we leader’s books that included their Soldiers’ and Soldiers’ also need to embrace new and different modes of commu- families’ information. Soon after 9/11, however, the Na- Since 1948, Army Field Manual 22-100 on military leader- nication, including social media. Did I ever think I’d blog, tional Guard increased the practice of mobilizing indi- ship has guided officers and NCOs in leading their Soldiers. tweet or post on Facebook? NO! But here I am. Why? Be- vidual troops to fill open slots in mobilizing units. This Since well before I went to basic training, the principles cause that is where our Soldiers are and where their fami- “cross-leveling” caused a loss in unit integrity. We have of leadership in that Manual have remained virtually the lies are. I use social media to share resources and informa- gotten so good at deploying individual Soldiers and Air- same. What has changed is the accelerated pace at which tion with our Guardsmen and their families. men that we have gotten away from the fundamentals that leaders are promoted and put into leadership positions. In make the NCO Corps the “backbone” of the Armed Forces. many cases, the Guard has lost NCOs with years of experi- Finally and most importantly, leaders take risks. They are ence and gained new, younger leaders. With this oppor- willing to take risks because they can visualize how things I remember when a National Guard NCO’s primary role tunity comes the responsibility to learn from doctrine and can be done better, and they create change, which requires was to monitor the logistics of their unit’s annual training from other strong leaders. This knowledge must be cou- risk. The most important risk is the willingness to expose and monthly drill weekends. It was the NCO’s responsibil- pled with the determination to lead from the front with yourself to the possibility of a negative outcome in order ity to make sure their troops had food, water and service- passion. Know your troops, mentor them, enforce military to carry out your vision. Risk does not mean betting on the able uniforms. This will not be a distant memory any lon- standards and be fit for duty. long shots; in order to be a risk-taker, one needs some record ger: I expect to see it from this day forward in every CNG of success. Troops will not take risks if they fail repeatedly. unit. I expect NCOs to live it and breathe it. Leaders also must be ethical. Troops will not follow you if they don’t trust you. Enlisted members may follow a leader’s The adjutant general and I expect our NCOs to be ethical, One of my favorite quotes, which I have carried with me direction because of their rank or position for a while. But in take-charge leaders. Read and reread your leadership doc- for more than 30 years, is from John C. Maxwell, an author the long term, Soldiers and Airmen follow leaders whom trine and hone your leadership skills. Your troops deserve who has written extensively on leadership. He stated that, they aspire to be like. Do your troops want to be like you? the best you can give them.

2 Table of contents

GrizzlyThe Official Newsmagazine of Division of labor Standard of excellence the California National Guard 4 The various sections of the 40th Infantry Division accom- 14 Two CNG maintenance organizations distinguished them- plished many different tasks during annual training selves among their Army National Guard peers nationwide September Many happy returns Doing more with less 5 The 756th Transportation Company came home to hugs and The short-staffed Stockton Supply Support Activity gained Vol. 7 No. 7 smiling faces following a yearlong tour in Afghanistan recognition for exceeding Army and NGB standards 2012 On the road again Career builder Company B, 1-126th Aviation Battalion, departed California 15 The “Blackjack Battalion” Family Readiness Group sponsored Publisher for its third overseas tour in the past 10 years a job fair to help Soldiers build resumes and network Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin The Adjutant General Drench warfare Back home, back to work 6 CNG planes and helicopters continue to drop thousands of Work for Warriors doesn’t waste any time getting Soldiers Director of Communications gallons of water and fire retardant throughout California back into the workforce after deployments Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan Editor Hometown heroes Photographic memory Brandon Honig Protecting residents of their home state from natural disas- HeartsApart.org provides a memento service members can ters is a unique honor for members of the Cal Guard cherish while separated from their loved ones Graphics and design Senior Airman Jessica Green Always prepared Editorial Staff 7 The 330th MP Company Quick Reaction Force gained valu- 1st Lt. Will Martin able training at FEMA’s Center for Domestic Preparedness 1st Lt. Jan Bender Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Inigo Video sharing A CNG Predator remotely piloted aircraft provided images to aid recovery efforts following a simulated earthquake TF Mad Dog completes big build Above 8 U.S., Afghan engineers tackled a huge construction project Submissions for the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team the Articles: Intelligence community  300-450 words for a half-page story; CNG, Afghan forces are working to share information and Rim 13 700-1,000 words for a full-page article enable Afghans to manage their own intelligence systems  Include first and last names, and verify spelling A time of mourning First aid on July 4th 9 Spc. Benjamin Pleitez, who died while serving in Afghani- 16 California State Military Reserve Soldiers assisted a young girl  Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and full stan, was laid to rest during a memorial ceremony in Turlock experiencing health issues at an Independence Day parade unit designations on first reference  If there is a public affairs officer assigned to Linked in CSMR trains for emergency response your unit, ensure he or she reviews it The CNG established satellite communications for several California State Military Reserve troops received training from agencies during the Fleet Week Communications Drill the San Rafael Office of Emergency Services CERT Program Photographs:  Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB Northern exposure A storied career The 95th Civil Support Team faced a chemical contamina- A seasoned photographer’s career path brought him from the  No retouched photos tion scenario while training in Alaska White House to the California State Military Reserve  Caption (what is happening, who is pictured and the date of the photo) Good as new Suicide Prevention Month 12 The 1106th TASMG will “reset” two Black Hawk helicop- 17 Army leadership stresses the importance of awareness and utili-  Credit (who took the photo) ters that just returned from Afghanistan zation of available services

E-mail submissions by the 15th Joint mobility Skywatchers CNG Soldiers trained with active duty Airmen to ensure CNG troops monitored the night sky for smugglers in June of the month to: rapid mobilization of the CNG’s Homeland Response Force [email protected] Leadership changes Leadership Long-standing partnership 18 The CNG filled two top leadership positions in August Feedback: CNG troops traveled to Ukraine for the 17th annual Rapid [email protected] Trident exercise Brig. Gen. John Gong remembered The revered CNG general died recently at age 65 Water safety CitizCoverenship Shot 13 The Rim of the Pacific exercise brought 22 nations together to promote security in the Pacific Ocean region Features Rescue mission 2 Leadership Corner 19 News & Benefits The CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing searched for a CNG fighter pilot on Kauai during the Rim of the Pacific exercise 10 At a Glance 19 Did You Know?

California National Guard mobilizations as of August 2012

Afghanistan/Germany/Kuwait/ Asia Kyrgyzstan/Qatar/Saudi Arabia/ Europe Turkey/United Arab Emirates (54)

Photo by Master Sgt. Continental U.S. Air David Loeffler Kosovo Kuwait Afghanistan (304) (74) (148) (780) Air Africa Army A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew (372) with the California Army National Guard drop water on the Ponderosa Fire near Army Redding, Calif., on Aug. 24.

3 Grizzly | 2012 | September 40th ID hones Photo by Sgt. Matthew Wright skills during AT

By SGT. 1ST CLASS JESSICA INIGO lishing a coalition to give the nation-state Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs legitimacy.

Annual training (AT) for the 40th Infantry “To help restore sovereignty to this fiction- Division kept an eye toward the future but al country, we use the proven, time-tested had solid grounding in essential training at and deliberate military decision-making Camp Roberts, Calif., from July 21-Aug. 5. process to produce a Division order,” Butch said. “This is no different than what we did At the staff level, key leadership had their in Iraq.” sights set on preparing for next year’s Warf- ighter exercise at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Preparing for Warfighter was not the Di- while at the lower level, mandatory train- vision’s only mission at AT, however. The ing and qualifications were met through- Headquarters and Headquarters Battal- out the two-week period. ion’s (HHB) four main companies all as- signed company-level warfighting compo- The main party began their training with nents to utilize the Army Battle Command a drill at their home station on Joint Forces System and military decision-making pro- Training Base, Los Alamitos, before head- cess together in a suite of networked digi- ing for Camp Roberts. However, once they tal components. This gave commanders a arrived at Camp Roberts, all levels dis- better perspective of their operating envi- persed to different locations to accomplish ronment in order to make better decisions. ings on sexual-harassment and sexual- “Camp Roberts provided the necessary their missions. Each component was also required to ac- assault response and prevention. Soldiers training area and equipment in order for complish specific taskings and exercises also headed to the range with their M9 the unit to accomplish the commander’s Staff leadership largely remained behind that are essential to operations within the pistols, M4 carbine assault rifles and M249 intent.” closed doors in a secure building, working HHB, according to Commander Lt. Col. Squad Automatic Weapons. Other training to establish the military decision-making Kelly Greenhaw. included land navigation exercises, Hum- In addition to their AT mission, a handful process and begin the order production for vee and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle of Soldiers completed a three-day Attack Warfighter. “We had a very successful annual train- drivers training and vehicle maintenance. the Network course given by a team of ing event,” Greenhaw said, making note of Medics from the 40th ID also conducted technical instructors from the Maneuver “I called it the coal mine,” Col. Phillip the separate missions at the staff level and Combat Lifesaver certification and retrain- Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Ga. Butch, operations officer for the Division, company level, the readiness level within ing for Soldiers in their Division and other The course taught the 40th ID members said of the work being done in Building the Division and a Command Maintenance CNG units. to recognize potential terror network 209. “We wouldn’t leave that place until the Evaluation Team inspection that went very threats when deployed to Afghanistan and sun went down.” well. “We did everything we had to do and Personnel actions performed during annual intercept them. This included everything we had a good time.” training included the completion of evalu- from drug-smuggling operations to bomb- All participating units from around the ation reports for officers and noncommis- emplacement scenarios. continent were invited to participate in es- Separately from those missions, the 40th sioned officers, the presentation of awards tablishing the initial processes for the 2013 ID Headquarters Support Company out and ribbons, and the promotion of multiple During the same time period, the Division Warfighter exercise, in which they will at- of Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alami- Soldiers. supported the peacekeeping command tempt to restore a fictional nation-state by tos; the Operations Company out of Sac- post exercise at the annual Rapid Trident role-playing different scenarios to see how ramento and its Operations Detachment Each of the companies had individual jobs event in Ukraine, which is part of the they would pan out in a real-world envi- out of Camp Roberts; the Intelligence and to focus on throughout AT, but they all CNG’s continuing State Partnership Pro- ronment, Butch said. Sustainment Company out of Los Angeles; worked together to use the two weeks to be gram mission. and the Signal Company out of Long Beach ready for the fight. The Warfighter scenario is based on the fic- and its Signal Detachment out of Lancaster On the last day of AT, the HHB companies tional country Atropia. The 40th ID’s role worked to conduct collective training and “The whole year you train on individual came together for a morning fun run to build in Warfighter is to simulate the processes of perform essential personnel actions. tasks, and then during annual training you camaraderie, and they were later treated going into the country by creating an oper- train on collective tasks,” said Sgt. 1st Class to a barbecue. A convoy then brought the ations order, planning the mission to help The training included resiliency instruc- Konstantin Nikolaychuk, Headquarters troops back to JFTB to complete their an- restore Atropia’s sovereignty and estab- tion, suicide prevention classes and brief- Support Company action first sergeant. nual training with a family day on the base. Photos by Staff Sgt.Salli Curchin

TOP: Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Division qualify with their M4 carbine assault rifles July 30 at Camp Roberts, Calif., during the Division’s two-week annual training period, July 21-Aug. 5. ABOVE: Private 1st Class Rishell Nourse gains a dominant position over Sgt. John Sarver on July 31 at Camp Roberts during combatives training conducted by instructor Spc. Joseph Stokes. LEFT: Pvt. John Kim, far left, and Spc. James Lee of the CNG’s 224th Sustainment Brigade assist the 224th’s Spc. Merlyn Conwell, who has sustained a simulated injury, during a Combat Life- saver skills validation course taught by 40th ID medics July 28 at Camp Roberts.

4 Grizzly | 2012 | September 756th Transportation Co. home from Afghanistan

By SGT. 1ST CLASS JESSICA INIGO torcycle club, who formed a receiving line Los Angeles Regional Public Affairs for the Soldiers as they exited the aircraft.

The anticipation along the Los Alamitos One grandmother who couldn’t contain Army Airfield flight line was palpable herself broke past the receiving line to Aug. 8 as families and friends eagerly greet her grandson with a bouquet of patri- waited for two planes to unload more than otic balloons and a great big hug. “Let me 130 Soldiers of the Lancaster, Calif.-based go!” Esperanza Martinez cried in Spanish 756th Transportation Company onto the as family members tried to hold her back. sunny tarmac. She then cut loose and made a mad dash toward Spc. Oscar Perez, who accepted her As each bird landed and the passengers with a smile. spilled out, searching eyes raced across the crowds, and shrieks of joy were heard once “It feels good to be back,” Perez said as eyes finally met. he was surrounded by generations of family members. “I’m looking forward “I want to see Daddy,” cried Trevor Ham- to spending some time with my kids and pel, 7, who held up a sign with his 5-year- going to Disneyland.” First, though, Perez old brother Zak, welcoming their father said he planned to celebrate with a good home. Once the boys spotted their dad, old-fashioned Mexican cookout once he got Staff Sgt. Brian Hampel, they raced toward back to his Realto, Calif., home. him for some hugs before moving aside to allow him some alone time with their Once the initial hugs and kisses were out mother, Kassi, who is pregnant with the of the way, the 756th Command Section couple’s third child. officially welcomed home the troops with a brief ceremony on the tarmac. Rep. Dana The Soldiers arrived in Southern Califor- Rohrabacher of California’s 46th District nia after completing a yearlong mission to was part of the ceremony, both welcom- Afghanistan. Throughout the deployment, ing the Soldiers home and honoring the 169 Soldiers of the 756th provided critical memory of Sgt. Carlo F. Eugenio, a 756th logistical support, moving needed supplies Soldier who was killed by a vehicle-borne and equipment throughout Afghanistan. A Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Inigo improvised explosive device in Afghani- few dozen of the Soldiers returned home on Spc. Oscar Perez of the 756th Transportation Company hugs his grandmother Esperanza stan last October. flights separate from the two at Los Alami- Martinez, who ran out to greet him Aug. 8 before he could get through the official receiving tos Army Airfield on Aug. 8. line at Los Alamitos Army Airfield. Perez and about 130 other Soldiers of the 756th returned The Company’s Lancaster Readiness Cen- home that day following a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. ter will be rededicated in Eugenio’s honor Highlights of the deployment included during an official homecoming ceremony performing 421 convoy missions, escort- moving 11,523 personnel throughout the arrived in Los Alamitos within 15 minutes Sept. 8. Members of the 756th who were ing 952 Afghan trucks, completing nearly Kabul Base Cluster. of each other Aug. 8. Each group was ac- injured during the recent deployment will 900 logistical movement requests that com- cepted in waves by military leadership and also receive their Purple Heart medals prised more than 4,000 pieces of cargo, and The two planes carrying returning Soldiers members of the Patriot Guard Riders mo- during the ceremony.

1-126th begins third overseas tour since 2003 CNG unit sends 12 helicopters, 100 Soldiers to perform air-assault and transportation missions in Afghanistan

By 1ST LT. AARON GATZKE Photo by Master Sgt. Blanca Gonzalez-Pryor Photo by 1st Lt. Aaron Gatzke California Military Department Public Affairs

A Stockton, Calif.-based Army National Guard unit bid farewell to about 100 Soldiers and a dozen CH-47 Chi- nook helicopters Aug. 18 and 19 as they made their way to pre-mobilization training in Texas followed by deploy- ment to Afghanistan.

Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, and its heavy-lift, tandem-rotor helicopters took off from the Stockton airport Aug. 19 en route to Fort Hood, where the unit will train for its third deployment to the Middle East in recent years. The company previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and it deployed to Iraq in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the 2003 deployment, with the majority hailing from the Central Valley. the unit was known as Company G, 140th Aviation Regi- ment; its designation was changed in 2007. “It’s nice knowing that every one of our pilots in com- mand has deployed to the [Middle East] before,” Bow- “I am so proud of [Company B’s] performance during its man said. “We’ve got a lot of experience as far as pilots previous deployments and am confident its Soldiers will in command and air crews, as well as Soldiers deploying represent the state with distinction again,” Col. Laura Yea- for the first time.” ger said during a farewell ceremony Aug. 18 at the Stock- ton Flight Facility. Yeager is the commander of the CNG’s While deployed to Afghanistan, the unit will be tasked 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, higher headquarters for the with air-assault missions and transportation of person- 1-126th. “This superb company provides essential heavy-lift nel and equipment throughout the theater. support to the ground tactical commander using 12 [Chi- nook] aircraft. Their ability to move massive amounts of “Our mission, in a nutshell, is to support the ground supplies, equipment and Soldiers into difficult terrain can- commanders,” Bowman said. “Anything that needs to ABOVE: Sgt. Perfecto Degala and his 1-year-old daughter Kalea not be duplicated by any other aviation asset in theater.” get moved that is more than one or two passengers will share some time together during a farewell event Aug. 18 at go by Chinook.” the Stockton Flight Facility, the day before Degala and his unit, Company B Commander Capt. Benjamin Bowman said Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, deployed his approximately 100 Soldiers live all over the state, Company B is the largest National Guard Chinook unit to Afghanistan. LEFT: The sun rises over Company B’s CH-47 from Redding in the north down to Southern California, in the contiguous United States. Chinooks on Aug. 17 in Stockton.

5 Photo by Master Sgt. David Loeffler Grizzly | 2012 | September

California’s Scorched Summer Cal Guard Aviators engage in statewide fire fight

By SENIOR AIRMAN JESSICA GREEN Air National Guard MAFFS crew from North Carolina since California Military Department Public Affairs Aug. 14. Together they have completed more than 75 drops Guardsmen take with their 3,000-gallon MAFFS and released nearly 200,000 gal- With more than 450,000 acres of the Golden State burnt or lons of fire retardant on California fires. pride in protecting ablaze, California National Guard personnel continue to join forces with the California Emergency Management Agency California Army National Guard assets involved in the fight their home state Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey Julie Sgt. Master by Photo (Cal EMA) and California Department of Forestry and Fire Pro- include an HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter used for medical tection (Cal Fire) to assist in efforts to extinguish wildfires. evacuation support, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter for infrared mapping operations, four UH-60 Black Hawks for water bucket California had five wildfires burning throughout the state with operations and two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters for water varying levels of containment as of Sept. 4, when CNG person- bucket drops. The Pave Hawks and Black Hawks are equipped nel were busy drenching the Bagley, Fort Complex and Ponde- with 660-gallon buckets for aerial firefighting. rosa fires in Northern California. They had been released from fighting fires in Southern California in August. Eight CNG heli- “This has been a very busy fire season. Our crews are not only copters and one CNG Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems dropping water, but we’re providing [Cal Fire] with medical (MAFFS)-equipped C-130J airplane were being used to battle evacuation capabilities as well,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 the Northern California blazes. Robert Brockly, a pilot with Company C, 1-168th General Sup- port Aviation Battalion. “Our Black Hawks are very well-suited CNG helicopter crews have flown nearly 714 hours and con- for the mission. In recent years, we’ve been able to upgrade to ducted 2,075 water bucket missions, dropping more than 1.37 stronger engines on a number of our aircraft, and we’re fielding million gallons, or 11.5 million pounds, of water across the state a more advanced water bucket. This allows us to carry more wa- since being activated Aug. 7. ter to the fire and utilize shallow dip sites [to fill the bucket].”

A MAFFS-equipped C-130J and crew from the CNG’s 146th Recent overseas deployments, such as Company C’s tour in Airlift Wing (AW) has been working in California alongside an Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009, provide aviators with invalu-

Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey Julie Sgt. Master by Photo able experience for firefighting missions. Similarly, the crews’ firefighting experience will assist in preparing newer pilots for upcoming overseas tours. Tech. Sgt. Mike Porter, an aerial gunner for “The environment in which we fight fire is usually high and the 129th Rescue Wing, releases water from a hot, very similar to the mountain conditions in Afghanistan,” “Bambi bucket” attached to an HH-60G Pave Brockly said. “These conditions coupled with a stressful real Hawk helicopter while battling the Jawbone world mission teach the crews many lessons which can be used Complex Fire on Aug. 14 in Kern County, Calif. on deployment.” By MASTER SGT. JULIE AVEY Joint firefighting efforts between the Army and Air Guard crews San Diego Regional Public Affairs have been “seamless,” said Maj. David Weidman, a Pave Hawk pilot for the 129th Rescue Wing. “Our training in the off season Californians have come to expect news alerts has really allowed us to bring the CNG’s full aerial firefighting each summer that show horrific scenes of capabilities to bear when our state needs us most,” he said. distress as fires tear across the state. Often as towns evacuate, the CNG’s citizen-Soldiers When CNG troops respond to a wildfire threat in California, and -Airmen are headed the other way, racing emergency-response personnel from the active duty Army, toward the fires to save lives and property. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps are sometimes called in to support as well. California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on Aug. “Growing up in a few places in California, I 12 secured approval from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta to see us as one community, which I call home,” mobilize all firefighting military troops and aircraft in Califor- said 1st Lt. Tyler Gibson of the California Air nia to fight under a single commander, Col. Robert Spano of the National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing. “I was California National Guard. born in Victorville, not far from the fires we fought [this summer] in Tehachapi. The fires “Too often the response to fires is wrapped up in red tape, with in Chico are 45 minutes from where I grew each military branch reporting to a different commander,” up. To be able to serve close to home and Brown said. “When fires are burning, every second counts. By help in my own state is an honor.” unifying the command, this agreement will allow us to fight fires, not bureaucracy.” Tech Sgt. Mike Porter of the 129th received a call from his unit just after getting off work TOP: Helicopter crews from the CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing and 1st The approval from the Defense Department allows the state to Aug. 10 at his civilian job for the Navy. “I Battalion (Air Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment, prepare to battle a unify efforts under a new structure known as Dual Status Com- reported for duty within hours and went wildfire in Kern County, Calif., on Aug. 15. ABOVE: Sgt. Chris Boni of mand, which places all military responders, including reserve straight to work the next day,” he said. Soon the 1-140th Aviation Battalion, left, and Bob Innes, fire manager for and active duty components, under the leadership of a National his air crew and others lifted off to fight the the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, prepare Guard commander. Additional troops have not yet been called fires wreaking havoc on the state, dropping a 660-gallon “Bambi bucket” to be attached to a UH-60 Black Hawk upon to support California’s firefighting efforts, but the Dual water on the flames from above in support of helicopter, which the 1-140th used to drop water on the Rim and Status command construct will enable a smooth integration of Jawbone Complex fires near Tehachapi, Calif., on Aug 14. those forces if they are needed later this fire season. continued on page 18

6 Grizzly | 2012 | September 330th MPs train for any emergency By SHANNON ARLEDGE “We are a huge force-multiplier because Center for Domestic Preparedness of this training,” said Capt. Andrew Han- son, 330th MP Company commander. “Af- The California National Guard’s Quick Re- ter this training, I do not believe there is action Force-South (QRF-S) spent the first another unit [in California] that has the two weeks of August in the Appalachian solid foundation for civil-disturbance and foothills of northern Alabama, receiving its crowd-control response in a defense secu- annual training at the Center for Domestic rity environment like the 330th.” Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston. The CDP plays a leading role in preparing the Unit- The training also consisted of crowd con- ed States to protect its citizens and respond trol, extrication techniques for protesters to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, civil and protective measures in response to disorder, accidents involving hazardous or terrorist or hazardous material events. Ac- toxic materials and events resulting in mass cording to 1st Sgt. Andraus Williams, the casualties. company’s first sergeant, the training will California’s Scorched Summer benefit not only his Soldiers but all Califor- Each state and territory is home to one or nia response agencies. more QRFs, military units specially trained to respond to emergencies on short notice. “This training reinforced our ability to QRFs protect critical infrastructure and fo- communicate with civilian responders,” he cus on security threats, natural disasters said. “We [all] speak one language and can and civil disturbances. The QRFs comprise work side-by-side with our civilian coun- Army National Guard Soldiers with all the terparts during an emergency response. specialties necessary to respond to state re- This is not offered anywhere else and it has quests for emergency assistance. made our unit more ready and capable to

Photo by Shannon Arledge support our state.” “This training is very relevant to our cur- Members of the 330th Military Police Company execute a chemical, biological, radiological, rent events,” said Brig. Gen. Donald Cur- nuclear or high-yield explosive drill in August during their two-week annual training period The training was diverse, versatile and fits rier, commander of the California Army at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Center for Domestic Preparedness, in An- into all aspects of emergency response, Sol- National Guard. “I think the Soldiers have niston, Ala. diers said. “Compared to my military and been impressed, and I certainly have been civilian training, I can tell you that this impressed by the quality of training. It is protect citizens and property. A highlight of the training was a mass ca- training fits into any spectrum of law en- exactly what they need to provide [them] sualty triage exercise at the CDP Chemi- forcement,” said Spc. Ashley Jordan of the the confidence to respond in times of do- “Our level of effectiveness has increased,” cal, Ordnance, Biological, and Radiologi- 330th, who has also served as a civilian law mestic or other emergency situations.” said Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Whitaker, the cal Training Facility, which incorporated enforcement officer for nine years. “It can unit’s readiness noncommissioned officer. the use of toxic nerve agents in a safe and be molded into any environment. This was Nearly 120 Soldiers from Southern Califor- “All state Guard units need this training. secure environment. This training demon- an amazing educational opportunity. nia’s 330th Military Police Company QRF This was cost-free for the unit and saved strated the effectiveness of personal protec- arrived in Alabama for law enforcement, the state of California thousands of training tive equipment and improved the Soldiers’ “I felt ready before I came here, but I feel chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, dollars — and our state is more prepared confidence operating in a contaminated more empowered and confident in my abil- high-yield explosive and other training to and mission-ready.” environment. ities now.”

Earthquake-response drill tests Predator unit By CAPT. PERRY L. COVINGTON almost drowning out the shouts for help. nia on July 25, the 163rd was tasked to pro- Operations Support Squadron command- 163rd Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs vide full-motion video of the destruction er. “As with any exercise, we have some In that type of situation, citizens expect to the state’s Joint Operations Center; U.S. good lessons learned that we can refine, The ground rumbles beneath your feet, every possible asset to be called in for re- Northern Command; the 601st Air Opera- but the intent of the exercise was met with dishes crash to the floor and bookshelves covery operations, including remotely pi- tions Center in Florida; the CNG’s 234th dazzling results.” topple over. You gather your family and loted aircraft such as the MQ-1 Predators Intelligence Squadron; and nongovern- run for shelter, and as the wrenching operated by the CNG’s 163rd Reconnais- mental agencies. The video feed, provid- The success of disaster response is mea- tremor subsides, you peer out the win- sance Wing. ed by cameras mounted on two Predators, sured by reaction time and lives saved. dow to see telephone poles toppled over, supported efforts to rescue survivors. The many moving parts that compose a leaving stumps cemented to the ground. In Grizzly Field Exercise 2012, which sim- disaster-response machine can be effec- A chorus of car alarms blares incessantly, ulated an earthquake in Southern Califor- “It was extremely rewarding to see the in- tive only if communication is optimal.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Neil S. Ballecer tegration of the California Joint Operations During times of calamity, first responders Center into the command and control for and the National Guard come together to interagency disaster response,” said Col. form a driving force for those in need. Randall Ball, 163rd Reconnaissance Wing commander. “This exercise established a “At the federal level we are always look- baseline for further integration of civilian ing to use all assets available,” said Maj. response agencies, and through the use Dawn Junk, chief of domestic operations of two Predators, established a large full- and special missions for the 163rd. “We motion video footprint that is accessible need to constantly scan for all compo- by all military and civilian disaster-relief nents available to make an operation of communities.” this scale a success.”

A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and Tech. Sgt. Robert Davis, 163rd network ad- crew from the CNG’s 1st Battalion (Air ministrator, said California Army National Assault), 140th Aviation Regiment, flew Guard and State Military Reserve person- two role-playing survivors to Fort Irwin, nel were vital to maintaining communica- Calif., where they were told to hold their tions during the exercise. position. A Predator flown remotely by pilots at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., “They bring capabilities and experience then began its search for survivors so the that have been invaluable,” he said. “Re- helicopter pilots could initiate a rescue. motely piloted aircraft operation has a large communications piece, and … at ev- “A lot of planning and test runs have ery step of the way, the support we have An MQ-1 Predator pilot with the CNG’s 163rd Reconnaissance Wing searches for survivors fol- come before this exercise to help prepare received from our Army National Guard lowing a simulated earthquake in Southern California using a video feed provided by the re- us, and I think all of our hard work has and State Military Reserve counterparts motely piloted Predator. paid off,” said Lt. Col. Keith Ward, 163rd has been exceptional.”

7 Task Force Mad Dog Mad Dog, Photo by 1st Lt. Adam Carrington Afghan intelligence Afghan makes strides with engineers Mad Dog support By CAPT. BOB COUTURE and PFC. TYMOTHY QUIGG complete 578th Engineer Battalion Afghanistan was recently declared a major non-NATO ally, which affords special privileges for training, equipment and surveillance massive capabilities. As that status matures and coalition forces continue to transition Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) into the lead in their home country, there are many hurdles to overcome for project intelligence-sharing to become a reality.

By Task Force Mad Dog Public Affairs A Task Force Mad Dog Soldier fills barricades at Com- The coalition forces in Afghanistan conduct operations involving bat Outpost Giro, Afghanistan, as part of a mission to 86 nations and rely heavily upon technology and time-sensitive in- Spc. Christopher Taylor stood huddled with other simultaneously build five combat outposts and expand formation management. In a country with substantially less infra- Soldiers on the flight line, while icy wind from a three forward operating bases last winter. structure than the U.S. and a literacy rate lower than 30 percent, it is CH-47 Chinook helicopter’s dual rotary blades difficult to implement automated processes. Transferring data is not blasted over him. It was the middle of the night on as simple as translating it from English into Dari or Pashtu. Nov. 28, 2011, the beginning of the coldest winter Once the ANA engineer platoon arrived with their Afghanistan had seen in 15 years. heavy equipment, they immediately got to work un- Observing how Afghans develop intelligence and seeking creative der TF Mad Dog’s direction. The ANA Soldiers had means to support their operations is vital to enabling Afghans to Four hours earlier, Task Force Mad Dog troops very little experience using their equipment, mostly own the security mission in their country. At least until 2014, coali- didn’t know they would be going anywhere, let because of a lack of fuel and exposure to engineer tion forces will perform a supporting role for Afghan intelligence alone moving out to a small combat outpost most missions. Now that the ANA engineers had both, by collecting and managing data, often through Afghan National of them had never heard of. But the order had come they quickly became proficient and contributed sig- Army (ANA) personnel and reporting systems. down. They got ready to move. nificantly to the build. “The ability for the ANSF to develop and manage their intelligence Helicopters hovered and landed, barely visible in “In one day we were able to put up 633 linear feet of program is a critical step in the right direction,” said Capt. Joe Lee the darkness but easily identifiable by their thun- installation walls,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Flatmoe of the Cal Guard’s 578th Engineer Battalion, who serves as the ANA derous wind and screaming engines. The crew chief of the South Dakota National Guard’s 842nd Hori- partnership coordinator for Task Force Mad Dog in Afghanistan. for the bird closest to the Mad Dog troops waved his zontal Construction Company, TF Mad Dog. “I was “The Afghan National Army does not have a robust intelligence hand, signaling them to board the aircraft. Opera- really impressed.” management program that consistently provides intelligence prod- tion Devil Hammer had begun. ucts to their [subordinate] elements. Many of the missions that the TF Mad Dog’s greatest asset during the mission, route clearance [companies] conduct are without pertinent intelli- “All I could think was, ‘Where are we going, what is however, was the real-world experience and knowl- gence like enemy threat analysis of the area of operations.” the security, what are the living conditions going to edge of its National Guard and Reserve Soldiers, be like?’” Taylor recalled. leadership said. Many of the troops have civilian ex- The Intelligence Section for the 578th Engineer Battalion and TF perience in their trades, making them invaluable in Mad Dog, based in Manhattan Beach, Calif., has been publishing Highway 1 in Afghanistan, also known as the “Ring the construction process. intelligence products specifically for sharing with Afghan counter- Route,” traverses the entire country, connecting parts. The weekly intelligence summaries support embedded tran- most of Afghanistan’s major cities. The stretch of “My experience as a construction project manager sition teams (ETT) of U.S. troops who work with Afghan engineer Highway 1 in Regional Command-East, where TF for the Disneyland Resort helped prepare me for and route clearance companies. The ETT mentors then discuss the Mad Dog is stationed, links Kabul to Kandahar, key this challenge,“ said 1st Lt. Russell Fenton of TF products with their Afghan partners to support mission planning. terrain for the country. To silence the insurgent net- Mad Dog. “Having a civil engineering license gave work along Highway 1, the U.S. Army planned to me the tools needed to manage and influence the “Leaving the Afghans out of the [intelligence] loop is not the right bring in 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne design process for the entire operation.” answer. My [Intelligence] Section continues to seek means to make Division, to flush the enemy out of their holes. The our Afghan partners part of the information-receiving, -collecting 1st BCT was scheduled to arrive just as the final Needing to build bases simultaneously, TF Mad and -reporting process,” said Lt. Col. Richard Rabe of the 578th, snows of winter were melting, but first they would Dog ensured that it quickly shared lessons learned who is serving as TF Mad Dog commander. “If we expect the Af- need a home. across the battlefield. By the end of the build, all ghans to conduct unilateral [intelligence]-based missions, then it is of the original designs had been modified based incumbent on us to prepare them. … Until the Afghans get their sys- TF Mad Dog, which had been in Afghanistan less on shared information vetted throughout the Task tems in place, developing ‘display only’ products is a great way to than two weeks, was given the task of simultane- Force. “Engineers quickly became ‘solutioneers’ by leverage our technology resources to share information right now.” ously building five combat outposts and expanding adapting to the lack of construction materials, ad- three forward operating bases for the BCT — the verse weather and time restraints,” said Capt. Aus- As U.S. troops maintain and analyze intelligence data in the short largest construction effort in the region’s history — tin Bird, commander of the 236th Vertical Construc- term, Afghans must be encouraged to make use of the available in the dead of winter, with supply routes closing tion Company, a Texas National Guard unit that intelligence for mission planning, TF Mad Dog leaders said. The and aerial operations diminishing. was attached to the Task Force. way ahead is to implement the means for ANSF to manage their own intelligence systems through receipt and dissemination of The CNG’s Manhattan Beach-based 578th Engineer As the winter snows melted and the sound of bull- standardized reports and production of predictive analyses for Battalion commanded the Task Force, which includ- dozers faded, the 1st BCT arrived and brought the subordinate units.

ed two construction companies, four route clearance fight to the enemy. “Task Force Mad Dog hero- Photo by 1st Lt. Alexander Jansen companies and one forward support company. The ically built numerous bases for Task Force Devil in magnitude of Operation Devil Hammer, however, the high-altitude, sub-zero winter,” said Maj. Ste- required engineer units from all over Afghanistan phen Peterson, operations officer for Brigade Spe- to descend on the project: Before the mission was cial Troops Battalion, 1st BCT. “Like true sappers, complete, the 578th had tactical control of five units they found solutions to frozen ground and material from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy in addition shortages. to the components of TF Mad Dog. “They displayed true grit and courage in an area Furthermore, Mad Dog leadership made the deci- with no U.S. forces and limited coalition forces,” he sion to bring in another force-multiplier: Afghan continued. “They set the conditions for the 1-82nd National Army (ANA) engineers. Not only could Af- to immediately eliminate the Taliban influence … ghan troops support the massive construction proj- and stayed on to support us with tactical construc- ect, this was a tremendous opportunity for training tion missions.” and partnering with the ANA. Operation Devil Hammer has since significantly de- Capt. Mirwais of the Afghan National Army discusses intelligence prod- “We realized that this was a perfect training oppor- graded the insurgents’ ability to operate. Emplace- ucts July 3 at Forward Operating Base Vulcan, Afghanistan, with Capt. tunity to co-locate an Afghan engineer unit at a pri- ment of improvised explosive devices has decreased, Bob Couture of the CNG’s 578th Engineer Battalion, far right, Staff Sgt. ority build site,” said Capt. Joe Lee of the 578th, who and Highway 1 continues to support Afghanistan’s Richard Brown of a U.S. Army embedded transition team and Pfc. Ty- serves as TF Mad Dog’s ANA coordinator. economy and logistical needs. mothy Quigg of the 578th.

8 Grizzly | 2012 | September Spc. Benjamin Pleitez, 25, laid to rest

By SENIOR AIRMAN JESSICA GREEN “It’s hard to say exactly what it was about California Military Department Public Affairs [his job] that just clicked, but it did,” Gabe Velez, a childhood friend of Pleitez, said California National Guardsmen and other Aug. 8. “You could see it when he talked veterans and military supporters gathered about it; it was like a little kid talking about to honor Spc. Benjamin Pleitez and his fam- Disneyland. ily Aug. 7 as the Soldier’s remains were de- livered to his family at the Modesto City- “He loved what he did,” Velez added. “He County Airport. was there for his brothers over there and willing to do anything.” Pleitez, 25, a medic for the CNG’s 649th Mil- itary Police Company, died July 27 while Pleitez was activated in March to deploy deployed to Afghanistan with the CNG’s to Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan, attached to 1072nd Transportation Company. The the CNG’s 1072nd Transportation Compa- cause of death has not yet been determined. ny from Van Nuys, Calif.

“He always had a good smile. He was an “He was caring, compassionate and he outstanding Soldier,” said Staff Sgt. Justin would make you feel at ease. He laughed Flood, an operations noncommissioned of- Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Green easily and made others laugh just as eas- ficer assigned to Headquarters and Head- The remains of CNG Soldier Spc. Benjamin Pleitez arrive at the Modesto City-County Airport ily,” Clementi added. “He’s leaving behind quarters Company, 1st Battalion, 184th on Aug. 7. Pleitez, a 25-year-old medic, died July 27 in Afghanistan, where he was attached to the many good friends and a family that will Infantry Regiment, out of Modesto. “We CNG’s 1072nd Transportation Company. miss him.” could ask him to do something and he’d run to do it. It’s a sad loss.” “He had set his mind to becoming an group of people who were making a differ- Among other awards and decorations, [emergency medical technician]. However, ence in the world.” Pleitez earned the Army Commendation The Paradise, Calif., native enlisted in the after difficulty finding a job, he decided to Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army National Guard with Detachment 1, 145th join the [Veterans Honors Program],” said After multiple assignments with the Cali- Good Conduct Medal and California En- Engineer Company, in September 2006. Af- Frank Clementi, worship coordinator for fornia National Guard, Pleitez became a listed Trainer’s Excellence Ribbon. ter earning the military occupational spe- the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tur- health care specialist and was assigned in cialty of heavy construction equipment op- lock, Calif., during a funeral service at the December 2011 to serve as a medic for the Pleitez is survived by his parents, Diana erator, he transferred to the 1401st Engineer church Aug. 8. “It was there that he began 649th Military Police Company out of San and Salvador Pleitez, and his brothers, Detachment as a vehicle driver. to realize that he belonged to an important Luis Obispo, Calif. Evan and John Pleitez.

Fleet Week Photo by Master Sgt. David Loeffler 95th backfills Alaska CST, tests inter- gains valuable training By STAFF SGT. KARIMA TURNER weapons had been created with the inten- agency uplink Alaska Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs tion of poisoning a salmon run.

By MASTER SGT. DAVID LOEFFLER The Hayward, Calif.-based 95th Civil “I thought the exercise was put together California Military Department Public Affairs Support Team (CST) traveled to Alaska very well,” said Spc. Kristopher Che- in July for training and to provide sup- lini of the 95th CST. “It’s nice to be able Thick San Francisco fog was no match for port to Alaska, whose own CST was out to work with another unit and see how a CNG Incident Commander’s Command- of state for an exercise. we can bolster each other’s strengths and and-Control Communications Unit (IC4U) cover each other’s weaknesses.” and Joint Force Headquarters-based IC4U “California, Florida and New York have team when they were tasked with provid- the luxury of having two civil support During the lab mission, the 95th CST sent ing handheld radios and satellite-based teams each, whereas the rest of the states in survey teams to collect samples of po- phone and Internet communications on and territories have one,” said Lt. Col. tentially hazardous materials, enabling ci- Aug. 14 during the San Francisco Fleet Zac Delwiche, 95th CST commander. vilian authorities to react appropriately. Week Communications Drill. Spc. Benny Thorp, a CNG telecommuni- “This allows us the opportunity to back- cations specialist, checks a handheld radio fill Alaska.” “Whether it’s a civilian agency work- The drill tested the ability of federal, Aug. 14 during the San Francisco Fleet Week ing with the military or different mili- state and local agencies to establish and Communications Drill, which focused on in- The 95th CST took advantage of Alaska’s tary components working together, the maintain emergency communications teroperability between local, state and fed- unique environment to conduct a joint ex- integration of different teams working that would enable all 16 agencies in the eral authorities following a natural disaster. ercise with the active duty 95th Chemical together is by far the best benefit of any exercise to operate at a high tempo. The Company, based at Joint Base Elmendorf- of these drills,” said Maj. Michael Sather, scenario was based in the aftermath of a Richardson, Alaska. The exercise scenario 95th CST deputy commander.

catastrophic simulated earthquake. can reach its intended audience within focused on a chemical explosion; recon- Photo by Percy Jones seconds. “With the IC4U, we can take naissance of the location; identification “Currently we are cross-banded with the any information that we get here on the of chemicals; and evaluation, evacuation San Francisco Police Department, the Fire ground and push it back over our satel- and decontamination of casualties. Department, the Coast Guard, the Navy, lite to the Joint Operations Center, so they the Marines, the city of San Francisco can … use the information to make criti- “The exercise gave us a variety of skill and other agencies,” said Capt. Artena cal decisions.” sets to interact with,” Delwiche said. Houston, chief of the CNG’s Tactical and “We’re a civil support team for the Na- Emergency Communications Branch. The IC4U had its first real trial during the tional Guard, yet we’re interacting with “We are also cross-banded with a Cali- aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, an active duty Army chemical company. fornia National Guard UH-72 helicopter, when all methods of communication were They’re used to operating in more of a which has the ability to send real-time, affected and IC4U teams provided com- tactical environment, whereas we’re used high-definition video feeds through our munications to make rescue and recovery to working with an incident commander rovers to the IC4U. … This capability can possible. Since then the IC4U has been an in a civil authority’s environment. … In save lives.” integral part of the CNG’s mission. a real-world event, it’s likely that the in- cident commander could call upon both The ability to provide video, text and “What we bring to the fight is the ability types of units to respond to a mass casu- photographs has been tested during to link in all of the agencies … so we can alty chemical incident.” Members of the CNG’s 95th Civil Support search-and-rescue operations, firefight- communicate on one network,” said 1st Team and the active duty 95th Chemical ing missions, catastrophic events and Lt. Edward Baon of the CNG’s 95th Civil In addition the CST’s Soldiers and Airmen Company, based at Joint Base Elmendorf- counterdrug efforts throughout Califor- Support Team. “Communication is one of were required to travel to a clandestine Richardson in Alaska, conduct decontamina- nia. Any information sent over the IC4U the key pieces in a successful response.” laboratory in which simulated biological tion training July 17 in Alaska.

9 ABOVE: Staff Sgt. Crystal Toyne of the 146th Airlift Wing Civil Engineering Squadron surveys an area that will be excavated to build a storage compound July 29 at Canadian Forces Base in Alberta, Canada, where the Squadron conducted its annual training. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alex Koenig RIGHT: Brig. Gen. Rodney Barham, left, is joined by Army National Guard Director Lt. Gen. William Ingram Jr. at Barham’s retirement ceremony Aug. 22 following a 33-year career that included three years as commander of the Cal Guard’s 49th Military Police Brigade. He most recently served as deputy commander of reserve components for Army Forces Command. Photo by Ashley Cross ABOVE RIGHT: A Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems II-equipped C-130J from the Cal Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing drops fire retardant on a fire near Twin Falls, Idaho, on Aug. 8. For more on CNG firefighting efforts, see page 6. Photo by Mike Freer

The CNG’s 561st Air Force Band plays “The U.S. Air Force Song” in Santa Clara on July 6 during the band’s final performance of 2012, which was also the final performance in the Band’s 70-year history. The 561st, a unit of the 129th Rescue Wing, will be deactivated next year. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Kim A. Rodriguez

10 At a Glance

ABOVE: California State Military Reserve Soldiers carry the colors of the U.S. Army’s combined 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd Regimental Combat Team in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo on Aug. 12 during the 72nd annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival Grand Parade. The 100th and 442nd were segregated Japanese-American units that gained fame for serving with uncommon valor during World War II. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class (CA) Robert Davison LEFT: Spc. David Rojo of Company B, 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, shows his nephew Emilio around one of the unit’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters during a unit family day in Stockton, Calif. The unit re- cently deployed 12 Chinooks and about 100 Soldiers to Fort Hood, Texas, where they will train before departing for a yearlong tour in Afghanistan. For more on the 1-126th, see page 5. Photo by Ashley Rojo

ABOVE: Sgt. Keith Dempsey, the 49th Military Police Brigade’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, speaks with Panther Racing driver J.R. Hildebrand, who drives the National Guard-sponsored IndyCar, before the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on Aug. 26. Dempsey was honored during the race’s opening ceremony as a “Hometown Hero.” Photo by 1st Lt. Will Martin LEFT: El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini shows a marijuana plant grown on public land in the El Dorado National Forest to Benjamin Tucker, deputy director of state, local and tribal affairs for the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), far right, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, adjutant general of the Cal Guard, and Gil Kerlikowske, director of the ONDCP, on Aug. 21 during Operation Mountain Sweep, a multi-agency, multi-state initiative to rid public lands of illegal marijuana cultivation. Photo by Master Sgt. David Loeffler

11 Grizzly | 2012 | September TASMG hits Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy M. Hawkins CNG, Ukraine reset button strengthen ties on post-tour at Rapid Trident Black Hawks Photo by Staff Sgt. Brooks Fletcher

By CAPT. SEAN C. CONNOR 1106th TASMG

The 1106th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group (TASMG) received a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for “re- set” June 26 under a program that sup- Soldiers of the 1106th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group (TASMG) unload a ports Army aviation units nationwide. battle-worn UH-60 Black Hawk from a C-5 Galaxy airplane June 26 in Fresno. The TASMG will evaluate the airframe and more than 1,000 inspection points and perform any repairs A C-5 Galaxy airplane from U.S. Air or replacements necessary to return the Black Hawk to deployable status. Canadian Army Capt. Rob Johnson stands in for- Force Air Mobility Command landed mation with California Army National Guard Sol- at Fresno Yosemite International Air- pair and return aircraft to deployable ly disassembled and its components are diers during the July 16 opening ceremony for the port loaded with four Black Hawks that status following combat operations in removed, thoroughly cleaned and in- 2012 Rapid Trident exercise near Yavoriv, Ukraine. had just returned from Afghanistan. Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to the high spected. This detailed and comprehen- The Black Hawks belong to Company number of missions overseas, active sive inspection process includes 1,034 By U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs A, 2-211th General Support Aviation duty sites were unable to accept all inspection points along with an airframe Battalion, of the Utah Army National the returning aircraft, and assistance conditioning evaluation inspection. Every year, the multinational exercise Rapid Guard, which recently completed a was requested from National Guard Many components are then repaired or Trident in Ukraine promotes regional stabil- yearlong deployment in support of Op- TASMGs. The 1106th TASMG initiated replaced, with all structural faults cor- ity, strengthens international military partner- eration Enduring Freedom. a two-year, $19.2 million Aviation Reset rected. Eighty-seven quality assurance ships and improves interoperability between Program in January of this year. checks are conducted throughout the participating nations. It also provides a unique One helicopter was inducted into the process to reinforce overall operational opportunity for U.S. Soldiers of eastern Euro- 1106th TASMG’s Reset Program, and Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle safety. On average, the cost to reset an pean descent. another helicopter with significant cor- Command has established an 80- to 83- aircraft that is worth approximately $6 rosion was inducted into the 1106th’s day quick target turnaround time for million dollars is $1.2 million dollars to- “It’s an amazing opportunity. It’s just incred- On Condition Maintenance Program. helicopter reset. Comparable mainte- wards labor and aircraft parts. ible,” said 1st Lt. Serguei Louchnikov of the The remaining two aircraft were sent to nance inspections and component re- CNG’s 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, Corpus Christi Army Depot, Texas, for placements would be expected to take The 1106th TASMG has completed the out of Southern California, who is of Russian a full overhaul, or recapitalization. five to six months under normal cir- first of 16 aircraft it has scheduled for and Ukrainian descent. “It is a beautiful place cumstances. reset. The aircraft had extensive dam- with a fantastic facility and excellent staff. You The Army’s Reset Program was estab- age, but the reset was completed within couldn’t ask for a better joint environment.” lished nationally in 2004 to inspect, re- During a reset, the aircraft is complete- three months. Conducted at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center near Yavoriv in western Ukraine, Rapid Trident 2012 included a multi- national command post and field training ex- ercise. Units engaged in a week of situational 49th MPs, Travis AFB team up for training drills focused on tasks such as countering im- By1ST LT. WILL MARTIN ald Davis of the Brigade’s Headquarters and Headquarters provised explosive devices, performing con- 49th Military Police Brigade Public Affairs Company arranged for Brigade Soldiers to join Travis flight voy missions and patrol operations, and train- missions in order to train on aircraft operations. Usually the ing with helicopters and mortars. “One of the The 49th Military Police Brigade headquarters sits only a missions are straightforward, for instance calling for several goals for me is to get some experience at the stone’s throw from Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif. troops from the Brigade to learn how to quickly load, lock staff levels, working with joint forces,” Louch- Though the two have long shared a zip code, a new joint down and unload their vehicles from Travis aircraft — the nikov said. “There may be things that we can training effort will ensure they grow to become the best of kind of skill that needs to be second nature if a HRF-related adopt and incorporate into our operations.” neighbors. Service members from both components have be- incident occurs. gun training alongside each other to enhance their ability to Rapid Trident welcomes about 1,300 service carry out their respective missions. “We’re trying to rock this part of the joint mission,” Davis members from a multitude of countries each said. “We need to be able to preload our vehicles at the unit year. This year it included Austria, Azerbaijan, As the center of the Federal Emergency Management Agen- level so that whether we go by air or land, we’re ready.” Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Georgia, Ger- cy’s Region IX Homeland Response Force (HRF), the 49th MP many, Macedonia, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Brigade stands ready to rapidly mobilize its troops to any- In return Travis air crews and loaders receive training and Romania, Serbia and Sweden. The U.S. Army where in the nearly 400,000 square miles that make up Region certification on vehicles they rarely see outside of combat has been represented all 17 years of Rapid Tri- IX. Some of those sites rest on islands as remote as Hawaii, tours. The training is essential to their preparation for both dent, with a contingent from the California Guam and Micronesia. For the 49th HRF, ground travel is not domestic and overseas missions. National Guard included in each exercise. always an option. “A lot of our aircraft and crews are in the desert,” said flight In 1993 the CNG established a relationship In an effort to improve the HRF’s air mobility, 1st Sgt. Ger- engineer Tech Sgt. Rex Hawkins of the 60th Air Mobility with Ukraine through the National Guard’s

Photo by 1st Lt. Will Martin Wing before one such training mission July 25. “We have to State Partnership Program. The program has seize every opportunity for quality training.” helped Ukraine develop its military and civil- ian capacities for security, emergency manage- Travis personnel have also begun earning licenses to drive ment and organization. California established Army vehicles at the Brigade’s headquarters as part of the a second State Partnership Program relation- cooperative effort. The training could be very beneficial dur- ship, with Nigeria, in 2006. ing a HRF mission. “Together, in the spirit of friendship and part- “It would be a huge help if they are licensed to drive our ve- nership for peace, 16 countries worked togeth- hicles,” said Sgt. William R. Steinbrook. “We only have so er as one team to perform many tasks to im- many personnel we can spare during training and real-world prove interoperability, strengthen partnership operations.” and foster trust between our countries,” said Col. David Markowski of U.S. Army Europe, Ultimately, Davis hopes the endeavor will set a precedent for one of the directors of the exercise along with similar training efforts across the state. Ukrainian Army Gen. Maj. Veaceslav Naz- arkin. “We have been planning for over a year Soldiers from the California National Guard’s 49th Military Police “Our goal is be as air mobile as any active duty unit,” he said. to offer the best possible training for all who Brigade join Airmen from the active duty 60th Air Mobility Wing “I know civil response is a priority for our state leadership, so participate. Ukraine has set the highest of stan- at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif., to conduct air transpor- eventually we’d like to expand this to other units across the dards in support of our partner nations, setting tation training July 25. California National Guard.” the conditions for an excellent exercise.”

12 Rim of the Pacific Exercise Photo byMichael Staff Sgt. Wang 22 nations work for maritime security By MASS COMM. SPC. 3RD CLASS STEPHANIE SMITH and MASS COMM. SPC. 3RD CLASS KAITLYN BREITKREUTZ U.S. Navy Public Affairs

The world’s largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), con- cluded Aug. 3 in Hawaii following participation from more than 25,000 service members from 22 nations, more than 40 ships and submarines and 200 aircraft.

The U.S. contingent included eight F-16C Fighting Falcon jets and 110 Airmen from the CNG’s 144th Fighter Wing as well as two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and about 40 Airmen from the CNG’s Silicon Valley-based 129th Rescue Wing. The 129th Airmen ar- rived in Hawaii on July 11 to perform personnel recovery efforts. The 129th was the only helicopter unit at RIMPAC, and this was the first time a helicopter unit was included in the exercise. The 144th Airmen arrived July 13 with plans to fly more than 140 sorties totaling 300 hours of flight time, including fighting in a joint dissimilar air combat environment with other U.S. Air Force and Navy units as well as Canadian Airmen.

RIMPAC was designed to foster relationships critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. This was the 23rd iteration of the biennial exercise. “It is a testament to the power of RIMPAC that we can bring a record number of nations to- gether and then conduct complex and purposeful training in challenging scenarios,” said Adm. Cecil Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The partnerships, cooperation and camaraderie forged during this exercise are essential to the promotion of peace in the Pacific region and will be invaluable during future contingencies.” Photo by Tech. Sgt. Bradley Church ABOVE: An HH-60G This year’s exercise included several historic firsts, including the first time non-U.S. offi- Pave Hawk helicopter cers commanded components of the combined task force. “I am truly pleased with what from the CNG’s 129th we have achieved,” said Canadian Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, deputy commander of the Com- Rescue Wing flies near bined Task Force. “The challenging scenarios allowed Canadians and our Pacific Rim part- the North Shore of ners to develop the skills we will need to work successfully with each other.” Oahu, Hawaii, in July dur- ing a personnel recovery This year also featured RIMPAC’s first humanitarian assistance, disaster-relief event, mission that was part of which facilitated training and certification for expeditionary forces to respond to foreign the multinational Rim of disasters. Other components of the training included military operations on urban ter- the Pacific (RIMPAC) ex- rain, live-fire exercises, surface-to-air engagements, air-to-air engagements, amphibious ercise. LEFT: An F-16C assaults, explosive ordnance disposal, air-to-air refuelings and mine clearance. Fighting Falcon with the CNG’s 144th Fighter Wing receives fuel from “If you talk to anyone who lives within the Rim of the Pacific, they will tell you it’s not a a KC-135 Stratotanker matter of ‘if,’ it’s a matter of ‘when’ the next natural disaster or crisis may affect one of the with the Oklahoma Na- countries,” said Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, U.S. Navy 3rd Fleet commander. “[RIMPAC tional Guard’s 137th Air nations] are forming a team. In … the next crisis or disaster, this team will have worked Refueling Wing during with each other and understand the processes that a coalition will have to go through.” RIMPAC on July 24.

129th RQW, 144th FW collaborate on search-and-rescue mission By MASTER SGT. DAVID LOEFFLER cate, rescue and treat a downed pilot from ert Spencer, being blindfolded and taken Keegan, a pilot with the 129th. 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs the CNG’s 144th Fighter Wing. to an isolated location on a remote part of the island Kauai. “The rescue person- The PJs, an elite group of Airmen with In a multi-service, multi-national training The pilot was the subject of a search-and- nel did a great job, and everyone on the training in survival, field medicine, res- event, pararescue jumpers, or PJs, from rescue training mission during the 2012 radios coordinated well,” Spencer said. cue and defense operations, often con- the CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing emerged Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. The “The joint effort was impressive. If this front situations that include environmen- through a cloud of red dust July 23 to lo- scenario began with the pilot, Capt. Rob- happens in real life, it’s good to know that tal hazards such as dense brush, rough

Photo by Master Sgt. David Loeffler there will be a team of consummate pro- terrain, extreme heat and icy waters. After fessionals on our side.” recovering a survivor, the PJs treat urgent medical needs and transport the patient Members of the U.S. Navy’s 3rd Fleet out to the nearest medical facility. of San Diego provided Spencer’s initial instructions and played the roles of ag- “These guys are great at what they do,” gressors attempting to locate and capture Keegan said. “They go through extensive the downed aviator. medical training to ensure that they can provide the en route care and the emer- “When word of a survivor gets to the gency medical treatment that some of the Combined Personnel Recovery Center, survivors might [need].” they look to the combat search-and-rescue assets available and determine who is Personnel recovery missions often require most capable to effect the rescue,” said additional support high above the loca- Capt. Dave Englehart of the 3rd Fleet. tion where rescue personnel are inserted. On July 23, F-16C Fighting Falcon jets In this case the most capable assets be- from the 144th ripped across the sky, pro- longed to the 129th Rescue Wing, which viding protection for the rescuers below. deployed two UH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters and about 40 Airmen to Ha- “A combat search and rescue is a really waii to support RIMPAC. large-force exercise,” said Lt. Col. Scott Seyfarth, project officer for the 144th. “Our “We came here to perform personnel re- pilots … keep enemy aircraft from inter- Pararescuemen from the CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing search for an F-16C Fighting Falcon pilot covery missions and combat search-and- fering with the personnel recovery mis- from the CNG’s 144th Fighter Wing in an isolated area on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, as part rescue missions in a joint theater with sion. It is all about locating the downed of a July 23 training event during the multinational Rim of the Pacific exercise. coalition partners,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Airman and bringing him back safely.”

13 Logistics Excellence Awards Cal Guard Photo by Sgt. Maggie Luu SSA takes 2nd in maintenance national competition

programs By BRANDON HONIG Petersen completed the awards process California Military Department Public Affairs in Eggros’ absence both years and “did a wonderful, excellent job,” Eggros said. set national Most of the Cal Guard’s full-time work- ers are also traditional Guard members The three-person inspection team spent with commitments to deploy when their eight hours at the SSA in 2011, poring standard unit calls. Full-timers therefore often look over documents and examining every around their offices to find empty chairs aspect of the operation. At its conclusion, By 1ST LT. IAN MCNEAR and desks, though that doesn’t mean the the team presented challenge coins to CA Military Dept. Surface Maintenance Office office’s workload has changed. Petersen and both of the workers in the warehouse who had picked up the slack “If our infantrymen and our tanks and our For much of 2011, the CNG’s Stockton during their shorthanded year. Eggros aviation, if those assets are the teeth of our Supply Support Activity (SSA) func- said it was a departure from the team’s military might, then the logistics is the mus- tioned with only three workers out of protocol to present more than two coins. cle, the tendons, the sinew that makes the its allotted seven, but they didn’t let that teeth bite down and hold,” Lt. Gen. Lloyd stop them from distinguishing the SSA “The [SSA employees] are professionals, J. Austin III, Army vice chief of staff, said as one of the best in the country. In June and they take extreme pride in what they June 5 during the Army’s annual Combined the SSA placed 2nd in the Level IV Sup- do, how the warehouse is run and how Logistics Excellence Awards (CLEA) ban- Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Guerrero of the award- ply Excellence Award category of the others perceive us,” she said. “I would put quet in Washington, D. C. “And so logistics winning CNG Field Maintenance Shop Net- Army’s annual Combined Logistics Ex- my group of people up against any unit.” is the jawbone … and I like that.” work repairs a vehicle Aug. 30 in Sacramento. cellence Awards program, which pitted the SSA against National Guard organi- Maj. Barbara Beegles, who supervises The CLEA highlight the critical link be- zations from across the country. SSAs in Stockton and Long Beach, said tween the Army maintenance jawbone and them to improve even further, said Capt. the Stockton crew holds itself to a higher operational success, and this year’s awards Kelly Rutherford, supervisor of the CSMS. “They were below 50 percent of man- standard than the Army or the National included a significant showing from the ning and still supporting the same cus- Guard requires. “The Army standard is California Army National Guard. “[Submitting an AAME packet has] made tomer base,” said Master Sgt. Christina 15 days to have a requisition arrive [from us want to do better in production control Eggros, supervisor of the SSA, who was an SSA], and the National Guard Bureau California’s full-time federal technician and want to be more involved in the com- deployed to Camp Adder, Iraq, with the standard is 12 days,” she said. “The Stock- maintenance programs were honored for munity,” she said. “I think, personally, it CNG’s 224th Sustainment Brigade for ton SSA’s goal is three days. Requests are their participation in the 2011 Army Award has made me more competitive.” part of 2011. “It makes coming in 2nd so filled and shipped and received by the for Maintenance Excellence (AAME) com- much more amazing.” customer within three days.” petition, the Cal Guard’s second year tak- Units participating in the AAME competi- ing part in the contest. AAME is part of the tion begin the process by assembling a pack- The shop was pulling an average of 200 Beegles said an internal analysis of items larger CLEA family of competitions, which et covering a wide variety of maintenance items out of inventory each day, packag- ordered by one CNG facility showed it also includes supply and deployment excel- information, procedures and summaries. ing them, shipping them and completing had received all its items within three lence categories. Once completed, the packet is graded at the the associated paperwork. In addition days and most within one day. In addi- regional level on a variety of standards in- they were dealing with items that were tion to serving CNG shops, the SSA ships The California Army National Guard was cluding support provided to local National coming into the shop each day. “These items to facilities across the nation. proud to have two organizations — the Guard units, deployment support, proce- people were working and working California Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) dure innovation, cost avoidance and annual hard,” Eggros said. “Customer support is [the SSA’s] main Network and the Stockton Combined Sup- inspection results. Implementation of re- concern, because if a mechanic can’t get port Maintenance Shop (CSMS) — place at ward programs, compliance with recycling The SSA earned its 2nd place award in their parts [for example], they can’t get or near the top of the National Guard Bu- and other environmental initiatives, and only its second year competing. The or- the vehicles fixed, and it may affect a reau in their respective categories. The FMS employee involvement in the community ganization earned a 3rd place honorable unit’s readiness,” she said. Network earned 1st place in the “Large” are also considered. mention in its debut last year, a rare dis- category of the Army National Guard-wide tinction that is only awarded when eval- The Army inspectors told Beegles the SSA competition and the SCSMS took 2nd place Exceptional packets are then nominated by uators make a special exception. is doing a great job, but they did not pro- in the “Small” category. their regional boards to compete against all vide guidance on what needs to be done other National Guard units and organiza- Eggros was in California long enough in to achieve the elusive 1st place award. “I The CNG’s Stockton Supply Support Activ- tions and are evaluated during a thorough 2010 to complete the awards submission don’t like to lose,” she said, noting that ity also earned CLEA recognition this year, visit from an Army inspection team. packet, but she left for Iraq before the the SSA plans to take a year away from placing 2nd in the Army National Guard- Army evaluators came to Stockton to in- the competition and come back with re- wide Level IV Supply Excellence Award California’s FMS, CSMS and Maneuver Area spect the facility. In 2011 she returned to newed vigor in 2013. “[We will try to] im- category. Training and Equipment Site (MATES) net- California after the packet had been sub- prove on what we need to improve on. works keep the equipment of the California mitted, but she was there for the in-per- Where we’re lacking, I’m not sure, but The AAME competition is sponsored by the Army National Guard mission-ready. The son inspection. Warrant Officer 1 Rose we’re going to try to find out.”

Army Chief of Staff to recognize the best FMS network, which specializes in vehicle Eggros of Master Sgt.Photo Christina courtesy maintenance programs in the Army. The repairs, extends from Eureka in Northern competition also encourages friendly com- California to San Diego in the south, with petition among maintenance programs and numerous shops in between. CSMS facilities identifies innovative maintenance practices in Stockton and Long Beach serve North- that can be implemented across the force. ern and Southern California, respectively, specializing in reset, resupply and mainte- California’s maintenance network has ag- nance. Meanwhile, Northern and Southern gressively increased its presence in the California are served by MATES facilities at awards competition during the past two Camp Roberts and Fort Irwin, specializing years. The Cal Guard aims to place even in storage, repair and maintenance of ma- more units in the winner’s circle for the 2012 neuver vehicles and assets. competition. Those networks mirror the organization of “Only a few states have ever won the AAME the CNG’s readiness centers and ensure ev- program on the very first try. Typically it ery unit in the state is within reach of mainte- takes three to five years of involvement for nance personnel capable of providing sched- states to win,” said Robert Norman, CLEA uled and unscheduled service. The shops are program manager for the National Guard staffed by federal technicians and shop su- Bureau. “California secured two wins in pervisors who hold dual status as traditional their second year in the program, which war- Guardsmen and federal employees. rants a high mark on the grading scale.” To view a video about California Army Na- Sgt. Mohamath Ham, far left, Sgt. Ernesto Rodriguez and Master Sgt. Christina Eggros of the The awards process has motivated the tional Guard maintenance personnel, visit Stockton Supply Support Activity attend the Combined Logistics Excellence Awards banquet CNG’s maintenance shops and pushed http://tinyurl.com/CNGvideoFMS. June 5 in Washington, D.C.

14 Grizzly | 2012 | September SSA takes 2nd in Job fair benefits 1-160th Photo by 1st Lt. Timothy Kemp Get home, get a job Staff from the Cal Guard’s new service member employ- ‘Blackjack’ Soldiers ment initiative, Work for Warriors (WFW), are meeting national competition troops at their demobilization sites as they return from By 1ST LT. TIMOTHY KEMP ployment and assistance to our vet- overseas tours to make them aware of the employment as- 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment erans,” said Lt. Col. Nick Ducich, sistance and job opportunities available to them. commander of the 1-160th. “The fo- “I just want to get a job, sir,” Spc. cus of our event today is on enhanc- On Aug. 15, a WFW team met Soldiers of the CNG’s 756th Luigi Mencini told a representative ing the capabilities of developing re- Transportation Company on Fort Bliss, Texas, following from the Vet Center at a July job fair sumes and interview skills that will their deployment to Afghanistan. “We are addressing un- in Inglewood, Calif., sponsored by help our Soldiers present themselves employment issues immediately and not waiting 90 or 120 the Family Readiness Group for 1st to employers.” days,” said Capt. Aaron Roggow of WFW. Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment, Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 160th In- and presented by the U.S. Depart- Booths were set up for experts to fantry Regiment, seek employment as- As of mid-August, 1,400 CNG members had contacted WFW ment of Labor’s One-Stop Career assist Blackjack Soldiers in review- sistance during a July job fair organized for job-placement assistance and resume and interviewing Centers and CNG Operation Ready ing and editing their resumes. “I re- by the 1-160th Family Readiness Group tips, and more than 100 had secured employment. Check Families. ceived some feedback from the Vet at the unit’s readiness center in Ingle- out the WFW web site by visiting www.calguard.ca.gov Center, and now I see my resume wood, Calif. and clicking the “Jobs” tab at the top center of the page.

Armed with more talent than just in a new light,” said Spc. Steven Photo byKirk Staff Sgt. Shane the ability to provide firepower Thompson. “There is no doubt that downrange, Soldiers of the “Black- I have a clearer idea of where my with Paxton, who will help him ap- jack Battalion” are looking to use strengths are when speaking with ply for night shifts and part-time their skills in leadership, organiza- employers.” work on weekends while he attends tion and teamwork to secure steady school at the University of Califor- employment. It is not simply a mat- Soldiers were also given a chance nia, Los Angeles. ter of linking Soldiers with poten- to network with local professionals tial employers that have openings, like Jaclyn Paxton, business devel- Pfc. Christopher Manzano said he though. Rather, the job fair during opment manager for U.S. Vets. Spc. also benefitted from interacting with the 1-160th’s July training weekend John Fernlund met with Paxton re- Paxton. “I was given a chance to focused on the best ways to market garding positions at California Edi- further my career in the banking in- citizen-Soldiers’ skill sets. son and at an organic distillery in dustry,” Manzano said. “I met with Capt. Brandon Hill briefs troops of the 756th Transportation Los Angeles. Limited in his avail- Jaclyn, who has contacts that will Company about CNG efforts to find jobs for unemployed ser- “The National Guard has put a tre- ability to work regular hours, he improve my current part-time job vice members Aug. 15 at Fort Bliss, Texas, the 756th’s demobili- mendous focus on providing em- found it helpful to make contact into full-time.” zation site following deployment to Afghanistan.

HeartsApart bridges gap for deployed troops Nonprofit’s free professional photo sessions, durable waterproof prints prove invaluable for service members

By BRANDON HONIG military, so helping out with the project re- California Military Department Public Affairs ally helped me channel my grief and con- tinues to help me.” When service members deploy, any me- mento from home can become a lifeline, Including hair and makeup, paperwork, deterring loneliness and reminding them photo editing and production of the DVD what they’re fighting for. National non- and bi-fold, each shoot takes about 12 man- profit HeartsApart.org was founded to pro- hours, Harris said. But Kennell is glad to vide troops that memento while also giving volunteer her time to the organization that them and their families a one-of-a-kind ex- has “completely changed“ her life. perience and memory to cherish. “I didn’t have much experience with the Two years ago, HeartsApart began conduct- military before I started this; it’s like I’ve ing photo shoots for service members who adopted a very big, very wonderful fam- were scheduled to deploy or were home ily,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how on leave from deployment. In addition to strong the families are, what great people a DVD of all the photos, service members the military people I’ve met are. They’re are provided a vinyl bi-folded card featur- just phenomenal, loyal, honest, really intel- ing four photos from the shoot. Made of ligent people.” the same material as outdoor banners, the cards are waterproof and made to last. Kennell said male service members almost never want a HeartsApart photo shoot, “The bi-fold is special because I can take it Photo by Krista Kennell but their wives are persuasive enough to with me on missions,” said Sgt. Jason Salce- Karen and Sgt. Jason Salcedo Sr. enjoy their a photo shoot through nonprofit HeartsApart.org, get them there. Then the men are often do Sr. of the CNG’s 578th Engineer Battal- which provides durable bi-fold photo collections for deployed service members. the most appreciative. “We go through the ion, whose family received a HeartsApart shoot, and they always have good time. session in May while he was home on leave ily Readiness Group in recognition of the out fabulously. Then he leaves, and all of a sudden I start from Afghanistan. “Other pictures would Month of the Military Child in April. getting Facebook messages saying, ‘Oh my fall apart, but the bi-fold is tough and du- “The surroundings were very relaxing, and gosh, I look at this card every day and cry,’” rable, so now I can keep my family with me “Krista’s the most loving person I’ve ever Krista took her time,” Jason said. “She made she said. “These big strong men who were when I’m outside the wire.” met,” said Karen Salcedo, who married Ja- us feel at home. She was very professional not willing — the bi-fold card becomes ex- son 17 years ago. “She was nice enough to and extremely helpful — more than she had tremely valuable to the people overseas.” The bi-fold is a unique treasure for service have us to her house for the photo shoot, to be — and now she is a dear friend.” members, but it is not the only benefit of and she was full of surprises. She knew Jason was a willing participant in his pho- HeartsApart’s free service. The nonprofit exactly what to do, where to go, how she Kennell became involved with HeartsApart to shoot, but he too was surprised at how has enlisted dozens of top photographers wanted me to pose and wear. It almost after meeting one of the organization’s meaningful the experience was. — including multiple Pulitzer Prize win- makes you feel … like a model.” founders, Brownie Harris, at a funeral for ners such as Southern California’s David mutual friend Chris Hondros, a Pulitzer- “The pictures mean so much to my family Hume Kennerly — who take care to create Karen noted that producing good photos of nominated photographer who was killed in and me. It’s not every day that someone a memorable experience for the family. her family can be challenging because her 2011 while covering the conflict in Libya. does something that nice for us — in fact, I youngest son, who is 5 ½, has autism and can’t think of anyone who has done some- The Salcedo family was photographed by is blind in one eye. Kennell and her assis- “In Chris’ honor, I jumped on the chance to thing this nice for us,” Jason said. “That Krista Kennell, who Karen Salcedo met at tant were wonderful with both the Salcedo help,” Kennell said. “He often embedded day will always be remembered, not just an event organized by the 578th’s Fam- children, Karen said, and the photos turned with the military and thought highly of the by me but all of my family.”

15 Cal State Military Reserve Army Photo by Staff Sgt. (CA)Gene Arias CSMR troops get CERTified By SGT. (CA) MARK OLSON mission: to do the greatest good for the California State Military Reserve greatest number of people.”

training San Rafael’s Office of Emergency Services CSMR troops worked as a team dur- held a Community Emergency Response ing the session, using the skills they had Training (CERT) session for Soldiers learned to perform fire suppression, con- saves the of the California State Military Reserve duct search-and-rescue operations, treat (CSMR) on July 28. Members of CSMR injuries and set up a treatment area. CERT Regional Support Command–North from also includes instruction on evaluating a Fairfield, Modesto and San Rafael partici- situation, turning off utilities, evacuating day July 4 pated in the training, which included fire hazardous areas, assessing structural in- suppression, treatment of injuries, and tegrity and collecting and relaying infor- By 1ST SGT. (CA) JERRY L. SHULTZ Sgt. 1st Class (CA) Eric Anderson of the search and rescue. mation to professional responders. California State Military Reserve California State Military Reserve Recruiting Task Force–South assists a young girl who “We’re really excited that the city of “Given the recent events in Haiti and What began as a leisurely stroll down experienced health problems following the San Rafael was able to offer this CERT Chile, we have seen the level of devasta- Main Street on a beautiful, balmy 4th of Independence Day parade in Huntington class for our unit,” said Col. (CA) Scott tion an earthquake can present to a com- July ended with members of the Califor- Beach, Calif. Lefaver, commander of Regional Support munity,” said Steven Hancock, San Rafa- nia State Military Reserve’s (CSMR) Re- Command–North. “We feel it’s really el Emergency Services manager. “CERT cruiting Task Force–South testing their important to understand what the city training is vital for the community to mettle and their motto, “Always Ready, streets, the paramedics had an extended is working toward with community learn the skills to be better able to deal Always There.” response time of nearly 25 minutes. emergency preparedness and response. with a situation such as we are seeing in those devastated areas, because when Participating in the Huntington Beach “We sincerely appreciate your unit’s as- “We’re very likely be a resource working it comes down to it, first responders will 4th of July parade is an annual event for sistance with this medical emergency on with the community during a disaster,” be overwhelmed and it will have to be the Recruiting Task Force. This year the the day of celebrating our nation’s in- he added. “With this valuable training, neighbors helping neighbors.” California Military Department pres- dependence,” Jane Cameron, Hunting- another step will be taken to ensure the ence also included two National Guard ton Beach Fire Department fire medical State Military Reserve is ready to assist So far the San Rafael CERT program has Humvees from Joint Forces Training coordinator, wrote in an email. “As you the community and carry out the CERT trained more than 150 CSMR Soldiers.

Base, Los Alamitos, as well as 12 uni- are so highly trained to do in any situa- Photo by Sgt. (CA) Olson Mark formed Soldiers. tion, your unit acted quickly and appro- priately to help someone in need until After completing a 3-mile walk down we could arrive.” the parade route before 250,000 ap- preciative spectators, the CSMR team The patient’s mother also expressed her was alerted to a medical emergency. A gratitude in an email after the event. young girl was lying in the street, her frantic mother beside her, looking for “Thank God I saw a military man, and help and finding none. he just came to us and he started to help us and he called the other guys,” she The CSMR team sprang into action, call- said. “I really want to say thank you to ing paramedics and providing first aid you and to all of your guys who helped and comfort. Sgt. 1st Class (CA) Eric An- me and my daughter that day.” derson, an 82nd Airborne Division com- bat veteran, used his combat lifesaver In typical CSMR fashion, the Soldiers skills to stabilize the girl until help ar- humbly credited their military back- rived. He was assisted by Sgt. 1st Class ground for saving the day. (CA) Robert Brennan, who elevated her legs until paramedics arrived. “I just did what I was trained to do,” California State Military Reserve (CSMR) Soldiers receive emergency-response training Brennan said, “and I am honored to from members of the San Rafael Office of Emergency Services on July 28. To date, more Due to the large crowd and closed have done it.” than 150 CSMR troops have been trained by the San Rafael department.

State photog has federal experience – in the White House Photo Brennan by Sgt. 1st Class (CA) Robert By STAFF SGT. (CA) JIM TORTOLANO “They were all nice people,” Arias said, “but my favorite California State Military Reserve was Bob Hope for what he did to entertain the troops.”

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, it might take 1,000 pic- On one publicity shoot, a producer asked Arias if he would tures to tell the story of Staff Sgt. (CA) Gene Arias, a re- take some photos for a friend who was running for office. nowned photographer whose journeys from the White That friend turned out to be Bill Clinton, and that photo House to Mount Everest to Antarctica eventually landed shoot began a long relationship with the Clintons, who him in the California State Military Reserve (CSMR). would later become the “first family.” When Clinton won the presidency, Arias became the family photographer and Currently working in public affairs for the Installation had the run of the White House. “Bill Clinton and Hillary Support Command at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), are the best people in the world,” Arias said. “They’re intel- Los Alamitos, Arias, 65, has traveled the world and seen ligent, polite and cared about people. Not to get too politi- much of it through the lens of his camera. He has worked cal, but I think he genuinely cared about all Americans.” with Hollywood icons and superstar athletes and been a close friend of a presidential family. Arias joined the CSMR in 2007 after spotting a group of men in uniform during an air show at Edwards Air Force Staff Sgt. (CA) Gene Arias of the State Military Reserve has Born in Colorado, Arias started his military career in the Base, Calif. He approached the group simply to thank them honed his photography skills during a 44-year career that in- Navy, serving from 1969 to 1972 in Hawaii, where he start- for their service, and they turned out to be recruiters for the cluded working as family photographer for then-President Bill ed as a photographer. Basically self-taught, he has taken CSMR. Their pitch worked almost right away. Clinton and current Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. courses at a variety of colleges and universities, but he was always too busy with his career to complete a degree. “It’s great,” he said. “I’ve had opportunities I never thought I would have: I never thought I’d be doing air operations or JFTB: “I was in the Katella Deli, dressed in my [Army com- After his Navy career, Arias landed a job with KNBC-TV get a license to drive a Humvee.” Arias also recently quali- bat uniform], and a sweet little girl of no more than 4 or 5 in Los Angeles as a still photographer, and by 1973 he had fied with the M-9 pistol and M-4 rifle and earned certifica- came up to me and tugged on my uniform.” moved up to the network, shooting publicity photos for ev- tion as a security augmentee for JFTB. erything from sporting events to soap operas. In that role “What is it, sweetheart?” Arias asked, and she responded, he worked with celebrities such as Johnny Carson, Bing Although Arias has been around the world, one of his big- “I want to thank you for protecting us.” That’s a mental Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and John Wayne. gest thrills came just a short distance from the main gate at picture the accomplished photographer will always keep.

16 Grizzly | 2012 | September ‘Stand-down’ highlights Suicide Prevention Month

Sept. 27 event will inform Soldiers, employees about available resources Photo illustration by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Prouse

Full-time members and employees of the The Sept. 27 stand-down was ordered by commanders about available resources so California Army National Guard will join Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, vice chief of staff they can, in turn, inform their Soldiers. personnel from all other U.S. Army orga- of the Army, after he visited several Army nizations in observing a “stand-down” installations and listened to Soldier feed- “We have so many good programs out from regular work Sept. 27 to take part in back, said Walter O. Morales, chief of the there, but people often get lost in the shuf- a two-phase suicide prevention program. Army Suicide Prevention Program. fle,” Morales said. “They know there’s Traditional part-time National Guard help available, but it’s sometimes difficult members will begin the program during The last Army-wide suicide prevention finding out how to access it.” their regularly scheduled October training stand-down took place in 2009. During weekend. that event, Morales said, the Army used The theme for Suicide Prevention Month the “chain teach” approach to push in- this year — “A healthy force is a ready The stand-down will familiarize Soldiers formation to Soldiers. This time, he said, force” — reflects the Army’s awareness with the health-promotion, risk-reduction, the stand-down will be different: “Activi- that healthy people and mission success suicide-prevention and comprehensive ties and training will be less prescriptive. go together, Morales said. “We’re not just fitness resources available through the Commanders now have the flexibility to worried about suicides. We’re concerned Army. It will also focus on improving assess the needs of their units and cus- with the overall fitness and well-being the health and discipline of the force tomize the training and activities.” of our Soldiers, Army civilians and fam- and reducing the stigma associated with ily members,” he said. “It is especially seeking care for behavioral health issues. Some commanders might opt for a “fun important that leaders lead the charge run” to get Soldiers, civilians and their in changing the Army culture wherever “Despite the tough enemies our Army families involved, Morales said, and they seeking help for suicide or other issues is Army Suicide Prevention encountered in Iraq and Afghanistan, sui- might follow that with an afternoon town stigmatized.” Month Resources cide is the toughest enemy we’ve faced, hall-style meeting. Others may conduct www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/ and I’m confident we will defeat this en- risk assessments to help guide training In recent years the Army has expanded spmonth/default.asp emy,” said Joseph Westphal, under secre- requirements for the stand-down. access to services that help Soldiers and tary of the Army. families cope with the stresses associated Although the stand-down will last only with military service, and statistics show Army Suicide Prevention In addition to the stand-down activi- one day, associated training and activi- Soldiers and families are taking advan- Website ties, the California Army National Guard ties will continue throughout September, tage. Over the past five years, the num- www.preventsuicide.army.mil has set a goal of certifying 1,650 Soldiers which is recognized in the Army as Sui- ber of Soldiers who have been seen in as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills cide Prevention Month. The activities will behavioral health clinics has steadily in- Training Unit “gatekeepers.” Those gate- also continue into October, particularly creased. The number of Soldiers seeking Veterans Suicide keepers will comprise enlisted members for the Guard and Reserve. treatment for substance abuse has also Prevention Hotline ranking from E-5 through E-8, officers steadily increased. www.VeteransCrisisLine.net ranking O-1 through O-4 and warrant of- One of the main events slated for Sept. 27 1-800-273-8255 ficers ranking WO-1 through CWO-4. All is a “terrain walk,” during which Army The stigma surrounding Soldiers seeking commanders are expected to complete leaders will tour their respective service behavioral health support is taken very the two-day intervention skills course as support organizations and visit the care- seriously by the Army. Surveys indicate CNG Behavioral soon as possible. The California Army givers there, “who are in excellent posi- some Soldiers are reluctant to seek help Health Directorate National Guard is also preparing to train tions to help Soldiers and their families because they view it as a sign of weak- www.calguard.ca.gov/mh at least 500 additional resilience trainer who are most at risk,” Morales said. ness, or they believe their leaders will assistants. view it as a sign of weakness. However, Those providers include chaplains, clini- over the past several years there has been CNG Chaplains To sign up for the suicide-intervention or cians, lawyers, social workers, financial a decrease in the percentage of Soldiers www.calguard.ca.gov/chaplain resilience-trainer-assistant course, contact advisers, family therapists, substance who hold those views. 1-877-700-5662 the Resilience, Risk Reduction, Suicide abuse counselors, military life consultants Prevention Program Team at 916-854- and psychologists. The purpose of the For more on Suicide Prevention Month, 3894 or [email protected]. terrain walks, Morales said, is to inform visit www.preventsuicide.army.mil.

Radar crews keep night watch for airborne smugglers By MASTER SGT. JULIE AVEY Additional arrests were made north of the border as San Diego Regional Public Affairs well, and the Sentinel operation resulted in two mari- juana seizures totaling 400 pounds worth $2 million in California National Guard troops and U.S. Border Patrol street value. agents increased their nighttime chatter over radios in June, as radar operators from the CNG’s Joint Task Force Several Soldiers from the CNG’s 40th Infantry Division Domestic Support–Counterdrug and 40th Infantry Di- had the opportunity to train with Counterdrug troops on vision tracked ultralight aircraft used to smuggle drugs this mission and gain proficiency and experience on the across the U.S.-Mexico border. Sentinel system. The 40th ID troops served as a valuable force-multiplier, increasing the scope of air surveillance ca- CNG members operated a Sentinel Battlefield Air Defense pabilities in the El Centro Sector. Radar system June 5-28 in the remote farming communi- ty of El Centro, Calif., to help Customs and Border Patrol “The Sentinel mission has been impactful on stopping hunt elusive drug traffickers who have been crossing the drugs from entering our country, and [that] made it one of border in hard-to-detect aircraft. the most meaningful jobs for me,” said Pfc. David Ander- son of the 40th ID. “It was the most significant mission of “The tracking for high-altitude, high-speed incursions of my military career so far.” our borders are covered by other agencies. However, by Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey flying low and slow [in ultralight aircraft], the drug traf- Spc. Sandra Trejo of the 40th Infantry Division prepares a Sen- Ultralight aircraft weigh less than 254 pounds and carry fickers are not picked up,” said Capt. Jaime Chiem, officer tinel Battlefield Air Defense Radar system to conduct air sur- only one pilot. Smugglers have increasingly resorted to us- in charge of the 40th Infantry Division Air Missile Defense veillance in support of the CNG’s Joint Task Force Domestic ing the planes because of a steep increase in interdiction at Operations Section. “But if they fly while the Sentinel is Support–Counterdrug on June 26 in El Centro, Calif. at border crossings and in hidden underground tunnels. operating, we can see them.” “The National Guard heightened our operational capabili- The radar crews detected three to nine ultralight aircraft to the drop zone by the Sentinel team. CNG Soldiers also ties against the drug trafficking organizations,” said Bor- per night during the mission, including several aircraft positively identified low-flying aircraft whose pilots did der Patrol’s El Centro Sector Chief Jeffrey Calhoon. “Inte- whose pilots turned around before dropping their cargo drop bundles of narcotics over the border, enabling au- grated efforts of this nature bolster our border security and because they saw Border Patrol agents had been directed thorities to arrest the pilots upon their return to Mexico. put the bad guys on notice.”

17 Grizzly | 2012 | September Haskins, Kelk step into new leadership roles

The California National Guard filled two “Haskins is enthusiastic about this new substantial contributions to the California top leadership positions in August, with challenge and wholeheartedly accepts the Army National Guard and the nation dur- Brig. Gen. Lawrence Haskins assuming increased responsibility,” Maj. Gen. Da- ing his 37-year career,” Baldwin wrote. command of the California Army National vid S. Baldwin, adjutant general of the Cal “Under his leadership, the public faith in Guard and Brig. Gen. Jon Kelk joining the Guard, wrote in a memo announcing the the California Army National Guard has California Air National Guard leadership leadership change. “His experience and been restored, and Soldier morale has been team as assistant adjutant general. skills developed during his 37-year ca- significantly improved.” reer as a California Guardsman, including Haskins enlisted in the CNG in July 1975 distinguished service as the deputy com- Kelk comes to the California National and has since held many positions in both mander of the 40th Infantry Division and Guard from Missouri, where he most re- staff and command roles. From 2002 to most recently as deputy commander, Cali- cently served as chief of staff for that state’s 2005, he commanded 2nd Brigade, 40th In- fornia Army National Guard, make him the Air National Guard. He has served in the fantry Division, and he was mobilized from ideal officer for this assignment.” Air Force since 1981, including a tour in 2003 to 2004 as commander of Task Force support of Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, Guardian, which provided force protection Haskins succeeds Brig. Gen. Donald Cur- where he achieved the first aerial victory of for installations across the western U.S. rier, who will soon retire following a career that conflict, defeating a MiG-29 and earn- In 2005, Haskins was assigned as chief of that featured multiple deployments, includ- ing the Distinguished Flying Cross. staff for the 40th Infantry Division (Mech- ing tours in Iraq as deputy commander and anized), and in 2008 he became the chief commander of the CNG’s 49th Military Po- “Kelk is a proven senior leader and fight- of staff for the California Army National lice Brigade. In his civilian career, Currier er pilot with an impressive record of ac- Guard. In June 2009, he was assigned as as- serves as a Sacramento Superior Court judge. complishment,” Baldwin wrote. “We are sistant division commander, support, 40th indeed fortunate to capitalize on General Brig. Gen. Lawrence Haskins is the new com- Infantry Division. He most recently served “I want to thank Brigadier General Donald Kelk’s experience and will undoubtedly mander of the California Army National as deputy commander of the California J. Currier for his superb leadership and I benefit from his proven leadership at the Guard. He succeeds Brig. Gen. Donald Currier, Army National Guard. am extremely grateful for his sacrifices and state and national levels.” who will retire later this year.

‘Home state’ from page 6 with the Cal Fire personnel prior to the BG John Gong actual fire fight made for smooth commu- hand crews on the ground. nications for everyone.”

dies at age 65 “I am gaining experience on each mission Porter, an aerial gunner for the 129th, Retired Brig. Gen. John Shon Gong died and I like the fact I am giving back to our said his crew is accustomed to flying at July 29, 2012, at age 65. He is survived by state,” said Airman 1st Class Matthew high altitudes in mountainous areas be- his wife, Betty, daughters Kristie Machen Rathbun, a crew chief for the 129th. “It is cause of their experience in Afghanistan, and Harmony Gong, brothers Michael my first time on the fires, and the sense of so the Airmen were well-prepared for the and Terry Gong, and sister Linda Austin. purpose for my state is great.” fire-suppression mission.

Gong was born in Canton, China, on June Rathbun said he almost joined the active Spc. Martin Talavera, a refueler with 16, 1947. At age 8 he immigrated to the duty Air Force, but he enlisted in the Air the California Army National Guard’s United States to live in Dos Palos, Calif. National Guard instead so he could con- 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, He enlisted in the California Army Na- tribute to this type of mission. “I was able based in Los Alamitos, said overseas de- tional Guard’s 1498th Transportation to become a crew chief in the Air National ployment experience helped his perfor- Company in 1968 and graduated from Guard to give back locally, and it feels mance on the fire mission as well. “We the California Military Academy as a sec- good,” he said. “Part of joining the Na- bring our knowledge from working in a ond lieutenant in 1971. Gong was then Infantry Division Support Command tional Guard means you are signing up to deployed environment fueling several transferred to Detachment 1, 118th Main- as the executive officer. In 1996 he was serve your state and fellow citizens.” different types of aircraft,” he said. “Be- tenance Company, as a heavy mainte- transferred to Detachment 1, State Area ing deployed to Iraq prepared me and nance platoon leader. Command, as chief of the supply divi- Porter also said it is rewarding to be enhanced my knowledge.” sion. Gong was promoted to colonel on called out on a mission in his home state, In August 1974, Gong was promoted Sept. 3, 1996, and reassigned as director “whether it is saving someone, pulling Sgt. Franklin Ross, who also serves as to first lieutenant, and in December he of the supply division. On July 1, 1999, them off a mountain or fighting fires,” a refueler with the 1-140th, said the fire transferred to the 351st Supply and Ser- Gong was transferred to the 40th Infantry and he enjoys working with the Guard’s mission in California has a special signifi- vice Company as a supply platoon leader. Division Support Command as its com- partners in civilian state agencies. “The cance. “My duty to assist and support in In 1975 he was reassigned as the supply mander, and on Oct. 1, 2001, he was ap- first day on the Jawbone Complex Fire, these operations is not just a job but a pas- officer. In April 1976 Gong transferred to pointed deputy commander of the 40th the smoke was pretty thick, and we were sion to serve others,” he said. “We work Headquarters and Headquarters Detach- Infantry Division. On Oct. 16, 2001, Gong up against low visibility to see other air- in these towns, our children go to schools ment, California Army National Guard, was promoted to brigadier general. craft around us,” he said. “I had trained, in these communities, and we walk our as the supply officer, and on Aug. 14, 1976, but this was my first active fire. Training dogs in these parks.”

he was promoted to captain. In October Gong was ordered to active duty in Photo by Master Sgt. Julie Avey 1976, Gong transferred to Detachment 1, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from Feb. 2, Headquarters and Headquarters Detach- 2005, to March 28, 2006, serving as dep- ment, as the supply officer; he would lat- uty commander. He was transferred to er serve as the transportation officer and the U.S. Army Reserve Control Group on the traffic management officer. Oct. 16, 2006.

In 1981, Gong was promoted to major Gong’s awards and decorations include and reassigned as comptroller. In 1983 he the Defense Superior Service Medal, Le- was reassigned as the contracting officer, gion of Merit Medal (2nd award), Meri- and in 1986 he was reassigned as the sup- torious Service Medal (3rd award), Army ply management officer. Gong was pro- Commendation Medal (2nd award), moted to lieutenant colonel in 1987 and Army Reserve Components Achievement reassigned as chief of the Internal Review Medal (8th award), National Defense Ser- Division. In 1990, Gong was reassigned vice Medal with Bronze Star (2nd award), as supply management officer and later Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary as executive officer. In 1992 he was re- Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service assigned as chief of the supply division, Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas and later transferred to the 240th Support Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Battalion as its commander. He was or- Medal (with Mobilization Device), Air dered to active duty May 1-9, 1992, for Force Commendation Medal, Order of Operation Garden Plot. Saint Martin from the Quartermasters Sgt. Ross Franklin of Company E, 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, refuels an HH-60G Association of the United States and the Pave Hawk helicopter from the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing during In 1994, Gong was transferred to the 40th Order of California. joint firefighting efforts on the Rim Fire near Tehachapi, Calif., on Aug. 14.

18 News & Benefits

An MC-130P Combat Shadow plane from the CNG’s 129th Rescue Wing refuels two of the Wing’s HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters Sept. 5 over the Pacific Ocean. The Pave Hawks, still marked with pink numbers from a firefighting mission in Northern California the previous week, were flying toward an Ecuadorian fish- ing vessel 1,400 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico, where two passengers had fallen ill and required treatment and transportation to land-based medical facilities. Photo by Airman 1st Class John D Pharr III.

Army not changing Physical Fitness Test Tix for sporting events, concerts, more The Army will retain its three-event Army Physical Fitness Test instead of switching to a Looking for a fun, free night out? The nonprofit Veteran Tickets Foundation accepts tax- five-event test the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) has been testing since last deductible ticket donations for a wide variety of events and turns them over to our na- year, pending a study to determine the best method of measuring physical readiness. tion’s veterans.

TRADOC has suggested Soldiers would be better prepared if they train how they fight. “Every day, in every city, there are events with empty seats that could be filled by those This prompted development of the Army Physical Readiness Test, which comprises a who serve or served,” the Foundation states on its website. “More than that, many event 1.5-mile run, 60-yard shuttle run, 1-minute row, 1 minute of push-ups and a standing long tickets are simply unaffordable for average people. We believe the events that bring Amer- jump. More than 10,000 Soldiers have participated in pilot testing of the new format, and icans together in the spirit of celebration, competition and camaraderie — those all-Amer- an independent panel of fitness experts has reviewed the data. The panel recommended ican moments — are the times we need to welcome and acknowledge our Veterans. … An against moving forward with the changes so TRADOC could further study the issue. The empty seat doesn’t do anyone any good.” panel said the new test has “face validity” only, meaning it appears to measure what it claims to measure, but further study is required. To obtain tickets or to donate tickets and receive a receipt for tax-deduction purposes, visit www.vettix.org. A comprehensive study is slated to begin in October. In addition to accurately measuring fitness, the events suggested by the study are expected to have a functional connection to Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, which are the fundamental skills all Soldiers must CORRECTIONS: Airman 1st Class John D. Pharr III photographed the owl on perform in order to fight and win on the battlefield, TRADOC said in a news release. page 21 of the July/August issue, and Spc. Grant Larson took the combatives photo on page 8 of the June issue. NGB swears in new chief Defense Secretary Leon Panetta hosted a change-of-responsibility ceremony Sept. 7in Washington, D.C., swearing in Army Gen. Frank Grass as the new National Guard Bureau chief and paying tribute to the outgoing chief, Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley. Did you know... Grass is a Missouri native with 42 years of experience as both an enlisted Soldier and an officer. Since 2010 he has served as deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and as vice commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, responsible for monitoring air and maritime approaches to the United States. “Today we entrust General fraternization can damage Grass with a national treasure, a force that has been transformed from a strategic reserve to an essential part of the operational military and whose ranks are now filled with skilled morale, order, discipline and combat veterans,” Panetta said. unit cohesion, and it can Free online parenting course negatively impact your career ? Guard members are eligible to receive free one-year access to the Positive Parenting So- lutions online course, which teaches step-by-step solutions for parents of toddlers up Fraternization, as defined by the Manual for Courts Martial, is a personal through teens to eliminate backtalk, whining, tantrums, sibling rivalries, battles over relationship between an officer and an enlisted member that violates the customary homework and chores, and other power struggles. The online course, which typically bounds of acceptable behavior. This type of relationship may prejudice good costs $199, includes 42 video segments, live web seminars, detailed note-taking guides, order and discipline, discredit the armed services and lead to personal disgrace or frequently asked questions and a “toolbox” with more than 25 useful tools. To learn more dishonor for those involved. or to enroll, visit www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/giving-back. All relationships between service members of different ranks are prohibited if they compromise — or appear to compromise — the integrity of supervisory au- CNG seeking CID agents thority or the chain of command. This type of situation can have an adverse im- The 170th Criminal Investigation Detachment, part of the 49th Military Police Brigade, pact on discipline, authority and the ability of the command to accomplish its is seeking mature Soldiers who wish to gain broad law enforcement experience. Duties mission. It is incumbent upon all service members to maintain relationships at a include investigating felonies, protecting personnel and working with the staff judge ad- professional level. vocate, district attorneys, local commanders and local, state, federal and military law en- forcement agencies. For more information on the 170th and the requirements to become a For more information, see Army Regulation 600-20, paragraph 4-14 through 4-16; CID agent, visit www.calguard.ca.gov/49mp/Pages/170thCID.aspx or call 916-854-1983. Air Force Instruction 36-2909, paragraph 2.2.1; and the Manual for Courts Martial.

19 Public Affairs Directorate, California National Guard 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3561

Members of the 330th Military Police Company practice riot control techniques during their two-week annual training period at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Center for Do- mestic Preparedness, in Anniston, Ala., in August. For more on the 330th annual training, see page 7. Photo by Shannon Arledge

The Grizzly Newsmagazine ®

Published by the Directorate of Communications, California National Guard www.facebook.com/CAguard Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of the www.twitter.com/theCAguard Army, the Department of the Air Force or the California Military Department. The Grizzly is an official publication authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and Air Force Instruction 35-101. www.flickr.com/photos/CAguard www.youtube.com/CAnationalguard Submissions: [email protected] Smart phone users, scan this QR Code: Feedback: [email protected] Address/subscription: Current Guard members must make all changes through their unit. Retired Guard members, email [email protected]. The Grizzly Newsmagazine 2012 www.calguard.ca.gov/publicaffairs