2 the WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Around the Command the WILDCAT NATION Wins Said Lt

Depending on where you patch the Army ever recog- The WILDCAT look, on what you believe, nized. I was honored to at- Jul - Sep 2016 the definition of proud (or tend casualty assistance class The 81st Regional Support Command pride)can vary slightly. It can with a selection of NCOs and provides essential customer care either be used as a way to officers who are ready to and services to Soldiers, Civilians praise - “I am SO proud of honor those who have given and their Families in the Southeast region, Puerto Rico, enabling you!” or it can be used dis- the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit supported commanders and leaders paringly - “he is SO full of of freedom and democracy. to maximize resources and meet pride!” This month we chose I am blessed to work with global requirments. the theme “proud to serve” as Civilians and Soldiers alike 81st RSC COMMAND TEAM the theme for the WILDCAT. who challenge me every day Maj Gen Janet L. Cobb It seemed natural, after all, to be a better Soldier, to be Commanding General the 4th of July is this month, a stronger leader, to think Brig. Gen Kevin C. Wulfhorst and we recently completed a before I speak and to realize Deputy Commanding General quarter where we completed that whether intentially or not, Mr. Peter T. Quinn Chief of Staff our Extended Combat Train- I am mentoring those who Chief Warrant Officer 4 Johnny D. Allen Command Chief Warrant Officer Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald G. Law, Jr. Command Sergeant Major

The WILDCAT STAFF Lt. Col Laura E. Steele Public Affairs Officer Mr. Michael P. Mascari Public Affairs Specialist Media Relations ing, Soldiers were promoted come behind and beside me Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield to non-commissioned officers, simply by doing my job. Public Affairs NCOIC our Civilian awards were WILDCAT Editor presented and the command So I challenge you, Wildcat Sgt. Kandi L. Huggins won the Army Community of Nation, to be proud of what Public Affairs NCO Excellence award. So what we do in this command. Step will it be for us? Will we be up and lead by example. The WILDCAT is an authorized quarterly filled with an “high or exces- Make this more than “just publication for members of the 81st Regional sively high opinion of oneself a job” and know that our Support Command and their Soldiers, Civil- of one’s importance” or will Soldiers and our customers ians, Family Members and Customers. we “feel deep pleasure or sat- depend on you. No matter The editorial content of this publication is not isfaction as a result of one’s your rank, title, position in necessarily the official views of, or endorsed own achievements, qualities, our organization, YOU are by, the U.S. Government, Department of the or possessions or those of the face of the Wildcats and Army, the U.S. Army Reserve Command, or someone with whom one is serve as an example, mentor, the 81st RSC Command Team. The editorial closely associated?” leader to content of this publication is the responsibility someone. of the 81st RSC Public Affairs Office, Fort Jackson, S.C. I am incredibly proud to be a Wildcats Wildcat. I love being part of a Never Quit! SUBMISSIONS: Story ideas, photos, unit with such a strong history article submissions and other relevant Sgt. 1st Class and take great pride in tell- Litchfield, materials may be submitted via email to ing people that the “kitty” on [email protected] Editor my sleeve is actually the first

2 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Around the Command The WILDCAT NATION wins said Lt. the ACOE award Col. Des- Lt. Col Laura E. Steele, 81st Regional demona L. Support Command Public Affairs Franklin, Secretary The 81st Regional Support of the Command worked diligently General on their Army Communities of Staff for Excellence (ACOE) program, the 81st and more importantly, the im- RSC. provement of the organization for the last seven years. There was a tre- Throughout this time, the mendous Soldiers, Civilians and Family command has focused on cus- amount of effort exerted to members in nine southeastern tomers, workforce, resource improve operations and gain states, Puerto Rico and the management and improving the results necessary. ACOE U.S. Virgin Islands. processes to become better has evolved and helped at providing premiere, rele- organizations to do honest The Command team and vant services to their valued self- assessments and improve Wildcat ACOE participants customers. Hard work finally throughout the years. were recognized in two dif- paid off when the 81st was ferent award ceremonies in selected as the FY 16 Army “Old impressions linger, I Washington, D.C. Reserve ACOE winner. As a think,” explained Maj. Gen. On May 23rd, the com- result, several members of Janet L. Cobb, 81st RSC Com- mand received the Malcolm the Wildcat team traveled to manding General. Baldrige National Quality Washington, DC in May to Award which recognized receive this prestigious award. “ACOE was once a command- us as national role models er-driven program where for the Army. Mr. James B. ACOE is a continuous process getting that silver cup in the Balocki, United States Army which involves many individ- display case was a priority. Reserve Command Chief uals’ participation and com- We spruced up our Reserve Executive Officer presented mitment in order to succeed. Centers and as junior officers the team with this award. Members of the Wildcat Na- and NCOs, we were a part The Chief of Staff of the U.S. tion volunteered their time to of that effort. ACOE today, Army Gen. Mark A. Mil- write, interview, examine and with its process-driven, stra- ley hosted the 2016 ACOE edit this year’s products. tegic-planning emphasis, is Awards Ceremony on the truly meaningful. If junior 24th of May at the Pentagon “It is through assessment officers and NCOs participate Auditorium. He presented programs such as these that today, they’ll find that it pre- Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb facilitate learning, change, pares them early on to take with a check in the sum of and optimizations which lead a big-picture viewpoint,” she $80,000, the coveted ACOE to great organizations that concluded. Flag and an award for being produce exceptional results,” the Army Reserve overall Today, the 81st winner. RSC uses the ACOE Malcolm As a command, we are ex- Baldridge self-as- tremely proud of this accom- sessment criteria plishment and look forward to to evaluate and our continued improvement, continuously as we grow one step closer improve internal to being the best Regional processes – all Support Command in the eyes towards deliver- of our supported commanding essential cus- ers - committed to excellence, tomer care and living the Army Values, and services to more focused on Wildcat PRIDE! than 54,000

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 3 Commanding General detachment, and we had to By September 11, 2001, I “be ready.” was a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander. We 1989 blew in and the Berlin were not deployed for more Wall was smashed into piec- than a year after that tragic es. No one knew what was day. But we had undergone ahead, and then Saddam some very hard training at the Hussein made his move in Port of Beaumont, Texas, and 1990. After Desert Storm were carefully evaluated and combat operations ceased, watched. Our Army Reserve my unit was deployed to Sau- battalion was the first selected di Arabia to work ammunition by the then-named Military retrograde operations at the Traffic Management Com- ports of Al Jubayl and Ab mand for deployment. In No- Dammam. We blocked and vember 2002, our battalion braced ammunition in the vast deployed to run port opera- FINAL WILDCAT ARTICLE holds of old ships --- it was tions at the Port of Ash Shuay- MG Janet L. Cobb grimy and dangerous work. bah, Kuwait. Two days after We were senior captains, and we arrived, our Soldiers took It was a Cold War world at physically and mentally, none over the port and ran it like the time of my Army Reserve of us were probably ever the professionals we were. enlistment in May 1974. I better before or since those We had been told to get reported to Fort McClellan, days. ready, “be ready,” and we Alabama and found myself in were. In May 2003, we flew the supply room line with my The 1990s were well-funded. home, exhausted and proud arms outstretched. I quick- Our battalion was always after discharging our warf- ly came to appreciate pack working vessel , railyard and ighters’ equipment throughout animals as I looked in wonder equipment lot operations. The active combat operations. at the beautiful wool great- training was never-ending, coat, the white scarf, the cord and we loved it. We knocked In the years since, I was uniform, and all the clothing out the military education blessed and fortunate to bag items of that day. Our requirements, moved into command a brigade, be pro- signatures actually placed us different areas of responsibil- moted, stand up a new 1-star in the Women’s Army Corps, ity, and were promoted. We command, to deploy again and there we stayed for a trained hard because it was and command in Rotterdam, few years until it was disestab- fun, and all we knew was that the Netherlands. In my final lished and we were absorbed the Cold War was over, the deployment, as Director of by the various Army branch- threat after Desert Storm was the Central Command Deploy- es. Sgt. 1st Class Pamela St. unknown, and we had to “be ment and Distribution Cen- Germain, and Sgt. 1st Class ready.” Terry Evans, who ran LRRP patrols in Vietnam, were my drill sergeants. You see, you never, ever, ever forget their names. It was still a Cold War world when I commissioned as a second lieutenant from the University of Alabama in 1978, and remained so through the 1980s when I was a first lieutenant and captain. I had my first command in those years, and we trained, trained, trained. All I ever knew about the “big picture” was that I had a small 31-Sol- dier replacement regulating

4 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 public. On occasion, a good leaders gives a young troop a second chance, even when they get burned by the deci- sion, because you’ll always have one that makes you glad you did. Waste, fraud and abuse are never acceptable. Never complain, never ex- plain. Finally, the best leaders enforce the standard, and are kind but firm. The best leaders all have a sense of humor. How quickly it has passed! I’ve flown on big transports over the Atlantic, on huge jets to south Asia, in helicop- ters just about everywhere, ter, I worked with some of the way to “too tired to go out” in small Air Force jets from finest Navy, Marine Corps, and “I’ve got to get up and Afghanistan to Quatar. I Air Force, Coast Guard, Army drive 2 hours to drill,” and proudly never wore the lime and civilians that America has then those times were gone, green uniform dress as a in uniform. too. Please know, however, WAC. I still mourn the loss of that my years have been, and the .45 pistol. I drank cold I served for three years at De- are, years of peace and con- partment of the Army G-4 in water from a Lister Bag and I tentment, my faith in my Lord saw the Gamma Goat. What the Pentagon, which was the stronger than ever. experience of a life-time, and else is left? eye-opening. In my final as- My time has come and gone, Eventually, I won’t remember signment, I’ve been honored really. I’ve served nearly the names in all the photo- to command the Wildcats of eight years as a general offi- graphs showing us in the cord the 81st Regional Support cer. I don’t know much more uniform, the ripstop jungle Command. than I did when I was a slick- fatigues, the pickle suit, the sleeve private, but truths are BDUs, the greens, the DCUs Personally, in all those years? immutable, and here’s what I My grandmother, Miss Mat- and all these many uniforms know after forty-two years in of the last 15 years. What tie, died while I was in Saudi uniform: Arabia. I buried my mother I will remember is the cama- while a lieutenant and my I’ve learned more from bad raderie and fun, the crazy father while a major. Missed leaders than from good lead- stories, and the sound of a cousin’s funeral while at ers. Leaders who cut corners your laughter --- from tents in CGSC in Hattiesburg. Missed don’t make the late cuts when a bivouac area, on the fir- weddings, more funerals. Lots it counts. You must keep ing range, when an exercise of good dogs, and a few cats, up with your own records, ended and we were loading went through life with me promotion requirements and up for home, when the guys during those years. I missed promotions points. NCOs had to “shave cold” around the funeral of my beloved will do their job if we let the Water Buffalo and we Aunt Deara while flying them. Soldiers don’t care if laughed because girls didn’t high in the sky on the way to their leaders don’t max the have to, and laughter over Puerto Rico as they sang the APFT, but they won’t forgive every other conceivable life old hymns in that tiny church you for avoiding the APFT or situation we encountered. in Tallapoosa County. My the weight scale. They don’t It’s been my honor and plea- niece and nephew are adults understand senior leaders sure to serve with you. Al- and I have my own set of four who won’t take an APFT test ways remember, do what’s “greats” now. The social life with them, and won’t trust the right, come what may. that was so much fun on Fri- results. Good leaders repri- day and Saturday nights gave mand in private and praise in

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 5 Deputy Commanding General er-in-chief of the National - How effectively did the Army. Throughout this time, at IRA use propaganda, least as of 1919, he was also information operations and President of the Irish Repub- perception management? lican Brotherhood (IRB). He - What could the British was shot and killed in August have done differently in 1922, during the Irish Civil running counterterrorism War. operations against the IRA? - What lessons can the We will discuss the following United States learn about questions related to the con- running CT operations in duct of a successful urban the US? In Iraq? In Afghan- During the August Battle insurgency – I have included istan? Assembly I’ll host the second additional information on the edition of the 81st RSC Wild- film and the life of Michael Background on Life/Career of cat Professional Development Collins after the questions: Michael Collins: Movie Night (with pizza included). Intelligence Key Points – Easter Rising: Michael Collins Questions to Consider/Dis- first became known during In May, we watched and discuss: the Easter Rising in 1916. A cussed the movie “Midway,” skilled organizer of consid- and the intelligence and lead- HUMINT Source Development erable intelligence, he was ership lessons that contributed - Identify how Michael highly respected in the IRB. to the American naval victory Collins developed an intelli- over Japan. A crucial sea bat- gence source network. When the Rising itself took tle that turned the tide in the - How did Collins target his place on Easter Monday, Pacific as three American fleet sources? 1916, he fought alongside carriers sunk four Japanese - How did he develop sourc- Patrick Pearse and others in fleet carriers. es that could provide in- the General Post Office in formation on assassination Dublin. The Rising became (as In August, we will watch the targets? expected by many) a military movie “Michael Collins”, a - How did Collins use intelli- disaster. While some celebrat- 1996 film depicting the life gence to target and assassi- ed the fact that a rising had of Irish revolutionary leader nate British officials? happened at all, believing Michael Collins. - How effectively did the in Pearse’s theory of “blood British security services use sacrifice” (namely that the Movie Summary: the HUMINT they collected deaths of the Rising’s leaders on Irish nationalists? would inspire others), Collins Michael ("Mick") Collins railed against it, notably the (Irish: Mícheál Ó Coileáin; 16 OPSEC/Counterintelligence seizure of indefensible and October 1890 – 22 August - How effective were IRA very vulnerable positions such 1922) was an Irish revolution- operations when Collins as- as St. Stephen’s Green that ary leader, Minister for Fi- sumed the role of Director were impossible to escape nance and MP for Cork South of Intelligence? from and difficult to supply. in the First Dáil of 1919, - How did Collins improve Director of Intelligence for the operations security and (During the War of Indepen- IRA, and member of the Irish counterintelligence opera- dence he ensured the avoid- delegation during the An- tions? ance of such sitting targets, glo-Irish Treaty negotiations. - Counterterrorism – How with his soldiers operating as effective were British coun- “flying columns” who waged Subsequently, he was both terterrorism operations? a guerrilla war against the Chairman of the Provisional - Was it inevitable that the British, suddenly attacking Government and Command- British would be defeated then just as quickly withdraw- by the IRA? ing, minimizing losses and

6 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 maximizing effectiveness.) spies, had warned his col- (ministry) as Minister for Fi- Collins, like many of the other leagues of the dangers of nance. Understandably, in the participants, was arrested, al- arrest; de Valera and others circumstances of a brutal war, most executed and wound up ignored the warnings, believ- in which ministers were liable at Frongoch internment camp. ing if the arrests happened to be arrested or killed by the By the time of the general they would constitute a pro- Royal Irish Constabulary, the release, Collins had already paganda coup. In de Valera’s British Army, the Black and become one of the leading absence, Cathal Brugha was Tans or the Auxiliaries at a figures in the post-rising Sinn elected Príomh Aire (‘Main’ moment’s notice, most of the Féin, a small nationalist party or ‘Prime’, Minister’, but often ministries existed only on pa- which the British government translated as ‘President of per, or as one or two people and the Irish media wrongly Dáil Éireann’), to be replaced working in a room of a privae blamed for the Rising. It was by de Valera, when Collins house. quickly infiltrated by survi- helped him escape from Lin- vors of the Rising, so as to coln Prison in April 1919. Collins created a special as- capitalize on the “notoriety” sassination squad called The the movement had gained In 1919, Collins had a number Twelve Apostles designed to through British attacks. By of roles. That summer he was kill British agents; arranged October 1917, Collins had elected president of the IRB the “National Loan”; orga- risen to become a member of (and therefore, in the doctrine nized the IRA; effectively led the executive of Sinn Féin and of that organization, de jure the government when de Val- director of organization of the President of the Irish Repub- era travelled to and remained Irish Volunteers; Éamon de lic). In September he was in the United States for an Valera was president of both made Director of Intelligence extended period of time; and organizations. of the Irish Republican Army, managed an arms-smuggling as the Volunteers had come to operation. First Dail: be known (the organization’s claim to be the Army of the Join Like all senior Sinn Féin mem- Irish Republic was ratified in Brig. Gen Wulfhorst bers,. However, unlike their January 1919). The Irish War in the Wildcat Auditorium rivals in the Irish Parliamen- of Independence in effect for our second tary Party, Sinn Féin Collins began on the same day that Pizza & Professional was nominated in the 1918 the First Dáil met on 21 Janu- Development general election to elect Irish ary 1919, when an nambush Movie Night August 5, 2016 MPs to the British House of party of IRA volunteers act- Commons in London. As was ing without orders and led the case throughout much by Seán Treacy, attacked a of Ireland (with many seats group of Royal Irish Constab- uncontested), Collins won for ulary men who were escorting Sinn Féin, becoming MP for a consignment of gelignite Cork South MPs had an- to a quarry in Soloheadbeg, nounced that they would not County Tipperary. Two police- take their seats in Westmin- men were shot dead during ster, but instead would set up the engagement and the am- an Irish Parliament in Dublin. bush is considered to be the That new parliament, called first action taken in the Irish Dáil Éireann (meaning “As- War of Independence. sembly of Ireland”, see First Dáil) met in the Mansion Minister for Finance: House, Dublin in January 1919, although De Valera In 1919, the already busy and leading Sinn Féin MPs Collins received yet another had been arrested. Collins, responsibility when de Valera tipped off by his network of appointed him to the Aireacht

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 7 BG Wulfhorst’s Profes- This is one of the best mili- - Compare and contrast sional Development Rec- tary memoirs I have read – it British and Japanese gener- addresses coalition warfare, alship – describe the dif- ommended Readings: dealing with multi-cultural is- ferences in how the British sues, and developing a clear established objectives and My number one recommend- commander’s intent. how the Japanese estab- ed book for tactical/opera- lished objectives. tional leaders is: The following discussion - Why did General Slim questions can be used for an have his units focus on ag- Defeat Into Victory: Battling OPD/NCOPD: gressive patrolling? Japan in Burma and India - Describe General Slim’s 1942-45 by Viscount William - What does Field Marshal staff planning and deci- Slim Slim call the “only test of sion-making process, generalship” - Describe his “personal In May 1942, British Lt. - When General Slim ar- battle rhythm.” Gen. William J. Slim was rived in Burma to take - How did General Slim dis- the defeated commander charge of the British Bur- seminate information to his of a demoralized corps in ma Corps, he sits down subordinate commands? a forgotten theater, forced to assess the situation. His - Describe General Slim’s into a long, humiliating first assessment is that “our ability to be flexible. De- retreat by a seemingly intelligence was extremely scribe a situation in the invincible jungle enemy. bad”, describe the short- book in which a Japanese Almost exactly three years comings in each intelli- commander lacked flexibil- later, his victorious Four- gence discipline. ity. teenth Army marched into - Describe how General - Describe how tactical Rangoon, completing a Slim rebuilt his intelligence intelligence collection masterful re-conquest of organization. supported the operational the country he had lost. - When the Burma Corps campaign in Burma. This gripping story of lead- retreats into India, Gener- ership and command in the al Slim conducts a “post In future issues, I will recom- face of adversity has been mortem” - what were the mend additional books and praised as one of the great command and control fac- authors - to whet your ap- military memoirs of all tors that contributed to the petites, here are two of my time, a tale remarkable in Burma Corps defeat? What favorite authors and some of its honesty, humility, ironic were the leadership fac- their works: wit, and human under- tors? What were the prob- standing. lems with intelligence?

8 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Lawrence Rush "Rick" Atkin- Sir Alistair Allan Horne CBE son IV (born November 16, FRSL (born 9 November 1952 is an American author 1925) is a British journalist, who has won Pulitzer Prizes biographer and historian of in history and journalism. Europe, especially of 19th After working as a news- and 20th century France. paper reporter, editor, and He has written more than 20 foreign correspondent for books on travel, history, and The Washington Post, Atkin- biography. son turned to writing military history. His six books include The Price of Glory: Verdun narrative accounts of four 1916. New York: Penguin, different American wars. 1962. This moving study explains Verdun where 700,000 men fell in a ten-month emerge as a coherent and battle. capable force. To Lose a Battle: France The Day of Battle: The War in 1940. New York: Penguin, Sicily and Italy, 1943-1944. 1979. New York: Henry Holt, 2008. This is a fascinating analy- In this second volume of sis of the French beginning Rick Atkinson's highly an- of World War II. ticipated Liberation Trilogy, the author shows how a A Savage War of Peace: Al- newly blooded and more geria, 1954-1962. New York: experienced American Viking, 1977. Army overcame distance An Army at Dawn: The War and allied squabbling to The best volume on the in Africa, 1942 1943. New conduct successful am- Algerian war of indepen- York: Henry Holt, 2002. phibious operations that dence, this well-written work secured the Mediterranean takes both sides into account In this first volume of Rick and knocked Italy out of and illustrates the doctrines Atkinson's highly anticipat- the war. Although after the of both insurgency and ed Liberation Trilogy, the war many doubted wheth- counterinsurgency. author shows why no mod- er the extended slog up ern reader can understand the boot of Italy was strate- the ultimate victory of the gically wise, there was no Allied powers in May 1945 doubt of the courage and without a solid understand- persistence of the Ameri- ing of the events that took can Soldier in this theater place in North Africa in of war so soon to be over- 1942 and early 1943. At- shadowed by the landings kinson convincingly demon- in northern France. strates that the first years of the Allied war effort was a The Guns at Last Light: The pivotal point in American War in Western Europe, history, the moment when 1944–1945 (2013) the United States began to act like a great military power, but he also chron- icles without apology the many false steps taken before the new and untest- ed American Army could

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 9 Cover Story Honoring the fallen I’m not going to lie to you. about you, it’s not about me. Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M Litchfield, 81st Re- The day was rough. My It’s not about the fear that gional Support Command Public Affairs brother died several years you won’t do a good job. It’s back and I was overwhelmed not about allowing the fear of It was an additional duty I with thoughts of what this your own grief overshading had avoided since I was pro- family now had to face on a the Family. It’s about them. moted in 2008, an duty I was daily basis. Standing in the all to willing to forgoe. back of the church and hear- It’s about the mother who ing the mother sob broke my will never again hold her son The excuses were numerous: heart and the wail that filled close to her heart and share too busy, too emotional, I the room as the first notes of her memories. It’s about the use humor to relieve tension, TAPS rang out is not some- husband who will never again the Families deserve better. thing soon forgotten. celebrate an anniversary with Others attended the class, his wife, it’s about children fulfilled the duty, stood where who will grow up in a single I wouldm’t stand and it didn’t parent household. really concern me. I just didn’t think it was my thing. I attended the Fort Jackson Casualty Notification Officer Then it happened, one of and Casualty Assistance Offi- my Soldiers was touched by cer Course in June. Several of tragedy. His brother, also a us did. We were volun-told. Soldier, lost his life and an A month after the funeral You know how that works in honor guard was requested. through an unusual set of the Army, there is a duty that We were critically short on circumstances, I had the op- no one wants and everyone trained Servicemembers and portunity to become friends scrambles to get out of the I spent a week practicing with that Mom on Facebook. blast range. Only this time it during my lunch hour; learn- I don’t think she knows it was was mandatory. Every E7 and ing how to properly fold an me who played the bugle, me above, Capt. and above and American flag, handling of who assisted in folding the Chief Warrant Officer 2 and the ceremonial bugle and flag. I don’t think she knows above on Active Guard Re- memorizing the words said to that it took every ounce of serve (AGR) status at the 81st a grieving Family member as personal courage I had to Regional Support Command you hand them the flag that stay composed, to do my job, was directed to attend CNO/ will forever represent not only to particpate in a ritual of CNA training. the service, but also the sacri- utmost honor. What she does fice of their Soldier. know is that she is grateful. Training was brutal for me. I’ve seen the posts where she I spent the majority of the talks about how grateful she first day watching videos is to the unit at Fort Jackson with tears streaming down for providing the flag that my face. The rational part of was presented to her. She me realized that these were acknowledges that she will actors, people hired to play never again hear TAPS with- people devastated by trage- out crying but expresses her dy. People hired to portray gratitude for the buglar. You Soldiers and Chaplains ap- see, that’s the other side of proaching dark houses, wives the story. answering the door and back- ing away, shaking their heads Casualty notification is not as they muttered “no, no!”

10 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 and begin to sob. The irratio- nal part of me was convinced the Family would blame the CNO. That the CNO would forever be the person who ripped them apart. Here’s the thing though - the

resentative of “big Army” and “It’s particularly hard on the you’re there to show honor Families, and the member of and respect to their Soldier. the Soldier’s unit, so for us to You don’t have to be stoic, be able to step in and take you have to be loyal, respect- care of some of these details ful and do your duty with relieves the burden,” she said. integrity - sound familiar? CNO isn’t there to tear a She shared with me that last Family apart, they are there Chief Warrant Officer 3 month the 81st was able to to remind them that they are Mickelson was responsible for coordinate and participate in still a part of the Army Family. coordinating the CNO/CAO bringing home the repatriated A CNO will leave an indelible training for the 81st Regional remains of a Korean War Vet- impression on the Family, but Support Command and is the eran who had been Missing it won’t be YOU they remem- calm in the center of the storm in Action for 66 years. She ber. It will be the compassion, for Families who reach out to shared her joy at the fact that the care, the concern you her. his Family finally has peace show. You are there as a rep- after all these years, noting “that’s what I like about this job!”

I am not sitting around waiting for the phone to ring, anxious to face a bereaved Family or a shattered Spouse, but I am well trained. I will probably still cry at the wrong time, but I now realize that this isn’t about me, it’s about them. I owe it to these Sol- diers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to return the favor and give my all to their loved ones.

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 11 Chaplain’s Corner 5 Things All USAR Soldiers Should Know About Strong Bonds By CH (MAJ) Renee Kiel

1. Strong Bonds Training is miles of a training event in The RSC covers the Soldier’s highly rated! We consistent- order to attend. pay, as well as the travel, ly receive 95% plus positive 3. We give priority to low- lodging, meals and per diem feedback from our partic- er-enlisted TPU Soldiers! Pref- for the Soldiers and their Fam- ipants. Most Soldiers and erence for attending a Strong ily members. Families who attend a Strong Bonds event is given to those 5. We have an event for ev- Bonds weekend love it. The who have recently deployed eryone! training will increase your or will deploy, and/or E1-E6 a. Singles Training: self-awareness, strengthen Enlisted TPU Soldiers. If you Register for this if you are not your marriage and Family, are an AGR officer, you may legally married. Childcare is and equip you with some be placed on an OML. We provided for children ages valuable communication skills want to ensure all our lower 0-6 (must be registered in and techniques which will en- enlisted Soldiers get an op- DEERS). You may NOT bring hance you and your Family’s portunity to attend Strong a significant other or a friend. resiliency. Bonds if desired. Soldiers are 2. We conduct Strong Bonds allowed to attend one Strong Training in great locations! Bonds event every-other year. Myrtle Beach, New Orleans, 4. There is no cost to the Sol- Nashville, Fort Walton Beach, dier’s unit! The 81st Regional and Orlando made up some Support Command pays for of our training sites in FY16. Strong Bonds Training. There Soldiers must live within 400 is no cost to the Soldier’s unit.

12 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 If you would like to bring a childcare for the event ages child(ren). Free childcare is child(ren) age 7 or older, 0-6. If you bring a child age 7 also provided for children register for the Family venue or older, you must register for ages 0-6. instead. the Family venue instead. b. Couples Training: c. Family Training: Register for Our Strong Bonds training Register for this if you are this if you and your spouse events for FY16 are full. The bringing your spouse (must be are bringing a child(ren) age FY17 Strong Bonds training enrolled in DEERS). For maxi- 7 or older. All dependents schedule will be posted in mum benefit of this retreat, we must be enrolled in DEERS. November 2016. For more recommend you do not bring Children ages 7 and older information about Strong children to the event. Howev- will attend the Family Training Bonds Training, contact the er, if you cannot find alternate with you. Single parents may 81st RSC Strong Bonds Team childcare, we provide free attend this venue with their at usarmy.usarc.81-rsc.mbx. [email protected], or 803-751-9638/9633.

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 13 Surgeon

14 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 15 EmBARKing on a new adventure - Army Colonel and her military K-9 ride off into the sunset Michael Mascari, 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs

A Soldier reunited with her battle buddy at Fort Jackson and they will face one more mission together: retirement.

Recently retired Colonel Caryn “Suzie” Heard ad- opted Beno, a hard charger she knew when she served as Garrison Commander of Fort Buchanan in Puerto Rico. Heard relinquished her com- about the same time where That hard charger was Beno, mand at Fort Buchanan for a Heard was able to complete a German Shepherd, who final assignment as the Legis- the adoption process. was retiring from service as a lative Liaison assigned to the “MWD adoption is an op- military working dog (MWD). 81st Regional Support Com- portunity to show our ap- Heard knew Beno and his mand on the same day as preciation to the MWD for handler, Officer Efrain Laure- Beno’s retirement. They would his service to our country ano. both arrive at Fort Jackson by providing a loving home

16 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 where he can relax during his she came to visit and when become familiarized with the retirement,” Heard said. she came to pick him up. It’s dog, and pass a screening a great occasion for both, process. The handler gets first a warrior that’s able to go priority, but Laureano was un- home.” able to adopt Beno and asked Heard if she was interested. “While he was in transition at Her prior familiarization with the Fort Jackson kennel, I was Beno and their ability to bond able to visit and start bonding assisted in the process. She with him,” said Heard. “The was able to visit him regularly kennel master and handlers once they were both at Fort took great care of him until I Jackson. was able to pick him up and take him home. The most dif- Heard and Beno are now ficult part of the process was embarking on their new life waiting to get the paperwork journey together. processed. “ “He is still trying to figure Heard said military working out the retirement life. He dogs are prized upon their still wants to smell everything retirement from active service whenever we are out of the because they are already house. He enjoys playing ball Beno’s final mission was to trained and disciplined and the most. He is doing great. support the Pope’s visit to the said she would probably Now he can teach me how to Philadelphia before he was adopt another one. be retired. I plan on doing officially retired. Once he nothing for as long as I can. completed his duties, his han- Beno and I will probably do dler brought him to the Fort some traveling and relax for Jackson kennel to wait for the a while.” final processing of the adoption paperwork. To find out more about Mili- tary Working Dog adoption, Sgt. Weston Reeves, plans email [email protected]. non-commissioned officer for mil or call (210) 671-3153. the 208th Military Working Dog Detachment, first met Beno in Philadelphia and was one of the Soldiers working with Beno during the process at Fort Jackson. He said Beno has an excellent personality and that this is a great match. “Beno is very friendly,” Reeves said. “When we pulled him out for exercise, he just loved to play and he Those interested in adopting perked up even more when MWDs generally must go Colonel Heard came by. They through an adoption process have a great bond and you where the perspective adopt- could definitely tell whenever ers must fill out paperwork,

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 17 HHC FAMILY DAY 2016

18 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 HHC FAMILY DAY 2016

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 19 surveying and laying roads, Coffee and other fatigue duties. By Mr. H. Allen Skinner In 1832, President Andrew Jackson ordered the removal of liquor as a normal part of the ration, replacing it with an issue of four pounds of coffee and eight pounds of sugar per 100 rations. Interestingly, the order did not rescind the issuance of a ½ gill of hard liquor for fatigue-duties, but required Presidential approval for issuance.

Coffee as a ration item proved so popular that the ration size grew, so Soldiers In this edition of The Wildcat, did not include coffee in the fighting in the Mexican War we consider the history of drink ration for Continental were theoretically entitled a commodity so simple, yet Soldiers, including instead a to six pounds of coffee and fundamental to the smooth quart of spruce beer or cider 12 pounds of sugar per 100 and orderly functioning of per week – which was often rations. By the eve of the the Army – the cup of coffee. replaced with a gill (1/2 cup) Civil War, the ration had The practice of brewing cof- of common rum. Tight bud- increased yet again to 10 fee is traced to 15th century gets led Congress to reduce pounds of green coffee beans Yemeni monasteries. From the ration to a ½ gill per and 15 pounds of sugar per Yemen, the practice of coffee week after the war, only to 100 rations. Coffee to a drinking spread via the Ot- modify the ration in 1819 to Union Soldier was probably toman Empire to the rest of allow for an extra gill of whis- the most important part of the Europe, and then established key or spirits per day to “non- ration. So important was the in the New World by James commissioned officers, musi- coffee ration that the entire Cook and William Penn, the cians, and privates” engaged process of issuing was wit- founder of Pennsylvania. By in working on fortifications, nessed by the entire company. 1709, coffeehouses were firm- ly established in major cities, and some of the planning for the American Revolution took place over coffeehouse brew. Taxation of tea was one of several friction points leading to the Revolution, so after the Boston Tea Party in 1773, Americans boycotted tea and drank coffee when available.

That is, everyone except for American Soldiers. The Continental Congress in 1775

20 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 ration for use by paratroopers and assault troops, including the Soldiers of the 81st Infan- try Division in their combat landing at Anguar Island, a packet of soluble coffee and sugar was included in each breakfast and supper packet. When the combat situation permitted, Soldiers received wet rations with packets of coffee until regular food preparation could resume.

The practice of dissolvable coffee carried over into the combat rations issued and consumed during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Natural- ly, coffee was included with Upon drawing his ration of waterproof containers. These the introduction of Meals, coffee and sugar, the Soldier containers included a contain- Ready to Eat (MRE), repre- would sometimes have to er with soluble coffee which, sented by packets of Taster’s roast and or grind the coffee although probably not as fla- Choice coffee accompanied beans, before mixing with the vorful as regular coffee, took by generic packets of sugar sugar ration for ease of trans- up less space and was easier and creamer. port. Federal Soldiers were to Soldiers to prepare in an so enamored with their coffee austere field environment. So before you savor your that any rest halt was sure to next cup of coffee, you can result in dozens of camp fires The practice of including be thankful that you no lon- for heating water. dissolvable coffee in the field ger have to grind your coffee rations continued on into beans up with the butt of a Experiences with the Span- World War II. The Army musket and cook coffee in a ish American War led to the developed the lightweight K tin can over an open fire. discontinuance of green coffee beans and the issuance of small containers of ground coffee and sugar to help reduce the weight of the soldier’s load in combat. This practice of issuing ground coffee carried over until America’s entry in the Great War. The constant presence of mud and chemical contamination led to the introduction of rations packaged in gas- and

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 21 Leadership begins and the junior level Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Regional Sup- port Command Public Affairs It was 46 degrees on a Satur- day morning. The sun peeked over the horizon as Soldiers of the 81st Regional Support Command stood in formation at Fort Jackson, S.C., prepar- ing to conduct an Army physical fitness test. The Soldiers completed their push-ups and sit-ups then lined up at the starting line for their two-mile run. On the “ready – set – go,” they took off running, 1st Lt. Cory Locklear, 81st Regional Support Command, conducts the dime washer literally and figuratively, into drill at McGrady Training Center, Ft. Jackson, S.C., April 17. To conduct the drill, place a dime (or a washer) on the barrel of an M16 rifle before the Soldier pulls their week of extended com- the trigger. Soldiers maintaining proper trigger squeeze and breath control will be bat training (ECT). able to keep the dime stable on the the end of the barrel, thus proving they have mastered the basics of marksmanship. (Photo by U. S. Army Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Regional Support Command, Public Affairs) of their ECT. knowing what to do in that position. “With this being a senior unit, there are perishable skills we “In units like this where it’s need to touch base on at least such a senior command, once a year, if not more,” junior Soldiers don’t get the said Master Sgt. Edward experience [to be leaders] Quantrell, master religious af- and that itself is a perishable fairs noncommissioned officer. skill,” said Quantrell. The primary skills of focus during ECT were land naviga- Throughout the week, the tion, first aid, weapons quali- Wildcats refreshed their fication and developing junior knowledge on warrior tasks Soldiers into leaders. and drills like calling for medical evacuation, reacting to As Reservists, Soldiers come enemy contact, engagement together several times a year skills training on the M9 pistol Master Sgt. Edgardo Laureano, 81st Re- gional Support Command, calls out the but occasionally it is diffi- and the M16 rifle, qualifica- time as Lt. Col Franklin completes the cult to break the pattern of two-mile run during the Wildcat physical tion ranges for their assigned fitness test on April 16. (Photo by U.S. Soldiers showing up, going weapons, land navigation Army Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Regional Support Command, Public Affairs) through the training and leav- and obstacle courses. ing without having the opportunity to lead. During these events, junior noncommissioned officers From April 16 – April 22 the Quantrell said Soldiers could took the lead in helping con- Wildcats conducted various deploy or become a squad duct training and being in training events refreshing leader at any time through- charge of Soldiers as team themselves on basic leader- out their careers and risk not leaders. ship and warrior skills as part

22 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Soldiers of the 81st Regional Support Command practice the hand sign for making a line as part of their warrior task and drill training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., April 16, 2016. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Reginal Support Command Public Affairs) Sergeant Symone Verdusco, also led her team through a Verdusco said she hopes the a finance NCO, said seven reconnaissance patrol where 81st RSC continues to mentor years had passed since she’d they simulated reacting to and enforce leadership in been in a team leader posi- enemy contact, returning fire, the junior ranks. She said the tion and she appreciated the finding checkpoints during experience will make Soldiers experience. land navigation, calling for realize what they are lacking, medical support, evaluating a what areas they need re- “With any type of training casualty and securing a high freshed, and will give them a like this you really take heed value target. boost of confidence to per- of everything you learned form when they are placed in because you don’t want to “Being in a leadership po- a leadership role. mislead anyone or fail your sition makes you a more squad,” said Verdusco. well-rounded Soldier,” said Verdusco. “I see myself being As one of the team leaders a leader who’s not only able during ECT, Verdusco was re- to do my job but also one sponsible for accountability of with a wealth of knowledge to her Soldiers and their weap- help Soldiers. I was fortunate ons, as well as ensuring they to be afforded the opportuni- remained informed about the ty to show my leadership that day’s events and what equip- they can entrust those kinds of ment they would need. She responsibilities to me.”

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 23 24 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 25 26 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 27 Partnership creates a one- stop shop Michael Mascari, 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs

Lexington, Ky.—The Lexington, Ky. Veterans Administration (VA) and the 81st Regional Support Command (RSC) partnered to help Soldiers make their retirement transition a bit less of a mystery.

Presenters advised the attend- ees on topics affecting them upon retirement. These included military pay and retire- Veterans Administration Patient Advocate Patrick Sinclair shares information with ment points, TRICARE, Survi- Soldiers and Spouses at a Pre-Retirement Services brief at the Lexington, Ky., VA. vors Benefit Program, Social The VA partnered with the 81st Regional Support Command-sponsored event to host the brief on-site, allowing the Soldiers a one-stop experience. (Photo by Mi- Security and employment. chael Mascari, 81st Reginal Support Command, Public Affairs. Building on a previous suc- Reserve components and their more vendors and partners cessful event, Lexington VA spouses a pre-retirement brief, to better serve our veterans,” Patient Advocate Patrick to get them enrolled in the VA Sinclair elaborated. Sinclair reached out to the system, and to receive other 81st RSC and went to work services if needed,” Sinclair Hosting the events at its fa- planning another event. The said. cilities allow for Soldiers to VA hosted the Pre-Retirement register on the spot and speak Service Brief at its medical “Because of the success one-on-one with VA represen- center. we had from the last event, tatives. we wanted to continue the “The purpose of today’s event partnership and expand our “It’s a great opportunity to was to give members of the offerings by reaching out to get all of the information pulled in from multiple sources to help people make wise decisions about retirement before they get there,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Bacon, a Reservist with A. Co, 2/399th TS out of Fort Knox, Ky.

Bacon, also a mechanic at Area Maintenance Support Activity 174 in Lexington, said the information will help him prepare for retirement and to determine his options. As a military technician, he will have to find another job upon retirement. The information presented will help him determine when he is able to retire Veterans Administration Social Worker Jeremy Bowen schedules an appointment from the Army when he is with a Soldier at a Pre-Retirement Services brief at the Lexington, Ky., VA. The VA eligible in less than two years. partnered with the 81st Regional Support Command-sponsored event to host the brief on-site, allowing the Soldiers a one-stop experience. (Photo by Michael Mas- cari, 81st Reginal Support Command, Public Affairs. “All of the information has

28 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Sgt. 1st Class Brian Bacon, a Reservist from Fort Knox, Ky., interacts with Master Sgt. Beverly Smith, a member of the 81st Regional Support Command Retirement Services team at the Lexington, Ky., VA. The 81st RSC and the Lexington VA partnered to present a Pre-Retirement Services Brief June 23. (Photo by Michael Mascari, 81st Reginal Support Command, Public Affairs. been extremely valuable to and end,” he said. Familiariz- As for the partnership with me, but the health benefits ing them with VA is probably the Lexington VA, Master Sgt. information presented was a the best place to start. This is Beverly Smith, a member of real eye-opener,” Bacon add- the first time I have ever been the 81st RSC Retirement Ser- ed. “I knew there were bene- to VA and I now understand vice Office hopes to conduct fits available but the represen- where to go and what the more briefs at VA facilities in tatives really knew what they process is to claim my bene- other cities. were doing and were able to fits.” walk me through everything, and taught me how to put in Sinclair was pleased with “After our experience work- for them.” results. ing here with this particular VA facility, it provides us with The VA has representatives at “Hosting these events helps a blueprint on how we might all of the Retirement Services both the VA and the 81st to work with other VAs in our briefings but hosting events at maximize our effectiveness. footprint to enhance our pro- a VA is helpful, according to Soldiers can learn about their gram,” Smith explained. “This Bacon. Not only are VA facili- benefits and sign up right on facility is trying to enhance ties central for many Soldiers, the spot. We can help them their program, too. Our main they can meet VA personnel navigate the process and in- thing is helping Soldiers and face-to-face and the staff can troduce them to right people,” anything we can do to im- direct Soldiers to other re- Sinclair said. prove service to our Soldiers sources in their specific area. is a win-win for everyone.” Sinclair said the VA team was “This is where most of the able to enroll more than twice resources for veterans begin their expected goal.

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 29 Around the Command The Dog Days of The most recent example of this dedication is when the Summer Dog Days of Summer bit into School is out and summer is a multi-chiller cooling system here - the time when Families located at FL127 (Pinellas begin to travel to some of Park, FL). The team was the most beautiful vacation able to procure the required spots in America. One of resources and execute the these spots is Florida. With repair of one of two cooling its sandy beaches and tropi- chillers over the holiday week cal climate, it makes for a re- end. This effort minimized un- laxing, memorable vacation. necessary training delays for Florida is also the location the tenant units and reduced where 25 Army Reserve Mr. Livica has worked for the the risk of damaging facility Centers (ARC) call home. 81st for 6 years and brings property. Today we salute Mr. These ARCs are supported 34 years of facilities mainte- Livica and Team for putting a by the 81st Regional Sup- nance experience. He leads leash on the Dog and not let- port Command. a field team consisting of ting him run free over Region four Area Facility Operation K (FL). Hats off!!!!!!! Specialists (AFOS) and one Area Environmental Protec- tion Specialist (AEPS). This outstanding team ensures that the facilities in this region meet all Army Reserve Center standards and comply with all local and state codes and requirements. This dedicated The 81st RSC, DPW is re- team works diligently to exe- sponsible for the overall cute vital support functions. maintenance and repair of these facilities as well as centers located in eight other south eastern states (NC, SC, GA, KY, TN, MS, AL, LA) as well as Puerto Rico. This Area of Responsibility (AoR) is divided into ten re- gions (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,J,K). Due to the diverse climate, the maintenance and repair of these facilities is quite challenging.

These challenges are met head on by the Regional Facility Operations Specialist (RFOS). The RFOS for Re- gion K (southern half of FL) is Mr. Ariston Livica.

30 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 ECS 151

Mr. Johnny Allen, Manager for Equipment Concentration Site 151 in Ft. Rucker, Ala., presents a $300 check to Ft. Rucker, Ala., Army Emergency Relief coordinator Capt. Leitch and Mrs. Beth Gunter. Army Emergency Relief (AER) emergency travel, utilities, es- new Tools and Parts Attendant is the Army’s own emergency sential furniture and a variety for the ECS took the lead in assistance organization and of other assistance through coordinating and facilitating is dedicated to “helping the grants or interest free loans. the project for the ECS. Army take care of its own.” AER is funded through individ- “Soldiers helping Soldiers” Congratulations to ECS 151 ual donations, corporate and is the key to funding AER for stepping up and taking business donations, security and each year, AER does a care of Soldiers and for lead- donations and matching gifts. fundraising drive lasting from ing the way! We appreciate March until May. your sacrifice and willingness Funds donated to AER assist to give. Soldiers with food purchases, On Army posts across nation and spilling overseas you can see the red thermometers tracking the campaign progress and encour- aging us to dig deep.

At Equipment Con- centration Site 151, Soldiers and Civilians did just that, raising $300.00 dollars for the Fort Rucker, Ala. Army Emergency Relief fund on May

12. Mrs. Beth Gunter, Ft. Rucker AER, receives the ECS 151 donations from Mrs. Kristina Dunaay, Tools and Parts Attendant for ECS Mrs. Kristina Dunaay, 151.

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 31 22 a day, 22 too many ing a roster verifying they impact lives with what we say Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Regional Sup- attended suicide awareness and how we say it. port Command Public Affairs training, the stand-down presented Soldiers with the “It’s not that we can’t influ- “Once a person’s mind is opportunity to openly discuss ence thinking,” said Franklin. made up they are going to do their experiences with suicide “Just like you develop mind- it,” said Master Sgt. Andre since they’ve been in the sets; people have the ability Rodgers, human resources se- Army. to change their minds after nior noncommissioned officer, something is presented to 81st Regional Support Com- Soldiers talked about individ- them to make changing their mand. “It’s similar to a person uals they had known, fellow minds worthwhile.” having an alcohol problem… Soldiers, friends and family You can follow them around members who had committed Franklin said the level of all day but as soon as they suicide and how they, the Sol- effort is impacted by the level get alone where they can diers, ultimately have to live of thinking. Meaning, the drink, they will.” with those actions. amount of effort we put into Rodgers shared a story about helping someone is directly a Soldier who committed Ajaye Franklin, Suicide Pre- affected by whether we think suicide in one of his previous vention Program Manager, we can help them. He said units during the 81st RSC’s 81st RSC, disagreed with the individuals are not passionate suicide stand-down April 22. stigma of once a person’s about killing themselves, but mind is made up that they instead are people who have Instead of the usual training will commit suicide. He said lost the will to live. of looking at slides and sign- we have the opportunity to

Staff Sgt. Joseph Greem, 81st Regional Support Command, shares his experience of dealing with a comrade who committed suicide in a previous unit during a suicide stand-down at the 81st RSC headquarters April 22, 2016. The stand-down was an open discussion for the Wildcats to shed light on the realism of suicide in the Army Reserve. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Kandi Huggins, 81st Regional Support Command, Public Affairs)

32 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 day the day after the awareness walk, Litchfield asked what better gift to give those who are and have served than to get Soldiers the help they deserve and need.

“It would be great if next year we didn’t have to walk at all because the numbers have reduced so drastically that we don’t need to anymore,” said Litchfield. Sgt. Darryl Montgomery, Logan Teague, Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Litchfield and Staff Sgt. William “Keith” Gillespie participate in the Mission 22 Awareness Walk from Landrum, S.C. to Greer, S.C., April 22, 2016. The three Soldiers and Logan walked in remembrance of Spec. Eddie Montgomery, an honorably discharged Army Reservist who took his own life four weeks earlier. (courtesy photo) While most of the 81st Sol- “I was convicted to walk to diers shared in the conversa- draw more awareness to this tion, several participated in issue,” said Sgt. 1st Class the Mission 22 Suicide Aware- Lisa Litchfield, Public Affairs ness Walk held in upstate noncommissioned officer in South Carolina. The 22.2-mile charge, 81st RSC. “Suicide walk from Landrum to Greer touches everyone we know. If was a suicide awareness walk we start a dialogue we’d real- of Veterans for Veterans. ize we either know someone personally who has committed suicide, or we would find we have friends and acquaintanc- es whose lives are forever changed by someone who Sgt. Darryl Montgomery, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, visits with Logan has committed suicide.” Teague during a rest stop on the Mission 22 Awareness Walk, April 22, 2016. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William “Keith” Gilles- Litchfield recently served as pie, 319th Mobile Public Affairs) an honor guard for one of her Soldiers whose brother committed suicide and says we can’t have 22 Veteran deaths a day and not feel the impact of it.

“There is such a social stigma and we need get over it,” Litchfield said. “Everyone has Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Litchfield, 81st Regional Support Commad Public Affairs NCOIC, times when they are over- carries an American Flag borrowed from a whelmed and we need to give WWII veteran during the 22 mile awareness walk from Landrum, S.C. to Greer, S.C. on each other the freedom to ask April 22, 2016. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William “Keith” Gillespie, 319th Mobile for help without judgement.” Public Affairs) With the Army Reserve birth-

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 33 Army Audit Readiness - Much more than a catchy term! Mr. Dwayne Worrell, 81st Regional Support Command Director of Resource Management

Do you know that the Army has never been able get a dispassionate third party non-govern- mental entity to certify its financial statements for a clean bill of health? This will change in 2016. And as with any other annual inspection process, the corrective value depends more on how well we prepared, and provides far less value by way of the review itself. Take financial stewardship for example—Army Audit Readiness covers much more than just financial stewardship, property accountability is another large focus—but with respect to -fi nancial stewardship: our preparation for the audit has had an immediate and positive effect in sharpening the skills of your resource managers; we now have stricter internal controls and adherence to policies and procedures; overall, the community has grown more collegiate and more professionalism is on display. As customers and key stakeholders in all that we do, my suspicion is you’ve been frustrated by our seemingly slow progress and by the red tape. I can assure you we will get better. And fast.

Stay tuned for more short chats on this topic. My plan is to lift the hood and reveal many of our process changes in segments over proceeding months. Please email me at dwayne.worrell. [email protected] to provide your feedback or to suggest topics for me to write about.

34 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 Training Events & Programs: July -

01 100th Army Band - Boone County Patriotic Concert - Union, KY 03 313th Army Band - N. Jefferson Celbration - Kimberly, AL 04 100th Army Band - Founder’s Day Celebration - Elizabethtown, KY 10 313th Army Band - BG Strand promotion - New Castle, KY 10-13 CG visit to Ft. Knox 12-14 CNO/CNA Training, Fort Jackson 15-17 Strong Bonds, Fort Walton Beach 25-29 The Art of Good Customer Service, Ft. Jackson 25-29 USAR Pay Workshop, Orlando

August - Anti-Terrorism Awareness Month

05-07 HHC Battle Assembly 06 Dining Out 07 MG Cobb Change of Command 12-14 Yellow Ribbon 15-19 CNO/CNA Training, Camp McCain, MS 22-26 AR Family Programs FPD.FPC Semi-Annual Tng, Knightdale, NC 22-26 Facility Coordinator Workshop 25-27 USARC Medical Readiness Conference, Fort Bragg

September -

16-18 Yellow Ribbon 19-23 CNO/CNA Traning, Camp Shelby

Observances/Holidays: July August September 04 Independence Day 04 Coast Guard Birthday 05 Labor Day 24 Parent’s Day 07 Purple Heart Day 11 Patriot Day 27 Korean War Veteran’s 19 National Aviation Day 11 Grandparent’s Day Armistice Day 21 Senior Citizen’s Day 16 National POW / MIA 26 Women’s Equality Day Recognition Day 17 Constitution & Citi- zenship Day 18 Air Force Birthday 25 Gold Star Mom’s Day

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 35 Automobile Accidents While Driving Government Vehicles

If you are involved in a collision while operating a government vehicle, there are special legal considerations that you must consider. Inevitably, members of this command have faced these situations re- gardless of fault. Your unit will initiate a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss (FLIPL) pursuant to AR 735-5 to account for damages to the government vehicle. The volving a government-owned information ready: other party involved in the vehicle must be immediately accident may file a claim with reported to your chain of • A list of any injuries and/ the Army to recover money command. However, if the or fatalities for any damages that they vehicle is a GSA vehicle, • A brief description of sustained, or they may file a the collision should also be road and weather condi- civilian lawsuit against you immediately reported to the tions personally. Therefore, it is Accident Management Center • The date, time, and loca- vital that you follow all proper (AMC). The AMC provides tion of the crash steps as discussed below once experienced technicians to • Information on police an accident occurs. GSA Fleet customers with response, if applicable one-stop service for crash re- • The tag number Following a collision in a porting, collision repairs, and • Any towing and vehicle government vehicle, you third party claims. Drivers of storage information should give the other driver GSA vehicles should report • If seatbelts were used and your name, your unit’s name accidents immediately; if the airbags deployed and address, and your super- driver is unable to make the visor’s name and telephone report, their supervisor should You should submit a Standard number. Inform the other do so. AMC’s in the United Form (SF) 91, Motor Vehicle driver that they need to con- States are located in Atlanta, Accident Report, to AMC tact the Claims Office at the GA and Kansas City MO. as soon as possible, but no nearest military installation or Either can be reached by later than five business days activity if they wish to file a telephone at 1-866-400-0411, after the accident; the form is claim for their injuries or dam- and they are open from 0600 available at the GSA website. ages. Although you should to 1900. The POC for the Accidents involving a fatality cooperate with the local AMC is Ms. Nichole Salinger must be reported to the AMC civilian police regarding the at (703) 603-8216; within 24 hours. Additionally, accident, you should not give [email protected]. you should provide AMC with statements to other parties or the police report regarding insurance companies without When calling the AMC to the accident as soon as it is obtaining approval of your report a crash or incident, the available. Finally, if you are Staff Judge Advocate. GSA website recommends able, you should document that you have the following the collision scene, including Obviously, any collision in-

36 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 the vehicles involved, with legal proceeding or having photographs from a cam- the United States replace you Mr. James Hill, era or cell phone; the AMC as the named Defendant in Attorney-Advisor suggests that agencies issue the lawsuit, depending on the Contract Law, Fiscal Law, disposable cameras to their circumstances. Ethics, Real Property drivers to document the crash 803-751-3808; scene. Further information Please contact the Office of [email protected] regarding the AMC and the Staff Judge Advocate reporting collisions involving (OSJA) if you have any ques- Mr. Gary Brock, GSA vehicles can be found at tions regarding your rights Attorney-Advisor http://www.gsa.gov/portal/ and responsibilities concern- Civilian Personnel Law, category/21212. ing FLIPLs or legal proceed- Labor Law, Administrative ings arising from government Law, Environmental Law, If you receive any information vehicle accidents. Investigations from the other driver’s insur- 803-751-3216 ance company or documents [email protected] showing the other driver has initiated a lawsuit against Chief Warrant Officer, Lisa you regarding the accident, Office POCs Oseles you must forward this infor- The following are OSJA’s full Legal Administrator mation through your chain of time personnel, their subject Legal administration issues command to your Staff Judge matter areas, and their con- 803-751-9682 Advocate immediately. If you tact information: [email protected] were acting within the scope of your duties at the time of LTC M. Turner Pope, Jr., Master Sgt. Tina Taylor the accident and the other Deputy Staff Judge Advocate Chief Paralegal NCO party files a lawsuit against UCMJ, Military Personnel Administrative support you, Federal law provides Law, Ethics, Investigations – Enlisted management protections to you, including 803-751-2681 803-751-0833 the ability to have government marion.t.pope.mil@mail. [email protected] attorneys represent you in the mil Ms. Angela Moore, Paralegal Specialist Administrative support, Victim Witness Liaison 803-751-3189 [email protected]

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 37 Once the person - Twice the success Michael Mascari, 81st Regional Support Command Public Affairs

It is often said good things come in threes. For Donald Dillon, they come in fives.

When Area Maintenance Sup- port Activity (AMSA) 147G won the US Army Reserve-level Chief of Staff Army Award for Maintenance Excellence (AAME), none of its customers were surprised. It was one of five prestigious awards that Dillon, the AMSA 147G Shop Supervisor, has been able to claim in recent months.

Dillon recently received the 81st Regional Support Com- mand’s Civilian of the Year Award while at a workshop at Fort Jackson.

His civilian award is a reflec- The Area Maintenance Support Activity (AMSA) 147 G Shop Supervisor Donald tion of his leadership at the Dillon received a plaque honoring him as 81st Regional Support Command Civilian AMSA, which is competing at of the Year and a certificate for the Commanders Civilian Award. 81st Regional Support Command Director of Logistics Ardis Ferguson (r) and his deputy, Gregg the Department of the Army Charvoz (l) presented Dillon the award while presenting the AMSA with the US- level for Chief of Staff Award ARC-level Army Award for Maintenance Excellence. for Maintenance Excellence. country.” Reserve component units face In true Army Reserve form, 81st RSC Director of Logistics a lot of challenges and they he is twice the citizen. He was Ardis Ferguson and his depu- count on strong customer able to duplicate the mainte- ty, Gregg Charvoz, presented service and support from the nance magic with his Reserve Dillon with the Civilian award, AMSA. Many of the units unit, the 844th Engineer the Commanders Award for have ATs twice per year and Battalion, Knoxville, Tenn., As Civilian Service (the civilian don’t have the funds avail- Maintenance Supervisor, he equivalent to an Army Com- able to be self-sufficient (for led the unit to an AAME on mendation Medal) and pre- maintenance). They struggle the military side, as well as sented the shop with a trophy, to meet all the demands of the Army Supply Excellence and a plaque for USARC-level training and the ability to fix Award (SEA). and 81st RSC-level honors. their equipment. Technical in- spections and repairs are very “I’m just happy my guys are Although serving a diverse difficult and time consuming, being recognized for their customer base presents a lot especially for units with mini- hard work and dedication,” of challenges and demands mal full-time support. Dillon said about the acco- from customers, Dillon said lades. “It’s not about me, it’s the shop’s standard is quality Mechanic David Pate appre- about what they did. I have work in a reasonable time ciates the shop recognition, one of the best facilities and frame with 100% customer but said the AMSA is not in it group of employees in the satisfaction. for recognition, but to ensure

38 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 safety and readiness. He said Hospital and St. Jude’s hospi- the employees are continually “We do support and recovery tals in Johnson City, work with watching over each other to operations for units coming residents of a local retirement prevent problems down the through our area that do home and lend a hand when- road for Soldiers. break down,” Dillon said. ever they identify a need. “We will fix it and send them Many including Dillon coach “Attention to detail is extreme- on their way, even when local Little League teams. ly important,” Pate said. A they don’t have all the parts mistake can injure someone they need, we will take care Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Marti- or cost them their life. If you of them. We help Marines, nez, the motor sergeant for don’t put a drive line on prop- National Guard units, anyone the 733 Engineer Company erly or put a tire on right and that needs it. We will support in Greeneville, Tenn., has mess the bearings up, you can them.” worked with Dillon in his cause a catastrophic accident. down trace units for more We are professionals, we’ve In addition to an excellent than ten years, and his unit is all been doing this a long time maintenance record, Dillon, an AMSA customer. He said and we oversee each other to his employees and the Sol- he was not at all surprised make sure everything’s done diers in his unit are extremely the shop and Dillon received right and everyone can per- active in the community. these honors. form their mission safely.” “Anyone can have a good “One thing that sticks out to According to Dillon, the shop maintenance program. What me about him and his shop has an impeccable record. sets us apart is our customer is the dedication 24/7 to There have been no equip- service and involvement in our the community and to his ment breakdowns enroute community,” Dillon explained. Soldiers,” said Martinez. to training exercises in over “He’s willing to do anything. three years for the units they They regularly perform re- The AMSA is the same way. regularly support. Their cus- pairs of facilities and the local They’ve always helped us out tomer base also includes units school district, lead toy drives with equipment whether we from other components. for the Niswonger Children’s are at the facility or on the road. They always provide any support we need, and they always provide support to the community.”

Dillon’s contributions to the trophy case include two AAMEs for his military reserve unit (the 844th Engineer Battalion,) at the US- ARC-level, in addition to the AMSA victory on the civilian side. His shop has won the 81st RSC-level Army Award for Supply Excellence (AASE) twice, and his unit captured AASE at the USARC level.

The DA level award winner- will be announced later this summer. (Front to rear) Michael Hamm (MAST), David Pate, Robert Kilgore, James Butler, and Samuel Henkel pass around the trophy and plaque presented to them for the Chief of Staff Army Award for Maintenance Excellence. The Area Maintenance Support Activity 147 G in Gray, Tenn., won the US Army Reserve Command-level honors and are competing for the Department of the Army-level award. Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 39 Let’s talk strategy! Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M Litchfield, 81st Re- gional Support Command Public Affairs

It began with strategic planning and ended with a focused customer service workshop. Soldiers and Civilians from across the command gathered in Gulfport, Miss., for the annual Strategic Plan- ning Workshop and Customer Service Workshop, June 22 through 24.

Coordinated by Lt. Col Desde- mona Franklin, 81st Regional Support Command, the workshop was designed to bring Lt. Col Rich Malagisi, Chief of Plans, Analysis and Integration; Mr. Gregg Charvoz, together RSC customers with Deputy Director of Logistics; and Mr. Ardis Ferguson, Director of Logistics, work to- those at the headquarters gether to fine tune their briefings for the 81st Regional Support Command Strategic Planning Workshop. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Litchfield, 81st RSC that provide customer service. Public Affairs) It also served as a time of reflection and planning for the there. Strategic planning is a directorates as they briefed valuable investment for our The 81st is customer focused the chain of command on the future,” she concluded. and Ferguson also felt that strengths and capabilities of having them there was key to their individual sections. Ardis Ferguson, 81st Direc- the success of the workshop. tor of Logistics, appreciated “Strategic planning is bene- the opportunity to focus that “They get to hear what it is fitial because it allows us the being offsite in Gulfport al- we do, and really, it gave me opportunity to come together lowed. an opportunity to say to them and focus on our organiza- face to face, ‘this is what we tional objectives,” said Ms. “We could still monitor those do for you, but really, there Laura E. Steele, 81st Direc- things that needed to be dealt are some things I need you tor of Emergency Services. with but our primary mission to help us with. For you to be “Through the strategic plan- really was to speak about more successful, for you to re- ning process, we are able to our strategic plan and then ally be plugged in to how we determine our way ahead, our customer focus,” he ex- are here to support you, this as well as plan on how to get plained. is something that I need you to do’ and I think they were Having everyone ogether for appreciative of that,” he said. the workshop was also bene- ficial. The workshop concluded Thursday with positive feed- “While we were there I was back and a sense that this able to spend some time with particular investment would the other sections, the other definitely pay off. directorates, looking at how Lt. Col Desdemona Franklin, 81st RSC, puts the finishing touches on the briefing our strategic plans fit together slides prior to kick-off of the Strategic in order to support the CG’s Planning Conference in Gulfport, Miss. vision and mission,” Ferguson (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Lisa said. M. Litchfield, 81st RSC Public Affairs)

40 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 National Safety Month - safety initiatives by having safety programs in a positive, “Safe for Life” zero reportable or recordable proactive way. By Tameica Turner, Safety and Ocupa- accidents within a consecutive tional Health Specialist / acting Safety Officer. five year period. These maintenance shops were awarded June is national safety month, and this year’s theme “Safety for Life.” This theme reflects on creating a culture where employees have ownership of not only their safety, but the safety of their coworkers, Family and friends. The purpose of the National Safety Month is to reduce the risk of preventable accidents, the United States Army Com- the leading cause of injuries mander’s Excellence in Safety and deaths at workplaces, Award for their achievements. homes, and roadways. Safety is the responsibility of AMSA 51, AMSA 148, everyone and we all should AMSA 71, and AMSA 164 encourage our peers to val- are leading the way with ue safe work practices and

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 41 DONALD DILLON Civilian of the Year Supervisory Maintenance Technician of the Year Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer Specialist - Gray, Tennessee Directorate of Logistics

42 The WILDCAT - Jul - Sep 2016 JAMES DRAYTON MICHAEL RODMAN Employee of the Year (GS5 - GS9) Supervisor of the Year (GS11 - GS14) Logistics Management Specialist - Fort Jackson, SC Supervisory Mil Per & Admin Specialist - Fort Jackson, SC Directorate of Logistics Directorate of Human Resources

81st Regional Support Command - Employees of the Year

ROY HALL HENRY SWINDLE Non Supervisory Employee of the Year (GS10 - GS13) Maintenance Technician Employee of the Year Staff Training Specialist - Fort Jackson, SC Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairer - Nashville, Tennessee Directorate of Plans and Training Directorate of Logistics

Jul - Sep 2016 - The WILDCAT 43