Official Publication of the National Guard Winter 2011 734th ADT Making a diff erence in Afghanistan KFOR Aviation reaches out

Social media brings Airmen closer to families // Farewell to the Fallen // Iowa's Civil War record

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 1 4 Winter 2011

Th e Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Tim Orr Public Aff airs Offi cer Col. Greg Hapgood 734th ADT making a difference Editor/Designer Master Sgt. Duff McFadden Capt. Peter Shinn State Photographer Capt. Tim Mills

Contributing Writers/Photographers:

Features 6 2nd Lt. Brandon Cochran

KFOR aviation reaches out Th e Iowa Militiaman is an offi cial publication Sgt. Jerry Boffen authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is published by the State Public Aff airs Offi ce and is printed four times annually. News and opinions expressed in this publication 1100 are not necessarily those of the Adjutant General of Iowa or the Department of Defense.

Full color version available online at Man's best friend www.iowanationalguard.com/publicaff airs/militiaman.htm Maj. Amy Price

Follow the Iowa National Guard on Facebook » Farewell to the fallen 8 www.facebook.com/IowaNationalGuard Master Sgt. Mike Battien

14 » Social Media brings Address all submissions to: Airmen closer to families Th e Iowa National Guard Militiaman Magazine Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy State Public Aff airs Offi ce 7105 NW 70th Ave. 20 » Iowa's Civil War record Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824 Lt. Col (Ret.) Mike Musel or e-mail: [email protected] Comm: (515) 252-4582 3 TAG Sends DSN: 431-4582 Maj. Gen. Tim Orr The Adjutant General

13 Family Readiness Rebecca Schrader OnOn ththe Cover Family Assistance Specialist PhotoPhoto by Capt, Peter Shinn 18 Education Offi ce Chief Warrant Offi cer 1 U.S.U.S. AirA Force Chief Matt Wolf MasterMast Sgt. Don Kuehl, Jackson,Jack Minn., (left) 22 Through the Ranks andand 1st Lt. Scott Shirk, Emmetsburg,Em Iowa, both Command Sgt. Maj. ofof the 734th Agribusiness John Breitsprecker DevelopmentD Team, take Joint Senior Enlisted Leader a soil sample from a potentialp demonstration Departments 23 Chaplain's Corner farm site just north of Chaplain (Col.) Jim Luder Asadabad, Afghanistan, Iowa State Chaplain as a government offi cialcial watcheswatc on. 2 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 TAG Sends Maj. Gen. Tim Orr, The Iowa Adjutant General

Caring for our families Supporting our most valuable assets his past summer we had an numerous family readiness groups among aggressive agenda. We held our first our commands. T state-wide Army annual training Today, we have created the Iowa event at Camp Ripley, we finalized the National Guard Warrior & Family Services mobilization preparation for over 3,400 Branch. This is a Joint-Force initiative Soldiers and Airmen, and have concluded that serves as the foundation for support over 30 individual unit send-offs. to families of Iowa Army and Air National We anticipate a busy upcoming year, Guard members. The Warrior & Family as well. With that said, we are fully Services Branch acts as a network allowing thehlSh Warrior & Family Services Branch is to committed to supporting our deployed families to mutually support one another. call 1-800-294-6607, ext 4416, or e-mail forces, their families, and the employers This branch consists of seven full-time them at [email protected]. of deployed Soldiers and Airmen. In this Family Assistance Specialists, multiple Finally, I’m frequently asked by the issue of the Militiamen magazine, I want Family Readiness Groups, a State Child public, “What can we do for our deployed to focus on caring for families. and Youth Program, and a Psychological warrior’s families while they are gone?” Military readiness is directly tied to Health section. The program also includes It is really the simple things that matter family readiness. In every deployment, Survivor Outreach Services, the Yellow most, like mowing the grass, shoveling our Soldiers and Airmen leave behind the Ribbon Programs, the State Chaplain’s snow, dropping off a home-cooked meal, one thing they cherish the most – their Strong Bonds Program, Health and Well- or offering to watch the kids. Whatever families. We couldn’t do our mission ness Team, Military and Family Life you decide to do, it will make a difference without the support of our families. Consultants, and Military One Source for those families and show we really care When I talk with Soldiers and Airmen, resources. about our deployed warriors. I challenge their concern isn't the mission – they’re The Warrior & Family Services Branch you to give your best effort in getting anxious to do the mission and they is available to our Army and Air National involved and making a difference. understand the mission. The one thing Guard team members and their families. To all of our military families in the they’re concerned about, is making sure I encourage you to use these resources to Iowa National Guard, I offer my sincerest their families will be okay while they are assist your family or help other families in thank you. Your courage, service, and gone. need. The best way to get in contact with sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. At each unit send-off ceremony, I ask our warriors to focus on their mission and let them know that our focus back home is on taking care of their families. This is a vital component to mission success. The service member and their unit are strengthened, knowing their families are provided information, resources and the support they need. We have learned valuable lessons from past deployments and have sought to improve our support capabilities. Our commitment is to continue to improve our family support program. The Iowa National Guard has transformed from the “Guard” of 2001. There’s no institution where things have changed more dramatically. Like other elements of the Iowa Guard, our family organization and support capabilities have continued to improve for the better. When Capt. Tim Mills, commander, 135th Mobile Public Aff airs Detachment husgs his daughter, Kennady, age the first began, we had two 8, while daughter Taylor, 13, looks on, at the unit's homecoming ceremony, following a year-long Iraq full-time family support personnel and deployment as part of Operations Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn. (Iowa National Guard photo by Justin Cato).

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 3 Story and phtos by Capt. Peter Shinn Sadat’s focus has been on providing for plies, clothing, shoes, hats, coats and gloves,” widows and their families and ensuring Parmenter said. n a late Summer day outside For- schoolgirls have the materials necessary to get ward Operating Base Wright, Sgt. a quality education. “Director Sadat has been instrumental in O1st Class Melissa Brumley helped helping us narrow the focus of this eff ort and load a slightly scuff ed Toyota Corolla with “My staff and I were pleased to present ensuring these much-needed items get to boxes of clothing for the families of war wid- clothes and supplies to widows’ families and widows and schoolgirls.” ows and school supplies for the Fatima Girls children at the Fatima Girls School,” said Sa- School in nearby Asadabad, Afghanistan, the dat. “We’re very grateful to the ADT and all After 30 years of war, Parmenter noted, there provincial capital of Kunar. the American families that donated materials are a large number of widows in the province, to this cause.” most of whom have families to support. Like Brumley, of Stewart, Iowa, is the Non- Brumley, Parmenter also pointed out the commissioned Offi cer in Charge of Ad- Th e Iowa ADT receives school supplies and critical importance of increasing literacy rates ministration for the Iowa National Guard’s clothing from a number of private charitable among Afghan girls and women. 734th Agri-Business Development Team. She groups in the , according to expressed pleasure at being able to help the Maj. Mary Parmenter, of Perry, Iowa. Par- Parmenter pointed to Sadat as the lynchpin of schoolgirls of Kunar province. menter, Operations offi cer for the Iowa ADT, the eff orts on both fronts in Kumar province. channels that materiel through the Women’s She also praised Sadat’s personal courage. “We know the rate of literacy among women Aff airs Department to the Afghan citizens and girls in this province is very low, and we who need it the most. “Director Sadat is the most prominent wo- also know educating women is important to man in the Kunar provincial government,” long-term development here,” Brumley said. “We have a number of American organiza- she said. “In this society, which is extremely “Honestly, it’s a joy to help in this way.” tions that are providing us with school sup- male dominated, that takes a lot of guts.”

Th e Iowa ADT is part of Combined Joint Task Force 101, also known as Task Force Bastogne. Th e ADT’s primary mission is to improve food security in Kunar province by building the capacity of the Government of “We know the rate of literacy the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to deliver among women and girls agricultural services. in this province is very low, Th at means the ADT works with local and provincial agricultural offi cials, as well as and we also know educating women is with individual Afghan farmers and livestock producers. important to long-term development here.

But agriculture is not the ADT’s sole focus. Honestly, it’s a joy to help in this way.” Th e ADT is also working closely with the Ku- nar Province Department of Women’s Aff airs. Sgt.Sgt. 1st Class Melissa BrBrumleyu Naseema Shfi q Sadat, a European university 734th Agribusiness Development Team graduate, who has lived most of her life in Kunar province, heads the Women’s Aff airs Department. She is also the director of the Fatima Girls School.

4 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 As two Afghan children look on (above), Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Brumley of Brumley (below) speaks through an interpreter to staff members of the the Iowa National Guard's 734th Agri-Business Development Team, helps Kunar Province Director of Women's Aff airs after loading their vehicle with load school supplies and clothing for schoolgirls and families of widows in supplies for local schoolgirls and clothes for the families of widows in the Kunar Province, Afghanistan. province.

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 5 KFORKFOR aviationaviation reachesreaches outout toto KosovoKosovo studentsstudents

Story and photos by Sgt. Jerry Boffen 130th Public Affairs Detachment

o most teenagers, the months of July and August are associat- and learn English from us.” ed with a summer break from school. Th is is their opportuni- Tty to go to the pool, pick up a summer job, enjoy the weather, Th is is the fi fth rotation of Kosovo Forces (KFOR) aviation Soldiers or take a vacation with their friends and families. Th ese two months participating in the eff ort to reach out to the local communities by provide a chance to forget about school; a time to just be a teenager teaching English at the Youth Center. and revel in the precious months away from the classroom. “We inherited the program from the KFOR 12 aviation element,” said Many teenage students in the vicinity of Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo, Owens. “I think a lot of the attendance we have is due, in part, to the have taken advantage of a unique opportunity during those summer great job that KFOR 12 did in securing and maintaining the trust of months, thanks in large part to a group of U.S. Soldiers from Task the local population and the parents of these kids.” Force Griffi n, the aviation component of Multinational Battle Group East (MNBG-E). Th e sessions are typically broken up into two main groups; one large group of students and a smaller, more advanced group of about 10 Twice a week, between 10 and 15 Soldiers from the Arkansas and students. Iowa National Guard spend several hours teaching English to local students at the Youth Center in Ferizaj/Urosevac. Normally, between Th e focus of the large group is to familiarize the students with read- 60 and 80 students attend the sessions, all of whom are there volun- ing and carrying on conversations in English, said Master Sgt. Terry tarily. Martin, Cabot, Ark., HHC, 1-114th, the noncommissioned offi cer in charge of operations for Task Force Griffi n. “What’s really cool about this is all of these kids are here because they want to be,” said Capt. Joshua Owens, Conway, Ark., a helicopter Th e majority of the Soldiers will work with the larger group to im- pilot and commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, prove the students’ English comprehension through various exercises. 1-114th Security and Support Aviation Battalion, Arkansas National Th ese exercises include reading current news articles or popular song Guard, Task Force Griffi n. lyrics, playing various word games, or simply holding a conversation in English. “Nobody has to be here. Th ey’re all out of school for the summer and could be doing any number of things, but they choose to come here “I think it’s important to have the kids do more than just read some-

6 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 Jeremy Walburn, Des Moines, Iowa, a helicopter pilot with C Company, 2-147th Aviation Battalion, Task Force Griffi n, Multinational Battle Group East (above), helps two students with a reading exercise at the Youth Center in Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo. Capt. Eric M. Nelson, Madrid, Iowa, a helicopter pilot and commander of C Company, 2-147th Aviation Battalion, Task Force Griffi n, Multinational Battle Group East (right), reads a lesson from a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) handbook, to a group of students at the Youth Center in Ferizaj/ Urosevac, Kosovo, Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 7 1st Lt. Aaron Rosheim, Ames, Iowa, a helicopter pilot with C Rosheim is among a group of MNBG E Soldiers who visit the Youth Company, 2-147th Aviation Battalion, Task Force Griffi n, Center twice a week to prepare a group of students to take the Test Multinational Battle Group East, explains an essay assignment to a of English as a Foreign Language. Rosheim is deployed as a part of group of students at the Youth Center in Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo. MNBG E in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. thing in English,” said Martin. “I can pick Nelson said that the TOEFL is needed for a have to go outside of Kosovo for that, since something up that is written in French or variety of the students’ educational endeav- there really aren’t any schools for helicopter another language and read it, but that doesn’t ors, especially at the university level, so it’s an mechanics available in Kosovo. Being fl uent mean I know what it means. So I try to get important test for some of the students. in English will really help me realize my the kids engaged to see if they actually com- dream.” prehend the material.” “With all the diff erent goals you guys have, it’s important to fi nish school and get a Th e students aren’t the only ones that get Once the students reach a high enough level degree,” Nelson said to his group of students. something out of these teaching sessions. of English comprehension, they are encour- “Even if you end up changing your mind Many of the Soldiers have also expressed aged to participate in the advanced group, about what you want to do in life, having their satisfaction with the program. which is designed to prepare the students to that degree will open up a lot of opportuni- take the Test of English as a Foreign Lan- ties for you.” “A lot of the kids that I’ve been able to work guage (TOEFL). with are the same age as my daughter,” said Many of the students in Nelson’s group Chief Warrant Offi cer 4 Jim Funk, Ames, Th e TOEFL evaluates an individual’s ability refl ected his sentiments on the importance of Iowa, a helicopter pilot with C Co., 2-147th. to use and understand English in an academic education. “It’s really cool to talk with these kids, be- environment, said Capt. Eric M. Nelson, Ma- cause I see a lot of similarities between them drid, Iowa, a helicopter pilot and commander “I’d like to be a journalist when I fi nish and my daughter.” of Company, C 2-147th Aviation Battalion, school,” said Elira, one of the students. “I Iowa National Guard, Task Force Falcon. think that for me to be a really good journal- “Th is is my favorite part of my job, just see- ist, it’s important for me to be able to speak ing the kids develop,” added Owens. “Th ese Th e Soldiers prepare the students for the more languages than just my own.” kids are amazing.” TOEFL through reading, listening and essay-writing exercises. Th ey also engage the Nazim, another student in Nelson’s group, Th e Soldiers of Task Force Griffi n plan to students in conversations on topics such as had a similar perspective. continue these outings throughout the re- current local and world events, as well as daily mainder of their deployment in Kosovo and conversational topics. “I want to be a helicopter mechanic,” he intend to pass the torch to their KFOR 14 said. “It’s just a dream of mine. I’ll probably successors. 8 | The Iowa Militiaman || WinterWinter 2011 2011 Farewell to the Fallen by Master Sgt Mike Battien to AFMAO. Th is is the most visible activity to develop equipment and practices to prevent Iowa ANG Public Aff airs for families and the public. Each member of similar deaths. these teams moves with precision, control and purpose. Th ey perform this solemn event It’s all part of a huge job, accomplished by a he fi nal, haunting strain of "Taps" with the same meticulous attention to detail small force. Each service maintains a liaison rings through my head, as another and care every time – even when family and team at AFMAO to facilitate accurate record TAmerican Servicemember returns media are not present. keeping and to help families at every step. home for the last time. Th e ultimate price is When autopsies, embalming or cremation, paid once again. Th e Dignifi ed Transfer is open, at family and fi nal prep are done, each person heading discretion, to DoD and public media. One home is given a fi nal semi-formal farewell. I recently spent three months at the Air of Dover’s colonels, an AFMAO chaplain Force Mortuary Aff airs Operations Center and a high-ranking member representing the What’s most amazing is the sense of purpose (AFMAO) at , Del. Fallen’s service, make up the Offi cial Party and reward felt in every person serving at this AFMAO is the Department of Defense’ who march to the plane, pray for the Fallen unique facility. Every four to six months, primary provider of mortuary services for and oversee the transfer. When the transfer half of the total workforce rotates out and is casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan. to AFMAO is complete, a new set of Airmen, replaced by a new group. Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and civilians takes DoD changed its long-standing policy in over. Dignifi ed Transfers happen at all hours Many of the incoming Airmen are part of the April 2009 to allow full media coverage of of the day and night – DoD policy mandates 512th Mortuary Aff airs Squadron (Air Force Dignifi ed Transfers – the formal process that war casualties are expedited home on Reserve) based at Dover. A large number of of returning the fallen to America from next-available aircraft. them are on tour number two, three, or more. war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Th is duty makes you feel like you’re part of that change occurred, Air Force leaders Each fallen Servicemember receives care something truly honorable and it fosters a committed to providing a video of the and compassion through their stay at desire to return and continue the endeavor Dignifi ed Transfer to the families as a AFMAO. Personal eff ects are cataloged and fi nd ways to improve the process and keepsake. It’s through that video production and services are coordinated with family experience for future Airmen. I saw the dignity, honor and respect that members. Brand-new dress uniforms are AFMAO provides each fallen hero. built specifi cally for the individual while It’s also duty that would be even better if they are prepared for burial, or cremation. it wasn’t necessary. As part of the video Highly trained Honor Guard “Carry Teams” Medical examiners and mortuary specialists production, I added Taps as a closing tribute lift and transport fallen Servicemembers from complete thorough forensic studies ensuring and the fi nal note still gives me chills every the aircraft and oversee the actual transfer positive identifi cation and work with leaders time I hear it.

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 9 Dogs assist Iowa Soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 10 | The Iowa Militiaman || WinterWinter 2011 2011 Combat veterans with PTSD may have fl ash- Th e military litter includes Justice, Honor, backs of traumatic events – sights, sounds, or Hero, Merit, Anthem, Liberty and Valor, scents from war. Th ey may feel emotionally each of whom has integrated into the com- or a Soldier with Post Traumatic Stress numb and hopeless about the future, while munity. Th ree older dogs will have already Disorder, a loud noise can be fright- experiencing anger, irritability and anxiety. been placed with their permanent owners. ening. Sometimes, it’s just a door F Other common symptoms include trouble slamming shut…sometimes, it’s a sudden sleeping, memory problems and diffi culty Th ese dogs possess unique and specialized movement,…sometimes, it’s just the sights concentrating. In public places, a combat skills. Th eir training prepares them to work and sounds of everyday life…a life that com- veteran with PTSD may be anxious in crowds in adverse conditions and unpredictable bat has made him, or her, forget. and easily startled. circumstances. Th e service dogs are partnered with combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD, A life that, sometimes, they need a little help Today, there are specially-trained partners to helping identify sounds that aren’t dangerous, to remember. assist these Soldiers. thereby putting them at ease in the middle of crowds, or stopping a panic attack before it Soldiers who return from Iraq and Afghani- Paws and Eff ect is a non-profi t organization begins. Th is program honors and empowers stan with wounds that no one else can see that raises and trains service dogs for place- Wounded Warriors, increasing their indepen- are especially challenging. Th ese wounds ment with combat veterans. Th ey focus on dence and making a signifi cant diff erence in may be diagnosed as Post Traumatic Stress physical disabilities, as well as disabilities that their lives. Disorder (PTSD). According to the Mayo may not be apparent to the naked eye. A lit- Clinic, PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder ter of puppies whelped in August 2010 have Th ese highly-trained dogs pick up dropped that’s triggered by a traumatic event. PTSD their future mapped – they are being trained objects, open and close doors, open refrigera- can be developed when one experiences, or for placement with Soldiers in Spring 2012. tors, pull wheelchairs, witnesses an event prevent overcrowding that causes intense in public, interrupt fear, helplessness, nightmares and or horror. A service dog is not a pet. fl ashbacks, remind Many people in- them to take meds, volved in traumatic A service dog is not a companion. warn of approaching events have a brief strangers and reduce period of diffi - A service dog is a necessary means anxiety and stress, all culty adjusting and the while providing coping. But with for a disabled person to navigate unconditional love time and healthy and comfort. coping methods, through an able-bodied world. such traumatic Just as valuable to reactions usually Just like a wheelchair. Just like a cane. the combat veteran get better. In some in distress, it may cases though, the The disability may not be obvious. be as simple as the symptoms can get dog placing his chin worse, lasting for Service dogs also help veterans reassuringly on the months, or even Wounded Warrior’s years. Sometimes recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, knee to stave off an the symptoms may oncoming panic completely disrupt seizures, or other issues. attack. the individual’s life, as in PTSD. Paws and Eff ect places puppies

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 11 with “foster families” who assist in raising She says his training is already evident. Ray- right to bring their dog into any area of and training the puppies until it is time for mond has a young nephew, Tom, with special public accommodation, including restau- placement with their new owner, the combat needs. While playing outside, a van pulled rants, bars, grocery stores, and theaters. veteran with PTSD. Among the volunteers up and Fiyero immediately placed himself assisting in the raising and training of these between the van and Tom, to protect him. Service dogs aren’t a luxury. Th ey may be a puppies are two members of the Iowa Army Th rough Fiyero’s training, another young, necessity. National Guard – Col. Greg Hapgood and three-year-old nephew is able to easily walk Staff Sgt. Dianna Raymond. Fiyero, who is not distracted by rabbits or Paws & Eff ect is committed to placing these other things. dogs at no cost to the combat veteran. If Raymond is a full-time technician serving you’re interested in learning more about this as the Medical Support NCO in the Health Paws and Eff ect fi lmed a series of Public Ser- program, please contact Nicole Shumate, at Service Section. When she learned about vice Announcements (PSAs) at Camp Dodge nicoleshumate@paws-eff ect.org. Paws and Eff ect at the TAG’s Professional and in the Des Moines area in October. Th e Development, she realized she wanted to PSAs, themed “We serve with honor,” de- volunteer in raising one of these dogs for a scribes the work of both the combat veterans As a Service Member Soldier. Raymond said, “I knew it was a great and service dogs. Th ese PSAs will be seen on with a dog can attest, opportunity to assist with a good cause.” TV channels throughout Iowa in the coming months. “Now that I’m back from the front , Raymond is raising Fiyero, a black Labra- it’s good to know dor Retriever. She quickly fell in love with Th e purpose of the PSAs is to raise the Fiyero, but has no qualms about giving him public’s awareness about service dogs and the my service dog’s got my back.” back in fi ve to 10 months, when he is placed tasks they perform. It will also let the public with his permanent owner. know a service dog owner has the full legal

Cast members from the Paws & Eff ect Public Service Announcements Joshua Gates, 294th ASMC, with Velo, and 2nd Lt. Brandon pose for still shots during fi lming at Camp Dodge's Joint Maneuver Cochran, 132nd Medical Group, Iowa , with Training Center late last year. From left to right, are Spc. Bailey Roggen. (Iowa National Guard photo by Maj. Amy Price). Mingo, 294th Area Support Medical Company, with Jake, Sgt.

12 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 Family Readiness Rebecca Schrader, Yellow Ribbpm Support Specialist

Have you attended a Yellow Ribbon Returning Home: reintegration program, yet?

he Yellow Ribbon Reintegration each other and service providers. Registration should be coordinated through Program is designed to provide de- the servicemember’s Yellow Ribbon support Tployment cycle support for National Th is is meant to enhance knowledge and specialists so they can arrange lodging and Guard and Reserve members and their fami- utilization of earned benefi ts and military reimbursement for mileage and meals as lies. Th e program was signed into law as part and community resources, general personal needed. of the National Defense Authorization Act and family readiness, communication and of 2008, and participation is mandatory for relationship skills, and resiliency for service- Servicemembers must be in a paid status to Service Members. members and families. attend Yellow Ribbon events, and two family members per servicemember are authorized Th e Yellow Ribbon Program brings military Th e Yellow Ribbon Program is a joint service funding for events. Child care and youth and community resources and information program and events are held throughout the programming are available at some of these under one roof through a series of events country. events. during the deployment cycle. Since National Guard and Reserve members are spread out While events are generally hosted by a par- Information about the Yellow Ribbon geographically, it can be challenging to fi nd ticular component or unit, events are open Program can be found on the Joint Services and access support services. to servicemembers and family members from Support website, www.jointservicessupport. all components. Th is allows attendees to go org. Th ere, you can fi nd everything from the In addition, since Guard and Reserve to events that are most convenient for them, program’s mission and history, to event dates members are not always on an installation, both in location and date. and locations, to contact information for they don’t always receive the most current your state’s Yellow Ribbon event coordinators information about benefi ts and entitlements Servicemembers should obtain command and program managers. they have earned while activated. Th e Yellow approval and coordination to attend events Ribbon Program assists in fi lling that hosted by other units, and family members You do not need to establish a profi le on the gap. maymay registerregister forfor events inin anyany JSS portalportal in order to access this information location.location. or registerregister for events. However, if you do Th e Yellow Ribbon Programm con- establish ana account, you will have access to nects servicemembers and familiesamilies to richerr content and more features information, resources, and benefibenefi ts forf the Yellow Ribbon Program and primarily through a series off events theth other support programs housed held before deployment, duringring on the JSS portal. deployment (for Family Members),mbers), and after deployment to prepare,pare, Th esee programs include the National sustain, and reintegrate service-ice- GuardGua Family Programs, Employer members and families. SupportSupp of the Guard and Reserve, and the TransitionT Assistance and Warrior Events are held in informal SupportSuppo programs. settings, and give servicemem-m- bers and family members thee opportunity to interact with

Winter 2011201 | The Iowa Militiaman | 13 t 1 a. m.,m., LLoriori HiHillll isis awakenedawakened byby a strange sound coming from another A room. She slowly stumbles into the room and turns on her computer monitor. Social media On the screen, her husband, Master Sgt. Marshall Hill, a boom operator with the , greets her with a cheery, “Good Morning!” brings Airmen Th e old fashioned “morale calls,” where deployed airmen would wait in line for a 15-minute phone call home, are quickly being replaced by web-cam chatting, status closer to home updates, and image sharing. In February 2010, the issued a memorandum announcing that social media sites such as Skype, Face- book, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube would for the holidays no longer be banned from military comput- ers. Th is memo allows deployed soldiers to maintain daily contact with family and friends, using new media which is becom- by Staff Sgt. Rich Murphy ing increasingly more important during the 185th Air Refueling Wing holiday season. 14 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 “My husband and I talk to each other over ily Program both use Facebook pages to post someone is currently located. Such informa- Skype just about every other day. Just being images, links to stories, and display video tion could provide enemies with valuable able to see his face makes a big diff erence,” clips to communicate with the public. data. said Lori. Lori and Marshall use the social media program “Skype,” which allows users Air Force 2nd Lt. Jeremy McClure, the 185th Additionally, Airmen are cautioned to to chat via web cam across the internet for ARW Public Aff airs Offi cer, is responsible for consider operational security when posting free. updating the wing’s offi cial Facebook page. information, pictures, and status updates. “Facebook is a great channel to communicate Social media activity, both on and off duty, Lori added, “In previous deployments, with our airmen. It also gives us a place to is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Marshall might call once a week. Now we can informally interact and build relationships Justice. chat whenever he has some time off .” with the community,” he said Th e minute-by-minute updates provided by Th e Air Force lifted the ban on social media Th e 734th Agribusiness Development Team sites such as Facebook and Twitter can also due to the growth of sites such as Facebook (ADT), a unit made up of Iowa Army and violate the privacy rights of combat casual- and Twitter. According to Gen. C. Robert Air Force Guard members, has been deployed ties. Th e military holds fast to its tradition Kehler, Air Force Space Commander, “Th e to Afghanistan for several months and uses of contacting next of kin before releasing Air Force views the use of social media sites as Facebook to keep family and friends updated. information about those injured or killed in a positive way to communicate and conduct combat. Commanders may cut off access to business. Providing more open access will Air Force Capt. Peter Shinn, the 734th ADT social media during emergencies, or in the allow the Air Force to communicate more Public Aff airs Offi cer, posts daily photos and case of fatalities, so that next-of-kin can be eff ectively to all Air Force personnel, their updates. Shinn said, “We are doing a lot of properly informed. families, and external audiences.” good work over here and we want to let our friends and family know what’s happening. Despite the risks social media poses to One of the biggest names in social media, Facebook allows us to stay in touch with our military operations, the benefi ts are certainly Facebook, has become an important tool for people and keep them informed.” being felt by Soldiers, Airmen and their deployed units communicating with family families. and friends. Lori said, “Marshall constantly While the use of social media has certainly updates us on what he is doing over there. It benefi ted those on deployments, it is not “Marshal uses common sense and is care- is comforting to see his updates.” without its share of problems. ful not to disclose too much about what is happening over there,” said Lori. “Sites like Th e military has also been using social media Air Force personnel must be careful about Facebook and Skype are just a blessing. It is to communicate with family and friends. Th e what they disclose. Sites such as foursquare. still hard to deal with him being gone, but 185th ARW and the 185th Airman and Fam- com are mobile programs that indicate where these sites make it a little bit easier.”

Lori Hill and grandson Landon Hill, Sioux City, Iowa, (left) talk with Mas- ter Sgt. Marshall Hill of the 185th Air Refueling Wing over Skype. In February 2010, the Air Force lifted the ban on social media sites such as Facebook and Skype, giving airmen another way to communi- cate with family and friends during de- ployments. A group of children (from left) Dominic, Payton, Colby, and Noah East, children of Tech. Sgt. Ryan East, pose for a picture with Santa at the Santa House From left. Airmen of the 185th Air Refuel- ing Wing, volunteered at the Santa House on Dec. 5, 2010, in Sioux City, Iowa. (Iowa National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Oscar M. Sanchez)

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 15 Enlisting the faithful

Ursano,U an expert in post- which arranged for a member to look at her traumatictr stress disorder at broken clothes dryer. Th e church helped theth Uniformed Services Uni- repair the dryer for free. versityve of Health Sciences in Bethesda.Be “Faith is very much Churches across the region are fi nding ways a partp of every unit ... and of to help. In Glidden, Pleasant Ridge Com- the reintegration programs, be- munity Church hosted a program for parents causecaus faith communities provide whose spouses are overseas. Congregation importantimpo recognition of the members provided the location, some meals needsneeds of an individual.” and fellowship.

ApproximatelyAppro 27 congregations It’s not about proselytizing. It’s about reach- have signedsi up. Th ere are 592 ing out to one another and helping them out. communitiescommu in Iowa aff ected by the 2-342-34th BCT deployment alone. Response from Soldiers has been slow, but Th e goagoall is to have at least one con- Crandall and religious leaders hope it will gregatiogregationn available for assistance in pick up as word spreads and families warm all 2,365 communities in Iowa. to the idea of seeking assistance from their community. Iowa GuaGuard chaplain assistant, Master Sgt. Jason Crandall, said the network Other states have similar programs, Crandall was assemassembledb in part because of a said. Th e heard about sshortagehortage ofof chaplains in the state. Six of the pilot program the Maryland National tthehe 11 ArmArmyy National Guard chap- Guard has and has off ered it to other states llainsains are in Afghanistan,A and two of the as a model. Offi cials in Idaho, Montana and fi ve Air NatiNationalo Guard Chaplains are Minnesota have also contacted Maryland for deployed. Th e Reserve has only about half of information, he added. Iowa turns its chaplain positions fi lled because members of the clergy are hesitant to join the Guard, Th e military provides counseling for reservists to congregations Crandall said. through Military OneSource and, in more extreme cases, through the Department of for aid to families, “Participating institutions agree to provide Veterans Aff airs. But there’s little offi cials can free help. Most of the Soldiers referred off er to a Soldier who doesn’t feel accepted or Soldiers returning through the program are unaffi liated with a valued by neighbors, a need which programs religious group. Th e only basis for referral is such as Military Family Support Ministry are from duty proximity to the congregation,” he said. trying to fi ll.

“Nothing’s expected, except to welcome Sol- Support for the war is not a prerequisite for Faced with a shortage of military chaplains, diers and their families,” said Crandall. inclusion in the program. Branches of the the Iowa National Guard is enlisting congre- pacifi st Church of the Brethren, have asked to gations from across the state to form a loose- Th e needs extend beyond those of separated join. Th ey wanted to make it clear they were knit support network for Soldiers, Airmen Guard families and returning Soldiers. Th e not endorsing war and their participation is and their families, including those rejoining Navy, Marine Corps and Army Reserve all not a political statement. Rather, it’s a matter their communities after tours of duty. have Soldiers and families living across Iowa. of caring about people from the community. Th ese warriors and their families need sup- Military Family Support Ministry includes port too. Crandall said no money was exchanged be- congregations spanning a range of denomi- tween the government and the congregations, nations. Th e network is a community-level When Capt. Gavin Sandvig, left for his and the state judge advocate general had to response to what many regard as insuffi cient deployment, his wife Shannon, was forced sign off on the program between the Guard domestic support for Soldiers serving in to take on dual roles as a parent, which and the churches. Afghanistan and Iraq. Reservists typically included tending to repairs at their Altoona do not have the same resources active duty home. Many spouses never fi ll the handyman Many times congregations want to help Sol- personnel have at their disposal. role of the household. A deployment often diers and their families, but don’t know how forces them into unfamiliar circumstances. to connect their desire to help with the needs “It’s particularly important that Soldiers who that are out there. Th is program is off ered as a return home feel a part of their commu- Shannon was referred by the chaplain to St. conduit to connect those congregations with nity rather than apart from it,” said Robert Luke’s Episcopal Church in Des Moines, military families in need, he said. 16 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 Briefs

133rd TS hosts BC3-E testing $300 for family coverage and the 25 percent out invitations to set-up an account in June Th e Battlespace Command and Control copayment for doctor's and emergency 2011. Center – Expeditionary (BC3-E) is the third room visits. Premium rates will be adjusted generation Command and Control (C2) annually by the Tricare Management Agency’s platform that supports the United States Air estimated cost of coverage for those enrolled Veteran Affairs Services warning Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) in the preceding years. Under Tricare Reserve An organization called Veterans Aff airs in its support of air operations in Iraq, Select, those enrolled pay only 28 percent of Services (VAS) is providing benefi t and general Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf region. their coverage costs. information on VA and gathering personal information on veterans. Th is organization is BC3-E presents the Air Force with a robust not affi liated with VA in any way C2 capability to conduct air surveillance, Transition to GoArmyEd begins aircraft control and airspace management. It Eff ective June 2011, United States Army Websites with the name "vaservices" conducts tactical execution of the air battle National Guard (ARNG) Soldiers will begin immediately after the "www" ARE NOT part for the Combined Forces Air Component the transition to GoArmyEd, the Army’s of the Depatment of Veterans Aff airs, the US Commander. enterprise education system serving both Government agency. Keep in mind the real components as a virtual gateway to education– VA website only ends in .gov. Recently, the 133rd Test Squadron of Fort anytime, anywhere. Dodge, Iowa hosted BC3-E system pre- Also, be aware the Department of Veterans deployment testing. Th e Airmen of the 133rd GoArmyEd supports Active Duty and Army Aff airs does not randomly call veterans, nor provided the equipment and expertise essential Reservists as a one-stop Web site that allows does it ask for information which it does not to the system’s evaluation and timely delivery. Soldiers, Army Education Counselors, already have--like Social Security Numbers. and schools to conduct business for all Th e VA never conducts offi cial business nor education needs in a seamless Soldier-centric asks for personal information by email. FAS offers valuable resources environment. June’s transition realizes the Having trouble fi nding information on Army’s vision for a system serving all Army If you have examples of VAS acts that violate TRICARE benefi ts, or Power of Attorney? components. chapter 59 of Title 38 United States Code, Contact your regional Family Assistance such as VAS employees assisting veterans in Specialist (FAS). Located in seven regions GoArmyEd will give 24/7 online access to the preparation and presentation of benefi t across Iowa, including Iowa City, Davenport, register for classes, access to a counselor, claims, please pass any additional information Waterloo, Ft. Dodge, Sioux City, Council school, or the GoArmyEd Helpdesk, and to Michael G. Daugherty, Staff Attorney, Bluff s and Des Moines, they work with all many self-service features putting Soldiers in at Department of Veterans Aff airs, Offi ce of Service branches. the driver’s seat as they plan for and pursue General Counsel (022G2), 810 Vermont their education. GoArmyEd will be sending Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Th e FASs are a resource of information regarding TRICARE, dental insurance, VA assistance, pay, American Red Cross, Employer Support of Guard and Reserve, military ID cards, childcare, legal and fi nancial assistance, and much more. Th ey are the go-to people for resources and referrasl.

For more information, contact your local FAS at 515-252-4758 or email NGIA.FAC@ ng.army.mil.

'Gray area retirees' now covered Per the National Defense Authorization Act of 2010, Reserve and National Guard retirees are now eligible to purchase Tricare Standard coverage before age 60. Th ese retired individuals who have not yet reached age 60 are called "gray area retirees." Th e Tricare Reserve Retired (TRR) program will now provide temporary benefi ts to these individuals who pay the premium rates of $408.01 for a single person and $1020.05 for family coverage, Col. Kevin “Hook” Heer takes over from Security Advisor to the Governor and head beginning in 2011. Brig. Gen. Derek Hill, as the Iowa Air of Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency National Guard Chief of Staff . Hill was Management. Heer, an experienced com- Th e premiums are in addition to the same recently promoted and named as the bat fi ghter pilot, was most recently the deductible and copayment rates provided Assistant Adjutant General for Strategic commander of the 132nd Fighter Wing under Tricare Standard, which is a $150 Development at Joint Forces Headquarters Operations Group. (Iowa National Guard deductible for single-person coverage or at Camp Dodge. and appointed Homeland photo by Master Sgt. Mike Battien) Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 17 Education Office Warrant Offi cer 1 Matt Wolf, Education Offi ce Assistant

ARNG-Federal process the claim, so start the process early. loan notes. Soldiers can obtain the MPN and Tuition Assistance If you need assistance locating your NOBE, loan notes at www.student loans.gov. contact your unit of assignment. Don’t forget Eff ective June 2011, U.S. Army National to do your end of month verifi cation, 1-877- Guard (ARNG) Soldiers begin the transition MGIB-Active Duty 823-2378 or the W.A.V.E. program online. from iMARC to GoArmyEd, the Army’s Soldiers eligible for MGIB-Active Duty, Virtual Gateway to Education -- Anytime, Chapter 30, need to submit their DD 2366, Anywhere. GoArmyEd currently supports NGEAP DD 2366-1 (if available) to their VACO. the Active Duty and Army Reserves as a one- Th e application process for the NGEAP is to Chapter 30 has a full-time rate of $1,462/ stop site that allows Soldiers, Army Education establish an “I Have a Plan Iowa” account. month. Th ese forms can be found in your Counselors and schools to conduct business in On the www.iowanationalguard.com web iPERMS Soldier fi le if you are bought into a seamless Soldier-centric environment. site, there is a link and presentation on the Chapter 30. You need to verify at the end of Tuition Assistance tab under the Army each month and the rates can be found on the National Guard Soldiers will be able to register Education tab. Th e Education Offi ce will www.gibill.va.gov web site, by calling 1-877- for college courses, or on-duty classes and re- determine if Soldiers/Airmen are eligible for 823-2378 or through the Web Automated view their student records 24/7. GoArmyEd the assistance. Th ere will an email when you Verifi cation of Enrollment (W.A.V.E.). links directly with schools to allow the Army apply and a second email if you have been to pay upfront, ensuring schools are paid in approved or denied. Print the approved email Testing a timely manner. GoArmyEd enforces Army and take it to the fi nancial aid offi ce at the Soldiers who need college testing college, or tuition assistance (TA) policy throughout the college or university. Th is is a fi rst-come, fi rst- to raise their ASVAB scores and want to re- portal, ensuring registered classes are found on served tuition assistance program. test can go to the web site, click on Army the Soldier’s degree plan, no duplicate courses Education and then the testing tab. Please give are taken, and the Soldier maintains a GPA REAP Chapter 1607 plenty of time for your request. Exams, as well standard required to be eligible for TA. When applying for the REAP, for those that as results, may take three to four weeks for have deployed, submit your DD 214 and delivery. ASVAB retake scores are provided the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chap. 33) GI Bill Kicker (if you have one) to the VA same day of the exam. Th is GI Bill allows Soldiers and Airmen to Certifying Offi cial (VACO) at your college transfer of entitled benefi t (TEB) to their or university. All documents can be found in Degree planning spouse or dependents. Th e TEB needs to be your iPERMS Soldier fi le. Contact your unit If you need assistance with choosing a college done before retirement or ETS. Applications for iPERMS issues. or university, use the www.iowanationalguard. are being processed online at www.gibill. com web site, click on the Career Counseling va.gov. To learn more, visit the VA website. Eligibility depends on how many months tab. Th is will allow Soldiers to complete an To become eligible for CH 33, Soldiers/ of deployment each Soldier has completed. online application and the Education Support Airmen must have at least 90 aggregate days of Unlike CH 33, Soldiers cannot add multiple Center will provide you with three degree Active Duty or serve 30 days continuous with deployments to get a higher percentage of plans, sent to your home of record. a service connected disability. On the www. benefi t. Don’t forget to do your end of month iowanationalguard.com web site, the education verifi cation by calling 1-877-823-2378 or the Key dates to remember offi ce has posted a CH 33 tab, under the Army Web Automated Verifi cation of Enrollment June 4, 2011 – Schools with historical ARNG Education tab, with a presentation to assist (W.A.V.E.) on the www.gibill.va.gov web site. enrollments set-up in GoArmyEd; ARNG Iowa National Guard members in applying Soldiers begin setting up GoArmyEd accounts; and transferring their CH 33 benefi ts. SLRP or ELRP after completing their set-ups, ARNG Soldiers Soldiers who have Student Loan Repayment will be restricted from requesting TA in MGIB-Select Reserve Program (SLRP) will receive a DD 2475 GoArmyEd until Aug. 1, 2011. Soldiers who want to receive CH1606, may at their last known home of record. If you contact their VA Certifying Offi cial (VACO) have moved, make sure your unit has the Aug. 1, 2011 – ARNG Soldiers begin at their college or university, the VACO will new address. Th e DD2475 will be sent three requesting TA in GoArmyEd for courses that help process all VA benefi ts. Chapter 1606 months prior to the Soldier’s anniversary start on or after Oct. 1, 2011. ARNG Soldiers has a rate of $337 a month at a full-time rate. (contract start) date. Th is form is to be fi lled will continue to use the current system to Soldiers must provide a copy of their Notice out by the Soldier or Power of Attorney (if request courses that start prior to Oct. 1, 2011. of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) and GI Bill kicker Soldier is deployed). (if you have one) to the VACO. NOBE’s can Oct. 1, 2011 – All ARNG Soldiers and be found in your iPERMS Soldier fi le. If you On the DD 2475, section 3 is to be fi lled out Army education personnel use GoArmyEd are having diffi culty locating this document, completely. On the web site, click on Army to manage TA for courses on or after Oct. 1, contact your unit for assistance. Education, then the SLRP tab. Th e form is to 2011; schools using GoArmyEd receive TA be mailed or e-mailed to the education offi ce requests, process grades, and submit invoices; Th e VACO will send the documents to a VA for processing. With the DD 2475, provide the current system is used only for grade Regional offi ce. It may take 10-12 weeks to master promissory notes (MPN) and NSLDS reporting, invoicing, and recoupment. 18 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 Air National Guard - 132nd Fighter Wing

As part of Operation Grandstand, in preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection which will begin in October, Sr. Airmen Benjamin Rogers (left) and Brandon Bond (right) review ammunition forms on the west ramp of the 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines, Iowa. Bond is delivering the missiles to Rogers, who will load them onto an F-16C aircraft. (Iowa National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Linda E. Kephart)

MembersMb of f thehMd Medicali lG Group ddeployed l d project,j iinvolvingl i fdfour wrap-around simulators,i l to Alpena, Mich. for expeditionary medical will give Combat Air Force F-16 pilots realistic training. Th is involved not only training training. needed skills for an AEF environment, but on skills needed for their Homeland Security Th e MTC, when it becomes operational in 2010 marks mission, such as the set-up, operation, and tear spring 2011, will be a regional training center, down of a fi eld hospital. one of only three in the Guard.

busy year for Clearly, one of the biggest contributing Of course, the main focus of the 2010 was factors to the break-neck pace of 2010 was preparing for the October Phase I Operational construction. Th e 132nd Civil Engineering Readiness Inspection (ORI); the Wing’s Des Moines Squadron fi nalized, executed, and planned a readiness report card. A Phase I ORI, also near-record number of construction projects. called Initial Response, is an evaluation of the unit’s capability to transition from peacetime fi ghter unit In review, the $2.7 million remodel of the readiness to a wartime posture. To accomplish Engine Shop was fi nalized and enhanced this this, the Wing conducted numerous mini- critical operation by adding much-needed exercises, table-top deployment exercises, offi ces and classrooms. On-going projects and aircraft generation exercises. Th is was in such as the $3.6 million expansion of the addition to two full-scale Operational Readiness by Col. Drew 'Toto' DeHaes Distributed Training Operations Center Exercises. Commander, 132nd Fighter Wing (DTOC) will provide more event control centers, ultimately enhancing the capability of With Th e Phase 1 Operational Readiness he year 2010 was another busy one the DTOC to accomplish more missions and Inspection (ORI) now in our rearview for the 132nd Fighter Wing. Th e year and more robust missions for active duty, Air mirror, the 132nd earned an overall grade T started with almost 380 Airmen on Force Reserve, and Air National Guard units. of “Satisfactory.” While we fell short of our much needed reconstitution time. Th e 132nd goal of “Excellent,” the good news (and the Fighter Wing had deployed to 11 Aerospace Other major, on-going projects included bottom line) is the 132nd Fighter Wing clearly Expeditionary Force (AEF) locations, the new $6 million Communications exceeds ACC standards. 42 percent, or 15 of including 268 Airmen who deployed to Joint building. Th is project, to include paving a the 36 graded areas, were rated “Outstanding,” Base Balad, Iraq, where they fl ew more than new parking lot over the former building and 22 percent of the graded areas were rated 1,200 hours of combat sorties. 107 (Finance building), consolidated several “Excellent.” Communications Flight functions ultimately Members of the Wing’s aviation package posturing the 132nd Fighter Wing for new Th e year 2010 will a be remembered as a year deployed to Tyndall, Air Force Base, Fla. for missions in the quickly-evolving new frontier in which the Wing maintained its high mission Combat Archer, an exercise involving the of warfare, cyberspace. readiness posture through rigorous training, build-up, loading, and fi ring of live missiles. maintained its relevance as a key element in In addition, wing Airmen also participated in On the cutting edge of mission training the Air Force’s force structure through new a Weapon System Evaluation Program to test capability, the $280,000 expansion of the and remodeled facilities, and maintained the missiles’ performance in diff erent shooting Mission Training Center (MTC) was in the its reputation of excellence through its profi les. contacting and design phase this past year. Th is performance in the ORI. Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 19 STATE POPULATION UNION UNION UNION CASUALTIES CASUALTIES in 1860 # % % SERVING as % OF SERVING SERVING CASUALTIES POP. IOWA 674,878 76,242 11.3% 13,001 17.05% 1.93% KANSAS 107,017 20,149 18.8% 2,630 13.05%Since 2008, thet 2.46%he JointJoint StaffStaff MAINE 628,274 70,107 11.2% 9,398 13.41%has continued to 1.50% improveimprove andanndd validate contingency plans fforor MICHIGAN 742,941 87,364 11.8% 14,753 16.89%state emergencies. 1.99% MINNESOTA 169,654 24,020 14.2% 2,584 10.76% 1.52% ILLINOIS 1,711,919 259,092 15.1% 34,834 13.44%AtAt the state level, 2.03% the Joint StStaffaffff 1,350,138 196,363 14.5% 26,672 13.58%will mostly be working 1.98% with thethhe HomelandHomeland Security Offi ce andand WISCONSIN 776,864 91,194 11.7% 12,301 13.49%the Governor.Governor. 1.58% PENNSYLVANIA 2,359,757 337,936 14.3% 33,183 9.82% 1.41%

NEW YORK 3,880,595 448,850 11.6% 46,534 10.37%Th ey will be the 1.20%Joint Trainer fforor OHIO 2,339,481 313,180 13.4% 35,475 11.33%the Iowa National 1.52% Guard, aandnndd 112,216 11,236 10.0% 882 7.85%the Command 0.79% HeadquartersHeadquarters fforor thethe 71st CivilCivil SupportSupport Team,Team, KENTUCKY 1,155,651 51,743 4.5% 10,774 20.82%Counter Drug Team, 0.93% the DirecDirectortoor MISSOURI 1,181,992 100,616 8.5% 13,885 13.80%ooff MiMilitarylitary SuSupportpp 1.17%ort (DOM(DOMS)S) N HAMPSHIRE 326,073 32,930 10.1% 4,882 14.83%anandd tthehe Joint OperationOp 1.50%eration Center.Centerr.. NEW JERSEY 672,035 67,500 10.0% 5,754 8.52% 0.86% CONNECTICUT 460,131 51,937 11.3% 5,354 10.31% 1.16% MARYLAND 687,049 33,995 4.9% 2,982 8.77% 0.43% MASSACHUSETTS 1,231,034 146,730 11.9% 13,942 9.50% 1.13% CALIFORNIA 327,263 15,725 4.8% 573 3.64% 0.18% VERMONT 315,078 33,288 10.6% 5,224 15.69% 1.66% RHODE ISLAND 174,601 23,236 13.3% 1,321 5.69% 0.76% OREGON 52,288 1,810 3.5% 45 2.49% 0.09% NEBRASKA 28,778 3,157 11.0% 239 7.57% 0.83%

(includes Black soldiers serving the Union) by: Michael J. Musel, Historian, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, Prepared April 17, 2009 Sources: Th e Civil War Book of Lists. Cambridge (MA): Da Capo Press, 1994. Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers. Vols. I - V. Des Moines: Gen Assembly, 1908 - 1911.

20 | The Iowa Militiaman || WinterWinter 2011 2011 The Hawkeye State’s record Capt. Jeff rey Mann, a soil scientist with Members of the Nebraska National the 2-130th Field Artillery Battalion out Guard agribusiness development of Hiawatha, Kan., currently serving with team work alongside Afghan in1-6th Kansasthe Agribusiness Civil Development War: Legendfarmers who went orto Bagram fact? Team, Task Force Mountain Warrior, Airfi eld, Afghanistan, June 24, By: Lt.teaches Col. (Ret)students Michael from J. MuselNangarhar Of particular2009, interest, to learnnote howthe datato assemble for Kentucky refers to University how to test soil for nitrogen, grain bins. A Nebraska group Conventional wisdom among Iowa residents recognizes how our “Union” soldiers and does not include Kentucky soldiers that phosphorus, and potassium using shipped the bins to Afghanistan, state stands in the forefront of the Union in the numbers of mili- chemical tablets, soil and water. (U.S. fought on thewhich Confederate are designed side. to store seed tary-agedArmy photomen sent by Elizabeth to fi ght Raney) in the Civil War. Th is old myth notes and harvested grain. (U.S. Army more than 50 percent of Iowa’s military-aged men served in the Consequently,photo there by doesn’t1st Lt. Lory appear Stevens) to be a ready source of infor- Civil War – a higher percentage than any other state in the Union. mation that provides us with data on Iowa’s (or any other state’s) military-aged men as a percent of the population serving for com- However, a close statistical study about the men who served in parison to enlistments from other states. Th erefore we are forced the Civil War suggests a diff erent answer. Data from a book titled to compare the population of a state, to the number of enlist- “Civil War Book of Lists.” is a compilation providing a detailed ments, to determine the percentage serving the Union. source of information for comparing Iowa’s role in the Civil War with other Union states. It is inconceivable that Iowa, a growing agricultural state requir- ing labor to man her farms, could aff ord to send any more of her So what defi nes military-aged men? It is “the body of men be- sons to battle than the more settled states east of the Mississippi tween 18 and 45 years of age that are called to fi ght and is com- River. Th is conclusion supports the premise of Iowa sending more parable across the Union States. As no state in the table lists any of her military-aged men to fi ght than any other state. Th us Iowa’s number of men near 50 percent as serving the Union, the data 76,242 soldiers serving in the Civil War, was a similar percentage compares the states equally. Th e table lists the number of Union of its military age men serving, compared to other states, but we soldiers serving and the percentage of those serving, derived from are not Number One in that category. each state’s population Iowa provided 41 Regiments of Volunteer Infantry, four Batter- While Iowa doesn’t meet the standard for fi rst place in the number ies of Light Artillery, and nine Regiments of Volunteer Cavalry, of military-aged men provided to the Union, Iowa provided 11.3 whose term of service was three years. Five Regiments of Volunteer percent of its population to serve. A review of the table shows Infantry, known as One Hundred Day Organization recruited near Iowa gained a well-deserved reputation for being in the thick of the end of the confl ict, were included in the role of Iowan’s service the fi ghting. during the Civil War.

Th e “Casualties” column off ers a percentage of “Serving” show- Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers. Vols. I – V. Des Moines: Gen ing Iowa ranks second, behind the border state of Kentucky in the Assembly, 1908 – 1911. losses per capita.

Winter 2011 | The Iowa Militiaman | 21 Through the Ranks Command Sgt. Maj. John Breitsprecker, Senior Enlisted Advisor Readiness ... Focusing on our military families ...

Communication is one of the most important “things we do. We must ensure open communication between our Soldiers, their families, the units and the FRGs. „

uring the past several months, engaged and provide the support they the theme was “Ready and Resilient,” the Iowa National Guard has need. focusing on our families. They introduced D accomplished a tremendous Communication is one of the most an initiative to help our warriors and their amount of work, revolving around the important things we do. We must ensure families deal with the stress of everyday deployment of approximately 3,400 open communication between our Sol- life. Soldiers and Airman in support of diers, their families, the units and the The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness contingency operations. FRGs. Getting the right information to program is aimed at building strength and Our State Annual Training (AT) at the right people at the right time helps resiliency in five dimensions to include: Camp Ripley, Minn. was extremely everyone. physical, emotional, social, spiritual and successful. The main focus was to fulfill It takes strength to ask for help, but the family fitness. training requirements for our deploying help is there if needed. Our warriors have The CSF program is designed to provide units. This training was well put together battle buddies, and wingmen, whose job is Family members with the thinking skills – it was realistic, organized, and resourced to take care of each other, to talk to each and coping strategies needed to take care of – and provided our Soldiers an excellent other, to know when something is wrong themselves and their Soldier. The program opportunity to increase their proficiency and get help if needed. helps link them with resources and tools on important tasks. Our FRGs help families access the available in the military community that In addition to the preparation for many programs available to provide that can build resilience. Please take some time actual mobilizations, we have had same type of help here at home. With and visit http://www.army.mil/csf/ to numerous operational readiness exercises, this huge number of deployers, there will learn more. inspections and other day-to-day tasks also be hundreds of children affected by As I mentioned at the beginning, we and events, requiring long hours and the absence of their military member. We have accomplished a tremendous amount attention to detail. have to work on building resiliency in our of work in the past several months. The As we look to the future, we must apply children so they are better prepared to future promises to be just as challenging. that same effort and commitment into handle the trials of the separation. I want to thank all of you for your hard caring for our families and making sure We need to train our educators to work and efforts. they have what they need to accomplish understand what to expect from the I want to especially thank our families their mission here on the home front. children and what they can do to help. for what they do. We know every time we Our Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) Free training is available for our schools put on our uniform, be it for drill, annual are critical in providing care for our fami- and teachers through the Warrior & training, school or a deployment, they lies. In many cases, the FRG will be the Family Services Branch. make sacrifices. We also know that without first to know when one of them needs At the National Guard Bureau's their support we couldn’t do what we do. help. That being said, our units must stay Sergeants Major conference this year, Warrior Ready!

22 | The Iowa Militiaman | Winter 2011 Chaplain's Corner Chaplain (Col.) Jim Luder, Iowa State Chaplain Whether in Church, in the car, in the truck, in the Has anyone asked, 'Just who doworkshop, you think or sitting youin the bathroomare?' – all becomes a place of worship! ’m quite sure that at one time or another, all of us have been asked, “Just who do you think you But in First Peter, we are also told we are Children of I are?” God and because of that we are heirs of God. Whether in anger or curiosity, it bears asking again, If we are children of God, it means he is our father, because as Christians, we can answer very strongly as he is our dad. “Dad” has a ring of familiarity about ere is just something special to who we know we are. it. Children, when they are young, might call their father "Daddy.” Th Th ere is a story about the conversation between a about Dad. Dad is fun, Dad loves me. psychiatrist and a man who was being discharged from a mental hospital following years of analysis If I am hurt and crying, I can run to Dad. If I have and counseling. “Why do I have to leave?” rst asked came a problem, I can go to Dad, and He will help me. at’s the kind of relationship we can have with God! the patient. “Because, you’re cured,” said the doctor. Th “Some cure!,” the man snorted, “When I fi Remember, if we are heirs then we own the same here, I was Napoleon Bonaparte. Now I’m nobody.” thing as the father. We own heaven. We own eternity. It works the opposite with the Christian life. When But not only that, we are also referred to as the bride you come to Jesus, you’re nobody and then he gives of Christ in Revelations. you a new life. In First Corinthians, Christians are referred to as, “the temple of God.” I’ve had the opportunity to be about everything there is in a wedding. I was a groom once, I’ve been an Th is is something brand new for New Testament usher a groomsman a number of times. I was the gift believers, our being the temple of Christ. Prior to ce or carrier once, I gave the bride away once (not my own the coming of Christ, God’s presence was in the daughter, but my niece), I was the scripture reader at tabernacle, or temple. But now we are the dwelling a Catholic wedding, and I’ve been the minister more place of God’s presence. No one has to sacrifi times than I’d like to remember. worship for me! I am a place of worship. But I’ve never been the bride. However, according to Revelations, I’ll get that chance someday. And not only that, I’ll be a beautiful bride So back to our original question, “Just who do you think you are?”

Well, we’ve seen that if you know Jesus, then you’re the temple of God. You’re also a child of God and therefore an heir and you are the beautiful bride of Christ.

You know, if you think about, when you come to know the Lord, you’re really someone.

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