Iowa NationalIowa National Guard Guard / February / March 2016

HappyHappy 75th75th BirthdayBirthday 132nd132nd WingWing

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March 2016 Th e Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr Public Aff airs Offi cer Col. Greg Hapgood FORSCOM commander visits STC Editor/Designer Master Sgt. Duff McFadden Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden State Photographer Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson Command Historian Tech. Sgt. Michael McGhee

Th e Warrior Ready is an offi cial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. It is Features 6 published electronically by the State Public Aff airs Offi ce on a monthly basis. News and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those 132nd Wing celebrates 75th of the Adjutant General of Iowa, Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden the National Guard, or the Department of Defense.

Follow the Iowa National Guard on Social Media 8 www.facebook.com/IowaNationalGuard or at @IowaNatGuard on Twitter

Address all submissions to: Iowa enlists fi rst woman engineer Th e Iowa National Guard Warrior Ready Magazine Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden State Public Aff airs Offi ce 7105 NW 70th Ave. Johnston, Iowa 50131-1824 10 » Civil War Greybeard Regiment or contact us at: by Tech Sgt. Michael B. McGhee http://www.iowanationalguard.com/contact_us.htm Far to the east, the Civil War begins its second Comm: (515) 252-4582 year, showing signs of becoming a long, costly DSN: 431-4582 fi ght. In an act to bolster recruitment num- bers, Iowa, in conjunction with the U.S. War Department, mustered the 37th Iowa Infan- try Regiment, nicknamed the “Greybeards.

12 » MEDHAWKS earn national honors by Capt. Brandon Cochran Th e 132nd Wing received the Outstand- On theth Cover ing Achievement in Innovation – Team CuttingCuttin the cake at the 75th an- Category Award for 2015, following niversaryniver of the 132nd Wing are competition against the Air National (left to right) Maj. Gen. Tim Guard Medical Service’s (ANGMS) other Orr, Adjutant General of the 88 Guard Medical Units (GMUs). IowaIow National Guard, Master Sgt.Sgt Don Worrell, Airman 1st ClassCl Justin Hopp, and Col. 15 » Building a positive relationship ShawnSh Ford, 132nd Wing For service members, a loving, resilient commander.co Worrell and marriage is both a matter of personal hap- HoppH continued an age-old piness and family readiness. When family militarym tradition of the relationships are strong and healthy, ser- oldest (Worrell) and young- vice members are free to focus on their mis- est (Hopp) servicemember sion and daily duty requirements. cuttingcutting theirtheir branch’sbra cake. (Iowa National GuardGdhbS photo by Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson) 2 | Warrior Ready | March 2016

A view from the Air State Command Chief Master Sgt. Tim Cochran At a glance: The Enlisted Grades Review he Enlisted Grades Review appropriate levels of responsibility for (EGR) process is not a new one, all Airmen. Staff functions were also Tbut it’s signifi cantly different standardized and the entire structure GrouGroupp Chiefs were apappropriatelypropriately from previous reviews. Historically, was compared to active duty manning placed in the manning documents prior previous EGRs didn’t account for documents. to release of the EGR, which further differences between unit missions or increases opportunity. enable development opportunities for There were fi ve business rules applied all skill sets. The main driver of top to ensure the end result accomplished 5. The fi nal business rule was to enlisted grade positions was an enforced all the desired objectives. These ensure standardization across units percentage cap on grades based on guidelines also help us frame where and functions with an appropriately a regulatory requirement that didn’t have we been, why it wasn’t working, repeatable enlisted pyramid, regardless actually exist. and the right-sized way ahead. of assigned numbers and missions.

Rather than continuing to accept a 1. The fi rst rule concerns fi eld 2015 was the year to apply the mock broken process, a strategic vision involvement. Experts from each career review results to the actual EGR and to right-size the enlisted force was fi eld were solicited for input and provide the Director of the Air National revealed to the the Enlisted Field Advisory Council Guard with the results for his approval Command Chiefs in early 2013. Twenty members were involved throughout the by the end of the calendar year. Results one-plus months of research and entire process. show signifi cant benefi ts to the enlisted collaboration, thousands of man hours, structure with an 11 percent increase 2. Secondly, as mentioned earlier, and a focus on enlisted opportunities or 750+ 9 Levels, and four percent or no preset grade limitations were has resulted in the recently published 1550+ 7 Levels. applied. This rule was very signifi cant EGR. The results have a positive as previous EGRs had allowed this readiness impact and have increased Where are we at today? specialty percentage cap to creep recruiting-retention opportunities. into the process without a regulatory Implementation is in the works. A mock review was conducted in 2014 requirement for it. Manning documents have been sent to to review all positions. Data analyzed the Wings and appointments have been 3. The third rule was grades go for every position on the manning scheduled at NGB for Force Support where they were needed. Scope document had to pass several qualifi ers Squadrons to learn the implementation. of responsibility and mission to achieve the end result. Duty skill April 15, 2016 is the offi cial manning requirements, both day to day and levels had to be manned at the correct document release that drives an deployed, were matched appropriately. level to meet all deployable Unit effective date of April 1, 2017. Training Code requirements, plus there 4. Fourth was to build the correct career The hard work has paid off – levels of needed to be standardization of rank path in all specialties and to repair responsibility and the corresponding structures for all occupational series. the pyramid structure so every Air grades will be repeatable regardless Force Specialty Code (AFSC) had a The results of these two data points of mission differences and a path now minimum development opportunity to had to obtain an acceptable pyramid exists to develop all Airmen, regardless E-8. Additively, the Air Force Specialty of development opportunities with the of AFSC, for competitive opportunities Code for Group Supervisors, or 9G, to serve in the top enlisted grades. Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 3 By Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden

simple invitation was all it took for the commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, the Army’s larg- A est command, to travel to Iowa to observe training and visit with Iowa National Guard Soldiers.

According to Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, the Adjutant Gen- eral of the Iowa National Guard, Gen. Robert Abrams, the FORSCOM commander, “came to the First Army Fall Re- gional TAG (The Adjutants General) huddle meeting and I had the opportunity to invite him to Iowa. I followed that up with a letter of invitation, and he accepted,” Orr said.

The U.S. Army Forces Command is the land force provider for combatant commanders – both at home and abroad. Abrams became the 22nd commander of U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, N.C., in August 2015.

The last time Camp Dodge played host to a U.S. Forces Command commander was in 1993, when Gen. Dennis Re- imer visited the Johnston, Iowa-based facility.

”You have a great capability here in Iowa,” said Abrams, FORSCOM during his Feb. 3-4 visit. “The Iowa National Guard’s got a tremendous history and record of mission accomplishment. It was a pleasure for me to be here.” commander visits Iowa National Guard to observe Total Force training, Gen. Robert Abrams, U.S. Army Forces Command commander, is Center. Abrams was in Des Moines for a two-day visit to observe Soldiers Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers – training at the STC, and t in a one-on-one conversation. (Iowa National Guard photo by Sta 4 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 As soon as his plane landed in Iowa, Joint Fires Observers, Integrated Fire effective Army sustainment training. Abrams was whisked away to the and the Distributed Common Ground Distributed Training Operations Center System-Army, it provides 10-20 events Both the Army's Active Component (DTOC) at the Des Moines Air Nation- daily. The DTOC provides simulation and Reserve Component forces have al Guard Base. Lt. Col. Troy Havener, platforms for aircraft as diverse as the become more closely integrated due to the Air National Guard’s Live Virtual McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and The Army Total Force Policy, signed by Constructive Liaison, and Lt. Col. F/A-18 Hornet, Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Secretary of the Army John McHugh on Todd Pierce, DTOC Commander, pro- Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, General Sept. 4, 2012. As Reserve Component vided a brief and tour of this one-of-its Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and forces comprise more than half of the kind facility. Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Army's total force, it became important to integrate these components as a Total Operated by the Iowa Air National Abrams then moved from the “virtual” Force, since both are vital to fulfi lling Guard’s 132nd Wing, this global world to one of sustainment, as he trav- national military needs. training center provides optimal cost- eled the 14 miles from the Des Moines savings through a virtual battlespace Airbase to the Sustainment Training Abrams said he had heard a lot about linking a wide array of fl ight and mis- Center (STC) at the 4,500-acre Camp the Sustainment Training Center and sion crew simulators. Responsible for Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center its capabilities. This visit, he said, was all network management, the DTOC in Johnston, Iowa. well worth his time. also provides event control, scenario development, unit Distributed Mission The STC, along with the Mission Train- “I learned quite a bit. I knew some Operations scheduling, remote main- ing Complex – Dodge, provides collec- of its capabilities, but there are some tenance and instruction, and realistic tive level training to support battalions, unique niche capabilities here at Camp threat insertion. distribution companies, fi eld mainte- Dodge that I haven’t seen anywhere nance companies, support maintenance else. And they’re doing great things. Utilized by clientele as diverse as the companies, brigade support medical One of our priorities in Forces Com- Air Defense Artillery, Army Aviation, companies, and infantry brigade combat mand is to master the fundamentals. teams. That training center is a big part of mastering the fundamentals for some The four-acre STC campus includes 48 specifi c Military Occupational Special- heated maintenance bays with heavy ties in our Army,” he said. overhead lift capability and more than 100,000 square feet of technical Abrams then had occasion for some maintenance/multifunctional logistics one-on-one conversations with com- training space. Originally established pany, battalion and brigade staff from in 1991 as the Equipment Maintenance the Iowa National Guard, meeting with Center - CONUS (Continental U.S.), it Soldiers from the 186th Military Police has since evolved into a one-stop shop Company, 1034th Combat Sustainment for all sustainment training needs. Support Battalion and 734th Regional Support Group. Abrams’ tour ran the gamut of STC operations from M1A1 Abrams tank “Part of the whole ideal was for our repair to ammunition handling, from full-timers to discuss full-time manning petroleum distribution to Tactical Com- and its impact on readiness,” said Orr. bat Casualty Care and Unifi ed Land “Sometimes it’s hard for the Army to Operations. understand, so we provided the oppor- tunity for him talk to Soldiers at each of Highlighting the facility’s wide-ranging the three levels. Each Soldier explained versatility, Abrams was able to observe what they do, their positions and how three different Army components – the they affect readiness.” Oregon National Guard’s 141st Brigade Support Battalion, the U.S. Army Re- serve’s 322nd Maintenance Company from Minnesota, and nearly 100 active FORSCOM visit s given a tour of the Sustainment Training duty Soldiers from the 5494th Support The Total Force – Active Duty, U.S. Army Maintenance Company (part of the U.S. Continued on page 14 to engage Iowa Soldiers Army’s 101st Airborne Division) from ff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson) Fort Campbell, Ky. – conducting cost- Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 5 132nd Wing celebrates 75th anniversary

DES MOINES, Iowa - While it may and helps demonstrate the mutually Shield/Desert Storm, Operations have taken 16 years and six attempts, it benefi cial relationship of the National Northern and Southern Watch, was the vision of 12 individuals from Guard with the community. Individuals Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and the local community and Iowa National from the Des Moines Citizens New Dawn. Guard 75 years ago that created the Airport Committee, the Chamber of 132nd Wing as a force for the future. Commerce, the Greater Des Moines And while the missions and aircraft CCommittee,ommittee, ththee DDeses MMoinesoines RRegisteregister may have changed over the past eight From its humble beginnings on Feb. decades, there is one element that 25, 1941 as the 124th Observation has remained vital to the growth and Squadron, with 27 offi cers, 110 success of the 132nd Wing – its Iowa enlisted Airmen, and fi ve Douglas Airmen. It’s those very Airmen who O-38 aircraft, this Iowa Air National were recognized for their dedication Guard unit has been home to 11 and hard work during the anniversary different aircraft and countless Air celebration at the Iowa airbase. Force missions. “Four generations of 132nd Airmen “What started as a recruiting effort have carried the values and the in an old orange juice shop in the traditions of the Iowa Air National Chamberlain Hotel on the corner andd TTribune, ib IIowa PPower and d LiLight, ht Guard forward throughout our proud of 7th and Locust, is a wing that is Banker’s Trust, and the Des Moines history,” said Maj. Gen. Tim Orr, postured for the future,” said 132nd City Council saw the value of bringing Adjutant General of the Iowa National Wing Commander, Col. Shawn D. Ford the 132nd to the Des Moines Airport, Guard. “And that proud legacy during the Wing’s 75th anniversary and the rest is history,” Ford said. continues here every day in Des celebration on Feb. 26 at the Des Moines and it continues on in Iowa. As Moines Airbase. Over the last 75 years, the 132nd I travel around the country, we’re noted Fighter Wing has participated in for what we do here. “The signifi cance of these 12 numerous military operations, individuals who came together for a including World War II, and many “You’ve been here during peace, common goal cannot be understated aviation support missions for Desert you’ve been here during war, and you 6 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 continue to support us for what we defense strategy. do,” Orr continued. “Regardless of the era and regardless of the time, and the The mission of the 232nd and 233rd mission and what we do for our nation. Intelligence Squadrons, subordinate units of the 132nd Wing, is to provide “And I want to also thank the men and targeting and geospatial intelligence women who are still serving today. You to the U.S. Air Force and Joint know they represent the less than one Warfi ghters. The 132nd Intelligence percent of our nation that serve in the Support Squadron, another 132nd Wing global fi ght across America and across subordinate unit, provides support the world. They continue to step up, functions to the 232nd and 233rd they continue to serve, and I just want Intelligence Squadrons, as well as to say I’m honored to work with each develops targeting training products for and every one of you and I’m proud to the Air Force targeting enterprise. serve with you.” “You don’t get from 12 individuals to Orr also pointed out that over the past over 900 Airmen without the support eight decades, by virtue of the 132nd’s and hard work of our community and increasingly technological missions and its people,” Ford said. “I like to call it high-performance aircraft operations, Col. Shawn D. Ford, 132nd Wing the ‘Iowa work ethic’ that can only be tens of millions of dollars of critical commander, speaks during the 75th found in the Midwest, but this Wing infrastructure have been built at the Des anniversary of the Des Moines- was built on the backs of Iowans who Moines Airport, greatly benefi tting the based Air National Guard unit. (Iowa know how to get the job done right. nation’s defense, as well as passenger National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. air travel. “Not only did we survive for 75 years, Chad D. Nelson) we did it while transitioning through “Last year alone,” said Orr, “the 132nd 12 aircraft from the O-38 to the MQ-9; Wing provided more than $100 million Today’s 132nd aviators now pilot the supporting 10 wars or confl icts; and in economic infusion to Iowa through General Atomics MQ-9 “Reaper” earning 10 Air Force Outstanding Unit salaries, unit purchases from the local Remotely Piloted Aircraft, and the unit Awards from 1965 until today. There economy, military construction, and has since evolved into two other unique have been many changes in the past indirect job creation.” operational missions: an Intelligence and there will be changes in the future, Surveillance and Reconnaissance but any organization that doesn’t adapt With three new highly-technological Group and a Cyber Operations to their current environment will not missions, the Squadron. The unit’s name change to survive. Base Des Moines has never been more the 132nd Wing was a refl ection upon important, nor as relevant, in its 75- “I look forward to the next 75 years,” its past, while focusing on its evolving, year history. Ford said. modern mission as part of the national

Far Left - A March 1945 view of the Iowa Air National Guard base, located at the Des Moines Airport, looking north. The hangar, built at a cost of $350,000, was completed in 1941. The hangar, known as Building 100, is still in use today.

(Left) - A wide variety of propeller- driven aircraft line the tarmac at the Des Moines Airbase on April 1944. These planes include a row of B-24 bombers (back) and in the front row, a a fl eet of P-51D Mustangs and a BC-1A trainer.

Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 7 University of Iowa student is fi rst to enlist as female Iowa National Guard Combat Engineer By Master Sgt. Duff E. McFadden

n May 1959, the Iowa National Guard stood up its very fi rst combat Iengineer unit, with the conversion and re-designation of the 224th Engi- neer Battalion in Burlington, Iowa.

More than 55 years later, combat en- gineers are again making headlines, as Megan Reaska became the fi rst female to enlist as a Combat Engineer (Mili- tary Occupational Specialty: 12B) with Company A, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division in Daven- port.

Reaska, 20, a University of Iowa sopho- more, enlisted Dec. 21, becoming the third woman to join an Iowa National Guard combat arms unit. Cheney M. Spaulding, 18, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, enlisted in September 2015 as a Survey Meteorological Crewmember (MOS: 13T) and Dakota A. Doocy, 17, from Lone Rock, Iowa, enlisted in October 2015 as a Field Artillery Firefi nder Radar Operator (MOS: 13R). Both Spaulding and Doocy are members of the 1st Battalion, 194th Field Artillery, .

Reaska, who was born in Illinois and moved to Washington, Iowa in 2003, moved back to Illinois with her father after attending the eighth grade. She graduated from Northwest High School in Justin, Texas, a Dallas-Fort Worth Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Keeler, an Iowa Army National Guard recruiter area suburb, in 2014. She also played with the Iowa City Recruiting Offi ce, recently enlisted Megan Reaska as a basketball for the NHS Texans. Combat Engineer (12B Military Occupational Specialty) with Company A, 2/34th Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Davenport, Iowa. The 20-year Before deciding to attend the University old University of Iowa sophomore is the fi rst female to enlist at a Combat of Iowa, her father put a strong empha- Engineer in the Iowa Army National Guard. (Contributed photo) sis on joining the military immediately out of high school. When Reaska men- tioned joining the Iowa National Guard “My father is my best friend who I I began to think about the military more during her sophomore year of college, thoroughly respect and strive to be like frequently, but I also wanted to attend her dad was enthused. He told her how someday,” Reaska said. “For him to school. proud he was, but warned she had to strongly encourage joining the military mentally and physically prepare herself made me seriously consider it. After “Fortunately, the Iowa National Guard for the training. my fi rst year at the University of Iowa allows me to do both. I want to continue 8 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 on the tradition of service, as did my blow them up?” grandfather and uncle, and make my family and country proud,” she said. “My father is my Reaska will attended her fi rst National best friend who I Guard drill in January, with Company “Both myself and my offi ce partner, C, Recruit Sustainment Program, in Sgt. 1st Class Less, worked together as thoroughly respect Iowa City. She’ll attend basic training a team to enlist Megan,” said Sgt. 1st and strive to be at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., in July, im- Class Brandon Keeler, a recruiter at mediately followed by 15 weeks of Ad- the Iowa City National Guard Readi- like someday, For him vanced Individual Training there. She’s ness Center. “She’s very smart and very to strongly encourage taking off the fall 2016 semester and driven. We both knew she was an ideal plans to return to the University of Iowa applicant because of her interest and joining the military in time for the spring 2017 session. passion for the military, her willingness made me seriously to serve, and obviously her willingness Combat engineers provide expertise in to take a semester off to get the training consider it." areas such as mobility, counter-mobility, to do what she wanted to do. survivability and general engineering. - Megan Reaska Their job duties include: constructing “I have no doubt she will be successful, University of Iowa student fi ghting positions, fi xed/fl oating bridges, because of who she is. She will defi nite- obstacles and defensive positions; plac- ly be a great asset to the Iowa National ing and detonating explosives; conduct- Guard,” he said. ing operations that include route clear- House and Table to Table, Reaska is ance of obstacles and rivers; preparing Reaska was originally interested in be- also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta and installing fi ring systems for demoli- coming a Medical Logistics Specialist sorority. Their philanthropy includes a tion and explosives; and detecting mines (68J). When she completed her physi- program called Girls on the Run. visually or with mine detectors. cal, she and Sgt. 1st Class David Mon- gar discovered there were zero training “The program shows that girls can do On Dec. 3, Secretary of Defense Ash slots for 68Js in 2016. Mongar then everything males can, which is now Carter announced that beginning in sat down with her and discussed a few kind of ironic,” Reaska said, “since I January 2016, all military occupations other options, including the 12B MOS. just joined the Iowa National Guard as and positions will be open to women, a Combat Engineer, which is a male- without exception. For the fi rst time in “She was very excited about the posi- dominated job. U.S. military history, as long as they tion,” Keeler said, “but didn’t know she qualify and meet specifi c standards, the was going to be their fi rst female until Reaska said being the third female to secretary said women will be able to after she swore in.” enlist into a combat arms position with contribute to the Department of Defense the Iowa National Guard is a “mind- mission with no barriers at all in their While she looks forward to completing boggling feeling. It stuns me, but I am way. her Bachelors degree at the University very proud to be one of the fi rst few. of Iowa, she is also considering join- “They’ll be allowed to drive tanks, fi re ing the Reserve Offi cer Training Corps I strongly encourage more females to mortars and lead infantry soldiers into (ROTC), becoming a second lieutenant join, as there’s no better feeling than combat,” Carter added. “They’ll be able and then continuing her career within proving to others you’re capable of do- to serve as Army Rangers and Green the military. ing the same things as any male. Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, Air Force parajumpers, and By joining the Iowa National Guard, “The honor I feel to be the fi rst female everything else that was previously open Reaska will receive up to 100% of her to enlist as a combat engineer in Iowa only to men.” college tuition paid through the Iowa is indescribable. National Guard Education Assistance Though more than 111,000 positions Program, and will also receive a month- I also think joining the combat engineer had opened to women in uniform since ly stipend from the G.I. Bill, upon com- fi eld would be an experience I would 2013 until now, Carter said about 10 pleting Basic Training and Advanced remember for the rest of my life. The percent of military positions -- nearly Individual Training. skills I learn while in training. I’ll carry 220,000 -- had remained closed to with me forever. women. These included infantry, armor, Besides the numerous volunteer hours reconnaissance, and some special opera- she gives back to the Iowa City commu- “Besides” she said, “who wouldn’t tions units, the secretary said. nity, including the Ronald McDonald want to learn to build things and then

Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 9 37th Iowa Infantry Regiment Iowa recruits Soldiers 45 years and older into Civil War 'Greybeard' unit by Tech Sgt. Michael B. McGhee

n early 1862, Iowa Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood and Adjutant IGeneral Nathaniel B. Baker worried as recruitment numbers began to dwindle.

Far to the east, the Civil War began its second year, showing signs of becoming a long, costly fi ght. In an act to bolster recruitment numbers, Iowa, in conjunction with the U.S. War Department, mustered the 37th Iowa Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the “Greybeards,” into on Dec. 15, 1862.

The brainchild of George W. Kincaid, the regiment was primarily created for political reasons, as a way of raising enlistment and providing some level of service for the war effort. Edwin Stanton, Union Secretary of War, applauded the concept of a unique regiment comprised of men 45 years of age or older.

Early totals from the regiment indicated nearly 600 of the 914 offi cers and enlisted men were more than 50 years old. Approximately 48 were over 60 and nine were 70 or older, including a 72-year old drummer, Nicholas Ramey. The oldest known Greybeard was Pvt. Curtis King, at the ripe age of 80.

Every congressional district within the state was represented. Enlistments in the 37th Regiment surpassed original totals and Baker had the utmost Col. George W. Kincaid confi dence the unit would succeed. The command consisted of: Col. George W. Kincaid, a 50-year-old Iowa farmer It was generally understood the and civic leader serving as Regiment rigors of Army life, including in-camp regiment was to be used for guarding Commander, Lt. Col. George R. West drills, with the occasional guard duty, military prisons, railroads, and arsenals. and Maj. Lyman Allen; as staff offi cers, or even a long march. Even though they were exempt from and Sgt. Major Stephen B. Shellady. the frontline and combat action, they Shortly after the unit’s authorization, weren’t excluded from the everyday the men made their way to Camp 10 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 Island until June 1864, Their next stop was Memphis, Tenn. for another three months of guard and picket duty.

On July 5, while guarding a supply train, a detail of 50 men from the regiment were attacked by rebel forces at the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The men quickly returned fi re, but the effects on the rebels remained uncertain under cover of night. Due to the perseverance of the Greybeards aboard the train, however, the cargo made it to its fi nal destination safely without further incident.

Casualties included Cpl. Charles Young and Pvt. Samuel Coburn, who were both killed, while four others members of the unit were wounded during the attack.

From Memphis, the regiment moved northeast to Indianapolis, Ind., In January 1864, the Greybeards received orders to move north up the where the regiment separated into two components – Kincaid took fi ve Mississippi River for guard duty at the Rock Island Prison, built in mid- companies and traveled to Cincinnati, 1863. During the Civil War, the prison held more than 12,000 prisoners. The Ohio, while West took the fi nal regiment remained on duty at Rock Island until June 1864, when they moved three companies to Columbus, Ohio. on to guard and picket duty in Memphis, Tenn. The regiment remained at different commands until May 1865, when the Strong, near Muscatine, Iowa, for from time to time, never surpassing the companies met up in Cincinnati to formal training. On Dec. 26, 1862, the maximum capacity of 2,000. make their fi nal trek home. regiment broke camp and headed south On May 24, 1865, the unit stood toward St Louis, Mo. The unit's fi rst By this time, the Greybeards' reputation in formation one fi nal time, as they assignment consisted of guard duty had become well known up and down were ceremoniously mustered out of around the St. Louis area, including the the Mississippi River for treating the . The 37th Regiment Gratiot Street Prison and the Pacifi c prisoners more humanely than most. included a total enlistment of 1,041 Railroad, located just west of the city. They remained in Alton guarding prisoners until the middle of January soldiers – 364 were discharged due to Upon arrival in early January, the 1864, with new orders to move north up disabilities, 145 died of disease, and regiment marched through the streets the Mississippi to Rock Island, Ill. three were killed in action. The largest of St. Louis and Maj. Gen. Samuel R. portion of the deaths from disease came Curtis, Commander, Department of The Rock Island Prison, built in mid- when the men were stationed at the Missouri, declared he had seen many 1863 wasn’t completed before the Rock Island Prison during the winter Union volunteers, but had never seen a fi rst inmates arrived. During the Civil months. fi ner looking group of men in uniform. War, the prison held more than 12,000 prisoners. When the Greybeards arrived By war's end, the regiment In July 1863, new orders came and they at Rock Island on Jan. 19, 1864, they accomplished its major goal of serving headed north to Alton, Ill. to relieve the remained quartered on the train for two as a motivating and resourceful 77th Ohio Infantry at the old Illinois full days. Col. Adolphus J. Johnson, recruiting tool. It also triggered more State Prison, where the majority of commander of the prison, refused to than 1,300 sons and grandsons of these detainees consisted of Confederate accept the regiment as replacements, Greybeards to enlist. soldiers. The prison had a modest but was overruled when orders came Iowa is the only state that mustered a capacity of 950 Confederate soldiers, directly from the War Department to “Greybeard” regiment in support of the 164 Union soldiers, and 162 civilians. accept the regiment onto the island. Civil War. The number of prisoners would vary The regiment remained on duty at Rock Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 11 Air National Guard 132nd Wing, Iowa Air National Guard 132nd Medical Group garners national recognition through responsive, innovative medical care

'MEDHAWKS' receive Outstanding Achievements in Innovation - Team Category Award

By Capt Brandon Cochran 132nd Medical Group, 132nd Wing

he 132nd Medical Group “MED- HAWKS” were recognized with Ta national-level award at its base clinic during a recent visit by Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Knapp, the Air National Guard (ANG) Assistant to the Com- mand Surgeon – . Brig. Gen. Christopher Knapp, the Air National Guard Assistant to the Com- The 132nd Wing received the Outstand- mand Surgeon – Air Combat Command (right), Col. Jim Duong, the 132nd ing Achievement in Innovation – Team Medical Group Commander (center), and Chief Master Sgt. Kris Rode, 132nd Category Award for 2015, following Medical Group Superintendent (left), stand at attention during the presenta- competition against the Air National tion of the Outstanding Achievement in Innovation – Team Category Award Guard Medical Service’s (ANGMS) for 2015 to the 132nd Medical Group “MEDHAWKS.” (Iowa National Guard other 88 Guard Medical Units (GMUs). Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew T. Doyle) “It was awesome to see our Airmen take pride in their work, make contributions sized feats. For starters, the MED- they conduct physical exams. with real results, and get recognized HAWKS consistently held a “Top 10” for it at the national level,” said Col. Individual Medical Readiness (IMR) Jim Duong, Commander of the 132nd “Over the last year we implemented rating for the whole of 2015, while changes to the physical exam process Medical Group. “It was icing on the being recognized as the “best in the re- cake that Brig. Gen. Knapp was visit- that allowed us to reduce our patient gion” fi ve times and “best in the nation” wait time by 21 minutes. Allowing ing the 132nd Wing, and was willing to in July 2015. present the award to the medical group members to return to their duty section sooner,” said Senior Master Sgt. Doug on behalf of the ANGMS. What is even more impressive, it came Harms, Non-Commissioned Offi cer-in- in the midst of a mission conversion Charge of Nursing Services. “As a leader, I couldn't be more proud. from F-16 fi ghter aircraft to three new This award proves you don't have to and enduring mission sets: a Remotely “By using the feedback from our cus- go out and do something over-the-top Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron; an In- to get recognized. You can do the daily tomers and allowing our junior enlisted telligence Surveillance Reconnaissance and Non-Commissioned Offi cers to things and do them well, and reap the (ISR) Group; and a Cyber Operations rewards of your hard work,” he said. champion the process improvement, Squadron. we allowed them to have buy-in to a process that benefi ted all personnel In a fast-paced, but fruitful year, these The MEDHAWKS didn’t stop there, involved,” he said. inspired Airmen achieved many titan- though, after taking a hard look at how 12 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 In the end, the MEDHAWKS returned psychologist in July to educate more tive Readiness Training mission for the 210 hours back to the Wing for use in than 100 fl yers and their families on the second time in three years. training and mission operations, a ma- psychological effects of remote combat. jor contribution towards effi ciency and The MEDHAWKS ended Fiscal Year better care in a resource-constrained In August, they participated in their (FY) 2016 on a high note. After scan- and task-heavy operating environment. fi rst Unit Effectiveness Inspection, ning their fi rst service treatment record which culminated in an “Effective” into the electronic health record server However, this is just the tip of the rating. Their Senior Aerospace Medical in April 2015, the MEDHAWKS uti- iceberg for the MEDHAWKS. In June, Technicians were also recognized as lized an innovative mix of full-time and they orchestrated an RPA-centric health a Superior Performance Team, and an temporary federal technicians and Ac- fair addressing sleep hygiene and Air Force Inspection Agency - Medical tive Guard and Reserve personnel, as fatigue, as well as grounding manage- Branch Coin recipient. In September, well as traditional drill-status Airmen ment and medical standards. They they were chosen to support an Offi ce to fi nish the FY at 74 percent complete also hosted an active duty Air Force of the Secretary of Defense Innova- – a full 34 percent above the ANGMS- mandated 40 percent completion by fi scal year end.

“Through hard work and a 'can do’ atti- tude, this award points back to the out- standing team we have at the 132nd,“ said Chief Master Sgt. Kris Rode, superintendent of the 132nd Medical Group. “It’s the above-and-beyond ef- forts of our Airmen that validate us as a proven top-tier GMU.”

The Outstanding Achievement in Inno- vation – Team Category Award, given annually, recognizes an individual or small group of military/civilians who have made substantial improvements in the quality and productivity of opera- tions. These improvements must align with one or all of the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) Strategic Areas: bet- ter care, better health, best value, and individual medical readiness.

These improvements are often fostered by out-of-the-box ideas, specialized/ tailored medical programs, or other continual-process improvement ini- tiatives. In the end, they all result in a substantial improvement in clinic operations, care, and provide a savings to the AFMS and the ANGMS. Brig. Gen. Christopher Knapp (right), the Air National Guard Assistant to The Air National Guard uses their the Command Surgeon – Air Combat Command, and Col. Jim Duong, 132nd medical award program to identify and Medical Group Commander (left), pose with the Outstanding Achievement recognize outstanding performers in 36 in Innovation – Team Category Award for 2015. The 132nd Medical Group different categories. Those selected at “MEDHAWKS” received the national award following competition against the ANG level then have the potential the Air National Guard Medical Service’s other 88 Guard Medical Units. (Iowa to compete at the Air Force level. National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew T. Doyle) Warrior Ready | March 2016 | 13 Abrams visit Continued from page 5

“The other great thing Gen. Orr let me do yesterday, was I got to meet a bunch of National Guard Soldiers,” Abrams said. “He took me around to a company orderly room and I got to see a bat- talion footprint. I got to go to a brigade and RSG footprint and I was probably about an hour-and-a-half talking to Soldiers.

“At my position, at my level, those opportunities are far and few between. So when I actually have those opportu- nities,” said Abrams, “I seize on those opportunities.”

Those Soldiers, Abrams continued, are really the credentials of the Iowa National Guard.

“You can tell me about programs and everything else, but the real strength, the real readiness indicator for the Iowa National Guard are Iowa National Guard Soldiers. And the ones I met yes- terday, they were awesome.

“They were committed, dedicated professionals, very knowledgeable of their duties and responsibilities and had a very clear-eyed understanding of Gen. Robert Abrams, Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command, what their job was, of how it relates to examines an M110 Sniper System during his tour of the Sustainment Training building and sustaining readiness for Center. (Iowa National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Chad D. Nelson) their particular unit. It was just good to be around them,” he said. concerns, talk about opportunities, talk your component that you’re in, whether about policies and really enhance their you’re a National Guardsman, or a The following morning Abrams con- understanding of our total Army,” said U.S. Army Reservist, or an active duty cluded his visit by sitting down with Abrams. Soldier. National Guard senior representatives within Federal Emergency Manage- “I think this visit went very well,” said “When I see Soldiers, sometimes I ment Agency (FEMA) Region VII – Orr. “I think his major highlight was to might look at what’s on their left sleeve, Orr, Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Adjutant see our Soldiers and to have them tell but the only thing that’s really impor- General of the ; him in person how they add value to tant to me is what’s above their heart, Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Adjutant Gen- our Army.” which is the Army. And eral of the Nebraska National Guard; so when I go around, that’s all I see, I and Col. Anthony Adrian, Director of “One of our recurring messages to don’t differentiate between components, Operations, . everybody,” Abrams said, “is ‘We have because we only have one Army. one Army.’ I know I’m in the state of “It’s always good when I can sit down Iowa, but we have one Army. I tell “And the one Army we have, it better and have a personal one-on-one, or people we got one Army, with one set be a good one and it requires all three a small group discussion with our of standards. It’s important that we look components for us to be a really good Adjutants General to share ideas, hear at ourselves as one Army regardless of one,” he added. 14 | Warrior Ready | March 2016 Family Readiness

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