Kansas Army National Guard Welcomes New State Command Chief Warrant Officer by Sgt

Army Aviation 1-161 FA trains Support Facility to react to civil #2 celebrates disturbance PlainsPlains30 years . . . 3 GuardianGuardiansituations . . . 7

Volume 60 No. 1 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol January 2016 Signal Acquired Answering the call KSARNG activates Kansas National Guard patrols help stranded motorists in NW Kansas new signal company

By Sgt. Zach Sheely 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “We are in the future.” The future is now according to 1st Sgt. James Peeler, first sergeant of the newly- activated 330th Brigade Signal Company of the Kansas Army National Guard. “It’s something out of Star Trek,” said Peeler. “That’s where we’re at right now.” The 330th BSC was officially activated during a ceremony at the Heartland Pre- paredness Center in Wichita, Kansas, Dec. 5. It will operate as part of the 997th Brigade Support Battalion and serve prima- Soldiers with a Stranded Motorists Assistance Response Team, Kansas National Guard, assist a stranded trucker on Road 300 off rily as the signal arm of the 130th Field Ar- Highway 40 between Winona and Monument, Kansas. Two SMART teams, including four vehicles and 10 personnel, were acti- tillery Brigade, KSARNG. vated early Nov. 18 to patrol roads and highways across northwest Kansas, searching for stranded motorists. (Photo provided) The signal corps’ mission is to develop, By Sgt. Zach Sheely Staff Sgt. Cody Breon, detachment readiness noncommissioned test, provide and manage communications Public Affairs Office officer, 997th BSB, said he didn’t have much notice that his serv- and information systems support for the A late-autumn blizzard that dropped nearly two feet of snow left ice was needed, as he received the call at 2:15 a.m to report. command and control of combined arms motorists stranded across areas of northwest Kansas, prompting “We didn't really have a lot of heads up that we were going to be forces. According to 330th commander Kansas Governor Sam Brownback to issue a state declaration of utilized,” he said. “So we got really lucky that some of my local Capt. Louis Latimer, it’s a significant and emergency for the areas affected by the storm. First responders were guys and myself answered our phones that early.” uncommon charge. unable to respond to each of the large number of emergency calls. One of the recovery teams responded by 5 a.m., and headed “It’s a significant impact for the state and Enter the Kansas National Guard. north on Kansas Highway 25, which was the priority area at the the signal community in general as this is Two Stranded Motorists Assistance Response Teams, including four time, according to Breon. the second signal company that Kansas has vehicles and 10 personnel with the recently-activated 997th Brigade Most of the people that the Soldiers encountered had already stood up, the first one was the 369th Support Battalion, were mobilized early Nov. 18 to patrol roads and contacted a tow company and were waiting for recovery, but Breon Brigade Signal Company,” said Latimer. highways across northwest Kansas, searching for stranded motorists. said the Soldiers did give four stranded people a ride into town and “(The 330th) is one of ten units like this The teams assisted local law enforcement and emergency per- were able to rescue a wounded dog and take it to a local shelter. (Department of Defense) wide. sonnel in providing assistance to motorists whose vehicles had got- “This is one of the cool things about the National Guard,” said (Continued on Page 2) ten stuck or slid off roadways. The Kansas National Guard teams Breon. “You get to help your community, and that’s what this west- primarily patrolled roads in four counties: Cheyenne, Rawlins, ern Kansas (Colby) station is for, for missions exactly like this.” Sherman and Thomas. Emergency response efforts were coordinated by state and Detachment 1 of the 997th BSB is based out of the Colby, local agencies, including Kansas Division of Emergency Man- Kansas, armory, which is the westernmost armory in Kansas and agement, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Highway one of two located within the northwest region of the state. Patrol, county emergency managers and local law enforcement. PAID PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT 190th ARW ensures U.S. missions from Guam take flight By Melissa Brunner, WIBW "It just takes a lot ANDERSEN AFB, Guam - Purposely of focus," Boeckman bringing two aircraft within feet of each said. "You have to be other is not normal procedure – unless paying attention to you're the Kansas National Guard's 190th what's going on back Air Refueling Wing. there (behind the They're essentially a gas station in the sky, tanker). You have to which is vital for aircraft that couldn't other- tell your pilot where wise carry out missions requiring travel over (the other aircraft) is long distances without landing. For Ander- at in case he's mak- sen Air Force Base in Guam, the refuelers ing adjustments." are essential. "(Our pilots) fly About 100 members of the 190th ARW the plane based on are in the midst of a deployment to Guam, where (the other air- providing refueling support for the variety craft) is at," Ramirez of aircraft passing through the vast ocean said. "If he moves waters in the Asia-Pacific region. right, we turn our air- B52s are among them. The aircraft cannot plane to the right be- Melissa Brunner, news anchor with WIBW Channel 13 Topeka, get across the Pacific without stopping for cause it's an unsafe gives a live shot from Guam as part of her trip there with the fuel, and with nowhere to land in the endless environment. You 190th ARW. (Photo by Ben Bauman, Public Affairs Office) waters below, the 190th can take care of the could crash, so it's my job to control all that from 30 feet away in the air," Ramirez said. job in mid-air. and make sure he's not too close." While what they're doing in the air is the 2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka

OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL It's a task that requires surgical precision But close is exactly what the B52 must focal point of the 190th's mission, there's a Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 from the boom operators. WIBW Channel get in order to latch on and fill up the tank. lot going on the ground to ensure its success. DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL 13 News in Topeka was along on a flight The boom can transfer about a thousand gal- Typically, a crew of four is on the actual where Staff Sgt. Gabe Ramirez and Tech. lons a minute. flight, but the current deployment to Guam

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT Sgt. Adam Boeckman filled that role. "It's not every day you get to see airplanes (Continued on Page 2) Page 2 Plains Guardian • January 2016 Army, Air Guard participate in third annual Topeka Veterans Day Parade By Sgt. Zach Sheely ness groups, marching bands, floats and military equipment. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “I was honored to represent the 190th Air Refueling Soldiers and Airmen with the Kansas National Guard Wing and the entire Kansas National Guard as the emcee marched, rattled and rolled around the Kansas Statehouse for the Veterans Day Parade,” said 2nd Lt. Celestial square as a large crowd, waving American flags, cheered Arnold, public affairs officer, 190th Air Refueling Wing. and saluted the procession of the third-annual Veterans Day “It was humbling to be surrounded by so many veterans, Parade in Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 7. past and present, who have given so much in service to our Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general of Kansas, state and nation.” and Command Chief Master Sgt. James Brown, senior en- Past, present and future military members included uni- listed advisor, KSNG, served as grand marshals of the pa- formed service members from the U.S. Marine Corps and rade and stood on the grandstand and saluted as the Coast Guard; Soldiers with 1st Infantry Division, U.S. procession passed. Army; 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Reg- “What a great opportunity for the adjutant general and I to iment; 35th Infantry Division Band; the Color Guard of the partake in the Veterans Day parade here in the capital city,” Kansas Army National Guard; Airmen from the 190th Air Brown said, “to celebrate those that have served before us, Refueling Wing; Civil Air Patrol cadets; Topeka West High Airmen with the 190th Air Refueling Wing assemble those that are currently serving and those who will serve in School Junior ROTC members and Veterans of Foreign their float for the Topeka Veteran's Day Parade Nov. 7 the future.” Wars from local posts. in Topeka (Photo by Airman 1st Class Emily E. Amy- The parade kicked off as parachutists descended from the “It’s a great way to honor the families and those who otte, 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) sky, adorned in red, white and blue, as the sounds of patri- have sacrificed to serve their country,” said Brown. otic music blared from the grandstand, located on Southwest 10th Street, directly south of the Capitol. The procession included thousands of participants and featured vintage vehicles, civic groups, veteran-issue aware-

Two children watching the parade show their appreci- ation to veterans at the 2015 Veterans Day Parade in The 35th Infanty Division Band, “The Official Band of the Kansas National Guard,” marches down Southwest Harrison Topeka Nov. 7. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Kayla Kohn, 190th Street in Topeka, kicking off the third annual Topeka Veterans Day Parade. Kansas National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) participated in the parade. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

friendly forces that are in the area to actual leaving four children at home, including a Things like refueling an aircraft at Guam threats from other countries that may be seven-month old. 30,000 feet. (Continued from Page 1) watching us as we're going through our daily "I've been called to do this," Dial said. "Being a small town guy from Holton, involves about 100 guard members in all. missions," she said. "This is my service. Kansas, it's neat to see what I get to see, the "We have a lot of support staff,” said The missions the "Being a small town guy This is what I'm aircraft I get to see, the places I get to see," Chief Master Sgt. Von Burns, the 190th's 190th is conducting out from Holton, Kansas, it's proud to do." Boeckman said. Operations Group Superintendent. “With- of Guam could involve Burns said the Na- More importantly, carrying out their mis- out the support staff, we couldn't fly." escorting aircraft from neat to see what I get to tional Guard offered sion is essential to the military's mission – it Burns said personnel is needed to produce one location in the Pa- see, the aircraft I get to see, him a chance to fin- just doesn't hurt that their task has arguably flight records and documentation for each cific to another, provid- ish his education and the best view! mission. Others are in charge of maintaining ing support to those on the places I get to see." better himself. He is "I couldn't think of a better job to have in the aircraft and equipment, from helmets to an assigned task, trans- Tech. Sgt. Adam Boeckman, a Kansas City, Mis- the military right now," Ramirez said. life preservers. Still, more people are needed porting medical pa- KC-135 boom operator souri, police detec- The deployment to Guam is anywhere to take care of personnel issues such as ID tients themselves or tive in his day job. from three to six weeks. All members cards and payroll. training runs to ensure "There's a lot of should be home by Thanksgiving. But the There also are people like Capt. Janet Dial, all pilots and boom operators get required opportunities for someone like me or any- 190th likely won't be on the ground long. working in intelligence to keep an eye on touches to keep their skills sharp. one who aspires to do something they They're coming off their busiest flying year what's around the crews in the skies. No matter how duty calls, all said they're never imagined they would do," Burns in their nearly 40 years of carrying out a re- "(We monitor) anything from assets of happy to answer the call. Dial does it despite said. fueling mission. 330th Brigade Signal Company ready to embrace future of signal corps (Continued from Page 1) It’s their generation. My generation, we had “We will directly support the brigade,” he balls on the end of a rubber band. These said. “Our mission could be summarized re- guys are starting off basically from the crib ally as an Internet Service Provider. We are with technology. Their potential is there.” like Cox or AT&T coming to your house Peeler also noted that there are a lot of with our wire saying, ‘Here you go, here’s civilian tie-ins with a career in signal, in- the internet.’” cluding the equipment used and certifica- That’s no small task, considering a major- tions required. ity of Army operations involve some facet “They have such an opportunity to expand of network communications. Peeler, a 33- on what the Army teaches them through year veteran of the signal corps, said it’s an courses the Army offers to expand their ever-evolving, vital component of military knowledge base,” he said. “The certificates practices. that are out there in the civilian world, they “Signal has evolved immensely,” he said. can cost you a lot of money. All the stuff “It’s grown leaps and bounds. It’s not stop- you need on the civilian side, you can pick ping, it keeps growing and technology keeps up through the Army and that can save the getting better. We’re performing a mission Soldiers a lot of money.” that’s very critical.” Just as the crew of the Starship Enterprise Latimer, a six-year signal officer, said that boldly ventured where no one had gone be- among his immediate goals is to fill the Capt. Louis Latimer accepts the 330th Brigade Signal Company guidon from Lt. fore, the Guardsmen of the 330th hope to manning requirements for the unit by adding Col. Erica Christie, 997th Brigade Support Battalion commander, during a cere- lead the way as they fulfill their mission. qualified and motivated Soldiers from mony in Wichita, Kansas, Dec. 5, to officially activate the 330th BSC. Latimer will “This is really bringing Kansas onto a within the brigade and statewide. serve as commander of the unit, which is the second brigade support company in the new playing field and opening up the door “They’re on it,” Peeler said about his Kansas National Guard, along with the 369th Brigade Support Company. (Photo by to the signal community in general,” La- younger Soldiers. “They’re quick learners. Sgt. Zach Sheely, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) timer said. January 2016 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Kansas National Guard Soldiers, veterans gather to commemorate 30th honors new state chaplain anniversary of Army Aviation Support Facility #2 By Sgt. Brandon Jacobs, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment In a ceremony known as a Changing of the Stole, retired Chaplain (Col.) William D. Jenkins handed command of the state chaplains over to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Peter M. Jaramillo Nov. 7 at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, Topeka, Kansas. "Today is the end of my military career and the transfer of responsibility with the Changing of the Stole," said Jenkins. Jenkins joined the Army with a direct commission as a chaplain in 1989 and has served the religious needs of sev- eral units, culminating with his three-year command of all the National Guard chaplains in the state. "Chaplain Jenkins has done an outstanding job for the last three years as the state chaplain," said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general of the Kansas National Guard. "He's grown the chaplain corps that we have, that outstand- ing team, from a little over 50 percent to 80 percent." Jenkins retired with 26 years of honorable service to the Kansas National Guard and will continue his religious mis- sion as the bereavement coordinator for Grace Hospice and the priest in charge of the Episcopal Church of the Covenant in Junction City. Jaramillo, or “Father Pete” as he is affectionately known, has served the religious needs of the Kansas Guard for 19 Soldiers and veterans gathered at Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Salina, Kansas, Oct. 24 to commemorate years. He comes to the state chaplaincy from the 35th In- the 30th anniversary of the facility. (Photo by Spc. Mikayla Gentine, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) fantry Division, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. "Chaplain Peter Jaramillo is a dear friend, brother in By Spc. Mikayla Gentine leaders and flipped through scrapbooks revealing the Christ and an awesome chaplain," said Jenkins. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment brief, yet proud story of the 108th Avn. Regt. in Salina. During his time in the Guard, Jaramillo has deployed to Army aviators, past and present, gathered in Salina, Seasoned aviators returning for the 30th anniversary serve the religious needs of service members in Kosovo, Kansas, Oct. 24 to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of reunion swapped stories and memories with current Germany and Iraq. Army Aviation Support Facility #2, located at the Great Guardsmen, bestowing wisdom to those who could one "He always finds time to serve the needs of the Kansas Plains Joint Training Center. day be in their shoes. Army National Guard," said Tafanelli. "We really look for- Since branching off from Topeka’s 1st Battalion, 108th “Train as best as you can,” said Garr. “There’s going to ward to his leadership in the future." Aviation Regiment in 1985 to Salina, Company B, aka the be good times, there’s going to be bad times. But the key “Shadow Riders,” have deployed in support of Operation thing is to enjoy the friendship of the folks you have Iraqi Freedom, ran humanitarian aid in Central America here. It’s truly unique and it’s an opportunity that only a and conducted several other international missions. small selection of the U.S. population gets to enjoy. Take The Shadow Riders and other past units stationed at advantage of it.” Salina’s airfield have been found across the world, flying and operating UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. “We’re celebrating with camaraderie,” said Chief War- rant Officer 4 Jason Garr, senior instructor pilot in AASF #2, “of anyone who was a member of a unit here or any- one that worked here full time and, of course, friends of all those folks.” Of the 25-person full-time staff, one warrant officer re- mains from the original crew 30 years ago. That’s part of the reason throwing an anniversary celebration was im- portant, said Garr. A sizeable crowd walked into the hangar that Garr and other full-time Soldiers had set up exclusively for the re- union. Long-retired Soldiers, some sporting 108th Avia- tion jackets and veteran hats, mingled with old friends and current Soldiers, along with their families. Prize Left to right, Chaplain (Col.) William D. Jenkins, out- drawings were held and groups took pictures with the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment retirees sport- going state chaplain, Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adju- UH-60 Black Hawks. ing their unit colors embrace each other upon arrival tant general of Kansas and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Peter Among the crowd were the original few who had stood to the 30-year Army Aviation Support Facility #2 re- M. Jaramillo Nov. 7 at the Museum of the Kansas Na- up the support facility three decades ago. Current Soldiers union celebration held Oct. 24 at the Great Plains Joint tional Guard, Topeka, Kansas. (Photo by Sgt. Brandon and their children joined veterans alongside on-duty Sol- Training Center in Salina. (Photo by Spc. Mikayla Jacobs, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) diers who mingled to music, listened to speeches by unit Gentine, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Kansas Army National Guard welcomes new state command chief warrant officer By Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett know he will sustain our momentum and In his new position, Smith will manage state government and to the public. He 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment show a whole new generation of men and the warrant officer force and represent will be the personal advisor to the Kansas The warrant officer cohort of the women the path to success and service." their interests at all levels of local and adjutant general on issues regarding the Kansas Army National Guard welcomed a professional development, readiness, new leader Oct. 16 as Chief Warrant Offi- training, utilization, health, morale and cer 4 Michael W. Smith took responsibil- welfare of the nearly 130 warrant officers ity as the state command chief warrant of the Kansas Army National Guard. officer in a change of authority ceremony "I am honored to be here,” said Smith. at Nickell Armory, Topeka. “If there is a position in the Kansas Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector A. National Guard as a warrant to aspire to, Vasquez passed the Warrant Officer Corps it’s the command chief warrant officer. If flag, signifying authority of the Kansas someone was to tell me twenty, twenty- Army National Guard warrant officers, to five years ago that I would be the com- Brig. Gen. Robert E. Windham, com- mand chief warrant officer for the state of mander of the Kansas Army National Kansas, I would have told them they were Guard, who then passed the flag to Smith, crazy, but there is no other place I would investing in him responsibility as the be right now.” command chief warrant officer of the The custom of a change of authority Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas-Land ceremony is a time-honored tradition that Component, Kansas Army National extends back to the time of the Roman le- Guard. gions. The ceremony calls attention to Vasquez will continue his military ca- the continuing leadership and cohort reer on a Title 10 tour as the National identity, despite changes in individual au- Guard Field Artillery advisory for the Pro- thority and symbolizes the transfer of fessional Education Center at Fort Sill, command responsibility from one indi- Oklahoma. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael W. Smith, left, receives the Warrant Officer Corps vidual to another. This transfer is for- "(Chief Warrant Officer 4) Smith has flag from Brig. Gen. Robert E. Windham, commander, Kansas Army National mally represented by passing the colors, had success wherever he goes,” said Guard-Land Component, signifying Smith’s acceptance of role as Kansas state com- from the outgoing command chief to the Windham. “I am excited about what lies mand chief warrant officer during a ceremony at Nickell Armory, Topeka, Oct. 16. next senior commander to the new com- ahead for our Warrant Officer Corps. I (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) mand chief. Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • January 2016 Adjutant General’s Department takes a step toward the future

By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli decades. The Vietnam War had ended just coming from budget strain, shifting geopo- Team and Joint Forces Headquarters, The Adjutant General two years earlier and the aggressiveness of litical environments, new threats, and al- and in turn, the rest of our Army and For almost 40 years, the Adjutant Gen- a nuclear-armed Soviet Union consumed most constant reassessment of long-held Air Guard units throughout the state. eral's Department most of our attention and anxiety. It was a military assumptions. This makes for a • It will increase the value of and better has operated from time filled with uncertainty and concern chaotic environment. But we must remem- position Forbes Field should a future the Cold War-era about the future. ber there is always opportunity in chaos, Base Realignment and Closure Com- State Defense The State Defense Building was a classic and we intend to seize that opportunity. mission be authorized by Congress. Building in Topeka. model for the time. Designed with nuclear This requires us, as individuals, to do • It will enhance the tremendous oppor- Although little threat and civil defense in mind, the build- something very difficult. We must be will- tunity for multiagency sharing of ideas known by the gen- ing consolidated all three components of ing to set aside preconceived ideas and as- and lessons between different players eral public, our the Adjutant General's Department into the sumptions, look toward the future, and see on team Kansas. simple concrete same location: Kansas Army National what new opportunities we can build as a • And it will be the first among many slab and brick State Guard, Kansas Air National Guard and Di- team. As you read this, we are taking steps new steps in building a bright future Defense Building vision of Emergency Preparedness, which to best position the Kansas National Guard for our Soldiers, Airmen and civilian has served as the was renamed Kansas Division of Emer- to grab hold of emerging opportunities. professionals. epicenter of the Maj. Gen. gency Management in 1993. As part of a larger strategy, the Adjutant My firm belief is that in another four state's preparedness Lee Tafanelli For the first time in the agency's history, General's Department and Joint Forces decades, our Soldiers, Airmen and civilian efforts, ensuring senior leaders and planners in all three Headquarters are moving to Forbes Field in professionals will enjoy a considerable re- that Kansas and her defenders are always components could communicate and coor- Topeka. The move will accomplish several turn on the current investment being made. ready. From within its walls, Soldiers, Air- dinate their actions. This significantly im- things: That they will recognize that, in spite of the men, and emergency management profes- proved the Kansas National Guard's ability • It will allow for better partnering op- bumps, challenges and uncertainty, we took sionals have dedicated countless hours of to work both its state and federal missions portunities between the 190th Air Re- clear and bold steps with the country, the service during natural disasters, emergencies in much closer coordination with civil de- fueling Wing, the 108th Aviation Kansas National Guard and future genera- and military activities in an effort to assist fense/emergency management profession- Battalion, the 73rd Civil Support tions in mind. the citizens of Kansas and our great nation als. The ultimate beneficiaries of this during times of need. combined effort were the people of Kansas. When Gov. Robert Bennett cut the red, There is no doubt that such a major initia- Warrior to Warrior white and blue ribbon at the opening cere- tive had its challenges and strong critics, but mony in 1977, none of the 100 people in 39 years later we can clearly say that history Preserving our past, honoring attendance could possibly imagine the stag- has proven it a very wise and timely move. gering changes coming in the next four Today, we face a new set of challenges today, securing tomorrow By Command Chief Master Sgt. today’s Guard mission in a highly volatile Change is the law of life. And James Brown and dangerous world. In addition to the Senior enlisted leader museum displays, library, and artifact stor- those who look only to the past This month the Chief of the National age, the facility also houses the National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, sent a Guard Association of Kansas and the or present are certain to miss memorandum to all National Guard per- STARBASE youth program. This combi- the future. sonnel in- nation of occupants makes the Museum a structing us to true center for the preservation of the mili- support mili- tia heritage of the Kansas Army and Air tary associa- National Guard. John F. Kennedy tions and other This is “our” museum and we must pre- professional serve and support our heritage so that those groups. AFI that follow behind us will know of the sac- 36-2618, 4.1.8 rifices made and of the stories told by those instructs en- that served before us. As a profession of Warrant Officer call a success listed mem- arms, it is our responsibility to preserve the bers to “join past, honor those that currently serve and By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Smith pounds. It’s a lot easier to maintain physi- professional Command Chief to secure the museum for tomorrow’s war- Command Chief Warrant Officer cal fitness than to start an exercises pro- organizations” Master Sgt. James Brown riors. If you are an Airman or Soldier that The warrant officer call is a chance for gram all over again, so please ensure that and to partici- has not had an opportunity to visit our mu- me to visit with you, as well as foster net- you take some time to keep up your physi- pate in organization and community events seum in Topeka, consider this a challenge. working among warrant officers through- cal fitness. through volunteerism. There are many You will not be disappointed. For those out the state. Now is a good time to review and up- such ways to accomplish this leadership re- units that visit Joint Forces Headquarters It also gives date your military bio and Interactive Per- sponsibility. One such way is to support the regularly, bring your troops with you on some of our sonnel Electronic Records Management Museum of the Kansas National Guard. your next trip and make time to visit our Soldiers who System. Every Soldier is inherently re- The Museum of the Kansas National museum. There are currently over 7,500 are interested sponsible for maintaining his or her own Guard became a reality in 1997, when it Soldiers and Airman serving in the Kansas in becoming a records, so if you don’t take care of your opened its doors for the first time. It had National Guard and thousands more that warrant offi- records, then no one else will either. taken 12 years of planning, fundraising, have served before us. Currently there are cer a chance Now that warrant officer promotion and volunteer work to get our Kansas Na- only 150 members of the Kansas National to meet war- boards no longer require Soldiers to ap- tional Guard Museum open. Within the Guard Museum. Please consider support- rant officers pear, it is more important than ever to en- museum walls, the weapons, uniforms and ing our Kansas National Guard heritage. within the sure that your records are correct and up to other artifacts carried or worn by Kansas Remember our four focal points - readi- area. Chief Warrant Officer 4 date. I have received several notifications Guardsmen from the Civil War to the ness, customer care, communication and The warrant Michael Smith of warrant officers who are delinquent in Global War on Terrorism are proudly dis- partnerships. officer call in various categories. Although warrant offi- played. These artifacts paint a picture of I’m honored to serve as your Command December was a huge success as there cers have been relatively safe from reten- the Kansas citizen-soldier from the early Senior Enlisted Leader. Remember always, were approximately 30 warrant officers tion boards for many years, we may be at and bloody days of the birth of our state, to excellence is an attitude. Proud to Serve! representing many military occupational a point where we might not have time to specialties. Everyone had a chance to visit correct deficiencies in our records before and catch up, ask questions, and express it’s too late. Therefore, please make every ideas. effort to thoroughly and routinely review PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian I am planning to hold the next event your records and make updates/correc- The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content sometime during the summer in Salina. tions. of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- Once an exact date, time, and location are Finally, all of us who wear warrant offi- ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- set I will let everyone know. cer rank are looked at as subject matter ex- olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will Currently, the KSARNG warrant officer perts, so it is important to not only payment be made for contributions. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions strength sits at 83 percent. Last year, we maintain, but also grow within your re- may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). sent a record number of candidates to the spective career fields. The warrant officer Circulation: Approximately 15,500 state Warrant Officer Candidates School rank is very difficult to achieve, and many Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office course. Hitting this landmark, we must not good Soldiers fall short. Making up Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office relax and remember that we still have a lot around two percent of today’s modern Gov. Sam Brownback Director of work to do. So please keep an eye out Army, we are a small but powerful com- Adjutant General of Kansas Ben Bauman 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director for Soldiers within your ranks that appear munity, so let’s continue to excel at being Editor Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 to be a good fit for the Warrant Officer the leaders, mentors, and subject matter Ben Bauman Public Information Writer Cohort and get them connected with Chief experts that our commanders rely on. Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 Warrant Officer 3 Morgan Davis (mor- Again, thank you all for the support and Sgt. Zach Sheely e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]) or me dedication that you give to not only the Production Assistant Videographer ([email protected]). warrant officer cohort, but the Kansas Jane Welch 1st Lt. Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 Staff Writer Please continue to keep fit during the Army National Guard. I look forward to The Plains Guardian may be read online at Sgt. Zach Sheely 785-274-1191 winter months since the holiday season working with all of you throughout this http://kansastag.gov Command Historian For change of address, contact Jane Welch. characteristically brings with it additional coming year. Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Byers 785-274-1197 January 2016 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Runnebaum inducted into Museum of the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame By Capt. Margaret Ziffer “The nominations have to say something, they have to 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment show why that individual should go into the Hall of Fame. Retired Col. Ralph D. Runnebaum became the 107th If you are nominated, and if you are selected, it should be name added to the list of honored service members en- one of the highest honors that you have,” Jacobs said. shrined into the Museum of the Kansas National Guard In addition to thanking the officers, enlisted, warrant of- Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony Nov. 8 at the ficers, and civilians he has served with during his more Ramada Inn in Topeka. than 40 years of military service, Runnebaum thanked his Runnebaum is a decorated Vietnam combat veteran with wife, children, and family for their support. more than 32 years of enlisted and commissioned service. “When you put your heart and soul into things, you are He commanded at the company, battalion and brigade going to miss a lot of the family get-togethers, boys’ bas- level before his retirement as the chief of staff, Kansas ketball and football games, daughters’ dance recitals. You Army National Guard. miss a lot,” Runnebaum said. “I feel so proud today and Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas National Guard, the rewarded that I will become a member of this distin- adjutant general, remarked during the ceremony that guished group.” Runnebaum’s efforts in the maintenance community Runnebaum was commissioned as a second lieutenant made immeasurable contributions to shaping the Kansas from the Kansas National Guard Officer Candidate National Guard. School in July 1966 and attended the Ordinance Officer “He taught me about supporting our soldiers,” said Basic Course. He was mobilized in 1968 with the 69th Tafanelli. “One of the key things that he made sure of is Infantry Brigade and was sent to Fort Carson, Colorado, that his staff and your equipment was always ready so that where he was deployed to Vietnam and assigned as the you could draw it, it was ready to go and that you could battalion maintenance officer, 7th Psychological Opera- train on it. tions Group, United States Army Pacific in Vietnam. He “On behalf of the people of Kansas, thank you for every- remained in this position until December 1969. After thing that you have done for the country and for the being released from active duty he returned to the Kansas National Guard. And thank you for reminding us of Kansas National Guard. what true nobility and what dedicating our lives to some- Retired Col. Ralph Runnebaum, accompanied by his wife Other assignments include company commander, per- thing bigger than ourselves is all about.” Judy, is officially inducted into the Museum of the Kansas sonnel officer and executive officer for the 169th Support The Hall of Fame, established by the National Guard As- National Guard Hall of Fame by Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Battalion. He served in several principal staff positions sociation of Kansas, commemorates and recognizes indi- the adjutant general of Kansas. (Photo by Capt. Mar- before being selected to command the 287th Maintenance viduals who have served in the Kansas National Guard or garet Ziffer, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Battalion. After command, he was assigned as the its predecessor, the Kansas State Militia, and who have intel/operations executive officer and deputy chief of staff, made a significant contribution to the National Guard Headquarters, State Area Command. Ultimately, Run- achievements, tradition, or history. nebaum was assigned as the chief of staff of the Kansas After nominations are submitted, they go to a selection Army National Guard. committee, and are sent to the Board of Governors for Runnebaum was the director of the Mobilization and final approval. Training Equipment Site at Fort Riley, Kansas, for 13 “We try to really keep the integrity of the process so that years. After retirement from the Kansas National Guard, the people (that are inducted) really deserve to be there,” he became the civilian cite manager for the RETRO Eu- explained retired Lt. Col. Melvin “Doug” Jacobs, chairman rope Maintenance Program. From this experience, he was of the Board of Governors since 2005. “The military selected as the National Guard Bureau’s oversight man- record is part of it, but also the civilian record. What has ager for the Readiness Sustainment Maintenance Program. the individual done in their community that’s brought Runnebaum is an active member of several veteran’s or- credit on the National Guard? What did they do to con- ganizations. tribute to the community?” During his career, he received the Legion of Merit, Jacobs said induction into the Hall of Fame is one of the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Metal as well as nu- highest honors for National Guardsmen because inductees merous other U.S. Army and Kansas National Guard Retired Col. Ralph D. Runnebaum. (Photo provided) are selected by their peers. awards. High-tech toys: Today's scary story 184th Munitions Squadron By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Sackrider So you may be wondering, "What can be Information Assurance Officer creepier than stealing my kid's information?" ends long-standing tradition Remember the horror movies about dolls How about a toy that actively spies on them? By Tech. Sgt. Justin Jacobs remaining assets needed to be packed up and other toys going on rampages and There is a new Wi-Fi-enabled doll that is 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs and shipped to other units. going violent on an unsuspecting family? interactive in listening to a voice and re- The 184th Munitions Squadron has been “The magnitude of the effort to ship out Imagine less blood and carnage, but still sponding, in the same manner as a home- a part of the 184th Intelligence Wing for all the STAMP munitions and STRAPP leaving a family to pick based artificial more than 70 years. On Oct. 1, the wing equipment was enormous,” said retired Lt. up pieces. intelligence system. Re- retired the Munitions flag and said good- Col. Jeffrey Maddex, former commander In this edition we bring searchers attempted to bye to a squadron that was part of the of the 184th Munitions Squadron. you two stories, both hack into voice actuated 184th since the beginning. Squadron members retired or transferred about toys. The Hong networked dolls, and As a result of a realignment of Lackland to different squadrons throughout the wing Kong-based company have been successful. It's Air Force Base, Texas, in 2005, the 184th and units in different states as a result of VTech, makers of tablets possible to hack a doll, took on the Standard Air Munitions Pack- the divestiture. Of all the munitions troops, for kids and such, was enable the microphone, age, STAMP, and the Standard Tank, Rack, only one full-time and two drill-status hacked. Stolen were the and eavesdrop on conver- Adapter, and Pylon Package, STRAPP, Guardsmen were assigned to the 184th Lo- names, addresses, pass- sations. missions. gistic Readiness Squadron. words, and children's What's worse is some The squadron grew to more than 100 “To make this transfer happen with no names of over 6.4 mil- toys use the cloud for in- members who were ammo troops, known mishaps, while continuing the mission lion accounts. The data telligence responses, so as the bomb builders, or armament troops, until all assets were divested and getting was not encrypted on their servers. your conversations can also be intercepted known as the bomb loaders. our folks moving on to new jobs or retire- Luckily the person (as in yes, it only took during the doll's transmission to the internet. The squadron’s Regional Munitions ment, is almost unfathomable,” said Mad- one person to steal the data) indicated the In the future, cameras will be prevalent, so it Storage Area was responsible for 36 ac- dex. breach was only to expose the holes in se- may be possible to not only hear what is counts that held 1,100 line items support- The squadron’s accounts were trans- curity, and the data would not be released. said, but video can be captured. It's already ing the Air National Guard, Air Force ferred to the active duty and all ordnance However, many criminal organizations proven that sensor bars in the top game con- Reserves and the active duty Air Force. was shipped to other bases. Over $350 would pay dearly for such a treasure trove soles are sensitive enough to sense heart- Since 2005, the squadron delivered more million of assets were transferred, with the of data. Although no financial data or social beats and distinguish users by their than 380 tons of munitions to in-theatre bulk of it going to the 649th Munitions security numbers were stolen, just the list of biometrics, all without the use of a camera. combatant commanders during 15 different Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah. emails can become targets for spammers Toys are tracing the same route as social contingency operations. Additionally, they To be successful, the shutdown took a and those intent on phishing. media. How much information do you dare provided more than 110 pallets totaling team effort from all squadron members. Another issue is the information was to publish to the world for the sake of enter- 42,000 pounds of munitions to two special “I will always look back with pride on that of children. There may be no notice- tainment or convenience? Our children, assignment airlift missions. how the guys and gals in MUNS per- able effects from the breach until the kids whose information was just taken, may not Despite the shutdown, missions still had formed with such grace and professional- become adults and notice their credit is bat an eye at the incident, knowing their pri- to be completed and, at the same time, all ism under adversity,” said Maddex. already tarnished. vacy is less important than ours. Unfortunately, this scenario is not un- We wish there was a strategy to protect common. Many times high tech companies individuals. However, the reaction and de- are in such a hurry to get their products to gree of protection in these cases are on an market that security takes a back seat. individual basis. The paradigm is shifting to VTech is based outside of the U.S., which a fully-connected society. What scares us is another aspect we as parents and con- may not even faze our kids. Once again, sumers need to research. A company's web- as technology grows, society will have to site may have an American address, but that learn how to use it wisely, and that is usu- does not mean the information is stored here. ally through trial and error. Page 6 Plains Guardian • January 2016 Mohatt receives general’s star State surgeon reflects on 39 years of service during retirement ceremonies By Sgt. Zach Sheely with countless opportunities and experi- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment ences I would not have had outside the mil- Col. Gordon D. Kuntz has had a home in itary,” said Kuntz. “Looking back over the the military for more than 39 years in a ca- past 39 plus years, I have truly been reer spanning five decades. He served in blessed to have the unwavering support of the active-duty Army and Army National my family and to serve with so many out- Guard and held numerous duty positions, standing officers and soldiers in the Kansas including his most recent, commander of Army National Guard. While I will miss so the Kansas Medical Detachment and state many of my colleagues, I look forward to surgeon. the journey that lies ahead.” Kuntz’s long career and many achieve- Kuntz entered the United States Army ments were celebrated by colleagues, fam- March 10, 1975, completing Basic Combat ily, friends and the Training at Fort Jack- Soldiers under his “Without reservation, I son, South Carolina. command during two He attended Common separate ceremonies can say my tour of duty Basic Electronics Nov. 8. has been incredible.” Training for Tactical During the first cer- Col. Gordon D. Kuntz, Microwave Repair at emony, held at Nick- Fort Gordon, Geor- ell Armory, Topeka, Former state surgeon and gia, and was stationed Kuntz was presented Kansas Medical Detach- at Fort Jackson as a the Legion of Merit – COBET instructor. an award given for ment commander Kuntz re-enlisted as a exceptionally merito- patient care specialist Jennifer Mohatt affixes the rank of brigadier general on her husband, Col. Anthony V. rious conduct in the in 1978 and was as- Mohatt’s uniform during a promotion ceremony at the Great Overland Station in Topeka, performance of outstanding services and signed to the pediatrics unit at Madigan Nov. 6. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Hanson, 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs) achievements – by Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Army Medical Center Fort Lewis, Wash- Public Affairs Office Combined Arms and Services Staff School the adjutant general of Kansas. ington. One year later, he completed the Col. Anthony V. Mohatt, assistant divi- and Command and General Staff College “(Kuntz) has been a tremendous asset to his patient care specialist course and was as- sion commander for the 35th Infantry Di- and the U.S. Army War College. He also state and country and we’re better from hav- signed to Company B, 1st Medical Battal- vision, was promoted to brigadier general attended the U. S. Air Force Office of Spe- ing him,” said Tafanelli. “When he took com- ion, Fort Riley, Kansas, until leaving active in a ceremony Friday, Nov. 6 at the Great cial Investigations Criminal Investigator mand of the Medical Detachment, they were duty Feb. 29, 1984, with nine years of ac- Overland Station, Topeka. Training Program. ranked among the bottom third in the country. tive duty. “I am honored to be promoted and of- Mohatt’s military awards include the He leaves it ranked within the top five.” After one year, he joined the Kansas fered the opportunity to continue to serve Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Kuntz, who enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and was assigned as the citizens of Kansas and the nation,” said Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Army in 1975, briefly addressed his col- the medical noncommissioned officer at Mohatt. “I owe my family and civilian em- Commendation Medal with oak leaf clus- leagues, thanking them for their support the Kansas Military Academy in Salina, ployer my deepest gratitude and apprecia- ter, Army Reserve Components Achieve- during his career and recognized his fam- Kansas, where he entered Class 30 of the tion for their support during my 30 years ment Medal with four oak leaf clusters, ily’s support. Kansas Officer Candidate School. Upon of military service.” Iraq Campaign Medal, and numerous other During the second ceremony, held at the graduation, Kuntz remained as the medical Prior his current position, Mohatt was awards. Great Plains Joint Training Center, Salina, noncommissioned officer while he com- commander of 69th Troop Command. Dur- His civilian education includes a bache- Kuntz was presented with gifts from col- pleted his nursing education. He was com- ing his career, Mohatt has also served as the lor’s degrees in political science and soci- leagues and honored by the Soldiers of the missioned as a second lieutenant in the operations officer, 69th Troop Command; ology from the University of Kansas, a Medical Detachment. infantry and assigned as a junior tactical administrative officer and operations officer, Master of Arts degree in administration of “Without reservation, I can say my tour officer at the KMA until the time of his and commander of the 2nd Battalion, 137th justice from Wichita State University, a of duty has been incredible, providing me (Continued on Page 7) Infantry Regiment; and assistant training of- Master of Science in military arts and sci- ficer and plans officer, 35th Infantry Divi- ence from the U.S. Army Command and sion, in addition to various command and General Staff College, and a Master of staff positions. Mohatt has deployed in sup- Arts in strategic studies from the U.S. port of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Opera- Army War College. tion Enduring Freedom. In his civilian job, Mohatt is the special He is a 1990 graduate of the Officer agent in charge, United States Department Candidate School at the Kansas Military of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector Academy. His military education includes General Investigations – Midwest Region, the Armor Basic and Advanced Courses, Chicago, Illinois. AT&T contributes $15,000 to Kansas National Guard Foundation

Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general of Kansas, left, presents Col. Gordon D. Kuntz the Legion of Merit during a Nov. 8, ceremony at Nickell Armory in Topeka honoring Kuntz’s career. Kuntz, former commander of the Kansas Medical Detachment, retired after spending more than 39 years in the military. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

AT&T presents a check for $15,000 to the Kansas National Guard Foundation at the Governor’s Ceremonial Office in the Kansas Statehouse Nov. 9. The contri- bution is a show of support for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard and their families. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) January 2016 • Plains Guardian Page 7 1-161 Field Artillery Soldiers gear up for civil disturbance training By Spc. Mikayla Gentine 105th Mobile Public Affairs Office Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery played the role of first responders to a civil disturbance Oct. 24-25 at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina. On the other side of the shields, Soldiers volunteering as mock rioters pro- vided vital experience for trainees, acting the part of an angry mob as they yelled, pushed and attempted to initiate physical altercation with trainees on the riot control lines. Over the course of the two-day training exercise, approximately 250 Guardsmen learned techniques in escalation of force, personal protection, nonlethal self-defense and riot shield formations. While learning these techniques, Soldiers develop a broader sense of their part in a civil distur- bance scenario and how it impacts the overall mission of the Kansas Army Guard if they are ever called to conduct riot con- trol missions. “The training teaches Soldiers the differ- ence between a de-escalation event and possibly crippling relations with the pub- lic,” said 1st Sgt. Michael Barber, senior instructor. A de-escalation event describes the process used by Soldiers in a riot control scenario to diffuse rising tensions before resorting to physical detainment. For in- stance, a rioter choosing not to leave an area and instead push against shielded Sol- Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, are cloaked in simulated gas as they take a stance against mock rioters as part of diers would first be faced with verbal civil disturbance training at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina, Oct. 24. (Photo by Spc. Mikayla Gentine, 105th warnings before apprehension. Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) “This training gives the Soldiers confi- dence in knowing when they show up to a direct commission in the Kansas State Nurses Association. situation how they should act or react,” Kuntz retires Nurse Corps in January Kuntz is a graduate of the United States Army War College, said Barber, “not just in regard to a bad (Continued from Page 6) 1988, where he served Advance Joint Professional Military Education Program and the person who’s doing a bad thing, but just as the nurse/medical of- Medical Strategic Leadership Program. normal people.” ficer at the KMA. Other duty assignments included clinical Kuntz's awards include Meritorious Service Medal with two Barber said his group is constantly seek- nurse, nurse practitioner, training officer and head nurse for bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with silver ing and training instructors, provided they Physical Examination Team B with Detachment 5, Headquarters oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with silver oak leaf have enough funding, to ensure as many State Area Command, Lenexa. cluster and two bronze oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal units as possible in the state are trained in Kuntz served as the executive officer and deputy commander with bronze clasp, Army Reserve Components Achievement case of a civil disturbance emergency. Op- for the Kansas Medical Detachment prior to attending the United Medal with silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf clus- timally, explained Barber, trainers would States Army War College in July 2006. Upon completion of the ters, National Defense Service Ribbon with bronze star, Global be embedded within battalions to provide War College, he was assigned as the Medical Detachment com- War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Serv- training to Soldiers that may find them- mander until his deployment to the Horn of Africa in June 2010 ice Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve selves supported by the 35th Military Po- as the senior medical nurse with the 2nd Combined Arms Battal- Medal with silver hourglass and M device, Noncommissioned lice Company. Anyone interested in ion, 137th Infantry Regiment. Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Rib- becoming an instructor would first have to His education includes a bachelor's degree in nursing from bon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Over- keep attend training events by state in- Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, and a Master of Science seas Training Ribbon with numeral two, numerous Kansas structors and show a continual interest and degree in nursing from Wichita State University. He is a lifetime awards, Expert Field Medical Badge, and the order of Military dedication to maintaining peace in the member of the National Guard Association of Kansas, a lifetime Medical Merit. state of Kansas. member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the Kuntz is a semi-retired psychiatric nurse practitioner. Kansas Guard partners with United Way to fight hunger, raise awareness By Sgt. Zach Sheely Center in Topeka, Kansas, for a concert Nov. The Kansas National Guard partnered with it’s a great way for the Guard to interface with Public Affairs Office 21, they were greeted by Soldiers. United Way to help fight hunger in Topeka the public. When fans of classic rock and holiday But these Soldiers didn’t carry rifles; rather this winter by way of a food drive set up at Many of the Soldiers at TPAC were new music packed the Topeka Performing Arts hundreds of pounds of food. local armories to raise awareness about Guard members participating in the Recruit hunger in the community. Sustainment Program, which indoctrinates Approximately 25 Soldiers were on hand at and prepares ARNG Soldiers for the success- the Topeka Performing Arts Center to greet ful completion of their Initial Entry Training. patrons and unload and deliver the food to Among the RSP Soldiers was Pvt. Hunter Harvesters Community Food Network, a non- Anderson of the 635th RSG, who will join the profit organization that distributes the donated 35th Military Police Company upon comple- food to those who need it. tion of advanced individual training. Ander- “We have so many people that really strug- son said that he enlisted in the National Guard gle day to day to have enough to eat,” said to become a positive role model in his com- Miriam Krehbiel, president of United Way of munity. Greater Topeka. “We bring all sorts of folks “I wanted to get out and show that you can together to help the community understand go out and be a great person and change what’s going on. things in society,” he said. “The National “The National Guard has been an amazing Guard is here to help civilians, along with partner on this in every way possible,” said those in need. Krehbiel. “Through volunteerism and through “Growing up in my generation, we usually food donations. It’s been an incredible part- have the idea that everybody that’s in uniform nership and we honestly are overwhelmed at is going around busting down doors trying to how generous the Guard has been with us.” take out the bad guys, but this is just as im- According to Capt. Benjamin Moore, com- portant.” mander, Headquarters and Headquarters Moore echoed that sentiment. Company of the 635th Regional Support “We support the local community that Group, helping out the community is all in a we are from. It makes you feel good. day’s work. That’s why I joined. We don’t just care for “This is a fun part of the job,” Moore said. your security, we care for your sustain- Sgt. 1st Class Richard McGuire, surface maintenance mechanic, KSARNG, unloads a bar- “It makes the National Guard great because ment. We want to be able to help you im- rel full of food collected from local National Guard Armories at the Topeka Performing we’re part of the community.” prove your life and your quality of life Arts Center, Topeka, Kansas, Nov. 21. The Kansas National Guard partnered with United Moore, who is also the budget officer with that you have within our communities as Way to raise awareness on hunger. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) Recruiting and Retention Battalion, said that well as protect your right to have that.” Page 8 Plains Guardian • January 2016 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Do you know what to do when the flakes begin to fly this winter? By Steve Larson If you must travel when winter road con- Public Affairs Office ditions are deteriorating, then plan ahead to Despite a few bouts of heavy rain, the get the latest road information from the summer of 2015 was, weather-wise, fairly Kansas Department of Transportation. Be uneventful. However, the Kansas Division sure you know road conditions before you of Emergency Management is reminding leave by calling 5-1-1 or visiting the Kan- Kansans that a mild summer does not nec- drive website at kandrive.org. essarily mean winter will be equally as To find information on road conditions mild and the time to prepare is now. Some when not in the state, call 1-866-511-5368. areas of Kansas have already experienced The Kansas Department of Health and heavy snows and ice storms. Environment encourages Kansans dress ap- “Anyone who has lived in Kansas for propriately for bitterly cold weather and to any length of time knows Kansas weather know the warning signs of hypothermia. changes very rapidly and Kansans can ex- Weather conditions can change quickly, so pect both spring-like temperatures and a it’s important to have warm clothing, and blizzard warning during the same day,” extra layers ready. If you have to stay out- said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the side on bitterly cold days, make plans to Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- get inside to warm up on a regular basis. ment. “The best time to prepare for our Taking regular breaks from working out- challenging and ever-changing weather is doors in the cold can also help prevent in- now.” juries." The National Weather Service selects a For a complete list of items for a home or day each fall to remind Kansans of the po- Dec. 1 marked the beginning of meteorological winter. Frigid temperatures, heavy car emergency kit, go to www.ksready.gov. tential hazards associated with winter snow, icy roads, strong winds, flooding and more can make winter particularly dan- Additional information on preparing for weather. In 2015, that day was Dec. 1. State gerous. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for the hazardous weather winter weather is available from FEMA at agencies took the opportunity to encourage this winter will bring by checking out the National Weather Service's Winter Safety www.fema.gov, the American Red Cross at Kansans to prepare for another Kansas win- website! http://www.nws.noaa.gov. (Courtesy graphic) www.redcross.org, or your county emer- ter by checking the supplies in their disas- Recommended items to include in your • Blanket(s) gency management office. ter kit, reviewing their home emergency vehicle: • Tow chain or rope More information about staying safe in plan and winterizing their home. • Shovel • Road salt and sand winter weather is also available at Road travel is discouraged during ex- • Windshield scraper and small broom • Booster cables http://www.kdheks.gov/beh/download/win- treme storm situations; however, if you • Flashlight • Emergency flares ter_weather_safety.pdf must travel in those conditions the Kansas • Battery powered radio • Fluorescent distress flag The Federal Emergency Management Highway Patrol encourages taking extra • Extra batteries Information on winter driving tips is Agency also has a short animated video on precautions to keep yourself and your fam- • Water available from the Kansas Highway Patrol winter weather preparedness. It can be ily safe. Keep at least a half a tank of gas in • Snack food at http://www.kansashighwaypatrol.org/ viewed at your car at all times in case you get • Matches press/news_info/winter_drive.html You can https://www.youtube.com/ stranded or stuck in traffic. Arrange travel • Extra hats, socks and mittens also follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on watch?v=XVpGJ_Xl__w or plans so you can leave well ahead of bad • First aid kit with pocket knife Facebook and Twitter at www.kansashigh- scan the Qcode at the right weather and keep a disaster kit in your car. • Necessary medications waypatrol.org. with a smartphone. Wolf Creek graded exercise tests coordination of joint agencies By Steve Larson years and is graded by the Federal Emer- Public Affairs Office gency Management Agency and the Nu- Personnel from the state of Kansas, Cof- clear Regulatory Commission. The primary fey County and Wolf Creek Generating focus of the exercise is to evaluate the abil- Station tested their emergency response ity of the state, Coffey County and the util- plan and capabilities in full-scale exercise ity to protect the health and safety of the Dec. 8. public living in the vicinity of the Wolf This exercise is scheduled every two Creek Generating Station near Burlington. “Don’t Mix Chemicals, Read the Label First” month designated in Kansas

The State Emergency Operations Center, located in the State Defense Building, Topeka, buzzes with activity during the Wolf Creek Exercise Dec. 8 (Photo by 1st. Lt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) Participants in the drill included represen- tion about the scenario to personnel at Wolf tatives from Kansas Emergency Manage- Creek facilities, the Coffey County Emer- ment, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas gency Operations Center, the Forward Stag- Department of Health and Environment, ing Area in Coffey County, the State Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Emergency Operations Center in Topeka Wildlife and Parks, Kansas Department of and other locations. Responders reacted as Transportation and the Kansas National they would in a real situation to ever-chang- Guard, Coffey County agencies and the ing information and conditions. Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation. All facets of the state, county and Wolf In a departure from scenarios involving Creek emergency response plans were equipment failure and/or natural disaster, tested and evaluated with the results re- this year’s exercise involved a hostile action vealed in a public meeting in Burlington on against the nuclear power station by armed Dec. 10. The resuts of the exercise were fa- assailants. vorable, rating the exercise a success with During the drill, controllers fed informa- no findings of deficiencies.

Gov. Sam Brownback signs a proclamation at the Kansas Statehouse Oct. 30 designating November as “Don’t Mix Chemicals, Read the Label First” month in Kansas. During the month, the Technological Hazards Section of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management reminded the public “Don’t Mix Chemi- cals! Read the Label First!” The goal of the campaign was to educate the public on the dangers of mixing common household chemicals. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) January 2016 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Brigade building strength and Walmart donates $20,000 to Kansas readiness through Soldier care National Guard Foundation By Sgt. Anna Laurin through ACE, ACE-SI (Ask Care Escort- Sui- 130th Field Artillery Brigade, HHB cide Intervention) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Suicide. Soldiers taking their own lives. Invention Skills Training).” said Kracht. This sensitive subject is just the topic the The classes and training tools have been a 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Kansas Army highly valuable asset for the Guard so far. National Guard, has decided to focus on. “Being able to see stress contributories or On Dec. 13, a working group of leaders flags that a Soldier may be having problems, was held to discuss the progress of a preven- is very important and it is where the ACE-SI tative support system being created within program comes in,” said Ronald Marshall, their organization, the 130th FAB’s Suicide Suicide Prevention Program manager. “It Prevention and Intervention Program. teaches us how to be aware of those flags that The program stems from the Kansas Army show if a person is at risk.” National Guard Suicide Prevention Program, Not only does the program look at educating but is focused according to the direction from its personnel, but the goal is to have a com- within the 130th FAB leadership staff. plete buy-in at all levels. It will shape the “It is driven from the desire to improve Sol- brigade, battalions, companies and battery's dier care in the area of resiliency and at-risk into an organized team of leaders and suicide behavior,” said 1st Sgt. Jerald Kracht, Head- intervention officers, said Kracht. This ensures quarters and Headquarters Battery, 130th FAB. that every element within the brigade is collec- “The premise behind it is taking the elements tively working towards the same purpose, of the Suicide Intervention Program through- using the tools and resources provided. out the state that already exist and encapsulat- One tool that has been incorporated will be ing the very best practices into a usable format a brigade pocket card, which will be given to that can be distributed throughout the every Solider as an accountable item. The ex- brigade.” pandable card will list the phone number of The 130th FAB’s Suicide Prevention and the brigade suicide intervention officers as Intervention Program will create a supportive well as other Kansas National Guard suicide Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated $20,000 to the Kansas National and proactive network in which Soldiers and prevention resources. Guard Foundation in a ceremony at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard, their leadership are fully engaged and aware. The program and the steps taken to make Topeka, on Dec. 22. The grant will be used to provide valuable support services, “We want to have a good support structure sure that the brigade is using all available as- training and assistance to current service members and their families. Governor in place at all levels so we can understand our sets to reach their Soldiers has been an impor- Sam Brownback and Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant general, ac- Soldiers, their problems and see the indica- tant project within the 130th Command Staff. cepted the check on behalf of the Kansas National Guard Foundation. (Photo by tors in order to step in and help by get them “I appreciate those who have worked hard Jane Welch, Public Affairs Office) the assistance they need,” said Col. John W. on this program,” said Rueger. “It is important Rueger, 130th FAB Commander. “We need to me and something that is fundamental to to be able to react and have a good response the Soldier care within our organization. This Chaplain’s Corner when things happen but we must focus on a program not only falls in with soldier care, but prevention model. We will establish a total also allows us to leverage our junior leader- “The Blessing of the Chaplaincy” first line leader engagement and try to ad- ship to become stronger as an organization.” dress some of the root causes.” The focus of this program is about By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Peter Jaramillo the Unit Ministry Teams provides and op- Once the leadership understands the causes strengthening the support between personnel State Chaplain erates for our Soldiers and Airmen and that can lead towards suicidal ideation then within the organization and with their fami- On Nov. 8, the chaplain’s stole symbol- their families. they can then ask themselves the question, lies and local community agencies and other izing the priestly shepherding ministry of I am grateful for the 11 Army Chap- ‘What else can we do as an organization to sources of support. It focuses on the preven- the chaplain lains and the four Air Force chaplains and tackle those areas?’ tative steps that can be taken before a Soldier was passed their Unit Ministry Teams and the two “We have taken a look at all of the assets is lost to suicide. Even though suicide is a from Chap- Army Chaplain Candidates preparing to available to us and then formed a working sensitive topic for some, the 130th FAB lead- lain (Col.) become “bona fide” Army chaplains, and group of vested individuals to come up with ership understands that it is a necessary sub- William Jenk- one Unit Ministry Team deploying from different kinds of action plans we are able to ject and their Soldiers deserve a supportive ins and placed the 137th chaplain detachment in 2016. put together at our level,” said Rueger. “In and understanding environment. upon my I am confident that the Lord will con- the next 90 days we want to be operational “When it comes to our Soldiers and Sui- shoulders to tinue to bless these Unit Ministry Teams and roll the program out.” cide, we must be proactive. If we are reactive, carry on the as they engage in challenging times serv- The program will include three resources it will be too late.” This is a statement that pastoral mis- ing Kansas’ finest Soldiers and Airmen to available within the brigade: education, per- Kracht believes that everyone should buy sion of the of- nurture and affirm the spiritual leadership sonnel and informational tools. into. “We can’t react after it is done. Because fice of Joint of professional and pastoral support for “The primary tools are going to be education guess what, it’s done.” Forces Head- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) the caring chaplains and their religious quarters chap- Peter Jaramillo specialists. As state chaplain, I will sup- laincy for the Kansas National Guard. port and provide the opportunities for Kansas Guardsman accompanies Senator As I accepted this responsibility and professional chaplain training and spiri- Moran on visit to Center of Disease Control appointment, I am grateful to Maj. Gen. tual enrichment for our UMT that they be Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, for ready, responsive and resilient and spiri- entrusting his confidence in me. I am also tually and physically fit to meet the many reminded of the words from sacred scrip- needs that are placed upon them. ture, “There are different kinds of spiri- Presently, we are recruiting two new tual gifts but the same spirit” 1 Cor. 12:4; chaplains and two new chaplain assis- “to each individual the manifestation of tants for the corps, I will do everything the Spirit is given for some benefit”; that I can to retain quality chaplains in 1Cor.12:7 “But one and the same Spirit order to meet current future KSNG oper- produces all of these, distributing them ational requirements. individually to each person as he wishes” My commitment is to be available to 1 Cor.12:11. my chaplains and to support my com- I look back on this past year with sense mand with the finest ministry that mili- of gratitude to God for bringing me back tary chaplains can offer for vital religious from a successful six-month deployment support with moral counsel and strategic to Kosovo and back into active ministry leadership consistent with chaplain chain in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, of command entrusted to my pastoral Kansas. I am grateful for the leadership care. and personal mentoring of Chaplain Jenk- May God bless the Kansas Chaplain ins, for our Chaplain Corps and the sup- Corps in 2016 and keep them faithful and port of the command. I am deeply aware may his face shine upon them and grant of the spiritual gifts and ministries that chaplains and chaplain assistants his wis- the Chaplains Corps has been entrusted dom and peace as they serve those en- by God as well as the unique strength of trusted to the sacred ministry.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), left, who is a member of the Senate Appro- priations Health Subcommittee, visited the Centers for Disease Control and Pre- vention in October to learn more about how CDC safeguards the United States from health, safety and security threats. Moran was joined by The University of Kansas Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lee Norman, right. Norman also serves as a major in the Kansas Army National Guard Medical Detachment and is an advisor to Homeland Security and regional disaster preparedness agencies. (Photo provided) Page 10 Plains Guardian • January 2016 Awards and Decorations Guard, Reserve service members KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Chief Master Sgt. Brian Willard, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak leaf clusters inch closer to veteran status Legion of Merit Senior Master Sgt. Cornelius Hulum, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Mark Wall, 184th IW, Wichita By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy efits as those who served in an active sta- Master Sgt. Emily Albers, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Charles Ballard, 184th IW, Wichita 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs tus. However, associations who advocate Col. Michael Dittamo, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Master Sgt. Robert Bisterfeldt, 184th IW, Wichita Many National Guardsmen and Re- for retired Guard and Reserve have made Col. Gordon Kuntz, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Master Sgt. Nathan Burch, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector Vasquez, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Master Sgt. David Chirinos, 184th IW, Wichita servists are surprised to learn that, despite clear that they’re only interested in prop- Master Sgt. Angela Drummer, 190th ARW, Topeka years of service, in legal terms they’re not erly honoring the men and women who de- Meritorious Service Medal Master Sgt. Christopher Dubois, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Matthew Eisenbarth, 190th ARW, Topeka, with considered veterans. Congress looks to voted a career to the defense of their state oak leaf cluster change that. and nation. Master Sgt. Jayme Gabbard, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Carla Hale, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe, with four oak Master Sgt. Aaron Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita On Nov. 10, the U.S. Senate passed a bill Currently, Guardsmen and Reservist who leaf clusters Master Sgt. James Hodson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster which grants honorary veteran status to re- earn 20 “good years” of drill points don’t Maj. Mark Mullinax, HQ, 235th Rgmt, Salina Master Sgt. Clifford Kane, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak Maj. Robert Sands, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City, leaf clusters tired Guardsmen and Reservists who de- receive a DD 214, which officially dis- with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Melinda Kellogg, 184th IW, Wichita, with two voted over 20 years of service but were charges them from active duty and dubs Capt. Cory Durbin, HQ, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City oak leaf clusters 1st Lt. Daniel Arnold Jr., 73rd CST, Topeka, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Michael Kingsford, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak never federally activated. The bill, how- them veterans. To receive that paperwork, a cluster leaf cluster ever, would bring no changes to benefits member must serve in an active-duty ca- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Luis Vazquez Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Master Sgt. Jared Nickel, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Topeka, with oak leaf cluster leaf clusters afforded to drill-status service members. pacity for a minimum of 90 days under Sgt. Maj. Terence Hankerson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Alike Peterson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two The House of Representatives are also Title 32 or Title 10 military orders. Kansas City, with oak leaf cluster oak leaf clusters 1st Sgt. Jerald Kracht, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Eric Scurry, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak working on a plan similar to the Senate In many cases, the lack of activation was Master Sgt. John Kilpatrick, HHC, 635th RSG, Topeka leaf clusters bill. due to timing. Prior to the 9/11 terrorist at- Sgt. 1st Class James Elam, Co A, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka Master Sgt. James Shinkle, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Michael Swiercinsky, 995th Maint Co, Smith Master Sgt. Daniel Strickland, 184th IW, Wichita The two bills would introduce legal notes tacks, deployments were rare and very Center Master Sgt. Scott Tanos, 190th ARW, Topeka, with five oak that explain veteran benefits under Title 38 short compared to current activations. Staff Sgt. Bruce Curry, Co B, Rec & Ret Bn, Wichita, with leaf clusters two oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Kathleen Thornton, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka, with of the U.S. Code. The bills would clearly Since then, the National Guard and Reserve Staff Sgt. Perry Johnston, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Concordia oak leaf cluster state that the honorary veteran status became integrated into the warfighting Staff Sgt. Terry McGrath, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Tammy Wells-Switzer, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka, Staff Sgt. Jay Wilson, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka, with with two oak leaf clusters wouldn’t expand benefits to retirees in any package and activations were longer and oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Roger Williams, 184th IW, Wichita way beyond their current entitlements. more common. Tech. Sgt. Joseph Andra, 184th IW, Wichita Army Commendation Medal Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Armstrong, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak The main concern for lawmakers has Despite the type of service, members of leaf cluster been, once retirees are granted veteran sta- Congress have recognized the level of Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Austin, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Joshua Bantam, 184th IW, Wichita tus, lobbyists will press for more benefits commitment given by citizen soldiers and Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Brown, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with oak Tech. Sgt. Aaron Bayes, 184th IW, Wichita until drill-status retirees have the same ben- seek to honor them appropriately. leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. James Behl, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Sgt. 1st Class Joshua McCullough, HQ, Rec & Ret Bn, Tech. Sgt. Richard Bowman, 190th ARW, Topeka Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jesse Diaz, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Travis Letterman, Co B, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Alyssa Elder, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. John Fagan, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Kansas National Guard Strength Management Ribbon clusters Guardsman’s family receives Tech. Sgt. Cori Fortner, 184th IW, Wichita Pfc. Xavier Brown, Co B, Rec & Ret Bn, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Sean Greenlee, 184th IW, Wichita Pfc. Ryan Burr, Co B, Rec & Ret Bn, Wichita Tech. Sgt. David Grin, 184th IW, Wichita “Recycled Ride,” other donations Pfc. Benjamin Harrell, Det 2, Co A, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Brian Hartzell, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kitchen, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Kansas Achievement Ribbon leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Joshua Kvas, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Ashley Martinez, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four 1st Lt. Cassandra Hartshorn, 778th Trans Co, Kansas City oak leaf clusters 2nd Lt. Charles Manarang, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Morales, 184th IW, Wichita Lawrence Tech. Sgt. Jeremiah Rempel, 184th IW, Wichita 2nd Lt. Michael Shoemaker, 130th FA Bde, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Christopher Schneider, 184th IW, Wichita 1st Sgt. Nancy White, HQ, 235th Rgt, Salina Tech. Sgt. Jeffery Self, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Fox, Det 2, Co C, 2nd Bn, 211th Avn Tech. Sgt. Roger Seward, 184th IW, Wichita (GSAB), Salina Tech. Sgt. Jessica Sills, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Sgt. 1st Class Hector Medina, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgmt (MTB), clusters Salina Staff Sgt. Jerry Allen, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Sgt. 1st Class George Villarreal, Det 1, KS Rec & Ret Bn, cluster Wichita Staff Sgt. Casey Blair, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Brandi Williams, HQ, 235th Rgmt, Salina Staff Sgt. Lourdes Bravo, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Joshua Haybarker, HHD, 635th RSG, Topeka Staff Sgt. Clinton Brown, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. James Laning, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Staff Sgt. Chase Bryan, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Eric Reichert, Det 1, KS Rec & Ret Bn, Wichita Staff Sgt. Billy Canaan, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Lauren Stout, HQ, 35th Div, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Diane Collins, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Chase Taylor, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Kalim Dausuel, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Shawna Murphy, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Coffeyville Staff Sgt. Adam Ellingson, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Robert Schlingmann, 772nd Eng Co (MAC), Pittsburg Staff Sgt. Blake Elliott, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Chancy Schmidt, 731st Trans Co, Great Bend Staff Sgt. Lindsay Fawcett, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Casey Tefft, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Mary Greene, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Chad Thompson, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Coffeyville Staff Sgt. Dominique Hulum, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Mychal Thompson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Newton Staff Sgt. Cale Janner, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Dylan Wonser, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Coffeyville Staff Sgt. Troy Jones, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Mikayla Gentine, 105th MPAD, Topeka Staff Sgt. Victoria King, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Daniel Guareca, 287th SB, Wichita Staff Sgt. Joshua Langenfeld, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Spc. Jerred Helm, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Newton leaf cluster Spc. Christen Miller, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Coffeyville Staff Sgt. Justin Lewis, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Taylor Morris, Det 4, Co E, 2nd Bn, 211th Avn (GSAB), Staff Sgt. Breona Martinez, 184th IW, Wichita Topeka Staff Sgt. Jeremiah McFerrin, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Adam Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Norris, 184th IW, Wichita Meritorious Service Medal Staff Sgt. David Riddel, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Rachelle Schrader, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Christopher Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Kevin Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Pvt. Dayquan Boose, his fiancé, Taylan Reed and their children, accept ownership Col. Derek Rogers, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak leaf Staff Sgt. Trenton Snowbarger, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two clusters oak leaf clusters documents of a donated minivan from a representative with Hendricks Body Shop Lt. Col. Shayna Holman, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Stephen Spencer, 184th IW, Wichita Nov. 17 at Hendricks in Kansas City, Missouri. The vehicle was donated by Recy- leaf cluster Staff Sgt. John Stupasky, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. James Wehrli, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Staff Sgt. Joshua Swilley, 184th IW, Wichita cled Rides, in conjunction with Travelers Insurance. The Boose’s also received cluster Staff Sgt. Shaylynn Thompson, 184th IW, Wichita $2,500 from Enterprise Rent a Car (to help pay a full years’ worth of auto insur- Maj. Kelly Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Staff Sgt. Bradley Weaver, 184th IW, Wichita clusters Staff Sgt. Jeremy Williams, 184th IW, Wichita ance, tags and taxes), a $500 gift card to a local men’s clothing store for clothing Capt. Susan Ahlstedt, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Steven Worthington, 184th IW, Wichita for job interviews from Todd’s Clothiers in Overland Park, $1,000 in gift cards Capt. Christopher Hogan, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Anthony Young, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Foote, 184th IW, Wichita, with Senior Airman Evan Amaro, 184th IW, Wichita from local restaurants, shops and gas cards. The van was also full of wish list items two oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Blake Ballard, 184th IW, Wichita for the holidays along with a car seat, diapers, wipes and a variety of other needed Master Sgt. Lana Burghart, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Matthew Broll, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Senior Airman Shalea Cadoret, 184th IW, Wichita items. Boose is a Soldier with 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Master Sgt. Gordon Cole, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Darius Colvin, 184th IW, Wichita Regiment, Kansas Army National Guard. (Photo by Tammy Bullard-Alsup) Master Sgt. Robin Lewis, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka, with two Senior Airman Tiffany Cooper, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Justen Crane, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Ashley Tremblay, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Mark Deabler, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Summer Walters, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Dustin Delk, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Jarrell, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgmt (MTB), Master Sgt. Matthew Wisner, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Jennifer Erskin, 184th IW, Wichita Salina leaf cluster Senior Airman Michael Freelend, 184th IW, Wichita Retirements Sgt. 1st Class Darrin Littlepage, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Staff Sgt. Cory Sprecker, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Jeffrey Henderson, 184th IW, Wichita Coffeyville Senior Airman Kyle James, 184th IW, Wichita Kansas Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class David Palmer, 35th MP Co, Topeka Air Force Achievement Medal Senior Airman Michael Kleymann, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Eric Rich, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Senior Airman Tyler Martin, 184th IW, Wichita Col. Gordon D. Kuntz, KSARNG Med Det, Salina Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Russell, RTSM, Salina Senior Airman Scott Meyer, 184th IW, Wichita Col. Michael Dittamo, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. 1st Class Michael Swiercinsky, 995th Maint Co (-), Senior Airman Shawn Moravec, 184th IW, Wichita Col. William Jenkins, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Smith Center Lt. Col. Peter Austin, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Jason Paul, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Daniel Jones, 130th FA Bde, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class Karla Weber, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lt. Col. Steven Garcia, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Cherrie Rattana, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Jeffrey Crysler, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Robert Griffiths, 170th Maint Co, Wichita Maj. Amy Blow, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Austin Sage, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Nicole Knight, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Shawn Hardeman, 1077th Med Co (GA), Olathe Maj. Jeffrey Boyles, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Seth Sanford, 184th IW, Wichita Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Tiemissen, HHC (-), 2nd Staff Sgt. Scott Ledoux, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lenexa Maj. Christopher Hill, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak Senior Airman Harrison Shellhammer, 184th IW, Wichita CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Christian Mayer, BCTS, Fort Leavenworth leaf clusters Senior Airman Caleb Spangler, 184th IW, Wichita 1st Sgt. Joseph Alaniz, Det 1, KS Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka Staff Sgt. Kelly Ninabuck, 170th Maint Co, Wichita Maj. James McCosh, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Ryan Sparkman, 184th IW, Wichita 1st Sgt. James Kipper, HHC (-), 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Annette Ross, 778th Trans Co (-), Kansas City Capt. James Carter, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Airman Brian Stiner, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Kansas City Sgt. Timothy Greenwood, Det 1, 137th Trans Co, Olathe cluster leaf clusters 1st Sgt. Timothy Prine, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Paola Sgt. Amanda Mayfield, Det 2, 995th Maint Co, Norton Capt. Darral Garner, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Kyle Swendson, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. James Ledin, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. Roger Moler, 242nd Eng Co (-) (Horz), Coffeyville Capt. Christopher Hogan, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Kody Truesdell, 184th IW, Wichita Hutchinson Sgt. Joseph Ralston, 35th MP Co, Topeka Capt. Keith Marshall, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Paul Vernacchia, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Emilio Montanez, 287th Sustainment Bde, Spc. Joanne Crumbly, 731st Truck Co (-), Great Bend Capt. Summer Schwindt, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Cody Wirth, 184th IW, Wichita Wichita Capt. Joshua Thomas, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Jordan Wright, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Eric Thompson, HHB (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Kansas Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Akin, 184th IW, Wichita, with three Airman 1st Class Samuel Bowman, 190th ARW, Topeka Hiawatha oak leaf clusters Airman 1st Class Jordan Solomon, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Charley Finley, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Col. Derek Rogers, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. James Caughron, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Matthew Steiner, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Donald Flax, HHD, 635th RSG, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Foote, 184th IW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Noe, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Airman 1st Class Warren Storie, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Steven Griffin, KS Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Bob Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf cluster Airman 1st Class Logan Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Morton Griggs, RTSM, Salina Master Sgt. Jeff Lockhart, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Brian Norris, 184th IW, Wichita Airman Daniel Dickson, 184th IW, Wichita January 2016 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Three changes of command in one day for 184th Miller takes command of RTS-M By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brent Campbell 235th Regional Training Center commandant Soldiers, friends and family members gathered at the Reginal Training Site- Maintenance in Salina Nov. 7 to welcome Maj. Wallace E. Miller III as he assumed command of the Ordnance Training Com- pany, 2nd Battalion, 235th Training Regi- ment commander. “It’s an honor to be taking command of such a prestigious organization with a long history of professionalism and a commitment to training our nation’s Brig. Gen. Jay Selanders, assistant adjutant general-Air, left, passes the flag of the 184th In- forces” said Miller. telligence Wing to Col. David Weishaar, new wing commander, right, during a ceremony Oct. “These past 33 months serving as the 4 at McConnell AFB, Wichita, in which Weishaar inherited command of the 184th from Col. commander of the RTS-M have been some Jeffry J. Jordan. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) of the most gratifying times in my career,” By Senior Airman Lauren Penney, ready for the challenge. said Maj. Mark C. Mullinax, Miller’s pred- 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs As the new commander of the 184th RSG, ecessor. “RTS-M is a truly great organiza- Three groups assigned to the 184th Intelli- Smith plans, “to listen, to support and work tion full of professional Soldiers dedicated gence Wing received new commanders during directly alongside the professional men and to their mission. I've known Major Miller a triple change of command ceremony Oct. 3. women of the RSG.” for years and he is absolutely the right offi- Lt. Col. Scott Henry (right), commander, The ceremony began with the 184th Mis- Smith began as an active-duty air traffic cer to lead them at this time.” 2nd Battalion, 235th Training Regiment, sion Support Group, which consists of four controller. He became a traditional member of The RTS-M is an ordnance training charges Maj. Wallace E. Miller III (left) squadrons and one flight providing force sup- the 134th Air Control Squadron, served in the company providing military occupational with the colors and responsibilities as port, security, communications, civil engineer- 184th Civil Engineer Squadron and was specialty qualification, advanced and sen- commander of the Regional Training ing, contracting and logistics services. called to active-duty for two years in response ior noncommissioned officer education, Site- Maintenance as Maj. Mark Mulli- Col. David A. Weishaar, commander, 184th to the 9/11 crisis. additional skill identifier and sustainment nax looks on. (Photo provided) MSG, passed the group’s command responsi- Lastly, Venerdi assumed command of the maintenance training for multiple branches Ordnance Advanced Course, Infantry Offi- bilities to Lt. Col. Jason Knobbe, who was 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Recon- of the armed forces around the country. cer Basic Course, and numerous other mil- previously the deputy commander of the naissance Group, the position relinquished by Miller began his military career in Au- itary courses. His civilian education 184th Regional Support Group. Col. Kreg M. Anderson. gust 1995 in the U.S. Army serving in includes a bachelor’s in general studies Weishaar joined the Air Force in 1981 as an Venerdi has been the commander of several Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry business and a master’s in organizational active-duty aircraft maintenance specialist and different squadrons, including the 184th Oper- at Fort Riley, followed by service in 2002 leadership from Fort Hays State Univer- transitioned to the Kansas Air Guard in 1985. ations Support Squadron, 184th Intelligence with the Kansas Army National Guard. sity. Other previous positions include 299th Net- Support Squadron, the 161st Intelligence He was commissioned as a second lieu- Miller’s military awards and decorations work Operations Security Squadron com- Squadron and deputy commander of the tenant in the infantry in September 2004 include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Serv- mander and the 184th Regional Support 184th MSG. from the federal Officer Candidate School, ice Commendation Medal, Army Com- Group commander. “I’m extremely excited to go back to work- Fort Benning, Georgia, and in 2008, mendation Medal, Army Achievement “Mission Support did their job in support- ing where I first cut my teeth in command,” branch transferred to the Ordnance Corps. Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National ing the mission,” said Weishaar. “Please con- said Venerdi. “I look forward to stepping into His past assignments include Force Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign tinue what you’re doing for the wing. Because Colonel Anderson’s footsteps and carrying on Management and Readiness Branch Chief, Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service that’s exactly what it is -- mission support.” the pride and tradition of what you Fighting Joint Forces Headquarters; training admin- Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Knobbe assisted in leading the 184th RSG, Jayhawks bring to the fight.” istrator, JFHQ; commander, 995th Support Noncommissioned Officer Professional which was the second largest group in the Anderson was commissioned in 1989 and Maintenance Company; operations officer, Development Ribbon, Army Service Rib- ANG and consisted of seven unique has held a variety of positions in both active 287th Special Troops Battalion; adminis- bon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritori- squadrons, two geographically separated units duty and the Air Guard, including director of trative officer, 287th Special Troops Bat- ous Unit Commendation, and the Expert and more than 640 personnel. operations of the 161st IS and the 161st IS talion; executive officer, Company B, 2nd Infantryman’s Badge. “I’m incredibly excited to be accepting the commander. Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Miller works full time for the Kansas MSG guidon,” Knobbe said. “Thank you for “I couldn’t be prouder of the cyber-net- Regiment. Army National Guard as the Force Man- letting me serve the RSG.” work, system specialists and contractors that His military education includes Com- agement and Readiness branch chief at Weishaar assumed command of the 184th support our mission,” Anderson said. “It’s a mand and General Staff Officer Course, Joint Forces Headquarters. IW the next day. beautiful thing when you’re a commander and Col. Michael T. Venerdi, commander, 184th the only thing you have to worry about is, not RSG, relinquished his command to Lt. Col. whether your crew is going to do the task, but Safety Corner Timothy J. Smith, inspector general of the whether they’re being challenged enough.” 184th IW. Anderson retired from the Air National Knowledge vs Wisdom Smith said he has big shoes to fill but is Guard Oct. 30. By Chief Warrant Officer 4 you might have the knowledge to do that Marvin Terhune task, but have you gained the wisdom to State Safety officer do it safely? Things like operating a weed Chiefs defensive lineman visits Doesn’t it just amaze you how people eater, cutting grass with a lawn mower, or Guard Soldiers at Lawrence Armory can be exceptionally smart yet make so how about driving a car! Everyone is many mistakes? bombarded by the media about wearing It is very easy seatbelts, don’t text and drive, don’t talk now to gain on your phone and drive. This all relates knowledge. We to do you have the knowledge to do what can “Google” you are doing, and do you have the wis- everything in the dom to do it safely. You can “Google” world and then what happens when you are thrown from go to “You Tube” the vehicle in a rollover accident. What to see how to are the odds of being involved in an acci- complete the dent if you are driving and being inatten- task. As you re- tive such as texting, talking on your phone search the how to or eating while driving? items around the Chief Warrant Knowledge is not always the best house that you Officer 4 teacher. You have to gain wisdom through can fix or put to- Marvin Terhune the “hard knocks” or life lessons. You gether yourself, don’t forget to think about know if you burn your hand on the stove what you are about to do. not to do that again. Or better yet, listen to Everyone has the knowledge to set up a someone else that has burned their hand ladder and climb it, but do they have the on the stove to gain their wisdom so you wisdom to know how far they can reach do not repeat their misfortune. It is always sideways or how high can they really go better to listen to someone who has the on the ladder? Thousands of people are knowledge to do something safely, but injured nationwide annually or lose their better yet if they can pass that wisdom on life attempting something as simple as to you! And with that little bit of wisdom climbing a ladder. Everything that we pur- from an old guy. I hope you have enjoyed Mike Devito, Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman, visits Soldiers with Com- chase has operating instructions enclosed the safety articles and understood that pany A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, Kansas Army with safety requirements for the item. safety is an important part of our lives and National Guard, at the National Guard armory in Lawrence, Nov. 6. Devito was This is the manufactures attempt to teach the benefit is not always measurable. As I given a tour of the armory and got an up-close look at an M2A2 Operation you the knowledge to operate the equip- transition into retirement after almost 42 Desert Storm – Situational Awareness Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the M2 ODS ment and the “wisdom” of what can hap- years of wearing a uniform I wish all of Table Top Full Fidelity Trainer and the virtual fire arms training system. (Photo pen if you don’t! you the happiness and success that life has by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) Think of everything that you do that to offer! And last but not least, be safe! Page 12 Plains Guardian • January 2016 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Nelson takes command of 2-137th CAB Kansas Guard well-represented at 2015 NGAUS conference By Maj. Jason Inskeep sioned officer in attendance. 35th Infantry Division This conference was full of excellent More than 80 Kansas Guardsmen and guest speakers, industry partner presenta- their family members travelled to tions, and professional development ses- Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 10-13 for the sions. It was also a great opportunity for 137th National Guard Association of the attendees to socialize with other attendees United States General Conference. The and sample the hospitality of the host Kansas National Guard had excellent rep- state and all of the other 53 states and ter- resentation from its officer and warrant ritories in attendance. While there were officer ranks, from newly commissioned many highlights over the course of the lieutenants to the adjutant general. conference, some of the most notable The Kansas National Guard and its were presentations by both the Army and service members were recognized for Air Force chiefs of staff. While Gen. many accomplishments over the course of Mark Welsh, the Air Force chief of staff, Lt. Col. Jason Nelson addresses Soldiers during a ceremony in which he assumed the four-day event. For the 27th year in a has spoken at the NGAUS General Con- command of 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, Dec. 12 at the row, the National Guard achieved 100 ference before, this was the first time for Manhattan Armory. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brent Anders, 105th Mobile Public Af- percent membership for the National Gen. Mark Milley, the new Army chief of fairs Detachment) Guard Association of Kansas and the Na- staff. Both emphasized a total force per- tional Guard Association United States. spective. Milley said he intends to look at By Master Sgt. Brent Anders a M60A3 armored crewman and was com- Capt. Kyle Bell, Kansas Army National a variety of ways to better integrate and 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment missioned a second lieutenant through the Guard, and Capt. Naomi Hume, Kansas utilize the National Guard within the total “I’m excited!” Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Air National Guard, were awarded the Army. Lt. Col. Jason Nelson expressed his ea- Emporia State University in 1995. Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award. Next year’s conference will be Sept. 9- gerness in officially taking command of the Nelson’s previous assignments include Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brent Campbell 12, 2016, in Baltimore, Maryland. For Kansas National Guard’s 2nd Combined platoon leader; executive officer; personnel was awarded the Eagle Rising Award. more information on this event, please go Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment officer for the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor; The 190th Air Refueling Wing was rec- to: http://www.ngaus.org during a change of command ceremony commander, Company B, 1st Battalion, ognized for their flight safety record with Dec. 12 at the Manhattan, Kansas, armory. 635th Armor in Junction City, Kansas; op- the Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Flight Safety “It’s a big task, trying to live up to the level erations officer for 1st Battalion, 635th Award, and retired Col. Ronald Sheldon of achievement that Lieutenant Colonel Denny Armor; deputy plans officer for the 35th In- was recognized among the thousands of has achieved,” said Nelson. “Filling his shoes fantry Division, and chief of Operations for attendees as having the most time de- is going to be tough, but I’m looking forward the 35th Infantry Division. His full-time ployed overseas in support of combat op- to it. I’m excited about the group we’ve got in position is the state training officer for the erations. 2nd Lt. James West was also this battalion that will take us there.” Kansas Army National Guard. recognized as the most junior commis- The mission of the 2-137th is to close with Nelson’s military awards and decorations in- and destroy the enemy by means of fire and clude the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service maneuver or repel assaults by fire, close com- Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Com- bat and counterattack. Units operate the mendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, M2A2 SA Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Army’s main battle tank, the M1A2 Abrams. Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clus- “You want to empower leaders, empower ters, Army Reserve Components Achieve- noncommissioned officers and Soldiers,” ment Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Nelson said of his leadership philosophy. National Defense Service ribbon with “These guys know what they are doing. They bronze star, Armed Forces Expeditionary know the equipment, how to maneuver, and Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal with how to shoot it and use it. What we have to Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal get to is putting all those things together with two bronze service stars, the Global against a dynamic enemy. I think my job is to War On Terrorism Service Medal, Combat give the company commanders the tools they Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the need to exercise their Soldiers to prepare Honorable Order of Saint George. them to be able to face the enemy.” Nelson deployed to Kosovo from Octo- Nelson said that he plans to train his Sol- ber 2004 through February 2006. He also diers “very hard” to be mission ready, and deployed to Afghanistan from November prepared for an upcoming rotation at the 2010 through October 2011. National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Cali- Nelson attended Emporia State University, fornia. where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sci- “When you leave commanding the 2- ence degree in biology. Nelson has com- 137th,” Denney said, “the first thing you pleted the Air Defense Artillery Officer realize is you've just given up command of Basic Course, Armor Officer Captains Ca- a 900-man battalion and the most lethal reer Course, Combined Arms Exercise, Inter- battalion in the state of Kansas." mediate Level Education – Common Core, Nelson began his military career in 1990 as and Advanced Officers Warfighting Course. Military Youth Deer Hunt More than 80 Kansas National Guardsmen and their family members travelled to Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 10-13 for the 137th National Guard Association of the United States General Conference. The Kansas National Guard had excellent repre- sentation from its officer and warrant officer ranks, from newly commissioned lieu- tenants to the adjutant general. (Photo provided)

The Quality Deer Management Association, Greater Kansas City Area, hosted the annual Military Youth Deer Hunt Sept. 11. Kansas National Guard youth, Nevyn Gold, left, and Spencer Alsup, right, participated in the hunt. These two families combined to provide 57 years of service to our military, including 11 de- ployments to the Middle East. The group had the meat processed from the har- vested deer and it was delivered to the Gold and Alsup families. (Photo provided)