June 2012 184Th Intelligence Wing Names Intel Complex for Gates by 2Nd Lt

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Volume 55 No. 3 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol June 2012 184th Intelligence Wing names intel complex for Gates By 2nd Lt. Matt Lucht Central Intelligence Agency from 1986 to 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs 1989 and as director from 1991 to 1993. Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. secre- “This occasion and this facility, in many tary of defense, was the guest of honor at a respects, pull together three subjects that ceremony May 30 dedicating the Kansas are near and dear to me on a personal level National Guard’s 184th Intelligence and professionally as secretary of defense,” Wing’s Intelligence Complex in his name said Gates. “The state of Kansas, the Na- at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, tional Guard and intelligence, surveillance Kan. Gates’ 99-year-old mother and other and reconnaissance work to the war family members joined with friends and fighter.” Airmen of the 184th IW to honor Gates Before the dedication ceremony, Gates and witness the dedication ceremony of the had the opportunity to tour and meet the new complex. Airman that work daily in the new 184th “We thank you for a career that is a testa- intelligence complex. After meeting them, ment to the love of America and a love of he was presented the first minted commem- Americans that is common among Kansans orative Dr. Robert M. Gates Intelligence and you show that to all of us,” said Kansas Complex challenge coin. Gov. Sam Brownback. The three-building intelligence complex, “The defense of liberty of freedom falls located at McConnell AFB, encompasses to every generation, it truly does, and our 16 acres and includes more than 68,000 thanks to our former Secretary of Defense square feet of administrative, training, Dr. Bob Gates,” said Pat Roberts, U.S. sen- briefing and operations space. Building 40 ator of Kansas. was completed in 2006. Modification and Gates, a Wichita native, served as the renovation projects on Buildings 37 and 49 22nd secretary of defense from 2006 to were completed in January 2012. 2011. He was selected for this honor be- Col. John J. Hernandez, commander of the 184th Intelligence Wing, unveils a plaque “Many people beyond this complex are cause of his dedication to expanding intelli- naming the wing’s Intelligence Complex at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kan., likely unaware of all the work that is in- gence, surveillance and reconnaissance in honor of Dr. Robert Gates (left), former U.S. secretary of defense, during a May 30 volved,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee support to military forces during his tenure. ceremony. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Af- Tafanelli, adjutant general, “and may not Gates also served as deputy director of the fairs) (Continued on Page 2) Fighting Jayhawks respond Delegation from Republic of quickly to storm damage Armenia visits Kansas By Maj. DeAnn Barr and With a plan in place, the organizations on By Pfc. Brandon Jacobs That relationship started in 2003 when Master Sgt. Matt McCoy base were ready to respond at a moment’s 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment the National Guard Bureau partnered 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs notice. A delegation from the Republic of Arme- Kansas with Armenia. Even before the state Despite an outbreak of tornadoes across “We precoordinated with the 22nd Air nia, including the minister of defense, vis- partnership program began, Kansas shared the state April 14, the Kansas Air National Refueling Wing’s Civil Engineers ited the state of Kansas March 19 through a special connection with Armenia. Former Guard’s 184th Intelligence Wing, located on Squadron [the day prior to the storm] to set 20. During their visit, Minister of Defense Kansas Senator Bob Dole had his shoulder McConnell Air Force Base, sustained only up damage assessment and repair teams, Seyran Ohanyan and several other top offi- rebuilt by an Armenian doctor after World minor damage to a handful of facilities. and we were on standby from the crisis ac- cials of the Armenian Ministry of Defense, War II and, in 1994, became one of the first tion team that the base has set up,” said Lt. toured multiple National Guard facilities U.S. Senators to visit the new republic. Col. James Culp, commander, 184th Civil and the state Capitol. Armenia and Kansas were joined due to Engineer Squadron. Ohanyan met with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee other similarities, as well. Both are land- Tafanelli, the adjutant general, to discuss locked and have a primarily wheat-based

PAID “I was impressed by the the growth of the relationship between the agriculture, said Lt. Col. Brent Salmans, the PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR two nations. (Continued on Page 2) U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT wingwide effort put forth to get our side of McConnell cleared up.” Col. J.J. Hernandez, commander, 184th Intelligence Wing.

At approximately 10:15 p.m. an EF-3 tornado touched down near the small town of Haysville, just southwest of McConnell AFB. The tornado created a path of de- struction, moving in a northeast direction, and at times spanned up to a mile wide, ac- cording to local officials. After hitting the west side of the base, which houses the 184th Intelligence Wing, the twister contin- ued on, totaling 15 miles of damage. The unit’s Command Post, along with the Plans and Programs office, worked be- hind the scenes while running the emer- gency operations center. They provided the

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka proper warnings of inclement weather and, Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan and First Deputy Minister of De- OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 when the time came, they instructed the fense Davit Tonoyan meet with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT

NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL personnel on base to seek shelter. over breakfast at the State Defense Building in Topeka, Kan., March 20. Ohanyan “After I got the call at about 11 p.m., we and Tafanelli discussed the growing relationship between Kansas and the Republic of

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 6) Armenia. (Photo by Pfc. Brandon Jacobs, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Page 2 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Tornadoes prompt activation of Emergency Operations Center By Steve Larson was activated at 2:30 p.m. April 14 and re- Chase, Clay, Comanche, Dickinson, Ed- other business assets. Public Affairs Office mained activated until 5 p.m. Sunday. wards, Ellsworth, Geary, Greenwood, Despite the large number of tornadoes In the aftermath of a massive storm sys- Gov. Sam Brownback signed a declara- Harper, Harvey, Hodgeman, Jewell, King- the storm system spawned, KDEM received tem that plowed across Kansas April 14 and tion of a State of Disaster Emergency early man, Kiowa, Lincoln, Lyon, Marion, no reports of deaths resulting from the 15, the Kansas Division of Emergency on April 15 for 39 counties affected by the McPherson, Marshall, Mitchell, Morris, storms. According to the Sedgwick County Management began contacting affected storms, which generated an estimated 82 Osborne, Ottawa, Pawnee, Pratt, Reno, Emergency Operations Center, 17 injuries counties to gather information on the tornadoes in addition to heavy rain, light- Rice, Riley, Rush, Russell, Saline, Sedg- were reported in Sedgwick County. The amount of damages sustained. The State ning, high winds and large hail. Named in wick, Stafford, Sumner, Smith and governor credited the numbers to early Emergency Operations Center in Topeka the declaration were Barber, Barton, Butler, Wabaunsee Counties. warning and sensible response from The declaration activated the disaster re- Kansans. sponse and recovery portions of the Kansas “People paid attention to the advance Response Plan to expedite state assistance warnings issued by the National Weather to counties based on the amount of dam- Service and our emergency management ages sustained and the counties’ ability to and took them seriously,” said Brownback. respond with the resources they have avail- “They did everything they could to protect able. Brownback later issued an executive themselves and their families. These ac- order to grant temporary relief from motor tions may have saved many lives.” carrier rules and regulations for those help- “These types of storm systems show the ing with storm clean-up. importance of heeding warnings,” he con- Brownback also requested and received a tinued, “having an emergency plan and kit Small Business Administration disaster and knowing where to go in a tornado.” declaration for Butler, Cowley, Harvey, Brownback toured several areas April 15. Kingman, Reno and Sumner Counties. The He was accompanied by Maj. Gen. (KS) declaration makes low-interest, long-term Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general and di- loans of up to $200,000 available to home- rector of the Kansas Division of Emer- owners, renters and businesses to replace gency Management, and other state and damaged or destroyed real estate. Home- local officials. owners and renters may be eligible for up “The state will do what it can to help our to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or storm-ravaged communities get back on destroyed personal property. Businesses of their feet. The state’s emergency manage- Gov. Sam Brownback (center), tours the aftermath of an EF3 tornado that hit any size and private, nonprofit organiza- ment team is working with local leaders to Pinaire Mobile Home Park in Wichita, Kan., with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli (left), tions may borrow up to $2 million to repair help address immediate needs and to organ- adjutant general, and Carl Brewer (right), mayor of Wichita, April 15. (Photo by or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, ize the clean-up of the storm debris,” said Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) machinery and equipment, inventory and Tafanelli. 184th Intelligence Wing names Intel complex for Gates Continued from Page 1 Gates stressed the importance of having a sance) asset, well integrated with the active for many years to come and I know that realize just how significant that it is to Guard and Reserve component that was component, will keep you in high demand you are up for the challenge,” said Gates. keeping us all safe.” trained, equipped and ready to be deployed The complex is home to more than 350 in support of U.S. military actions. Airmen of the Kansas Air National Guard’s “Since September 11, we have seen the 184th Intelligence Wing, who support the Guard transition from a strategic reserve to U.S. Air Force Distributed Common a fully operational reserve. The Guard is an Ground System. As part of the U.S. Air integral indeed indispensable part of Amer- Force DCGS, Airmen of the Kansas Air ica’s pool of deployable forces,” said Gates. National Guard contribute to the production “The way ahead for our military, in terms of intelligence information collected by of integrating active and reserve compo- various manned and unmanned aircraft to nents, as well as integrating new technolo- include the U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 gies and tactics, is in many respects Reaper and the MQ-1 Predator. These con- embodied by 184th Intelligence Wing and tributions are an important part of a glob- the work that will take place in this new ally networked weapon system currently complex.” engaged in operations including those led Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the Na- by United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty tional Guard, praised Gates for his im- Organization, U.S. Central Command, U.S. provements to the National Guard during European Command, U.S. Forces Korea, his time as the secretary of defense. U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Pacific “Because of your profound understanding Command and U.S. Southern Command of the unique needs of our National Guard operations throughout the world. Soldiers and Airman and their family mem- “If the mission of ISR doesn’t end, the bers as well, you implemented mobilization mission for this unit won’t end,” said Col. policies that eased the stress of deployment John Hernandez, wing commander of the and preserved the unit cohesion of our Na- 184th Intelligence Wing. “It may change, tional Guard and Reserve,” said McKinley. it may go up and down slightly, but the “The take away from all of this for the Col. Kreg Anderson, commander of the 184th Intelligence Group, presents Dr. demand will always be there. The mission Fighting Jayhawks is, irrespective of shift- Robert M. Gates, former U.S. secretary of defense, the first minted commemorative set here in the Kansas Air National Guard ing budgets of geopolitical whims, your Dr. Robert M. Gates Intelligence Complex Challenge coin prior to touring the facility is enduring.” unique capabilities of a National Guard ISR on McConnell Air Force Base May 30. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public During his tenure as secretary of defense, (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais- Affairs Office) Delegation from Republic of Armenia visits Kansas National Guard Continued from Page 1 Armenians with their Expeditionary Med- director of the State Partnership Program. ical System mobile hospital to enable them “The program is meant to be a bilateral to deploy with NATO forces. relationship between Kansas and Armenia,” During their visit, the Armenian delega- explained Salmans. “We start with the Na- tion discussed ways to enhance Armenia’s tional Guard and Ministry of Defense and ability to respond to disasters, both natural branch out to other parts of society.” and manmade. Earlier in March, officers of the Kansas While at the state Capitol, Kansas Gov. City, Kan., Police Department visited Ar- Sam Brownback signed a proclamation de- menia to train in international security and claring a state of goodwill and friendship narcotics law enforcement. The State Part- between the people of the state of Kansas nership Program is working with Wash- and the Republic of Armenia. burn University and the University of The Armenian delegation was also Kansas medical schools to assist with med- treated to lunch at Cedar Crest, the gover- ical education and public health programs nor’s mansion, where they were presented in Armenia. with several gifts to commemorate their The Kansas National Guard is assisting trip. Ohanyan presented Brownback with Armenia in several areas. The Guard is as- several items, including a bottle of Armen- Gov. Sam Brownback presents Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan a sisting in the training of the Armenian peace- ian brandy and the Armenian coat of arms. proclamation of partnership between the state of Kansas and the Republic of Arme- keeping brigade, which has participated in Brownback joked that between Kansas nia, at the state Capitol in Topeka, Kan., March 20. Later in the day, Ohanyan joined both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. and Armenia, diplomacy might be a better Brownback at his Cedar Crest mansion for lunch. (Photo by Pfc. Brandon Jacobs, Medical personal are also assisting the pick than his “March Madness” bracket. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Fort Riley Engineers conduct Geotagging poses security risks vehicle recovery exercise By Amanda Kim Stairrett 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs The Soldiers were waist-deep in muddy water, but they didn’t mind. It was better than spending hours in a windowless classroom. Sometimes training can involve tedious slideshows and instruction, but when it comes to vehicle recovery operations, the best way to learn is by getting dirty. It doesn’t hurt when the trainers get in the mud, too. Soldiers with the 1st Engineer Battalion and 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, recently completed a 10-day vehicle recov- ery operations course at the Kansas Army National Guard’s Regional Training Site, Salina. The course taught Soldiers how to properly extract vehicles from deep water and mud and how to right equipment overturned in accidents or by explosions. Participants used a variety of winching methods, including under lift, tow and crane operations. Active duty Soldiers would typically have to travel to Fort Lee, Va., to complete this course, but the Kansas National Guard recently opened its instructors and facilities to ac- tive duty units. The 1st HBCT group was the first all-active class to go through, said Mas- ter Sgt. John C. Duerr, chief instructor, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 235th Regiment, Kansas National Guard. Vehicle recovery operations certification is a requirement for higher-level classes like the MRAP Recovery Course, so Soldiers from units across the U.S. are now coming to learn from the 235th, Duerr said. Sending troops to Salina not only means Fort Riley saves money, but the Soldiers are closer to home and don’t have to be apart from their families as much, Duerr said. The action of automatic geotagging takes place on many smartphones. Some are en- The class, part of predeployment training requirements, was a result of close coordina- abled by default. Users can prevent their information from being posted by disabling tion between the division, U.S. Forces Command and the Kansas Army National Guard, the GPS function on their phone. (Courtesy photo) said Lt. Col. Thomas Hairgrove, 1st Eng. Bn. commander. “This is a great example of how the total Army works together to meet mission require- By Cheryl Rodewig looking at someone’s map tab on Facebook, ments,” he said. “With this training, the 1st Engineer Battalion Soldiers will be fully pre- Army.mil you can see everywhere they’ve tagged a pared to meet theater requirements for specialty recovery operations.” “Is a badge on Foursquare worth your location. You can see the restaurants they Salina is one of the Army’s 18 regional training sites for maintenance, Duerr said. Thir- life?” frequent, the gym they go to everyday, even teen belong to the Army National Guard and four belong to the U.S. Army Reserve. The The question was posed by Brittany the street they live on if they’re tagging only active duty site is at Fort Lee. Brown, social media manager of the Online photos of their home. Honestly, it’s pretty The vehicle recovery classes are popular, Duerr said, and instructors will now host and Social Media Division at the Office of scary how much an acquaintance that be- courses every two weeks through mid-October. More groups of Fort Riley Soldiers are ex- the Chief of Public Affairs. It may sound comes a Facebook ‘friend’ can find out pected later this year. Others are set to travel to Kansas from Fort Drum, N.Y. outlandish, but in the age of social geotag- about your routines and habits if you’re al- Part of the course’s success is because of its hands-on nature and the instructors, Duerr ging, it can be a reality. ways tagging location to your posts.” said. Pfc. Patrick Patterson, 1st Engineer Battalion, said he appreciated the instructors’ ex- There are a number of location-based so- Most of the applications let people limit pertise. They all know exactly what they’re doing, he said, and they know the information cial media applications and platforms, in- who can see their check-ins to friends or off the top of their heads. cluding Foursquare, Gowalla, SCVNGR, friends of friends. Sgt. Geoffrey Cagle, 77th Mobility Augmentation Company, 1st Engineer Co., had Shopkick, Loopt and Whrrl, currently on “A good rule of thumb when using loca- never operated an Army five-ton wrecker, but he was “quite confident” he could after the market. They use GPS features, typi- tion-based social networking applications is learning how from the instructors. cally in the user’s phone, to publish the per- do not become friends with someone if you Although his team had to get in the freezing mud pit to hook tow cables to a stuck truck son’s location and offer rewards in the form haven’t met them in person,” Sweetnam early one morning, Patterson said he loved it. Cagle did, too. of discounts, badges or points to encourage said. “Make sure you’re careful about who The course was a lot more than Cagle expected, he said, adding it was nice a lot of time frequent check-ins. you let into your social media circle.” wasn’t spent in the classroom putting Soldiers to sleep. Security risks for the military Even if there is nothing classified about “Out here you’re hands-on — getting dirty,” Cagle said. A deployed service member’s situational an individual’s location, a series of loca- awareness includes the world of social tions posted online over the course of a media. If a Soldier uploads a photo taken on month can create a pattern that criminals his or her smartphone to Facebook, they can use. could broadcast the exact location of their “We live in a different world now,” War- unit, said Steve Warren, deputy intelligence ren said. officer, Maneuver Center of Excellence. “If someone were going to get a hold of “Today, in pretty much every single your phone, they could figure out a lot smartphone, there is built-in GPS,” Warren about who you are. It’s like a beacon that’s said. “For every picture you take with that always out there communicating with tow- phone, it will automatically embed the lati- ers and plotting your moves on a computer tude and longitude within the photograph.” somewhere. Literally, if you don’t turn off Someone with the right software and the that feature on your phone people are going wrong motivation could download the to be able to recreate your whole day.” photo and extract the coordinates from the Ways to stay safe metadata. “In operations security, we talk about the Warren cited a real-world example from adversary,” said Kent Grosshans, MCoE 2007. When a new fleet of helicopters ar- operational security officer. “The adversary rived with an aviation unit at a base in could be a hacker, could be terrorists, could Iraq, some Soldiers took pictures on the be criminals; someone who has an intent to flightline, he said. From the photos that cause harm. The adversary picks up on were uploaded to the Internet, the enemy pieces of information to put the whole puz- was able to determine the exact location of zle together.” the helicopters inside the compound and Grosshans suggests disabling the geotag- conduct a mortar attack, destroying four of ging feature on your phone and checking the AH-64 Apaches. your security settings to see who you’re Soldiers from the Special Troops Battalion and 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Heavy Staff Sgt. Dale Sweetnam, Online and sharing check-ins with. Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, attach cables to a heavy expanded mo- Social Media Division, said geotagging is “If your husband’s deployed and you go bility tactical truck, April 9, at the Army National Guard’s Kansas Regional Training of particular concern for deployed Soldiers ahead and start posting all these pictures Center in Salina, Kan., as they prepare to tow it out of a mud pit. Soldiers partici- and those in transit to a mission. that are geotagged, now not only does an pated in a 10-day wheeled vehicle recovery course, teaching them to recover vehicles “Ideally, Soldiers should always be individual know your husband’s deployed overturned by accidents or roadside bomb blasts or stuck in water and mud. Typi- aware of the dangers associated with geot- and he’s not at home, but they know where cally, active duty Soldiers would have to travel to Fort Lee, Va., to get the training, agging, regardless of where they are,” he your house is,” he said. but the 235th Regiment recently opened classes for more than just Army National explained. Ultimately, it’s about weighing the risks. Guard units. (Photo by Amanda Kim Stairrett, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs) General hazards for family members “Do you really want everyone to know While especially relevant for those in the the exact location of your home or your military, cautions about geotagging extend children’s school?” Sweetnam said. “Be- Follow us on the web to anyone who uses that feature. fore adding a location to a photo, Soldiers www.kansastag.gov Facebook is in the process of rolling out really need to step back and ask them- Timeline, a new layout that includes a map selves, ‘Who really needs to know this lo- www.twitter.com/KSAdjutantGen tab of all the locations a user has tagged. cation information?’” www.twitter.com/KansasGuard “Timeline presents some unique security Grosshans said it’s as important to Sol- www.twitter.com/KansasEmergency challenges for users who tag location to diers as to family members. posts,” Sweetnam said. “Be conscious of what information you’re www.facebook.com/KansasNationalGuard “Some of those individuals have hun- putting out there,” he said. “Don’t share in- www.facebook.com/Kansas-Division-of-Emergency-Management dreds of ‘friends’ they may never have ac- formation with strangers. Once it’s out there, tually met in person,” he explained. “By it’s out there. There’s no pulling it back.” Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • June 2012 Why it’s important to tell our department’s good news By Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli tion and critical infrastructure. And our Na- to assist our families, such as Teen Camp done by government and what limited fund- The Adjutant General tional Guard members stand trained and and Youth Camp; to support our troops, such ing prevents government from doing, but Our department is quite unique in the ready to defend our state and country when- as marriage retreats and employment assis- that’s all the more reason we must show- services we provide to the state of Kansas, ever the call comes. tance programs; and to support emergency case all of the positive actions we take to but unfortunately Every day within each area of our agency, managers around the state, such as training, make Kansas better and safer. not everyone is we are working for Kansans to protect and exercises and planning sessions. Addition- One way we do this is through this pub- aware of the many serve them, but the effects of those efforts ally, communities are working hard to pre- lication, and through our website, things we do and may not always be seen directly by the pub- vent the devastation of future disasters like www.kansastag.gov, as well as our pres- the impact we have. lic. A large part of what we do is prevention. tornadoes through hazardous mitigation ence on social media including Facebook That is, until we tell Our Guard members are fighting overseas to grants. This includes building safe rooms in and Twitter. Let’s take an active role in them. In recent prevent war being waged on our soil and our schools and towns to improve overall pre- telling the good news about what we do in weeks when the emergency management and homeland secu- paredness efforts and save lives. Kansas to protect and serve. Let’s work to- agency deployed a rity entities are continually planning and ex- Sadly, our society often focuses on the gether to make our hard work known to UH-60 Black Hawk ercising, and urging preparedness at every negative news, such as what is yet to be those we serve! helicopter and nine level from individuals to businesses and crew members Maj. Gen. (KS) communities to ensure we’re ready for the from Company G, Lee Tafanelli potential hazards we face in Kansas. Some- 2nd Battalion, times those efforts are done quietly behind 135th Aviation Regiment (General Support the scenes under the guise of just doing our Aviation Battalion)to fight Colorado wild- jobs, but we have the power to change that fires, Kansans quickly learned what we can and make the good news known. do in wildfires. But our ability to fight wild- While our troops get wonderful commu- fires is just one of the benefits our complex nity support during deployment and welcome department brings to Kansans. home ceremonies, the sacrifices they make We must ensure everyone understands while deployed are often not known to those what our nearly 450 state employees and beyond family. The same can be said for our 7,500 federal employees contribute to emergency responders at the state and local Kansas, especially in times of shrinking levels around the state. When a disaster hits, budgets. Our emergency management divi- the efforts to help communities respond and sion is responsible for overseeing the coor- recover is well known, but day-to-day efforts dination of resources for all state disasters, aren’t necessarily realized. while our homeland security office is in- We must never forget the importance of Sgt. Sheldon Snodgrass, a flight instructor with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Avi- volved in sharing critical information with communicating what we do, in addition to ation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), observes the High Park wild fire key partners to protect our state’s popula- doing it. Many great programs are underway in Larimer County, Colo., approximately 15 miles west of Fort Collins, while out on a Bambi bucket mission to help provided structure protection June 15, 2012. (Photo by Personal protective equipment Sgt. Ryan Kohlman, Company G, 2nd-135th General Support Aviation Battalion) By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marvin Terhune tinted lenses. A face shield could also be Soldier to Soldier Safety Office added with safety glasses to afford added One of the most dangerous things that we protection especially when operating a A new chapter of life do around the “weed whacker.” house is yard Make sure you are wearing long pants By Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan ment. I’ve seen units come and go and work! We are han- and sturdy shoes that cover your toes. A Joint Forces Headquarters force structure go up and down. Change dling gasoline and pebble launched from a mower or weed As I sit here thinking about what I is good, though it presents challenges. other petroleum whacker can be very painful! should say in this, my last article for the These challenges give us the opportunity products and oper- Hearing protection is a must for operat- Plains Guardian, many things are going to display our ability to adapt and over- ating several things ing anything with an engine. A good rule of through my come, which we have done time and time with engines that thumb is that if you have to raise your voice mind. I have had again. My attitude has always been I can have blades or to speak over the noise then you probably a great career, do that, a can do attitude. string attached and require hearing protection. The foam and if I had it all You may think I have been lucky and are very noisy. earplugs are a good choice or, for ease, the to do over I there was some of that, but I will tell you This year, start “Mickey Mouse” earmuffs are an option. would and I all that we make our own luck. We are in Chief Warrant out on the “right Remember when using fertilizers, weed would do it with control and the following is what I have Officer 3 you. Over the always tried to do: foot,” which in- Marvin Terhune killers or other chemicals to read the manu- cludes protecting factures warning label that is posted on the course of the last 1. I made sure I was medically ready. ourselves while we are working. This in- product container. Mix products to the 39 plus years I We know if we need a periodic cludes wearing eye protection, hearing pro- manufactures instructions. Enjoy your ac- have had the health assessment or need dental tection and hand protection. tivities this spring and remember to protect privilege of serv- Command Sgt. Maj. work. Just get it done. Eye protection is easily obtained by the yourself and your family by using person- ing for and with John Ryan 2. I made sure I met the height and purchase of safety glasses with clear or nel protective equipment. Be safe! the greatest fight- weight requirements and the Army ing force in the military. The leadership I Physical Fitness Test standards. have served with is among the very best 3. I made sure I went to school, getting in the Army. I have been blessed to serve the next Noncommissioned Officer Warrant Officer Corps grows with some of the very best officers and Education System course as soon as I By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector warrant officer. For current warrant offi- noncommissioned officers, bar none. could. Vasquez cers who are boarding for promotion, a I have seen many changes. I have worn 4. I did my very best at whatever job I State Command Chief Warrant Officer minimum effort/score makes it difficult four different duty uniforms, been was assigned, no matter what it was. Now is the time to prepare for the an- to explain to the Senior Army Advisor through at least two drawdowns, trained 5. I made sure I belonged to profes- nual physical fit- and president of the Federal Recognition up to go to war to serve our nation and I sional organizations that promote ness test. Don’t Board why we should promote a Soldier have seen a whole host of different equip- (Continued on Page 13) wait until the last who puts forth minimum effort and minute to exer- barely passes height and weight. cise in prepara- At the Kansas National Guard joint con- Plains Guardian tion. That’s a ference, enlisted Soldiers, officers and war- Plains Guardian

good way to tear rant officers had breakout sessions geared The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content or pull a muscle, toward professional development. This was of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, or be too sore to the first time in many years that each entity photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will perform well had a separate breakout and I thought the payment be made for contributions. during the test. warrant officer portion was fantastic. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). I also ask that Command Chief Our guest speaker was Chief Warrant Circulation: Approximately 16,000 you don’t just Warrant Officer 5 Officer 5 Richard Ernest, who is the spe- Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office meet the mini- Hector Vasquez cial assistant to National Guard Bureau Public Affairs Office Commander-in-Chief Director mum standards, Command Chief Warrant Officer. Ernest Gov. Sam Brownback Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 but strive to exceed the standards. We are spoke about maintaining relevancy, Adjutant General of Kansas Assistant Director Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli leaders and how you prepare yourself is a which consisted of our current legacy, fu- Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 sign of how you prepare your Soldiers for ture legacy and how the Warrant Officer Editor Public Information Writer Sharon Watson success. For those of you who are consid- Corps is planning on moving forward. He Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Production/Graphics/Writer FAX 785-274-1622 ering applying for the warrant officer spoke to the group about the Army Stephen D. Larson e-mail: [email protected] program, you should know that a mini- Leader Development Strategy, which Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Videographer 2nd Lt. Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 mum score looks bad when your packet concerns the future of the warrant offi- Production Assistant Jane Welch Staff Writer goes to the Federal Recognition Board, cers, and the Warrant Officer Continuum Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett 785/274-1191 which may cause the Senior Army Advi- of Learning Study, which focuses on the The Plains Guardian may be read online at sor to question your motives to become a http://www.kansastag.gov (Continued on Page 14) For change of address, contact Jane Welch. June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Health and happiness together Moberly assumes role of By Capt. Amy Blow • I rush around, but do not get much done. Occupational Health Manager • I work too much. command sergeant major for “Cheerfulness is the best promoter of • I delay doing the things I need to do. health and is as friendly to the mind as to • I sleep too little, too much or both. Kansas Army National Guard the body.” • I slow down. By Steve Larson the 235th Regiment command sergeant – Joseph Addison • I try to do too many things at once. Public Afffairs Office major and Noncommissioned Officer Educa- I have seen many articles lately linking Stress and heart disease have been Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly, tion System commandant in August 2010. health and happi- linked, because stress sets off a chain of Salina, assumed the duties of the senior non- Moberly’s served in key leadership posi- ness together. It events. First, you have a stressful situation commissioned officer for the Kansas Army tions on two overseas deployments includ- made me wonder that’s usually upsetting, but not harmful. National Guard in a transfer of authority cer- ing first sergeant of Company C, 2nd what exactly all of The body reacts by releasing a hormone, emony June 3 in Nickell Armory, Topeka. Battalion, 137th Infantry for Operation En- those studies were adrenaline, which causes your breathing “It is an honor to during Freedom December 2001 to October finding and how it and heart rate to speed up and your blood be chosen for this 2002, and battalion command sergeant could translate into pressure to rise. These physical reactions position and have major for 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry the health and well prepare you to deal with the situation by the opportunity to during Operation Iraqi Freedom August being of our Sol- confronting it or by running away from it lead the Kansas 2005 to November 2006. diers and Airmen in — the “fight or flight” response. Army National Moberly’s military education includes the Kansas Na- When stress is constant (chronic), your Guard into the Primary Leadership Development Course, tional Guard. While body remains in high gear off and on for challenging future Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course – exercise has been Capt. Amy Blow days or weeks at a time. The link between in service to our Common Core, Basic Noncommissioned shown to reduce the human response to stress and heart disease is not clear. How- state and nation,” Officer Course – Indirect Fire Infantry, Ad- stress, the simple act of smiling has even ever, chronic stress that causes an increase said Moberly. vanced Noncommissioned Officer Course – been linked to a person feeling better. in heart rate and blood pressure may dam- Moberly re- Common Core, Advanced Noncommis- The human body responds to stress phys- age the artery walls. Chronic stress does Command Sgt. Maj. places Command sioned Officer Course – Infantry, United ically, emotionally and in actions. Physical not cause high blood pressure. The exact James Moberly Sgt. Maj. John States Army Sergeants Major Academy stress responses can be seen acted out in causes of high blood pressure are unknown, Ryan, who retired after 39 years of service Sergeant Major Course, Command and the form of aches and pains in various areas but contributing factors include being over- with the Kansas National Guard. Ryan, of General Staff College Pre-Command and of your body, such as weight, eating too Carbondale, had been the command ser- Command Sergeants Major Course and head, back, neck and much sodium (salt), “Cheerfulness is the best geant major for the Kansas Army National Total Army Instructor Trainer Course. He is stomach. A person lack of physical ac- Guard since 2010. also currently assigned full-time as the could experience tight promoter of health and is tivity and drinking “Over the course of the last 39 plus years, command sergeant major of the Premobi- muscles and clenched too much alcohol. as friendly to the mind as I have had the privilege of serving for and lization Training and Evaluation Team at jaws, while others But chronic stress to the body.” with the greatest fighting force in the mili- the Great Plains Joint Training Center. may feel their energy can take a physical tary,” said Ryan. “I have been blessed to Moberly’s awards and decorations include and sleep patterns dis- – Joseph Addison toll on you. It can serve with some of the very best officers and the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service rupted with feelings of weaken your im- noncommissioned officers, bar none.” Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Com- being tired without a good reason. mune system and cause uncomfortable Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly mendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Feelings of anxiety, anger, depression, physical symptoms like headache and Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly en- Army Achievement Medal with three oak helplessness, being out of control and ten- stomach problems. listed in the Kansas Army National Guard leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Army sion are also possible if early stresses are Medicines are helpful for many things, in July 1984 as an indirect fire infantry- Reserve Component Achievement Medal not addressed. Other emotional signs can but usually not for stress. Some people take man. He attended basic and advanced indi- with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense include being easily irritated, impatient, or tranquilizers to calm them down, but it’s far vidual training at Fort Benning, Ga. He Service Medal with bronze star, Iraq Cam- forgetful. better to learn to manage your stress served in every enlisted leadership position paign Medal with two campaign stars, It has become mainstream to see com- through relaxation or stress management including team leader, squad leader, mortar Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Hu- mercials for medications claiming to treat techniques. Be careful not to confuse stress fire direction control chief, section leader, manitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Re- all of these ailments. Exercise caution when with anxiety. If you suffer from severe anx- platoon sergeant, first sergeant, battalion serve Medal with 20-year service and “M” trying to treat the symptoms instead of the iety, speak with your doctor about whether command sergeant major and brigade com- devices with numeral two, Noncommis- original causes of the stressors in your life. you need medication. mand sergeant major. sioned Officer Professional Development Some medical conditions and drug interac- There are some things you can do to Moberly was promoted and assigned as Ribbon with numeral four, Army Service tions can actually be the root cause for modify your lifestyle to become healthier. the battalion command sergeant major for the Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Re- some of the signs and symptoms listed Don’t smoke; Plan to quit if you currently 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry in 2003. He serve Component Overseas Training Ribbon, above. Please see your health care provider smoke. Check your blood pressure regu- served as the 69th Troop Command Brigade Kansas National Guard Emergency Duty if you are unsure if stress may be the cause. larly and improve your eating habits by command sergeant major Jan. 1, 2007 Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Think about how you react in your own changing small things gradually. If gradual through July 31, 2010. He was assigned as action responses to stress. Engaging in even increases in physical activity are added into (Continued on Page 18) one of these behaviors may mean that you your routine, maintaining a healthy weight are not dealing with stress as well as you may be more possible as well. Finally, could. Do any of the following apply to you? don’t forget to see your doctor often and State Chaplain’s Corner • I eat to calm down. take your medications as prescribed. Pro- • I speak and eat very fast. fessional resources are available if you • I drink alcohol or smoke to calm down. need to seek additional help. “So Help Me God…” By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) William Jenkins made a pledge and joined an institution Kansas National Guard State Chaplain that stands for something and makes a Medical Group earns 96 percent We each began our military career by difference. When you see the Colors, you taking an oath. stand a little straighter. When you hear in Health Services Inspection The pledge we the National Anthem, a lump grows in By Tech. Sgt. Angela Brees “It’s awesome to think about what you made whether as your throat. When you hear Taps a tear 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs do. We expect so much from you. The same an enlisted ser- fills your eye. When you raised your right The test came back positive: The 190th requirements as active duty, but you ac- vicemember, an hand something inside you changed for- Medical Group earned a 96 percent on their complish it in a lot shorter time frame,” officer or a De- ever… “So help me God.” recent Health Services Inspection. said Wiest. partment of the Oath of Enlistment “The results of the inspection represent “Time management is always a chal- Army civilian de- “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I months of planning, training and hard work lenge,” said Col. Janet Hanson, 190th Med- fines the essence will support and defend the Constitution by Medical Group personnel,” wrote 190th ical Group commander. “The medical team of our military of the United States against all enemies, Air Refueling Wing Com- dedicated a lot of hours here and on their service. foreign and domestic; that I will bear true In 1775, in his faith and allegiance to the same; and that mander Col. Ron Krueger in a own time – that willingness is Chaplain (Lt. Col.) speech to the I will obey the orders of the President of letter to the wing. “Thank you one of several keys to our suc- William D. Jenkins for your professionalism and cess.” New York Legis- the United States and the orders of the of- positive attitudes throughout The Medical Group spent the lature, Gen. George Washington said, ficers appointed over me, according to the inspection process, and last 18 months preparing for “When we assumed the Soldier, we did regulations and the Uniform Code of Mil- congratulations for a job ex- the inspection, reviewing not lay aside the Citizen.” As members of itary Justice. So help me God.” tremely well done.” programs and resources and the National Guard this is certainly true Oath of Office Four inspectors from the Air evaluating each section in de- and yet as citizen servicemembers we are (Taken by commissioned officers and Force Inspection Agency spent tail. ambassadors of both the state of Kansas Department of the Army civilians) the March unit training assembly re- “I knew going into the inspection that and the United States of America. “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I viewing programs and processes with the we had put our best effort forward,” Han- We live in a time where many talk will support and defend the Constitution mission of providing independent and son said. “Our team did a wonderful job about the eroding values in our culture. In of the United States against all enemies, timely assessments to senior leadership of and it’s nice to have the inspection team the Armed Services, we make a commit- foreign and domestic; that I will bear true the Air Force. validate that.” ment not only to “support and defend the faith and allegiance to the same; that I Col. Gerald Wiest from Kirtland Air Hanson is also grateful for the support Constitution,” we also make a commit- take this obligation freely, without any Force Base, N.M., led the four-person in- given by the wing, from the wing com- ment to be a certain kind of person—a mental reservation or purpose of evasion; spection team. During the in-brief Friday mander to the plans team. person of character and integrity. Values and that I will well and faithfully dis- before the drill weekend, Wiest praised the “It’s a Medical Group inspection, but it matter. charge the duties of the office on which I mission of the Air National Guard and Air takes the effort of the whole wing to per- When we raised our right hand, we am about to enter. So help me God.” Force Reserve. form well.” Page 6 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Ceremony brings final Kansas Agribusiness Joint Operations Center Development Team deployment to a close trains to keep communi- By 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza-Pangburn The May 8 ceremony reminded the invited Afghan cations lines open Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4 guests of honor, Governor Iqbal Azizi, the provincial gov- By Sgt. Michael Mathewson The noonday sun was high, casting stark shadows across ernor and Ismail Dowlatzai, the Director of Agriculture, Ir- Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint the faces of the assembled Soldiers. In a final formation, rigation and Livestock, of the progress that had been made Forces Headquarters UPAR held May 8 at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam, in four short years. It also reminded them of the heavy bur- Should severe weather leave a wake of damage within Afghanistan, the fourth Kansas Agribusiness Development den of leadership they face in pressing forward in this time the state, members of the Joint Operations Center, State Team rotation, led by Lt. Col. Russell Richardson and Sgt. of transition. Defense Building, Topeka, Kan., could deploy a mobile Maj. Ron Brandt, and the Provincial Reconstruction Team, The long-standing cooperation between the coalition satellite uplink system. led by Lt. Col. Antonio Castillo and Sgt. Maj. Steven forces and the Afghan government is best embodied in Eric The link consists of a four-foot satellite dish, laptop com- Dryer, ended their respective missions designed to improve Grant, Ph.D, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grant puter, cables, mounting equipment and storage/transport the lives of approximately 400,000 Afghans within the split his time between his home country of Ghana and FOB containers. Laghman Province of Afghanistan. Mehtar Lam over the past four years. His presence in “The Pipeline Field Terminal Hook Up System is an in- The ceremony was bittersweet. On one hand, it marked Afghanistan and his relationship with many of the local telligence disseminator,” explained Sgt. Nancy D’anna, an end of an era as the two long-standing units encased Afghan government officials earned him the name”Juma’a Scranton, plans and operations assistant with Joint Opera- their colors, officially ending their missions in the Khan” or “Friday King” from Azizi. tions Center. “With it, we can download near real time im- province. On the other “They will be just ages directly from satellites belonging to the United States hand, it marked a new fine,” said Grant, with Geological Survey. chapter for their local a rueful smile. “They The Joint Operations Center operates 24 hours a day, Afghan partners who will be okay because seven days a week and monitors the major news and will continue the they have to be. They weather reporting sources. It is constantly ready to respond work of rebuilding have no choice. This to any emergency that the state may experience. their nation. is their country and “The Hook Up would be set up if more timely imagery “They are ready to they must do right by is needed,” said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Peplow, Topeka, a take the reins,” said it.” tactical communications noncommissioned officer with the Capt. Todd Stuke, the The fourth Kansas 35th Infantry Division. “The information pulled off the officer-in-charge of ADT rotation accom- satellites is issued on priority basis.” the agricultural sec- plished much during “If a tornado hit only within Kansas, then we would have tion of Kansas ADT their nine-month tour. a high priority,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Willey, technician for 4. “They have im- They aided in multi- the Joint Operations Center, Joint Forces Headquarters, proved so much in the ple small business Topeka, “If several states were hit by the same or multiple short year we have start-ups, including storms, we would have to share our satellite time with all been here and so several broiler the states involved. Also, there is the issue of the satellite much since the first chicken farms. They Lt. Col. Russell Richardson, commander of the Kansas Agribusiness being in the correct position to provide coverage of loca- ADT in 2009. They implemented a tree- Development Team 4 and Sgt. Maj. Ron Brandt, senior enlisted advi- tion at the time requested.” don’t need us any- distribution in the Al- sor for Kansas ADT 4, encase the 4-6 Calvary guidon, signifying the The preferred image is from directly overhead. That way, more, which was our ishang district. They end of the Kansas National Guard ADT 4’s presence in Laghman the image could be directly overlaid on a map. An oblique team’s goal when we also helped develop Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza-Pangburn, or angled view, although still useable, is not as valuable as got here in October of several canal pro- Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4) the overhead view. For the overhead image, the Joint Oper- 2011. We wanted to grams for greater irri- ations Center may have to wait for another satellite or for get them to a point where they would no longer need us.” gation of orchard and farm lands. After a four-year another pass of the first satellite. Since the 2009 inception of the Kansas ADT mission in presence in Laghman Province, Kansas ADT ends it mis- Hook Up takes two Soldiers about 30 minutes to set up. Laghman Province, an Afghan partnered delivery model sion, knowing that they have forever improved the agricul- Once everything is assembled, all the crew has to do is was implemented, requiring project approval from the Dis- tural practices in the area and affected the daily lives of level the base and point the dish toward the southwest. trict Agricultural Extension Agents who work either directly countless Afghans. Global positioning devices on the antenna base look for the under the district sub-governors or the provisional director “Thanks to the hard work and foundation set by the three best satellite signal. The antenna then self-adjusts by rais- of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. The final rotation previous Kansas ADT rotations and the work and coopera- ing or lowering to receive the best connection. of Kansas ADT came with the focus of pushing the agricul- tion of Dawlatzai, ... we have been able to complete the If needed for any length of time, Hook Up could be set tural extension agents out into their districts to provide campaign plan developed by ADT 1 and refined by ADT 2 up outside of the south-facing classroom in Nickell Armory greater support for the population, preparing them for when and 3,” stated Richardson. “We now leave Afghanistan bet- in Topeka. With cables run though the windows into the coalition forces would eventually leave Laghman Province. ter than when we came. We leave the mission of agricul- classroom. From there, operators would be able to provide Under the model, Kansas ADT also utilized Afghan shura ture development in the capable hands of Dawlatazi and the decision-makers the information that they need. meetings to facilitate communication between local village Governor Azizi. I am confident that they will continue to Willey explained that Hook Up could serve as a backup leaders, district extension agents and other government offi- succeed and care for the people of Laghman Province. for the Joint Operations Center. In addition to receiving cials of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Prairie Fire!” satellite images, it will monitor news channels and the Pen- tagon Channel. It can also send and received classified messages. Fighting Jayhawks respond to storm damage Hook Up provides a capability that, hopefully, will never Continued from Page 1 Forces personnel assigned to the 127th “I don’t need to tell you that we were be used, but must be regularly tested for the day that is mobilized out to the base and worked Command and Control Squadron were exceptionally fortunate. The tornado needed. until about 2:30 in the morning,” said forced to momentarily turn away from that clipped us could have cost us Culp. their assignments and take cover. How- dearly. Instead, we had zero casualties, The day after the storm they ensured ever, once the storm passed and the go- and although our material damages may accountability and helped direct key ahead was given, the Airmen retook hit the $500,000 mark, we are 100 per- personnel. their post and continued the mission. cent operational,” said Hernandez. Although the situation did not war- rant a unit activation, Guardsmen as- sisted in the clean up on base, picking up sheet metal torn from the KSANG’s Civil Engineer building, insulation and tree limbs. A 22-foot recruiting trailer was also destroyed in the storm, but it did not damage the B-1 bomber on static display that it blew into. Governor Sam Brownback and Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant gen- eral of the state of Kansas arrived on base April 15 after completing an aer- ial tour of the devastated areas. “I was impressed by the wingwide effort put forth to get our side of Mc- Connell cleared up,” said Col. J.J. Hernandez, commander, 184th Intelli- gence Wing. “By the time our governor and con- gressmen arrived at 2 p.m., you could hardly tell we’d been hit.” Staff Sgt. Bill Willey, Topeka, technician for the Joint Even more impressive was the dedi- Operations Center, Joint Forces Headquarters, adjusts cation and professionalism of Fighting A powerful tornado ripped through the west side of McConnell Air Force the leveling mounts of the Hook Up’s satellite antenna Jayhawks who were on duty when the Base, Kan., April 14, at approximately 10:15 p.m. The 184th Intelligence dish outside the State Defense Building in Topeka, Kan., storm blew through. While running 24- Wing took damage to a number of buildings on the base including a re- April 27. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Mathewson, Head- hour missions, the 299th Network Op- cruiting trailer. Personnel were on hand during the drill weekend to clean quarters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint Forces erations Security Squadron, the 161st up debris left by the storm. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th Intel- Headquarters UPAR) Intelligence Squadron and Security ligence Wing Public Affairs) June 2012• Plains Guardian Page 7 Kansas Guardsmen take aim at 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Championship Match By Spc. Robert Havens and different skills, such as the machine gun event.” 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “The event teaches more precision shooting by forcing “Rotate your selector switch from safe to fire and wait shooters into more realistic shooting scenarios,” said Staff for your targets to appear.” Sgt. Matt Howard. “With static qualifications, there is not The sights and sounds of basic weapons qualification as much emphasis on precision shooting.” courses are nearly the same throughout the military. “When you knock down a target on a qualification Shooters are allowed to get into a comfortable shooting range, you could simply be grazing the target,” Howard position, face toward the general area of brightly colored continued. “Learning to shoot at a precision point will bet- targets and are given relatively lax scoring rules. ter allow you to utilize your weapon.” While this shooting style allows you to learn the basic Carnahan and Howard were the first two Kansas Na- fundamentals of marksmanship, it is not really applicable tional Guard Soldiers to graduate from U.S. Army Sniper outside of neon orange combatants standing up like School. “whack-a-moles” behind their shooting position. “Events like this also allow you to meet other members Sometimes, however, a better opportunity presents itself. in the Guard. Meeting people outside your unit and feeling The annual 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marks- like a part of a family is valuable for retention,” said Car- manship Championship Match was held March 31 nahan. through April 1, at the Kansas Regional Training Center in “The most valuable thing people can take away from Salina, Kan., to determine the best shooters in the Kansas this event is better shooting,” said Gluhovsky. “While the Guard. Governor’s Twenty is a prestigious award, the real lesson The shooting match was held among teams of Kansas here is better shooting. Better shooting saves lives.” National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to give participants a chance to show their warrior skills amongst some of the best in the Kansas Guard. “In the last couple of years, the importance of marks- manship has increased with the wars,” said Maj. Gleb Gluhovsky, a Kansas National Guard State Marksmanship coordinator. “A Soldier’s weapon is only as good as their ability to hit a target with it.” “We teach shooters to fire their rifles, pistols and ma- chine guns the same way they would in combat as op- posed to the traditional static targets,” Gluhovsky continued. “They learn to shoot at limited exposure tar- Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper (right), a member of Headquar- gets, camouflaged targets and shooting while tired.” ters Company, 235th Regiment (Regional Training In- The top 20 shooters in the competition earned a “Gover- stitute), receives his award as top overall shooter in nors 20” tab to wear on their uniform. the 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship “It’s very prestigious,” said Gluhovsky. Participants of the 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Championship Match from Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee The event continues to grow in popularity inside of the Marksmanship Championship Match engage their tar- Tafanelli (left), adjutant general, during the awards Kansas Guard. gets during a simulated limited exposure drill. The ceremony following the shooting match. The match “Over the three years I have participated, I have seen a match was held at the Kansas Regional Training Cen- was held at the Kansas Regional Training Center in large increase in the people attending this event,” said Sgt. ter in Salina, Kan., March 31. (Photo by Spc. Robert Salina, Kan., March 31. (Photo by Spc. Robert Nate Carnahan. “Every year they are adding more matches Havens, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Havens, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Championship Match stats Air Force Individual Novice 3rd: Staff Sgt. Lonnie Hermann Overall TAG Match Team 3rd: 2nd Lt. Jarrod Brunkow 1st: 1st Lt. Jarrod Brunkow 1st: Jayhawk Gold 4th: Staff Sgt. Treg White 2nd: Master Sgt. Don Stucker Overall TAG Match Individual 2nd: CACS 5th: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Snider 3rd: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Snider 1st: Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper 3rd: The Individuals 6th: Senior Airman Roger Seward 2nd: Sgt. Ben Walker 7th: Senior Airman Dustin Steinhilpert Air Force Individual Open 3rd: 2nd Lt. Jarrod Brunkow Overall TAG Match Individual Novice 8th: Tech. Sgt. Christopher Barth 1st: Capt. David Stickelman 1st: Sgt. Ben Walker 9th: Capt. Dave Olds 2nd: Senior Airman Roger Seward Rifle Falling Plates 2nd: 2nd Lt. Jarrod Brunkow 10th: Staff Sgt. Jake Baldwin 3rd: Maj. Allen Moore 1st: Ramrod 3rd: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Snider 11th: Maj. Allen Moore 2nd: Good to Go (Range Control) 12th: Master Sgt. Joshua Smith Combat Pistol Individual Novice 3rd: CACS Overall TAG Match Individual Open 13th: Staff Sgt. Sheldon Dillinger 1st: Sgt. Ben Walker 1st: Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper 14th: Lt. Col. Matt Oleen 2nd: Senior Airman Dustin Steinhilpert Pistol Falling Plates 2nd: Staff Sgt. Treg White 15th: Staff Sgt. Josh Bantam 3rd: Staff Sgt. Steven Parker 1st: CACS 3rd: Staff Sgt. Roger Seward 16th: Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Rains 2nd: Jayhawk Gold 17th: Master Sgt. Don Stucker Combat Pistol Individual Open 3rd: Killer Medics Governor’s 20 18th: Staff Sgt. Joe Debaere 1st: Senior Airman Roger Seward 1st: Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper 19th: Staff Sgt. Shaun Carter 2nd: Capt. Dave Olds 2nd: Sgt. Ben Walker 20th: Staff Sgt. Matthew Howard Memorial bass tournament honors fallen Kansas veterans By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke breakfast for the anglers before they launch. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “I always tell people the way to honor peo- Choppy water and cool conditions could- ple is to live your life to the fullest. (Retired n’t keep more than 30 teams from making Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Rodina) and I an early morning launch April 28 at Coffey have been doing this for a long time now County Lake near the Wolf Creek Generat- and it’s a way we can give back,” he said. ing Station in Burlington, Kan., for the Steve Hodges, vice president of Wolf eighth annual Kansas Veteran’s Memorial Creek, echoed Buntings comments. Bass Tournament. “We have been hosting this event for Following a brief predawn memorial eight years. It is great to be the home of the service to commemorate the lives of fallen Veteran’s Memorial tournament and it is Kansas National Guard members, anglers one way we here at Wolf Creek can express took to the water in search of bass to fill our gratitude to the armed forces and our their live wells before the noon weigh-in fallen comrades. We appreciate the fisher- deadline. men being here and we appreciate all that Hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field our servicemen and women do and have Artillery Family Support Group, this year’s done for us.” tournament saw its largest turnout to date As much as the tournament was about and organizers expect the event to continue honoring those of our organization who to grow. gave the highest sacrifice, it is also still “This tournament is all about our fallen about fishing. And fish they did, with the comrades, the Soldiers and their communi- top five teams landing a whopping 37 plus ties,” said Lt. Col. Chris Burr, battalion pounds of fish combined. command. “Ultimately, it is the fishermen Top five teams who come out to this event from across Kansas to remember them and pay their re- 5th: Team Fish with 4 pounds, 15 ounces spects by living a full life that is at the heart (From left to right) Quinton Sterling, Matt McCord and Shawn Hinkle, known as 4th: Team Reyes with 5 pounds, 8 ounces of it all. I am proud to be associated with Team McCord, show off their prize-winning fish as they take first place with 15 such a tremendous event.” 3rd: Team Team with 6 pounds, 7 ounces pounds and 1 ounce at the eighth annual Kansas Veteran’s Memorial Bass Tourna- “This is a great way to remember our ment at Coffey County Lake April 28. The tournament, sponsored by the 2nd Battal- Soldiers and its fun,” said retired Maj. Gen. 2nd:Team Lawson with 6 pounds, 10 ounces ion, 130th Field Artillery Family Support Group, celebrates the freedom Americans Tod Bunting, the former adjutant general, have and honors the 10 Kansas Guard Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 1st: Team McCord with 15 pounds, 1 ounce who volunteers at the tournament to make (Photo by Mason Witzke) Page 8 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Kansas Army National Kansas Airman wins top recruiting award By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy Guard partners with 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs Tech. Sgt. Jason McAndrews, Produc- drag racer Millican tion Recruiter for the 184th Intelligence By Jane Welch Wing, brought national recognition upon Public Affairs Office himself and the wing for outstanding per- The Kansas Army National Guard partnered with Clay formance during fiscal year 2011. He com- Millican and Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan., for the peted against four other regions for the title Dollar General NHRA Summer Nationals May 18-20. of Air National Guard Production Recruiter “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to of the Year, and was recognized at an participate with the Kansas Army National Guard during award ceremony held in New Orleans in the weekend in Topeka,” said Millican. “The men and March 2012. women of the Guard are among America’s finest Soldiers, At the beginning of fiscal year 2011, an some of whom I visited with during my trip to Iraq. I have enlistment goal of 36 was set for the year. seen first hand the commitment and level of service de- In order for Sgt. McAndrews to compete voted to protecting our freedom by members of the Army for the award, he had to reach at least 125 National Guard. To be able to carry the Kansas Army Na- percent of that goal. tional Guard colors on our car this weekend is a distinct “I ended up bringing in 69 recruits; that’s honor for me and every member of this team.” 192 percent of the set goal,” McAndrews Tech. Sgt. Jason McAndrews (left center), recruiter for the 184th Intelli- Soldiers and a variety of equipment from the Kansas Na- said. gence Wing, was awarded the Air National Guard Production Recruiter tional Guard were on hand at Heartland Park during the McAndrews gives credit to members of of the Year Award at a ceremony in New Orleans in March 2012. Pre- races. On display was a M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle his squadron who worked long hours de- senting the award was Brig. Gen. Brian Neal, commander, Air National and High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles from spite scheduling difficulties to ensure his Guard Readiness Center; Col. Marie Burrus, chief of ANG Recruiting 69th Troop Command, Topeka; a M142 High Mobility Ar- applicants were able to be enlisted. They and Retention; and Maj. Stephen Cash, deputy chief of ANG Recruiting tillery Rocket System from the 635th Regional Support mentored him while he worked with appli- and Retention. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Jonathon Alderman, Air Na- Group, Hutchinson; an analytical lab, decontamination cants during the enlistment process. tional Guard) truck and survey vehicle from the 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), Topeka; and a display from Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Topeka. Deputy assists with Afghan police training Millican’s Parts Plus Top Fuel car prominently displayed By 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza Operations Forces are responsible for developing, training the KSARNG colors and logo, and the KSARNG Recruit- Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4 and mentoring the Provincial Response Companies. Within ing and Retention Battalion was prominently displayed in As the percussion of small arms rounds echoed around a matter of weeks after their casual conversation, Hoesli the team’s pit side hospitality throughout the weekend. Staff Sgt. Timothy Hoesli, he calmly stood with his hands was asked to be the lead military mentor for the Provincial Tina Stull also invited all members of the military to stop on his hips and reflected on the many hours of target prac- Response Companies’s Basic Course. The Basic Provincial by her pit area. Stull has been to Kansas many times and tice and training he endured in order to become an expert Response Company course, taught in six weeks, includes during her visits always takes time to show her support to marksman and skilled law enforcement officer. the fundamentals of marksmanship, personnel searches, the members of the military. For more information on Stull Hoesli, from Salina, Kan., currently serves as the opera- close quarters combat, compound occupations and first aid visit her website at http://tinastullracing.com/ tions sergeant of the Kansas Agribusiness Development as part of the program of instruction. Upon graduation of Military members received free admission to the race. Team 4. He is using his experience as a Saline County the Basic course, some of the policemen continue on to the Clay Millican Bio sheriff’s deputy to help train Afghan special police forces. Advanced Provincial Response Company Course. Clay Millican, from Drummonds, Tenn., has loved drag Arriving in Afghanistan with ADT 4 in October 2011, Hoesli soon found himself lost in translation as he as- racing his entire life. He got his first race car at the age of Hoesli’s primary mission included redeveloping the agri- sisted the Romanians and Afghans by sharing his knowl- 16 and fueled his passion for racing in the Sportsman drag cultural infrastructure of Laghman Province in order to re- edge to soldiers and policemen with different languages. racing ranks for many years. Clay had raced as a hobby for verse the negative effects of the former Soviet occupier’s “I work with the Romanians and I’m teaching Afghans,” all his adult life until Peter Lehman came along. policies. It was by coincidence, however, that Hoesli’s law Hoesli chuckled. “Sometimes we have a double-language He was working as a forklift driver for Kroger Supermar- enforcement expertise was called upon by the Special Op- barrier and a double-translation problem, but it keeps kets while simultaneously driving an IHRA Modified elimi- erations Task Unit to assist in training Afghan police as things interesting.” nator entry when Lehman selected Millican to drive his part of the Provincial Response Companies. Despite the initial challenges the language barrier posed, Chicago White Sox-sponsored Top Fuel Dragster entry. While attending an Afghan National Police Officer’s grad- Hoesli saw instant improvement with the Afghans during Peter provided the opportunity for Clay to fulfill a lifelong uation late last year, Hoesli encountered a U.S. Special Oper- their training and recalled his first day teaching them. dream of driving professionally. ations Forces team sergeant and had a casual conversation. “The first time we did close quarters combat training it The goal was to learn the game and to establish them- “I had mentioned to the Task Force 10 team sergeant, was quite hilarious,” Hoesli said. “We told them to practice selves as the Top Fuel team of the future. Lehman and Mil- just in passing conversation, that I had been in law en- at home and they did. The next time they came back, there lican later acquired sponsorship backing from trucking forcement for 14 years,” Hoesli said. was a very obvious improvement.” giant Werner Enterprises and formed one of the most well- Afterwards Hoesli was invited by the Special Operations Hoesli particularly made his mark teaching marksman- known driver-sponsor alliances in IHRA Top Fuel history. Task Unit, consisting of U.S. Army and Romanian Special ship training as he improved the Afghans ability to better Operations Forces, to share his knowledge with the team. aim at their targets, shoot tighter shot groups and conduct “As Special Operations Forces, we are trained in work- weapons maintenance. He also provided positive encour- ing with paramilitary and military forces, not necessarily agement often as he gives a congratulatory pat on the back civilian law enforcement,” said the U.S. Special Opera- of the Afghans when they do well on the firing range. tions Forces team sergeant. “So having someone [like His expertise has proven to be a valuable asset and is Hoesli] who can bring that civilian expertise has been use- greatly appreciated by the Special Operations Task Unit. ful since the Afghan police isn’t a military force.” “It’s great having a police officer help us out,” the team According to the team sergeant, a Provincial Response sergeant said. “When Tim [Hoesli] mentioned his back- Company is the high-end police force for an Afghan ground and showed interest in the program, we jumped on province. It is comprised of 125 members, three platoons the opportunity to have him come along. He gives us po- or Special Response Teams and their primary mission is to lice-specific training and brings in a whole crop of expert- take on crisis or situations that exceed the capacity of nor- ise that we wouldn’t necessarily have such as non-lethal mal Afghan uniformed policemen. methods, civilian police specific dispute resolution tech- In Laghman Province, the U.S and Romanian Special niques and civilian police ethics.”

Governor signs New recruits of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Topeka Recruit Sustainment Program sit down with ESGR statement of National Hot Rod Association racer Clay Millican at his team’s pit side hospitality area during the Dollar Gen- support eral NHRA Summer Nationals at Heartland Park Topeka, Topeka, Kan., May 19. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Note from editor: James Hubbard, Recruiting and Retention Battalion) We unintentionally left out the following in our March 2012 issue, page 14: Gov. Sam Brownback signs an Employer Above all, we must Support of the Guard and Reserve state- realize that no arsenal, ment of support for the state of Kansas or no weapon in the ar- in his ceremonial office, March 1. The senals of the world, is ESGR Statement of Support shows the so formidable as the dedication employers have towards their will and moral courage employees who serve in the National of free men and Guard and Reserve and will continually women. It is a weapon recognize and support our country’s our adversaries in service members and their families in today’s world do not peace, in crisis and in war. have. (Photo by Governor’s Public Affairs Of- – Ronald Reagan fice) June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 9 United States Army Regimental System - Army National Guard By retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs capabilities. The colors white and black represent 24 hour fleur-de-lis service in France during World War I. The gold Museum of the Kansas National Guard service, flexibility and responsiveness. Above and below charges in chief on the blue field indicate that the service The regiment was the primary tactical unit in the Na- the shield and background, on a ribbon of blue is the unit was as infantry. tional Guard from the organization of North, South and motto in gold letters: “We Defend From Above.” 137th Infantry: East Regiments in 1636 until 1959. The regiment had its 127th Field Artillery: The Secretary of War approved a coat of arms for the 137th roots in a particular community or geographic area within a The 114th Cavalry was converted into and redesignated Infantry, Kansas National Guard, which is of special interest state. The regiment was not only the repository for history as the 127th Field Artillery Oct. 1, 1940. The coat of arms as it is the regiment com- and tradition, it also served as the basic personnel organiza- for the 114th Regiment manded by the Kansan tion. Cavalry, Kansas National Maj. Gen. Frederick Fun- Prior to 1959, National Guard Soldiers could spend their Guard, approved July 22, ston in the Philippines fol- entire military careers in a particular regiment. In 1959, 1927, was redesignated lowing the Spanish Army National Guard regiments were replaced by battle as the coat of arms for American War, where groups, which were later replaced by battalions. The Com- the 127th Field Artillery, both he and the regiment bat Arms Regimental System was created as a framework Kansas National Guard. won undying fame. for battalions to continue their identity and affiliations to The coat of arms is de- The coat of arms is bla- their parent regiments without restricting changes in force scribed: top portion is zoned as follows: The structure. Under the system, the regiment continued to blue for infantry, embat- shield is azure, a pale serve as the repository of lineage, honors, traditions and tled line, defensive sec- fitchee to honor point vert heraldry. tor, lower part gold with fimbriated or, in pale a There are six Army National Guard Regiments author- two Fleurs-de-lis, for the baton and two bolos saltirewise, cutting edges to chief, of the ized for Kansas: 108th Aviation, 127th Field Artillery, two major engagements. The regimental motto is “VIA last. The regimental motto is “Valor for Service.” The shield 130th Field Artillery, 137th Infantry, 161st Field Artillery VI,” “A way by force.” By reason of the service of the is blue for infantry. The crossed bolos represent service in and the 635th Armor. Headquarters Troop, 35th Division, and the 110th Train the Philippines; the green pale fitchee, Mexican Border duty; 108th Aviation: Headquarters and Military Police, the 127th Field Artillery and the baton is from the Arrus of Varrennes in the Argonne. The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment was organ- is entitled to battle honors as follows: World War I – Al- The following battle streamers have been awarded to the ized and federally recognized March 8, 1922 in the Kansas sace, Lorraine, and the Meuse-Argonne. regiment: Philippine Insurrection: Manila and Malolos Army Nation Guard at 130th Field Artillery: 635th Armor: Topeka, Kan., as Head- The regimental coat of arms and shield were approved by Constituted Jan. 15, 1976, in the Kansas Army Na- quarters Detachment, 1st the War Department on Jan. 8, 1929. The shield, which tional Guard as the 635th Armor, a parent regiment under Squadron, 114th Cavalry, every officer and en- the Combat Arms Regi- an element of the 24th listed man in the regi- mental System. It was Cavalry Division. The ment is entitled to wear, organized and federally unit served as part of the is red for artillery and recognized Feb. 1, 1976, 635th Tank Destroyer has a gold band from the from existing units of the Battalion in France and arms of Lorraine, indi- 891st Engineer Battalion Germany during World cating that the regiment to consist of the 1st Bat- War II. After the war, the served in the province in talion, an element of the unit would undergo many World War I. The embat- 69th Infantry Brigade. reorganizations, re-desig- tling to chief indicates Campaign credit was de- nations, and conversions while continuing to serve both the the capture of Vauquois rived by its support com- Nation’s and the State of Kansas’ call to duty. Hill. Three fleurs-de-lis pany of Beloit and On Oct. 1, 1996, the unit was reorganized and redesig- symbolize the regiment’s battler honors—Alsace, Lorraine entitled to WWII-EAME nated in the Kansas and Oklahoma Army National Guard and Meuse-Argonne. A coiled rattle snake-represents serv- through participation in Normandy (with arrowhead) as the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, a parent reg- ice on the Mexican border. The regimental motto is “Sem- Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Cen- iment under the United States Army Regimental System, per Parvo Meliores,” which means “Always a little better.” tral Europe. with the battalion headquarters at Topeka, Kan. In 2002, 161st Field Artillery: The Support Company (Beloit) 1st Battalion, 635th the battalion was mobilized and in February 2003 began a The coat of arms was originally approved for the 161st Armor, additionally is entitled to the French Croix de six month deployment as the American Aviation Task Force Field Artillery Regiment, Kansas National Guard May 16, Guerre with Palm, World War II, Streamer embroidered for SFOR 13 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1928. The shield: Per fess azure and gules, in chief a giant NORMANDY and the Belgian Croix de Guerre as cited in In October 2005, the regiment was reorganized in the cactus and a fleur-de-lis. the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for action in the Kansas and Texas National Guard Headquartered in The regimental motto is Ardennes. Topeka, Kan., and augmented by Company B, 2nd Battal- “Faire Sans Dire,” “To The unit crest is yellow and green, which are the colors ion, 147th Aviation from Boone, Iowa, in preparation for do without saying.” The used for Armor. The increased maneuverability, penetrating deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. shield of blue and red de- force and firepower of the modern tank are symbolized by The unit has WWII Campaign Credit for participation in notes that the 161st Field the fusils charged with pheons or broadarrows alongside Normandy (with arrowhead), Northern France, Rhineland, Artillery was originally the destructive and awesome fury of a cyclone. The latter Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. It also participated in infantry, the blue being also refers to the sobriquet of Kansas as the “Cyclone the Global War on Terrorism. the infantry color and red State,” home area of the organization. The unit motto is un- The Unit Crest: Ultramarine blue is the primary color the artillery. The cactus derneath reads: “Will to Win.” traditionally associated with the U.S. Army Aviation units. symbolizes Mexican Reference: National Guard Regulation (AR) 600-82 The winged eagle’s claw alludes to the unit’s mission and Border duty and the dated Oct. 11, 1993. Background: Para 4. 190th Air Refueling Wing building friendship with Armenia By Tech. Sgt. Emily Alley 190th Public Affairs “It was an honor to be During a secretary of defense visit in able to host the minister of mid-March, the 190th Air Refueling Wing had an opportunity to demonstrate why it is defense and show him how successful as a wing. The visitor was not we’ve been successful as a U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, wing.” however, but his Armenian counterpart, Seyran Ohanyan. Col. Ron Krueger, Ohanyan, the Armenian Minister of De- commander, 190th ARW fense, was looking for perspective to help better structure his military. When important people gather to discuss 190th ARW Security Forces Squadron. important ideas, they meet in important “It’s a really cool privilege to talk to places. For the minister and his delegation, people who can change entire countries,” that location was Forbes Field. said Henry. “To be in the National Guard Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant and have that potential influence is some- general of Kansas, and Col. Ron Krueger, thing I never saw myself having the op- commander of the 190th ARW, hosted portunity to do.” Ohanyan, several other Armenian officials The Armenian delegation took particular and a representative from the Command interest in Law of Armed Conflict training, and General Staff College in Fort Leaven- which Henry had included on a slide listing Capt. Rob Sanders, a pilot with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Operations Group, worth. pre-deployment training the Security and Seyran Ohanyan, Armenian Minister of Defense, put their arms around each The minister sought guidance from the Forces Airmen had completed. The Arme- other signifying a new relationship. (Courtesy photo) CGSC and the Kansas National Guard on nians were impressed that the United States tary’s court system. The delegation asked and the Expeditionary Medical Support how Armenia could model its military to be makes a point of protecting cultural and re- about command structure, jurisdiction of storage hangar. successful in the future. Ohanyan listened to ligious landmarks. security forces and even requested a candid “It was an honor to be able to host the a presentation, through a translator, by Staff Later, Col. Scott Dold, the adjutant gen- assessment of Armenian officers’ perform- minister of defense and show him how Sgt. Jonathan Henry, who spoke about his eral’s senior legal advisor, spoke on the role ance at CGSC. we’ve been successful as a wing,” said recent deployment to Afghanistan with the of defense lawyers in protecting the mili- The group then toured the wing armory Krueger. Page 10 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction) trains to respond to multiple threats By Melissa Bower Fort Leavenworth Lamp The first real-life incident for the Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team, Weapons of Mass Destruction, was in 2004 when it was called to identify and remove World War II relics -- a live grenade and a jar of mustard gas -- found in a Kansas barn. The Kansas Civil Support Team safely handled the incident, the result of a hazard forcement and first responders. For exam- left behind by a deceased World War II vet- ple, when the local fire department depletes eran. Since then, it has handled many more its resources handling a problem, the fire threats to the state. chief could contact the county emergency The Kansas CST visited Fort Leaven- management officer, who could request the worth March 27-29 to conduct a training state emergency officer to contact the team, exercise in preparation of an annual evalua- McMahon said. The CST is directly under tion by U.S. Army North. the Joint Forces Headquarters of Kansas The Kansas CST is trained to handle Adjutant General’s Department. chemical and biological threats and also has “Everything we do is locked in step with an independent communications capability our civilian partners,” McMahon said. “We vehicle to provide assistance after a natural act in support of them.” disaster. He said the team is always ready, 24- Sgt. 1st Class Dan Shaughnessy, right, a medical noncommissioned officer with the The team is a joint effort by the Kansas hours-a-day and 365-days-a-year. The team 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), Kansas National Guard, Army and Air National Guard, employing 22 has even responded to calls on holidays. gives a safety briefing to 73rd CST members and Army North Civil Support Readi- full-time experts to respond to chemical and The team practiced several scenarios at ness Group - West personnel before an exercise March 29 at the Leavenworth Plaza. biological threats across the state. They are Fort Leavenworth. On March 27, the sce- (Photo by Prudence Siebert, Fort Leavenworth Lamp) one of 57 such teams across the nation, with nario was a potential chemical or biological Lt. Col. Dirk Christian, commander of addition to software that can tell them how one in most states, two each in California dump at a public pool. On March 29, the the unit, said the team has to comply not weather patterns and buildings can change and Florida, and several in U.S. territories. scenario was a vehicle spraying an un- only with state regulations, but also various the path of an airborne chemical or biologi- Master Sgt. George McMahon, noncom- known chemical along Fourth Street in federal agency and military regulations. cal agent. Those tools include: missioned officer for the team, said that the Leavenworth, Kan., which adjoins Fort They also have to be able to communicate • An advance vehicle with self-contained CST works only to support local law en- Leavenworth. with all of these parties. satellite communications and radio. “Every exercise has been a different sce- Christian said this vehicle could be nario,” he said. “We really train the whole sent in advance to help Kansas com- set of chemical, biological, radiological and munities after a tornado or natural dis- nuclear threats.” aster had wiped out communications The Fort Leavenworth Fire Department capabilities for first responders. also provided support to the March exercise. • A unified command vehicle with satel- Leavenworth Assistant Fire Chief Mike Lin- lite communications genfelser said it was helpful for firefighters • An analytical lab to examine samples to work alongside the Kansas CST. and provide a presumptive analysis of “It gives us a chance to know what their what a particular chemical might be capabilities are so we can know when to • Medical response vehicle contact them,” he said. “It’s also just good • Survey trailer with monitoring equipment to network before there’s an emergency • A self-contained decontamination ve- situation.” hicle In Leavenworth, about 20 firefighters are U.S. Army North evaluators were also trained to handle hazardous materials as present at the March exercise. A team from well, Lingenfelser said, so the city does al- U.S. Army North evaluates CSTs each year. ready have some capability to handle chem- The Kansas CST is preparing for an evalua- ical hazards. He said the event would have tion in May. to be significant for the Leavenworth Fire Maj. Jeff Koranda, an observer/controller Department to call upon the Kansas CST. for the exercise, said there was a long Christian said with the CST’s capabilities checklist of guidelines the team has to being statewide, and especially with air ca- meet. He also said there were several ex- pability, they can also respond in rural perts, like a nuclear scientist with a chemi- Staff Sgt. Joseph Duncan, decontamination team member of the 73rd Civil Support Kansas areas that might not even have a cal engineering degree, a physician’s Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), Kansas National Guard, washes a camera full-time fire department, let alone person- assistant and an information technology used by a hazardous materials team to photograph the scene during an exercise nel trained to handle hazardous materials. specialist. The team members are required March 27 at Wollman Park in Leavenworth, Kan. (Photo by Prudence Siebert, Fort The CST has several state and federally to complete thousands of hours worth of Leavenworth Lamp) funded tools to protect the population, in training, including specialized fields.

Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Wischnack (left) and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Shaughnessy (right), Dave Yandon (left) and Steven Wiseniewski (center), members of the Army North medics with the 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), treat Offi- Civil Support Readiness Group - West, help Sgt. John Tejada, a survey member of cer Candidate Jacob Durkes, a member of the survey team, for a fake leg wound sus- the 73rd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), test a Drager-Tube to tained while surveying inside the old Sears building in Leavenworth, Kan., for identify what type of gas is inside the old Sears building in Leavenworth, Kan., as possible hazardous material as part of a training exercise March 29. (Photo by Sgt. part of a training exercise March 29. (Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Office) June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Agribusiness Development Team passes baton to Afghan partners By 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza “It’s hard to think that we had a meeting Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4 on the R and D farm at least once a week,” The Laghman Research and Development said Capt. Todd Stuke, the officer-in-charge Farm is a small plot of greenery amid a of the agricultural section for Kansas ADT desert of pebbles and rocks. Established in 4, “and that this will be the last one.” location just beyond the HESCO barriers Sgt. Bethany Owens, the only female and concertina wire of Forward Operating medic of FOB Mehtar Lam, sat on one side Base Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, the farm of the fence, where a crowd of children was one of the first projects undertaken by gathered, their hands reaching out as they the first Kansas Agribusiness Development use their sparse English and gestures to Team some four years prior. The once-barren communicate with the coalition forces on space now features hanging purple and white the other side. “Mister! Missus!” they beck- blossoms from the eaves of the new build- oned, waving for the Soldiers to come ings, lush green crops in its greenhouse and closer, “Pen? Chocolate?” they asked, “You rose bushes along its cement paths. know McMullen? Peck? You know Sab- Ismail Dawlatzai, the Laghman Province rina?” asked the children, naming off previ- director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Live- ous ADT members. stock, Governor Mohammad Iqbal Azizi As Kansas National Guard presence in and other distinguished guests ushered in a the Laghman Province comes to an end, new chapter for the farm. Lt. Col. Russell there is a cautious optimism in the air. As Richardson, the commander of the fourth the fourth rotation of Kansas ADT leaves, and final Kansas ADT mission, transferred Lt. Col. Russell Richardson (right), the commander of the fourth and final Kansas the members can look back at the culmina- responsibility for the facility to Dawlatzai. Agribusiness Development Team mission, officially passes the responsibility for the tion of successes that began with the vision “They have the tools necessary to carry Research and Development Farm to Ismail Dawlatzai (left), Laghman director of of Brig. Gen. Eric Peck, who saw within on in our absence here in Laghman Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, while Gov. Mohammad Iqbal Azizi (center) the ADT mission the potential to create Province,” said Richardson, “While they witnesses the transfer. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza, Kansas Agribusiness De- greater economic stability by stimulating may be a little apprehensive of our leaving, velopment Team 4) better agricultural practices and increases every project that we have helped them gathered to witness the official signing of man people.” the knowledge base of the Laghman people. complete - all the chicken farms, agricul- the responsibility documents. Eric Grant, Azizi fondly referred to Grant as “Jumaa Handing over the reins, giving over the tural businesses, the flour mills, bakeries Ph.D., U.S. Department of Agriculture, who Khan” or “Friday King.” last piece of property to the Afghan people and butcher shops - are all examples of the has lived and worked with the Kansas ADT The ceremony concluded with Azizi, is a bittersweet moment, as it marks a suc- Afghans in Laghman Province ready to since the very first rotation, gave a stirring Richardson and Dawlatzai assembled at a cessful step in the final transition of author- carry on. There are many challenges that speech to familiar friends, addressing each front desk, surrounded by both local and ity between coalition forces and the exist for the Afghan people, but just as in member by name and waving or shaking coalition forces media and journalists. They government of Afghanistan. any society, they will develop.” the hand of each person he has worked with signed three documents that officially gave “These guys will do great,” said Chief In the pole barn that was erected by over the last four rotations. the responsibility for the last ADT project Warrant Officer 2 Mark Baxa, a Kansas Kansas ADT 1 in 2009, representatives of “We have done great things together,” over to the Afghan government. farmer and National Guard Soldier who has the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Spe- said Grant, “and now, I am going to Hel- While chai and cake was served, several been at the forefront of many of ADT 4’s cial Forces, U.S. Agency for International mand Province, where a new ADT will help members of ADT 4 explored the premises projects. “I really believe that. These guys Development and key local Afghan leaders those Afghans be as successful as the Lagh- one last time. will do well on their own.”

Sgt. Bethany Owens, a medic with the Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4, A view of crops currently growing in one of the greenhouses of the Research and De- takes one last time to visit with the local children outside the Research and Develop- velopment Farm built by Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 1. The farm is now ment Farm compound in Laghman Province, Afghanistan. As their final mission, run by the Laghman Province Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock staff. The Re- Kansas ADT 4 turned over the farm to Ismail Dawlatzai, the Laghman Province di- search and Development Farm provides a source of education and training for local rector of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza, farmers of Laghman Province, Afghanistan. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza, Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4) Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4)

Following the ceremony transferring responsibility for the Research and Development Farm from the Kansas Agribusiness Team 4 to Ismail Dawlatzai, Laghman director of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, the agricultural section of the Kansas ADT 4 and the Laghman Province Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock staff take a group photo in remembrance of the event. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kathleen Argonza, Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4) Page 12 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Martin says “Goodbye” to Officer and Warrant Officer Candidate School By Sgt. Dustin L. Furrey best in the nation,” concluded Windham. Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Martin served as the Kansas Officer Candi- Headquarters, 235th Regiment Lt. Col. John D. Clark Commendation Medal with three oak leaf date School/ Warrant Officer Candidate The 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment (Offi- Lt. Col. John D. Clark was commis- clusters, Army Achievement Medal with oak School battalion commander for more than cer and Warrant Officer Candidate School) sioned June 1995 from the United States leaf cluster, Kansas National Guard Merito- four years. received a new commander, Lt. Col. John Military Academy rious Service Ribbon, Kansas National She earned a Bachelor of Science degree Clark, as Lt. Col. Judith Martin takes a new as an armor officer Guard Commendation Ribbon, Parachutist in business administration from the Univer- position as the military surface mainte- and has served in Badge and Combat Action Badge. sity of Texas and a Master of Science de- nance manager with Joint Forces Head- the Kansas Army Clark will continue to serve the Adjutant gree in public administration from the quarters. National Guard for General’s Department as an assistant pro- University of Kansas. Her military educa- Four years ago, Martin was entrusted more than 11 years. fessor of Military Science at the University tion includes Command and General Staff with the regiment’s “crown jewel” when His most recent as- of Kansas Army Reserve Officers Training Officer and Advanced Operations Warfight- she assumed command of the battalion. Be- signment was as Corps. ing School, Combined Arms and Services fore Martin’s influence, the program was the liaison officer Clark is married to the former Jennifer Staff School, Ordnance Advanced Course, considered to be “one of the best in the na- at 35th Infantry Di- Powers, an employee of the Kansas Divi- Adjutant General’s Officer Basic Course tion,” according to Col. Robert Windham, vision. sion of Emergency Management. They and numerous other courses. commander of the 235th Regiment. In his Clark’s past as- have a four-year-old son, Benjamin. Her military awards and decorations in- remarks during a change of command cere- signments include Lt. Col. John Clark Lt. Col. Judith Martin clude the Meritorious Service Medal with mony March 17, Windham explained how tank platoon leader, Lt. Col. Judith D. Martin was commis- two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Martin took a great battalion and trans- scout platoon leader, cavalry troop executive sioned in the Kansas Army National Guard Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force formed it into excellent. officer and assistant squadron operations of- in July 1992. She began her military career Commendation Medal, Army Achievement “It did not take long to see that Lieutenant ficer with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regi- by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1980 serv- Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army Colonel Martin was absolutely the right per- ment; company commander of Company C, ing four years on active duty and more than Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service son at the right time,” said Windham. 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Regiment; battal- eight years in the Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon In the four years that Martin commanded ion personnel officer, operations officer, and Texas and Kansas with bronze star, Global War on Terrorism the battalion, she accomplished a lot in a time executive officer of 1st Battalion, 635th Army National Expeditionary Medal, Army Overseas Rib- of diminishing resources. Under Martin, the Armor Regiment; assistant operations offi- Guard where she bon (second award), Kansas Meritorious OCS program has trained close to 500 candi- cer, 69th Troop Command; plans officer for was promoted to Service Medal, Counterdrug Operations Rib- dates from nine different states. To date, that the Joint Forces Headquarters-Kansas Joint the senior noncom- bon, Kansas Emergency Duty Ribbon (sec- program has produced nearly 40 warrant offi- Staff; operations and plans mentor with the missioned officer ond award), Kansas Overseas Ribbon (third cers for Kansas and provides oversight and 205th Coalition Mentor Team and liaison of- ranks. Her past of- award), Texas Meritorious Service Medal, guidance to a seven-state region. ficer for 35th Infantry Division. He has de- ficer assignments Texas Adjutant General’s Individual Award, Windham is not alone in his praise of ployed as part of the NATO peacekeeping include aide-de- Texas Faithful Service Award, Louisiana Martin. Her accomplishments have been mission in Kosovo with the 1st Battalion, camp at the Joint Emergency Service Medal and the Master noticed by the U.S. Army Training and 635th Armor Regiment and as part of a Forces Headquar- Recruiting Badge. Doctrine Command and the Army Infantry Kansas Embedded Training Team mission to ters, platoon leader Lt. Col. Judith Martin Martin is the full-time deputy surface Center at Fort Benning, Ga. They have Afghanistan with the 205th Coalition Men- and maintenance control/executive officer, maintenance manager for the Kansas Army awarded her unit their highest recognition tor Team. Drug Demand Reduction administrator and National Guard and will now be assigned as possible, the title of “Institution of Excel- Clark earned a Bachelor of Science degree executive officer, military personnel officer, the military surface maintenance manager. lence” – the first time in 55 years that such in engineering physics from the United battalion maintenance officer, company She is married to retired Col. Henry Mar- recognition has been earned. States Military Academy at West Point, commander, officer recruiter, brigade logis- tin, Ph.D. They have five adult children - Windham added, “Her Warrant Officer N.Y., and a Master of Science degree in tics officer and deputy J5 – Joint Office for Alycia, Anastasia, Marion, Kristina and Candidate School [program] is the only one physics from the University of Kansas at Strategic Plans and Policies. She has also Klint. Staff Sgt. Marion Martin, Staff Sgt. in the National Guard fully accredited with Lawrence, Kan. His military training in- deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Free- Kristina Williams and Spc. Klint Williams an overall score of 100 percent and multi- cludes Intermediate Level Education, Com- dom and served as the theater logistics offi- are all members of the Kansas Army Na- ple best practices recognized by the Army bined Arms Exercise, Armor Captains cer for the 377th Sustainment Command. tional Guard. Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Career Course, Armor Officer Basic Course, Rucker, Ala.” Military Transition Team Course, Master Windham concluded by stating, “After Fitness Course and Airborne School. Kansas Army Guardsman her four years in command, the program is Among his many military awards and dec- not one of the best in the nation, it is the orations are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Worden receives donated car By Spc. Robert Havens Worden has deployed in the past with the 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 778th Transportation Company, 714th Main- Salina Police Department Picture yourself in a situation where you tenance Company and a second time with are trying to raise two children, have no ve- the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment. conducts rifle training at GPJTC hicle and you have to find a way to drive “Most of the times, when these service 23 miles to the nearest Wal-Mart. Now members receive a phone call for help, they By Capt. Dana Graf PD, provides an opportunity that is impos- imagine, as a veteran, you received a phone turn it down,” said Terry Franz, co-founder Kansas Regional Training Center sible to pass up. call offering help in getting a vehicle. of Cars4Heroes. When the Great Plains Joint Training “We are really fortunate to have the train- At the 2012 National Guard Association Cars 4 Heroes focuses on taking older, Center was initially envisioned, a primary ing center available for our department,” of Kansas convention, Cars 4 Heroes gave donated vehicles and making them safe and goal was to provide a national training re- said Mansfield. “Its state of the art facilities a vehicle to a veteran who had found him- reliable. Without getting caught up in who source that could meet the current and fu- give us the opportunity to provide our per- self in just this situation. needs a vehicle more, they simply provide ture needs of both Kansas National Guard sonnel with excellent training on a regular Sgt. Norman Worden, a Soldier with vehicles to service members in need of Soldiers and federal and state agencies. Lo- basis. We use the M16 range and other Headquarters, 235th Regiment at the basic transportation. cated seven miles outside of Salina and Training Center sites at least monthly and Kansas Regional Training Institute at “They are not winning the lottery,” said consisting of 3,565 acres in the heart of greatly appreciate its unmatched facilities Salina, Kan., received a phone call and Chris Shell, Cars4Heroes co-founder. “We Kansas, the training center is perfectly situ- and dedicated staff. We find the service the turned them down several times, knowing are getting them a vehicle to get around in ated to meet both aspects of that mission. Great Plains Joint Training Center provides there had to be someone who needed the and take care of their basic necessities.” One of the agencies that has regularly unique and unexcelled.” car more than him. Worden said the first thing he planned on trained at the Training Center is the Salina In addition to the Salina PD, the GPJTC “I got a phone call out of the blue and I doing was taking his two boys, William and Police Department. The agency conducts regularly supports the training of the Kansas turned it down. It took several phone calls Andrew, out for ice cream. monthly rifle training on the M4/M16 Counterdrug Task Force, Kansas Depart- to convince me that I needed the vehicle,” With a smile, Worden gave his thanks to Qualification Range in order to maintain ment of Emergency Management, various said Worden, an 11 year veteran. “I didn’t everyone involved. their proficiency. The training, lead by Car- sheriffs’ departments and the Department of know who had submitted me.” “Thank you for the car,” said Worden. son Mansfield, deputy chief of the Salina Homeland Security among others.

Cars 4 Heroes Founder Terry Franz (left), known as “Car Santa” to many, and Chris Officer Danielle Lemon of the Salina Police Department conducts her monthly rifle Shell (right) present a car to Sgt. Noerman Worden courtesy of Cars 4 Heroes April training at the Great Plains Joint Training Center. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class John Tay- 20 during the 58th annual conference of the National Guard Association of Kansas. lor, Kansas Regional Training Center) (Photo by Spc. Robert Havens, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 13 Recruiting and Retention Battalion receives new commander By Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke Battalion, 5th Field Artillery. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment After attending the Officer Advanced Lt. Col. Barry Thomas relinquished com- Course at Fort Sill, he served in Schweinfurt, mand of the Kansas Army National Guard’s Germany, and Bamberg, Germany, from Recruiting and Retention Battalion to Maj. 1995 to 2000, where he held numerous jobs, Kenneth Weishaar during a ceremony April culminating as commander for Battery C, 1st 16. The ceremony took place at the Unit Battalion, 7th Field Artillery and commander, Training Equipment Site, Salina, Kan., and Headquarters and Headquarters Service Bat- was the first since Recruiting and Retention tery, 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery. Command reorganized into a battalion. After returning from Germany in March “This is a bittersweet moment for my 2000, Thomas served as an operations re- family and me after 32 months of com- search/systems analyst for the U.S. Army mand,” said Thomas. “Recruiting is the tip Training and Doctrine Command Analysis of the spear for the Kansas Army National Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. In 2002, he Guard as citizens are brought in and trans- converted to Active/Guard Reserve status formed into Soldiers who will lead the Na- with the Kansas Army National Guard, tional Guard and the U.S. Army into the where he has held numerous positions, in- next decade. It has been a privilege for me cluding the operations officer for the 1st to learn from and lead such outstanding Battalion, 127th Field Artillery; deputy in- noncommissioned officers.” spector general and as the Recruiting and “Gen. George S. Patton Jr. once said ‘Do Retention Battalion commander. everything you ask of those you com- As well as being a graduate from the Field mand,’” said Weishaar. “I hope to leverage Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced my prior experience in the Recruiting and Courses, he has also graduated from the Op- Retention Battalion ... to successfully in- Command Sgt. Maj. Manuel Rubio, command sergeant major of the Recruiting and Re- erations Research/Systems Analysis – Mili- crease the membership of the Kansas Army tention Battalion, headquartered in Topeka, Kan., presents the battalion flag to Lt. Col. tary Applications Course at Fort Lee, Va.; National Guard. I look forward to the op- Barry Thomas, outgoing commander, during the battalion’s change of command cere- Command and General Staff College, Fort portunities and challenges that lie ahead as mony at the Unit Training Equipment Site armory in Salina, Kan., April 16. This was Leavenworth, Kan.; Air Force and U.S. we recruit and retain Kansans to sustain our the first change of command since the unit was reorganized into a battalion in 2010. Army Inspector General Schools and has a freedom for this and future generations.” (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Master of Business degree in leadership and Maj. Kenneth J. Weishaar management from Webster University. Maj. Kenneth J. Weishaar has more than (Honor Graduate); Company Level Pre- Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, Kansas Thomas’ awards include the Army Supe- 27 years of military service and more than Command Course; Officer Advance Army National Guard Commendation Rib- rior Unit Award, Air Assault Badge, Para- 12 years of commissioned service with the Course; Combined Arms and Services Staff bon, Kansas Army National Guard Service chutist Badge, NATO Medal, Overseas Kansas Army National Guard, receiving his School; Recruiting and Retention Leader- Ribbon with second sunflower device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, commission as a second lieutenant in Au- ship Course and Transportation School Sen- National Guard Chiefs 50 Recruiting and Re- Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War gust 1999. This new command brings his ior Transportation Officer Qualification tention Badge, Kansas Army National Guard on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on career full circle as his first assignment was Course. He is currently enrolled in Ad- Outstanding Company Grade Officer for Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, as a recruiting and retention specialist with vanced Operations Course. 2003, and the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Recruiting and Retention. Other assign- Weishaar received a Bachelor of Arts de- Medal – Army Engineer Association. Forces Expeditionary Medal, National De- ments include platoon leader and company gree in management from Upper Iowa Uni- Weishaar and his wife, Sherry, live in fense Service Medal, Army Achievement commander with the 891st Engineer Battal- versity, graduating with honors. He is Topeka and have three children, Ashley Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint ion; executive officer, Recruiting and Re- currently enrolled in the master’s program in (21), Kyle (18) and Tyler (16). Service Commendation Medal and Merito- tention; chief, Facility Design and Project business administration at Webster University. Lt. Col. Barry Thomas rious Service Medal Management Branch, Directorate of Facili- His awards and decorations include the Thomas was commissioned a second Thomas served one tour in Bosnia and ties Engineering; brigade engineer officer, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service lieutenant in 1989 from Tennessee Techno- Herzegovina from 1996 to 1997 with the 287th Sustainment Brigade; and battalion Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Army logical University. He graduated in 1990 1st Infantry Division as part of the Imple- executive officer, Headquarters, 891st En- Commendation Medal with two oak leaf with a Bachelor of Science degree in indus- mentation Force for the Dayton Peace Ac- gineer Battalion. clusters, Army Achievement Medal with trial engineering. After his Officer Basic cord and one tour in Afghanistan from 2008 His military education includes Primary three oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal Course at Fort Sill, Okla., his first duty sta- to 2009 as the deputy inspector general for Leadership Development Course; ARNG third award, Army Reserve Components tion was Fort Ord, Calif., where he served the 101st Airborne Division. Retention Noncommissioned Officer Achievement Medal, National Defense Serv- as a fire support officer and fire direction Thomas assumed duties as the deputy Course (Career Counselor); Primary Lead- ice Medal with Bronze Star Device, Iraq officer with the 7th Battalion, 15th Field personnel officer for the Kansas Army Na- ership Development Course; Advanced Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Artillery. From there he moved to Fort tional Guard, April 16. Noncommissioned Officer Course; Train- Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal Riley, Kan., where he served as a counter- Thomas and his wife, Terri, live in ing, Advising and Counseling Officer with Silver Hourglass Device, Noncommis- fire officer for Battery D, 25th Field Ar- Topeka and have two boys, Zach (18) and Training and Orientation Course; Battle sioned Officers Development Ribbon with tillery and platoon leader for Battery A, 4th Gabe (15). Focus Instructor Trainer Course; Adjutant “three” device, Army Service Ribbon, Over- General School; Officer Basic Course seas Service Ribbon, Kansas Army National Ryan’s influence was far-reaching By Sgt. Dustin Furrey A new chapter of life Headquarters, 235th Regiment UPAR Celebrating the accomplishments of a Continued from Page 4 out my career. There is a saying that goes, leader can be bittersweet. In the military, and fight for things that make us and “When a window of opportunity opens up, the focus on the highlights of a career the Kansas Army National Guard bet- don’t pull down the shade.” usually come at its end and are, therefore, ter, such as the Enlisted Association of I have always tried to live out the Army both an “attaboy” and a “goodbye” rolled the National Guard and the state con- Values in my thoughts and my actions. into one. Command Sgt. Maj. John J. ference. These types of organizations These are the things I have done throughout Ryan’s influence will be felt long after his and attendance at their events provides my career. These are the things that have retirement. networking opportunities. helped me get where I am today. Brig. Gen. Eric Peck, commander of the 6. I included my family in as many activ- We need luck to win the lottery, not to Kansas Army National Guard, remem- ities as I could so they would know have a successful career. When we work hard bered a time when he and Ryan wore the and understand what I did and were a and position ourselves by doing what is right, same rank as part of a flight crew. During part of my units. living the Army values and let them show in Ryan’s retirement ceremony, Peck told the 7. I was never afraid to change units. I our thoughts and actions, good things will standing-room-only audience that he viewed this as an opportunity to learn happen and you will be successful in your called on Ryan constantly throughout his how others do things. family life, civilian and military career. own career for advice and an honest opin- 8. I was always mindful that at all times, The time has come for me to start a new ion. Peck was not alone in his account of Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan in and out of uniform, I represented chapter in my book of life, one with my Ryan’s exemplary leadership. Several makes his parting remarks during his myself, my family and the Kansas lovely wife, Wanda. I can’t say enough other key leaders recalled stories of Ryan’s retirement ceremony June 3, capping Army National Guard. about my wife’s roll in my career. She has advice and guidance, including Maj. Gen. off a career of military service span- 9. Be patient. I can’t stress this enough. always been my biggest supporter and (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. ning nearly 40 years. (Photo by Steve Most of the time we want what we yours, because she knows how much you In his nearly 40 years of service, Ryan Larson, Public Affairs Office) want and we want it now. This may be all mean to me and all of you are special to accomplished much, often during times was ready to start dating his wife, Wanda, the way we feel, but life doesn’t work her. My hope is that we have served you of decreasing resources. He spearheaded all over again. But it was hard not to no- that way, at least not for me. This is the well. We are proud to call you and your the KSARNG Noncommissioned Officer tice that Ryan’s emotional goodbye one thing I have struggled with families our friends and co-workers. Hall of Fame, which honors those leaders pleaded that he had so much more to throughout my career. I tell you again, I do not like to say goodbye because it who gave their lives to the development give. That maybe 40 years weren’t quite be patient! Good things will happen. seems like I am leaving for good, when in of Soldiers, as well as those who made enough. Maybe his star wasn’t finished 10. Learn something from everyone, fact Wanda and I will see you along life’s the ultimate sacrifice. Many other initia- dazzling those he encountered. Actually, even if it is what not to do. road and you will remain in our thoughts tives were borne of Ryan’s passion to he will continue to influence those I believe these things are not luck. They and prayers until we meet again. take care of Soldiers. around him. His star hasn’t faded. It has require us to have self-discipline. Being Now remain relevant, ready and reliable During his own remarks, Ryan said he merely changed direction. disciplined created opportunities through- and go do the right thing. Page 14 Plains Guardian • June 2012 ESGR presents Seven Seals Kansas leaders recognize Award to Salina Area Chamber of military children in Kansas Commerce Military Affairs Council By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Public Affairs Office By Chuck Bredahl The Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate read resolutions recogniz- Kansas ESGR Program Support Technician ing April as the “Month of the Military Child in Kansas” during their recent legislative The Kansas Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of session. Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, and Command Sgt. Major the Department of Defense, honored the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Af- Scott Haworth, senior enlisted advisor of the Kansas National Guard, were in attendance. fairs Council with a Seven Seals Award in recognition of their support of the ESGR mis- Military children of the Teen Council, representing all Kansas National Guard youth, sion during their council meeting May 29. joined Governor Sam Brownback for a photo opportunity as he signed the official procla- According to Mick Allen, ESGR Kansas chair, “The Seven Seals Award is the only Em- mation declaring April as the “Month of the Military Child” in the state of Kansas, prior to ployer Support of the Guard and Reserve award that bridges both the employer and ESGR the legislative sessions. volunteer recognition awards program. It was created by ESGR to publicly recognize indi- “As much as we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve in our Armed viduals who provide significant achievement, initiative or support that promotes and sup- Forces,” said Brownback, “we also owe our gratitude to their families and especially their ports the ESGR mission.” children. Because of their service, these military parents and their children often must miss The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council and Rachel Hinde sharing birthdays, graduations, those nightly hugs and kisses and other special moments. were nominated for being highly supportive of the ESGR mission by providing help for It’s up to us, the people that they serve, to see that their families receive the support and Guard families, such as emergency funding for gas, rent and general expenses. Also, fam- honor they are due because of the sacrifices they make.” ily outings and support of troops at Fort Riley are financed by yearly fundraisers – golf Following the photo in the governor’s ceremonial office, the council went to the Senate tournaments, poker runs, Zumbathons and donations. chambers for the resolution reading, and then to the House chambers. The Salina Military Affairs Council was established in 2009 to provide a community- April was recognized as a time for Kansans to applaud the strength, sacrifice, heroism wide coordinating council between several military organizations and the Salina Area and continued resilience that children of service men and women make to the state and na- Chamber of Commerce. Working together, the organizations focus on building a healthy tion. During that time, Kansans were encouraged to celebrate and stand by military chil- economy and improving the quality of life for both the military and community. dren, just as they and their families stand by the people of Kansas. As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an During the height of Operations Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, more increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will than 33,000 Kansas children have at least one parent serving in the military. continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes out- “It is not uncommon for one generation to follow another into the Kansas National Guard,” standing support, increases awareness of the law and resolves conflict through mediation. said Tafanelli, “often joining the same unit as their parents. Children know the hardships of More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities separation when a parent is deployed. They know what it means to sacrifice so we can enjoy is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling Chuck Bredahl at 785-217-4828. our freedoms and yet they join willingly and eagerly. They are our future.” The resolutions were the culmination of a month-long salute to military children honor- ing their contributions to Kansas and celebrating that, just as parents are today’s strength to our nation, military children are the strength of the future. “It means a lot to get military children recognized for their hard work and sacrifices. As the council, we got the chance to represent the 33,000 military youths in the state, which is a great honor,” said John Shafer, president of the Kansas National Guard Teen Council. “The proclamation also helps us make way for the recognition our peers deserve.”

The Kansas National Guard Teen Council attends a session in the House chambers at the Kansas Capitol April 27 as a resolution is read recognizing military children of the Kansas Reserve and Guard units. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Af- Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Veterans Affairs Council liaison Rachel Hinde fairs Office) accepts a Seven Seals Award from Mick Allen, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Kansas chair, on behalf of the council members in recognition of support of the ESGR mission during their council meeting May 29. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Warrant Officer Corps grows Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Continued from Page 4 Within the past couple of months, the professional education of warrant officers. Kansas Army National Guard Warrant Offi- A question and answer session prompted cer Corps said farewell to two great warrant valuable discussion throughout the group officers as they retired. These were Chief and brought us all on the same page con- Warrant Officer 5 Rosanna Morrow and cerning many issues relevant to the Warrant Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wayne Spry. Both Officer Corps. of these Soldiers worked hard for many Our senior warrant officers from the years with a tireless determination to leave Quartermaster, Ordnance and Adjutant a positive, lasting impact on Soldiers, to General branches updated the group on improve their branch and the Warrant Offi- changes within their respective branches, cer Corps, and to ensure the success of the bringing us all on-line with current happen- Kansas National Guard. Morrow and Spry ings, changes and issues. I also spoke to the were huge Guard supporters and focused group, updating them on changes specific their efforts with a “Soldier first” mentality. to our state, such as the recently published Finally, now that deployments are slow- Mentorship Program, Strength Mainte- ing down and we begin the transition to a nance Program, Warrant Officer Advisory peacetime training environment, we need to Give an Hour provides free mental Council and concluded with some profes- dust off the manuals and shift our focus sional development highlighting areas to back to becoming the “subject matter ex- health services to help heal the focus and improve upon during the remain- perts” that we’ve always claimed. der of this fiscal year. It’s time to start training, mentoring and invisible wounds of war. To receive I congratulate Chief Warrant Officer 3 supervising our sections and Soldiers in an Stuart Stupka from Det. 1, 170th Mainte- effort to prepare everyone to train correctly, services or join our network of nance Company for being nominated as the smart and safe. Don’t forget the leadership Warrant Officer of the Year. Stupka is the skills you’ve learned through this war. Use volunteer providers, visit shop foreman chief for Field Maintenance them, along with those technical skills that Shop 1 in Hays, Kan., and has served in you’ve developed, and I promise that you www.giveanhour.org. this billet since 1998. His efforts definitely will be well armed to help take our Army merit his nomination for this award. into the future. June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Two inducted into Kansas National Guard’s NCO Hall of Fame By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett He returned to the United States and was assigned to the completed the two-month Personnel Administration Public Affairs Office 6023rd Service Unit Company at Fort Ord, Calif. He was School. She was honorably discharged from the Marine The Kansas National Guard added two new names to the honorably discharged from the active Army Oct. 26, 1955, Corps Jan. 11, 1964, with more than eight years of service. ranks of honored noncommissioned officers April 29 dur- and assigned to the Army Reserve Kansas Military District. In September 1967, Cogswell went to work for the So- ing an induction ceremony for the Noncommissioned Offi- He was a member of the Army Reserve until he enlisted in cial Security Administration. She went from clerk typist to cer Hall of Fame at the Kansas Regional Training Institute, the Kansas Army National Guard Sept. 24, 1956, and was assistant processing module manager. Salina, Kan. assigned to the mess section of Headquarters and Head- Cogswell enlisted in the 169th Support Battalion, Kansas This year’s inductees were retired 1st Sgt. Harvey quarters Battery, 195th Field Artillery Group in Iola, Kan. Army National Guard, July 23, 1973. She was assigned to Rogers, of Iola, Kan., and retired Sgt. 1st Class Edna Mae He was a member of the Iola unit until Sept. 23, 1965, Company C, 169th Support Battalion, where her duties Cogswell, of Vermillion, Kan. achieving the rank of staff sergeant and the position of consisted of ration breakdown, issuing supplies and doing “I couldn’t believe it. No, it’s not possible. I have been out mess sergeant for the Iola unit. He re-enlisted in the Kansas the appropriate paper work. She was also put in charge of and about for too long. But sergeant major kept assuring me,” National Guard on Sept. 16, 1972, in Headquarters and the female barracks. said Cogswell. “I would shake just talking about it.” Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 137th Infantry and Cogswell was transferred to Headquarters Company, Cogswell and Rogers both were surprised at their was promoted to the rank of first sergeant, where he re- 169th Support Battalion. She was sent to Fort Benjamin recognition. mained until his retirement on Sept. 15, 1985. Harrison, Ind., to attend the Personnel Senior Sergeant “My first thought – it just floored me. I was just overly Rogers is believed to be the first African American to be Course. During this period, she also attended the Noncom- surprised and kind of in shock that after all these years that promoted to the rank of first sergeant in an integrated unit missioned Officer Leadership School at Fort Riley, Kan. someone was still around that remembered when I was in,” in the Kansas Army National Guard. In July 1976, she was promoted to sergeant first class. In shared Rogers. “But I know that a lot of the people here Rogers achieved all of his military duties on a part-time August 1976, she was transferred to Company B (Medical), today, I had them in my unit at Iola or southeastern Kansas status. While he was a member of the Guard he was also 169th Support Battalion to fill the position of first sergeant. as privates and private first classes and The unit was 20 percent female. now they are up and doing well. That Cogswell continued to be responsible makes you feel good, when you con- for the women’s barracks at annual tributed something and you look back training from 1974 to 1985. and you see the people you worked Cogswell left the Social Security with excelled and got to where they Administration in July 1982. Upon are today.” leaving the SSA and while still serving Before starting the official induc- in the Kansas Army National Guard, tion, Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, she entered the Ursuline Sisters Con- adjutant general, addressed the crowd. vent at Paola, Kan. While a Ursuline “It is a great honor and privilege for nun, she was assigned to St. John’s me to stand here today and welcome Catholic Church in Bartlesville, Okla. each and everybody to this wonderful Here she managed the finance depart- ceremony highlighting the careers of ment to assist the poor and did some two outstanding noncommissioned of- religious teaching. She also was a vol- ficers,” said Tafanelli. “And certainly unteer for Elder Care, where she per- the Kansas National Guard enjoys formed various chores to keep the many great achievements today in elderly in their homes. large part because of their service, Cogswell served in the Army Na- sacrifice and attention they have tional Guard until July 22, 1985, after given to the Kansas National Guard completing more than 20 years of and the troops they have lead. That Retired 1st Sgt. Harvey Rogers and retired Sgt. 1st Class Edna Cogswell, are the latest in- military service. She was the first impact is alive and well today.” ductees into the Kansas Army National Guard’s Noncommissioned Officer Hall of Fame held at non-nurse female to retire from the This was the third year of the Non- the Kansas Regional Training Institute, Salina, Kan., April 29. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Bar- Kansas Army National Guard. commissioned Officer Hall of Fame. nett, Public Affairs Office.) In 1997, she resigned from the con- The new inductees share this honor vent, but continued to work for the with Soldiers who gave the greatest sacrifice in the line of very active in his civilian jobs. He worked for the Missouri Catholic church, helping the poor in Oklahoma. For most of duty while deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Pacific Railroad for eight years, and for the U.S. Postal this time, Cogswell was a single mother, helping her daugh- During 2009, the Year of the NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Service, retiring after more than 32 years. He was also ter, Joy, complete her LPN courses. While Joy was in nursing John Ryan, senior enlisted leader of the Kansas Army Na- owner of Rogers Electric Heating and Air, where he school, Cogswell cared for her grandson, Michael. With her tional Guard, identified the need to recognize the fine non- achieved the rating of master electrician. mentoring, Michael earned his Eagle Scout Award. Cogswell commissioned officers of Kansas. Retired Sgt. 1st Class Edna Mae Cogswell and her family returned to their home in Vermillion, Kan., “Often times we do things that are momentary recogni- Retired Sgt. 1st Class Edna Mae Cogswell enlisted in the and Michael enrolled at Centralia High School. tion, and I thought what kind of a way is there that we can United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 Sept. 9, 1955. Cogswell’s military awards include the U.S. Marine continue to recognize the accomplishments and achieve- During her service, she completed the USMC Recruiter Corps Good Conduct Medal, second award with a star, ments of the good NCOs,” said Ryan. Course and was promoted to sergeant on May 1, 1958. Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Commen- Retired 1st Sgt. Harvey Rogers Cogswell re-enlisted on Sept. 9, 1958, and was assigned dation, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Rib- Retired 1st Sgt. Harvey Rogers’s military career started to Recruiter Station in Omaha, Neb. While stationed in Ne- bon, Army Noncommissioned Officer ribbon, fourth award Dec. 18, 1953, when he enlisted in the U. S. Army as a pri- braska she completed the Women’s Noncommissioned Of- and Kansas Army National Guard Service Medal. vate. After completing basic training, he was assigned as a ficer Leadership School. Cogswell is a lifetime member of the American Legion cook with the Seoul Military Police 8096th in Korea and On Sept. 9, 1962, she re-enlisted and was assigned to Post 257, Woman Marine Association, Marine Corps was promoted to the rank of private first class. Woman Marine Company at Camp LeJeune, N.C. She League and Women’s Military Service Memorial. 190th Air Refueling Wing Coyote receives free car from Cars 4 Heroes By Tech. Sgt. Emily Alley on their own.. Founded as Cars 4 Christmas tion truly can make an amazing difference eligible for a tax deduction once the vehicle 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs in 1996, the organization gives away more to a person in need. Vehicle donations are has been given away. Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, the Ac- than 350 cars each year. tive Guard and Reserve and civilian pay “I will be glad she will be able to get to technician with the 190th Comptroller work, but I am sincerely appreciative that Flight, who recently returned home from a she will have this burden taken away,” said six-month deployment to Afghanistan, re- Westergren’s commander, Maj. James ceived a free car from Cars4Heroes/ Wehrli. “She has always given so much to Cars4Christmas May 5 at Forbes Field, our office, wing and community. It’s ex- Topeka, Kan. tremely meaningful to know that outside Westergren, who has served 31 years in organizations want to know our Airmen are the military, returned home from deploy- taken care of and they couldn’t have chosen ment to find that her car was inoperable. a better person.” Reliable transportation is critical to Wester- Westergren was the second member of gren, who drives more than 80 miles the 190th Air Refueling Wing to receive a roundtrip each workday. vehicle from the organization. Master Sgt. Fortunately, a not-for-profit organization, Jeff Norling also received a car from the or- Cars4Heroes/Cars4Christmas, donated a ganization after his home and vehicles were car to assist Westergren. destroyed by an EF-3 tornado that hit Read- “I am very grateful for the generosity of ing, Kan., last summer. this amazing organization,” she said. “Re- Cars4Heroes/Cars4Christmas has also turning home and not having a car to get provided automobiles for two Army me back and forth to work was quite over- Guardsmen over the last year. whelming. Their generosity removes that If you would like to donate to Cars 4 He- worry and allows me to focus on reintegrat- roes please go to www.cars4christmas.org Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, the Active Guard and Reserve and civilian pay tech- ing with my family and community.” /donate-form for more information. nician with the 190th Air Refueling Wing’s Comptroller Flight, starts up her newly Cars4Heroes/Cars4Christmas is a non- Cars, boats, trucks, motorcycles, or RV donated car from Cars4Heroes/Cars4Christmas, a not-for-profit organization, in a profit organization provides free basic are appreciated along with monetary contri- hangar at Forbes Field, Topeka, Kan., May 5. Westergren came home from a six- transportation to disadvantaged individuals butions. Free towing anywhere in the nation month deployment to Afghanistan to find that her car was inoperable. (Photo by and veterans who are not able to obtain it is included if necessary. Your vehicle dona- Tech. Sgt. Mandy Johnson, 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) Page 16 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Kansas public officials focus on children from military families By Bryan Richardson providers, community and civic leaders, and service clubs “I hoped all of the key stakeholders in the state of The Manhattan Mercury and organizations discussed how to sustain current efforts Kansas would know the challenges and get some prom- Eighty-five state public officials, including members of and responses that could be implemented immediately and ises,” he said about his expectations for the conference. the Kansas National Guard Family Programs along with in six months. Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, and his Goff said a state steering committee will review all of the command team, met at Kansas State University in Manhat- action plans to create a singular plan. “MCEC provides us tan May 1-2 to develop means to better address children of the guidance, but they don’t come in and say this is how military parents in Kansas. you’re going to do this,” she said. The Military Child Education Coalition, a non-profit Goff said K-State will take this on as a primary program group that develops resources and conducts conferences that it will continue to work on. and training related to educating military children, helped Tafanelli and Brig. Gen. Don MacWillie, Fort Riley, facilitate the discussion about “Living in the New Normal.” spoke during the conference about the struggles that mili- “We will synchronize services to build and sustain sup- tary children face. port for Kansas’ children and youth whose families serve Tafanelli said the military children don’t have a sign on our nation now, have served in the past and will serve in them indicating their status and don’t have “a light that the future,” the Kansas vision statement said. blinks when they have an issue.” K-State first lady Noel Schulz said Art DeGroat, director “They look just like every other child in our communi- of military affairs at K-State, and Briana Nelson Goff, di- ties and schools,” he said. “The challenge really becomes rector of the K-State Institute for the Health and Security of how do we identify those children, how do we identify par- Military Families, served as the university’s contact to ticular issues they’re having and how do we match those up Members of the Kansas National Guard Family Pro- bring MCEC onto campus. to our resources.” grams, along with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adju- “K-State is a leader in being involved nationally with MacWillie said issues for children in the past include tant general, and his command team join public military-related activities,” Schulz said. “So we wanted honor courses not being accepted and keeping them off ath- officials from across Kansas in a breakout session dur- to continue that leadership in terms of supporting the letic teams since they are likely to leave, something that ing a Military Child Education Coalition meeting at military.” happened to his son. He said the MCEC has helped smooth Kansas State May 1-2. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Bar- At the conference, groups representing education, service the issue of moving from state to state. nett, Public Affairs Office) Hutchinson company donates oxygen mask kit for search and rescue dogs By Jane Welch ing event at Crisis City involving several haz- Public Affairs Office mat and search and rescue teams from Hays, Invisible Fence of Central Kansas presented a Garden City, Manhattan, Salina, Wichita and canine oxygen mask kit to K-9 Search and Res- the Kansas City metro area. As part of the cue of Kansas, Inc. in a brief ceremony, March training, unmanned aerial vehicles will provide 24. The event took place at the second annual aerial search and rescue and situational aware- Disaster Preparedness Day and Open House at ness for the teams working on the ground. Crisis City in Salina, Kan. This donation was Crisis City, located eight miles southwest of given as part of the Invisible Fence® Brand oxy- Salina, provides state of the art training facili- gen mask donation program, Project Breathe™. ties to all emergency response and support In the event of a disaster requiring deploy- agencies, whether in one of its classrooms or ment of the Emergency Support Trailer housed on any of the training venues. It is a multiuse at Crisis City, the K-9 mask kit will deploy as training complex for local, state and federal re- part of the support package contained within sponders, law enforcement officers, emergency the trailer. Among other capabilities, the trailer management professionals, public and private has a robust emergency medical cache for industry safety professionals, and military op- human and K-9 responders. erations in support of civil authorities. The donated kit contains three oxygen masks, Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, director of Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- In addition to classroom space, training areas one each for small, medium and large dogs. The ment and the adjutant general, accepts a canine oxygen mask kit from Beth Ericson at Crisis City include railway accident response, masks will also be used at Crisis City in the of Invisible Fence of Central Kansas on behalf of K9 Search and Rescue of Kansas, an urban village, agriculture and farm safety, col- event of an injury to any dog engaged in search Inc. and Crisis City May 24. (Photo by Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) lapsed structure rescue, a technical rescue tower, and rescue, guard dog, attack dog, drug or bomb aircraft venue and a pipeline venue. Other train- sniffing or any other type of canine-related training. tion for Crisis City. Invisible Fence previously donated K-9 ing venues are in the planning stages. Kansas has three formal search and rescue dog K-9 or- mask kits to the Wichita Fire Department and Ford County Invisible Fence of Central Kansas, Inc. is an authorized, ganizations; two of them regularly train at Crisis City. K-9 Fire Department. full service Invisible Fence® Brand dealership serving Wi- Search and Rescue of Kansas, Inc., coordinated this dona- The open house was the culmination of a three-day train- chita, Salina, Hutchinson and surrounding areas. Kansas employers take part in “Hiring Our Heroes” boss lift By Andrew R. Waldman Guardsmen, which is upwards of 20 per- National Guard Magazine cent in some states. *Originally printed in the July 2012 edi- Panther has partnered with the U.S. tion of National Guard Magazine and is Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our He- used with permission. roes and the White House’s Joining Forces Presidents, CEO’s and owners of promi- programs, both of which help service mem- nent companies from Kansas were treated bers find employment. In conjunction with to a “Boss Lift” in a KC-135 flight to Indi- Hiring Our Heroes, Panther has expanded anapolis, Ind., as a ‘Thank you’ for hiring the effort this year by hosting business Guardsmen. leaders at each IndyCar Series event and The headquarters of Panther Racing in supporting hiring fairs. The first of those Indianapolis is a showcase for a successful events was held at the Indianapolis Motor IndyCar racing team that has plenty of Speedway in early May. More than 25 em- checkered flags and two league champi- ployers from Kansas flew to Indianapolis onships. on a military transport and spent the day Plaques, banners and championship cars learning about the Guard from Panther and fill the walls and hallways. Countless Indiana Guardsmen at Camp Atterbury awards fight for attention in managing part- Joint Maneuver Training Center in Edin- ner John Barnes’ office. But he brushes by burgh, Ind. them to show off the item of which he is But the first event was a ride in an Indy- most proud: an Army combat uniform Car two-seater car around the famous 2½- given to Barnes by Staff Sgt. Patrick Shan- mile oval that is home of the Indianapolis non. The Indiana Guardsman was named 500. Like other Panther efforts, the rapid “Hometown Hero” in 2008 at one of Pan- rides are a great way to expose employers ther’s first events as the National Guard- to IndyCar and the Guard on the same day. Employers from across Kansas, flown to Indianapolis, Ind., on a KC-135 tanker sponsored IndyCar team. The gift was the “It was a once in a lifetime experience, I from the 190th Air Refueling Wing, enjoy a day at the Indianapolis 500 racetrack as first of many given since by Guardsmen feel like a little kid,” said John Ferrell from part of a “Boss Lift” event. These events help employers understand the importance and they only further fuel Barnes’ passion Sprint. “These are the things we dream of the National Guard to their communities and the dual role Kansas Guardsmen for his team’s main sponsor—the National about doing when we’re small kids, and I play as Citizen-Soldiers. (Photo courtesy of Panther Racing media) Guard. was lucky enough to do it today. It was When the deal was signed in 2008 for wonderful!” the Guard story and address specific con- “And it’s those skills and that training that National Guard to be their sponsor, the After their rides, the Kansas employers cerns that affect the individual Soldier or we provide that we can then take back to the focus was simply recruiting and retention. were told about the job skills and strengths Airman. businesses in our communities that our Sol- Today, the relationship is closer, broader of Guardsmen. “What we do in the Guard each and every diers and Airmen serve in.” and deeper. This season, Panther is focused The team has about $51 million in adver- day is we train and grow leaders,” said Maj. “An event like this is absolutely a home on the high rate of unemployment among tising exposure, giving it great power to tell Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general. (Continued on Page 19) June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 17 Coordinators receive training on record management system By Sgt. Michael Mathewson “Good class,” said Staff Sgt. Ralph Caples, the logistic Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquar- Joint Forces Headquarters UPAR ters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery. “I will be The director of Information Technology’s Administrative able to put what I learned today to use as soon as I make it Service Section conducted training on the Army Record In- back to my office.” formation Management System May 8 through 10. They “Mr. McGregor is very professional and highly educated conducted three, one-day classes, one in Salina and two in in ARIMS,” said Sgt. Rachel Strauss, administrative sup- Topeka. The purpose of the training was to introduce port specialist, Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at ARIMS to the state’s record coordinators. Fort Riley, Kan. “He is very entertaining and he asks a lot ARIMS is the Army’s standardized system for creating of questions to keep the class alert.” files and storing hard copy and electronic documents. On May 9, the class was in the Distance Learning Class- ARIMS provides for document retrieval and sets up guid- room in the State Defense Building, Topeka. ance for document disposition. ARIMS is a statutory re- “I really had no idea about how ARIMS worked,” said quirement under the Federal Records Act of 1950, making Sgt. Nancy D’Anna, Scranton, plans and operations assis- ARIMS the law. tant with Joint Operations Center. “I will be putting this to Record coordinators normally train and oversee between good use.” two and four action officers, who are the day-to-day users The May 10 class was conducted in the Nickell Memo- of ARIMS. They create the Office Record Lists and organ- rial Armory. It was the perfect excuse to use the Director of ize their documents into files and then arrange for the doc- Information Technology mobile classroom. Contained in uments’ ultimate disposition. Once set up, working with two shipping containers, the classroom contained 30 laptop ARIMS will become part of the action officers’ normal du- computers connected to their own wireless server. ties. In a company/battery sized unit, an action officer may “This is a wonderful class,” explained Sgt. Kristin Ru- support several sections within the unit. card, of Junction City, a human resource specialist in en- The course was presented by Tyrone McGregor of the listed personnel of Joint Forces Headquarters. “I will now U.S. Army Records Management and Declassification need to look at my files and see how I need to organize Agency, Records Management Division. Based at Fort then for ARIMS.” Belvoir, Va., his office falls under Headquarters Depart- During class on the last day, Maj. Tony Best, of Topeka, ment of the Army. director of Information Technology of Plans, Policies and Army Record Information Management System course McGregor’s first class was in the Distance Learning Budget Branch, presented McGregor a plaque for his serv- instructor Tyrone McGregor of the U.S. Army Records Classroom in Eckert Hall, Salina. It started with a slide ice to the Kansas Army National Guard. Management and Declassification Agency helps Sgt. presentation and moved to hands-on work using the “I really enjoy working with the National Guard,” said Rachel Strauss, an administrative assistant for the 2nd ARIMS online training site. McGregor. “The Guard always arrives ready to learn. It Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, during class at the Dis- “I normally take two to three days to present informa- makes teaching so much more enjoyable.” tance Learning Classroom in Eckert Hall, Salina, Kan., tion,” said McGregor. “However, these National Guard For a copy of McGregor’s briefing slides, go to May 8. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Mathewson, Headquar- Soldiers came ready to learn. Their insightful questions https://www.mda.army.mil/programs/rmd.shtml. Scroll ters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint Forces Head- told me that they were getting what I was putting out.” down to training and click on Introduction to ARIMS. quarters UPAR) Guard Hall of Fame seeks nominations CAP cadets tour By Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn Holt Guard or died three years prior to being selected for Combat Air Museum Member, Board of Governors membership, whichever date occurs first. “Retire” By Capt. Michael H. Mathewson Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame shall mean upon transfer to the reserve forces of the Topeka Eagle Squadron, Civil Air Patrol The Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame is asking for United States with 20 years certified for retirement; Aerospace education, Search and Rescue, and the Cadet nominations for the 2013 Hall of Fame. and programs are the three pillars of the Civil Air Patrol. Sen- The organization was established to recognize individu- d. Not be a member of the four Hall of Fame Board of ior members and cadets from the Civil Air Patrol’s Topeka als who served in the Kansas National Guard or its prede- Governors, Nominating Committee or Selection Com- Eagle Squadron attended the Combat Air Museum’s an- cessor, “Kansas State Militia.” mittee hereof. nual pancake breakfast fundraiser at Forbes Field, Topeka, Nominees must meet the following requirements to be If you are considering nominating someone and need Kan., April 28. selected for the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame as assistance, please contact Hall of Fame Board president, The Civil Air Patrol involvement was threefold. First, prescribed in the bylaws. Nominees must: retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs at 785-862-1020. There are they toured the aircraft and aviation exhibits. Second, they a. Have served in the Kansas National Guard or its pred- several who have submitted nominations packets in the set up a Civil Air Patrol informational and recruiting booth ecessor, the Kansas State Militia during the period Jan. past who are willing to offer their assistance to you. Sub- at the event. Lastly, they enjoyed an “all you can eat” pan- 29, 1861 through March 31, 1885; mission deadline for a nomination packet is Dec. 1 of cake and sausage breakfast. b. Have made significant contribution to the achieve- each year. The museum has more than 30 aircraft on display and ment, history or tradition of the organizations listed in For more information please go to www.NGAKS.org. numerous aviation exhibits housed in two hangars and out- paragraph a. above; Click the “About Us” tab and then the Kansas National side parking area. For the day, the 190th Air Refueling c. Have retired or departed from the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame link. Wing opened one of their KC-135 tankers for touring. The KC-135 Stratotanker, along with the B-52 Stratofortress, the C-130 Hercules and the Lockheed U-2, have been in 635th Regional Support Group has new coin service for more than 50 years, flying with the United States Air Force, United States Air Force Reserve and the By Sgt. Iris Marston Air National Guard. Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, “I have never seen so many airplanes in one place,” said 635th Regional Support Group UPAR Cadet/Airman Basic Aidan Dollahon, of Topeka. The military has a long-standing tradition of recognizing The KC-135 was a very popular exhibit with both the its service personnel by “coining” them. Many Soldiers re- seniors and cadets. Sitting in the pilot’s seat, the cadets ceive coins throughout their military service. marveled over the display of instruments and gauges. They Recently the 635th Regional Support Group’s command also measured their young hands against the throttle han- team, Col. John Campbell, commander, and Command Sgt. dles that control the KC-135’s four turbojet engines. Maj. Edward Boring, senior enlisted advisor, designed a The cadets then moved to the back of the aircraft where new coin for the regiment. they climbed down into the boom operator’s position. This The coin is shaped like the regimental crest with the is where the boom operator “flies the fueling boom” down coin’s front side displaying the regimental crest with the to the waiting aircraft. Latin words “Sustaining Victory.” The back side displays “This was a great morning,” said Cadet/Airman 1st the global imprint and includes the United States flag. Class Adrian Appelhanz, of Topeka. “I enjoyed seeing all The global imprint signifies the commitment of a Re- the airplanes.” gional Support Group to serve around the world under any “Today has been a good introduction into aviation his- circumstance, even beyond a wartime mission. A good ex- tory for the cadets,” said Maj. Henry Hickey, CAP ample of this is during Japan’s emergency last year. Fol- squadron historian, Topeka. “We will use this tour as a lowing the tsunami, an RSG was among the first “boots on base line for our future aviation history classes. Knowl- the ground” to provide assistance and organize relief. edge of aviation history is a requirement for advancement The U.S. flag is a reminder that the Kansas National within the Civil Air Patrol.” Guard serves the citizens of the United States of America. Campbell said that he and Boring collaborated with many past and present members of the 635th RSG to finalize the appearance of the new coin. Associate with men of good During a recent visit to South Dakota in preparation for Golden Coyote 2012, an annual training exercise, Campbell quality if you esteem your own presented the first coin to Lt. Col. Tony Divish, brigade op- reputation; for it is better to be erations officer for the 635th Regional Support Group. Campbell selected Divish for the first coin because for the alone than in bad company. past year he has worked with great effort as both the opera- tions officer and deputy commanding officer, two excep- – George Washington tionally demanding jobs. Page 18 Plains Guardian • June 2012 Awards and Decorations Education benefits available KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Sgt. Joshua Karhoff, ADT #4, Topeka Spc. James Ashbaugh, ADT #4, Topeka By Capt. Matt Hapke considered. Also, any active duty time spent Legion of Merit Spc. Patrick Fox, ADT #4, Topeka State Education Officer while performing the required service con- Spc. Jared Harlan, ADT #4, Topeka Spc. James McCoy, ADT #4, Topeka The education benefits and opportunities nected with an Active Duty Service Obliga- Spc. Matthew Menser-Roberts, ADT #4, Topeka that are available to the Soldiers and Air- tion is also not considered. It is important to Chaplain (Col.) Donald F. Davidson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Elliot Reece, Jr., ADT #4, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rosanna L. Morrow, JFHQ KS-LC, Spc. Nicholas Renfro, ADT #4, Topeka men of the Kansas National Guard con- talk with the Education Services staff to find Topeka Spc. Richard Sanchez, ADT #4, Topeka tribute greatly to the overall readiness and out what you qualify for. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary D. Shafer, JFHQ KS-LC, Pfc. Joshua Fletcher, ADT #4, Topeka Topeka effectiveness of our organization. Post-9/11 is currently the only GI Bill Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wayne E. Spry, Det 37, OSA (CMD), Kansas National Guard Achievement Ribbon Currently, the main programs that are program that a servicemember can transfer Topeka Sgt. Maj. Timothy W. Boller, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth available to the members of both the Air to their spouse or children. This can be Sgt. Maj. Avoyd R. Colvin Jr., 635th RSG, Hutchinson and Army National Guard are the GI Bill done if the servicemember has at least six Sgt. Maj. Steven E. Scott, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Spc. Michelle C. Lawrence, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita programs. These include the Montgomery years of service with an active and/or re- Meritorious Service Medal Army Meritorious Unit Commendation GI Bill (Selected Reserve), The Mont- serve component and agrees to serve an ad- gomery GI Bill (Active Duty), the Reserve ditional four years or if the servicemember Educational Assistance Program and the has 10 years of service. If they become re- Lt. Col. Judith D. Martin, 1st Bn (OCS), 235th Regt, Salina, Agribusiness Development Team #3, Topeka with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits are ad- tirement eligible between Aug. 1, 2009, Lt. Col. Barry W. Thomas, Recruiting and Retention Bn, KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD ministered by the Department of Veteran’s and July 31, 2012, they will have to serve a Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Shy M. Warner, HHD, 69th TC, Topeka, with 2nd Oak Meritorious Service Medal Affairs. However, the Education Services certain amount of time based on their re- Leaf Cluster Office can assist servicemembers in the ap- tirement eligibility date. This time informa- Maj. Kenneth J. Weishaar, HQ, 891st Eng Co, Iola, with 4th Oak Leaf Cluster plication and use of these programs. Here tion is different for most servicemembers Capt. Robert D. Melton, ADT #3, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Col. Kyle Garrison, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf are some of the details of each program and can be found at the GI Bill website Cluster Cluster Capt. Elizabeth H. Tipton, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa, with Lt. Col. Jarrod Frantz, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf (specific payment rates and other informa- (gibill.va.gov) or by calling the Department 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster tion can be found at gibill.va.gov) : of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1. Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick W. Cullen, 287th SB, Wichita, Maj. Christopher Hill, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd Oak with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve After Aug. 1, 2012, anyone who has not 1st Sgt. Alexander T. Parker, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wi- Senior Master Sgt. Clifford Archer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with This is the basic GI Bill that is available transferred this benefit, regardless of retire- chita 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Marc A. Toomey, Co B (OCS), 1st Bn, 235th Senior Master Sgt. Everett Gruver, 190th ARW, Topeka to most guardsmen when they have an ini- ment eligibility date, will have to serve Regt, Salina Senior Master Sgt. Gary Holliday, 190th ARW, Topeka tial enlistment of at least six years in a four years following their transfer of bene- Sgt. 1st Class Tate A. West, HQ, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas Senior Master Sgt. Richard Smith, 190th ARW, Topeka, with City, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster drilling status. It is paid directly to service- fits to their family members. Contact the Staff Sgt. Michelle L. Bowman, HQ, 235th Regt, Salina, with Master Sgt. Anthony Harbour, 190th ARW, Topeka members while they are in school. For a Education Services Office if you have ad- 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Anthony Snyder, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Dawn M. Michael, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with 1st Oak full-time student, it typically pays out be- ditional questions. Leaf Cluster Air Force Commendation Medal tween $300 and $350 a month. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred Army Commendation Medal Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty to a spouse or children who are in the De- This is the basic GI Bill that is offered to fense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting Sys- Maj. Toby Foster, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster active duty members of the military. It is tem as a dependent. To add someone on the Capt. Angee M. Gray, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with 1st Oak Maj. Daniel Skoda, 190th ARW, Topeka offered to guardsmen if they become Ac- transferee list, the servicemember must be Leaf Cluster Capt. Summer Schwindt, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 4 Armon Pollack, Det 37, OSA (CMD), Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bolin, 190th ARW, Topeka, with tive Guard and Reserve and requires ser- an active participant in a Reserve or Active Topeka, with 4th Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster vicemembers to contribute money up front. Duty component. Once transferability has Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brent W. Campbell, Co C, 2nd Bn, Tech. Sgt. Ryan Marsh, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd Oak 235th Regt, Salina, with 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster It is paid directly to the servicemember been established, modifications or re- Master Sgt. John C. Duerr, Co C, 2nd Bn, 235th Regt, Salina, Tech. Sgt. Erin Massey, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak when in school and typically pays around movals can be completed whether the ser- with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Beverly J. Claycamp, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Melanie Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka $1,400 a month for a full-time student. vicemember is in uniform or not. Staff Sgt. Jeffery G. Fagan, Recruiting and Retention Bn, Reserve Educational Assistance Program The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays out in three Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Air Force Achievement Medal Staff Sgt. James C. Hubbard Jr., Recruiting and Retention Bn, This program is available to reserve separate ways. All amounts are given for Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster component servicemembers who have de- beneficiaries at the 100 percent tier who at- Sgt. Chris Hawkins, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Sgt. Wayne A. Ouimette, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Chief Master Sgt. Danny Walker, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka ployed in support of the Global War on tend school full-time. Master Sgt. Sean Hall, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 4th Oak Terrorism. This program pays out in a “tier First is a tuition and fees payment that Army Achievement Medal Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Drew Egnoske, 190th ARW, Topeka system” based on the length of the service- will pay full tuition and fees directly to the Staff Sgt. Darrin Jones, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak member’s single longest deployment. Most school for all public school, in-state stu- Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Michael L. Mader, 35th ID Band, Olathe, with 2nd Staff Sgt. Jonathan Mathews, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st members of the National Guard deploy for dents. The second payment is a monthly Oak Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster approximately one year at a time, which housing allowance which is based on the Combat Action Badge Staff Sgt. Adam Rees, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster would equate to the 60 percent tier. This Basic Allowance for Housing at the ser- Staff Sgt. Tod Scott, 190th ARW, Topeka usually pays out to approximately $880 per geant with dependents level for the ZIP Staff Sgt. David Voss, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Capt. Jessica Walker, ADT #4, Topeka Cluster month for a full-time student. There is also code of the school. For those students who Staff Sgt. Tom Heiter, ADT #4, Topeka Staff Sgt. Gary Williams, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 3rd Oak a buy-up program which allows the ser- are attending school in only an on-line ca- Sgt. Steven Cope, ADT #4, Topeka Leaf Cluster vicemember to pay an up-front amount that pacity, the allowance is equal to ½ of the will increase the monthly pay-out total for national average Basic Allowance for Annual conference changes the duration of the program. Housing for a sergeant with dependents. Post-9/11 GI Bill This year, that amount is $684. The last focus on career development This is the most widely publicized and payment is an annual books and supplies complicated program out of all of the cur- stipend of $1,000 that is paid proportion- By Spc. Robert I. Havens era of reduced military budgets” Erwin rent GI Bill programs. The Post-9/11 pro- ally based on credits enrolled in. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment said. “In the past, we would have all of the gram is also based on service during the Also available is the GI Bill website at The National Guard Association of officers in one room. This year, we have Global War on Terror and uses the tier sys- gibill.va.gov. This has a great listing of Kansas held their 58th annual Joint State field grade officers, company grade officers tem to determine the benefit amounts re- basic information to include payment rates Conference April 20-22. The event, held and warrant officers in sessions specifically ceived by the individual. Unlike the for different programs and tiers. It also in Kansas City, Kan., was similar in many geared for what they should be doing for Reserve Educational Assistance Program, shows eligibility information. respects to past conferences, yet took on a the association at their level in the career.” the Post-9/11 GI Bill tier is determined by Remember, these programs are all ad- new concept in career development and “At my unit level, we have transitioned the total time of qualifying service that has ministered by the Department of Veterans training. away from wartime training and have put been performed since Sept. 11, 2001. Affairs. Each school has a VA Certifying The Joint State Conference events are a the focus on the larger picture,” said Lt. There are many types of qualifying serv- Official that can assist students. mixture of addresses from key speakers, Col. Eric Bishop, former vice president of ice. The most common types are deploy- For more information or to request a unit workshops, awards presentations, memori- the National Guard Association of Kansas ments in support of the Global War on brief, contact Capt. Matt Hapke at 785- als and social events involving the State and current member of the board of direc- Terrorism and active duty service. Currently, 274-1081 ([email protected]) or Family Program Training, Enlisted Associ- tors. “In the long run, it broadens us as Sol- Active Duty for Special Work or Active Master Sgt. Jodi Melby at 785-274-1068 ation of the National Guard of Kansas, and diers in our leadership. The mindset of the Duty for Operational Support is usually not ([email protected]). the National Guard Association of Kansas. Army as a whole is beginning to focus on

While the conference traditionally deals this kind of broad training.” Sgt. 1st Class James Stowe, Det 1, HHD, JFHQ-KS with professional development training, the One thing that remains a constant is that Retirements (GPJTC), Salina emphasis was a little different this year, said you have to have good leadership,” said Staff Sgt. Torrey Kassabaum, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas Army National Guard Lawrence Col. Mike Erwin, association president. Bishop. “As an association, we are still fo- Staff Sgt. James Meyers, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa “This convention is different because we cused on building noncommissioned offi- Col. Jose Davis, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Garry Orear, Det 2, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lt. Col. Kevin Schenker, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Junction City have geared our professional development cers and officers in leadership. Without the Maj. Paul Gonzales, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Michael Waggoner, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, toward the rank structure of the officer and resources we get through the association, it Maj. Mark Herron, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lawrence Maj. James Reis, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Sgt. Kimberly Allen, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Sgt. Patrick Brodersen, 2137th FSC, Manhattan how to deal with our elected officials in an isn’t the Guard we know today.” Capt. Ronald Bailey, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe Sgt. Stewart Buttel, Co D, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Emporia Capt. Robert Melton, Co D, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. James Hintz, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City Emporia Sgt. Dale Ouderkirk, 772nd Eng Co, Pittsburg Moberly assumes new role in Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rosanna Morrow, JFHQ KS-LC, Sgt. Wayne Ouimette, 137th Trans Co (-), Olathe Topeka Sgt. Jeremy Thompson, HHC(-), 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Shafer, JFHQ KS-LC, Kansas City Topeka Spc. Calandra Collins, 778th Trans Co (-), Kansas City Kansas Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wayne Spry, Det 37, OSA Spc. Jimmy Coonce, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Newton (CMD), Topeka Continued from Page 5 tol, and machine gun, and the Order of Saint Sgt. Maj. Timothy Boller, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Kansas Air National Guard Homeland Defense Service Ribbon with Maurice–Centurion Level. 1st Sgt. Alexander Parker, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Col. Kyle Garrison, 190th ARW, Topeka “M” device, Kansas National Guard Service Moberly and his wife, Marcie, reside in Master Sgt. Steven Scott, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Maj. DeAnn Barr, 184th IW, Wichita Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Driver Salina, Kan., and have two children, Kaycie, Sgt. 1st Class John Ayer, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Danny Roush, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Elliott, Det 2, HHC, 2nd CAB, Chief Master Sgt. Danny Walker, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka and Mechanic Badge with Driver-Tracked 25 and Brandon, 23. He has an associate de- 137th Inf, Junction City Senior Master Sgt. Everett Gruver, 190th ARW, Topeka Vehicle and Driver-Wheeled Vehicle Clasps, gree in chemical engineering technology Sgt. 1st Class Donald Gray Jr., Det 2, 778th Trans Co, Senior Master Sgt. Rich Smith, 190th ARW, Topeka Wichita Master Sgt. Selina Touhey, 184th IW, Wichita Expert Qualification Badge with numerous from Kansas Technical Institute and is a li- Sgt. 1st Class Darrin Sack, 995th Maint Co (-), Smith Tech. Sgt. Troy Kaufman, 184th IW, Wichita clasps authorized including mortar, rifle, pis- censed professional engineer in Colorado. Center Tech. Sgt. Richard Rust, 190th ARW, Topeka June 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 19 Kansas school donates materials Mobile Integrated Remains to English Afghan school Collection System training at Regional Training Site - Maint. By Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brent Campbell, UPAR Regional Training Site - Maintenance, senior instructor The Regional Training Site-Maintenance recently received some cutting edge training aids from Guild Associates, Inc. The Mobile Integrated Remains Collection System is used to store and transport human remains and to provide personnel with work areas to conduct operations associated with Mortuary Affairs. The training device provides multi- ple training opportunities for Soldiers in the 91C and 91J Military Occupational Skills. The purpose behind 91C and 91J MIRCS training is to ensure Soldiers in these MOS know how to operate, troubleshoot and repair the MIRCS system in order to maintain mortuary affairs operations. The MIRCS trainer is separated into two areas, the environmental control unit and the refrigeration control unit. Soldiers are provided blocks of instruction on operation and set- up, diagnosing faults and proper maintenance procedures. The environmental control unit is a commercial off-the-shelf environmental control unit that allows Soldiers to experience a real world application. This unit keeps a constant temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. The environmental control unit can be engine or electrically-driven, which allows Soldiers to see multiple functions of how to cool the remains area. The refrigeration control unit is built by Guild Associates, Inc. Several teachers of Smith Center Elementary School generously donated This unit cools the administrative area for Mortuary Affairs Soldiers who are completing early literacy materials to support the English School at Bagram Air Field, the administrative duties of processing human remains. Afghanistan. There are approximately 10 MIRCS in the Army’s inventory with an expectation of 200 On April 17, Capt. Wes Topel and Capt. Mario Polite, members of the Kansas being issued to various Mortuary Affairs units. These pieces of equipment are just one step Agribusiness Development Team 4, visited the school and delivered the materials. in the evolving technologies that Soldiers learn in the 91C and 91J fields. One of the RTS- The English School is a special project staffed with volunteer military and M goals is to provide realistic and challenging training for Soldiers to utilize in their MOS. Department of Defense civilians who teach as additional duties. The school is in These trainers provide another opportunity for the RTS-M to expand realistic training av- session twice a week and has separate sessions for boys and girls. enues for Soldiers in the United States Army. The school was developed as a way of providing local Afghan students with early English language instruction. Many of the students are also enrolled in public school with the English school supplementing their education. However, some students are not old enough for public school and the English School pro- vides them a “head start” opportunity for English instruction. Smith Center Elementary has adopted Kansas Agribusiness Development Team 4 and the students and staff have sent numerous care packages and cards to the team during their deployment. (Courtesy photo and story) Guardsman blazing the trails By Staff Sgt. Jon Jackson, UPAR ticipates riding at Lake Kanopolis, which is Recruiting and Retention Battalion; about 40 miles southwest of Salina. Most Sgt. Jennifer Cornelius, UPAR of his rides were done in Randolph, where 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment; he says that some of the dangers include a Spc. Josef Nichols, UPAR rough terrain, surrounded by Tuttle Creek Headquarters and Headquarters Com- Lake, where water levels change constantly pany, 35th Infantry Division; throughout the year, due to Kansas’ chang- Spc. Kevin Stuart, UPAR ing weather. The things Campbell does to 242nd Engineer Company protect himself and his family from these Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brent Campbell, dangers, include the emphasis of the impor- an instructor at the tance of safety equipment such as helmets Regional Training and other safety gear. Site - Maintenance, To pass on this tradition and importance located in Salina, of spending time with family, Campbell Kan., enjoys blazing started including his son, Casey, at the age trails and passing of seven. His first ride was done on a 1981 down the timeless Honda CR80. skill of trail riding When asked about a more memorable down to his 14-year- event while first teaching his son, he could- old Casey Camp- n’t help but laugh and say, “He had quite a bell. The tradition few spills and it was difficult teaching him was first passed on Chief Warrant how to use the clutch.” to him when he was Officer 2 After Casey’s spills, he was hesitant five years old at his Brent Campbell about getting back on and riding. Campbell grandfather, Roy encouraged him to get back on and to keep Nordquist’s farm. trying. “It didn’t matter what was going on, he “If you want to learn how to ride, get [my grandfather] could be in the middle of back on and try again,” he says. Due to this harvesting wheat, and he would stop and don’t give up attitude, Casey enjoys riding fix the dirt bike if it was broken. It was re- with his dad every chance they get. ally important to him that us kids had Campbell has been serving his country something fun to do on the farm.” for the past 21 years starting first on active Army Reservists Sgt. Levon Wilson (seated), a utilities equipment repairer with Through the years he was riding, Camp- duty as a Bradley mechanic, serving in Company A (Combat Support Hospital), 48th Mobile Combat Hospital, out of Fort bell progressed from a mini bike up to all- Germany, then Fort Riley and continuing in Story, Va., and Staff Sgt. Daniel Fallecker, a utilities equipment repairer with the terrain vehicles. the Kansas National Guard. 347th Quarter Master Company out of Farrell, Pa., complete some electric trouble Campbell currently enjoys riding in the When asked by people about serving his shooting of the Mobile Integrated Remains Collections System during training at the Randolph area, but has been unable to ride country he says, “I tell them I’m just a reg- Regional Training Site - Maintenance in Salina, Kan. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy due to a move to Salina, July 2011. He an- ular Kansan, like you.” Gray, Regional Training Site - Maintenance) Kansas employers take part in “Hiring Our Heroes” boss lift Continued from Page 16 Camp Atterbury’s advanced training simulators. Pat George, the Kansas secretary of commerce, said the run,” said Paul Weida, the vice president of government af- There they had the opportunity to tour the 38,000-acre trip fit in well with the hiring initiatives already in place in fairs at Black & Veatch, a global engineering firm. “There facility and interact with soldiers currently serving in the his state. is a lot more that we can do. There is a lot more that needs National Guard. Their tour included a inside look at how “They are all thinking of different ways that they can go to be done to thank our men and women by giving them the National Guard and other branches of the military train back home and actually put what they’ve learned today jobs.” for search and rescue, survival situations, and how they into practice,” George said of the Boss Lift participants. Black & Veatch, which has its headquarters in Overland make use of simulated combat for training purposes. “It’s a nice day away from their grind, but there is a mis- Park, Kan., has offices around the nation and the world. It “It’s very important what I learned here today,” ex- sion and they will implement that when they get home.” already hires many veterans. Weida says that the event plained Ferrell. “I’m going to take it back and we’re going For more information about the Hiring Our Heroes ini- opened his eyes to the job market for Guardsmen. to institutionalize not just the hiring of current vets, but tiative and to find out how you can help, visit After zooming around the track, the employers toured maybe the retraining and hiring down the road.” http://www.uschamber.com/hiringourheroes. Page 20 Plains Guardian • June 2012 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Teen Council members recognized Guardsmen lend a hand at Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt By Sgt. Michael Mathewson home tonight.” Headquarters and Headquarters Detach- “I am four months out of my Basic Train- ment, Joint Forces Headquarters UPAR ing and Advanced Individual Training, so Kansas National Guard Soldiers were this is my first real mission for the unit,” standing in the lower level of Cedar Crest, explained Halvey. the governor’s official residence in Topeka. Looking south from Cedar Crest there is In the middle of the room was a pool table a quarter-mile-long, tree-lined gravel road covered with wicker baskets and mountains leading to a parking lot. There, Sgt. 1st of plastic Easter eggs. However, all eyes Class Kenneth Cline, Staff Sgt. Hendrik were on the computer screen where the lat- Rifkogel, Staff Sgt. John Lofing and Sgt. est radar images of the storm outside were Michael Rumford, members of Battery B, shown. As far as weather was concerned, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery Regi- April 7 was proving to be a very unpre- ment in Paola, Kan., provided the crew and dictable day. a World War II vintage howitzer that would The question was whether the storm signal the start of the egg hunt. would pass in time for the annual Easter “The 75mm howitzer is stored in Egg Hunt to be held or would it continue, Topeka,” explained Cline. “Earlier this forcing the hunt to be canceled. At 8:30 week we drove the M-1074 Pallet Loading a.m. the radar showed the storm would System vehicle to Topeka. There, we pass. The staff decided the hunt was a go, picked up the howitzer and returned to Kansas National Guard Teen Council members Sawyer Green, vice president, but delayed the starting time by one hour. Paola. This morning we drove back and set- and Kassidy Seaba, communications chair, were recognized during the 58th An- Capt. Wallace Miller, a member of the up the howitzer for the event.” nual National Guard Association of Kansas Joint State Conference banquet 995th Maintenance Company and officer- By 9:30 a.m. the shuttle buses were run- held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Kansas City, Kan. in-charge of the event, started the wheels in ning. Visitors were greeted by Pfc. Allen Green, son of Lt. Col. Mark and Linda Green of the 190th Air Refueling motion. 1st Lt. Benjamin Moore, and Sgt. Scott of the 35th Military Police Company. Wing’s Maintenance Support Group, was awarded Youth of the Year—Air and 1st Class Ray Jowers, Topeka, members of “I am enjoying the day,” said Scott. “It is Seaba, daughter of Capt. Rodney and Jamey Seaba of Headquarters and Head- the 35th Military Police Company stationed fun seeing everyone coming off the buses.” quarters Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, in Topeka, Kan., posted their Soldiers Although, cool and wet, it was still un- was awarded Youth of the Year– Army. (Photo by Jamey Seaba) around the grounds. The military police seasonably warm for the first weekend in were placed both on foot and in Humvees. April. “We are here as a force multiplier,” ex- It was beginning to mist as First Lady Disaster averted at Unit Public plained Jowers, an old hand at working the Mary Brownback started her count down. Easter egg hunts. “We are here to assist the The cannon went off as she said “Go” and Capitol Police.” the hunt was on. Affairs Representative course “I have done this for seventeen years,” What took weeks of work and planning By Spc. Kevin Stuart “Emergency personnel and hotel manage- said Jowers, “not counting my four deploy- was over in about 15 minutes. As there was 242nd Engineer Company UPAR ment did a great job during the storms,” said ments.” more than 11,000 plastic eggs and 30,000 Sirens sounded as the sky darkened over Spc. Amber Stuckert, a student at the UPAR Rain or shine, other elements had already wrapped eggs, every child was ensured Nickell Barracks in Salina, Kan. The tem- course from the 35th Infantry Division. “Not been set in place. Spc. Levi Turner and Pfc. enough candy to keep their parents awake perature dropped a little bit as pea size hail only did they keep us informed of the condi- Simon Halvey, members of the 731st for many hours. came down. tions outside, they had accountability of the Transportation Company of Wichita, Kan., However, the Soldiers were still not fin- Members of the Kansas Army National temporary residents of Nickell Barracks. provided a flat bed trailer that served as the ished. They still had to return their equip- Guard were in Salina for a class on becom- They even allowed those of us who were cu- stage for the event. ment back to their armories and followed ing Unit Public Affairs Representatives rious to watch the storm outside until condi- “We drove up the night before and by prepping it for the next time it is needed. April 14 to 15. UPARs report on events tions became too dangerous and corralled us spent the night in a local motel,” said Only then would they be off to enjoy their throughout the year that involve the Kansas inside. The emphasis of safety really helped Turner. “If the weather holds, we will be Easter weekend. National Guard. The course was taught by individuals to stay calm.” employees of the Kansas Adjutant Gen- It was too dark to see the second storm eral’s Public Affairs Department. approach. In addition to the sound of “In the 10 years that I have been coming pounding rain and wind rattling the win- to the UPAR course, this has never hap- dows, laughter could be heard from the in- pened,” said Jane Welch, public informa- terior hallways as people gathered together. tion writer for the Kansas Adjutant “This is camaraderie at its finest,” chuck- General’s Public Affairs Department, about led Stuckert. Friendly bonds were forming the storm. “Throughout the class, we were as the National Guardsmen discussed the watching the radar to be prepared for the weather, which led to conversations about possibility of storms.” home and family. The first storm cell arrived around 6:15 The annual UPAR class teaches National p.m. The sky turned dark and the wind Guardsmen and Civil Air Patrol personnel ceased, the calm before the storm. As the the role of the UPAR, photo and video wind picked back up and the tornado sirens composition, the effects of social media, blared, warning the community of the quickly how to prepare news releases and other as- approaching storm, tiny debris was thrown pects of being a UPAR. around while hail was pelting the ground. A “I think it was a good lesson for our class few curious people were taking pictures try- attendants that you don’t always have to ing to capture the fury of the storm. The first look for a story to write about,” Welch said. storm caused only minimal damage. “Sometimes it comes to you.”

Pfc. Ynacio Bautista, a member of the 35th Military Police Company in Topeka, Kan., hands out pencils to young visitors of the Governor’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt, at the governor’s mansion, April 7. (Photo by Sgt. Mike Mathewson, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Joint Forces Headquarters UPAR) Retired? Keep up with us by email In an effort to keep our retirees better informed on what is happening in the Adjutant General’s Department, the Public Affairs Office has put together an e-mail distribution list. Individuals on this distribution list will receive agency news releases, death notifications, Guard member re- tirements, invitations to changes of command, deploy- ment and welcome home ceremonies, etc. If you would like to be added to the list please e- mail your request to Jane Welch at [email protected]. Also if you are a retired Guardsmen and are not receiving a free copy of the Plains Guardian Kansas National Guard and Civil Air Patrol members attending the Unit Public Af- at your home, please contact Jane Welch at fairs Representative course in Salina, Kan., spent a majority of the night in the hall- the Public Affairs Office at 785-274-1190 ways of Nickell Barracks due to a major storm cell that passed through the state or [email protected] to be added to April 14. In all, three tornado warnings were issued for the Salina area. (Photo by the mailing list. Spc. Kevin Stuart, 242nd Engineer Company UPAR)