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Volume 54 No. 5 Serving the Army and , Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and September 2011 Kansas helicopter battalion deploys for mission in Iraq By Sgt. Jason Lee Public Affairs Office Friends and family members gathered at the Ramada Convention Center, Topeka, for the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment departure ceremony Aug. 24. Approximately 250 Soldiers will deploy to Iraq for one year as part of Operation New Dawn. “Without you and your unparalleled support, we cannot do this mission and do it well,” said Lt. Col. David Leger, battalion commander. “Everything we accomplish this year will be as a team of Soldiers, and accomplished with you behind us.” The aviation battalion, using UH-60 Black Hawk heli- copters, will be transporting troops, supplies and equip- ment. “As Operation New Dawn nears an ending point in Iraq, there is still work to be done,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli. “We are honored to send our very best avi- ation battalion in the country that will do that work.” “We will accomplish the mission to the best of our abil- ities and bring honor and respect to the [and] the state of Kansas,” said Leger. The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, also served in Iraq at the Logistical Support Area Anaconda base from 2006-2007 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Soldiers will go to Fort Hood, Texas, for additional Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, Kansas National Guard, training before they depart the United States for their tour take off on the first leg of their journey to Iraq the morning of Sept. 2. Approximately 250 Soldiers of the battalion of duty. are deploying for a year-long mission. (Photo by Jane Welch, Public Affairs Office) “Everything on the table”: Tough Automated air refueling may choices coming on budget cuts extend U.S. air power range By Andrew Tilghman going to have to make some changes where Army Times the money is.” By Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., but with less Troops should expect to tighten their belts The Pentagon is conducting a sweeping 190th Air Refueling Wing air traffic than Edwards AFB in California. in the coming years – but by how much re- review to try to flesh out what the pay and Flying high and moving fast, boom oper- Engineers complimented the wing’s willing- mains an open question, the nation’s top mil- compensation package should look like in ators in KC-135 air refueling tankers can ness to innovate and noted the outstanding itary officer said. the future, he said. Mullen spoke to Military still look down and see a pilot when they effort by the Maintenance Squadron, specif- “We are a well-compensated force right Times at length about force structure and refuel a plane. Eventually, however, the ically mentioning Tech. Sgt. Jason Piper and now – and we should be, given what we’re compensation levels for the first time since cabin may be empty. Tech. Sgt. David Powelson from the 190th doing,” said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of former Defense Secretary Robert Gates an- Forbes Field was selected to host the first Avionics shop as part of their reason for re- the Joint Chiefs. “But the reality is… we’re nounced plans earlier this year to cut up to group of tests for automated air refueling. turning for the second round of testing. 47,000 troops from the Army and Marine After the first set of tests concluded, the en- “We flew eight days in a row. Our guys Corps. President Barack Obama said in April gineers could have gone elsewhere – other were always there,” said Maj. Jeff Warren- that he wants to slash $400 billion from the bases would have been happy to host them – der, a 190 ARW pilot who participated in the defense budget over the next 12 years. but they chose to come back to Forbes. testing. “They were just superb, actually.” Steep troop cuts unlikely The 190th Air Refueling Wing was first By early December, they had performed

PAID However, said Mullen, there’s little selected largely because of its location near (Continued on Page 8) PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE chance of steep cuts in the next several PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT years. The military’s complex personnel sys- tems make it difficult for the individual services to cut more than about 10,000 troops, at most, in a given year, Mullen said. The Army and Marine Corps are still struggling to reach an operational tempo that allows for twice as much time at home as time spent deployed. They may reach that by the end of 2013, Mullen said. Cutting back on troop levels also will have a direct effect on the future stress on the force. “In doing simple math, clearly any dras- tic reduction in end strength… is going to have an immediate impact on dwell [time]. It must, or we’ve got to slow [operations] down. Those are the two variables that you can actually adjust,” Mullen said. Military compensation will have to re- main competitive because the nation is fun- damentally committed to our military force, Mullen said.

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka “Any changes that we make, we have to OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka,

Penalty For Private Use, $300 keep in mind this all-volunteer force. So

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT The sight of a pilot in the cockpit may become a thing of the past for air refueling

NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL we’re in a time right now where retention boomers. A new automated air refueling system is currently being tested, a system is good, recruiting is good. It’s always bet- that would allow pilots to take a break during the process. (Photo by Master Sgt.

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 3) Allen Pickert, 190th Air Refueling Wing) Page 2 Plains Guardian • September 2011 Serving in the Kansas National Guard a family “tradition” By Sgt. Jason Lee Guard. Staff Sgt. Jim Wellman and Sgt. 1st Public Affairs Office Class David Wellman are part of the 35th A lot can be said about family traditions. Division. However, the family tradition Recipes, mottos, hobbies and beliefs can all continues to grow as Jim’s wife, Kathleen be traced back to a family’s tradition. and son, Nathan, also serve in the Kansas One family has made their “family tradi- National Guard. Jim, Roy and David’s tion” joining the military. Members of the nephew, Brandon Vannoy, enlisted in the Wellman family have been serving in the Kansas National Guard, as well. Kansas Army National Guard since the late “Overall, it is a good thing, it is good for 1980s and this trend shows no sign of ending. the family,” said Roy Wellman. “When you Sgt. 1st Class Roy Wellman, Headquarters come home (from deployment) you cannot and Headquarters Company, 235th Regi- explain what you have been through, but ment, has three sons and a son-in-law who when your family served it gives you have followed in his footsteps: Spc. Kyler someone to talk to that understands you.” Wellman, 226th Engineer Company; Levi “They have a strong sense of pride in Wellman, 2137th Forward Support Com- country, faith and family. They have always pany; Joseph Wellman, Forward Support been willing to volunteer for the tough Company, 891st Engineer Battalion; and jobs,” said family friend Michele Henry. Pfc. Jake Mathews, Company A, 1st Battal- “They have always been the kind of people ion, 161st Field Artillery, have all joined the that you could count on when times were Guard and kept the tradition of being tough. If there was work to be done at Kansas National Guard Soldiers going. school or church they were always present.” To understand this portrait of patriotism “They are humble people and ask very you have to stand back and look at the little in return,” said Henry. “They have in- A squad unto themselves, members of the extended Wellman family have been serv- whole picture, the whole “Wellman fam- stilled such a strong sense of duty that they ing in the Kansas National Guard since the late 1980s. (Photo by Heather Wellman) ily” picture. have generations of family members serv- Though Roy and his three sons and son- ing our country in the military.” in-law all wear the uniform, they are not Other members of the extended Wellman the only ones in the Wellman family to do family also serve in the military. A brother- Adjutant general visits so. Roy’s brothers, Jim and David Well- in-law serves in the Army and two members man, also serve in the Kansas National of the family are in the Air Force. partner nation of Armenia

Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adju- several other events. Agribusiness Development tant general, made his inaugural visit to Ar- “Although they are a young nation, the menia Sept. 20-23. Since 2003, Kansas and people of Armenia have a history dating Team 4 leaves for Afghanistan the Republic of Armenia have been part- back thousands of years, including the dis- nered under the ’s tinction of being the first nation to adopt By Sgt. Jason Lee the Afghan people in improving and sustain- State Partnership Program to foster mili- Christianity (301 A.D.),” said Tafanelli. Public Affairs Office ing their agricultural process. tary and civilian relationships. “They are a tough, proud people and justi- Kansas National Guard members from “These ADTs have worked with the “Previous visits by Kansas National fiably so. It was an honor to join them in the fourth Agribusiness Development Team Afghan population to develop more efficient Guard leadership have resulted in strong celebrating their 20th anniversary of inde- were honored in a departure ceremony at and effective methods for their agriculture relationships with the leaders of the Ar- pendence.” the Kansas State University Salina Recre- production and for their storage,” said Maj. menian government and military,” said Tafanelli was accompanied on his visit ation Center Sept. 2. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant gen- Tafanelli. “I want to continue to build upon by Col. Scott Dold, senior legal advisor to Families, friends and well-wishers at- eral. “We know that you will continue to the foundation that has been developed. We the adjutant general; Lt. Col. Brent tended the going away ceremony to show carry on the successful mission that your have much to offer the people of Armenia Salmans, director, State Partnership Pro- support for the Soldiers before they de- Kansas Guard colleagues have been doing and I know they have as much to offer us.” gram; State Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Ha- ployed to the Laghman Province of for the past two-and-a-half years.” “These types of partnerships are critical to worth, senior enlisted leader of the Kansas Afghanistan. The Agribusiness Development Team our country,” said Tafanelli. “As has been National Guard; State Command Chief “ADT 4 has prepared ourselves to as- and other agencies will work to increase demonstrated in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Master Sgt. James Brown, senior enlisted sume the mission from ADT 3, that is cur- the agricultural productivity in the Lagh- United States is most successful when it leader, Kansas Air National Guard; Lt. Col. rently in Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. man Province, as well as work to improve partners with friends and allies to achieve Dave Young, Integrated Initiatives Office; Russell Richardson, Agribusiness Develop- the safety of the food and other agricultural mutual security goals. Armenian peacekeep- and Capt. Aaron Isaacson, escort officer. ment Team commander. products found in that region. ers have trained alongside Kansas Guards- Armenia, formerly part of the Soviet The Agribusiness Development Team, Members of the Kansas National Guard men as a result of the State Partnership Union, is an independent nation neighbor- comprised of approximately 60 Kansas Na- have been assisting the Afghan people with Program, and many other enduring relation- ing Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia with a tional Guard Soldiers, will work with the their agricultural needs since the first ships have been developed benefitting both land mass slightly smaller than Maryland. Provincial Reconstruction Team, USAID, Agribusiness Development Team deployed Armenia and the United States.” Members of Armenia’s Peacekeeping USDA and the Department of State to assist to the region in 2009. During his visit, Tafanelli met with Brigade have deployed to Kosovo, Iraq and Seyran Ohanyan, Armenian minister of de- Afghanistan as part of international peace- fense; Yuri Khachaturov, chief of the gen- keeping forces. Kansas and Armenian offi- eral staff and Armen Yeritsyan, minister of cials, both military and civilian, have been emergency situations. In addition, he par- involved in a number of exchanges/visits ticipated in a parade marking the 20th an- over the years to conduct training and dis- niversary of Armenia’s independence and cuss issues of mutual interest.

Soldiers of Agribusiness Development Team #4 stand in formation during their Sept. 2 departure ceremony at the Kansas State University Recreation Center in Salina. (Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee, Public Affairs Office) Follow us on the Web http://kansastag.gov http://www.twitter.com/KSAdjutant- http://www.facebook.com/KansasNa- Gen tionalGuard http://www.twitter.com/KansasEmer- http://www.facebook.com/Kansas-Divi- gency Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli (left), the adjutant general, is given a briefing on equip- sion-of-Emergency-Management http://www.twitter.com/KansasGuard ment used by the Armenian Peacekeeping Brigade during his visit to Armenia Sept. 20- 23. The trip was the general’s first visit to Armenia. (Photo by Lt. Col. Brent Salmans) September 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Briefing offers planning guid- Learn the rules for social media By Sgt. Jason Lee Justice. We, as members of the military, ance to “gray area” retirees Public Affairs Office face severe UCMJ or KCMJ action if we By Sgt. Michael Mathewson Snow, from the Topeka VA office. In the world of social media, people can violate any of the military laws that consti- Are you a “gray area” retiree? Sgt. Shawn Evans from the Defense En- get their personal messages out with just tute libel or slander. Articles 88 and 134 of Were you a traditional drilling Soldier or rollment Eligibility Reporting the simple push of a button. These mes- the UCMJ state that a Soldier may be pun- Airman? Have you qualified for retirement System/Identification Office was also on sages can be read by anybody with ties to ished for any negatively written statements from the Kansas Army or Air National site. Evans provided identification cards for our social media content. Sites such as about his or her commander-in-chief, vice- Guard, currently in the Retired Reserves the retirees and their spouses. Facebook and Twitter allow us president, secretary of defense, or and awaiting retirement pay? Then you are Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Lynn G. to instantly post messages higher command. The UCMJ Arti- a gray area retiree. Saathoff said, “I enjoyed the seminar and and photos to the Web. cle 117 outlaws the use of “pro- The Kansas National Guard Retirement learned some interesting facts, both from Within seconds of the voking” or “reproachable” words. Services Section has started an outreach to the presenters and the attendees.” postings, the contents Article 82 is violated when mil- gray area Soldiers. Earlier this year, the “In a few words it was very beneficial to can be delivered to friends itary members say things that Retirement Section conducted the first of those who attended,” said retired Sgt. Maj. and followers around the could make fellow members its planned annual pre-retirement briefings. Lynn Holt. “The mix of subject matter ex- world. desert their unit, disobey law- The briefings were conducted in Topeka’s perts for this event were just who us gray As members of the military, ful orders or refuse to do Armed Forces Reserve Center. The brief- area retirees needed to hear from.” we must carefully consider who their jobs. ings were open to traditional Soldiers and Coincidentally, the Museum of the our audience is and what Viral messages can travel fast. A Airmen between 55 and 60 and members Kansas National Guard and the Combat Air messages we are sending. screen grab, or a Twitter message over 60 who had not yet applied for retire- Museum were conducting activities in Members of the Armed can quickly show what a ment pay. Current drilling members over honor of the Kansas’s 150th anniversary of Forces have a set of so- member of the military the age of 55 were also invited to attend, Statehood. This provided the attendees cial media guidelines that posted. Once the mes- along with their spouses. many choices for activities and eating dur- help us steer clear of trou- sage is out you cannot get Sgt 1st Class Beverly Claycamp, Retire- ing their lunch break. ble. These policies allow us it back. The snowball effect ment Services Noncommissioned Officer “I am happy with the attendance at this to freely use social media plat- of the message can have severe briefed those in attendance on the retired first briefing,” said Claycamp.” However, forms while making sure that we, as backlash on the member of the military. pay applications process and Annuity and there are still many more retirees that we members of the military, are held to high Another thing to consider is that you may Survivor benefits for both Army and Air need to reach. I am looking for a much moral and ethical standard. have had the best of intention with your Guard retirees. Glenn Seutter from the larger turnout next year.” The military openly supports freedom of message, but a misinterpretation at the TRICARE office at Fort Riley and Joseph Anyone having questions about retire- speech. However, in these times of instant other end could result in an explanation to Montoya, from Delta Dental West Central ment, please feel free to contact the Retire- media, we must examine the messages and your higher command. region office, briefed during the morning ment Service Office. Claycamp may be content we intend to distribute. We must Social media sites are great communica- session. The afternoon session consisted of contacted by e-mail at beverly.clay- have an understanding of the laws that tion tools to have around. Instant commu- briefings by Eric Rohleder from the Kansas [email protected] or by phone at 785- apply to the military and the proper use of nication can allow us to share what we Commission on Veterans Affairs and Laura 274-1574. social media platforms. want as an event is happening. What we As Americans, the Constitution, along must remember is that we are Soldiers and with the First Amendment, give us the right Airmen first and Facebookers and Tweeters Diversity can be a source of to speak our minds and give our opinions on second. We should never want to down- subjects that we are concerned about. We grade our command or fellow military must remember that, when we utilize social members. We must hold ourselves to the creativity and productivity media sites, on or off duty, we are doing so highest moral and ethical standards. When By Senior Airman Matt Lucht value of diversity, identify challenges that as Soldiers and Airmen, and therefore are using social media we must, as members of 184th Public Affairs Office diversity can create and how every rank representing our branches of service. the military, understand the rules and regu- In a time where technology is making the can use diversity to be more productive. It is Department of Defense and Kansas lations that go along with them. world smaller and smaller, the understand- “It’s much more important than just National Guard policy that all Soldiers and By following all Department of Defense ing of diversity has become more impor- meeting requirements,” Schonberg ex- Airmen, whether in uniform or not, follow social media regulations we will ensure tant. The U.S. military sees the importance plained. “Diversity is about performance, the rules and regulation on protected that we do not put our lives or careers, or of this and knows that training their Sol- and we must excel in this, just as we excel speech in the military so that we don’t be- those of our fellow Soldiers and Airmen, in diers and Airmen in diversity would be in our missions.” come subject to the Uniform Code of Mili- jeopardy. Remember it is social, not pri- beneficial. Attendees used real world scenarios in tary Justice or the Kansas Code of Military vate, media. That is why the Nevada National Guard their discussion groups to give them the hosted the Leading Diverse Teams pilot tools to be successful when going back to conference June 20-23 in Las Vegas. Staff their home units or wings. Guardsmen receive training at Sgt. David Schonberg, who volunteers as a Schonberg feels that diversity, when Victim Advocate from the 184th Intelli- managed, is a source of creativity and pro- University of Kansas hospital gence Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, ductivity. However, when left unmanaged, By Bob Hallinan tion,” said Master Sgt. Sherry Willard. “I do had the opportunity to attend and gain it is a source of conflict and strife. Schon- University of Kansas Hospital physical exams in my daily job which have valuable knowledge. berg plans to use the information and tools When the federal government closed Wal- nothing that compares to what we do in a de- “I was extremely impressed by the ne- that he received at the conference to better ter Reed Army Medical Center in Washing- ployed location. We’ve been here a day and cessity to fully incorporate diversity into his personal, civilian and military environ- ton, D.C., the door to hands-on training for half and I have already seen more than I our Guard environment,” said Schonberg. ments. medical members of the Kansas National have in the last two years. It’s been good.” “Prior to the course, even though I am a “How we individually respond to diver- Guard was opened at the University of The training program has taken four years trained social worker, I still did not fully sity will determine if we see ‘diversity’ Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. to come to fruition, primarily because of a grasp the positive impact that diversity can bringing a positive or negative impact into Quarterly training began with the first 19 disparity in the scope of services. make to our unit.” the shop, unit or wing,” he said. “We don’t Soldiers in August, with a long-term goal “Med techs in the military field are certi- The Air Force defines diversity as: a have to go looking for diversity; we’ve got of providing monthly training. fied to do IVs, suture, cast and splint, composite of individual characteristics, ex- it. We can manage our own actions, atti- Although the Kansas Air National Guard whereas regular med techs are not,” ex- periences, and abilities consistent with the tudes and beliefs in a way that fosters an used to go to Walter Reed for its annual plained Carol Cleek, nursing director of Air Force Core Values and the Air Force environment that is welcoming to differ- medical training, the trainees say the emergency and critical care services. “So, Mission. The intense three-day conference ences and, consequently, see an increase in change to a facility closer to home has re- figuring out the trainees’ roll in our civilian allowed attendees to learn the strategic creativity and productivity.” sulted in making them better prepared. hospital has presented challenges.” “To come here and be able to see hyper- The first Guard trainees spent their time barics, to come to the ER and burn unit is a observing in emergency, the burn unit and Tough choices on budget cuts great opportunity for us,” said Senior Air- operating room, as well as participating in man Sarah Molstad, aerospace medical classroom instruction for drawing blood. Continued from Page 1 fits] on the table for immediate changes, technician at Forbes Field. Guardsmen return in October for air ter [for the military] when you’re in some that I am aware of,” but at the same time, “Our training has always been done medical evacuation training involving kind of recession. So the decisions we he said, the military retirement system’s through simulators and PowerPoint presenta- helicopters. make have to be informed by the fact we budget “is not an insignificant amount of will swing out of this [recession] at some money.” Mullen said he supports the exist- point and retention will not be as good in ing system and views it as a vital retention Kansas City Armory Reunion the future, nor will recruiting.” tool. He hopes officials will consider ways Changes to retirement? to maintain it into the future. As part of the Pentagon’s cost-cutting “We’ve got to make sure that we have a Veteran’s Day initiatives, some top officials have begun force that can prevail in these fights and Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 reviewing the military’s retirement package also prepare itself for the future,” he said. – specifically, its promise of a healthy life- “If we were going to make changes specifi- time pension immediately after 20 years of cally to the retirement system, I think we service. Mullen said he does not think have to figure out a way to do it in a way Doors open at 6 p.m. changes to the retirement system are immi- that sustains the force, incentivizes our 100 S 20th Street, Kansas City, Kan. nent, but also noted that he can’t be sure – people in ways that are positive,” Mullen and in the budget discussions to come, he said. “The retirement package is a very ro- RSVP to retired Sgt. Maj. Steve Gfeller believes everything should be on the table. bust retirement package. Is it exactly right? [email protected] or leave a message at 816-331-9689 “There is nothing out there, from my per- I think we need to [work] our way through spective, that has [military retirement bene- what the possibilities might be,” he said. Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • September 2011 Economic pressures will cause changes, but we will survive By Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli sources and the associated funding will be ment of what it means for all of us. The Adjutant General reduced. We can’t change the Third, keep a positive spirit of goodwill The next several years will pose a signif- Fortunately, we had the foresight to see and resilience. Our grandparents and great- icant challenge for the Kansas National this trend at both the state and federal level budget trends, but we can grandparents faced challenges that we can’t Guard, the Kansas some time ago and have been preparing for take steps to ensure that even imagine and they didn’t even blink. Division of Emer- it. In response to budget cuts we’ve experi- we do our job well and They drew together and focused on what had gency Manage- enced in the past two years, we’ve held po- to be done. Mirror their hardiness. Focus on ment and all of our sitions vacant, reduced the number of remain relevant. providing excellent service to those that counterparts across temporary positions and contractors, closed count on you – the people of Kansas. They the nation. You are armories, evaluated work processes and your trust and your help in the following deserve our very best, especially when cir- probably hearing programs, and asked our leadership to look three ways: cumstances make it hard to do. lots of budget ru- for ways to become much more efficient. First, look after each other. If you see History tells us that when people face a mors and specula- Right now, multiple teams across the state coworkers going through a rough time or genuine challenge, they either draw together, tive news reports. I are developing flexible plans to ensure that getting stressed out because of concern for forging their greatest moments as a people, just wanted to take we can fulfill our responsibilities to the peo- the future, please talk to them. Remind or they turn on each other, destroying the a moment to share Maj. Gen. (KS) ple of Kansas. We can’t change the budget them of the resources that we have avail- very things about themselves worth defend- my thoughts on Lee Tafanelli trends, but we can take steps to ensure that able to help, such as the state chaplain. Let ing. One of the things that make Americans what’s likely ahead we do our job well and remain relevant. them know that they are not alone. stand out in this world is the hearty charac- and what we need to do. We are very mindful of the challenge, as Second, avoid getting caught up in the teristic of pulling together in difficult times, It’s clear that the public is very con- well as the justified concern that all of us latest rumor cycle. Over the next year, I like we did on Sept. 11, 2001. cerned about the economy, as well as what feel. Your leaders are doing, and will con- guarantee there will be endless speculation It’s the characteristic most embodied in increased budget pressure means for the tinue to do everything they can to ensure about supposed “plans” from Congress and the spirit of the Adjutant General’s Depart- future. I would love to say that the prob- we make it through this in good order. the Pentagon that will affect the Kansas ment. It’s at the core of what we do and lem is overblown or that it will magically What I need from all federal and state National Guard or the Adjutant General’s why we exist – to protect our citizens. fade away soon, but that would not be leaders within the Kansas National Guard Department. I’m not worried about the I know I can rely on you to draw to- honest. We are just now beginning to face and the Adjutant General’s Department is to 5,000 incorrect guesses of what might pos- gether as we head into rough seas. Please profound federal fiscal challenges that be judicious with the resources that we will sibly, perhaps, could happen. Don’t listen stay focused on continuing to do the great will dwarf any previously faced by our have. Many of us have been through this be- to this stuff. When we have solid informa- job you do every day and look out for each generation and they will not go away fore and we will get through it again, but tion on things like the budget, we’ll give other. If we do this, we will make it quickly or easily. there will be many difficult decisions ahead. you that information and also our assess- through the approaching storm. As of right now, I can’t give accurate de- From the employees, Soldiers, and Air- tails of projected cuts at the federal level or men, I need your help as well as to pay atten- Letter to the editor what those cuts will ultimately mean to us. tion to how and where we are spending our This is not because I don’t want to, but be- money; looking for cost effective ways to do Air show an emotional experience cause I don’t have solid figures yet. How- business while maintaining a positive readi- ever, I am certain there will be cuts and ness posture. We also must look for ways to My Dad was Air Force, and I was born Thank you for a wonderful, exhilarating they will have a significant effect on us. save money and leverage efficiencies. on an air base and lived on bases all my and educational experience. My brother, a What I do know is that a number of our re- I also ask each and every one of you for growing up years. Vietnam vet, was there with us, and the My family always loved all the air whole family was absolutely in heaven power, watching ‘em take off, land, read- with all the sights and sounds of the planes, Soldier to Soldier ing about them, running out when ya hear the maneuvers, everything! The helicop- ’em comin’. There was a time, you know, ters! The pilots, and the military guys in The question is: Who is in control? when we all got excited about a sonic the tower, and on the ground. boom! “They’re up there!” Thank you for sharing. I felt honored to By Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan where to be, what time to be there, pay this I was fortunate to live near Salina for be in your presence. You are brave and Joint Forces Headquarters much in taxes. Everywhere we look we many years and watch the fighter jets over brilliant specialists, and because of people Not long ago, I was talking with my have rules to follow. Even if we own a Lake Kanopolis. I even had one pass in like you, I come and go as I please, and grandson, age 17, who was complaining business, we have rules and expectations – front of me at eye level north of Ada, Kan., have a darn good life. that he was never the unwritten rules – we follow. one hot summer day. Very cool! How lucky for us to see B-52s! Iam in in control. “Every- This being said we still get to choose to Well, I’m down here in heaven! I felt so lucky to be there witness- one tells me what follow the rules or not to follow the rules. By now and even hearing a military aircraft is ing all that! And thanks for the low flybys! to do or not to do. I our choices, we either reap the benefits or very, very rare. That’s always been so thrilling, love to never get to choose suffer the consequences, whatever they may I did go to one air show and rode in a B- hear the afterburners, love the rumble and for myself.” be. That is why we are always in control. 24. Super experience. Almost cried. It was scream. Wow! I told him that I As leaders, we are in control and need to very emotional for me. Sat where my dad Thank you. I really hope I see all of you understood how he understand our Soldiers are also in control. would’ve sat, right behind the copilot, on again in two years. felt, Grandma is al- Noncommissioned officers have two basic the wing as a waist gunner with Col. Jack And if ya get down this way, buzz my ways telling me duties: take care of the Soldiers and accom- Banks in Australia. tower! I’ll be the one running out in the what to do and plish the mission. The Army National Guard However, I was privileged to attend the street to see what’s goin’ over. Once you most of the time Command Sgt. Maj. of today is different than the National Guard demonstration that was opened to the pub- get exposed, it just never goes away. When where to go, I then John Ryan of old. Our Soldiers bring many additional lic on Aug. 6, at the Smoky Hill Bomb you live by the runway all those years, you told him that in re- skills to the table other than those in their Range this year, having heard about it from just love to see ‘em, hear ‘em, goin’ out, ality he/we are always in total control. You Military Occupational Skill. Their diversity family in Salina. I have to tell you that was comin’ in, and just know they are up there get to choose every time, and, as usual, he adds value to our team. Our Soldiers have a so fun and so emotional for me I almost doin’ what they do. looked at me with that look of “You’re sense of Loyalty, Duty, Respect and Selfless cried again. That air power gets to you and What a wonderful day I had. I will never crazy and probably need a reality check.” Service (Did I just mention some of the you never get over it, I guess. forget it! I went on to explain that all of our lives Army Values?) to their unit, platoon, section I just want to say, to whoever I need to we have someone telling us what to do, (Continued on Page 9) say it to, and please, if you are not who I want to be thanking right now, please for- Mary Lou Keim Congratulations are in order ward this to those people. Pittsburg, Kan. for our new warrant officers PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector Jedadiah Gassen, the Teaching, Advising Vasquez and Counseling officers and instructors The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- State Command Chief Warrant Officer for a job well done. ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- On July 30, the Warrant Officer Candi- Sprawka will be attending her Warrant olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will dates from the Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Okla. payment be made for contributions. Kansas Regional When she graduates from the Artillery The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions Training Institute Warrant Officer School, Sprawka will be- may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). graduated from come Kansas first female artillery war- Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Phase III at Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office rant officer. So good luck to her. Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office Camp Atterbury, Now that the Warrant Officer Candidate Gov. Sam Brownback Director Ind. The KSRTI School Class 11-001 has graduated, it is Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director had their first time for those interested in becoming a War- Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 Distinguished rant Officer to start or finalize your predeter- Editor Sharon Watson Honor Graduate, mination packets. It takes about five months Public Information Writer Warrant Officer Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 to approve a packet, plus you will have a Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] 1 Aaron Carpen- Command Chief Distance Learning course to complete prior Production Assistant ter. I congratulate Jane Welch Warrant Officer 5 to the class starting. If you are interested in Videographer Carpenter, as Hector Vasquez becoming a warrant officer, please contact Senior Airman Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 well as Warrant Warrant Officer 1 Sam Bonham Staff Writer Officer 1 Carol Sprawka, Warrant Officer ([email protected]) or me. Sgt. Jason Lee 785-274-1191 1 Steven Stienike, Warrant Officer 1 (Continued on Page 5) The Plains Guardian may be read online at http://kansastag.gov For change of address, contact Jane Welch. September 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Weapons system provides greater safety for humvee gunners By Pvt. Anna R. Laurin vehicle and therefore has a higher gunner 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment survival rate. Not only does it protect the The security forces from Agribusiness gunner from unfriendly fire, but if the Development Team 4, ADT 5, and the Air humvee should pass over or near an impro- Force National Guard 284th Air Support vised explosive device, it provides the pro- Operation Squadron, trained to become op- tection of the vehicle from shrapnel and the erationally certified with the XM153 Com- impact, said Crist. mon Remotely Operated Weapons Station The CROW Station can adapt to four July 5 through 9 at the Kansas National weapons, the M2, Mark 19, M240B, and Guard Great Plains Joint Training Center in the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, said Salina, Kan. Redenius. Also it can hold a thousand Staff Sgt. Derek Redenius, an observer rounds at time. controller trainer with the Kansas National The station has a Visual Imaging Mod- Guard Pre-Mobilization Training Assis- ule, Thermal Imaging Module and a Laser tance and Evaluation Team, said the class Range Finder, which provides a higher consisted of 32 hours of classroom train- level of accuracy, a longer range, and the ing, a handwritten exam, and a day out on dual cameras provide day and night vision, the range, where participants had the op- said Mike Creed, instructor. portunity to identify targets and shoot 200 “CROWS will be used primary down rounds with the station. range and allow spotting and identifying “It’s just like a video game,” said John targets without leaving the vehicle,” said McQueen an instructor for the CROWS Maj. Michael Arnold, 284th ASOS. He be- NET team. lieves that CROWS will help protect Air- To control the weapons station, the gunner men. CROWS will allow more missions sits inside the humvee and aims the armed outside the wire for the 284th. weapon by a control grip while looking at a The 284th ASOS deploys and coordinates The new Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station will give humvee gunners a display control panel, explained instructor with Army National Guard units. They call greater measure of safety because it is operated from inside the vehicle. (Photo by Boyd Crist. Compared to a gunner standing in supporting air power to the ground units’ Pvt. Anna R. Laurin, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) out the roof of the Humvee, said Crist, the movement and missions. The squadron acts work and coordinate with, said Arnold. Training Center in Salina, Kan. CROW Station keeps the gunner inside the as an Air Force liaison to the units they The Air Guard squadron does not often Arnold said his Airmen enjoyed the joint get the opportunity to train with the Army service class and hopes that there will be Guard units of Salina, although their train- more integrated training in the future. He Kansas Guardsmen conduct ing areas are within the same facility. The and his airmen found the CROWS class in- 284th trains out of the Smoky Hill structive, useful and look forward to using joint air assault operations Weapons Range on the Great Plains Joint the station down range. By Sgt. John Whistler helicopter that is hovering just over their On June 11, 2011, during the darkness of heads. There is also the danger of static 4-H project aids emergency night, two squads assigned to the Joint electric shock from the helicopter. Combat Search and Rescue platoon of the “It was an intense experience. The noise, management, homeland security 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery worked the wind, the pressure of bringing in the By Nancy Peterson work with the team. with members of the United States Marine bird, not to mention close calls (with the K-State Reseach and Extension News As a member of the state 4-H Youth De- Corps sling-loading a vehicle with CH-53 helicopter), it was complete controlled Mention 4-H and images of the perfect velopment Department, Hecht teaches ex- “Sea Stallion” helicopters. Both squads had chaos, but I enjoyed the experience of the cookie or a well-nourished calf may come tension agents and 4-H leaders how to use never attempted sling load operations be- operation” said Lt. Monty Johnson, a chap- to mind. But, this is 2011: How about GPS and GIS technologies and applica- fore and were given training from the lain who was embedded with the Soldiers. geospatial literacy? Emergency manage- tions. As a former 4-H agent, she was Marines before the operation. The helicopters belong to the United ment? Homeland security? among the first to introduce the technolo- “Training opportunities in forward areas States Marine Corps and were operated by A savvy 4-H project tech group from gies to local 4-H members via geocaching, can better prepare Soldiers for real life situ- their pilots and crew. Leavenworth County, Kan., earned second which is similar to a scavenger hunt. ations that may arise,” said Sgt. 1st Class “It was a great refresher and training op- place in the K-12 division of an interna- “Middle and high school age youth David Schild. portunity to come out and do these opera- tional geographic information system map- picked up on this right away,” said Hecht, Sling load operations are one of the tions, something I haven’t done very often making contest – and praise from who started looking for other ways to use many ways the military maintains its mo- before coming here,” said Capt. Robert De- emergency management and homeland se- the technologies and to combine them with bility. These operations are important in George, Marine pilot. curity officials in Northeast Kansas. service learning to supplement community moving equipment across terrain that is “Training opportunities like these are an The international competition was spon- resources. nonnegotiable for ground vehicles in a excellent way for our Soldiers to maintain sored by Esri, a GIS technologies software One of the earlier projects focused on short amount of time. Soldiers are responsi- readiness in the field and to learn more provider, during its recent International mapping former and current rail lines in ble for securing their loads with ropes and skills with a hands on approach,” said Sgt. Users Conference Map Gallery held in San the county. Teens involved in the project chains that they connect to the bottom of Kevin Fischer. “It also helps me to further Diego, Calif. The conference drew more became much more aware of the decline in the helicopter with a hook. The helicopter train my Soldiers back home with the expe- than 14,000 users of geospatial technolo- rail service than they had been before, she builds up a static electric charge until it is riences I’ve had here for possible future gies with the Map Gallery drawing more said. Another project focused on mapping grounded, so Soldiers use a grounding pole missions.” than 1,000 entries submitted by GIS users the locations of former schools. that they attach to the hooks prior to con- At the end of the operation, both Sol- from more than 100 countries. Mapping high-water marks and erosion necting the load. The Soldiers on the diers and Marines were a mission success. The 4-H-produced Foreign Animal Dis- along the Kansas River also interested the ground are also responsible for guiding the The training proved useful for both pilots ease Biosecurity Map pinpoints the loca- 4-H teens, and prompted Hecht to invite helicopter into the loading area and direct- and ground crew and gave a sense of satis- tions of herds with 100 or more cattle, Magaha and local officials to a presenta- ing the pilots during the hook up process. faction that comes with being proficient at dairy cows, sheep and other cloven-hoofed tion on the technology projects. “As with most training, there is an ex- your job. The Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, animals in the county, said Chuck Magaha, While the 4-H members invited project pected level of danger,” said Staff Sgt. 161st Field Artillery are looking forward Leavenworth County, Kan., director of ideas from government officials, Magaha, a JohnPaul Lavigne. to many more training opportunities like emergency management. former 4-H member, was already mentally Soldiers are expected to work under a this one. In praising the youthful, but tenacious 4- making the connection and suggested that he H team, Magaha noted that the teens ac- would do some homework and follow up. complished a task that, due to limited time In suggesting the livestock herd mapping and resources, had not been possible for project, he reasoned the teens have time county staff to do. available, skill in using the technologies “Making it happen is a story,” said Mag- and knowledge of their communities. aha, who credited Beth Hecht, K-State Re- Before moving ahead, Magaha con- search and Extension associate 4-H sulted with Jessica Frye, GIS coordinator specialist in geospatial literacy, for her (Continued on Page 11) Congratulations to new warrant officers Continued from Page 4 ([email protected].) The KSRTI is in need of TAC officers, One last note: There will be a Warrant both male and female. We are looking for Officer/Officer Symposium in Salina on senior chief warrant officer 2 through chief Nov. 19 at Peters Science Hall, Kansas warrant officer 4. If being a warrant officer Wesleyan University, starting at 10 a.m. has been good to you, this would be good The Career Day will provide you an oppor- opportunity to give back to the Warrant Of- tunity to interact with the recent graduates ficer Corps. I was a TAC for three years of the Officer/Warrant Officer Candidate and enjoyed every year that I was able to Schools. You will also hear from subject give one-on-one counseling to our future matter experts on officer bonuses and in- Marine helicopters descend over Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to begin sling load warrant officers. Anyone interested in be- centives, officer unit vacancies and oppor- operations with Soldiers from the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 161st coming a TAC officer can contact me or tunities to excel as a leader in the Kansas Field Artillery. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Daryl Davis) Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Smith Army National Guard. Page 6 Plains Guardian • September 2011 Battle-bound troops receive realistic training close to home By Maj. DeAnn Barr tack controllers and close air support coor- Great Plains Joint Training Center dination during the training period, the Amidst the fervor of two low-flying OH- same ASOS the unit pairs with in real- 58 Kiowa scout helicopters, with the din of world situations. The 105th Mobile Public Islamic Call to Prayer music blaring from Affairs Detachment, Guardsmen from the mosque within the Urban Terrain Vil- Topeka, Kan., and Airmen from the 184th lage, and the distinctive pop of rapid gun- Intelligence Wing provided media and role- fire erupting from all directions, 80 playing injects into the exercise. infantrymen begin an air assault exercise The first iteration of the exercise at the that has all the ingredients of actual battle – GPJTC occurred on Aug. 16 when 80 mem- except for the fact that it is taking place in bers of the 1st Company of the 4th Cavalry Salina, Kan. egressed from two Chinook transport heli- The 34,000 acres of the Great Plains copters immediately following close air sup- Joint Training Center, operated by the port coverage from two F-16s on a routine Kansas National Guard, played host in Au- training mission over the Smoky Hill gust to the joint air assault operation of the Weapons Range. As per their mock intelli- 4th Heavy Brigade Combat Team from gence brief, the infantrymen began their Fort Riley, Kan. This active duty unit was search for opposing forces, played by mem- anxious to take advantage of the multifac- bers of the Joint Forces Headquarters Com- eted training opportunities available only mand and Control Team, Guardsmen 60 miles from home station. coincidently performing their annual train- “We have been excited about doing what ing and able to lend their support. is taking place here today,” said Lt. Col. As the ground troops approached the Matthew Cody, commander of the 1st Military Operations on Urban Terrain site, Squadron, 4th Calvary Regiment. “This is Airmen from the 184th Intelligence Wing, Soldiers of the U.S. Army 4th Cavalry Regiment prepare to enter a building at the really excellent training for us and repli- Wichita, Kan., role-played insurgents and Military Operations on Urban Terrain site on the Great Plains Joint Training Cen- cates what we might face in Afghanistan. angry villagers dressed in traditional garb. ter, a multi-use training facility near Salina operated by the Kansas National Guard. Media role-playing on the battlefield and Spurred by the 100 degree heat, the smell (Photo by Maj. DeAnn Barr, Great Plains Joint Training Center) the close air support provided by the Air of sulfur from erupting faux grenades and Force provides a level of complexity that blank rounds, the mosque music and vil- “If we don’t talk to each other in battle we wing air capability built into our schedule is difficult to emulate outside a deployed lager clatter, and the roar from the continu- are ineffective,” said Treiber, “and the most at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range to effec- setting.” ally orbiting Kiowas, the adrenalin rush for challenging part of this exercise was com- tively bring the CAS into the exercise,” Although the main focus of the brigade the Soldiers was intense. municating in the metal buildings on the said Maj. Russ Allen, commander, Detach- exercise occurred at Fort Riley and tactical “This is as real-to-life as we can make it Military Operations on Urban Terrain site.” ment 1, Smoky Hill Weapons Range. “All command and control assets operated out in the states,” said Cody. “That is the capa- The air assault scenario was played out these elements enhance the realism of what of Fort Sill, Okla., the air assault portion of bility the GPJTC provides.” twice on Aug. 16, allowing for troops to troops can expect down-range.” this well orchestrated event included as Exercise participant Spc. Patrick Treiber alter and adapt all their skills to the unfa- Other features available at the GPJTC in- much realism as possible. The 10th Air said the most valuable part of the scenario miliar terrain. Treiber said coming to a fa- cludes cost-effective billeting and messing, Support Operations Squadron provided all for him as an infantryman was the com- cility they were not familiar with also multiple target ranges and the Crisis City forward air control and joint terminal at- munication. provided added value to the exercise, as complex open to military and civilian first that emulates a wartime situation. responders. Crisis City encompasses state- The GPJTC is unique in that it offers of-the art exercise venues to include con- Kansans test marksmanship commanders diverse environments to de- ference rooms, computer capability and an velop complex training scenarios and run enclosed viewing tower over multiple sce- them in a cost-effective manner. nario venues. Venues include a rubble pile, skills against Kenyan sailors “We are able to provide military units rail, urban village, agriculture and farm By Sgt. Steven Koehn tion consisted of shooting paper targets at a acres of area to train in, the air space for safety, technical rescue tower, collapsed While deployed to Manda Bay, Kenya, range of 25 meters. the helos to fly in this case and the fixed- structure, aircraft and pipeline venue. Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s On the second day of firing, shooters Second Platoon, Battery A, 1st Battalion, with the best scores from the previous day 161st Field Artillery qualified with their took part in a competition with the Kenyan 287th STB Soldiers compete personal weapons. sailors. The competition between the Sol- On the second day of qualification, the diers and sailors involved both the rifles Soldiers invited the Kenyan sailors to the and pistols. for “Best Warrior” title range, which is located on the Kenyan “Members from both countries expressed Six Kansas National Guard Soldiers opportunity to compete,” said Betan- naval base, to participate in a marksman- that the event was exciting and they en- from the 287th Special Troops Battalion court. “Going into the competition I was ship competition. joyed shooting their weapons,” said Spc. competed against each other in the Best a little nervous, but having been selected The Soldiers started out by firing their James Hilty. “Overall, the day was fun Warrior Competition 2011 Aug. 6 at the to compete for Soldier of the Year at a M4 rifles at a 25 meter target to verify their competing with the Kenyans and I enjoyed Great Plains Joint Training Center, similar competition in the past, I was weapons sites were zeroed. meeting all of them.” Salina. more at ease when it came time for the “It was nice being able to verify my zero The Soldiers of Second Platoon fulfilled The Soldiers were competing for best noncommissioned officer competition.” since we have not had the opportunity the requirement to qualify with their Noncommissioned Officer and best Sol- Spc. Robert Jackson of the 995th since training,” said Spc. Timothy Pollock. weapons during this training exercise. dier in the Best Warrior Competition Maintenance Company won the Best After verifying their weapons sites were The Kansas Soldiers have been deployed 2011, with the winners advancing to the Soldier part of the competition against zeroed they moved back to the 300 meter to Camp Simba on the Kenyan naval base 287th Sustainment Brigade board. If the Spc. Thomas Philip of the 170th Mainte- range to qualify. After qualifying with the at Manda Bay since April 1. During their Soldiers make it through all the levels nance Company and Spc. Jessie Wor- M4 carbine rifles in the morning, the deployment to Camp Simba, they have they will compete against other Kansas thington of the 731st Transportation Kansas Soldiers spent the afternoon quali- completed multiple missions to provide National Guard Soldiers to become the Company. fying on the M9 pistol. The M9 qualifica- force protection at the camp. Kansas National Guard Noncommis- “I was surprised to win because of the sioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, great Soldiers I competed with,” said and have a chance to compete at the na- Jackson. tional level. Both Betancourt and Jackson will report The Soldiers entered a board consisting to Fort Leavenworth Sept. 17 for the sec- of Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Kober and ond round of the competition, where they four 287th Special Troops Battalion com- will compete against Soldiers from the pany first sergeants. The Soldiers were 169th Combat Sustainment Support Bat- tested on their reporting procedures, ap- talion and the 891st Engineer Battalion. pearance, military bearing, knowledge of “The Soldiers should expect tougher Army history, uniforms and awards, non- competition with more competitors,” said commissioned officer creed and current Kober. events, among other things. Kober said that both Soldiers should “I was very pleased with the level of expect to be challenged in the next expertise that all the participating Sol- round. diers had on the board,” said Kober. “I expect it will be a challenge, but I Sgt. Serini Betancourt of the 731st will do the best I can,” said Jackson. Transportation Company competed “I am looking forward to the upcoming against Sgt. Jonathan Ruthstrom of the competition,” said Betancourt. “I expect 995th Maintenance Company and Sgt. to be competing against the best non- Jason Lee of the 170th Maintenance commissioned officers in today’s Army.” Company to win the noncommissioned So, with that in mind, I know that I officer part of the competition. need to be well prepared for the next “It is a privilege and an honor to con- round. I also expect that I am going to Kenyan naval personnel take aim at their targets during a day at the range with tinue on in the noncommissioned officer have to work hard, be dedicated and per- Soldiers from Battery A, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery. (Photo by Sgt. Steven competition, and I am thankful for the severe in the challenges to come.” Koehn) September 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 7 KDEM employee left lasting legacy of service and friendship By Steve Larson Brubaker was also instrumental in devel- Public Affairs Office oping the state’s Incident Management “A good character is the best tombstone. Teams. He was one of the first team mem- Those who loved you and were helped by bers deployed in support of the Greensburg you will remember you when forget-me- tornado response and recovery efforts and nots have withered. Carve your name on the 2007 Southeast Kansas flooding. hearts, not on marble.” “Without argument, response was where — Charles Spurgeon his heart was,” Prine said. “He responded to *** *** *** most, if not all, during their time of need.” The word “character” has many defini- Prine related that while he was on vaca- tions. One definition is integrity, having a tion in June 2010, a grain elevator col- good reputation among your fellow men. lapsed in Russell, Kan., killing two people. Another definition, one that is a little “Bill’s influence was felt throughout the harder to put into words, is that quality that response to that incident,” said Prine, not- makes people say of a person “Yeah, he’s a ing that the incident commander and Rus- real character, all right.” sell County emergency manager were both Those who knew him would say both members of the Northwest Kansas Incident definitions apply to Bill Brubaker. Management Team and had both been Brubaker, Northeast Regional coordina- trained by Brubaker. tor for the Kansas Division of Emergency “Because I wasn’t available for response, Management, passed away unexpectedly Bill deployed to Russell to assist the Aug. 10, 2011. Brubaker joined KDEM in county in their response,” said Prine. “Rus- 2005 after 31 years with the Lawrence Fire sell County responders will tell you of the Department and several years with Douglas great impact this had on their confidence.” County Emergency Preparedness. During Bill Brubaker gives instructions for a disaster scenario during an exercise at Crisis “Bill enjoyed his job because it kept him his years of service, Brubaker’s profes- City. Brubaker, a long-time figure in the Kansas emergency management commu- next to his emergency response family,” sional integrity and easy-going personality nity, passed away suddenly Aug. 10, 2011. (Photo provided) said Colsden. “Even though he was no earned him the respect and friendship of longer an active firefighter, he was always people across Northeast Kansas. talent for building teams,” said Angee Mor- he started work with the Lawrence Fire De- part of that brotherhood and loved it. He “Bill wasn’t a follower; he was always gan, KDEM deputy director. “His true pas- partment. “He generally spoke his mind and often spoke of both families, the one at out in front,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee sion was assisting local communities and gave his opinions freely. However, when he home and the one at work. He loved both.” Tafanelli, the adjutant general and KDEM he championed causes that made communi- was messing with you, you had to be on “Bill loved helping others,” continued director, “especially when it came to work- ties safer. Bill was my trusted friend and I guard because he loved to string you along.” Colsden, “but most of all, Bill always had ing on projects and programs he knew am a truly blessed for having known him.” “Bill had a very laid-back personality,” our (regional coordinators) backs. He not would protect the lives and safety of the “Bill was pretty much a straight shooter said Toby Prine, KDEM Northwest Re- only shielded us from the intentions of oth- public.” when he wasn’t messing with you,” said gional Coordinator. “It wasn’t that issues ers expecting us to do more for them, he “Bill was a strong leader and had a real Rich Barr, who met Brubaker in 1977 when didn’t bother him. His personality was such fought for us to improve our working con- that on the exterior, it didn’t appear to ditions and the equipment we needed to do He Just Wanted to Save the World bother him. He had issues that he was pas- our jobs.” By David Epps sionate about and discussions regarding “I believe he was always aware of his those issues could get heated.” emergency responder experiences and he “Bill was one that, if you were arguing always viewed the circumstances with Bill wasn’t much for touchy-feely, against one of his passionate issues, you’d those eyes,” said Barr. “He was very sup- Didn’t fly his heart unfurled. better know what you were talking about, portive of those that got there first.” He just wanted to do his part, because he could eat your lunch debating a As much as he loved responding himself, Just wanted to save the world. particular stance,” said Prine. Brubaker also enjoyed teaching others “Everywhere you went you met people about emergency management. Don’t be fooled by his down-turned whose lives Bill had touched, always in a “Bill thrived on sharing his wealth of frown, positive way,” said Dennis Colsden, practical knowledge with others,” said Or sometimes grumpy style. KDEM North Central regional coordinator. York. “Bill enjoyed assisting local emer- Because inside he had an up-turned “His friends were many and his enemies gency responders preparing for response to heart few and all that knew him respected him incidents or disasters through teaching the And would always go the extra mile. for his service and dedication to others.” fundamentals of emergency management “Bill may have appeared gruff at times, and the incident command system, as well but it was only for show,” said Jonathan as assisting jurisdictions with exercises and Bill wasn’t much for paperwork York, director of KDEM’s Response and providing technical assistance during re- And things that slowed him down. Recovery branch. “He was very kind at sponse to incidents.” He just wanted to get on with the job heart. He frequently brought treats in for “Bill wasn’t just a champion for emer- Of helping every county and town. staff, even going out of his way to grab gency management, but rather public safety someone their favorite treat.” as a whole,” he continued. “Bill focused on Bill had stories to tell and tell he did. “He would tell you what he thought and ways to sustain and enhance capabilities, as A trip to a small town was one – was always happy,” said Alan Radcliffe, well as well as building capabilities where How his stay was memorable yet brief, Franklin County emergency manager. none existed.” And not necessarily fun. “There were very few people Bill didn’t get “He wanted to make sure that people in along with. Bill would always tell stories general knew what to do, how to do it, and The motel wasn’t much to see about how he would play pranks on other when to do things to keep themselves and people and never got caught.” others safe and ready,” said Don Button, But certainly accommodating to all, “He could joke with the best of us and be Grant County emergency manager. Including little four-legged guests the most serious individual on items that he “I had the pleasure to work with Bill de- Who were living within the walls. was more passionate about,” said Pat livering the five-day Command and General Collins, Riley County emergency manager. Staff training 11 times,” said Button. “That When he turned in after a hard day, “I was always amused with Bill’s frustra- included going with him to Mississippi And turned off the light, tion with people who didn’t play well with twice to do the training. It was never a bore He settled in for some well-earned sleep others. Single-minded individuals were a at the class, as Bill always made it fun. Bill But heard something in the night. particular sore spot across his career.” always had a way of getting the best from “He loved the little guy and championed the students and fellow instructors.” He flipped the switch to see what was up the locals,” recalled retired Maj. Gen. Tod The respect and admiration Brubaker’s Since response was always his motto. Bunting, former adjutant general of associates had for his professionalism The sound he heard was his keys jingling, Kansas. “We will all do well to honor his were reflected in the honors accorded him memory by mirroring his approach and by his peers. He was named Instructor of And a rat engaged in grand theft auto. working hard every day with a wry smile the Year by the Kansas Emergency Man- and positive attitude.” agement Association in 2008 and received Bill’s position will be filled after a while, Brubaker poured his personality and pas- the Owen V. Turrentine Outstanding But he’ll never be replaced. sions into emergency service, both in re- Emergency Management Professional No one could occupy that place in our hearts sponse and in training. He led the State Award for Kansas in 2010. And fill that Bill-sized space. Deployable Resource Committee, which in- That respect and admiration was also re- cludes Incident Management Teams, Search flected in the shock the emergency man- Bill wasn’t much for touchy-feely, and Rescue Teams, and the Law Enforce- agement community felt at the news of his Didn’t fly his heart unfurled. ment working group, Kansas Task Force 1, passing. Although he had suffered a heart Bill just wanted to do his part, Statewide Comprehensive Resource Man- attack months earlier, that did not stop Bill just wanted to save the world. agement and Credential System, and many Brubaker from responding to a call when other projects. He worked countless per- needed. He was deployed to Northeast sonal hours to recruit and develop team Kansas, responding to the River Goodbye, Bill. We already miss you. members, as well as securing sponsors and flooding in Doniphan County, when he suf- partners for funding and equipment. (Continued on Page 9) Page 8 Plains Guardian • September 2011 CAS mission featured at Smoky Fighting Jayhawks give back to Hill Weapons Range open house the community in a big way By Sgt. Matt McCoy the golf tournament to raise money to off- 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs set the expenses of cancer treatment. A The 184th Intelligence Wing presented a year after his diagnosis, Lyle Houghton big check to the American Cancer Society died from cancer.” on Aug. 10. Col. J.J. Hernandez, 184th Since Houghton’s death, the committee commander, handed over $10,000 on be- has given all proceeds to the American half of the Lyle Houghton Cancer Benefit Cancer Society in his name. The committee Golf Tournament Committee. has raised well over $200,000 throughout “We’ve all been touched in some way by the years. Many generous gifts are received cancer,” Hernandez said. “This cause is so from local businesses. Once the tourna- important.” ment is over, work on the next tournament Stephanie Weiter received the check for begins. the American Cancer Society. “The committee spends grueling hours “The amount of this check is just over- working on logistics, soliciting prizes and whelming,” said Weiter. countless other responsibilities throughout The committee raises money each year the year,” Quinton said. through the Lyle Houghton Cancer Benefit Longtime sponsors of the tourna- Golf Tournament, now in its 25th year. ment include House of Schwann, Holiday Staff Sgt. Mat Quinton served as this year’s Inn Select and Crestview Marine. The 184th chairman of the committee. gave each of these companies a plaque in “Twenty-five years ago, Lyle Houghton, honor of their continuous support. a member of the 184th Kansas Air National After the check presentation, Weiter of- Guard, was diagnosed with cancer,” Quin- fered the Guard unit a designer glass egg as ton explained. “(Retired) Maj. Jim Pittman a token of appreciation. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter takes off after dropping a team of Soldiers during a and Chief Master Sgt. Terry Clain started “I can’t thank you enough for all you do.” demonstration at the Smoky Hill Weapons Range open house Aug. 6. (Photo by Maj. DeAnn Barr, Great Plains Joint Training Center) By Maj. DeAnn Barr demonstrating their close-air support flexi- Great Plains Joint Training Center bility and power with inert bomb drops and Despite the on-going triple-digit heat cannon firings. The scenario concluded wave, 2,500 aviation enthusiasts enjoyed with simulated insurgents transiting the spectacular aerial gunnery demonstrations forewarned crowd and the JTAC response. over the Smoky Hill Air National Guard Other highlights from the three-hour event Weapons Range in Salina, Kan., on Aug. 6 included aerial gunnery demonstrations by during the range’s biennial open house. two flights of F-16 Fighting Falcons, two B- “I’ve always been into aviation,” said 52 Stratofortress long-range bombers, and Chris Arnold, who grew up in Salina, but one AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. drove down from his current home in Kansas “We were really pleased the weather co- City for the event. “This was a lot of fun. I operated for the open house,” said Lt. Col. really enjoyed the A-10 simulated combat Jeff Maddex, commander of the Smoky with the ground troops, that was really cool.” Hill detachment. “The condensed format of This close air support demonstration pro- the show worked well with the intense heat vided the assembled crowd with a rare and the close air support demonstration front row view of how Joint Terminal At- seemed to be a popular feature.” tack Controllers facilitate combat air and The 284th ASOS provides Tactical Air space power. Nearly a dozen JTACs from Control Parties comprised of Air Liaison the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron Officers, Air Mobility Liaison Officers, at Smoky Hill arrived on the simulated bat- Career Battalion Air Liaison Officers and Stephanie Weiter presents a decorative glass egg to Col. J.J. Hernandez, commander of tleground at show center in a UH-60 Black Joint Terminal Attack Controllers for two the 184th Intelligence Wing, in appreciation of the wing’s donation of $10,000 to the Hawk helicopter and took to the field in a Army Brigade Combat Teams. The 284th American Cancer Society. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th Intelligence Wing) realistic scenario. The ensuing simulation ASOS JTACs also provide combat support featured a narrated scenario the crowd was to any U.S. or Coalition conventional or able to watch unfold, which included mul- unconventional force. To learn more about Automated air refueling system tiple hot and dry passes by four A-10 joining the Viking tradition of the 284th Warthogs. The A-10s delighted the crowd, ASOS see www.RadioWorksJobLink.com. Continued from Page 1 suggested the new system blurs the distinc- almost 20 sorties using the equipment. tion between traditionally piloted and au- The flights provided ample opportunity for tonomous aircraft. Several aircraft could engineers to improve the automated refuel- fly in a tight formation, even in turbulence, Program will lead to faster ing system. A manned Learjet stood in for an in what Grunberger calls “station keeping.” autonomous aircraft, which was embedded Pilots can use the avionics system to keep decision making process with GPS. Representatives from the Air in place while they take a break. Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, “It’s a safety feature,” described Grun- By Pvt. Anna Rose Laurin runs on a system that many use every day Tinker AFB and U.S. Navy testers partici- berger. “The pilot can let go and it relieves 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment on their personal devices, such as cell pated. Refueling was performed by guest fatigue. Planes can be manned or un- A program is being developed to ensure phones, which means that several of the boom operators from Edwards AFB. manned – it’s optional.” faster and safer decisions when it comes to Soldiers who will be using this will already Once all testing is completed, the avion- Warrender agrees. During longer flights, the funding of the Commanders Emer- know how to control the software, which ics equipment can be installed in other the ones that may necessitate air refueling, gency Relief Program, said Brig. Gen. Eric can save time and confusion.” bombers, fighters and built into future gen- pilots may become exhausted. Automated Peck, commander, Joint Forces Headquar- The software is an open system, which erations of aircraft. Lt. Col. Lee Grun- air refueling will extend not only the range ters Kansas-Land Component, Kansas allows it to be very flexible, said Peck. The berger, who helped coordinate the testing, of the plane, but of the pilot, as well. Army National Guard. more tools and applications there are, the Primarily, this program is designed to in- more likely it will be used out in the field. take data required to receive funding from If the program can’t adapt to the Soldier’s CERP. This program will help our Soldiers needs, the next time out, the Soldier is gather sufficient information while inter- going to leave it behind. acting with the locals and with the develop- “This program is about gathering and ment of projects in their environment such sharing information without the confusion as building irrigation canals, schools or of multiple devices or lost communica- wells. tion,” said Keifer. “While in the field, the The development for the CERP program Soldier can choose to elaborate on how a began in March 2011, said Kellie S. Keifer, project is doing or take simple notes, then program manager with SRI International. go back to the Forward Operating Base and “When thinking forward in today’s mili- describe the situation further. With both so- tary we look at the technology being devel- lutions the information can be synced and oped and think about applying what’s shared all through the software.” already produced to the military’s practical “This program is a faster link to commu- uses,” said Peck, “keeping our military on nicating to the right people at the right time Give an Hour provides free mental health the cutting edge.” with as little information lost as possible,” “Using the newest developed technology, Peck said. “This will save time and money, services to help heal the invisible wounds of rather than to develop something new and while providing information that will lead war. To receive services or join our network of specific, is a cost effective move for the to more effective decision-making and military,” said Jason Dinger, a software en- projects developed that will better the lives volunteer providers, visit www.giveanhour.org. gineer for SRI International. “This program they involve.” September 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Thirteenth annual Kansas National Guard Kid’s Camp “a blast” By Lt. Col. Rex Johnson, PAO port of Salina businesses, the children were Joint Forces Headquarters able to go to Kenwood Cove Water Park a In July, 109 children enjoyed a taste of couple of times during the week as well as military life through a five day and four Jumpin’ Joes Family Fun Center. night camp in Salina, Kan. Since 1998, Makayla Turner, age 12, attended the Kid’s Camp has been an annual event, al- camp for the third year in a row and en- lowing children ages 8-12 the opportunity to joyed the variety of events offered. experience a week of fun at the Kansas Re- “We got to go swimming two times and gional Training Institute (KSRTI). During we got to go bowling,” Makayla said. “We the week, the children enjoyed doing many got to go to Jumpin’ Joes. We got to do a of the things their uniform wearing family lot of stuff. We got to create our own flag. member does such as marching in forma- It was really cool.” tion, singing cadences, training on simula- “The best thing about Kid’s Camp was tors and eating in a military chow hall. bowling and swimming,” said first-time “Kid’s Camp is designed to give children camper Raiden Gonzales, age 10. “It might a chance to experience everything a service make me want to join the Air Force.” member does while on duty,” said Darcy “I mostly like the swimming because you Seitz, state youth coordinator for Kansas get to go down the lazy river and get flushed and camp director. “The goal of camp is to down the slide,” said Bailey Schulte, age 11, provide a safe environment where Guard attending her second Kid’s Camp. Bailey children can bond, create new friendships, added that the shirt signing with her fellow The final calculations of angle and applied force have been made. Now participants and share their experiences about life in a squad members and friends at the end of in the 13th annual Kids Camp prepare to launch homemade rockets as part of a military family.” camp was another great experience. team competition that is fun and educational. (Photo by Senior Airman Matt Lucht) The children are divided up into different Skyler Camper and Mason Turner, both said. “It is an amazing experience being the are working in our military position so that squads based on gender and age group. 8, were part of Alpha (Tan Squad). They father figure over the kids. It is really a you understand and you are okay with your Each squad wears T-shirts and caps with explained how much they enjoyed their heartwarming experience.” parents staying in.” their squad colors and designs their own first Kid’s Camp experience. “I can say there is not a bad thing about “Retaining our Soldiers and Airmen is all flag. The kids participated in several activi- “It was fun and exciting,” Skyler said. Kid’s Camp,” Fox added. “We have a lot of about having our families understand what ties throughout the week; which included Mason agreed, calling it “a blast.” these kids who say ‘Man, when I grow up I we are doing and why we are doing it,” jumping on giant inflatables, playing Dan Fox, a retired Air Guard senior mas- want to be in the Army and can I come Rose said. games on military simulators, participating ter sergeant and technician for the 190th Air back and be a counselor at Kid’s Camp?’ ” Kid’s Camp was supported by more than in a Camp Idol karaoke contest, and even Refueling Wing, served for the second year Fox is grateful for the support from the 50 volunteers. These consist of service mem- having the chance to turn their squad lead- in a row as the camp’s first sergeant. He has Kansas National Guard for Kid’s Camp. bers from the Kansas Army and Air National ers into human sundaes. participated in the Kid’s Camp for the past “I just appreciate the support from the Guard, JROTC members from local high While the children lived in barracks and eight years. He served first as an assistant Adjutant General on down. I hope we can schools, and Teen Council members. participated in activities at the KSRTI, they squad leader, a squad leader, and then be- maintain it,” Fox said. “The National “Volunteers and the community are cru- also had the opportunity to enjoy activities came the first sergeant as of last year. Guard is the foundation (for the camp) and cial pieces to ensuring Kid’s Camp is a suc- in the local community. Thanks to the sup- “Being first sergeant is awesome,” Fox an incredible organization; we couldn’t do cess year after year,” said Seitz. “Without it without them.” volunteers donating their time or busi- The camp concluded on July 15 with a nesses allowing us to bring our campers to Soldiers introduce “Great American graduation ceremony. Each of the children their facilities, Kid’s Camp would not be Pastime” to Kenyan students received various awards for their camp par- possible.” ticipation. The awards included medals for “This speaks volumes about our volun- By Sgt. Steven Koehn explanation, the students were enjoying the volunteerism, attention-to-detail, most im- teers and their commitment to the kids in The Second Platoon of Battery A, 1st game; batting, running the bases and im- proved, enthusiasm, teamwork, motivation, wanting to provide them a first class expe- Battalion, 161st Field Artillery Regiment proving on their defensive skills. leadership, initiative, and determination rience,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, continues to conduct their force protection After one inning of play the game was amongst others. Kansas adjutant general. mission on Camp Simba, located on a finished since the students were better at “Each one of you is really important to “Kid’s Camp provides a great opportu- Kenyan naval base in Manda Bay, Kenya. offense than defense. The Soldiers organ- your mom or dad or maybe both staying in nity for the children of our Guardsmen to The platoon has about 30 Soldiers to ized the students so that they could all run the National Guard,” said keynote speaker come out and enjoy the outdoor activities complete the mission which includes man- the bases. Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose, director of the and make new friendships with other Na- ning the entry control point, landing zone Rydon Sakana Stanley, a teacher at the Joint Forces Headquarters. “And it is really tional Guard kids and hopefully leave camp safety officer missions, and personal secu- school gathered the students for some final important that you learn what we in uni- realizing that they are all an important part rity detail missions. While not on duty, sev- thoughts on the day’s activities. form do when we go to drill or when we of our Kansas National Guard family.” eral members of the platoon, along with “Thank you our guest for coming and members of a civil affairs unit, took time to teaching us about the game of softball,” visit local school children. said Stanley, “and thank you for your The question is: Who is in control? Staff Sgt. Ronald Bloodworth led the sportsmanship.” Continued from Page 4 purpose and receive good guidance. Provid- group to visit the Arid Zone Primary “Thank you all for allowing us to visit and their leadership at all levels. ing them with the purpose helps them to un- School in Mokowe. The school has chil- your school and joining with us as we Yet, we can destroy these values if we derstand the why and good guidance dren from first through eighth grade. After share with you a part of the American cul- fail to take care of them. We should know enables them to perform to the expected presenting the children with books and ture,” said Bloodworth. when they are due a promotion. Just telling standard. These things enable our Soldiers board games, the Soldiers invited the chil- In return, Stanley had the students teach them “It will happen when it happens” to accomplish the mission without fail. dren to play softball. No one at the school, Swahili to the Soldiers. While the service does little to gain their respect and loyalty All of us have some control. Just like my including the teachers, had ever played members were departing the children sang, when action will reinforce our concern for grandson who has control through choice, baseball or softball before. “…welcome to our visitors from America…” them. We need to counsel those E-5s and we all have that control. Effective leaders The Soldiers started the game by ex- This school visit is part of a long-standing above on what they need to do to get to the understand this and build a team where their plaining the rules to the students of the sev- partnership between the Soldiers and the next level and help them meet personal ob- Soldiers understand the importance and pur- enth and eighth grade classes. After a quick school to help the students learn English. jectives. Once we have counseled them, pose of doing their part to accomplish the they get to choose and are in control. mission. We choose to take care of our Sol- When it comes to accomplishing the mis- diers, building trust and respect, or not. sion, Soldiers of today want to know the Now, go do the right thing. Lasting legacy of service and friendship Continued from Page 7 to remember the good times working with fered a fatal heart attack in his hotel room him and wondering how we were going to in St. Joseph, Mo. keep going without his wit and guidance.” “Shock and astonishment,” was how York “Sheriff Ken McGovern called me at characterized his initial reaction to the news home to give me the news,” said Barr. “Ob- or Brubaker’s passing, feelings that were viously, I was shocked because Bill really universal among those who knew him. did appear healthy, particularly after his “His death creates a huge hole in our scare in January. It certainly was hard to KDEM team and he is terribly missed,” imagine he was gone.” said Morgan. “I was deeply saddened, shocked, hurt, “I received the call from Angee Morgan and felt disbelief that I had lost a family and couldn’t believe it when she told me member and dear friend,” related Colsden. the sad news,” said Radcliff. “It’s still so hard to believe he’s gone. I “I was told by KDEM staff not long after find myself expecting to see him come Bill was discovered,” Prine recalled. “My walking down the hallway, hear him on the reaction was that of shock and the realiza- radio or driving up in his man-truck.” tion that work at KDEM would never be “I know he is still watching over us and Staff Sgt. Ronald Bloodworth explains a few rules about the game of softball to the the same.” will be there for us whenever we need seventh and eighth grade class members of the Arid Zone Primary School, Mokowe, “My first reaction was “No way!” said him,” said Colsden. “That’s just the way Kenya. (Photo by Sgt. Steven Koehn) Button. “After the call, I sat back and started Bill was.” Page 10 Plains Guardian • September 2011 Sgt. Justin Gust, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Margarita Lopez, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Kody Hanson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Jason Lowry, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Awards and Decorations Sgt. Jeffrey Harris, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Matthew Mansker, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Joseph Hasker, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Norvin Martinez, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Sgt. 1st Class Brian Law, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Paul Herrick, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Randall Matlock, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class Darin Leifried, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Mark Holycross, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Justin McAlpin, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Meritorious Service Medal Wichita Sgt. David Hulsen, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Trevor McCullah, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Eric Luck, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Kyle Jones, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Michael McGarity, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Timothy Just, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Col. Gordon Kuntz, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Perry, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Jerry Kastein, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Gary McGoyne, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Lt. Col. Gregory Mittman, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Bobby Kratzberg, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Christopher McKee, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Keith Peters, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. William Lang, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Kansas City Maj. Kevin Braun, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class David Reece, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Leigh Leinweber, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Ryan Medlin, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Maj. Richard Eaton, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Nathaniel Link, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Travis Menuey, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Capt. Scott Allen, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Terry Rhoads, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Yakabo Lo, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Victor Mercado, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Capt. Brent Buckley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Darel Long, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Gregory Michel, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Capt. Camden Campbell, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. 1st Class Mark Young, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Johnston Lutton, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Shawn Minerd, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Staff Sgt. Gabriel Bailey, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Juan Marin, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Clarke Mitchell, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Capt. Brian Flint, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Christopher Benjamin, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Travis McCracken, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. John Moncayo, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Michael Gast, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Lawrence Sgt. Joseph McEvoy, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Travin Moore, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Ian V. Hiscock, 73rd CST (WMD), Topeka Staff Sgt. Kirk Branum, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Edward Mearskirton, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Benjamin Morgan, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Zachary Rolf, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Mark Breuninger, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Francisco Mendez, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Brandon Morris, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Kimberly Young, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City Sgt. John Mixon, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Jason Mosqueda, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Adam Berry, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Paul Bright, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. David Murphy, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Jonathan Moyer, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 1st Lt. Michael Hayes, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. John Burdette, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Corey Muther, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Clinton Mumbower, 2137th FSC, Manhattan 1st Lt. Robert Lynn, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Lawrence Sgt. William Ortiz, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Roy Nalley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Joseph Nichols, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Staff Sgt. Travis Burris, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Antonio Parsons, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Charles Nasternak, 2137th FSC, Manhattan 1st Lt. Tyler Wamsley, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Dominic Cantu, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Gino Pipkins, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Miguel Negrete, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 1st Lt. Timothy Wilkins, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. James Capps, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Gary Poff, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Truong Nguyen, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Scott Williams, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Benton Day, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Derek Repp, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Jordan O’Grady, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Chief Warrant Officer 3 Phillip Robinson, 2137th FSC, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Dedrick, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Johnnie Ross, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Kyle Owens, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Manhattan Staff Sgt. Lawrence Domme, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Cameron Schwarz, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Timothy Parker, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Maj. Troy Hester, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Wichita Sgt. John Shanks, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Christopher Parrish, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Maj. Becky Middendorf, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Rudolph Draper, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Laramie Siebert, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. James Patton, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Jerry Simons, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Matthew Paul, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Sgt. Marc Miller, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Joey Garman, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Nathan Sparks, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Zachery Payton, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 1st Sgt. Kit Portz, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Staff Sgt. Matthew Gerbitz, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Aaron Stevens, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Raymond Post, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Sgt. Paul Purdham, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. James Heidenreich, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Justin Tatro, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Alex Prothro, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Sgt. Barry Vogelbacher, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Sgt. Ralph Tebbetts, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Scott Rainey, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Michael Brand, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Mark Hornbuckle, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. David Trejo, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Daniel Recio, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Wichita Lawrence Sgt. Christopher Vandal, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Elias Relford, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Davids, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Jack Jackson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Nathan Vanderslice, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Aaron Reynolds, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Lawrence Staff Sgt. Maxie Joye, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Timothy Vandruff, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Matthew Richards, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Goheen, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Staff Sgt. Raymond Kiely, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Michael Vickers, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Topeka Lawrence Sgt. Clinton Walter, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. John Robinson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Frank Gregg, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Jessiah Krenzer, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Jeremy Watson, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Joshua Robinson, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Lawrence Kansas City Sgt. Christopher Weisel, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Brady Rodecap, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Jason Jones, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wi- Staff Sgt. Craig Lafon, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Matthew Wilson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Kurth Roland, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City chita Staff Sgt. Cheryl Larson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Christopher Zavala, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Christopher Root, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Lavine, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Jessie Lawrence, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Spc. Donald Rowley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Staff Sgt. Scott Ledoux, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Cpl. Eric Baggett, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Vincent Saiz, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Littlefield, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lofgren, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Amando Aguayo, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Brian Savage, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Wichita Kansas City Spc. Joseph Allen, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Nicholas Sheridan, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Tamara Lutze, 1st Bn, 235th Rgmt, Salina, with Staff Sgt. Steven McCord, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Joshua Archambault, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Kyle Simmons, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Gene McCreight, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Spc. Charles Smith, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Reling, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Bradley McDowell, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Domingo Arriaga, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Fredric Smith, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Kansas City Wichita Spc. Montezuma Arzate, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Raymond Smith, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Schmidt, Btry E (TA), 161st FA, Staff Sgt. Brendan McRvoy, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Joseph Bailey, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Micheal Stamps, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Great Bend Kansas City Spc. Matthew Barker, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Mark Stancil, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Terry Townsend, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Lewis McSparen, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Chad Barnes, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Charles Stanturf, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Lawrence Spc. Sean Befort, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Colton Staus, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Melvin Garciarivera, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Thomas Meade, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Erik Berg, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Michael Steed, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Wichita Staff Sgt. Edgardo Melo, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Michael Berry, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Dustin Steinhilpert, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Cresencio Hernandez, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchin- Lawrence Spc. Quantrell Blake, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Kansas City son, with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Michael Metevier, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Jessie Boyd, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Andrew Stewart, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Brewster Sherraden, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City Spc. Matthew Brinkman, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Timothy Strandquist, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Tam Tram, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Daniel Mitchell, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Austin Bruening, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Austin Swisher, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Robert James, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Spc. Darren Burton, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Joshua Thompson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Joshua Moore, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Carlos Canizales, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Benjamin Thursby, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Army Commendation Medal Staff Sgt. David Mundy, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Anthony Carter, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Kenneth Troyer, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Spc. Lyle Chandler, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Manuel Turk, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Richard Myers, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Joseph Clark, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Vickie Vandenburg, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Lt. Col. Shelly Bausch, JFHQ-KS AC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Michael Oborny, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Kevin Colglazier, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Matthew Vandruff, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Lt. Col. Walter Ehlers, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Garry Orear, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Skyler Cooper, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Michael Villalobos, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Maj. Julie Burns, JFHQ-KS AC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Daniel Philip, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Matthew Copeland, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Lee Wagner, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Capt. Jason Dickey, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Alexandr Prokopchik, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Blaine Cornelius, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Ronnie Wagner, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Kade Garst, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. William Reed, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Forrest Cripe, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Austin Wagoner, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Bryan Gregory, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Spc. Yolaundra Crochran, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. James Walter, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. David Merrill, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Paul Robertson, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Wesley Crouch, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. John Warnock, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Patrick Morris, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Lawrence Spc. Donald Cunningham, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Brian Weber, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Capt. John Potter, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Benjamin Rogers, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City Spc. Christopher Wetherington, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, 1st Lt. Timothy Baxman, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. John Rose, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Adam Curtis, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Lawrence Kansas City Staff Sgt. Freddie Taylor, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Alexandro Deleon, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Aaron Williams, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Lt. Benjamin Helder, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Staff Sgt. Timothy Turner, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Christopher Dennis, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Anthony Williams, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Staff Sgt. Paul Tyrrell, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Kansas City Spc. Westley Wilson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. James Horesky, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Eduardo Villanueva, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Spc. Brandon Dighero, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Alandress Winburn, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, 1st Lt. Matthew Indermuehle, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. James Dones, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Kansas City Wichita Staff Sgt. Galen Werth, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Clinton Donkers, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Nicholas Winslow, 2137th FSC, Manhattan 1st Lt. Corey Lies, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Coben Williams, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Edward Donovan, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Brent Wright, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Brian Masoner, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Staff Sgt. Randy Wilson, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Bruce Dove, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Christopher Young, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, 1st Lt. Craig McCullah, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Jason Adamson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Austin Drake, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City 1st Lt. Stephen Osborne, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Paul Andrijeski, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. John Drimmel, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Senior Airman Justin Burget, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City Sgt. Steven Balser, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Logan Dyke, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Pfc. Jason Blundell, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Lt. Edwin Stremel, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Brandon Bartel, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Harold Edie, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Tyrel Bourret, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Collin Welch, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Timothy Bell, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Bethany Edwards, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Pfc. Marshall Cline, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 2nd Lt. Christopher Koochel, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Nathaniel Blaney, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Andrew Eicholtzpickering, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Pfc. Scott Cody, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Patrick Brodersen, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas City Pfc. Ira Garringer, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Senior Master Sgt. Keith A. Guffy, JFHQ-KS AC, Topeka Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Eric Enzbrenner, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Pfc. Garrett Hardon, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Ray Nussbaum, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Lynn Buck, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Lucas Fletcher, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Pfc. Eric Harris, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Master Sgt. Steven Trowbridge, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Anthony Carver, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Haskel Folks, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Ernest Leonard, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Benjamin Cash, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Joseph Fox, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Alfredo Ramirez, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Buskirk, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Crayton Caswell, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Adam Fullerton, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Charles Riley, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Wichita Sgt. Robert Clay, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Brian Gartland, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Joseph Romans, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Clark, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wi- Sgt. Shane Cobb, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Carl George, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Pfc. Joshua Shields, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City chita Sgt. Matthew Cole, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Kyle Gibson, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Pfc. Timothy Sims, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Elliott, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Joshua Condon, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Todd Gibson, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Pfc. Byron Snowton, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Timothy Corbin, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. William Gilliam, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Pvt. 2 Charles Carter, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Donnie Ellis, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Benjamin Cornelius, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Jesse Gilpin, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Pvt. 2 Troy Conrad, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Brett Fox, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. David Curry, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Spc. Leon Golden, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Pvt. 1 Daniel Millan, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Kansas City Sgt. Raymond Davis, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Scott Goodson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class Michael Galley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Geremiah Dawson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Eric Gordon, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Army Achievement Medal Kansas City Sgt. Lonny Disney, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Stafford Gosser, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Graham, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. David Dyer, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Edward Griffin, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Wichita Sgt. Justin Folsom, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Craig Haley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Capt. Sadao Fields, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class James Kipper, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. Anissa Gonzales, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. John Halley, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City 1st Lt. Angelia Phillips-Seal, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Clint Gordon, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Lee Harmon, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Kansas City Spc. Berry Harvey, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. 1st Class David Acostaluciano, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Andrew Heimann, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Strouse, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Pfc. Eric Howard, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Spc. Michael Henry, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Wichita Retirements Spc. Robert Hernandez, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas Sgt. 1st Class Michael Swisher, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Kansas Air National Guard City Sgt. 1st Class Leonard Young, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas Army National Guard Spc. Lathan Hicks, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Wichita Lt. Col. Mark Buettenbach, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Jeremiah Horn, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Akbar Abdullah, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lt. Col. Shon Gerber, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Maj. Melvin Smith, 69th TC, Topeka Spc. Maurice Hornbuckle, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas Kansas City Lt. Col. Chet Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita City Staff Sgt. Cesar Blanco, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Sgt. Richard Bridges, KS R&R Bn, Topeka Lt. Col. Richard Yule, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Randy Bole, HHC, 891st Eng Bn, Iola Spc. Michael Howell, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Maj. Mckellia Dawson, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. David Hummel, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Wade, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Richard Hess, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Richard Meador, 190th ARW, Master Sgt. Donald Walker, 170th Main Co, Norton Spc. Robert Hunt, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Brian Bailey, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Topeka Spc. John Hurst, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Robert Barajas, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Steven Geiss, Det 2, 250th FSC, Clay Senior Master Sgt. Melody Frazier, 184th IW, Wi- Center Spc. Charles Jackson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Daniel Bartell, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita chita Spc. Christopher Jackson, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Sgt. James Brown, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Todd Kenyon, Btry E (TA), 161st FA, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Skoumal, 184th IW, Wi- Great Bend Kansas City Sgt. Daniel Chambers, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita chita Spc. Johnathan Jarrett, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Luke Denker, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Tamara Lutze, HQ, 235th Rgmt (RTI), Master Sgt. Mary Casey, 184th IW, Wichita Salina Spc. David Jennings, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Daniel Derichs, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Kassi Malcolm-Frederick, 184th IW, Wi- Spc. Jeffrey Karraker, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. David Dudley, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Charles Triggs, KS R&R Bn, Topeka chita Sgt. 1st Class Todd Willbanks, Co D, 1st Bn, 108th Spc. Royce Kilgore, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Gale Friend, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Michael Molter, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Thomas King, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Moises Garcia, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Donald Sawyer, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Calvin Hass, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Spc. Steven Klingler, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Christopher Goldhart, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Gary Shepard, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Aaron Koerth, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Daniel Gorman Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Cresencio Hernandez, HHD, 635th SG, Master Sgt. Kent Shore, 190th ARW, Topeka Hutchinson Spc. Jeremy Kracht, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. William Halvorsen, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Tech. Sgt. William Fishman 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Ryan Lane, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Michael Hogg, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Mader, 35th ID Band, Olathe Tech. Sgt. Brian Kollar, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Eric Smith, 226th (-) Eng Co, Augusta Spc. Jon Leonard, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. John Hughes, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Robert Miller, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Joshua Littlejohn, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Sgt. Mitchel Hupe, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Ronnie Wilkerson, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Tech. Sgt. Jack Wait, 184th IW, Wichita Abilene Spc. Riley Livingston, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Joseph Marvil, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Airman 1st Class Aron Goode, 184th IW, Wichita Spc. Donald Lobmeyer, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. Nathaniel Meyerson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Spc. Cooper Logback, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Donald Montgomery, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita September 2011 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Conference goal is to make “Emergency Preparedness Day” schools safe and prepared reminds Kansans to be safe Educators, administrators, emergency students,” said Hull. Disasters and emergencies come in many “Preparedness Day” featured information management, first responders and all others Keynote speakers for the conference in- forms—storms, tornadoes, blizzards, flood- booths and static displays of emergency interested in fostering a safe learning envi- cluded Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the ing, fire. The key to surviving them is equipment near the Administration Build- ronment for Kansas students took part in adjutant general and director of the Kansas being prepared. ing at the south end of the fairgrounds. Par- the 2011 Safe and Prepared Schools Con- Division of Emergency Management; Dr. The Kansas Division of Emergency Man- ticipants included Adjutant General’s ference Sept. 26 and 27 at the Capitol Plaza Scott Poland, associate professor at the agement and local first responder agencies Department/Kansas Division of Emergency Hotel and Convention Center, Topeka. The Center for Psychological Studies, Nova across the state were at Kansas State Fair in Management/Kansas National Guard, conference was sponsored by the Kansas Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Hutchinson on “Emergency Preparedness Kansas Department of Agriculture, Citizen Center for Safe and Prepared Schools, Fla.; and Carol Greta, legal counsel for the Day,” Sept. 12, to share information that Corps, Kansas Highway Patrol, Hutchinson Kansas Homeland Security, Kansas Attor- Iowa State Board of Education. will help Kansans be prepared to face a va- Community College, Hutchinson Fire De- ney General’s Office, Kansas Department Breakout sessions included Bullying Pre- riety of emergencies. partment, Hutchinson Police Department, of Education and the Kansas Department of vention and Bullicide: Understanding the “We do this annually to remind Kansans Community Emergency Response Team, Health and Environment. Violent Nature of Bullying and the Impli- to prepare themselves for severe weather Reno County Emergency Management, “We are excited about the continuing ef- cations for School Safety; Working To- emergencies and other disasters,” said Maj. Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas forts emphasizing the importance of safe and gether How School Leadership and Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant gen- Department of Transportation, National prepared schools in Kansas,” said Dr. Bob Emergency Managers are making a Differ- eral and director of the Kansas Division of Weather Service and the Federal Emer- Hull, director of the Kansas Center for Safe ence in Their Schools and Communities; Emergency Management. “Preparedness gency Management Agency. and Prepared Schools. “We realize that all Navigating the Road to Safe Routes: Ex- begins with something as simple as making Demonstrations included the Kansas educational institutions are vulnerable to ploring the Healthy Communities Safe a basic emergency plan and assembling a Highway Patrol’s Seat Belt “Convincer,” threats, disasters and hazards that have the Routes toolkit; Kansas Intelligence Fusion home emergency kit that will allow you the fire safety house from the Hutchinson potential to disrupt normal school operations. Center; Emergency Preparedness: The Role and your family to get along for a mini- Community College and search and rescue The collaborative approach by the sponsor- of the School Nurse; Coaching Boys Into mum of three days after a disaster until dogs from the Kansas Search and Rescue ing agencies is a positive example of various Men: Reaching Young Men and Boys help can arrive.” Dog Association. agencies working together for the good of through Athletics to Prevent Violence; schools, its students and staff.” Evaluating School Climate for Equity; Re- “We know that a safe school climate, lational Aggression: Dealing With “Mean culture and preparedness actions work to- Girls”; Bullying Prevention and other top- gether to improve academic success for ics of interest. Awards and Decorations - cont. Sgt. Jeffery Smith, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Lt. Col. Richard Yule, 184th IW, Wichita, with 3rd Oak Leaf Sgt. Matthew Sullivan, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Cluster Sgt. Kevin Tobisch, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Capt. Eric Webb, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Brian Unzicker, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence 1st Lt. Meghan Stockman, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Chad Wilson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan 1st Lt. Roger Stockman, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Michael Arendt, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Russell Brotsky, 184th IW, Wichita, with Spc. Joseph Baker, 2137th FSC, Manhattan 4th Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Frederick Beverly, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Chief Master Sgt. David Rodriguez, 190th ARW, Topeka, Spc. Joseph Bisogno, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Craig Brown, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Perry Crabtree, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Spc. Jason Brumbaugh, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Spc. Matthew Campbell, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Senior Master Sgt. Wendy Davis, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Gabriel Castel, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Doviak, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Aaron Cook, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Brian Martin, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Jeffery Crain, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Meissner, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Nathan Decker, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Christiana Wickline, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Austin Dodd, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Robert Crain, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Joseph Eley, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Eldon Jackson, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Austin Evans, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Ronda Klein, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Daniel Felix, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Master Sgt. Anthony Snyder, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Scott Firestone, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Thomas Hopper, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Zachary Fish, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Spc. Kristopher Flory, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Air Force Achievement Medal Spc. Jesse Gillam, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Spc. Travis Golden, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Devan Tucking-Strickler, Human Services officer with the Kansas Division of Emer- Spc. Andrew Gordon, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 2nd Lt. Jack Brooks, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Orion Grove, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Master Sgt. Jamesson Dunbar, 190th ARW, Topeka gency Management, passes out emergency preparedness information, including in- Spc. Jon Hale, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Ralph Lilley, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak formation on October’s “Zombie Preparedness Month,” at the Kansas State Fair in Spc. John Houston, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Leaf Cluster Spc. Arlander Johnson, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Cindy Locey, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 3rd Oak Hutchinson. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) Spc. Conner Kendrick, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Leaf Cluster Spc. Anthony King, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Master Sgt. Kristina Perkins, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd Spc. Michael Marshall, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster 4-H project earns international award Spc. Robert Martins, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Michael Sinkhorn, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Harold McBride, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Tammy Wellsswitzer, 190th ARW, Topeka Continued from Page 5 Garrett French, Tonganoxie; Nicholas Spc. Wade McCoy, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Tech. Sgt. William Haug, 190th ARW, Topeka in the Kansas Adjutant General’s Depart- French, Tonganoxie; Laina Griffith, Base- Spc. Timothy McFadden, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Mandy Johnson, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Andrew Mills, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Sarah Mendez, 190th ARW, Topeka ment, and Sandy Johnson, Kansas Depart- hor; Ashley Hicklin, Basehor; Clayton Spc. Daniel Mitchell, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Joel Pascua, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd Oak ment of Agriculture. Kaminski, Bonner Springs; Cody Koch, Spc. Christopher Munson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Leaf Cluster Spc. Adam Patterson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Justina Saucedo, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Involving the teens as volunteers for McLouth; Levi Koch, McLouth; Samantha Spc. Jadd Pisoni, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Leaf Cluster local government also involved preparation Koch, McLouth; Justin Patrick, Spc. Tushar Poojara, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Dale Wright, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Spc. Timothy Potter, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Leaf Cluster and training, said Magaha, who, after get- Tonganoxie; Maylyn Solowiej, Basehor; Spc. James Regier, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Steven Blowers, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd Oak ting the idea approved, went to work in ini- Katie Tindell, Basehor; Rachel Tindell, Spc. Patrick Reif, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Leaf Cluster Spc. Michael Roberson, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. William Bryant, 190th ARW, Topeka tiating the teens into what he calls a “true Basehor; and Brooke Wilson, Basehor. Spc. Daniel Sanchez, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Kevin Byers, 190th ARW, Topeka volunteer project.” Austin Wiley also participated in the initial Spc. Tucker Steele, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Eric Demeritt, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Nicholas Suhler, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. David Goodwin, 190th ARW, Topeka Students participating in the project were part of the project. Spc. Dusty Taul, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Staff Sgt. Christopher Kieffer, 190th ARW, Topeka issued county photo IDs. Magaha then “The youth know their communities, un- Spc. Blake Vancoevern, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. David Mabery, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Tuzong Vang, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Heather O’Neal, 190th ARW, Topeka worked with the county counselor to draft a derstand the technologies and are master- Spc. John Watkins, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Joseph Palmer, 190th ARW, Topeka letter about the project, which, when ap- ing the layering of data needed to verify Spc. Joshua West, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brian Peterson, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Andrew White, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jason Williams, 190th ARW, Topeka proved, was duplicated and laminated for locations and physical addresses needed for Spc. William Wilson, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Senior Airman Tiffany Kubie, 190th ARW, Topeka the teen volunteers to use to introduce timely emergency management,” said Frye, Spc. Thomas Wolfe, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Airman 1st Class Kelsey Barnes, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Karl Zang, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Airman 1st Class Angela Jepson, 190th ARW, Topeka themselves to producers while surveying speaking for the benefits of the 4-H project Pfc. Kristopher Anderson, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Airman 1st Class Brandon Leander, 190th ARW, Topeka the livestock herds in the county. to Homeland Security. Pfc. Zachary Burson, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Airman 1st Class Ryan Lu, 190th ARW, Topeka Pfc. John Ellington, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Airman 1st Class Megan Touchton, 190th ARW, Topeka Teen volunteers met for training at a fire “I wish we could get the same informa- Pfc. Wade Harp, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita station in Tonganoxie. tion for all of Kansas’ 105 counties,” said Pfc. Cameron Hedges, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Air Force Commendation Medal Pfc. Keaton Johnson, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita “We called to make appointments,” said Frye, who noted that similar mapping proj- Pfc. Jeremy Redmond, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Victoria Thompson, a 4-H team member ects for emergency management sites, fire Pfc. Kevin Stuart, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Maj. Michael Robinson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 4th Oak Pfc. Adam Trabert, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Leaf Cluster from Leavenworth. “Once we explained stations, healthcare facilities, and nursing Pvt. 2 Steven Griffing, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Capt. Penny Jamvold, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf the reasons for the survey – to reduce the homes could save critical time in emer- Pvt. 1 Timothy Howell, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Kansas City Cluster 1st Lt. Eric Tincher, 190th ARW, Topeka risk or spread of disease, economic losses gency management. Joint Service Commendation Medal Chief Master Sgt. Jill Jantz, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 2nd and related losses to the community – pro- While interest in geospatial technologies Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Wade Durkes, 190th ARW, Topeka, with ducers were interested and cooperative.” is growing in 4-H nationally and in 1st Lt. Michael Ogle, Co E, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster The project was particularly intriguing to Kansas, Magaha said he has already ap- Senior Master Sgt. Russell Mercer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Joint Service Achievement Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Thompson, whose career goal is veterinary proached the Leavenworth County 4-H Master Sgt. Clark Cook, 190th ARW, Topeka medicine. tech team about mapping the mile markers Master Sgt. Michael Gellings, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Staff Sgt. Darrell Anthony, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Oak Leaf Cluster Carl Hecht, 4-H teen from McLouth, on the Missouri River. Kansas City Master Sgt. Shawnna Hartford, 190th ARW, Topeka who volunteered to transfer the data into The teens are enthusiastic about the proj- Spc. Avery Frantzen, 2137th FSC, Manhattan Master Sgt. Jeffrey Johansen, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster spreadsheets for the map-making project, ect, but will wait until this season’s floods KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Master Sgt. Judy Reynolds, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak said he is intrigued by the technologies and have abated. Leaf Cluster Meritorious Service Medal Master Sgt. Stephen Wodtke, 190th ARW, Topeka potential applications in future career op- The 4-H members’ work to date will be Tech. Sgt. Charity Gillam, 190th ARW, Topeka portunities. incorporated into the Leavenworth County Tech. Sgt. Andrew Piper, 190th ARW, Topeka Lt. Col. Nina Draffen, 190th ARW, Topeka, with 1st Oak Leaf Staff Sgt. Gabriel Ramirez, 190th ARW, Topeka In addition to Thompson and Hecht, Emergency Operations Plan to use for fu- Cluster Staff Sgt. Tod Scott, 190th ARW, Topeka Leavenworth County 4-H Tech Team par- ture responder exercises and response to a Lt. Col. William Hefner, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Wendy Taylor, 190th ARW, Topeka Lt. Col. Thomas Turner, 190th ARW, Topeka ticipants include Katie Eberth, Basehor; disease outbreak. Page 12 Plains Guardian • September 2011 PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Professional racers speak about motorcycle safety In memoriam of the fallen... By Pfc. Robert I. Havens vicemembers. 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “If you look at today’s statistics about On the top of a professional drag-racing the Soldiers coming home, a lot of them car is an American flag that is proudly dis- have a lot of money in their hands and they playing signatures of America’s wounded want to go buy a sport bike or something warriors and servicemembers. This subtle that is cool. This gives me a way to pro- symbol speaks to the dedication its driver mote motorcycle safety and to try to pre- has to his mission. vent motorcycle accidents,” Hubbard said. Cale Aronson, a Pro Stock driver who “We can teach people to go out, spend the raced during the Kansas National Guard In- $25 so you can get into the racetrack to race, dependence Drags V, represents the Kansas not get hurt, and if something does happen to National Guard, said the flag is his way to you, there is emergency personnel five sec- give recognition to servicemembers. onds away. You also won’t get a ticket,” “I knew by the sponsorship we would be Hubbard said. “There are tools out there to getting a lot of time to go and meet the make sure you are safe. Take a motorcycle troops and it gives them a way to be part of safety course and wear your helmet.” the experience,” Aronson said. “This gives Hubbard continued on the importance of me a chance to go out and talk to the troops.” safety equipment while riding a motorcycle. Aronson and Staff Sgt. James “Jimmy” “The track temperatures are about 140 Hubbard, who is a professional motorcycle degrees and we are sweating out there, but racer, have been working for the last two I would rather sweat a little bit and walk years together to raise awareness of the away alive, than look cool and die,” Hub- mission of the National Guard by getting bard said. “Cale and I are always out there the word out about it. trying to raise awareness. He drives the car “Cale spent thousands of dollars putting Soldiers of the Detachment 2, 170th Maintenance Company, Colby, Kan., salute – I ride a bike.” the Kansas National Guard on his car to as the flag is brought to half staff on Sept. 11 during a ceremony in remem- As an example of racing safety, during represent them. When that kind of guy has brance of those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 (Photo by the races at Heartland Park Topeka, June the drive like that, he is the best candidate Mary Crabb, 170th Family Readiness Group) 17 and 18, a racecar caught on fire shortly in the world you have to represent the fine after leaving the starting line. The vehicle, men and women of the armed forces,” said engulfed in flames, slammed into the wall Interested in becoming a full- Hubbard, also the marketing and advertis- while approaching speeds of up to 180 ing non-commissioned officer for the Re- mph. The safety measures on the vehicle cruiting and Retention Battalion, Kansas allowed the driver to simply walk away time technician? Here’s how National Guard. from the accident. As a traditional guardsman, it can be a [email protected] requesting the forms or Hubbard and Cale not only want to rep- “Without his safety gear, he absolutely challenge trying to keep up with technician go to http://www.opm.gov/forms. Here, resent the Kansas National Guard, but to would have been severely injured, if not vacancies when you’re not at your unit or you can access the OF 306. Due to recent also bring the awareness of safety to ser- killed,” Hubbard said. wing. This is a common obstacle for many changes at the Office of Personnel Man- of the traditional members of the Kansas agement, the OF 612 is no longer available National Guard. at this link. Since the OF 612 has limited The Kansas National Guard Human Re- space on which you can record you prior sources Office has a convenient website work history, continuation sheets and/or re- which maintains a listing of all technician sumes are highly encouraged. The more in- and Active Guard and Reserve vacancies formation you can provide the better. Make available throughout the state. The process is sure you are using your own words to de- simple. Go to scribe your prior work history; copying and http://kansastag.ks.gov/FED_jobs_tech.asp pasting or plagiarizing may get an appli- and scroll down the page until you see a po- cant disqualified. sition you feel you’re qualified for and inter- Once you’ve completed the two forms and ested in. Click on the announcement number made sure they’re both signed (electronic located on the left edge of the screen. signatures are not accepted), send in the This will bring up the actual announce- completed application. You may fax it to ment. It describes the position, the type of (785) 274-1604; email HROTechnician.ap- work to be performed, the location, salary, [email protected]; mail it to the Adju- selecting supervisor and what experience is tant Generals Dept-HRO, 2722 SW Topeka needed to qualify for the position. You will Blvd, Rm. 136, Topeka, KS 66611-1287 or find both general and specialized experi- hand carry it. The key is to ensure it is re- ence. If you can show, in your own words, ceived prior to the cutoff date and time. you have the proper experience, then you If you have any questions or need any will qualify for an interview. assistance please contact Master Sgt. Terry To apply, all you need to do is fill out Spangler at (785) 274-1160; terry.span- two forms, the Optional Form (OF) 612 [email protected] or Senior Airman and the OF 306. To obtain either of the Diane Collins, (785) 274-1184; forms, email HROTechnician.applica- [email protected]. Professional motorcycle racer and Kansas National Guardsman Staff Sgt. James Kansas Army National Guard “Jimmy” Hubbard always stresses the importance of wearing safety gear and taking 2011 Officer and Warrant Officer Career Day Symposium a motorcycle safety course when he talks to fellow Guard riders. (Photo by Pfc. Robert I. Havens, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kansas Wesleyan University School time is no time for Peters Science Hall 100 East Claflin driving distractions Salina, Kan. 67401 By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Marvin Terhune from the bus. Obey the law by coming to a Safety Office complete stop when the school bus lights This event is designed to educate Soldiers on current Officer and Warrant Officer School is back in session! The kids are are flashing and the “Stop” sign is dis- Programs in the state and to assist Soldiers who want to explore leadership excited to be back played. Remind your children to stop and opportunities within the Kansas Army National Guard. and enjoy catching look before crossing the street. up with their As you drive, you may have noticed the Subject matter experts will present information on their specific area of expertise friends about sum- increase in people around you not engaged and answer questions about commissioning programs such as Officer Candidate mer activities. in driving “their” vehicle. Avoid talking on School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and Reserve Officer Training Corps. As drivers we cell phones, texting, eating, reading, put- Interested Soldiers must notify their commands prior to attending if they desire to need to be extra ting on makeup or doing anything else that receive credit for drill. Your unit will prepare the appropriate documents for vigilant around keeps your attention from controlling your attendance and pay if you have permission to attend in lieu of one day of drill. school zones, vehicle. The one second that you look Lunch will be provided. crossings and bus down to read the text someone sent could stops. The excite- be the second that a child runs into the For more information about this event, contact: ment of the school street chasing a ball. Maj. Adam Krein (620)202-0456 day is still fresh on Chief When you’re behind the wheel and driv- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Smith (785) 822-6688 the kid’s mind as Warrant Officer 3 ing, “Just Drive!” Of course, always have Sgt. 1st Class Roy Wellman (785) 822-6621 they run down the Marvin Terhune everyone in the vehicle buckle up! This bus steps and dart one act could save a life.