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Volume 50 No. 4 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol April 2007 Rose confirmed as first female general in Kansas Guard By Stephen D. Larson of the 190th Air Refueling Wing at Forbes A vote in the Kansas Senate in March Field in Topeka since April 2004. went down as an historic moment for the “I am greatly honored to have this state as Col. Deborah S. Rose was con- opportunity and I look forward to working firmed as the first woman to become a gen- closely with Gen. Bunting and the Joint eral officer in the Kansas National Guard. Forces Headquarters staff,” said Rose. On Tuesday, March 20, the Kansas Rose also made history in April 2002 Senate voted to confirm Rose for selection when she was the first woman to be pro- as brigadier general in the Kansas Air moted to colonel in the Kansas National National Guard. Guard. “Colonel Rose’s professionalism and Rose acknowledges that being recog- commitment to duty are models for all nized as a “first” is something she will Kansas Guardsmen,” said Maj. Gen. Tod enjoy, to a degree. Bunting, the adjutant general. “She has “I will relish the recognition,” she said, made a tremendous impact on the Kansas “as recognition for all women in the mili- National Guard during her many years of tary, but that’s not what I am going to service and she’ll be key to guiding the focus on.” Guard in the future.” “Being the first is an important thing,” Rose was promoted in April and assumed Rose said, “but it’s really more about the the position of director of the Joint Forces second, the third and fourth, those that Headquarters Kansas, Kansas National will come after me. That’s the legacy I Guard. She had served as vice commander (Continued on Page 11) Col. Deborah Rose, vice commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas National Flora receives command of Guard, stands at attention with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, as the orders are read in the Kansas Senate chamber, presided Kansas Air National Guard over by Kansas Senate President Steve Morris, naming her a brigadier general in the By Sharon Watson “I am honored to serve in this command Kansas National Guard. Rose is the first woman in the Kansas National Guard to Brig. Gen. Edward Flora received com- and I look forward to this tremendous achieve that rank. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) mand of the Kansas Air National Guard opportunity,” said Flora. during a change of command ceremony Flora, a native of rural Newton, is a held Sunday, March 4 at the Kansas graduate of Berean Academy High School, Kansas Guardsman laid to National Guard Headquarters in Topeka. Elbing, Kan., and Wichita State University. Brig. Gen. Edward McIlhenny, who served He earned a Master of Arts in National rest with military honors as the commander since 2003, is scheduled Security and Strategic Studies from the to retire in April. Naval War College in June 1998. By 1st Sgt. Carl Mar, 105th MPAD “A commander counts himself fortunate Flora received his commission in the Funeral services for Kansas Guard when one fine officer replaces another,” U.S. Navy through Aviation Officer Soldier Sgt. 1st Class David Russell said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant Candidate School in May 1980, and upon Berry were held Saturday, March 3, at general. “General McIlhenny has served completion of flight training was designat- the Westside Freewill Baptist Church in the Kansas National Guard with distinction ed a Naval Aviator. He was assigned to the Wichita. He was laid to rest afterwards and I wish him well in his retirement.” initial cadre for the F/A-18 Hornet and with full military honors at the Eden “General Flora has served us superbly as completed three deployments to the west- Cemetery in Milton, Kan. chief of staff of the Joint Forces Air ern Pacific aboard USS Constellation with Berry, 37, was killed in action in Iraq, Component and brings tremendous experi- Strike Fighter Squadron 25. He graduated Feb. 22, when his humvee was struck by ence to this command,” Bunting contin- from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons an improvised explosive device while ued. “I am pleased to have a strong leader School, (TOPGUN), in 1986. responding to an attack by insurgents. He and excellent airman in this position.” (Continued on Page 16) was a member of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, Pratt, Kan., which had deployed to Iraq in March 2006 to con- duct force protection. Eight other Kansas Soldiers from the same unit were injured during the same attack. Berry, a staff sergeant, was posthu- mously promoted to sergeant first class. Sgt. 1st Class David R. Berry In addition to family members, hun- dreds of friends and mourners attended fire. At great personal risk, Berry pulled his services, including Gov. Kathleen the driver from the burning vehicle, sav- Sebelius and The Adjutant General of ing his life. Maj. Gen. Bunting presented Kansas, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting. Also Berry with this medal while at his pre- honoring Berry that day were more than mobilization station at Camp Shelby, 200 members of the Patriot Guard who Miss., prior to his deployment to Iraq. lined the driveway and held flags in front Berry’s military career spanned more of the church. than 16 years. It began when he joined In February 2005, he was awarded the the Kansas Army National Guard in Soldier’s Medal, which is the highest April 1986, enlisting with Detachment 1, peacetime honor that a Soldier can Battery C, 1st Battalion, 161st Field receive. Artillery, at Kingman, Kan., as an ammu- Berry was serving on active duty at nition team chief. He graduated in 1987 Fort Leavenworth during Operation from Advanced Individual Training as a Enduring Freedom. While at home on Heavy Anti-armor Weapons Infantryman leave he came upon a single vehicle acci- at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1997, he com- Brig. Gen. Edward Flora (center) receives the command flag of the Kansas Air dent in Kingman County. The driver had pleted the Primary Leadership National Guard from Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, during a change lost control of the vehicle and crashed Development Course at Camp Ashland, of command ceremony with Bunting and Brig. Gen. Ed McIlhenny (right), the out- off the highway and the vehicle was on (Continued on Page 2) going commander, on March 4. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alan Pickert) Page 2 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Kansas Guardsman laid to rest with military honors Continued from Page 1 Neb. In 2001, Berry completed his Basic “He really, truly is a hero. Non-Commissioned Officer course for He was that as our friend, a Field Artillery. In 2003, he completed the person who we respected Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember course. and admired. He gave all of Berry’s other awards include the Army himself to his friends and we Achievement Medal, Army Reserve trusted him for his support. Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces It’s hard to say it right, but Reserve Medal, Global War on Terrorism he died a hero as he lived his Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Kansas life.” National Guard Meritorious Service Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Tina Braden Commendation Ribbon, Kansas National Guard Emergency Duty Service Ribbon But I guess the foundry work helped.” and the Kansas National Guard Service “He had to do a lot of heavy lifting back Medal. then which was part of his job,” Durr con- In civilian life, Berry was a lead supervi- tinued. “Over the years he bulked up, he sor for Farrar Corporation, a metals grew stronger. He got strong enough, I foundry located in Norwich, Kan. think, to become the best type of Soldier – “All the Farrar employees are closely one who’s willing to make the greatest knit,” said Farrar Corporation Human sacrifice for everyone else.” Resources Manager Deborah Durr, who Among many of Berry’s close friends hired him in 1989. “Everyone knew David remembering him at a church dinner after and many of his best friends came from the interment was fellow employee Carl work. They’d hunt and fish together, go on Hurd. Their friendship began about six family outings together.” years ago when Hurd hired on at Farrar Sgt. 1st Class David R. Berry’s Kansas Army National Guard career is displayed in “When a friend of his wife called to let and Berry was made his supervisor. this collection of his military memorabilia and personal photographs. (Photo by 1st us know what had happened to him, we “We became good friends,” he said. Sgt. Carl Mar, 105th MPAD) were stunned. We all cried,” she said. “While David had many friends, he didn’t “He was a skinny kid when he first make friends with everybody. You had to with him about anything and you knew he daily basis. came to work with us,” she recalled. “He be lucky with him on that and if you were, was really listening. Yea, we would even “Kylie is still shaken by David’s death,” was quiet, but he was also easy-going and then you had a good friend for life. You talk about subjects I couldn’t bring up with said Barry Braden. “You know when dependable. No one thought then that he could always count on him to be there to my wife.” adults get together, the kids just want to was a Soldier or even that he could be one. help, to do things, to talk. You could talk What Hurd remembers best about Berry get out of the room? Kylie didn’t. She was his smile. always waited with anticipation for “If you ask anybody here they’ll tell you David’s arrival. He was like an uncle to about David’s crooked smile,” Hurd said. her. He always brought her something to “It was part of this look he’d make when eat or play with. They’d kid around and you ask him about anything or when you always have a good time. She knows she’s catch him playing a joke on you. He had a going to miss that. We do, too.” way of smoothing over every situation The two families enjoyed many activi- with that look.” ties together, and the two fathers often On the question of how he felt that day, hunted together which was a passion for Hurd answered that he didn’t regret the Berry. But a common bond between all the loss of his friend. “It’s really the other way family members was a love of Nebraska around. I’m happy for him, because I think football. “There’s no reason why,” said he died while doing exactly what he want- Barry Braden. “We just decided one day ed to do and I’m proud of him for it,” he we wanted the Cornhuskers to win.” said. From that moment on, the families met The day before Berry was killed, 12- to watch the games on television and trav- year-old Kylie Braden had chatted with eled to witness the actual games if they him through the internet. For her, his death were held within driving distance. was heart-wrenching. Her parents, Barry “It’s not just a cliche to describe David and Tina Braden, were longtime friends as a hero,” said Tina Braden. “He really, with the Berry family. Both fathers had truly is a hero. He was that as our friend, attended Cowley County Junior College in a person who we respected and admired. the ‘80s and worked with each other at He gave all of himself to his friends and Farrar. Not long after Berry arrived in Iraq we trusted him for his support. It’s hard and had set up his computer, Kylie began to say it right, but he died a hero as he communicating with him on an almost lived his life.” Sgt. 1st Class David R. Berry was laid to rest in Eden Cemetery, March 3, at Milton, Kan. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Cal Mar)

Members of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, prepare to fold the American flag as part of the military honors conveyed at Sgt. 1st Class David R. Berry’s Over 200 members of the Patriot Guard supported Sgt. 1st Class David R. Berry’s funeral, March 3, at Eden Cemetery in Milton, Kan. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Carl Mar) funeral with a display of flags and patriotism. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Carl Mar) April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 3 Brig. Gen. Ed McIlhenny retires from Kansas Air National Guard By Maj. DeAnn Barr in his F-4 Replacement Training Unit class Hundreds of people traveled to at Homestead AFB, Fla., flew F4s at McConnell Air Force Base on April 15 to Moody AFB, Ga., and Keflavick Naval Air honor Brig. Gen. Ed “Dusty” McIlhenny Station, Iceland, where he intercepted 22 with a final farewell ceremony, following Soviet TU-95 “Bear” bombers. In Iceland, his official retirement the day before in he was a member of the 57th Fighter Topeka. Interceptor Squadron 1978 William Tell McIlhenny, commander of the Kansas Competition Team. Air National Guard, had been a “Flying Following this assignment, he performed Jayhawk” since May 1981 and held many duty as a forward air controller at Shaw levels of command here. He left the unit in AFB, S.C. After six years of active duty, 2001 to serve as chief of staff at Kansas Air he accepted a full-time assignment as an National Guard headquarters in Topeka. instructor pilot at McConnell and joined “I could write a book about my military the Kansas Air National Guard in 1981. career, but instead will depart with a sim- With the acceptance of a pilot position for ple ‘thank you’ to all of you,” said American Airlines in 1984, he transitioned McIlhenny, “you the people, the life of the to a “traditional” guardsman role and con- Kansas Air National Guard, men and tinued as an instructor pilot as the unit women with whom I have had the honor transitioned from F-4s to F-16 A and C and privilege of serving. For 26 years I models and the B-1B. have seen your integrity, sacrifice, and During his 26 years of service in the excellence up close. I have witnessed your KSANG, McIlhenny acted as a flight sched- bravery, compassion, intelligence, profes- uler, academic instructor, and flight examin- sionalism and pride. I entrusted my life to er, as well as holding various levels of com- you every time that I flew and you never mand. As the commander of the largest failed me.” Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, presents Brig. Gen. McIlhenny the McIlhenny began his military career at Squadron in the Air National Guard, he led Distinguished Service Medal. McIlhenny has more than 33 years of military service. the United States Air Force Academy. the reorganization of the unit to an Aircraft (Photo by Tech Sgt. Alan Pickert) During his time there, he distinguished Generation Squadron. From 1997 to 1999, himself as a four-year letterman in he served as vice commander of the 184th Army launches Wounded lacrosse, earning honors as Most Valuable Bomb Wing and assumed command in Player and Team Captain. He completed February 1999. Subsequently, he was his Bachelor of Science in Engineering selected as the chief of staff for the Warrior, Family hotline Sciences in 1974 and was commissioned KSANG and promoted to brigadier general. WASHINGTON (Armed Forces Press “The Army is committed to providing as a second lieutenant upon graduation. He He is a graduate of the Air Command and Service) – In March, Army officials outstanding medical care for the men and entered undergraduate pilot training at Staff College, completed in 1983, the Air launched a new hotline to help wounded women who have volunteered to serve this Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. War College, completed in 1996, and the warriors and their family members to get great nation,” officials said in the statement. As a military pilot, he graduated second generals’ Capstone course, completed in information or assistance with medical or Care of wounded Soldiers has been in the other issues. spotlight since a February series of articles Wal-Mart gives $15,000 to help The “Wounded Soldier and Family in the Washington Post revealed shortcom- Hotline,” 1-800-984-8523, also will help ings in outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Guard family support initiatives Army leaders improve services to wounded Medical Center, here. Since then, the hospi- Soldiers and their families, officials said. tal’s commander was relieved, Army By Sharon Watson as well as efforts to make Kansans more “We have designed this call center to be Secretary Francis J. Harvey resigned, and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. gave a $15,000 aware of what the National Guard does for able to collectively hear what the Soldiers the service’s surgeon general submitted his donation to the Kansas National Guard its community,” said Kelvin Lynch, regional say about their health care issues, so as retirement request over the issue. Foundation on March 20 to show support vice president of operations for Wal-Mart issues are raised, we can identify systemic “Recent events made it clear the Army for the Guard and provide assistance to Stores, Inc., based in Bentonville, Ark. faults or problematic areas and senior lead- needs to revise how it meets the needs of family support initiatives the Guard pro- Kansas legislators attending the presen- ers can better allocate resources,” said our wounded and injured Soldiers and vides to Kansas Soldiers. tation included Sen. Dennis Wilson, Sen. Maj. Gen. Sean J. Byrne, commander of their families,” Army officials said in a Barbara Bunting, who serves on the Les Donovan and Rep. Vincent Wetta. U.S. Army Human Resources Command. statement. “In certain cases, the Soldiers’ board of the Kansas National Guard Funds donated to the Kansas National “It’s all about serving our wounded and chain of command could have done a bet- Foundation, accepted the check on behalf Guard Foundation, Inc. provide financial injured Soldiers and their families,” he ter job in helping to resolve medically of the organization following a luncheon in support for programs aimed at helping added. “If we can find a way to improve related issues.” Topeka. Several Wal-Mart executives were Guard members, their families and their our system, we will. It’s that simple.” Officials stressed that the hotline is not on hand for the event. communities in dealing with various aspects In a statement, Army officials acknowl- intended to circumvent the chain of com- “Our Kansas National Guard members of military deployments. These include edged that many Soldiers wounded in the mand, but is “another step in the direction are called upon to protect their country and camps for children of Guard members, global war on terror and their families are of improvement.” this great state, and with each deployment community meetings and trainings for fami- “enduring hardships in navigating through “Wounded and injured Soldiers and their their family must adjust, so we are ly members trying to deal with issues aris- our medical care system.” (Continued on Page 8) extremely grateful for the donation Wal- ing from Soldier deployments as well as Mart is providing to help support the many transitioning through the return home. Guard families who sacrifice along with The foundation also supports programs their Soldier,” Bunting said. that educate the public about the roles and Joint Forces Medical Center opens “It is a privilege to be able to assist the accomplishments of the Guard and their Kansas National Guard with their efforts to families and the benefits of the Guard in help each Guard member and Guard family communities.

Kansas Area Medical Detachment’s outgoing commander Col. Daryl J. Callahan, incoming commander Col. Avon C. Coffman and Kansas Army National Guard commander Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small prepare to cut the rib- Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting and his wife, Barbara, display a check for $15,000 donated bon for the opening of the new Smokey Hill Joint Forces Medical Center at the to the Kansas National Guard Foundation by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Barbara Kansas Regional Training Institute. (Photo by Lt. Col. Toni Truelove) Bunting serves on the board of the foundation. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • April 2007 At home and abroad, the Kansas Guard is on the job By Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting jobs our Guard is called to perform. The centers where all first responders, includ- donation from Wal-Mart of $15,000 and In the past few weeks, we’ve had many 190th Civil Engineering Squadron was ing National Guardsmen, can train togeth- from the Kansas Lottery of $8,800 were things to celebrate, but the loss of a wrapping up their tour of duty while I was er in each region of the state. It reduces both wonderful surprises. The funds will go Kansas National there. Their work constructing the border travel time, increases actual time in train- to help families of the deployed. And the Guard Soldier in fence in Arizona is impressive. They are ing and provides realistic hands-on train- Kansas Speedway has graciously provided February weighs the third Kansas Guard unit to deploy for ing opportunities. In addition, the training tickets to Guardsmen and their families heavy on my Operation Jump Start. centers would mean Guardsmen get more again this year. We so appreciate these gifts heart. Staff Sgt. Despite talk of reducing the presence of pre-mobilization training at home, result- which show just how grateful the communi- David Berry of U.S. troops in Iraq, I don’t expect to see a ing in more time with family. The hub of ty is for the sacrifices you make. Wichita made the reduction in the number of National Guard the center would be in Salina, with other We have been looking at ways to ultimate sacrifice units being called upon for the mission. In sites to be determined. The benefits of the improve our Plains Guardian publication as he fought for fact, we recently announced more deploy- centers are numerous, not just for emer- to ensure you have all the information you our freedoms. In ments to Iraq with the 35th Military Police gency responders and National Guard, but want and need regarding our organization the same explo- unit in Topeka leaving this summer. And for the regions, and the entire state. and your colleagues in the Guard. We want sion that claimed when you consider that the 35th Infantry A few congratulations are in order for the Plains Guardian to be interesting, Berry’s life, eight Maj. Gen. Division in Leavenworth is heading to Air Guard staff. First, I’m so very proud to entertaining and informative, and just to be other Guardsmen Tod M. Bunting Kosovo this summer, a land where war has have Deborah Rose as the first female sure we’re on the right track, we’d like were wounded. Five of them are still been over for years, it’s very likely Guard brigadier general in the Kansas National you to give us your feedback. Please go to recovering from their injuries after a day units will be going to Iraq and Afghanistan Guard. Rose has served the 190th well as www.plainsguardian.org and fill out the that forever changed their lives. Each one for many more years, as well. Our Guard Vice Commander and now moves to Joint short survey. Thank you! is progressing and someday we’ll hear the is being called upon more than ever, but Forces Headquarters as director. Also, con- Finally, a sincere “thank you” and amazing stories of these heroes of battle. I our Soldiers and Airmen are very well gratulations to Brig. Gen. Edward Flora, as “well done” to Brig. Gen. Ed McIlhenny am and will forever be grateful for the trained and ready for whatever they are he steps into the role of commander of the for his 33 years of service to our state and commitment and sacrifice I see in them asked to do. Kansas Air Guard. And finally, I want to nation. Everyone who serves should set and all of our Guard men and woman and Speaking of training, this month I was wish a happy birthday to the 190th Air as a goal to leave the organization better am so proud to serve with each and every honored to have Governor Kathleen Refueling Wing for 50 wonderful years of for their service and Brig. Gen. one of you. Sebelius join me for a major announce- service. Great work! McIlhenny has certainly made the Kansas I recently had the wonderful opportunity ment regarding a proposal for five regional It’s evident the hard work of the Guard is National Guard better. I know we will to visit some of our Airmen on the U.S.- training centers in the state. If the legisla- not going unnoticed. In the past few weeks, continue to see him in the years ahead as Mexico border. It was an inspiring experi- ture approves the plan, we believe it will the Kansas National Guard Foundation has a Patriot Guard rider and a strong voice ence and a great example of the various make us the first state in the nation to have been the recipient of a lot of giving. A for us in the community. Warrior ethos, teamwork are keys to battlefield success By Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Moberly he hadn’t done or wouldn’t do himself. and train without being told to do so, even Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Moberly recent- He held his leaders accountable and trust- though they’re all exhausted and have to ly returned from deployment with the 2nd ed them to complete their mission and as go back on mission with little break. Battalion, 137th Infantry in support of a result, leaders throughout the battalion And now we have a full battalion of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has served from fire team and squad leaders through combat experienced Soldiers – experience in the Kansas Army National Guard for 23 company first sergeants and commanders that is invaluable and can’t be learned in years and is currently assigned as the and the battalion staff were the best and school or the classroom and we have even command sergeant major of 69th Troop strongest I’ve ever had the opportunity to more Soldiers picking up the latest trends Command. work with. and lessons learned while serving as Title I firmly believe that for our country to The main keys to success on the battle- 10 Warrior Trainers at mobilization sites. win this war and defeat terrorism, we have field in my opinion revolve around the Always remember that young staff to be successful with our mission in Iraq. warrior ethos and teamwork. Regardless of sergeant you see may not have completed We must win the fight in Iraq or we will your military job, it was stressed that all all his noncommissioned officer training, have to win the fight on our own soil. were warriors first and that the strength of but he’s got two months of combat experi- The 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry provid- the brotherhood was the rock that would ence as a platoon leader or platoon ed an important contribution during a criti- get us through the mission successfully. sergeant, successfully leading combat cal time of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Like Soldiers that have the confidence in them- patrols. Take advantage of their skills and our forefathers, the men of the 137th selves and their brothers to stack up and experience and those of our other veterans Infantry performed with honor and exceed- clear a building without second thought or and you’ll set your unit up for success. ed all expectations. They all endured being dismount and search and clear IEDs while In closing, I am thankful for and hon- away from their families, friends, state and their brother provides overwatch – never ored to serve with the Soldiers of “First country for over a year and all missed Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Moberly considering that the Soldier behind the .50 Kansas.” I will always remember my time important events in their lives. The average and a young Iraqi friend. cal machine gun is a cook, mechanic or with this Battalion with fondness, inde- citizen will never know the level of commit- wasn’t without pain or loss, but the mission grunt – can accomplish anything and the scribable pride, and pain – pain that I ment and sacrifice, but that is the gift given was completed with a spirit, motivation, and training and leadership. The Soldiers failed to bring everybody home. On behalf to them by the Soldiers of “First Kansas” talent as infantryman, warriors, and Soldiers themselves proved this day in and day out. of a grateful state and nation, I thank the through each Soldier’s personal sacrifices, that will forever amaze and inspire me. How do you get there? Training, training, Soldiers of “First Kansas” for your sacri- sweat, tears and blood. No matter the difficulties, the officers, and more training that never stops. fice. You are a minority, you have volun- For the first time since World War II, the noncommissioned officers and Soldiers of Our leaders, from the youngest corporal teered to go into harm’s way to serve our men of the 137th deployed to combat under the “First Kansas” found a way to not only to the battalion commander all took advan- country and our fellow citizens have no the Regimental colors and, like World War succeed, but to exceed all standards. The tage of everyone’s experience, regardless idea how truly fortunate they are that men II, have performed their duty in a struggle strength and quality of our NCO and of rank and incorporated the unique expe- like you exist. And to the families of my for our nation’s very survival. Because of Officer Corps and Soldiers validated what riences in our drills and training making us Soldiers – thank you for your extreme sac- the Soldiers of the 137th, and our brothers we already knew to be true. even stronger. You know a unit is squared rifice and willingly suffering through over and sisters standing shoulder to shoulder Across the board, the teams, squads, pla- away when you see young sergeants take a year of difficult days so that your men with us, our home will continue to be the toons, and companies of the 2-137th per- their Soldiers aside and rehearse and drill could complete their mission with destiny. land of the free where suicide bombers, formed at a level that is above and beyond. rockets, mortars, snipers, ambushes, oppres- No single element worked harder, per- sion, murder, corruption and terrorism are as formed better, or had it any tougher than PlainsPlains GuarGuardiandian foreign as Iraq to average Americans, espe- any other element within the battalion. cially our children and grandchildren, and To see them sweat under nearly 100 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 neces- will never become the norm. pounds of equipment while working in sarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, fea- tures, photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be The current generation of Soldiers of the temperatures approaching 140 degrees day high resolution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry had the honor after day without relief was inspiring. I will payment be made for contributions. of writing the latest chapter in the proud his- was always impressed with the profession- The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. tory of the Regiment, the oldest unit in the alism and ability of our Soldiers. Over 300 Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). KSARNG, tracing its lineage to the 20th Soldiers earned their combat badges and Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Kansas Volunteer Infantry and before that multiple awards for achievement and valor Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office the 1st Kansas Volunteer Infantry. Their pre- were earned, as well as 11 Purple Hearts. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Director decessors performed with valor during the My lessons learned are too numerous to Adjutant General of Kansas Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Maj. Gen. Tod M. Bunting Civil War, Spanish-American War and list in this article. The bottom line is that Assistant Director Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 Philippine Insurrection, Mexican Border a unit’s success starts and ends with qual- Editor Sharon Watson Campaign, World War I, World War II, ity Soldiers with the best leadership, and Administrative Assistant Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Vietnam, and Operation Enduring Freedom. the battalion was privileged to have Col. Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-274-1622 e-mail: [email protected] And now, the men of the 2nd Battalion Jim Trafton. His experience and abilities Production Assistant 137th Infantry have continued the tradition as an infantryman and leader are second Jane Welch and earned their generation’s combat to none and he lead by example, never The Plains Guardian may be read online at streamer for Operation Iraqi Freedom. It asking a Soldier to perform any task that http://www.Kansas.gov/ksadjutantgeneral/Library/Plains Guardian current issue.pdf April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 5 35th Division, others units Mohatt takes command alerted for deployments By Sharon Watson Unit Award. Training for the Operation Approximately 200 Soldiers of the 35th Enduring Freedom mission began in 2002 Division, headquartered at Fort with approximately 1,500 Soldiers from 23 Leavenworth, will deploy to Kosovo later states. The division assumed authority in this year to become the headquarters unit for Bosnia on March 23, 2003. Coinciding Task Force Falcon, a multinational peace- with NATO force reductions, the division keeping force. The 35th Division includes entered the Bosnian mission as a Multi- Soldiers from Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. National Brigade consisting of 1,500 U.S. When the 35th Division Soldiers mobi- Soldiers and another 1,700 soldiers from lize in July 2007, they will go to Camp NATO and other nations participating in Atterbury, Ind., for additional training the Bosnian peacekeeping mission. These before deploying to Kosovo for their year- included battalion size units from Russia, long mission in the fall of 2007. Turkey, Spain and Poland, and a tank com- “The Soldiers of the 35th Division pany from Denmark. They completed a served admirably as peacekeepers in successful tour of duty in September 2003. Bosnia and Herzegovina back in 2003,” Iraq Deployments in 2008 said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant The 35th Military Police Company, in general. “Domestically, they served as the Topeka is now alerted for deployment in headquarters down in Louisiana following support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Hurricane Katrina, where they managed unit will leave within the next few months more than 15,000 Soldiers and airmen to begin training at Fort Dix before arriv- from a number of National Guard units. ing in Iraq. They will take approximately The new commander of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Maj. Anthony Mohatt These Soldiers are capable, enthusiastic 170 Soldiers, their entire company, with shakes hands with Col. Victor Braden, 69th Troop commander, as outgoing com- and dedicated to their mission of preserv- them. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 635th mander Col. James Trafton observes. (Photo by Kelly Glasscock. Used by per- ing freedom at home and abroad. I know Armor will complete filling any positions mission of the Wichita Eagle) they’ll take on this latest mission with that that might remain. same degree of professionalism.” Two other Kansas National Guard Units Once in Kosovo, the 35th Division will are on alert for a potential deployment to Battalion inactivation solemnly become part of the Balkans Nine peace- Iraq. Additional information will be keeping mission. The task force will released on the units and their deployment closes chapter in Guard history include approximately 1,500 Soldiers from dates once military orders are received. By Lt. Col. Toni Truelove of the finality of the inactivation. “We are the U.S. Army active component, Army Currently, approximately 850 Kansas Sunday, Jan. 28, was a sad day for many closing a chapter in the book of the Kansas National Guard and Army Reserve. National Guard Soldiers are serving in former and current members of the Kansas Army National Guard.” For its last deployment in 2003, the 35th Iraq. There are no Kansas Guard units in Army National Guard. They watched as Tears were shed during the ceremony by Division was awarded the Army Superior Kosovo at this time. the unit colors of the 1st Battalion, 127th both men and women alike. The proud his- Field Artillery were cased as part of the tory of the battalion was evident by cama- unit’s inactivation, representing the final raderie of the audience. Master Sgt. Greg Infantry battalion honored chapter in the proud history of the unit. Gilroy, the master of ceremonies for the On March 10, 2007, during the Third singing of the National Anthem. Over 300 The ceremony began with representa- event, spent 36 years in the battalion. Annual Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament people attended the tournament and tives of the battalion being called to atten- Attendees included retired Chief Warrant being held at the 2nd Battalion, 137th viewed around 20 bouts. After accepting tion, the presentation of command and Officer Ewing Fritz and retired Master Sgt. Infantry Armory in Kansas City, Kan., the the proclamation, Allen thanked him and honors, and the arrival of the reviewing Bob Stevanus, who spent 42 years and 39 Honorable Joe Reardon, Wyandotte County the audience for all that they did to recog- party. The audience was then invited to years, respectively, with the battalion. Mayor and CEO, presented 1st Lt. Scott nize the unit’s sacrifices they made and stand and participate in the singing of the One of the newest members, Pfc. Chris Allen, rear detachment commander, with a had made during the past deployment. He national anthem. Gordon, was with the battalion for just proclamation from the county stating that also stated that they should know why Retired Lt. Col. Michael McCauley, hon- over a year when the inactivation order March 10 was officially “Kansas Army Soldiers do the job that they do; for them, orary colonel, 127th Field Artillery came through. He wanted to join the 127th National Guard Day!” their family and friends, the people of the Regiment, was invited to make his remarks. because he was told “nobody knows the Reardon presented Allen with the offi- community. The audience responded with “Today is a day of great memories and field artillery like the 1/127th knows field cial proclamation at the start of the event, a standing ovation and cheered as they left proud hearts,” said McCauley. “The 127th artillery.” Others agreed with him. just after the posting of the colors and the the ring. was an outstanding regiment.” The battalion, headquartered in Ottawa, He spoke of the fact that this day was with units in Burlington, Garnett, Holton, not about the equipment of the unit, but Lawrence, Lenexa, Paola, Salina and about the people. Topeka is transitioning to other units with- Adjutant General policy “Today is about pride in the Soldiers,” in the state. The battalion was organized he said. “Today is about the real heart and Oct. 1, 1940, as the 127th Field Artillery requires vehicle registration soul of the regiment. Today is also about and assigned to the 35th Division for ser- Current Adjutant General’s Department months in duration will be eligible to family sacrifice.” vice in Europe during World War II. It was policy dictates that all persons who regu- receive a Joint Forces Headquarters Col. Victor Braden, 69th Troop reorganized and federally recognized May larly enter the Joint Forces Headquarters Registered Vehicle decal with the con- Command commander, spoke next. As he 24, 1948. Kansas complex in Topeka must register tractor (black) identifying sticker. discussed the Soldiers of the battalion, he The audience clapped and cheered when their vehicles and receive a window Completion of JFHQ Form 2231, JFHQ quoted Maj. Noel Grubb, acting battalion the final command of “dismissed” was sticker. There is currently no vehicle reg- Vehicle Registration Request is required. commander from his speech upon deploy- given to the Soldiers in formation. These istration requirement for Guardsmen and A JFHQ Registered Vehicle decal with ment by saying “if your life was a book, Soldiers did not clap and cheer. They other persons who work at or regularly the contractor (black) identifying sticker, would anyone want to read it?” solemnly took a step backwards and quiet- go to any other armory in Kansas. will be issued for contractor owned/com- Braden recognized the experience and ly left the formation. The 66 year legacy of However, Guardsmen who work at or mercially marked vehicles used to per- knowledge of the people present and spoke the 1-127th had ended. regularly report to one of the active duty form on-post services or travel to and posts (Fort Riley and Fort Leavenworth) from contractor work sites on the instal- may register their vehicles through Joint lation. A copy of the contract/vending Forces Headquarters to obtain a window agreement must be provided with the decal allowing them access to that post. registration application. All vehicles operated by any person Both the JFHQ decal and expiration serving in, employed, retired military, stickers will be removed from the vehi- eligible dependants of deceased military cle(s) and returned to the Vehicle personnel or contracted (more than one Registration office at the end of the con- year) by all military services of the tract period. The JFHQ DoD decal will be Department of Defense, and the State of returned with a completed JFHQ Form Kansas will be required to register the 2230. The JFHQ Temporary Vehicle Pass vehicle within 14 calendar days (seven will automatically be invalid on the prede- calendar days for motorcycles) after termined expiration date. assignment; commencement of work, For complete registration require- business or acquisition of a motor vehi- ments, contact the vehicle registration cle. Personnel possessing a current DoD office located in room 106, Nickell vehicle registration decal from another Armory Topeka. Authorized personnel installation are not authorized to re-regis- may register their vehicle Monday ter the same vehicle. through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 Contractors/Subcontractors/Vendors p.m. The phone number is (785) 274- that have a valid contract exceeding 12 1588. The battalion colors of the 1st battalion, 127th Field Artillery are cased for the last time as the unit was inactivated on Jan. 28. (Photo by Lt. Col. Toni Truelove) Page 6 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Team Shocker Embedded Training Team departs for Afghanistan By Sgt. Gilbert Gonzales of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A departure ceremony was held “It’s appropriate that this event is held in Thursday, April 5, to honor members of this armory…an armory that also has Team Shocker, a team of Kansas National Marines,” continued Bunting. Guard members being activated in support Afghanistan is one of the most joint oper- of Operation Enduring Freedom. ations taking place at this time. Elements of Attendees included Maj. Gen. Tod each branch of America’s defense forces can Bunting, the adjutant general; Maj. Gen. be found there, as well as defense forces M. Wayne Piarson, commander of the 35th from many other countries. Throughout Infantry Division; Brig. Gen. Jonathan Operation Enduring Freedom on the bases Small, commander of the Kansas Army and even the remote areas of operation of National Guard; Brig. Gen. Stewart Reeve, Afghanistan no one element occupies any assistant division commander of the 35th space alone. The team will encounter harsh Infantry Division; and Col. Victor Braden, environments, as well. commander of the 69th Troop Command, “It is a tough place but the people there along with Congresswoman Nancy Boyda deserve to live free,” said Bunting. and other Kansas officials. In March, Boyda, along with four other The drill floor at the Topeka South members of Congress, visited troops Armory (Armed Forces Reserve Center) deployed in support of Operation Iraqi was filled with family members and digni- Freedom. She spoke of some of her expe- taries from other organizations, as well. riences during that trip and the positive Some of the representatives there included morale of the troops. She also talked of the members of the State Family Readiness high regard that Commanding Officers in Members of the Team Shocker Embedded Training Team listen as Maj. Gen. Tod Group and the Patriot Guard. In his opening the field held for Kansas troops, recalling Bunting addresses them during a deployment ceremony on April 5. The team will remarks, Bunting addressed the families, a colonel’s comment to her. deploy to Afghanistan to train members of the Afghanistan National Army. (Photo offering them gratitude for their sacrifices. “He said, ‘Your Soldier’s are great!’” by Jane Welch) “We can’t do what we do without your recalled Boyda. “Please call on all of us and consider my Bunting. support,” said Bunting. Boyda also expressed gratitude for the office as part of that team,” said Boyda. Team Shocker will depart for The armory is home to several Army sacrifices that each of the families will be In his closing words, Bunting quoted to Afghanistan from their mobilization station National Guard as well as a Marine making in sending their loved ones off to Team Shocker, the words on the World of Fort Riley to join Coalition Joint Task Reserve unit. Some of the elements housed active duty in such a harsh environment. War II monument in Washington D.C.: Force Phoenix. The task force is comprised at the AFRC consist of the 35th Military Boyda explained that she understands the “Americans came to liberate, not to con- of Guard units from 20 states and seven Police, 130th Brigade and the 108th difficulties that a family will endure during quer, to restore liberty and end tyranny…” countries. It is designed to assist the Aviation Regiment. Both the 1st Battalion, this time and that the National Guard, “That’s what we did in World War II and Afghanistan National Army in tasks ranging 108th Aviation and 130th Field Artillery Family Support Groups as well as her that’s what we are doing today,” said from recruiting to combat operations. Brigade are currently deployed in support office offer their assistance. Training gives Soldiers realistic Soldiers meeting Iraqi needs exposure to combat medicine through Operation Ruby Slippers By Staff Sgt. Brent Waterhouse, UPAR combat, the combat medic may be the only As part of Operation Ruby Slippers, a dous support from WIBW 580 radio, Paintball guns and urban training area person keeping you alive for hours.” humanitarian aid mission of supplies from Studdard Moving Storage and Charles make for a realistic combat training envi- Coordination was made by Master Sgt. Kansas to Iraq, members of the 130th Campbell, father of Lt. Col. John H ronment for students of the Combat Medic Sinclair from Recruiting Command to use Field Artillery Brigade, delivered goods to Campbell, brigade training officer. Medical Advanced Skills training conducted at the the paintball guns used for Recruit a much-in-need area next to Camp Victory. supplies were shipped ahead of the remain- 235th Regiment, Kansas Regional Training Sustainment Program training. Lt. Col. Operation Ruby Slippers was an opportu- ing school supplies, clothes and other mis- Institute on April 4-8, in Salina, Kan. Tim Senecaut, executive officer for the nity for families, friends, neighbors and cellaneous items. Given the number of deployments and 235th Regiment, assisted the coordination work associates to collect and see the Sgt. Carol Sprawka, designed the Ruby the care under fire the medics are placed with Smoky Hill Weapons Range near hearts of Kansans reach across to the Slipper logo. under, the instructors wanted to make this Salina. The Air National Guard allowed hearts of the Iraqi people. “I was so moved by the sincerity of the class as realistic as possible. KSRTI to utilize the Urban Village for its “Our families and friends wanted to do so two men that we met. Their heart pours out “We have the medical supplies and train- training. The Air Guard personnel also vol- much to support the Soldiers deployed and for the sacrifice we as Soldiers and our ing areas, all we were lacking was a way unteered their own time and brought their since we have seen such a great outpouring families have made being separated,” said to make a realistic combat environment,” children out to assist by acting as Iraqi of support, we asked them to offer their sup- Sprawka. said Staff Sgt. Brent Waterhouse. children. This allowed the course to simu- port to the people of Iraq with whom the In addition to Operation Ruby Slippers, The students were trained in advanced late combat casualties, but also presented American Soldier has developed such close 130th Field Artillery Brigade has medical skills such as chest needle decom- the students with civilians on the battle- relationships in support of Operation Iraqi Operation Every Child Gets Ahead, which pression, emergency surgical cricothyroto- field and allowed them to role play human- Freedom,” said Lt. Col. Kirk Pederson, civil is refurbishing or expanding all the schools my, and tactical combat casualty care. itarian law scenarios. affairs officer for the brigade. in their Area of Responsibility and “The difference in combat medicine and Students of this course were from all over Operation Ruby Slippers collected more Operation Capital Plaza, building three civilian medicine is that, in the civilian the United States and the feedback was very than 4,000 lbs. of supplies and had tremen- new markets in their area. community, an ambulance can arrive to positive. One student wrote that, “In all my start transporting you to the hospital in less years in the military I have never experi- than 25 minutes,” said Waterhouse. “In enced training as realistic as this.”

Sgt. Carol Sprawka (center), Spc. Voneen Hale (right) and Sgt. 1st Class John Hoban (background) deliver medical supplies, clothing and other donated items to officials of an Iraqi village. The goods were donated by families, friends, neighbors Spc. Tami Weitzel, Nebraska National Guard, conducts patient assessment on Staff and co-workers of members of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade, currently deployed Sgt. James Lunn, U.S. Army Reserve, during realistic Combat Medic training. to Iraq. (Photo by Lt. Col. Kirk Pederson) (Photo by Spc. Kimberly Graytok) April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Family Readiness Groups take care of the home front By Maj. Rex Johnson, UPAR arranging for family member identification do about it. She emailed her husband who Whether deployed or taking part in a cards, establishing a phone tree that is was deployed but he did not receive the regularly scheduled drill weekend or two- used as a way to pass on critical informa- message until 12 hours later. week annual training, National Guard tion, publishing a family newsletter, pro- Had the wife known to call the FRG Soldiers and Airmen are concerned about viding training in various areas of family leader, the FRG leader could have provid- the effect their military commitment has readiness, planning events for children of ed a name and number of someone to con- on their families. When a Guardsman Guard members, coordinating a health fair tact for immediate assistance. commits time to the military, very often for family members, and establishing a Pierson recalled a situation where a the family is left to manage the day-to-day family assistance program. Soldier and his family had recently moved. functions of running a household. All of these functions become critical Before the family settled in was able to get However, there are many resources avail- while a Soldier is deployed. During to know their neighbors, the Soldier was able through the National Guard to help deployments for example, a Soldier’s deployed. Because of the FRG, the wife Soldiers and their families when Soldiers dependents need an identification card to had someone to call and reach out to for are absent from home. A Family Readiness access military privileges, like medical assistance if she needed it. Group is one resource available to families services. “Just having someone you can trust, that through a Soldier’s unit. The mission of a Elizabeth Sutton, whose husband Ronald you know is not going to take advantage Family Readiness Group is to assist a is a Soldier in the 35th Division, is the of you, but take care of you is a comfort. spouse, children, and other family mem- Division’s FRG leader. She has been That is what the FRG is for,” said Pierson. bers. The FRG provides referrals, assistance through two deployments. Sutton added that it is important for the or social networking that a family may need “A lot of folks [Soldiers and family Soldiers to know that their families are during a long-term deployment or when a members] don’t know what happens when taken care of so that they can focus on the Soldier is attending a drill weekend or a the Soldier goes on active duty,” said mission at hand and not worry about the two-week annual training period. Sutton. “They do not know what all [bene- welfare of their families back home. According to Maj. Gen. M. Wayne fits] they are entitled.” “It makes my husband feel better that I Pierson, 35th Infantry Division Sutton adds that the FRG can help with am being taken care of while he is away,” Tonya VanSickle, State Family Program Commanding General, the FRG is one of socialization and learning. The FRG can said Sutton. “It makes him feel safe.” director. (Photo by Maj. Rex Johnson, his top command emphases. schedule presentations from subject matter Pierson agreed, saying that leaders can- UPAR) “There is absolutely, in my opinion, experts to help spouses learn about active not expect Soldiers to perform their mis- nothing more important than taking care of “The Family Readiness Group is really military benefits, balancing their check- sion well if they are concerned about the Soldier and their family,” said Pierson the eyes and ears of what is going on in a book, managing financial matters, and issues that their family members may be during his opening remarks to the Soldiers, military unit,” said VanSickle. even parenting. facing alone at home. spouses, and family members present at VanSickle adds that even though unit In addition to information about bene- Debra Garbee, whose husband Brian also the Division’s FRG meeting April 14. parties are important for morale, there are fits, the FRG provides the social network serves in the 35th Division, is involved with “To me this is paramount,” said Pierson. other services offered by an FRG such as to support a family while the Soldier is the Division’s FRG and was the co-leader “It is one of my top priorities…it affects training on issues like financial counseling away. in 2004-2005. Garbee said that involvement the welfare of a Soldier.” for a Soldier’s spouse who may be manag- “During deployment time, the spouse is in the group helps spouses meet each other Many Soldiers may feel that the FRG ing the household finances for the first going to know who to contact [when they and to learn about their spouses role in the only plans activities, said Tonya time when a Soldier is deployed. need help],” said VanSickle. military and the Division. VanSickle, the Kansas National Guard According to the Family Readiness 101 VanSickle shared a story about a young “When the unit deployed to Bosnia [I State Family Program Director, but the guide published by the Kansas National wife whose husband was a deployed could] speak with people who were going FRG offers so much more to the Soldier Guard, the FRG has several functions. Guardsman. She heard running water through the same thing. We also sent care and the family. These include, but are not limited to: under her house and did not know what to (Continued on Page 17) Families stock coffee bar for Soldiers deployed in Iraq By Jane Welch unbearable heat that would follow. her request was overwhelming. At a family readiness group meeting “Leave it better than you found it.” As part of the improvements the unit On Saturday, April 14, approximately 40 held prior to the packing, the family mem- It is a simple saying really and one that constructed a small coffee bar. The only family members, friends and colleagues of bers got to talk to Lt. Col. Alan Soldan, a lot of people use. But this is a phrase problem they faced was they had a coffee the Soldiers of the 1-108th Aviation gath- commander of the 1-108th Aviation, via that the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation (1- bar, but no coffee. ered at the South Armory in Topeka to telephone conference. He expressed how 108th Aviation), Kansas National Guard, That is where the families of the package the donated items. (Continued on Page 8) has taken to heart. Soldiers and District #53 State The unit was deployed to Iraq in Representative Ann Mah stepped in. October 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Representative Mah has a connection with Soldiers will get a boot out Freedom as part of the 36th Combat the Soldiers of the 1-108th Aviation. She Aviation Brigade headquartered out of and Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Peterson of country artist’s present Austin, Texas, Texas National Guard. are neighbors. Representative Mah has By Jane Welch less and it seems that everyone has their When the brigade arrived in Iraq they had kept in contact with Peterson during his Music is woven into the fabric of our own likes and dislikes. one more battalion than the brigade they deployment to Iraq. When she heard about lives. We can remember important For Brenda Peterson, wife of replaced. So the 1-108th Aviation was how the unit had constructed a coffee bar, moments in our life by what songs were Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Peterson, 1st forced to build their area from scratch. but had no supplies to stock it with she playing on the radio, our first date, high Battalion, 108th Aviation, she never real- Soldiers were quickly identified who were went to work. She put out an e-mail to all school graduation, our wedding, the birth ly cared for country and western music. carpenters, electricians and jack-of-all of the residents in her district asking them of a child and the list goes on and on. That is until she heard the Toby Keith trades. They started with building their to donate items for the coffee bar. She pro- The types of music to listen to are end- (Continued on Page 9) office spaces and then moved on to build- vided collection points throughout her dis- ing walkways and overhangs to provide a trict and held town hall meetings where little relief during the rainy season and the items were also collected. The response to

Country music artist Toby Keith signed this boot, which will be put in a shad- Janet Kristinat, wife of Sgt. Jim Kristinat, explains the process for packaging the owbox and sent to the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas items to be sent to the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, as family mem- National Guard, for their newly finished coffee bar. (Photo by Jane Welch) bers and Representative Ann Mah (far right) listen. (Photo by Jane Welch) Page 8 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Embedded Training Team Adjutant General visits Airmen deployed for Operation Jump Start returns from Afghanistan By Sharon Watson By Staff Sgt. James M. Grosdidier While Slusher may have asked to be Forty Kansas Air National Guard “It’s really the highlight Sixteen Kansas Soldiers were honored sent to “the worst place” they had, his Airmen from the 190th Air Refueling of my job, to get out and Feb. 25, in a ceremony at Tice Hall, Fort experiences were not unique for Team Wing learned just how hot it can be to Leavenworth, Kan., for their service while Kansas. Team members were assigned to work in Arizona in early April, especially see our people in action.” deployed in Afghanistan. The Soldiers, who units that had to deal on a regular basis when the job involves lifting panels of a Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, made up Team Kansas, had spent the previ- with suicide bombers, improvised explo- steel fence and welding them together for The Adjutant General ous year working with and training Afghanis sive devices, rocket attacks and ambushes. Operation Jump Start, the federal mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, the They were awarded five Combat designed to strengthen security on the ongoing Global War on Terrorism. Infantryman’s Badges, two Combat Medic U.S.-Mexico border. it’s the task we’ve been given and our guys Team Kansas initially deployed to Camp Badges and four Combat Action Badges But just as the Guard members’ work and gals want to do it right.” Shelby, Miss., where they trained to for their service in Afghanistan. Team there started to wind down, their spirits Bunting had planned to visit the 2nd become part of an Embedded Training Kansas members were also awarded five were lifted by a visit from Maj. Gen. Tod Battalion, 130th Field Artillery unit in Team. When they arrived in Afghanistan, Meritorious Service Medals. Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general. January 2007, but flight arrangements fell the team was broken up and sent wherever Not all their hardships were combat Bunting, joined by staff from Joint Forces through the week before the Soldiers were they were needed. Most were assigned to related. Sgt. Douglas Plummer, Eudora, Headquarters and the 190th Air Refueling to return. The 130th Field Artillery assist- work with the Afghan National Army as was assigned to mentor an Afghan Wing Headquarters, traveled to Yuma, ed with monitoring the border and report- mentors. Others were tasked to work with National Army transport company. While April 10, to encourage the troops and let ing activities to border agents and local other Afghan entities, such as the Afghan in-country he participated in more than 60 them know the strong support they have law enforcement. In July 2006, the 184th National Auxiliary Police or with convoys and traveled more than 5,800 back in Kansas. Civil Engineering Squadron, based out of American units who needed the skills they miles over rough mountain roads and “It’s really the highlight of my job, to Wichita’s McConnell Air Force Base, brought in-country with them. through virtually trackless deserts. One of get out and see our people in action,” worked on constructing the border fence. About half of the teams that go to his convoys was attacked by an IED while Bunting told an Associated Press reporter The 190th Civil Engineering Squadron Afghanistan are used this way, according to there. Plummer said that while the chance accompanying him on the trip. “People is the third Kansas National Guard unit to Lt. Col. Mike Slusher, Topeka, who was the of ambush was always there, there was at have their own opinion about whether we do a border mission since Operation Jump team leader during training. When they get least as great a danger from road condi- should put a fence along the border, but (Continued on Page 15) to Task Force Phoenix headquarters in tions and other drivers. Kabul, their biographies are evaluated and Most of the members of Team Kansas they are sent where their skills can be best have positive memories of Afghanistan used. When Slusher, a Vietnam veteran, was and their work with the Afghan people. asked where he wanted to go, he told them They bring home memories that will last a to send him to the worst place they had. He lifetime. One team member, Staff Sgt. spent most of his tour working with differ- John Cunningham, Fort Leavenworth, will ent Afghan National Army brigades in the be putting those experiences to good use. Helmand province southwest of Kabul, who Cunningham will be spending the next were engaged in fighting the Taliban and year at Fort Riley participating in the eradicating the poppies that are grown and Warrior Training Program. Cunningham, a exported to make heroin. bronze star recipient, will use the experi- Slusher, who is assigned to the 35th ences he gained with the Afghan army to Division, Fort Leavenworth, was train members of future ETTs. impressed with the motivation and enthusi- “It is important that the skills I learned asm of the Afghan National Army. “The get passed on to the next Soldiers going to soldiers I worked with were very brave— Afghanistan,” said Cunningham. “The bet- they would willingly charge uphill under ter job we do in training the Soldiers who fire when attacked. Their tactics were will be training the Afghanistan soldiers, weak, but that was our job, to take these the less likely it will be that we will need hard-charging soldiers and make them to send U.S. Soldiers there to perform jobs more effective,” Slusher said. that they can do themselves.”

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting (right) helps move metal panels to be used on the wall being constructed on the U.S. Mexico border. Bunting was visiting Airmen of the 190th Civil Engineering Squadron, who were working on the wall as part of Operation Jump Start, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security program to secure our nation’s borders. (Photo by Sharon Watson) Families stock coffee bar Continued from Page 7 as coffee, tea, creamer, cups and napkins, excited the Soldiers were about receiving but also personal care items such as shav- the supplies for the coffee bar. ing cream, razors, combs and deodorant. “Our Soldiers have worked very hard There were even books, games, letter writ- improving our area. In addition to our ing supplies and crossword puzzles. combat flying duties we were required to When the last item had been tucked build facilities suitable for an Assault away in a box, the grand total for the Helicopter Battalion,” said Soldan. “This morning’s work was 105 packages. The intense task has proven to be a motivator boxes, packaged with love from home and and a huge source of pride for our sent to Kansas National Guard Soldiers, Soldiers. The coffee bar offers our Soldiers will provide them a little bit of home in the opportunity to relax and enjoy them- Iraq. selves after a long hard mission day.” “Our total family from Kansas has lifted After the meeting concluded everyone the spirits of our Soldiers,” said Peterson. went downstairs to the drill floor where the “And every time our Soldiers sit down to assembly line for the packages had been set enjoy a good cup of coffee, they will up. In addition to the family members, a know that Kansans cared enough to take Members of a Kansas National Guard Embedded Training Team receive awards couple of special guests, Representative Ann the time by sending a little bit of home to and decorations earned while serving in Afghanistan during a special ceremony at Mah and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adju- them and showing us their support of our Fort Leavenworth on Feb. 25. Members of the team earned five Combat tant general, were there to pitch in on the mission in Iraq.” Infantryman’s Badges, two Combat Medic Badges four Combat Action Badges and assembly line. “I am very thankful to Major General five Meritorious Service Medals (Photo by Capt. Rachel Sullivan) “This is a way we can give them a little Tod Bunting, Senator Anthony Hensley, taste of home to remind them that the peo- Representative Ann Mah and the family ple back in Kansas care about them and readiness group for their hard work getting Wounded Warrior hotline want them to come home safely,” said the coffee to us,” said Soldan. “They have Continued from Page 3 care system. Mah. my lifelong thanks.” families expect and deserve the very best The Wounded Soldier and Family “The simplest items are the most mean- So for the next five months the Soldiers care and leadership from America’s Hotline can be reached from 7 a.m. to 7 ingful to our Soldiers,” said Bunting. will be able to enjoy the fruits of the labor Army,” officials said. “The Army’s intent p.m. Monday through Friday at 1-800-984- “Now when they are sitting there drinking with a little help from family and friends. is to ensure wounded and injured Soldiers 8523. As additional personnel are trained their cup of coffee it will be one more And when the unit returns home from and their families that they receive the best to receive calls and refer them to the prop- reminder of home.” Iraq later this year they can be proud that medical care possible. The Army chain of er organization or agency for resolution, The volunteers quickly lined up, received those who follow them into Iraq will find command will ensure every Soldier is the hotline hours of operation will expand the instructions and set to work. They not that the 1-108th Aviation left their area in assisted in navigating the military health to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. only packed items for the coffee bar such Iraq “better than they found it.” April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Kansas Lottery donates $8,800 Counterdrug Support Team to help Kansas Guard families helps take down drug dealers By Sharon Watson Veterans Benefit games, which are sold By Sharon Watson enforcement, such as car tags, illegal activ- On April 4, the Kansas Lottery gave an May 1-Nov. 30. Profits from those games At 6 a.m. on a cold, winter day in ities and all that goes on at a location.” $8,860.20 donation to the Kansas National go directly to Kansas veterans programs. Northeast Kansas, the Kansas National Many months before law enforcement Guard Foundation to help support Guard The vendor who licenses some of the Guard Counterdrug Support Team gathered arrived at the site today, 14 members of the families, especially when their loved one is Veterans Benefit tickets, Oberthur with nearly 80 law enforcement officers Counterdrug Team has been monitoring deployed. Technologies, generously donated a por- and knew they were on the verge of seeing these two locations providing information Barbara Bunting, who serves on the tion of its fees to the State of Kansas to months of work pay off. After weeks of to law enforcement about who is present, board of the Kansas National Guard benefit Kansas veterans. planning, they were ready to see several activity at the location and any information Foundation, accepted the check on behalf Funds donated to the Kansas National drug dealers taken off the city streets. indicating what officers should expect. of the organization on the east steps of the Guard Foundation, Inc. provide financial Police officers, deputies and representa- “When we started this, most of our mis- State Capitol. support for programs aimed at helping tives from numerous federal and state sions were rural,” Romans noted. “That “As Guard members leave home to pro- Guard members, their families and their agencies pulled into an undisclosed loca- has changed. Now most of our missions tect their homeland, their family is left to communities in dealing with various tion in the dark, emerging from their cars are urban. At first it was primarily marijua- adjust, and now thanks to the Kansas aspects of military deployments. These fully-armed and wearing bullet-proof na, then methamphetamine busts, now its Lottery, additional support will be avail- include camps for children of Guard mem- vests. They listen to a briefing detailing crack cocaine and heroin, too.” able to these families who are also making bers, community meetings and trainings the eight locations to enter and the poten- “We do this at no cost to the (law a tremendous sacrifice,” Bunting said. for family members trying to deal with tial suspects they will face. Some of the enforcement) agencies,” Romans added. “If “We are pleased to be able to contribute issues arising from Soldier deployments as suspects have a violent criminal history they can spare an officer, they will some- to such a worthy cause, and we want to well as transitioning through the return and federal warrants; many have women times send them with us, but some rural honor the men and women and their fami- home. and children with them. counties can’t afford to have someone away lies who are making such tremendous sacri- The foundation also supports programs But law enforcement has an advantage on observation for several weeks.” fices by taking this step today,” said Kansas that educate the public about the roles and today. The Kansas National Guard As the law enforcement briefing con- Lottery Executive Director Ed Van Petten. accomplishments of the Guard and their Counterdrug Support Team has logged cludes, the teams begin to move out The Kansas Lottery donation is made families and the benefits of the Guard in hours of observation work at several struc- toward the designated locations to begin possible through the organization’s communities. tures in the area over the past six months the arrests. As they head out, a and has provided information that shows Counterdrug Team is on the perimeter of these suspects have drug connections that the suspect’s location monitoring current go into another state; later warrants will be activity and providing real time informa- served there. tion to officers in route. “This has involved months of pain-stak- “We’re their eyes and ears forward on ing observation work by our teams,” said the ground,” Romans explained. “These Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Romans, Soldiers and Airmen come from all over Counterdrug Non-commissioned Officer in the state and have extensive backgrounds Charge. “We provide information to law (Continued on Page 21) Bunting named to committee By Stephen D. Larson “This is a wonderful opportunity for Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced Maj. General Bunting, as well as our entire Gen. Tod Bunting, the Kansas adjutant gen- state, as it will allow Kansas to have input eral, has been appointed to the Air Force on policy affecting our airmen and women Reserve Policy Committee. The appoint- and their families,” said Sebelius. “This ment was made by Michael W. Wynne, sec- appointment reflects General Bunting’s retary of the U.S. Air Force. The two year experience and his dedication to the men appointment became effective April 1. and women of the Guard.” The committee reviews and comments The 15-member Air Force Reserve upon major policy matters directly affect- Committee consists of officers in the grade ing the reserve components and the mobi- of colonel or above from the U.S. Air Force, lization preparedness of the Air Force, and Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Barbara Bunting, board member of the Kansas National Guard Foundation, Inc., provides its input to the Secretary of the Sebelius appointed Bunting as the accepts a check from the Kansas Lottery on behalf of the foundation. (Photo pro- Air Force and the Chief of Staff. Kansas adjutant general in January 2004. vided) Virginia and had Toby sign a combat boot soon be visiting Iraq. Her idea was to sur- Singer Toby Keith signs boots which they then sent to Brenda. The phone prise the Soldiers in the unit with a shad- Continued from Page 7 and what a fan she was and how her hus- call and the boot gave Brenda an idea to owbox to be hung in their newly construct- song “American Soldier” and instantly band was deployed to Iraq. Toby told him surprise the Soldiers in the 1-108th AVN. ed coffee bar. The shadowbox will contain became a fan. to get her on the phone. On Saturday, April 14, family members of one of the boots that Toby signed and the This song held a great deal of meaning “I picked up the phone and heard some- the Soldiers gathered to pack care packages picture of all of the family and friends to her and it helped mark an important one say ‘Brenda, this is Toby Keith,’ ” said for the Soldiers. An e-mail went out to with their cowboy hats. moment in her life – her husband’s deploy- Brenda. “He talked to me about Glenn’s everyone telling them to bring their cowboy Brenda’s hope is that when Toby gets to ment to Iraq. deployment and how he had been to Iraq hats because a special picture would be Iraq, if he gets a chance to visit with the Fast forward a couple of months and several times and was planning on going taken that day and everyone would receive Soldiers of the 1-108th AVN, they can Brenda got a surprise compliment of her back there in May and would be in the their explanation when they got there. show him the coffee bar and the special son-in-law, Ray Hall. Ray is a DJ for a area where the 1-108th AVN is stationed. As everyone gathered Brenda unrolled a present sent from Kansas. She hopes this radio station in North Carolina. He was He also told me to tell Glenn thanks for sign that she had made that said “We love gesture will mean as much to Toby as his attending an event in Nashville, Tenn., his service.” the 1-108th and Toby Keith.” She told song “American Soldier” has meant to her where he had an opportunity to interview A few months earlier Ray and his wife everyone the story of how she had talked and all of the other spouses of the Soldiers Toby Keith. He told Toby about Brenda Lindsey went to a Toby Keith concert in to Toby on the phone and that he would of the 1-108th AVN.

Family and friends of the Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation, Kansas National Guard, wearing their cowboy hats took this photo to send to members of the unit and Toby Keith. (Photo by Jane Welch) Page 10 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Army aviation units always looking for good candidates By Staff Sgt. Ken Dedrick, UPAR Officer Candidate Course prior to flight Envision yourself flying a UH-60 Black school. Personnel interested in becoming a Hawk at tree top level, in a multi-ship for- commissioned officer would complete mation, wearing night vision goggles. The Officer Candidate School before applying Kansas Army National Guard is looking for and attending flight training. for aviators. See if you have the “right “The primary difference,” Leger said, stuff” to become a member of this elite “is that warrant officers do the bulk of the corps of pilots. flying, while the commissioned officers Lt. Col. David Leger, State Army take on a more traditional leadership roll.” Aviation Officer, outlined the requirements When asked what the benefits of becom- to become an Army National Guard pilot. ing an Army pilot are, Leger responded, “The common misconception through- “You get to fly. You are qualified as a out the Guard is that a candidate would rotary wing pilot, a skill you can use in the need to be in an aviation unit or have an civilian market, in addition to the military. aviation Military Occupational Specialty In order to log the hours to maintain your (MOS). This is not the case,” said Leger. flight status, a Guard pilot will have to “A successful candidate needs to be high- devote extra time each month in addition ly motivated, be an American citizen and a to normal drill time. Also, the Army gives high school graduate, Leger continued. “The incentive pay ranging from $125 to $840 a candidate must also have a GT score of 110 month.” or higher, pass a Class 1 flight physical, pass To maintain flight status, an Army the aviation flight aptitude standardization National Guard pilot is required to have 96 test and be under the age of 32 at the begin- hours of flight time a year, the same as the ning of flight school.” active component. The Guard allows flight Leger emphasized again that the Soldier personnel this opportunity by scheduling The 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation is always on the lookout for individuals of any does not need to be in an aviation unit and and paying for this extra time. Military Occupational Specialty to train as UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilots. can be in any MOS at the time of applica- “I’ve been flying in the Guard for 20 (Photo provided) tion, but will need their commander to years, Leger said. “It’s the best choice I sponsor them. made. If I could do anything different, it During the time in flight school alone, of necessity, mostly Soldier-driven,” said After being accepted on these merits, would be to follow the warrant officer said Leger, pilots will log approximately Leger. “The applicant will need to be sure enlisted applicants attend the Warrant route so I could fly more.” 250 flight hours on various military air- to keep in touch with the chain of com- craft, after which they are a rated Army mand and make sure they provide the Aviator. The application process and flight required documents in a timely manner.” Singer/songwriter Chely Wright school will take between 12 to 15 months For information, contact Leger at to complete. [email protected] or Capt. Paul entertains Kansas troops in Iraq “The application process in the Guard is, Waters at (785) 861-3994. By Maj. Greg Light, Public Affairs thing that she enjoys doing. This is her 130th Field Artillery Brigade third trip to Iraq and in the last 10 years Mobile Museum takes On Feb. 28, 2007, under the stars at she has performed all over the world to Camp Victory, Iraq, singer/songwriter entertain deployed troops, including per- Chely Wright, best known for her hit formances in Japan, Korea, Kuwait and Guard history on the road songs “Single White Female” and “Shut Afghanistan. Approaching the 150th anniversary of for by the Committee for the 150th Up and Drive,” gave a heart-warming A native Kansan, Wright comes from a the Kansas National Guard in 2005, Brig. Celebration. Maintenance is provided by show for the troops. military family. Her grandfather earned a Gen. Jonathan P. Small, chairman of the the Adjutant General’s department. At a VIP visit prior to the show Col. Purple Heart on the beaches of anniversary celebration, asked Guard However, all of the manpower for the pro- Robert Windham, Task Force Tornado Normandy while serving in the Army. members to find a way to engage the pub- ject is provided by Jacobs alone, with deputy commander, and Command Sgt. Her father served in the Navy during the lic in the Guard’s celebration and history. occasional support provided by a staff Maj. Robert Miller presented Wright with Vietnam war and her brother, Chris, a Retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs suggested member. a certificate and 130th Field Artillery Marine with 15 years of service, was taking the heritage of the Kansas National “I am always grateful for assistance in Brigade coin, as well as a unit patch and involved in the initial invasion of Iraq in Guard to the citizens of Kansas via a any form. Volunteers are always appreciat- “Red Leg” T-shirt. 2003. “Mobile Museum.” ed,” Jacobs said. Windham had the honor of introducing The evening concluded with an auto- “The Mobile Museum is an educational In 2005, the 150th anniversary of the her to the packed parking lot of anxious graph and photo session with Wright. She tool to take to the people,” Jacobs said. formation of the Kansas National Guard, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. signed autographs for several hours, until Jacobs was instrumental in developing Jacobs and the Mobile Museum traveled to Wright interacted with the audience the last Soldier was able to have his the idea of a mobile museum to take histo- more than 50 communities in the state of throughout the show, giving away two chance. When Soldiers thanked her for ry to the public. He donated a 26-foot trail- Kansas that have armories, presenting autographed and personalized guitars and coming she made a point to tell them that er to use as the base. The Mobile Museum Guard history to the public. The event, the even invited a Soldier to sing with her. it was her pleasure and she thanked them was created completely by donations. Whistle Stop Caravan, kicked off in Wright said that performing for the for their service and the sacrifices that Artifacts for the museum are provided by Jacobs’s home town of Liberal, Kan., in troops is very special for her and some- they are making in Iraq. the Museum of the Kansas National February of that year. Guard. The interior displays were built by Jacobs is the Command Historian for the retired Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Wilson Kansas Army National Guard in Topeka, and retired Master Sgt. Greg Gilroy. Kan. He has been full time civilian at the Camouflage paint for the trailer was paid (Continued on Page 15)

Chely Wright performed a heartwarming concert for the troops of the 130th Retired Lt. Col. Doug Jacobs gives an overview of the Museum of the Kansas Field Artillery Brigade. (Photo by Master Sgt. Cornelia Gumulauskis) National Guard and the Mobile Museum to Soldiers attending the Unit Public Affairs Representative Course in March. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Guardsmen receive Purple Heart medals from President Bush By Stephen D. Larson Washington, D.C. Both men are members Two Kansas National Guard Soldiers of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 161st Field received a visit from President George W. Artillery, Paola. Bush on March 30 and had the honor of “I’m very proud of these fine Kansas having their commander in chief award Soldiers who have served their country them Purple Heart medals for wounds well, and I’m honored President Bush received in combat. chose two troops from the Heartland to Sgt. Bruce Dunlap, Kansas City, Mo., present Purple Heart medals to recently,” and Staff Sgt. Jerrod L. Hays, Wellington, said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas adju- were among several military service tant general. members honored by Bush during a visit The Soldiers were injured in separate to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in incidents involving improvised explosive

President George W. Bush pins a Purple Heart medal on Sgt. Bruce Dunlap dur- ing a ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dunlap underwent treat- ment at the medical center for injuries received in an explosion in Iraq on Dec. 11. (Photo by Eric Draper, White House Photo Office) devices while serving with their unit in Badge of Military Merit, but was not used Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. after the War of Independence. It was Dunlap received his injuries Dec. 11, revived in 1932 on the 200th anniversary 2006. Hays was injured during an explo- of Washington’s birth. sion that claimed the life of Staff Sgt. This combat decoration is awarded to David R. Berry on Feb. 22, 2007. members of the Armed Forces of the The Purple Heart is the oldest military United States who are wounded by an President George W. Bush chats with Staff Sgt. Jerrod Hays at Walter Reed Army decoration currently in use anywhere in instrument of war in the hands of the Medical Center prior to presenting the Guardsman with a Purple Heart medal. the world and the first American award enemy or posthumously to the next of kin Hays was injured in an explosion in Iraq on Feb. 22 that claimed the life of Staff made available to enlisted Soldiers. It was in the name of those killed in action or who Sgt. David R. Berry. (Photo by Eric Draper, White House Photo Office) created by Gen. George Washington as a die as a result of wounds received in action.

cer position where she became the 190th my responsibilities as a commander. I First female general in Kansas Services Flight Commander, where she would not be doing my job if I didn’t. I Continued from Page 1 tion, she told me how much those words served until October 1996, when she believe I’m the kind of leader who can be hope to leave.” meant to her. She said ‘I never would have became the Commander, 190th Logistics your best friend and your worst enemy.” Rose said she enjoys being a mentor to signed up for War College if you hadn’t Squadron. In December 2000, she assumed Rose said that her “reputation” as being others – men and women – because “you encouraged me.’” command of the 190th Maintenance a tough leader has made some people have no idea how much your words mean Rose said that, for her, the first step in Squadron where she served until October afraid to work for her. to others.” accomplishing any goal is to verbalize it. 2001. In January 2002, she assumed com- “Until they actually worked for me,” she Rose spoke of a casual conversation she “I’ve always said my goal in the military mand of the 190th Mission Support Group smiled. once had with another female officer in was to become a brigadier general,” said before becoming vice commander of the Rose said she likes to set the bar high the Kansas Air Guard, Lt. Col. Janet Rose. “Everybody knows that because I’ve 190th Air Refueling Wing in April 2004. for people, “because the higher you set the Hanson, who will be promoted to colonel always said it.” Rose admits that her career “has not been bar, the more they will achieve.” later this year. “There’s an Air Guard program for without its pitfalls, not without failures.” Rose said she recently found a quote by “I asked her if she had completed her school children called STARBASE,” she “But no child ever walked without former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, a quote War College yet,” Rose recalled, explain- continued. “One of the things it teaches is falling down,” she said. “You have to fail she now keeps on her computer to remind ing that completion of War College is a ‘Dreams plus Action equal Reality.’” to be able to achieve. That’s why I am not her of the kind of leader she wants to be: requirement for continued promotion in Rose entered military service with a a “one failure” leader.” “‘A leader takes people where they want rank. “She said she hadn’t yet and I said direct commission into the Nurse Corps Rose said that if people fail to accom- to go. A great leader takes people where ‘Never allow an opportunity that you have with the 184th Clinic, 184th Tactical plish a goal she’s set, she can be under- they don’t necessarily want to go, but in your control to pass by.’” Fighter Group in March 1983. She trans- standing if they are able to tell her why ought to be.’” “I don’t really have much recollection of ferred to the 190th Clinic, 190th Air they can’t achieve it. “My bottom line,” said Rose, “is when I that conversation,” Rose continued, “but Refueling Group in December 1985. In “I’ve written letters of counseling, letters leave I want people to say ‘This was a bet- when she (Hanson) came up for promo- April 1994, she was moved to a line offi- of reprimand,” said Rose. “That’s part of ter place because she passed through it.’”

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, pin gen- Col. Gregg Burden, commander of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, salutes Rose, his eral’s stars on Brig. Gen. Deborah Rose during a ceremony at the Kansas Senate on former vice commander, during a special pinning ceremony at the Wing on April April 3. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) 14. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Alan Pickert) Page 12 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Two Kansas Guardsmen awarded Purple Heart medal By Stephen D. Larson When Soldiers are wounded in action, a “Everybody who’s in uni- grateful nation honors their sacrifice and form gets up every day devotion to duty by awarding them the Purple Heart, a military decoration created and works hard to earn by George Washington to honor Soldiers the honor to serve with from our War for Independence. men like you.” Staff Sgt. Ernesto V. Gonzales, Goodland, and Spc. Rodney A. Price, Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting Gardner, both members of the Kansas National Guard’s 714th Security Force dom of speech.” Company were awarded the Purple Heart “It is Soldiers like you and not the cam- and Combat Action Badge on Thursday, pus organizers who have given us the free- March 15 for injuries sustained while serv- dom to demonstrate,” he continued. “It is ing in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Soldiers like you who salute the flag and Col. Henry Martin, commander of the continue to pursue the strategies to enhance 287th Sustainment Brigade, told those our national security in this new era. It is assembled to honor the Soldiers that Soldiers like you who will be known as the Gonzales and Price are great Soldiers. greatest generation. I salute you.” “You’re great because you were willing “The honor today is all ours, to be here to put your life at risk so that we may be with you and it’ll be a high honor for me here today,” said Martin. “It’s people like to put these purple hearts and combat you and not the reporter that has given us action badges on you,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, stands at attention with Staff Sgt. the freedom of the press. It is Soldiers like Bunting, the adjutant general. “Everybody Ernesto V. Gonzales and Spc. Rodney A. Price, both members of the Kansas you and not the poet that has given us free- who’s in uniform gets up every day and National Guard’s 714th Security Force Company, during a ceremony awarding the two Guardsmen the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge. Gonzales and Price earned the medals while serving in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photo by Dodge City Soldier honored Sgt. Gilbert Gonzales, 105th MPAD) works hard to earn the honor to serve with state and nation.” men like you.” Gonzales and Price were wounded on Bunting told the men that he was sup- Oct. 12, 2006, during a mortar attack on posed to be at the Kansas Statehouse testi- Forward Operating Base MAREZ East, fying before a committee. Mosul, Iraq. Both were treated by combat “They said ‘General, you’re on at lifesavers of the 714th Security Forces and 10:30,’” Bunting related. “I said ‘You’re medevaced to Germany. They were later going to get your feelings hurt really bad if transported to Fort Gordon, Ga., for addi- you think I’m going to be anywhere except tional treatment. standing right here with you at 10:30.’” Gonzales and Price have been reas- “‘I’ll get there when I get there,’” he signed to Kansas and are currently receiv- continued, saying that nothing is going to ing follow-up treatment. stand in the way of honoring Soldiers who At the conclusion of the awards ceremo- have earned their awards. ny, Gonzales and Price shook hands and “The Kansas Guard has been around 151 then an impromptu embrace, expressing years,” Bunting concluded. “We’ll be the bond of brothers-in-arms who have around 150 more as long as we have peo- endured the pain of combat and experi- ple like you come and join to serve our enced the pride of serving their nation. Guardsman receives Purple Heart in Atchison ceremony Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, pins a Purple Heart medal on Spc. By Maj. Paul Schneider, UPAR Freedom in 2004-2005. Matthew Sloan during a ceremony March 24 in Dodge City. (Photo by Michael Capt. Abraham Kyle, was awarded the Kyle’s awards and decorations include Schweitzer, used by permission of the Dodge City Daily Globe) Purple Heart by Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the Army Commendation Medal, Army By Ashley Nietfeld On July 28, 2006, the devastation that the adjutant general, in a ceremony held at Achievement medal with four oak leaf Dodge City Daily Globe Sloan saw each day in Iraq finally reached the Atchison, Kan., Armory on Feb. 11, clusters, Army Reserve Components “A lot of times we use the term ‘great him. 2007. Achievement Medal, National Defense American’ loosely,” said Lt. Col. Dave “We were on what was called route Kyle was serving as an embedded train- Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Johnson, Kansas National Guard, as he security,” he said, describing the route he er for the Afghanistan National Army Medal, Global War on Terrorism spoke to the solemn crowd outside First and the other members of his unit took as while deployed with the Kansas Army Expeditionary and Service Medals, Armed United Methodist Church. “But sitting here they searched a main transport road, look- National Guard when he was wounded in Forces Reserve Medal with M device and today is a truly great American.” ing for signs of danger. action on Aug. 8, 2006, in Ghazna, Army Service Ribbon. Spc. Matthew Sloan, 21, was honored “We started about 8:00, and it wasn’t but Afghanistan, during an attack on a patrol. Kyle and his wife, Kimberly, live in March 24 with the Purple Heart, the oldest an hour into it when a bomb went off the Kyle has been a member of the National Liberty, Mo., with their children David, military decoration in the world currently side of my vehicle,” said Sloan. “My hand Guard for 22 years, including an combat Adam, Tyler, Ripley and Xander. Kyle is in use. The Patriot Guard joined Sloan’s was up because I was wiping the sweat tour with the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field the son of the late David and Beulah Kyle, friends and family as Maj. Gen. Tod from my eye, and right as it happened, it Artillery in support of Operation Iraqi St. Joseph, Mo. Bunting, adjutant general for the state of blew up and I caught shrapnel from the Kansas, pinned the medal on Sloan. bomb and it went through my forearm, “I’m very thankful for it,” Sloan said the missing the bone but hitting the tissue.” day before receiving the medal. “But I’m The shrapnel severed the ulnar nerve in not the only one that should deserve this. Sloan’s arm, causing him to lose all feeling There’s other guys over there that should in his hand. deserve other things, as well.” “There were hundreds and hundreds of In June 2002, Sloan, just 17 and a senior people from all over that were in continu- at Dodge City High School, joined the ous prayer, not only for me but for our unit Kansas National Guard, hoping to secure and for the guys that are over there still,” his future in education and feeling a grow- said Sloan. “I firmly believe that nothing ing sense of urgency about what was going else happened to me more so than it did.” on in the world. Currently, Sloan is undergoing rehabili- On Oct. 12, 2005, Sloan and the other tation, working to gain complete use of his members of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field arm once again. After rehab, the National Artillery, were given orders that they Guard will decide whether he’s fit for duty. would be going to Iraq. If doctors decide that he’s not fit for duty, “We actually got in the country on the Sloan will be medically discharged. second of April 2006,” said Sloan. “Words “I do want to say ‘Thank you so much really can’t describe what it’s like over for the support of the community, for the there. It’s a place full of devastation, full area churches and all of those in continu- of disappointment.” ous prayer,’” he said. “I hope that they “When I was over there, I had this feeling continue to pray for those that are still Capt. Abraham Kyle receives a Purple Heart medal from Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, of urgency to help the people that were over overseas because they continue to need the the adjutant general, in a ceremony held at the Atchison Armory on Feb. 11, 2007. there. Because they really did need it.” support of the community.” (Photo provided) April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 13 190th Air Refueling Wing marks 50 years of service By Tech. Sgt. Greg Burnetta eral original unit members, now retired, distinguished organization we are today.” ny such as we had in Hutchinson. They, Neither 30 plus mph winds nor a mal- also participated in the festivities. One “It is only fitting we honor our heritage and all who followed through the years, functioning bus could keep nearly 200 cur- former member, retired Lt. Col. Glenn and these people with the kind of ceremo- are what make us what we are today.” rent and past Coyotes and their families Biberstein, who served 24 years as a navi- from a reception in Hutchinson to cele- gator in the original unit, was there. brate 50 years of excellence of the 190th Biberstein once had to bail out at 300 feet Air Refueling Wing. – a death-defying parachute jump – when On Feb. 23, 1957, the 117th Fighter his aircraft developed in-flight trouble. It Interceptor Squadron, which would was one of many stories that were told become the 190th, held its first meeting in that day. Hutchinson. That unit was billeted at the Former commanders retired Col. Mick former Hutchinson Naval Air Station. The Baier and Brig. Gen. Rufus Forrest were unit originally flew F-80 fighter aircraft also in attendance. Retired Lt. Col. Bill before transitioning to various versions of Fry, who served as the unit’s original act- the B-57 and then to its current airframe, ing commander during the first meeting, the KC-135. also spoke during the formation. The events began with a luncheon that After a tour of the local salt mine, a reunited past Coyotes and their families. social hour and dinner, Col. Gregg Burden, After lunch, 80 current members returned current commander of the 190th, cut a unit to the former naval air station for a com- birthday cake with the help of five original memorative formation in which current 117th members. Coyotes represented the unit’s original Master Sgt. Bill Gilliland, 190th members. Over the years, the unit has Historian, was impressed with the cama- grown from 94 members to more than 980 raderie. current members. “People like Lieutenant Colonel Bill Fry During the formation, several proclama- and the things that they accomplished in tions were read by various dignitaries, the early days of the unit’s history are the each lauding the 190th’s accomplishments reason that we are here today,” said Sifting through the past: Master Sgt. Bill Gilliland (left) and retired Chief Master during times of peace and war. Gilliland. “Without their efforts, values Sgt. Bobby Ford sort through years worth of documents from the 117th Fighter In addition to the current Coyotes, sev- and foresight, we would not be the very Interceptor Squadron. (Photo by 1st Lt. Joe Blubaugh)

Col. Gregg Burden joins some of the original members of the 117th Fighter Retired Lt. Col. Bill Fry (left) and Col. Gregg Burden, 190th Air Refueling Wing Interceptor Squadron at the 190th ARW 50th anniversary dinner in Hutchinson. commander, listen to the reading of proclamations during the unit’s 50th anniver- From left to right are retired Chief Master Sgt. Bobby Ford, retired Col. Bill Crow, sary formation. Fry was the acting commander at the unit’s first meeting exactly 50 retired Chief Master Sgt. Wendell Nusser, Burden, retired Senior Master Sgt. Joe years earlier in Hutchinson, Kan. (Photo by 1st Lt. Joe Blubaugh) Meis and retired Maj. Bill Nyquist. (Photo by 1st Lt. Joe Blubaugh)

Members of the 190th Air Refueling Wing stand in formation at the former Hutchinson Naval Air Station, where the unit first met in 1957 (inset). (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mandy Johnson) Page 14 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Kansas Guardsmen “Jump Start” border operations By Sgt. Randell Phalp, UPAR hire and train sufficient agents to fulfill the While the nation debates issues of mission independently. homeland security, illegal aliens and Morris observed that the Border Patrol is securing our borders, 1st Lt. Philip understaffed and that suspicious individu- Morris, is among those doing something als, not just Mexican nationals, attempt about it. Morris, a resident of Manhattan, crossing the border for numerous reasons, Kan., and a member of Battery A, 2nd including drug smuggling. Battalion 130th Field Artillery, served as “This border is so open that, if they have Officer in Charge during Operation Jump the right person bringing them across, they Start, a mission tasking the National will get across,” said Morris, noting that Guard to assist in United States Border Naco Station currently has only four miles Patrol operations. of fencing separating the U.S. from “It was a great experience for me per- Mexico. sonally,” said Morris, who along with 36 Guides, called “coyotes,” are paid by ille- other Kansas Guardsmen served in Naco, gals to get them across the border. They Ariz. from Jan. 10 to Feb. 2 this year. have a nearly endless supply of customers Naco Station, located southeast of Tucson, anxious to enter the United States. For a fee, is responsible for patrolling 31 miles of the the coyotes guarantee entry into the U.S., border between the United States and whether their paying customer makes it on Mexico, which has seen significant human the first attempt or their fifth. and drug trafficking in recent years. “There was one illegal alien that was The Guard mission is to augment the apprehended five times in one month,” Border Patrol by observing the border in said Morris. “They would try and try and order to alert Border Patrol of illegal bor- try until they get across.” der crossings. During their 21-day mission, Morris and Sgt. 1st Class Brent Wallace, Bonnor Springs, briefs his shift before going on duty “My men were stationed at Early his fellow Guardsmen assisted in the at the Naco Border Patrol Station. (Photo provided) Identification Sites across Naco Station, apprehension of 666 undocumented aliens. which were situated on vistas at an eleva- Upon apprehension, undocumented aliens so that they can do a better job has great Morris, a Lake City, Mich. native, said that tion of around 4,000 feet,” said Morris. are fingerprinted and recorded in the positive effect. We were able to man their he has applied to join the Border Patrol “From there, you could easily see someone Border Patrol information database. Most observation points, which freed them up to full time. If he is successful, he will leave approaching from one to three miles away.” are then released back across the border patrol between the points and respond to the border debate to others. Morris will From these vantage points, Morris’ team into Mexico. our calls.” simply dedicate his life to doing something used binoculars and thermal imaging equip- When asked if he thought his mission So rewarding was the experience that about it. ment to monitor the border and radios to had a positive impact on border security, notify Border Patrol agents, who would Morris, said, “Absolutely, I believe we arrive at the location within 15 minutes. made a great difference. The National Service marks anniversary Guardsmen from across the nation will Guard being on the border has been very continue to assist the Border Patrol until beneficial. Just having an extra set of eyes of Guardsman’s sacrifice the Department of Homeland Security can on the ground to free up the border patrol By 1st Lt. Shannon Terry the memorial erected by members of the A wreath-laying ceremony was held Feb. 2nd Battalion, 137 Infantry, Kansas 20, 2007, at Camp Slayer, Victory Base National Guard. The memorial itself – illu- Complex, Baghdad, Iraq, to commemorate minated with floodlights on this solemn the first anniversary of the death of Sgt. occasion – is a 10-foot painted concrete Jessie Davila, of Greensburg, Kan. barrier depicting patriotism, honor, and Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 149 selfless service, values held in high esteem Infantry, Kentucky National Guard, joined by Davila. members of the Kansas National Guard’s In a climate like that of Iraq, roses are 130th Field Artillery Brigade to pay anything but typical. A single rosebush, homage to the sacrifice of a fellow Kansas coupled with a memorial inscription – Guardsman. cared for and attended to by Soldiers – At 9:45 a.m. local time – the exact time greets visitors to the Joint Visitors Bureau one year ago an improvised explosive and serves as a reminder of his sacrifice. device took the life of Sgt. Jessie Davila- The wreath was fashioned from a bou- the Camp Slayer loudspeaker was heard quet of roses received by the 130th over the VBC requesting a moment of Brigade commander on Valentine’s Day. silence. In a week where B-1 bombers The roses were from Kansas and symbol- have been a common sight overhead, the ize the thoughts and prayers from friends roaring sounds of jet engines instilled a and family back home, especially those of sense of reverence in the crowd of the fellow Soldiers and family of Sgt. observers: Soldiers acutely aware of the Davila. risk involved with combat operations. The bond between the Kansas and “I have the highest respect for this Kentucky Guard began with the 2-137th Soldier. May his sacrifice serve as a transferring authority to the Mountain Spc. Kody Olson, Hiawatha, looks for Undocumented Aliens from an Entry reminder of the reality of combat and the Warriors, and grew through the working Identification Site along the U.S. - Mexico Border (Photo provided) loss of life involved with war,” said Lt. relationship with the 130th. Col. John Luttrell, commander of 1-149 “He was an artillery Soldier in an Infantry Battalion “Mountain Warriors.” infantry unit,” said Windham, “so how Col. Robert Windham and Command appropriate that we honor him here with Sgt. Major Robert Miller laid a wreath on our Kentucky Infantry brothers.”

Even though they were on the U.S.-Mexico border, the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Col. Robert Windham (left) and Command Sgt. Major Robert Miller, Kansas Artillery Soldiers could not get away from the snow during their deployment. National Guard, lay a wreath on the memorial erected by members of the 2nd (Photo provided) Battalion, 137 Infantry, Kansas National Guard. (Photo by 1st Lt. Shannon Terry) April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 15 130th Field Artillery Brigade hosts Saint Barbara’s celebration in Iraq Johnson receives Fuqua award By Spc. Jerry Hedges, UPAR team completed 135 missions, which By 1st Lt. Shannon Terry Battalion. Sgt. Carol Sprawka, Manhattan, Maj. Rex Johnson was the recipient of included the distribution of 10.8 million On the eve of Jan. 31, members of the Kan., has been supporting the field the 2006 Billie E. Fuqua Award, present- pounds of ice and seven million pounds Multi-National Corps Iraq joined the 130th artillery through Meteorological Survey ed at the annual Unit Public Affairs of food through nine distribution points, Field Artillery Brigade, Kansas Army for over 16 years. Her dedication to duty Representative Course held in Salina at conducting searches of 471,820 build- National Guard, in a celebration of Saint has lead her to multiple deployments, serv- the Kansas Regional Training Center. ings, evacuation of 4,635 civilians, secu- Barbara. Approximately 250 Soldiers, ing in both the Middle East and Bosnia. The award is presented annually to the rity of banks and energy centers and Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians from Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Miller, UPAR who has made the greatest contri- assistance with police departments. several different branches and four different Junction City, Kan., has been serving his bution to the public affairs program of According to Johnson, approximately countries, joined in a celebration of cama- country for over 38 years. He enlisted in the Kansas National Guard. Johnson, a 26,000 National Guard Soldiers and raderie in the tradition of the Field Artillery. the Marine Corps in 1966 and made the member of the 35th Division, is the third Airmen were largely appreciated by the Col. Alex Duckworth, brigade commander, transition into the Army in 1980. recipient of the award. residents of the parishes served. Soldiers hosted the event. “This event was one of the most memo- One of the biggest stories Johnson ever working in the Washington parish were “The significance was overwhelming,” rable in my career,” said Miller, “I am experienced is one he hasn’t yet written treated to excellent meals, delivered each said Duckworth. “To be in Saddam’s old honored to work with a group of people about – Hurricane Katrina. evening by the parish citizens. The palace amongst international friends made that make me so proud.” In the aftermath of the hurricane, responsibility for getting 260,342 meals for a very memorable experience.” The event took place in the Al Faw Soldiers of the Kansas Army National to the Soldiers was also placed on The honorable order of Saint Barbara is Palace Ballroom, headquarters to the Guard’s 35th Infantry Division mobilized Johnson and his team. Meals gradually the continuation of an ancient and noble tra- Multi-National Corps in Iraq. The palace is to assist the traumatized citizens of became catered to all troops by local dition, which pays tribute to those warriors located on a man-made lake on the western Louisiana in what was to be called restaurants. who have distinguished themselves in ser- edge of Baghdad on what is now known as Operation Southern Relief. Johnson was During the final weeks of the mobiliza- vice. To be accepted into the order, an the Victory Base Complex. The palace operations officer for the Kansas task tion, the 35th ID was systematically Artilleryman must exemplify the finest tra- itself is a massive marble façade, complete force. He and his team were charged with relieved by the Louisiana National Guard. ditions and high standards of the Field with a mosaic plaster ceiling, a giant chan- all command and control functions for These Soldiers had just returned from Artillery. The award is traditionally received delier and a gold painted throne. Inside of National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Operation Iraqi Freedom to their own at a gathering of comrades in a formal mili- the ballroom, flags representing the Multi- from all 50 states and four territories. This communities to continue their rebuilding tary setting and is presented to individuals National Corps Iraq were displayed with included the inprocessing of all Soldiers, process. The 35th ID was completely who have made substantial contributions to the likeness of Saint Barbara projected to logistical operations and assignment of relieved of their mission on Oct. 10, 2005, the Field Artillery community. the front of the room. The 1st Cavalry missions to the parish commanders. at which time they returned to their homes, Award recipients included members of Division Band provided entertainment From Sept. 1 to Oct. 10, 2005, the families, friends, and jobs. the 130th Field Artillery Brigade and with a variety of music, from traditional attachments, as well as Capt. Eric East of military tunes to jazz and blues. Brig. Gen. the Multi-National Corps Iraq Joint Fires James McDonald and the Command Effect Coordination Operations. Lt. Sergeant Major of Multi-National Forces Commander Mike Pfarrer, Dayton, Ohio, Iraq, Command Sgt. Maj. Mellinger, were is attached to the 130th as the Electronic honored guests. McDonald spoke of the Warfare Officer. Cpl. Charlie “Chaz” history and future of the Field Artillery. Foltz, of Ottawa, Kan., is a long-standing Capt. Robert Melton orchestrated the asset in the Kansas Army National Guard event with the aide of 1st Lt. Chris Philpot. and the Field Artillery community. Foltz “It was great to put aside the war for a has over 22 years of dedicated military ser- few hours,” said Melton, “celebrating the vice and continually lends a hand for the rich history of the Field Artillery.” benefit of other Soldiers. Sgt. Mike Maj. Jon Christiansen elaborated, “The McClellan, Louisburg, Kan., celebrated his 130th FAB has had units engaged in sup- 20th year of service by re-enlisting. He is porting OIF since the start of the opera- currently serving as the chaplain’s assistant tion. It’s an honor to be able to celebrate for the 260th Military Intelligence their history and sacrifice.” Adjutant General visits Airmen Continued from Page 8 their entire chain of command supports Start began. them and their service.” Lt. Col. Craig Hansen, commanding During the visit, Bunting noticed the officer of the 190th ARW Civil gunshot holes in some of the Border Patrol Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small presents the Billie E. Fuqua award to Maj. Rex Engineering Squadron, met Bunting in vehicles driving by and he heard from the Johnson at the 2007 Unit Public Affairs Representative Course in Salina, Yuma, Ariz., and escorted the general to Airmen how the Border Patrol agents March 3 and 4. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) meet the Kansas troops who were working watch out for the Guardsmen and ensure alongside Soldiers from Arkansas, they have what they need. Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and other “Our troops are very well-trained and locations. they have good security and they always Guard history on the road “The members of the unit were very maintain good situational awareness,” Continued from Page 10 Museum is equipping the trailer with appreciative that Major General Bunting Bunting told the AP reporter. museum since he retired in June 2006 after audio/video presentation equipment so he made the effort to visit them,” Hansen Additional Kansas National Guard units 34 years of dedicated military service. His can show films that are only able to be said. “His visit reinforced the importance are expected to be asked to support duties at the museum include Federal shown on laptop at this time. He would of the mission and reassured them that Operation Jump Start in the future. Property Management and Accountability, also like to expand the displays. To do this, Management of the Kansas National Jacobs is encouraging Guardsmen to Guard Mobile Museum program and pri- donate items and stories of their experi- mary operator of the Mobile Museum. ences to the museum to assist with pre- Along with the full time job of manag- serving Guard history. He says that there is ing artifacts at the museum it is a large a 20 year gap in artifacts and historical commitment of time. Jacobs said that dur- accounts developing and would like to ing the spring and summer and part of the bring the museum up-to-date to cover the fall he takes the museum out approximate- more recent events that current Guard ly three weekends a month. Jacobs takes members have been participating in. He the museum to various activities around pointed out that history is happening to us the state. He goes to county fairs, scouting all and that what you do today is our histo- events, schools, recruitment opportunities, ry tomorrow. military events and community celebra- “I am always trying to think of ways to tions. He only goes by request, but says keep the museum fresh for the public,” that his calendar fills up fast once word stated Jacobs. gets out that the museum is available. Jacobs can be reached to make reserva- The displays vary and he has a lot of tions for the Mobile Museum to come to ideas of displays that he would like to see your location at (785) 862-1020. developed. He does say that he has a Civil While the mobile museum does travel War display and a general display of pho- all over Kansas, a permanent museum is tographs and other uniforms and headgear. located at the entrance to Forbes Field He says that he has the ability to tailor the Industrial Park, Topeka, Kansas. display to the unit, if requested. Jacobs has Staff Sgt. Robert Thomas, Staff Sgt. artifacts from every conflict that the David Thaxton, Sgt. John Anderson, Sgt. Members of the 190th Civil Engineering Squadron worked alongside Guardsmen Kansas National Guard has been involved Gilbert Gonzales, Sgt. Amy Bellerive, Sgt. from several states for Operation Jump Start, constructing a steel wall along the in, from the Civil War to present day. Jimmy Cranford, and Spc. Matthew Wilson U.S. - Mexico border. (Photo by Sharon Watson) One of Jacobs’ goals for the Mobile contributed to this article. Page 16 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Soldier is part-time bull rider, full-time dad By Sgt. 1st Class Susan Brown, UPAR to better my riding techniques to planning “Bull riding is 90 percent mental and 10 out a rodeo schedule for the year and even percent physical,” says Pvt. Matthew how to go about lining up sponsors.” Sullivan, 32, of Headquarters and Sullivan says that starting out was pretty Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, difficult and expensive – the traveling 635th Armor based in Manhattan, Kan. expenses, entry fees, rodeo equipment and “I have been riding bulls since I was 17 motel costs. But once the money started to years old,” said Sullivan. “I just happened come in, little by little, it got somewhat to see it on television one day and decided easier taking care of some of the expenses. that this was something that I wanted to Sullivan is hoping to get local businesses try. I got on the first one and I have been to sponsor him to help with the expenses hooked ever since.” that come with competing in rodeo. His “I remember the first bull I got on. It was next step is to join the Armed Forces, the at a practice pen and the bull was just huge! Mid States, the United Rodeos and the I couldn’t get my legs down around his North American Bull Riding Associations. sides and I was so nervous my legs were His passion has taken him from South shaking,” he recalled. “But with the help of Texas to North Dakota. Sullivan describes some of the more experienced riders there I bull riding as a huge adrenaline rush and it was able to get myself going, although I all comes to bear when he climbs on the can’t say I had an outstanding ride. I don’t back of a 2,000 pound bull and gets ready think I even made the length of the gate, but to call for the gate. I was still hooked either way.” “When the gate is flung open, it’s like no “Once I decided that this was something other feeling in the world,” says Sullivan. that I wanted to pursue, I starting asking Sullivan describes bull riding as a com- around about possible schools that I could plicated dance. go to,” he continued. “There were a couple “The bull leads and I follow,” he said. Pvt. Matthew Sullivan hangs on to a wildly bucking bull at a rodeo in Douglas, mentioned and I finally decided on one. To “I feel that riding a bull is not trying to Neb., hoping to stay on for eight seconds and have a shot at the prize money. be honest it helped in so many ways; from tame or beat the bull, but more of trying to Sullivan has been riding bulls since he was 17 years old and a member of the how to select what shows to enter to how do my best on an animal that was not Kansas National Guard since December 2006, serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor based in Manhattan. (Photo Soldiers attend Unit Public provided) meant to be ridden,” says Sullivan. “You tains other household duties. Affairs Representative Course put a man who weighs on average 150 “My buddy’s call me the male version pounds against an animal of that size, it’s of Martha Stewart,” laughs Sullivan. “Now By Stephen D. Larson UPAR course, the Soldiers received going to take talent, strength, determina- don’t get me wrong. Trying to raise kids is Fifty Kansas National Guard Soldiers information on such topics as Guard his- tion and heart to stay on.” no walk in the park at times. But I really spent their March 3-4 drill weekend tory, flight regulations, community rela- Sullivan pays anywhere from $65 to love being able to stay home with the kids learning how to tell the story of the tions, casualty assistance, the news $100 to enter competitions and has won as and watch how their eyes light up when Kansas National Guard. media, news conference planning, as well much as $3,500 in one show. something finally clicks with them.” The Soldiers, selected by their com- as lessons and practical exercises on writ- “Even though I pay that kind of money “They definitely teach me to keep on mander to be the Unit Public Affairs ing and photography. to enter shows, I am nowhere guaranteed my toes most of the day and expect the Representative, attended the two-day Sharon Watson, Adjutant General’s that I will win any money!” unexpected. But, all in all, I probably have course, held annually at the Kansas Department public affairs director and a “At a rodeo show, riders don’t even get the best job in the whole world for a dad.” Regional Training Center, in Salina, to former reporter, spoke to the class about to choose their own bull!” he jokes. He would encourage any of his children gain the tools they need to effectively how to successfully work with the news “Basically the judges draw the bull out of who want to join the rodeo to do so. He present information about Guard media. Steve Larson, deputy public a kind of lottery. When you don’t win any believes rodeo is a family event, where Soldiers, Airmen, events and activities to affairs director, taught classes on writing money for about five or six shows it there is something for everyone of all ages the media and general public. The course and photography. Administrative assistant makes for a long year, but when things to enjoy. was put on by The Adjutant General’s Jane Welch spoke on flight regulations click and everything just comes together, it Sullivan is a food service specialist with Public Affairs staff. related to orientation, VIP and other can make for an unbelievable feeling.” his unit. With the help of four to five other Brig. Gen. Jonathan Small, the assis- flights. Lt. Col. Toni Truelove, Joint Sullivan also says that he does not really cooks, he prepares meals for Soldiers tant adjutant general – Army and com- Forces Headquarters Public Affairs; Maj. have any one particular bull rider that he while they are out training or while mander of the Kansas Army National Rex Johnson, 35th Division Public admires, but feels he has more respect for deployed. Guard, welcomed the UPARs at the Affairs; Maj. Rick Peat and Sgt. Mark what they have accomplished in the sport “There is always something more to opening session and emphasized the Hanson, both with the 105th Mobile of bull riding. learn and try in the food service – types of importance of the UPAR’s role in putting Public Affairs Detachment, also taught Sullivan has sustained many injuries meals, new and better equipment – yet still a positive face before the public. skills related to working with the media during his riding career – broken bones, trying to be a Soldier who can be put on “The story of the Kansas National and planning public events at home and torn ligaments, a dislocated shoulder and the front line, if needed,” he said. Guard is your story,” Small said. “No one in theater. elbow. He has had his face shattered twice Just as it takes talent, heart, strength and can tell it better than you can.” During the course, class participants and been knocked unconscious. To avoid determination in bull riding it also takes The UPAR’s job is a varied one: practiced interview techniques and gener- injuries, Sullivan now wears protective the same qualities to be a father and a reporter, photographer, media liaison, ated eight stories for the Plains Guardian, gear. All bull riders are required to wear a Soldier in the Army National Guard. event planner, public relations representa- some of which appear in this issue. The protective vest, but Sullivan also chooses “I hope that one job will make me better tive and community contact. During the remainder will appear in the next issue. to wear a face mask. at the other,” he said. “I get a different When he is not competing in rodeos, he kind of excitement from bull riding than I is a full-time stay-at-home dad to his chil- do with being with my kids and being a UPAR Class of 2007 dren and has a supportive fiancé, Jerilyn. Soldier, as well. But it is a good excite- After serving in the active Army from ment, none the less.” Spc. Joseph Andaverde, HHC, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Spc. Douglas Loftus, Det. 1, Co. B, 163rd Corps Support Sgt. John Anderson, Det. 1, Co. B, 40th Forward Support Battalion 1996-1998, Sullivan stepped down from “The Army has given me the opportuni- Battalion 1st Lt. Jonathan Mack, 772nd Engineer Company active duty to stay at home and raise his ty to stay in shape for the rodeo seasons. Pfc. Jesus Baquero, HHC, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Sgt. Michael Matthewson, HHC, 1st Battalion, 108th Sgt. Amy Bellerive, Det. 2, 731st Medium Truck Company Aviation children. He joined the Kansas Army The bull riding helps me to expect the Staff Sgt. Angela Berry, Det. 1, 137th Transportation Staff Sgt. Jacob Millias, Det. 1, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, National Guard in December 2006 because unexpected and to be able to react to any- Company 130th Field Artillery Spc. Adam Brown, 995th Maintenance Company Sgt. Brad Millikan, Det. 1, Co. C, 1st Battalion, 171st he felt he was “good at the Army.” thing at the drop of a hat.” Sgt. 1st Class Susan Brown, Training Site Detachment Aviation As a stay-at-home dad Sullivan says that “I believe riding bulls is the toughest Spc. Stacy Burns, 1077th Area Medical Detachment 1st Lt. Philip Morris, Det. 1, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, Sgt. Jimmie Cranford, Co. B, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry 130th Field Artillery he cooks, cleans, does laundry and main- sport on dirt!” says Sullivan. Spc. Michael Creach, 995th Maintenance Company Pfc. James Murphy, Det. 4, 170th Maintenance Company Staff Sgt. Kenneth Dedrick, HHC, 1st Battalion, 635th Sgt. Randell Phalp, Kansas Area Medical Detachment Armor Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ronald Reed, Co. C, 2nd Sgt. Kevin Farlow, Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Battalion, 235th Regiment Flora receives command Spc. Terry Frazier, 995th Maintenance Company Pfc. Melissa Reid, 242nd Engineer Company Sgt. Gilbert Gonzales, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Sgt. Jonathan Reiter, Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Continued from Page 1 Group as Commander of the 184th Detachment Pfc. John Rumpson, HHC, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor In 1987 Flora joined the Kansas Air Operations Support Squadron providing Spc. John Grubbs, Det. 5, 250th Forward Support Spc. Jarrod Smith, Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field National Guard and served as an F-16 flight Company Artillery leadership in achieving mission ready status Sgt. Robert Hall, Det. 1, 778th Transportation Company Sgt. John Stubbs, Co. C, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor instructor, flight commander and weapons as the ANG’s first B-1B bomber unit. In Spc. Jerry Hedges, Det. 8, 250th Forward Support Pvt. Matthew Sullivan, HHC, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor officer at the squadron and group level. Company Sgt. Thomas Tavtigian, Co. B, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor March 1999, Flora was reassigned as the Spc. David Hicks, Det. 1, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Staff Sgt. David Thaxton, Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 137th Following conversion to the B-1B bomber 184th Bomb Wing Vice Commander and Field Artillery Infantry in 1994, he assumed command of the Sgt. James Horesky Jr., 995th Maintenance Company Staff Sgt. Robert Thomas, HHC, 2nd Battalion, 137th assumed command as the 184th Bomb Wing Sgt. David Jermark, 287th Special Troops Battalion Infantry Smoky Hill Air National Guard Range, the Commander in January 2001. In July 2004, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matt Jessop, Det. 1, Co. C, 1st Staff Sgt. Paul Thompson, Det. 2, 778th Transportation largest and most active weapons range in the Battalion, 171st Aviation Company Flora served as the Director of Operations Spc. Rachel Jewett, 778th Transportation Company Sgt. Stony Lee Thompson, 226th Engineer Company Air National Guard (ANG). There he was for Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas. Staff Sgt. Donald Johnson, Battery E (Target Acquisition), Spc. Amy Vorhees, Co. E, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation instrumental in expanding range utilization 161st Field Artillery Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Waggoner, 35th Military Police Flora is married to the former Chris Spc. Eric Lawrence, Det. 1, HSC, 891st Engineer Battalion Company for the bomber mission and establishing White and has three children, T.J., Katie 2nd Lt. James Lehner, Co. A, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Spc. Jonathan Wells, HSC, 891st Engineer Battalion Electronic Combat capabilities at Smoky Spc. Don Little, 995th Maintenance Company Spc. Matthew Wilson, Co B, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry and Cameron. T.J. is a lieutenant in the Hill. In 1996, he returned to the Operations U.S. Navy and serves as a carrier pilot. April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 17 Civil Air Patrol demonstrates emergency response capabilities By Stephen D. Larson When severe winter storms left motorists stranded, cattle cut off in the During the recent western field and homes adrift in a sea of snow, the Kansas ice storm that lead Civil Air Patrol was called out to lend a hand to local authorities, assistance that to a Governor’s showcased the CAPs abilities in search Declaration of Emergency and rescue operations. Disaster, the Civil Air The Civil Air Patrol demonstrated the advanced technological capabilities of its Patrol flew more than 65 Cessna 182 T aircraft with the Garmin G- aircraft sorties on Jan. 1, 1000 glass cockpit display and the Gippsland GA-8 aircraft with 2 and 3, 2007. Hyperspectral imaging system for Topeka area media on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. at Forbes Field in Topeka. The Cessna and the Gippsland’s cock- These two aircraft and several CAP pits house state of the art, high tech Global pilots were on hand to provide a demon- Positioning Systems. Both aircraft have stration for the staff of the Kansas satellite digital imaging systems which Division of Emergency Management, a allow for instantaneous transmission of division of The Adjutant General’s airborne digital photos via satellite down- Department. link direct to the end user command post. 235th Regiment truck driving school recommended for accreditation High-tech Global Positioning Systems and other equipment such as this enabled Civil Air Patrol personnel to locate stranded motorists during the severe winter The Transportation Company for the Kurt Wassenberg, course manager; and storms that struck the state in late December 2006. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) 235th Regiment, Kansas Regional Training others were instrumental in this achieve- Institute, has been recommended for full ment. Both aircraft also have direction finders to response, the Civil Air Patrol also conducts accreditation following an accreditation The KSRTI has trained more than 70 locate downed aircraft and many other aerospace education and cadet programs. visit on March 22, 2007, from the trans- Soldiers since standing up the truck dri- tracking devices beneficial in the search The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol portation component out of Fort Eustis, Va. ving course in April 2006. Students train and rescue missions the Civil Air Patrol is part of a private, volunteer, nonprofit KSRTI is the first National Guard school on 5-ton trucks and 5-ton tractor trailers. performs during emergencies. 501(c)(3) corporation and by congression- to receive recommendation for accredita- With the truck drivers requirement being a During the recent western Kansas ice al charter is the auxiliary of the United tion on the initial visit. Sgt. 1st Class John high priority in the state, KSRTI will con- storm that lead to a Governor’s Declaration States Air Force. The Kansas Volunteer Jarrell, primary instructor; Sgt. First Class duct five courses per year starting in 2008. of Emergency Disaster, the Civil Air Patrol Department of the Civil Air Patrol was flew more than 65 aircraft sorties on Jan. 1, created to administer state funds allocated 2 and 3, 2007. They were able to assist the to the Civil Air Patrol which is within The Kansas Highway Patrol and members of Adjutant General’s Department. local law enforcement and local municipali- The Civil Air Patrol has four aircraft, ties search for stranded motorists, citizens more than 45 vehicles, 273 officers and in distress and cattle that were stranded in 171 cadets located in 11 squadrons snow covered pastures. throughout the state. Volunteer member- The planes are used primarily in Kansas, ship in the CAP is open to any eligible cit- but occasionally, pilots are asked to help izens from age 11 and up. Go to bordering states. In addition to emergency www.cap.gov for information. Retirements Kansas Army National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Hatcher, 184th ARW, Wichita Col. Gregg Riley, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Johnnie R. Johnson, 190th ARW, Capt. Darby Prine, Det 1, 287th Sustainment Bde, Hays Topeka Sgt. Maj. Mark Bell, HHC(-), 2nd Bn 137th Inf, Kansas Senior Master Sgt. John C. Kylen, 190th ARW, Topeka City Senior Master Sgt. Paul McCartney, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Maj. Robert Parker, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Senior Master Sgt. George Medina, 190th ARW, Topeka Manhattan Senior Master Sgt. Leann Moore, 184th ARW, Wichita 1st Sgt. Timothy Jordan, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Senior Master Sgt. John Owen, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Juaquin Deleon, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Senior Master Sgt. John Thomason, 190th ARW, Topeka Manhattan Master Sgt. Dana Beals, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Clifford Johnson, HQ, 235th Rgt (RTI), Master Sgt. Kelvin Bissell, 184th ARW, Wichita Salina Master Sgt. Bret Carvell, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class William Lafalce, HHC(-), 2nd Bn 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Craig Chambers, 184th ARW, Wichita Kansas City Master Sgt. Larry Coker, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Lewis, 287th Sustainment Bde, Master Sgt. Bruce Daniels, 184th ARW, Wichita Wichita Master Sgt. Gary Filkins, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Michael, HQ, 235th Rgt (RTI), Master Sgt. Glenna Gardner, 184th ARW, Wichita Salina Master Sgt. Feelix Gorges, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Michael Dean, Missouri Army National Guard, couples a tractor to a trailer Sgt. 1st Class Rex Staven, Co B (-), 1st Bn, 108th Master Sgt. Ramona Green, 184th ARW, Wichita during a truck driving course conducted in Salina, Kan., at the Kansas Regional Aviation, Salina Master Sgt. John Harcus, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. James Bent, HHB, 1st Bn, 127th FA, Ottawa Master Sgt. Ricky Johnson, 184th ARW, Wichita Training Institute. (Photo by Sgt. Veronica Almazan-Chapman) Staff Sgt. Richard Gordon, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Master Sgt. Bernard Kaiser, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Bobby Lockwood, HQ, 235th Rgt (RTI), Salina Master Sgt. Kurt Keeler, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Timothy McCaine, Det 1, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st Master Sgt. Steven Lewis, 190th ARW, Topeka FA, Lenexa Master Sgt. Rex Medcalf, 184th ARW, Wichita Family Readiness Groups Sgt. Sharon Barnhart, Det 1, HSC, 891st Eng Bn, Garnett Master Sgt. Dennis Miller, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Glenn Causey, 170th Maint Co (-), Norton Master Sgt. Brad Murray, 190th ARW, Topeka Continued from Page 7 It is important for Soldiers and their fami- Sgt. Matthew Clemons, Co B, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Robin Nelson, 184th ARW, Wichita packages to the Soldiers who were over lies to be actively involved in the FRG. Sgt. Charles Cox, HHC(-), 2nd Bn 137th Inf, Kansas City Master Sgt. Michael Newell, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Clifford Denny, Det 3, 731st Trans Co, Hays Master Sgt. Marvin Osborn, 184th ARW, Wichita there and published a newsletter for family Volunteers make an FRG run smoothly and Sgt. Jerry Engle, 772d Eng Co, Pittsburg Master Sgt. John Pitts, 184th ARW, Wichita members,” said Garbee. the more volunteers involved in an FRG, Sgt. Stephen Hess, Det 1, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Stephen Porth, 184th ARW, Wichita Newton Master Sgt. William Putnam, 190th ARW, Topeka The division’s FRG is active at any time the more an FRG can do to support the Sgt. John Marshall Jr., HHC(-), 2nd Bn 137th Inf, Kansas Master Sgt. Phillip Ramirez, 190th ARW, Topeka the division deploys for an extended peri- Soldiers and their families during times of City Master Sgt. Harry Reese, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Richard McMillian, 731 Med Trk Co, Larned Master Sgt. John C. Sanders, 190th ARW, Topeka od of time, such as during the deployment need. An FRG is an opportunity for family Sgt. Donna Morgan, Det 4, 170th Maint Co, Clay Center Master Sgt. George Sarris, 184th ARW, Wichita to Louisiana in September 2005 to support members to be a part of the unit, to learn Sgt. Stacy Snyder, Co B (-), 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Salina Master Sgt. Karl Schmidt, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. Terry Vanallen, Det 3, 731st Trans Co, Hays Master Sgt. Billy Schnieder, 184th ARW, Wichita Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The FRG about their mission and to identify issues or Spc. Richard Ouderkirk, 226th Eng Co, Augusta Master Sgt. Robert Shefelton, 184th ARW, Wichita will again have a significant role as part concerns. It is a way to make a difference Spc. James Paugh, Co A, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Emporia Master Sgt. Grayling Vine, 190th ARW, Topeka Spc. Craig Smith, Co C, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Lenexa Master Sgt. Christopher White, 184th ARW, Wichita of the division deploys to Kosovo later and to make the family members a part of Spc. Ricky Waller, Co C, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Stanley Wilch, 190th ARW, Topeka this year. the military life. Tech. Sgt. Cheri Adams, 184th ARW, Wichita Kansas Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Kahle Ernest, 190th ARW, Topeka VanSickle added that if an FRG is active A Soldier’s involvement in the FRG is Maj. Gen. Russel Axtell, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Stephen Ferree, 184th ARW, Wichita all the time, it would be proactive in help- also important. It can provide resources for Col. Michael Parsel, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Richard Fischer, 184th ARW, Wichita Lt. Col. Charles Jacobs, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Brain A. Geske, 190th ARW, Topeka ing families get ready for the deployment. assistance and the social network needed Lt. Col. Jeffery Miller, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Frederick Gunn, 184th ARW, Wichita “A mobilization is going to happen during times that the Soldier is away from Lt. Col. James Miller, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Kevin Howland, 190th ARW, Topeka Lt. Col. Robert Morse, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Velvet Hutson, 184th ARW, Wichita regardless,” said VanSickle. “The FRG can home. It is a way for Soldiers to ensure Lt. Col. David E. Olsen, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Johnnie Keller, 184th ARW, Wichita provide structure.” their families have the necessary support Lt. Col. Chester Wilson, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. James Lewis, 184th ARW, Wichita Maj. James Rea, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. James Miller, 184th ARW, Wichita Sutton agreed that it does not matter while they are deployed or at training. Get Chief Master Sgt. Alfonso Baxa, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Francisco Quevedo, 184th ARW, Wichita whether a unit is deploying or is gone per- involved with the FRG now and set your Chief Master Sgt. John Blosser, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Bruce Reed, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. David Everhardt, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Christopher Rush, 184th ARW, Wichita forming regular Guard drill or annual family up for success and support before Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Forshee, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. George F. Stewart, 190th ARW, Topeka training. you leave for annual training or your next Chief Master Sgt. Ronald May, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Howard Webster, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Michael Price, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. David Wilson, 184th ARW, Wichita “It’s the same,” said Sutton. “Families deployment! Chief Master Sgt. Robert G. Shows, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Troy Zachary, 184th ARW, Wichita still have issues. It does not matter if they For information on Family Support Chief Master Sgt. Gary Wadley, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Melanie Chavez, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Paul L. Wirtz Jr., 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Addison Miller II, 184th ARW, Wichita are away for a year, the weekend or the Groups, contact Sarah K. Ragan, (785) Senior Master Sgt. John Dock, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Joseph Nave, 190th ARW, Topeka two weeks.” 274-1208. Page 18 In Recognition Plains Guardian • April 2007

Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Mark Schmidt, 235th Rgt, Salina Awards and Decorations Sgt. 1st Class Laura M. Hart, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Jeffrey D. Smith, 935th DASB, Salina Kansas Army National Guard Awards Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class David M. Hawkins, R&R Cmd, Topeka, Staff Sgt. John R. Westmacott, 731st Med Trk Co, Dodge 1st Sgt. Jeffery Shelton, 323rd Missile Spt Co, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster City MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL 1st Sgt. Paul A. Swanson, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 1st Oak Sgt. 1st Class Mark Holtsclaw, 778thTrans Co, Kansas Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wiedmer, Det 1, Btry B, 2nd Bn, Col. Milton Ayala, 130th FA Bde, Hiawatha Leaf Cluster City 130th FA, Troy Col. Robert Bloomquist, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka 1st Sgt. Michael Watkins, Co D, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Sgt. 1st Class Allen Hudson, Btry C (-), 2nd Bn, 130th Sgt. Daniel W. Boden, Det 1, 731st Med Trk Co., Liberal Col. Daryl Callahan, Area Med Det, Lenexa Kansas City FA, Abilene Sgt. Brian S. Brown, 170th Maint Co, Norton Col. Timothy Carlin, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Porfidio Degaldo, JFHQ KS-LC, Sgt. 1st Class Mack H. Jackson, R&R Cmd, Topeka Sgt. Michael Clarkson, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Hutchinson, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Michael Jackson, Area Med Det, Lenexa Topeka Col. Alex Duckworth, HQ, 130th FA Bde, Topeka, 1st Chief Warrant Officer 4 Finice L. Matthews, 731st Med Sgt. 1st Class Steven B. James, Det 1, 24th Med Co Sgt. Cully Clary, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton Oak Leaf Cluster Trk Co, Larned (AA), Topeka Sgt. William E. Cochran, Btry B(-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Col. Walter H. Frederick III, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 3rd Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ronald Mullinax, HHD, 174th Sgt. 1st Class Gary R. Jaquis, RTS-M, Salina Horton Oak Leaf Cluster Ord Bn, Hays, Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Jayne, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Sgt. Jimmie A. Mahathey, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Col. Calvin Johnson, HQ, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ronald Reed, RTS-M, Salina, Hutchinson Kingman Col. James E. Trafton, HHC (-), 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Jones, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Sgt. Leland R. Mead, 731st Med Trk Co (-), Dodge City Kansas City, 4th Oak Leaf Cluster Chief Warrant Officer 4 John T. Ring, 995th Maint Co., Leavenworth, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Ronald Osborn, Det 3, 170th Maint Co, Russell Col. David Wheeler, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 4th Oak Smith Center Sgt. 1st Class James Knight, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Sgt. Merlin Peter, 170th Maint Co, Norton Leaf Cluster Chief Warrant Officer 4 Philip C. Snyder, Co A, 1st Bn, Leavenworth Sgt. Steven Pope, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Topeka Lt. Col. Victor Braden, HQ, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, 108th Aviation, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Richard Kyle, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. Max E. Rissen, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 3 Bennett Cooper, Co A, 1st Bn, Hiawatha Sgt. Mark R. Terpening, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Lt. Col. Michael Dittamo, 69th TC, Topeka, 2nd Oak 108th Aviation, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Craig Ledet, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Manhattan Leaf Cluster Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kenneth E. Hampton, HHS, 2nd Sgt. 1st Class Bertha Mastin, R&R Cmd, Topeka Sgt. Timothy Trainor, HHC (-), 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Lt. Col. Paula Fisher, Area Med Det, Lenexa Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Darryl McNair, R&R Cmd, Topeka Kansas City Lt. Col. Lawrence Hannan, HQ, 174th Ord Bn, Hays Warrant Officer 1 Ross England, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, Sgt. 1st Class Jodi Melby, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Joseph E. Williams, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Lt. Col. Jane Harris, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 2nd Oak 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Jesse C. Meyer, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Horton Leaf Cluster Command Sgt. Maj. Jana Harrison, HHD, 169th CSSB, Mankato Lt. Col. Danny Hay, HHC, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Kansas Olathe, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Louisa M. Miser, 995th Maint Co, Smith ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL City Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth, 69th TC, Topeka, 1st Center Sgt. 1st Class Darrian L. Campbell, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st Lt. Col. Duke Hester, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 2nd Oak Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Mitchell, R&R Cmd, Topeka FA, Kingman Leaf Cluster Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Miller, 69th TC, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Frank Narvaez III, HQ, 235th Rgt, Salina Sgt. 1st Class Anita G. Istas, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Lt. Col. Lee Lacy, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, 2nd Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Mueting, HQ, 235th Rgt, Sgt. 1st Class Jay Nemnich, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Mary T. Macklin, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, Oak Leaf Cluster Salina, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Robbie Newman, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Joseph Long. JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, 4th Oak Command Sgt. Maj. Wade E. Webber, HHC, 891st Eng Salina Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Durkes, 287th Sustainment Bde, Leaf Cluster Bn, Iola, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Paul Norman, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Timothy Marlar, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. Maj. Lynn Holt, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class John Oehme, 73rd CST, Topeka Staff Sgt. David L. Istas, 287th Sustainment Bde, Lt. Col. Ronald Martin, HQ, 35th Div Arty, Hutchinson Sgt. Maj. Allen Kirby, 69th TC, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Sgt. 1st Class Olive Palu, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Wichita, 5th Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Laura McKnight, HQ, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Cluster Leavenworth Staff Sgt. Jamie Jones, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lt. Col. Roger Murdock, 69th TC, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Master Sgt. Griseldis B. Belin, HHD, 169th CSB, Olathe Sgt. 1st Class Charles Pence, Det 1, 714th Maint Co, Staff Sgt. Randy Kohlman, Det 3, 995th Maint Co, Cluster Master Sgt. Willie F. Carter, 73rd CST, Topeka Clay Center Phillipsburg Lt. Col. Jeffrey Reichman, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, Master Sgt. Kenneth S. Clark, HQ, 235th Rgt, Salina Sgt. 1st Class John Pfeffer, Det 1, Co C, 891st Eng Bn, Staff Sgt. Keith Kraushaar, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Gerald J. Domitrovic, HHB (-), 35th Div Cherryvale Abilene Lt. Col. Gregg Riley, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Artillery, Hutchinson Sgt. 1st Class Marc Plourde, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Staff Sgt. Samuel Kyle, Det 1, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Wayne R. Dunkle, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Hiawatha, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Troy, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Lee Tafanelli, HSC, 891st Eng Bn, Iola, 2nd Oak Master Sgt. Charles Evans, HHD, 169th CSB, Olathe Sgt. 1st Class Floyd Ragsdale, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Staff Sgt. James Larsen, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. John H. Feek, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Leavenworth FA, Troy, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Michael A. Thornbro, 69th TC, Wichita Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Rahe, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Staff Sgt. Christopher Lucas, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Lt. Col. Richard A. White, Kansas Area Med Det, Lenexa Master Sgt. Joseph D. Flesher, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Kingman Lt. Col. Robert E. Windham Jr., 1st Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Donald Rickley, HQ, 235th Rgt (KSRTI), Staff Sgt. Jerry Mac Webb, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Lt. Col. Jerry Young, 1st Bn, 235th Reg, Salina Master Sgt. Lonny T. Greer, R&R Cmd, Topeka, 4th Oak Salina Mankato Maj Barry Adams, R&R Cmd, Topeka Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Geoffrey Robinson, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th Staff Sgt. George McMahon, HHB, 130th FA, Topeka Maj Matthew Bedwell, HHD, 169th Corps Spt Bn, Master Sgt. Gary L. Habig, HHB, 130th FA Bde, Topeka FA, Horton Staff Sgt. James Merriman, Btry C (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Olathe Master Sgt. Darrel W. Haeffele, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. 1st Class Craig J. Rohleder, 287th STB, Hays, 2nd Abilene Maj Jerry Clary, Co C, (RTS-M), 235th Regt (KSRTI), Hiawatha Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Jesse Meyer, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Mankato, Salina Master Sgt. Leonard L. Haverkamp, HHB(-), 35th Div Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Shipman, 995th Maint Co, Smith 5th Oak Leaf Cluster Maj Millicen Dill, HHC, 35th Inf Div (M), Fort Artillery, Hutchinson Center Staff Sgt. Eric Mincks, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Leavenworth Master Sgt. Ronald C. Herring, HHC, 169th CSSB, Sgt. 1st Class David Shortle, HQ, STARC (-), Topeka Hutchinson, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj Tony Divish, HQ, 235th Reg (KSRTI), Salina Olathe Sgt. 1st Class Ray E. Simmons, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Staff Sgt. Brent Montgomery, Det 1, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Maj Jeffry Jack, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Master Sgt. Kevin J. Herrman, HHD, 174th Ord Bn, Leavenworth, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Aviation, Salina Maj Norman Jennings, HHC, 35th Inf Div (M), Fort Hays Sgt. 1st Class Roger Sinclair, R&R Cmd, Topeka Staff Sgt. Mark Murphy, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Leavenworth Master Sgt. Teddy J. Hull, HHD, 174th Ord Bn, Hays Sgt. 1st Class James Steven, Det 1, 24th Med Co, Topeka Horton Maj Mark Kayser, HQ, 235th Reg (KSRTI), Salina Master Sgt. Andrew J. Kennedy, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Sgt. 1st Class Mickey Summers, 73rd CST, Topeka Staff Sgt. Michael Oborny, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Maj Charles Lawhorn, HHC, 35th Inf Div (M), Fort Leavenworth, 4th Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Joe K. Swopes, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Hutchinson, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Leavenworth Master Sgt. Quinten B. Kentzler, HHB, 35th Div Arty, Sgt. 1st Class Tommy D. Temple, 323rd Missile Spt Co., Staff Sgt. James Peeler, Jr, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Maj David Lee, HHD, 169th CSSB, Olathe Hutchinson Wichita Mankato, 5th Oak Leaf Cluster Maj Eric McGraw, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Master Sgt. Kenneth E. Kessler, 287th Sustainment Bde, Sgt. 1st Class Nels Thompson, 714th Maint Co (-), Staff Sgt. John Perdue, Det 5, STARC, Topeka, 2nd Oak Maj Anthony Mohatt, HQ, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Kansas Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Topeka Leaf Cluster City Master Sgt. Michael R. Leachner, HHD, 169th CSB, Sgt. 1st Class John R. Weigle, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Staff Sgt. Mark Powls, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe, 1st Maj John Nondorf, HHB (-),35th Div Arty, Hutchinson Olathe Abilene Oak Leaf Cluster Maj Kent Peterson, Area Med Det, Lenexa Master Sgt. Roderick O. Mather, R&R Cmd, Topeka, 1st Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Westphal, R&R Cmd, Topeka, Staff Sgt. Tracey L. Rutkowski, 287th Sustainment Bde, Maj Anthony Randall, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Wichita Maj Ronald Rousser, HQ, 635th RSG, Hutchinson Master Sgt. Becky D. Middendorf, JFHQ KS-LC, Sgt. 1st Class Richard H. Wheeler, HQ, 891st Eng Bn, Staff Sgt. Gary Sesna, HHS (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Maj David Schmidt, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Iola, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Hiawatha, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj Timothy Talone, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, 2nd Master Sgt. Kenneth R. Rawlings, R&R Cmd, Topeka, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Whitney, R&R Cmd, Topeka Staff Sgt. Roxanne Shaw, 287th Sustainment Bde, Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Claude J. Williams III, R&R Cmd, Topeka Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Michael Callahan, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, 1st Master Sgt. Rodney D. Rogers, 69th TC, Wichita, 1st Sgt. 1st Class Dennis R. Wilson, HHB, 130th FA Bde, Staff Sgt. Drue Staatz, HQ, 2nd Bn, 235th Regt, Salina Oak Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Robert Stanley, R&R Cmd, Topeka Maj. Scott Henry, 73rd CST, Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Master Sgt. Travis M. Rudd, R&R Cmd, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Leslie Wing, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Staff Sgt. Broaderick J. Udohnkana, 287th Sustainment Cluster Master Sgt. Melvin R. Smith, R&R Cmd, Topeka Kingman Bde, Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Michael R. Myers, HHC, 2nd Bn, 130th Inf, Kansas Master Sgt. Ronnie C. Stelter, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Wipperman, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Luis Vazquez, Jr., Btry C (-), 2nd Bn, 130th City Master Sgt. Stuart L. Stupka, 287th STB, Hays Sgt. 1st Class Herbert C. Wischnack, 73rd CST, Topeka FA, Abilene Maj. Kirk P. Pederson, HHB, 130th FA Bde, Topeka Master Sgt. Robert D. Thompson, HHC, 169th CSSB, Sgt. 1st Class Harold Zibell, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Staff Sgt. Jerry Webb, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Mankato, Maj. David M. Schmidt, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Olathe Mankato, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Maj. Timothy J. Talone, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Master Sgt. Christopher Vertz, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class David L. Zimmerman, Co A, 891st Eng Staff Sgt. Sherry Weishaar, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Leavenworth, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Boller, 170th Maint Co, Norton Bn, Pittsburg Staff Sgt. Terry Welch, 105th MPAD, Topeka Capt. Christopher Albright, Co B, 891st Engr Bn, Sgt. 1st Class Jan Brandt, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Staff Sgt. Joseph Blackwood, Co C, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Staff Sgt. Thomas J. West, 287th Sustainment Bde, Coffeyville Hiawatha Lenexa Wichita, 6th Oak Leaf Cluster Capt. Kevin Braun, Co B, 1st Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Brewster, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Staff Sgt. Martin Byrne, R&R Cmd, Topeka Staff Sgt. Kelly Winder, Det 2, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th Capt. Scott Cohorst, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Herman Colbert, Co B, 891st Eng Bn, Iola Staff Sgt. Steven Coomes, Det 3, 995th Maint Co, FA, Atchison Capt. Steven Grisham, HQ, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Manhattan Sgt. 1st Class Edward Crane, HHC, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Phillipsburg Staff Sgt. Joseph Worthington, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe Capt. Daniel Kinney, HSC, 891st Eng Bn, Iola Kansas City Staff Sgt. Jerry Evans, HHD, 635th RSG, Hutchinson Staff Sgt. Bobby Yates, Btry F, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Salina Capt. Larry L. Leupold, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. 1st Class Larry Douthit, HHC, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Staff Sgt. James L. Gerlaugh, 287th STB, Hays Sgt. James Anderson, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Hiawatha Manhattan Staff Sgt. Steven Horton, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, City, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Capt. Shawn Manley, HSC (-), 891st Eng Bn, Iola Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca R. Elias, HHC, 169th CSSB, Horton Sgt. Yancy Ballard, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Capt. Shannon Nicklaus, Co A, 891st Eng Bn, Pittsburg Olathe Staff Sgt. Francisca Jimenez, 73rd CST, Topeka Sgt. Timothy Barraclough, HHB, 130th FA, Topeka Capt. Gregory Platt, 73rd CST, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Larry Eubanks, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Lucas, 73rd CST, Topeka Sgt. Scott Bauman, Btry C (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Capt. Colin Riniker, 323rd Missile Spt Co, Wichita Marysville Staff Sgt. Mark Murphy, Det 1, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th Abilene, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Capt. Paul Schneider, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Finch, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka FA, Troy Sgt. John P. Beckman, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Capt. Robert Wood, Co B, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Steven Fowles, R&R Cmd, Topeka Staff Sgt. Rolando Nabua, Det 3, 170th Maint Co, City, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Lt. Michael Mitchell, R&R Cmd, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Wesley Hagan, HHD, 169th CSSB, Olathe Russell Sgt. Aimee Bissell, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka 1st Sgt. Stanley Dalton, 69th TC, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Anthony F. Halpin, Co C, 1st Bn, 635th Ar, Staff Sgt. Anthony Redden, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Sgt. Preston Blackburn, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge 1st Sgt. Stanley Otis, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lenexa Leavenworth City, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Sgt. Frank Roath, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Sgt. 1st Class Paul H. Harris, HHD, 635th RSG, Staff Sgt. Eric Rich, HHB (-), 1st Bn, 127th FA, Ottawa Sgt. Samuel Bonham, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka

Army National Guard where he was a He was born Oct. 12, 1947. City, Neb. We Remember... senior wireman assigned to Headquarters Wegerer was a member of the Kansas Sgt. Maj. Shorb was a member of the Battery, 35th Div Arty, Topeka. Air National Guard where he was an Kansas Army National Guard where he Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Maj. Ronald L. Rousser aerospace ground equipment superinten- was a communications chief assigned to Lorand Blaine ‘Buck” Hand Maj. Ronald L. Rousser, 41, Topeka, dent assigned to the 184th Fighter Group, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Lorand died Feb. 7, 2006. Wichita. 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, Blaine ‘Buck” Hand, 85, Topeka, died He was born Sept. 8, 1964 in Salina. He retired with more than 26 years of Hiawatha. Sept. 9, 2004. Rousser was a member of the Kansas service. Retired Sgt. Harry Calvert Stiverson He was born July 26, 1919, at Claudell. Army National Guard where he was a Gary L. Denton Retired Sgt. Harry Calvert Stiverson, Hand was a member of the Kansas Brigade Signal Officer for the 635th Gary L. Denton, 67, St. Marys, died 74, died June 10, 2006. Army National Guard where he was a Regional Support Group in Hutchinson. May 13, 2006. He was born Sept. 2, 1931, in Santa unit personnel technician assigned to He also was a project manager for the He was born Aug. 12, 1938, at Topeka. Barbara, Calif. Company A, 169th Support Battalion. Directorate of Facilities Engineer, Kansas Staff Sgt, Denton was a member of the Stiverson was a member of the Kansas He retired with more than 35 years of Army National Guard. Kansas Army National Guard where he Army National Guard where he was a service. He had more than 23 years of Military was a repair inspector assigned to the food service specialist assigned to Bobbie G. Kern service. 110th Ordnance Company, Manhattan. Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Bobbie G. Kern, 75, Scranton, died Retired Senior Master Sgt. Lyman Eugene “Gene” Shorb 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 137th Dec. 27, 2005. C. Robert Wegerer Lyman Eugene “Gene” Shorb, 82, Infantry, Wichita. He was born June 16, 1930, at Ogden. Retired Senior Master Sgt. C. Robert Hiawatha, died Aug. 28, 2006. He retired with more than 21 years of Sgt. Kern was a member of the Kansas Wegerer, 58, died April 3, 2006. He was born Jan. 19, 1924, at Falls service. April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 19 Sgt. Timothy D. Buchhorn, Co E, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Sgt. John Moore, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Steven Blowers, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Lawrence, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Donna Morgan, Det 1, 714th Maint Co, Clay Center, Senior Master Sgt. Karen Wendling, 184th ARW, Wichita, Leaf Cluster Sgt. Charles Buckles, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth 1st Oak Leaf Cluster 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Marsha Chavez, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Annette Burns, HQ, STARC (-), Topeka Sgt. Michael Mulligan, HHB (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Kurtis Baergen, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Allen Damm, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Jeremy Byers, HHB, 1st Bn, 127th FA, Ottawa Wichita Master Sgt. Kimberly Barnes, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Emily Halderson 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. Richard Carr, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Marysville Sgt. Barry Munger, 995th Maint Co, Smith Center Master Sgt. Sandra Bearden, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Sgt. Jose Carrillo, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson Sgt. Kevin Newell, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene, Master Sgt. Bart Brown, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. John Herrman 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Kurtis Casselman, HHC, 35th ID, Ft. Leavenworth 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Douglas Butts, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. John Herrman, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. Joseph W. Cheek, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson, 2nd Oak Sgt. Kelly Ninabuck, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Garden Master Sgt. David Campos, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster City Master Sgt. Philip Catlett, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Louis Jacobs III, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Sgt. Tony Chiles, Det 1, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. Ivan Nordquist, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Master Sgt. Michael Cornelson, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Salina, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Marysville Master Sgt. Robert Davis, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Staff Sgt. David Kenney, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Sgt. Earl Chism, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, 2nd Sgt. Timothy O’Neil, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Richard Drown, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Glenn Ludwig, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. Bobby Clair, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson, Sgt. Gregory Osborne, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe Master Sgt. Patrick Engstrom, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Tana Patton, Det 1, 323rd Missile Support Co, Fort Master Sgt. Bradley Hansen, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Glenn Ludwig, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Beverly Claycamp, HQ STARC (-), Topeka Riley, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. John Kill, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Staff Sgt. Angela McNew, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. William Cochran, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton, Sgt. David Paul, Det 1, HHB, 1st Bn, 127th FA, Cluster Staff Sgt. Keith Melvin 184th ARW, Wichita 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Lawrence Master Sgt. Kenneth Mauler, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Monterrubio-Lopez, 184th ARW, Sgt. Justin Cordry, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. James Peterson, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Thomas Mikkelson, 184th ARW, Wichita Wichita Concordia, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Hutchinson, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Lawrence Montgomery, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Edgar Salazaraguirre, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Sgt. Morgan Davis, HQ, STARC (-), Topeka, 1st Oak Sgt. Clearence Pierce, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Garden Master Sgt. David Ross, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster City Master Sgt. John Runyan, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brandie Schulte, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Sgt. Eric Dean, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene, 1st Sgt. Lester Pletcher, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Mankato, 3rd Master Sgt. Donald Schafer, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Thomas Shaffer, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Peter Welling, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Jason Dickey, HHB (-), 35th Div Arty, Hutchinson Sgt. Anthony Rainey, HQ STARC (-), Topeka Master Sgt. Lawayne Smith, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman John Baxter, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Justinn E. Doby, R&R Cmd, Topeka Sgt. Donald Rasdall, Det 2, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Master Sgt. William Smith, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman John Baxter, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. Michael Downing, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Atchison Master Sgt. Harry Stamps, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster City, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Randall Rathmann, Det 2, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Master Sgt. Kevin Thomas, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Louis Comstock, Jr. 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Benjamin Droge, HHD, JFHQ KS, Topeka Atchison Master Sgt. Kelly Turner, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Jared Halderson, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Lester Ebel, HHS (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Sgt. Travis Ratzloff, Btry F, 161st FA, Salina Master Sgt. John Welsby, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Jason Harkness 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Rebecca Elias, Det 3, 731st Med Trk Co, Council Sgt. Christopher Richardson, Btry A (-), 2nd Bn, 130th Master Sgt. Stephen Zani, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Verne Mitchell, 184th ARW, Wichita Grove, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster FA, Marysville Tech. Sgt. John Bishop, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Chad Neptune, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Aaron Engles, Btry F, 161st FA, Salina, 3rd Oak Leaf Sgt. Phillip Rockey, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Tech. Sgt. Holly Chapman, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Jerrell White, 184th ARW, Wichita Cluster Sgt. Christopher Rolen, Co D, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf , Tech. Sgt. Christina Durham, 184th ARW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Caleb Eilhert, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Chad Faulkner, HHB, 130th FA Bde, Topeka Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Timothy Fergus, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Andrew Filbeck, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Sgt. Clay Rose, Det 1, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Liberal Tech. Sgt. Troy Henderson, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD Sgt. Rogelio Flores, HHS (-) 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. Michael Rouse, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene Leaf Cluster MERITORIOUS SERVICE RIBBON Hiawatha, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Donald Sand, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Marysville Tech. Sgt. Lynn Herrell, 184th ARW, Wichita Lt. Col. Ronald Krueger, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Johnnie Franks, Det 1, 24th Med Co, Topeka Sgt. Kenneth Scheibe, 2130 Ord Det, Sabetha, 1st Oak Tech. Sgt. John Ives, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Jeffrey Brown, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Bryan Fuqua, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. David Lopez, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Ronald Gann, Det 1, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Sgt. Jeffrey Schmidt, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, Tech. Sgt. James Miller, 184th ARW, Wichita KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD Sabetha 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Lonie Reed, Jr 184th ARW, Wichita COMMENDATION RIBBON Sgt. Susan Garcia, HHD, STARC (-), Topeka Sgt. Erik Schroeder, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Montese Sonnier, 184th ARW, Wichita Lt. Col. James Culp, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Raymond Gawith, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Sgt. Daniel Scroggins, 731st Med Trk Co, Dodge City Tech. Sgt. Kevin Straub, 184th ARW, Wichita Capt. Johnnie Adam, 184th ARW, Wichita Hutchinson Sgt. Francis Sheely, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton, Tech. Sgt. Janet Stuhlsatz, 184th ARW, Wichita Capt. Brock Sissel, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Matthew George, R&R Cmd, Topeka, 6th Oak Leaf 4th Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. David Weide, 184th ARW, Wichita 1st Lt. Michael Alldaffer, 184th ARW, Wichita Cluster Sgt. Sean Smith, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson Tech. Sgt. Jay Young, 184th ARW, Wichita 2nd Lt. Jenny Chinn, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Joseph Gerritzen, Det 2, HHB, 1st Bn 161st FA, Sgt. Antonio Talbert, HHB, 130th FA Bde, Topeka Staff Sgt. Brian Sauer, 184th ARW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Elmer Logue, 184th ARW, Wichita Newton Sgt. Marty Tatum, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Marysville Chief Master Sgt. Willard Morris, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. Robert Gilliland, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton, Sgt. David Taylor, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City AIR FORCE COMMENDATION MEDAL 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Dereck Thomas, 1st Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina, 3rd Oak Maj. Richard Durham, 184th ARW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Sheila Payne, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Larry Gilmore, Det 1, HHB, 1st Bn, 127th FA, Leaf Cluster Maj. Wigal Vonda 184th ARW, Wichita Chief Master Sgt. Richard Ramsey, 184th ARW, Wichita Lawrence, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Charlie Thrush, 2nd Bn, 235th Rgt, Salina Capt. Keith Hickman, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Chief Master Sgt. Jack Solter, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Sgt. Jason Good, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Garden City Sgt. Jay Vanwey, 995th Maint Co, Smith Center, 1st Oak Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Duane Griffin, Det 3, 170th Maint Co, Russell, 2nd Leaf Cluster Capt. Keith Hickman, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Russell Atwater, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Richard Weese, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Capt. Todd Rieger, 184th ARW, Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Senior Master Sgt. Lucian Buttel, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Rebecca Harris, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe Hutchinson Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Kristine Clarke, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. Stephen Hess, Battery F, 161st FA, Salina, 1st Oak Sgt. Roy Wellman, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Jeffrey Akin, 184th ARW, Wichita, 4th Oak 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Sgt. Elmer White, HHS (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Hennes, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. Sheree Hicks, HQ, STARC, Topeka, 4th Oak Leaf Sgt. John White, Det 2, 995th Maint Co, Belleville. Master Sgt. Brian Castillo, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster Sgt. Todd Will Banks, Co C, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Edwin Kramer, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. Robert Himelrick, III, 731st Med Trk Co, Dodge Topeka Master Sgt. James Chessher, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd 1st Oak Leaf Cluster City, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Dwayne Willey, 2130 Ord Det, Sabetha Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Angel Acosta, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Timothy Hoesli, Btry F, 161st FA, Salina, 3rd Oak Sgt. Joseph Williams, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton Master Sgt. Timothy Deme, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Frank Cook, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Christopher Wilson, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe Master Sgt. Stephen Doningues, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Leaf Cluster Sgt. Christopher Jackson, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Sgt. Warren Wilson, Det 1, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Neil Fogg, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sabetha Master Sgt. Faith Elmore, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Cluster Sgt. Jon Jackson, Co A, 2nd Bn, 137th Inf, Kansas City Sgt. Kevin Wiltz, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, 2nd Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Paul Grimm, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Kurtis Jackson, 995th Maint Co, Smith Center, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Melanie Graber, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Master Sgt. Stephen Hamel, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Steven Winchester, Co C, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Robert Hauskins, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Travis Jacobs, HHS, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Christina Hamel, 184th ARW, Wichita, 3rd Master Sgt. Timothy Kern, 184th ARW, Wichita 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Jesse Young, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Brian Leabo, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Terry A. Jimeson, HHS(-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Spc. Debra M. Maxey, Area Med Det, Lenexa, 1st Oak Master Sgt. Jeffrey Hamilton, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Randy Mark, 184th ARW, Wichita Hiawatha, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Layne Hauserman, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Master Sgt. Billy Mayo, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Matthew J. Johnson, HHC (-), 1st Bn, 108th Spc. Juan Moncada, Det 1, 731st Med. Truck Co, Liberal Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Marcus Thompson, 184th ARW, Wichita Aviation, Topeka Spc. James R. Pittman, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Randi Hill, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Master Sgt. Christopher Tillison, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Michael Jones, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Horton Hutchinson, 5th Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Selina Touhey, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Terry Jones, Btry F, 161st FA, Salina, 1st Oak Leaf Spc. Brandon J. Williams, HHC, 35th ID, Fort Master Sgt. Jill Jantz, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Master Sgt. Jeffery Welshans, 184th ARW, Wichita Cluster Leavenworth, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster Tech. Sgt. John Bogart, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Win Jordan, HHD, 174th Ord Bn, Hays Spc. Keith Wilson, 242nd Eng Co, Wichita Master Sgt. Michael Lamb, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Tech. Sgt. Robert Herbig, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Paul Jorn, HHS (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha Pfc. Jarrett Kuck, 1161st FSC, Hutchinson Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Randall Kendall, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Dewayne Kalivoda, Det 2, 995th Maint Co, Pvt. 2 John P. McCartney, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Donald Sawyer, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Tech. Sgt. Homer King, 184th ARW, Wichita Belleville Kingman Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Russell Shane, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Myra Kennedy, Det 2, 170th Maint Co, Colby, 3rd Pvt. Amanda J. Danner, 35th Div Arty, Hutchinson Tech. Sgt. Brian Clingan, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Montese Sonnier, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak leaf Cluster Pvt. David Vlachos, Svc Btry, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Tech. Sgt. Jason Lacoss, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Swazey, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Myra D. Kennedy, 287th Sustainment Bde, Wichita, Hutchinson Tech. Sgt. John Maly, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Tech. Sgt. Robin Willson, 184th ARW, Wichita 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster Tech. Sgt. Brian Wozniak, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Robert Kern, HHB (-,) 35th Div Arty, Hutchinson Kansas Air National Guard Awards Tech. Sgt. Eric Maynor 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Staff Sgt. Delbert Alt, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Mark Ketchem, 73rd CST, Topeka Leaf Cluster Staff Sgt. Kameron Bissell, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. John Kilpatrick, R&R Cmd, Topeka MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL Tech. Sgt. Russell Shane, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jose Cabral, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Darrel Koch, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Clyde Davis, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Erik Swanson, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Zachary Constance, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. William Kramer, 242 Engr, Wichita Lt. Col. Francis Froncek, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Edward Benoit 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brady Cooper, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Brandon L. Kuker, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Lt. Col. Michael Hall, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Westley Broxterman, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Charles Metzger, 184th ARW, Wichita City, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Scott Poynter, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Staff Sgt. Allen Damm, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Mark Rush, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Bruce Laffery, Det 2, 995th Maint Co, Belleville, 1st Cluster Staff Sgt. Robert Ewing, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Staff Sgt. Jack Wait, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Lt. Col. Dean Taylor, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Senior Airman Karey Haukom, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Roel Landez, Det 3, 731st Med Trk Co. Council Lt. Col. Paul Thompson, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. John Grindstaff, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Jessica Latour, 184th ARW, Wichita Grove Lt. Col. Kent Wade, 184th ARW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Donald Johnson, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Senior Airman Joseph Nestelroad, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Dean P. Lester, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Mankato, 3rd Lt. Col. Mark Welte, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Leaf Cluster Senior Airman Francis Nguyen, 184th ARW, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster Staff Sgt. Andrew Smith, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Clinton Pozehl, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Kevin Linder, Btry C, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Kingman Lt. Col. Roberta Williams, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Ryan Voss, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman John Simmons, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Randall Logan, Det 1, HHB, 1st Bn, 127th FA, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Young, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Senior Airman Derick Tibbetts, 184th ARW, Wichita Senior Airman Kim Stanfield, 184th ARW, Wichita Lawrence Cluster Senior Airman Tonya Williamson, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Robert Longacre, HHB (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Lt. Col. Richard Yule, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf AIR FORCE ACHIEVEMENT Airman 1st Class Robert Calhoun, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Mark Longbine, Btry C, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Abilene Cluster Maj. Deann Barr, 184th ARW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Weston Hopkins, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Kimberly Loomis, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Mankato Maj. Craig Moore, 184th ARW, Wichita Maj. Chris Synder, 184th ARW, Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Airman 1st Class Byron Smith, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Chuck Lowe, HHS (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha, Maj. James Price, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Airman 1st Class Danny Squires, 184th ARW, Wichita 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Cluster Capt. Deborah Balentine, 184th ARW, Wichita, 3rd Oak Airman 1st Class Jessica Woydziak, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Samuel Lyle, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe, 2nd Oak Maj. Michael Venerdi, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Cluster Capt. Janell Blaufuss, 184th ARW, Wichita KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD ACHIEVEMENT Sgt. David Mack, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge City, Maj. Willaim Wallace, 184th ARW, Wichita Capt. Robert Sanders, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf RIBBON 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Chief Master Sgt. Sidney Baldwin, 184th ARW, Wichita, Cluster Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Emerson, 184th ARW, Sgt. Michael Mader, 35th Inf Div Band, Olathe, 1st Oak 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. William Angstadt, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster Chief Master Sgt. Terry Clain, 184th ARW, Wichita Wichita, 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. James Beard, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Seth Marlar, Det 2, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Newton Chief Master Sgt. Sharon Clark, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Master Sgt. Chad Brown, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Senior Master Sgt. Jim Marklevits, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. David McKinney, Co A, 2nd 137th Inf, Kansas City Oak Leaf Cluster Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. John McLean, Co E, 2nd 137th Inf, Kansas City, 1st Chief Master Sgt. Keith Kahnt, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Donna Buckman, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Senior Master Sgt. Roosevelt Matthews, Jr 184th ARW, Oak Leaf Cluster Chief Master Sgt. Gary Wade, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Wichita Sgt. Donald McLendon, HHB, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Wichita Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Michael Collins, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Senior Master Sgt. Eugene Turner, 184th ARW, Wichita, Sgt. John McMahan, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Dodge Chief Master Sgt. Steven Westhoff, 184th ARW, Wichita, Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster City, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Michael Scott, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Senior Master Sgt. Karen Wendling, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Harrison McWhorter, Det 2, HQ STARC, Salina Senior Master Sgt. Larry Coffman, 184th ARW, Wichita, Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Susan Ballard, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. John McWilliams, 995th Maint Co, Smith Center, 3rd 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Tracy Unruh, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Keith Decker, 184th ARW, Wichita, Tech. Sgt. Brendan Boales, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. David Campos, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Jodi Melby, Det 2, 714th Maint Co, Junction City, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. William Galbreath, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Jill Jantz, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Willaim Dobey, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Korey Haukom, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Cluster Sgt. Darrin Meyers, Btry B (-), 2nd Bn, 130th, FA Horton Senior Master Sgt. Tammy Duncan, 184th ARW, Wichita, Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Dennis Lanham, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Sgt. Andrew Mitchell, Det 2, 731st Med Trk Co, Wichita 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. James Helms, 184th ARW, Wichita, 4th Oak Oak Leaf Cluster Sgt. Denise Mitchell, Det 6, HQ STARC, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Melody Frazier, 184th ARW, Wichita, Leaf Cluster Master Sgt. Debra Quade, 184th ARW, Wichita Sgt. Laurie Monarez, 242nd Engr Co, Wichita, 1st Oak 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Joan Holup, 184th ARW, Wichita Master Sgt. Brian York, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Terry Kerns, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Tech. Sgt. Richard Knoblock, 184th ARW, Wichita Leaf Cluster Sgt. Edward Monteith, Co C, 1st Bn, 108th Aviation, Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Ronald Richert, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. William Galbreath, 184th ARW, Wichita Topeka, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Dennis Mosier, 184th ARW, Wichita, Tech. Sgt. Angelina Siroky, 184th ARW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Korey Haukom, 184th ARW, Wichita, 1st Oak Sgt. Anthony Moore, Det 2, Btry B, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster Tech. Sgt. Joshua Wiser, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster Atchison, 4th Oak Leaf Cluster Senior Master Sgt. Mark Tuggle, 184th ARW, Wichita, Leaf Cluster Senior Airman Treg White, 184th ARW, Wichita, 2nd Oak Page 20 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Request for small toys leads to community project By Amy Paden seven days a week. I would love to share our story with you If you’re wondering how some in the on how our project, “Hearts of America” The Adjutant General’s Department became got started. It all began really with my aware of our project, this is how that all cousin, Anna, and her husband, Danny came about. Back in November 2006 I was Caesar. In 2006, while Danny was serving trying to find another recipient because in Iraq he asked Anna to gather some Danny and a couple of others that I corre- small “Happy Meal” size toys, new or sponded with had returned to the U.S. So in used, for him and his team mates to dis- hopes of finding someone with interest, I tribute out to the Iraqi children. Anna then drove over to the National Guard facility on shared the request with family members Armory Road in Salina. I just walked into (I’m a cousin of Anna’s). When I received one of the offices and introduced myself to word of it, I knew this would be an easy one of the Guardsmen there. I explained task. Anna was hoping for a few hundred that I wanted to continue on with the efforts toys. and that I had some treats and toys that I To sum it all up, I shared the idea with would like to send to someone who might family, friends, strangers and co-workers want to become a recipient of such in Iraq. at Salina Regional Health Center. The ball About a month or so later, I received an e- really starting rolling when I e-mailed all mail from the TAG office stating they the hospital employees. I told them that would try to find a recipient. Then soon our family was gathering toys, new or after that I received another e-mail that, if I used, and for them to please consider didn’t mind, they have someone in going through their children’s and grand- Afghanistan that would like to participate children’s toy boxes for any unwanted and that is my friend Maj. Lon Williams, a toys. As a result, on Aug. 7, 2006, we member of a Kansas National Guard mailed over 4,000 toys to Iraq! A basketball and a teddy bear – displayed by Maj. Lon Williams, a member of a Embedded Training team in Afghanistan. Since then, Danny has returned from Kansas National Guard Embedded Training team in Afghanistan – are just a few of From that point, I asked Lon if there was serving in Iraq and is in the process of the thousands of toys and other items collected by the grass-roots “Hearts of anything that his team wanted that we retiring from the 4th Infantry Division out America” project. (Photo provided) would do our best in trying to accommo- of Fort Hood, Texas. Anna is busy being a name. Many people have inspired me to or other assistance; we rely on individual date them. Lon has mentioned AA and mommy and helping her mom and grand- continue. Here’s a poem that someone donations and fundraisers. Currently, the AAA batteries and small size pillows to fit ma. I, on the other hand, wish to continue enclosed in with a bag of toys. Food 4 Less in Junction City is matching all in their rucksacks. We were happy to assist on with the efforts, because I’m having a For all holidays past here’s a gift at last. monetary donations through the end of May in gathering him those items. One of our great time gathering items for our Soldiers One that I hope you’ll hold dear up to $2,500. volunteers made 10 pillows with pillow serving in the Middle East. for a lot longer than a year. To date, we have approximately 30 vol- cases for each. It was kind of funny We’re presently gathering items for four One so you don’t even dare unteers. Our oldest volunteer is a lady who because my mom wanted to participate in troops. Each one seems to have a specific to start to forget I care. is 92 years old!!! She bakes treats to sell at the sewing project and didn’t get to for the request. Some need hygiene items. Some One so you know I love you much. our hotdog stand and works the booth, as other lady just did it all. have contact with children, others don’t. And limits, I don’t know of such. well. Our next event will be just in a mat- Other than sending some treats to them Another, stationed at a Combat Support And to you I dedicate a part ter of a few weeks (April 30 and May 7). and this and that I would say we’ve sent Hospital, wants blankets, knit hats and of my heart. Food 4 Less is offering to be a collection them maybe 400 or so toys and we’re in socks to help his fellow military comrades I’ve met some amazing people through site for food, hygiene items, batteries, new the process of sending him much more. keep warm during their medevac transport this hobby/journey of mine. People from and used toys, throw blankets, knit hats, My goal this next shipment is to send him to Germany. Before sending a package to a all walks of life have participated in this socks, and children’s shoes (new or used). at least a few thousand toys. Soldier / troop I always include a letter project of gathering items for our troops. I Big Lots of Salina will be sponsoring our Lon has been so wonderful about being about our collection efforts that took place keep saying, “People want to help. 2nd annual hotdog stand along with Pepsi- a recipient there in Afghanistan. I’m thank- and a little about some of the volunteers. Sometimes they just don’t know exactly Cola during Memorial weekend (May 26, ful that I got the opportunity to correspond After the first shipment, I decided our how they can.” 27 and 28). All proceeds go toward paying with him. It’s been a pleasure in providing project needed a name. After thinking Since our first shipment we’ve had a nominal expenses and shipping fees. We items for him and his troops there. about it for a while, it was obvious, tremendous amount of support from the also have a metal box that weighs over Anyone interested in more information because people just gave from their heart Salina media. We now have a few sponsors, 1,000 lbs. in Salina at Security Savings or in helping with the project may e-mail and still do. Big Lots of Salina and Food 4 Less in Bank for the community to leave their me at [email protected] or call (785) So that’s how Hearts of America got its Junction City. We don’t receive any grants donations. Its accessible 24 hours a day, 655-9402. Manhattan Guard unit gathers food for Flint Hills Breadbasket By Pvt Matt Sullivan, UPAR During the weekend of March 3-4, Sgt. “We got so much food it 1st Class Richard Bridges, Headquarters may take a deuce and a and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor, helped organize a food drive half (large truck) to deliv- to gather canned goods to be delivered to er it all!” the Flint Hills Breadbasket, a local busi- Sgt. 1st Class Richards Bridges ness that distributes the food to families in need in the surrounding areas. Bridges, the Kansas National Guard that the Boy Scouts had also been out recruiter for Riley County, believes the gathering food for the local Breadbasket Guard unit needs to be involved in the com- and some people had stated that some of munity and one of the things he had them (Boy Scouts) had gone door to door arranged was the food drive. He spoke with to collect food,” said Bridges. “I believe the manager at one of the local grocery that this will help a lot of families out, stores in Manhattan and was able to get especially with Easter on the way.” some of the Soldiers from the unit to collect The food was delivered to the Flint Hills nonperishable food items from customers as Breadbasket March 8 by a small group of they left the store. The Soldiers were able to Soldiers from the 635th Armor helping to gather 1,645 pounds of food from donors. unload and sort the food. They gathered items such as canned “We got so much food it may take a goods, dry cereal, pasta and other non-per- deuce and a half (large truck) to deliver it ishables. Bridges was very happy with the all!” said Bridges. results of the food drive and hopes that it “The food will be distributed among the will aid the families and shed a new light many families in the Manhattan/Fort Riley on the unit in Manhattan as a unit that area, as needed,” said Tascha Phillip, execu- wants to be an active participant in the tive director for the Flint Hills Breadbasket. community. “There is no minimum requirements to get “It seems that most of the recruiting and help from the Breadbasket. If you come in Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 635th Armor retention events are there looking for peo- and say that you can’t feed your family then in Manhattan load donated food for transport to the Flint Hills Breadbasket, a ple to join the National Guard,” said they (the Breadbasket) will help you to feed Manhattan-based food pantry. The Guardsmen collected more than 1,600 pounds of Bridges, who believes that this is not true. your family.” food for the organization. (Photo by Pvt. 2 Jesus R. Baquero Jr., UPAR) They want to be in the community’s eye Phillip also stated that the Breadbasket permanent fix, but more of a way for them groceries that we need, like if we have and viewed as helpers of the community. relies on donations from the communities to help families to get back on their feet plenty of spaghetti noodles but no sauce, Bridges hopes that this shows how much and grants to help raise food items for through assistance. then we will use that money to go and buy they are willing to help the community. needy families. She would also like it “We also accept monetary donations,” the spaghetti sauce. The food will definite- “I had noticed in the Manhattan Mercury understood that the Breadbasket is not a said Phillip. “We use the money to buy ly be welcomed and put to good use!” April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 21 Kansas National Guard supports Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt By Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, UPAR lone figure standing there? Sgt. Brent Command, set up her information table. Throughout the day, the two Guardsmen When professionals do their job, their Pellett, 35th Military Police Company, When asked why she had brought infor- kept the music playing. Tonasket kept the presence is not always noticed. backed up by the Capitol Police and the mation on college funding to an event for generator running while Regan handled On March 31, Kansas Governor Kansas Highway Patrol, was the first per- children ages one through nine, Sprouse the electrical connections. Tonasket also Kathleen Sebelius opened the lawn of her son visitors met. Pellett, who is getting said “A lot of their parents are of an age brought his daughter, who was one of the official residence, Cedar Crest, for the ready for an overseas deployment, said his where they might be interested in joining successful egg hunters. Annual Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt. The mission was to provide security and traffic (the Guard). Also, one never knows what Away from all the other action were weather had been cold and rainy for the control for the visitors. spark or seed might be planted today, that three additional Soldiers. The signal for preceding three or four days. There were Walking down the path toward the in nine or 10 years may lead to a new the start of the event was provided by Spc. questions as to whether the event was “hunting grounds” visitors passed Sgt. Soldier.” Jennifer Savage and Spc. Jon Zirkle, 1st going to be held on the lawn at all. Terry Clark, 35th Military Police A little further down the path, a Guard Battalion, 108th Aviation. Taking direction However, the rain had broken enough Company, and his High Mobility lowboy trailer served as the stage for from Sgt. 1st Class Max Miller, 69th for hundreds of children and their parents Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, HMMWV. Sebelius and the live entertainment, Kreg Troop Command, each of the two Soldiers to fill the lawn. In addition to all the Clark opened his vehicle to members of the Hoover and Joel Davidson, aka the Two released a hand grenade simulator for the hunters were members of the local media, public. Clark said he enjoyed sharing his Classics. Power for the stage was provided “boom” that started the event. volunteers and members of the Kansas knowledge of the Guard and the HMMWV. by a Guard generator. Supporting the gen- Each Guard member did their job in Army National Guard. Clark spent a good part of the morning erator was Spc. Anthony Tonasket, such a highly professional manner, most of Coming up the drive to Cedar Crest, did explaining the capabilities of his vehicle. Company A, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry; crowd only saw the event and not the work many of the volunteers or eager hunters of Next to Clark’s HMMWV, Sgt. 1st Class and Spc. Thomas Regan, Detachment 2, that went into producing such an event. chocolate-filled plastic eggs notice the Roberta Sprouse, Recruiting and Retention 250th Forward Support Company. That is the way it should be.

Sgt. Brent Pellett, 35th Military Police Company, assisted with traffic control for the A Kansas National Guard HMMWV, attended by Sgt. Terry Clark and Spc. Jon annual Governor’s Easter Egg Hunt. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Matthewson, UPAR) Zirkle, proved a popular attraction. (Photo by Sgt. Michael Matthewson, UPAR) Counterdrug Support Team helps take down drug dealers Continued from Page 9 nate…It’s good to see it go off without a observations, which can occur in any part Since the Counterdrug Support Program that help them here.” hitch, no damage to property.” of the state, require long hours and some- began in 1991 more than $95 million in The Counterdrug Teams are armed and “I see this as an extension of the times forces them to be away from family narcotics have been seized, nearly a 1,000 receive extensive law enforcement train- National Guard, really helping against the for a few weeks, something National weapons, more than 250 vehicles, and ing. But in the 15 years of the program, no domestic enemy,” Mike added. “I’d really Guard members are somewhat accustomed more than four million dollars in currency Counterdrug Guard member has ever like my daughter to grow up in a drug-free to, as well. as well as other assets bringing the total deployed a weapon or fired a round. environment.” “We feel like we give the National value of property seized to more than $6 “We receive training, not because we’re “Our training here helps us in the Guard units back a more well-rounded million. The Kansas Guard Counterdrug trying to be police officers, but because we National Guard as well,” said Jack, a Soldier or Airman than they give us initial- Team has also assisted law enforcement in operate in that environment,” Romans Counterdrug Support Team member since ly, because of all the training we put them making 1,667 felony arrests since the pro- said. “In an unusual circumstance, we can 1995. through and the experience they get,” gram’s inception. arrest, restrain, detain, but that’s not what “Some of these crack houses, law Romans added. “These are real word mis- Like many programs, the Counterdrug we plan to do. We want law enforcement enforcement may not have known about sions…Kansas Guardsmen are typically in Support Program has seen its financial sup- to be the ones kicking in the doors and without our help (observation).” Jack a training role, but this is one unit that is port, which comes from federal funds, cut in doing the arrests.” noted. “In the larger scheme of things, if doing real world missions every day.” recent years. In 1999, there were 40 people And that’s exactly what happens at the law enforcement didn’t have our manpow- On this particular day, the drug raids net in the program, but today there are only 32 first crack house upon which law enforce- er out there, they might miss something” 22 arrests, 600 grams of cocaine, 30 grams full-time Counterdrug Support Team staff ment agents descend. This is the location Counterdrug Support Teams typically of marijuana, $22,000 in cash, eight guns including a state-certified K-9. Five mem- of an alleged crack cocaine dealer, work in teams of two to four when doing and eight autos. bers of the team are currently deployed. believed to be a major dealer with exten- Nationwide, the trend is the same. The sive connections. No shots are fired. The program started 15 years ago with nearly arrest is a success. The agents head to 4,000 Counterdrug Support Team mem- another location for a quick brief on the bers, now it’s 2,400. next potential take down. In a few “We get tons of requests from law moments they’re back on the road, ready enforcement,” said Romans. “There’s a for the next arrest. need for more of us.” As law enforcement move toward another Lt. Col. Brian K. Sholar, the Counterdrug area, a Counterdrug Team positioned there Coordinator, pointed out that the other criti- many hours before, has provided details of cal components of the Counterdrug what to expect. At this structure, law Organization are the Drug Demand enforcement is faced with more resistance, Reduction Program and the Substance those inside are yelling, but the arrest is a Abuse Program. DDR has reached thou- success. After a while, a young girl emerges, sands of Kansas children and adults with the possibly one of the suspect’s family. drug prevention message and drug avoid- Mike, a Counterdrug Support Team and ance training. The Substance Abuse National Guard member has been on the Program is responsible for drug testing job 10 years, and worked in law enforce- Soldiers and Airman in the Guard to ensure ment previously. (His last name is with- personnel are meeting The Adjutant held to protect his identity). “It gives you a General’s zero drug tolerance policy. sense of giving something back,” he said. For now, Sholar knows it’s a matter of “You feel like you’re making a difference. Plainclothes members of the Kansas National Guard Counterdrug Team assist law prioritizing the missions they are asked to You get to see all the work you put into it, enforcement officers with perimeter support during recent NE Kansas drug raid. support and he knows his organization is the work you do, the long hours all culmi- (Photo by Sharon Watson) making a difference. Page 22 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Regional training centers will enhance preparedness By Sharon Watson National Guard, train together to ensure Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. our state is the best prepared in the coun- Gen. Tod Bunting, Director of Kansas try,” Sebelius said. Homeland Security and Kansas adjutant The regional training centers concept general, announced a proposal to develop resulted from The Adjutant General’s five regional training centers to enhance Department working with numerous state the state’s capabilities to defend against and local government agencies and public terrorism and respond to disasters and safety professional organizations to deter- emergencies. The announcement was made mine how best to integrate the needs of at a news conference on April 13. emergency responders, public safety and Four regional training centers would be the National Guard into realistic training developed in strategic locations around the and exercise facilities. state to ensure state and local first respon- The funding for the proposed regional ders, the Kansas National Guard and pub- training centers would be provided lic safety organizations have state-of-the through bonds of no more than $32 mil- art training facilities. A fifth existing train- lion over three years. ing site in Salina would serve as the train- “This is a win-win solution for address- ing hub. The Great Plains Joint Regional ing the needs of Kansas homeland security Training Center at the Smoky Hill professionals by providing multi-discipli- Weapons Range near Salina currently has nary training and exercise capabilities not approximately 36,000 acres for air and currently available in the state,” said ground training. Bunting. “Most importantly, it’s a big win “Kansas is taking the lead in the nation in our effort to better protect every in enhancing its homeland security capa- Kansan.” bilities by developing these regional train- The Adjutant General’s Department’s ing centers where first responders and role includes homeland security, and with public safety organizations, including our nearly 8,000 Kansas National Guardsmen Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting answer questions regarding five proposed regional training centers that would enhance National Guard and first responder training and readiness capabilities throughout the state. (Photo by Winter storm “field tests” Stephen D. Larson) whose main mission is to protect Kansas, National Incident Management System, the agency is the largest first responder/ but that they also have a place to train and Kansas Response Plan public safety organization in the state. exercise together,” Sebelius added. By Stephen D. Larson three agencies were not the only ones “The regional training centers will allow “We’re confident the regional training The winter storm that blanketed the involved in the response. our state to have an integrated training centers will place Kansas as a leader in the western half of the state with ice and snow “The Civil Air Patrol was flying mis- approach to handling disasters and emer- country when it comes to being ready to in late December 2006 was the first field sions for search and rescue,” said Hay. gencies, while providing our National respond to emergencies and related needs test of the Kansas Response Plan and “Kansas Department of Transportation was Guard additional training resources for of Kansans,” Bunting said. emergency management officials say the helping to clear the roads so that stranded future deployments,” Bunting added. State and federal partners who may con- test was a success. motorists could be reached. On the health “With this training, our state will be better sider using the regional training centers In September 2005, Governor Kathleen side there was the Kansas Department of prepared to handle whatever situations include: Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, Sebelius signed a statewide emergency Health and Environment ensuring that hos- may come our way requiring a unified Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas management plan outlining roles, responsi- pitals and nursing homes were being taken response, whether it’s numerous tornadoes, Department of Transportation, Kansas bilities and procedures for state agencies care of.” Hay said it was a joint effort on wildfires, floods, terrorism or several Highway Patrol, sheriff’s departments, involved in response to disasters, terrorist the part of local responders, state agencies events at once.” police departments, fire departments, uni- threats and other emergencies that threaten and volunteer organizations. Each of the new centers will be strategi- versity police, Kansas Department of the lives and health of Kansans. Hay also gave big kudos to local emer- cally positioned to reduce travel time for Health and Environment, Emergency “This storm proved the Kansas gency managers across the affected areas. those seeking training. Medical Services, Kansas Wildlife and Response Plan is a very good concept,” “They’re the unsung heroes,” he said. “These regional training centers will Parks Department, Transportation Security said Danny Hay, operations branch chief “These guys and gals worked for days on also be instrumental in not only ensuring Administration and other military Reserve for Kansas Emergency Management. “The end with minimal sleep representing their our state responders are compliant with the components. intrastate cooperation between agencies citizens and counties in giving aid and was excellent.” assistance and ensuring the correct Hay explained that the Kansas Response resource requests get to the state.” Assessment teams resurvey Plan, which is based on and incorporates Hay admitted that, while the plan the National Incident Management System, worked well, actual emergencies allow for damage from winter storms becomes active when the governor improvements to internal processes. By Stephen D. Larson from local governments and private non- declares a State of Disaster Emergency. “There are some internal policies and Over the next several weeks, joint Public profit organizations and 541 project work- “We determine the nature of the emer- procedures that we’ll tweak,” said Hay. Assistance damage assessment teams from sheets have been completed to date. The gency and look at which agencies are best “We had some individuals and cities call- the State and FEMA will be revisiting largest part of the storm related costs are for equipped to handle the response to it,” said ing us directly for assistance, when they Kansas counties impacted by the severe restoration of electricity. At the storm’s peak, Hay. “In this disaster, the three primary are supposed to work through the county winter storms that struck the state Dec. 28- more than 10,500 power poles were down. agencies for saving and sustaining lives emergency management office. It’s a 31, 2006, and were named in a State of Currently, approximately $24 million in were the Kansas National Guard, Kansas requirement (of the plan) that in order for Disaster Emergency Declaration signed by reimbursements have been obligated for Highway Patrol and American Red Cross. us to engage state assets, the county emer- Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Jan. 7, 2007. debris removal, emergency protective mea- The Guard and Highway Patrol were pri- gency manager has to call and tell us that The state team consists of staff from the sures, roads, buildings and equipment, util- marily involved in the face-to-face, search they have exhausted all their resources. It’s Kansas Division of Emergency ities and other costs. Costs are reimbursed and rescue operations. They also provided the same whether it’s Kansas City or a Management (KDEM) Public Assistance on a 75 percent federal/25 percent non-fed- electrical generators and operators to help small town.” Program, in the Kansas Adjutant General’s eral funds basis. The non-federal funds restore critical emergency power. The Red But most importantly, the winter storm Department. have historically been divided on a 10 per- Cross was doing the sustaining activities, demonstrated that the Kansas Response The joint teams (16 KDEM staff and 4 cent state/15 percent local basis. such as putting up shelters.” Plan works well for protecting and assist- FEMA staff) will be re-evaluating damages The State of Disaster Emergency signed Hay was quick to point out that those ing Kansans when disaster hits. to roads in approximately 15 counties to by the governor was for Public Assistance determine allocation of federal and state only, because damages did not meet the funds needed for restoring infrastructure eligibility requirements for the federal and mitigating future problems. Many Individual Assistance Program to reim- roads were inaccessible and inspection burse losses to individuals and businesses. teams could not completely assess dam- When a disaster strikes, preliminary ages when deployed in January through damage assessment teams visit the affected March of this year. areas to determine if there are enough “Rarely does a storm of this magnitude damages to meet eligibility guidelines. hit us,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the When a declaration is issued, FEMA estab- adjutant general. “The storm that struck lishes a Joint Field Office where applicants last December affected 40 percent of our may file their requests for reimbursement counties and covered the entire western of costs associated with the disaster. When half of the state. It was the most expensive requests are granted, projects are formulat- disaster we’ve ever had. In light of this, we ed and project worksheets written, after are sending out these assessment teams to which funds are allocated for the projects. get a fresh look at damages and make sure Sometimes, repair and mitigation projects every eligible cost is recorded.” will take several years before completion State agencies and volunteer organizations worked side by side in the State The estimated cost for the Public and closing of the project files. Currently, Emergency Operations - and in the field - in response to the winter storm that blan- Assistance Program is approximately $380 the state has open disaster files dating back keted much of western Kansas in December 2006. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) million. There were 241 eligible applicants to the winter storm of January 2002. April 2007 • Plains Guardian Page 23 Memorial Death March a grueling, rewarding experience Five members of Headquarters and Fortunately for the Soldiers, they were Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 127 supplied with some of the new, more com- Field Artillery, who recently returned from fortable modular rucksacks the Army pro- a deployment in Iraq, participated in the vides as opposed to the older style olive- annual 26.2 mile Bataan Memorial Death drab rucksacks. March held at White Sands Missile Range, “These were a select item issued to us to N.M., on March 25. This year marked the utilize for this event,” said 1st Lt. Steven 18th running of this event. Schneider. “I believe they greatly The event honors a select group of improved our overall performance.” World War II Soldiers, who were were The course was a grueling 26.2 mile responsible for the defense of the islands route beginning on post and traveling of Luzon and Corregidor and the harbor through some of most beautiful New defense forts of the Philippines. They Mexico desert and returning to the same fought in a malaria-infested environment, location. The team was required to wake surviving on half or fewer rations with lit- up early Sunday morning and be on post tle or no medical support, outdated equip- by around 4:30 a.m. Following the open- ment and no air support. ing ceremony, the team finally headed out On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of shortly after 6:45 a.m. American and Filipino Soldiers surren- The sun rising over the eastern horizon dered to Japanese forces. They were was a spectacular sight, with the thousands marched for days in the scorching heat of marchers stretching along the early few through the Philippine jungles. Thousands miles of the course. The course consisted died along the route; survivors faced the of pavement, dirt and sand trails and one hardships of prisoner-of-war camps. short stretch known as the “Sand Pit.” Approximately 4,000 marchers from The course took the Soldiers from an The 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery Bataan Memorial Death March team across the United States and several for- elevation of roughly 4,000 feet, up and endured heat, thirst and blisters as they took part in the 18th annual event that eign countries participate in this annual around the base of a local mountain to honors the approximately 75,000 Soldiers who were force-marched to a Japanese event sponsored by the Army ROTC about 8,000 feet and back down again to prisoner of war camp in 1942. (Photo provided) Department at New Mexico State post. Along the route were strategically would be disqualified. This motivated the would be so difficult, but so rewarding.” University. placed water points, roughly one every two team to come to each others aid when one The team crossed the finish line in a time This was the first year a unit from the miles, and medical aid stations. was struggling and support each other dur- of seven hours, 24 minutes and 24 seconds. State of Kansas had fully sponsored and “At every aid station you would see ing the entire course. The goal for the team Despite reaching their goal of under seven supported a group of Soldiers to compete Soldiers and civilians alike nursing was to place in the top two of their divi- and a half hours, the team missed second in the march. The Soldiers were provided hotspots, blisters and some dehydration sion, a rather daunting task given that four place by only 20 minutes to take a strong with orders for the event, transportation to cases,” said Sgt. Gabriel Bailey. “We would of the members had never competed in third place finish in their division. and from the event and even lodging and keep moving though, only stopping to grab anything like this. “It was an extremely valuable and meals were included in their weekend. Gatorade or water and some fruit. We had a The team remained motivated and worthwhile experience for these Soldiers. I “We were extremely grateful for all of deadline - seven hours and 30 minutes - and upbeat throughout the entire course. Not a am extremely proud of their accomplish- the support the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field we were determined to make it.” single member fell out and completed the ment and to have been able to introduce Artillery provided,” said Sgt. Ken Wilson. In the tradition of the Army, the team mission set by their team captain. them to such an important piece of mili- The group of five competed in the was required to complete the event as a “I have never been this fatigued before tary history. To have been given a glimpse National Guard Heavy Division, consisting team, leaving no one behind. If one mem- in my entire life,” said Spc. Jeffrey of what the real Soldiers of Bataan experi- of a minimum 35 pound rucksack. ber was unable to finish, the entire team Donaldson. “Who could imagine walking enced will last with them for a lifetime,” World War II land mine detonated by bomb squad By Stephen D. Larson tion about the mine was found in a 1953 At first, officials of the Museum of the Departments of the Army and Air Force Kansas National Guard weren’t quite sure manual purchased through the Internet. what it was. In fact, they didn’t even know They learned that the mine was a Type they had it. 93 anti-tank and anti-personnel mine from “It” was a World War II era Japanese land World War II. Jacobs said the device was mine, which the museum received in a col- X-rayed and appeared to have something lection of military records, weapons and inside, but “we had no way to be exactly memorabilia donated to the musuem by the sure what it was.” grandson of the original owner. Museum “There is a shadow there,” said Jacobs. staff discovered the mine when they began “Originally, these mines were filled with unpacking and cataloging the collection. picric acid in a compound form. This may After locking the device in a safe away be some residue of that or it could have from public areas, the museum staff hit the been filled with clay or something inert. books and the Internet. Either way we don’t know and we don’t “We started doing research on it to find want to take any chances.” out exactly what we had,” said retired Lt. Jacobs said that the mine had a safety cap Col. Doug Jacobs, command historian for in place and that, based on the X-ray, the the museum, located at Forbes Field, detonator appeared to have been removed. Topeka. Jacobs said that technical informa- On Thursday, April 12, Explosive

This World War II era Japanese land mine was discovered in a collection of mili- tary memorabilia donated to the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) Ordnance Officers from the Metropolitan sive material. Jacobs said he made the deci- Topeka Airport Authority’s Police sion to destroy the mine in the interest of Department picked up the mine to take it public safety. Placing one pound of explo- to a safe location in a bomb disposal truck. sives in the device, the mine was remotely The plan was to shoot the mine to deter- detonated with a deafening “boom,” vapor- mine if the mine was still active. By izing the mine and leaving a three foot shooting the device, they would create an crater. Jacobs and others searched the area, opening in it so the officers could look but no trace could be found of the mine. inside and determine its contents. Although disappointed at the loss of “Assuming it does not explode and is such a fine historic artifact, Jacobs said determined to be safe, we plan to recover that the device served as a reminder to the the pieces and put them on display in the public that old military ordnance from any museum,” said Jacobs. “It’s a great arti- era may pose a danger. fact. You usually don’t get something like “Anyone who has a land mine, shell or this in such good shape.” other military device or souvenir that As news media looked on, the mine was could be explosive in nature, should have shot by remote control. Nothing happened. it evaluated by an expert,” Jacobs said. “If Lt. Frank Rezac, Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Police and Fire Officer, However, by looking inside, the MTAA you have questions about the safety of placed the mine in a field not far from the Forbes Field runway. (Photo by Stephen officers determined that there was still some such a device, contact local law enforce- D. Larson) sort of residue that could possibly be explo- ment for guidance.” Page 24 Plains Guardian • April 2007 Heroic actions earn award Kansas Speedway presents race tickets to Kansas National Guard

Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting turns over two oversized tickets from the Kansas Speedway Col. Eric Peck, chief of the Joint Staff, Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas, to State Command Sgt. Maj. Steve Rodina. The tickets represent 2,500 tickets to the presents a Kansas Distinguished Service Award to Spc. Daniel Smith Jr. Smith April 28-29 racing events at the Speedway. (Photo by Stephen D. Larson) was honored for heroic efforts he took to save the life of an injured driver during By Sharon Watson tickets to the Kansas National Guard,” said a recent snow storm in northeast Kansas. At a Statehouse ceremony on April 4, Boerger. The injured man had been driving a sand dump truck that had flipped over Kansas National Guard members and their “The Kansas Speedway has been great on I-70 between Lawrence and Kansas City on Feb. 16, 2007. Smith ran across families were presented with 2,500 tickets for our state, creating jobs, attracting visi- heavy traffic in the snow to get to the truck and help the driver. Smith, a former to opening weekend races at the Kansas tors and now helping to show support for U.S. Army Medic, administered first aid and stayed with the driver until an Speedway by Speedway President Jeff the citizen Soldiers of Kansas,” said Gov. ambulance arrived. Boerger and Kansas Governor Kathleen Kathleen Sebelius. “These tickets are just a Smith works full time with the Kansas National Guard in the Recruiting and Sebelius. small token of the appreciation we have Retention Detachment in Topeka and also serves with the 35th Military Police in “I’m thrilled we’re able to present these for the Guard’s service to our state.” Topeka. Heartland Park, AT&T to sponsor Governor expands Commission Armed Forces Day Celebration Gov. Kathleen Sebelius held a ceremoni- The number of commission members By Sharon Watson including police, fire and EMTs, will also al bill signing March 26 for legislation The appointed by the Governor is also expand- To show appreciation to everyone serv- have equipment displays. Adjutant General’s Department has been ed from seven members to 18 members. ing in the military, Heartland Park, AT&T “It’s a great opportunity for family and working on which expands the The additional appointed members will and The Topeka Capital-Journal will spon- friends of military members to experience Commission on Emergency Planning and include one representative each from coun- sor the third annual Armed Forces Day some of the sights and sounds common to Response to a 27 member commission. ties, cities, agriculture, transportation, May 19 in Topeka. It runs from 2 p.m. to military duty,” said Maj. Gen. Tod The commission makes decisions regard- energy, law enforcement, fire fighters, 10 p.m. and admission is free. Bunting, Kansas Adjutant General. ing state preparations for different types of county emergency managers, emergency The event was a tremendous success the In addition to military displays, there emergencies. By including more experts in medical services, public works, hospitals, past two years. The Kansas National Guard will be music, fireworks, a hot rod and the discussions, it will allow for a better public health, tribes of Kansas, individuals will have equipment displays and a UH-60 humvees car show, and a swing dance. planned response by the state. with disabilities and one representative of Blackhawk flyover. The Fort Riley and Parking is available through Gate E. New members include representatives the seven regional homeland security Kansas National Guard Mounted Color On May 28, Heartland Pak will also from a variety of fields, including law councils. Guard will be on hand along with the 35th sponsor Armed Forces Memorial Dirt enforcement, transportation, agriculture, ani- Current law stipulates that three members Infantry Division Band. Active duty military Track Special. For information on both mal health, health care, public health, and represent business and industry, and this bill will also be represented including displays events, go to www.hpt.com or call 800-43- local government. The leaders of the Kansas now requires that one of these individuals by the U.S. Marine Corp. First responders, RACES. Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Department represent broadcasting. Finally, counties of Agriculture and Kansas Animal Health and cities, which each previously had two Department become members of the com- representatives on the commission, are now mission as a result of this bill. represented by one person each. PAID PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Permit No. 1 Augusta, Kansas

Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed a bill on March 26 expanding the Commission on Emergency Planning and Response. Left to right: Michele Bolton, Randi Stahl Blvd. 2800 Topeka OFFICIAL BUSINESS

and Deputy Director Bill Chornyak, Kansas Division of Emergency Management; Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300

Anthony Fadale, Kansas Department of Administration; Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, DEPARTMENTARMY OF THE the adjutant general; John Prather, vice president, Groendyke Transportation; NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS Governor Sebelius, Randy Duncan, Sedgwick County Emergency Manager; Mindee

Reece, Kansas Departmentof Health and Environment; Jack Taylor, City of DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE Emporia; Mark Krentz, Kansas Department of Transportation; and Randy Mettner, The Adjutant General’s Department. (Photo provided)