Louisiana Guardsman

Published in tlu- intfrt'sl of the Louisiana National (iuard 2nd Quarter

' Plwio bv John Sullivan - - In this issue: MG Stroud: the Youth Challenge State changes-of- Operation New Guard, its future graduate excels command Horizons - Belize page 3 page 5 page 10-11 pages 14-15 Page 2 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence

News in Brief- LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN Air Force searching for ROTC commissioned officers "VOLS Air Force ROTC" at the The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is searching for all officers who NEWSPAPER received their commissions through AFROTC Detachment 800. Contact: Ms. Gorman, AFROTC Detachment 800, 215 Stokely Athletic Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-3120; phone: (423) 974-3041; The Adjutant General or e-mail: [email protected]". La. Army and Air Guard Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Stroud, Jr.

Special travel rates Chief of SUifT (Army) Carlson Wagonlil Travel offers federal retired and active duly personnel special deals Col. William R. Hilhorn Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and several cruise lines are now offering special military/government cruise rates to retired and active duty personnel. it) Commander (Air) Col. Harry Trosclair These special cruise rates called "FedSavers" will save you up to 60% off regular brochure rates and are significantly lower than general public discounted rates. Rates begin from $199 for three day Bahamas, $429 for Public Affairs Officer 7 day Caribbean/Mexico and $899 for Alaska sailing. They have also offered several last minute specials like Maj. Maria LoVasco $399 for a 7 day Caribbean, $749 for a Transcanal and $699 for Alaska sailing. "What's great is that these military/government special rates are good for retired and active federal employ- Public Affairs NCO MSG John Sullivan ees," said Vickie Standifer. Branch Manager of USP&FO. "It is also offered on some of the best cruise lines known for their entertainment and food like Commodore, which sails from New Orleans, Norwegian, The Big This newspaper is an authorized Red Boat, and Royal Caribbean" said Vickie. iblication for members of the Loui- Another added benefit of booking your travel with Carlson Wagonlit is that a large part of your money goes siana Army and Air National Guard. to support USP&FO/Louisiana Morale, Welfare and Recreation Centers. Contents of the Louisiana Guardsman You can reach your USP&FO, Carlson Wagonlit leisure travel agent located at Jackson Barracks, 6400 St. are not necessarily the official views Claude Ave., Area A, Building 39 or by calling (504) 278-8409. of. or endorsed by, the U.S. Govern- ment. Department of Defense, De- partment of the Army, or the Louisi- AGR Enlisted Inequity Fix ana National Guard. Included in the 1997 Defense Authorization Bill Conference Report is a provision that would fix a Original articles pertaining to longstanding inequity between officer and enlisted personnel. Title VI, Section 634 retirement of Reserve en- Louisiana National Guard units or in- listed members who qualify for active duty retirement after administrative reductions in enlisted grade would dividuals that would be of interest to allow a Reserve enlisted member who qualifies for active duty retirement and who is reduced in grade for the Guard community may be sub- mitted to Louisiana National Guard, reasons other than misconduct to retire at the highest enlisted grade held. iblic Affairs Office. Jackson Bar- Current law permits officers to receive retired pay based upon the highest grade held on active duty, but :ks. New Orleans, LA 70146-0330. requires enlisted members to wait until completion of 30 years of service to do likewise. This provision would allow enlisted personnel to also receive retired pay based upon the highest grade held at time of retirement. 1st Det., 102nd Although the Confreence Report is still awaiting Senate action, it doesn't appear to be at risk of not being Public Affairs approved by full Senate. The real test, however, will be the threat of a Presidential veto. Detachment

Guardsman named superintendent Commander Chief Warrant Officer 3 Louis L. Joseph, Unit Personnel technician for the 205th Engineer Battalion, was CPT Patrick Simon appointed as the assistant superintendent of the Tangipahoa Parish Schools. The school board announced his First Sergeant appointment on October 22nd, 1996. Joseph replaces Bette Laird, who retired in December after 36 years. SSG Paul J. SyJvest He has been an employee of the Tangipahoa school system for 24 years. He will supervise staff develop- Community Relations ment, the Title I Program, the Safe and Drug Free Schools Program, and Section 504, 2LT Jason Lett Joseph enlisted on November 13, 1976. He has served in various capacities within the 205th Engineer Battalion. His service includes a tour of duty with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Republic of Vietnam. Newspaper Staff Editor VA reaches out to women SSG Kristine Bacharach More than 400,000 women veterans will receive letters from the Department of Veterans Affairs about VA Photojournalism programs specifically designed to meet their needs, including sexual trauma counseling. SGT Karen E. Leger Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown said, "Some women veterans who are the victims of sexual assault SPC Rochelle Touchard have come to VA for counseling and treatment, but we know there are many more who are reluctant to come forward for help - a common reaction to sexual trauma. I want women veterans to know there is help available. Broadcast Journalists VA staff can help them cope with the long-lasting effects of sexual trauma and improve the quality of their lives." ILTGlenTortorich Legislation signed in 1992 authorized VA to provide counseling to eligible women veterans to overcome SGT Darin Mann psychological trauma resulting from sexual assault, battery or harrassment while on active duty. Since that time, SPC Robert Whitaker VA has treated more than 15,000 women in its Vet Centers and medical centers. Women veterans seeking information about education, claims or benefits can call the national toll-free number at, 1-800-827-1000. For infomation about medical care please contact Marlene Kramel at 1-800-375-8387, exten- sion 2729. Chief of Staff Hotline -800-233-6796 Do You Know? On the cover.. How many miles long is Tegucigalpa is th capital State Family Honor guard presents the the "Chunnel" «the and largest city in what Assistance colors during a change of tunnel under the English country? command ceremony at the Channel between England Office 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry and France, completed in -800-541-5860 in Abbeville. 1994? LOUISIANA <;i ARDSMAN In Search of Excellence Page 3 General comments Stroud looks at the future and beyond.

The following question-and- Korea. And, then there's China. So, answer session with Maj. Gen. Ansel to say there is no potential threat, I M. Stroud Jr., was conducted in his believe is misleading. And we are office during a recent drill weekend. seeing a downsizing in the Army, Air During the interview. Stroud dis- Force and Navy and to some degree, cussed a variety of issues he saw as in the Marines as well. This could critical to the Louisiana National all equate to more deployments for Guard as it prepares to enter the 21 st the Reserve Components. century. I believe it is up to the Ameri- Q. As we approach the end of can people to fully support both the the century, what are the concerns regular and reserve forces. I believe you have about the Louisiana Na- that the American people will con- tional Guard? tinue to support the military. A. I'm not so much concerned Q. How does active duty offic- with the next century as I am about ers taking command of National this year and the next year and three Guard units fit into this? years away. Adequate funding is the A. I don't really see this play- issue that 1 see affecting the National ing into this equation. We were the Guard. Without proper funding, sol- pilot state for this program and 1 be- diers can't go to schools. That af- lieve it is a win-win situation. We fects their promotions and that be- get the experience of a full-time of- gins to have an effect on retention ficer who gets to understand the and unit readiness. National Guard a little better. My primary goal has been to It was never the intent in this ensure adequate funding for all program for Active Component of- units, not just the enhanced brigade, ficers to invade or take over the but for all the units. All these sol- National Guard. diers took the same oath, and they In the 50,(XX) members of the deserve the same opportunities. National Guard Association, there Funding is critical to provide the have only been 16 letters in opposi- soldiers with the best possible train- tion to this program, so I believe it In other words, make every minute never be a computer that can replace ing possible. is being met with acceptance. count. an NCO. Q. The Associated Press has Q. Do you see the concept of 1 am not concerned about An- Q. What role do you see the released an article detailing the the Enhanced Brigade being car- nual Training. The Louisiana Na- Army Performance Improvement 1998 budget by the Clinton admin- ried forward, and do you think this tional Guard always does very good Criteria playing in preparing the in- istration. Under thai budget, the is a positive direction for National during Annual Training. I see us ha\g todividual train harde soldierr wit forh les battle?s during Guard is facing some serious fund- Guard combat brigades? A. A very important role for the ing cuts. A. It is a very positive direc- weekend drills. It may mean, as I future. It's a way for us to improve A. Yes. The budget proposal tion. I think it is very important for said, relying on simulations or more the quality of leadership.on all lev- cuts almost $740 million from the the Enhanced Brigades to have a re- actual hands-on training. Overall, els. We have great officers and NCOs operating budget of the National lationship with an Active Duty corps though, we will have to train harder and this is a way of continuing that Guard. This brings funding to a 1995 or division, though. That warfighter- during weekends with less. It is u tradition and making sure that we level. This cuts funding across the to-warflghter relationship is critical very big challenge, but it's one I keep that level of professionalism as board. It cuts everything from main- for this program to reach its full po- think we can handle. high as we have it now. It's a cost- tenance to flight time for aviators. tential. The number of Enhanced Q. What will training be like effective program. As you know, when you start delay- Brigades may be changing, so the in the 21st century? Q. What does the future look ing or prolonging maintenance, then ones that are left. I believe, must A. I'm not a real futurist. I'm like for the Louisiana National you have a problem. have contact with an Active Duly looking at one-three years away. I Guard? We have to make sure that the corps or division so their level of think things are changing, but here A. I see great opportunities tor young man or woman who gets sent training can remain constant. It's a in Louisiana and across the nation (he Louisiana National Guard in the out from the Louisiana National very important program, and I think there is u large move from the inner future. The Louisiana National Guard to the next conflict has re- it will become even more important cities to the outlying regions. 1 think Guard has always been an instru- ceive the best training possible. in planning for future conflicts as the this will reflect a change in the tradi- ment of change in the state. The They made a commitment to this downsizing of the regular forces tional way the National Guard relates National Guard has been a constant nation, and the nation owes it to continues. to the community. bright star for this state and that's them to provide the funding to en- Q. How do you see decreased This may require us to look at because ot the g(x>d people we have sure they are as trained as they can resourcing as impacting the readi- the traditional role of the armories in uniform. be. ness of the Louisiana National in the community. Arc they in the One big thing I think^ve should Q. As the role of the military Guard and what can be done to right location? Are they in the best focus on for the future is illegal changes, was evidenced by such op- minimize this impact? location? drugs. There are 13.(KX) members of erations as peacekeeping missions A. It's a reality that we have to We will have to think about the Louisiana National Guard and if to Bosnia and Haiti, do you see the face. There will be less funding and what we can do to better serve our everyone of them makes a stand traditional role of the National that means we in the Louisiana Na- soldiers, the state, the nation and our against drugs, think of the impact it Guard changing? tional Guard will have to better uti- communities.The battlefield of the could have. I'm not talking about A. I think the role of the mili- lize our time at drill. We will have future. Yes. it will be more hi-tech. drug busts or things like that, but to tary is changing. The role of the to rely on simulations more for train- It will involve more computers and make a public stand against illegal National Guard is also changing, but ing purposes and it may see us us- more reliance on those types of drugs. to what extent. I don't know. There ing M-Day soldiers to do a lot of items, but it will still come down to Our future is bright and it is that are some who say that there is no things that full-time guardsmen use the soldier. And we will have to way because of the men and women threat out there now. But we know to do. That could mean administra- make sure that the soldiers are gel- we have in the Louisiana National that there is the potential in the Mid tive work or maintenance. We will ting the best training possible. Guard. We have a good force and a East with Iran and Iraq, with North have to have quality training time. And, you know what, there will gotxi future. Pajje 4 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence Bang, bang La. combat shooters compete in Arkansas training. "I'm thinking about trying to the best in his company achieving ex- By Bernard E. DeUsle Combat training and combat shoot rifle next year, just to get a pert with a pistol with a score of 286 Arkansas Air Motional Guard firing are receiving even greater change-up." Chester, a fulltime stu- out of 300. Graves then competed at emphasis now that the active forces dent and a locksmith in Baton battalion level and was picked along Some of the best shooters in are relying more heavily on the Rouge, says he likes the competi- with five others to compete nation- the world, including those from the readiness of the reserve compo- tion environment and encourages ally. When all is said and done. Louisiana National Guard, came to nents. everyone to try and get on a marks- Graves and his teammates will have Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Spec. Micah M. Marchand of manship team. gained lots of valuable experience Little Rock. Arkansas during Octo- Company C, 769th Eng. Bin., took "It's good experience and a lot and have much to talk about as they ber. The 25th annual Winston P. second place in Novice Class in the of fun, too." His teammate. Spec. reflect on their experiences at WPW. Wilson Championships and the aggregate Combat Rifle Individual Jeffrey W. Graves is also a first time "There's a lot of experience sixth annual Armed Forces Skill at here and I'm sure I'm going to learn a lot of marksmanship skills and learn a little bit more about how the Guard op- erates, how things work and hopefully, I can take some of the skills I learn here back to my company and teach some of the other guys to better their marksmanship skills," Graves said. A four year veteran of the Loui- siana National Guard. Graves works as an off- shore wireline op- erator in Houma. Sgt. 1st Class RoyJ.Brasseaux.il was a combat pistol shooter from HHC. 2/156th Infantry from Abbeville. The 19-year veteran works as a AGR sol- dier and is his Sgt. 1st Class Roy J. Brasseaux gets into position for the first pop-up target druing a combat pistol assault match. battalion's supply sergeant. Brasseaux said • Arms Meeting began Monday. Oct. Championship, Match 325. His competitive shooter in a national this was his first year to shoot com- 14. The WPW concluded on Oct. score was 694 with 24V. championship event. "I've been in- petitively in the military, "We're all 18 and the AFSAM concluded on He also won second place in terested in shooting for a long time," a new team." He said he really fa- the 20th. Novice in the Match 304 Long he said. vors shooting rifles, but the rifle A total of 718 rifle and pistol Range match. Marchand tallied a Graves, who is assigned as the team was already selected so pistol marksmen, snipers and machine total of 72 with 3V and took third driver of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, was his next choice. gunners represented National in Novice in Match 303, the run said that his job gave him the "op- Brasseaux especially enjoyed Guard units from 48 states, the Vir- down match. Marchand fired a 122 portunity to carry the 9mm and to the Combat Pistol Match 205 course gin Islands and Puerto Rico in the with 7V in Match 303. qualify with it." Ever since then of fire. "It's very exciting, gets you \VP\ matches. Alongside them Cpl. Shawn C. Chester, compet- he's been doing real well with it. pumped up. (The course] kept you were approximately 275 rifle and on your toes, constantly scanning. It pistol shooters from eight foreign really gets your skills going, gets the countries, the U.S. Army Reserve, "Over seventy-five percent of our com- heart pumping and I think everyone the U.S. Marine Corps, and the Na- pany has qualified as expert..." should get a chance to experience it tional Guard Combat Team, com- at some point." he said. peting in the AFSAM. The Wilson Brasseaux said the Louisiana matches were named in honor of ing at his first WPW as a pistol According to Graves his unit places Guard team has received good sup- Major General Winston P. Wilson, shooter said, "I know my marks- a lot of emphasis on marksmanship. port. 'The state has been very help- former chief of the National Guard manship will improve. There's a lot "Over seventy-five percent of ful to us in providing the ammo, so Bureau. He was a member of the of competition, so I think you do our company has qualified as expert we've had a lot of the assets, also Arkansas Air National Guard. belter when you're shooting against with either rifle or 9-mm weapons. using the ranges at Camp The major focus of both events people that are on this level." I almost didn't come because it was Beauregard. so we've had as close is battle focused combat "move and Although Chester shot as a pis- pretty close between me and a to this (competition] as we could get shoot" courses of fire. The courses tol competitor this year, he said he couple of other guys to come on the with our facilities." have continued to evolve over may try something else next time. team." But Graves ended up firing Iheyears to reflect more realistic 1,01 ISIANUil \RDS\1\ In Search of Excellence Pane 5 Youth Challenge graduate named Soldier of The Year

By Maria I. administrative specialist. She State Public Affairs Officer wanted to remain at Camp Beauregard where she had attended There's a show on CBS that YCP. hut more important, she deals with a man who receives the wanted to stay far from New Or- newspaper a day early and how he leans and the circumstances that uscv the information to change overwhelmed her in the first place. people's lives. Camp Beauregard is her new And it was a newspaper article home. She works full-time as an that changed Christina Martindale's administrative technician at Post life in 1994. Headquarters and she lives on post. Problems at home in New Or- In return, she continues to stay in- leans had caused school to become volved with the Youth Challenge overwhelming. She dropped out and Program. spent the next two months figuring "I get introduced to the cadets that her destiny would be that of as sort of a role model." she said. most high-school drop-outs - "I'm only 19...close to their age. bleak. They see me. They see I'm not Until an article in the newspa- much older. And they see that they per on the Louisiana National can change." Pvt. 1st Class Christina Martindale. a graduate of the l^tuisiana National Guard's Youth Challenge Program Further impressing the young guard's Youth Challenge Program — a high-school drop-out G.E.D. (YCP) caught her eye. cadets is the military uniform that course — was recently named the Soldier of the Year for the iMuisiana That was in 1994. she wears - the same uniform as the Army Motional Guard. She will compete in the 5th Army soldier and It's 1997 and Pvt. 1st Class YCP cadre. NCO of the Year Board this spring. Martindale was just selected as the Martindale feels her experi- Louisiana National Guard's Soldier ence in the YCP gave her an advan- The Louisiana National Guard with her long term goal - to earn of the Year. In March she'll go be- tage in basic training over her fel- board, she discovered, was different. a degree in anthropology. fore the 5th Army Soldier of the Year low recruits. While the boards she faced at basic "I didn't even think about board. Beyond that she sees a col- "Most people were scared, but and AIT concentrated on appear- going to college 'til I was in the lege degree and a 20-year career in I'd become used to being screamed ance, the guard board looked at ev- Youth Challenge Program." she the Guard. at and waking up early." she said. erything. said. "That was the first time I fell Martindale tricked destiny, and "Besides. I knew that nothing they "It was much harder," she said. that I didn't have to live out (he now she's helping other YCP cadets did was going to hurt me. It was all "They don't specify what you'll be life that seemed destined for me." pull the same acl. done for me - to improve me." asked. She plans to put 20 years in "The Youth Challenge Program It was in basic training and They give you a big book and the National Guard. She hopes to taught me how to be independent Advanced Individual Training that say 'study it.' They asked about get an AGR job. but will become and not rely on others," Martindale she became familiar with the pro- leadership, current events and the an anthropologist if that doesn't said. "It taught me leadership skills. cess of going before a board. chain of command." happen. And it showed me that no matter "In basic I competed for the When Martindale saw her com- Martindale understands that how difficult the past was - the fu- Soldier of the Cycle." she said. "But petition, she didn't believe she had she represents hope to those YCP ture didn't have to be the same way." I only had five minutes notice, so I a chance. They appeared to have cadets striving to follow in her After graduating from the was pretty ate up. more experience and knowledge footsteps. She now also serves as Youth Challenge Program and earn- In AIT I was up for Soldier of than her. So when she found out she a role model for other junior en- ing her G.E.D. Martindale returned the Week." was selected as the Louisiana Na- listed soldiers hoping for a suc- to serve as a mentor for other YCP Although Martindale got nei- tional Guard Soldier of the Year her cessful military career. cadets. It was during this period that ther of those honors, the experience first reaction was disbelief. But ultimately she represents she joined the Louisiana National helped her calm any tears she had "In the back of my mind I kept the triumph of the human spirit Guard. about going before a board. thinking they'd call and say. 'Sorry and the endless possibilities of "I joined the Guard because the "My first sergeant. Joseph Private. We made a mistake'." she what the future can hold. people who helped me were guards- Cole, told me about the Louisiana said. "When you've seen so much men." she said. "They had a great National Guard Soldier of the Year Now that she's going up before trouble in your life a little bit of influence on me. and I wanted to be competition and gave me an option the 5th Army Soldier of the Year sunshine makes you change a lot." like (hem." whether to compete or not." she board she'll be spending a lot more she said. She joined the 225th Engineer said. "I saw it as a challenge - like of her time studying. But the study- Group at Camp Beauregard as an taking a test." ing will work toward helping her Cynthia's got the blues, and rhythm, too By Suzanne Chaillot young age when she was exposed radio. "I would say my greatest in- 159th FW/PA to a variety of music from Thomas' fluences were Aretha Franklin and She appears like any other Air third cousin, the famous blues art- Anita Baker." Thomas said. "I can't National Guardsman, standing ist, Bobby Blue Bland to her mater really say I have a favorite style of proud in her dress blues. What few nal grandfather who used to travel singing because I love all kinds of fellow guardsmen reali/e is that she the river roads of Point Coupee Par- music." also sings the blues. ish playing the blues. "My mother Her big break came when New And sing them she does. told me my grandfather used to play Orleans gospel artist. Davell On the brink of her first CD the blues guitar with his teeth." she Crawford asked Thomas to open for release. Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Bland said with a smile. his Gospel Ensemble during their Thomas, a graphic specialist with She explained how her singing 1993 Italian tour It didn't take long the 159th Combat Communications came as natural as breathing. She for the European audience to real- i/e the power in her voice. For the Tech. Sgt. Cynthia Hland Thomas' Flight, is reali/ing the international would sing every Sunday in church first CO, "Cynthia Hland and the appeal of her soulful voice. and would find herself singing see Cynthia, page 18 Hlueframe, I wonder" is released. Her singing career started at a along with the modern music on the Page 6 LOlISIANAGl AKDSMAN //; Search of Excellence Engine shop recognized for superior performance Submitted by work and unwaivering dedication to discrepancy surfaced which man- sion section took every adversity in 159th FW/PA duty. dated 14 installed aircraft engines to stride and proved they were profes- Twenty airmen from the 159th Prior to the Operation Readi- be grounded. The 3(X) cycle inspec- sionals in every sense of the word. Maintenace Squadron Propulsion ness Exercise, last minute engine tion required the engines to be re- "The members of the engine Section were awarded the 159th changes were required because of moved from the aircraft, disas- shop have continually risen to the Fighter Wing Coin of Excellence by time changes. sembled and inspected, reas- challenges put to them and ex- Lt. Col. Brod Veillon, Logistics Then several days before Phase sembled, run through the hush house celled," said Senior Master Sgl. Group Commander. II of the Operational Readiness In- and undergo a final inspection be- Charles C. Helmer. component re- They were awarded for supe- spection, another situation occured fore reinstallation. pair superintendent. rior performance in the completion which required a last minute push This monumental tasking was "They continually maintained of several monumental taskings to change out five engines. accomplished in record time. an accelerated work level with no which required unprecedented team- In January, an engine tracking Every member of the propul- complaints."

Engine shop personnel are MSG. Scott Calcagno, MSG. Janet McChord, MSG. Lance ttunge, Tech. Sgt. Bobby Hargis, Tech. Sgt. Jackson Ruffin, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Wilgus, Staff Sgt. Marcus Day, Staff Sgt. Charles Slocum, Senior Airman Ignacio Assaf, Staff Sgt. Charles Culpepper, MSG Rene Aubert, MSG Timmy Hotard, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Holifield, Tech Sgt. I .eon Cary, Tech. Sgt. Tyron Colin, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hlanchard, Staff Sgt. William McLean, Staff Sgt. Chad Hates, Senior Airman Michael Dupre and Tech. Sgt. Steve Sancho. The shop received a prestigious award for showing teamwork and excellence in achieving their missions.

Soldier honored for work with children Hy Satnaniha Theriot unteer was the stepping stone which As president and founder of Worth 159th FW/PA led Sanders to the development of Operation Pave. Sanders said. "The Operation Pave. most important thing is for these Repeating On May 14, 1996, Tech. Sgt. "The main reason I founded children to achieve sell esteem. 1 Michael C. Sanders was presented Operation Pave was because I got feel that children need to have val- the Military/Citizen Award for the tired of seeing children going ues to fulfill their dream." "Examine what is said, not Reserve Military Personnel by New through the juvenile system and end- who speaks." Orleans Chamber of Commerce and ing up in court." Sanders said. —Artih I'nwrb City of New Orleans for his out- Operation Pave is a non-profit standing community service. organisation with a goal to provide "Integrity without knowledge The Military/Citi/en Award is mentors and counseling to troubled ix weak and useless; and presented to one active duty military and at-risk youth in the community. knowledge without integrity person and one reserve military per- Also. Operation Pave works w ith lo- is dangerous and fearful." son in the New Orelans area. cal schools to establish mentoring --Sttnnu'l Johnson Sanders, a full-time employee programs where none exist. (1709-1784) with the 159th Fighter Wing, has Each mentor is required to at- English writer been active in the community since tend a mentor orientation training 1992 when he became a Court Ap- session where they are screened and "Progress is not an accident* pointed Special Advocate volunteer get the opportunity to hear encour- but a necessity." with Jefferson Parish Juvenile Ser- aging testimonials from other men- "Herln-n Spencer vices. tors who are helping these children II82Q-19Q3) English philosopher As a CASA volunteer he spent fulfill their dreams. several hours a week helping chil- "Operation Pave relies on vol- Tech. Sgt. Michael C. Sanders dren with homework, taking them to unteers from the community who the library, or taking them to the zoo. have a strong commitment to help Most importantly Sanders was there out the children. I want all these for the children. children to achieve positive values." Participating as a CASA vol- Sanders said. 1.01 IM\N\(.( \KMS\l\ Search of Excellence FORSCOM commander visits National Guard unit

By Gregory Player brief of a tank crew about to roll Public Affairs Officer down-range for its gunner)' qualifi- 256th Infantry Brigade cation. Each crew is thoroughly briefed about its mission, possible FORT POLK, La. - Gen. David enemy activity, avenues of approach A. Bramlett. commander. U. S. and suspected enemy locations. Army Forces Command Crew members receive this (FORSCOM) visited the Louisiana briefing during their "rock drill," a Guardsman promoted to Brigade during the July Annual rehearsal done on a sand-table min- Training cycle a( Fort Polk. Louisi- iature representation of the terrain. ana. The 256th Infantry Brigade This allows the tank commander the Brigadier General (Mechani/ed) was the first National opportunity to uurgame his actions .\etle. La. -- Bennei1 dier. Commissioned through -the Guard unit Gen. Bramlett had \is- during contact with the enemy. .amlreneau. son «>l Mr. and Mrs., OHicer Candidate School on Feb. ited. "I am \ery impressed with the iiidley Landreneau of Mainou. 15. 1971. he went on to serve in a "We are honored to have Gen- level of training and the great mo- ,as promoted (o Brigadier ( \ariet> of engineer assignments in eral Bramlett visit us," said Col. (P) rale I see in the units." said Bramlett. era! in the Louisiana Anm the Louisiana Army National Bennett C. Landreneau. the 25ftih "It is hard enough to study the tional Guard during a ceremon\d Guardat For. t Polk, i commander. "Gen. Bramlett asked an of being a soldier full-time, but During February through the National Guard Bureau v, h.it u as the Guard must work even harder to Landreneau is currentl) the com- IWL while commanding the best unit for him to see and they keep up the same level of expertise. mander of the 256th Inlantn, Bri- the 527th Fnuineer Battalion. told him the 256th. We are the best I have a great deal of respect for the gade, a Louisiana Anm National Landreneau participated inOp< in the Guard and are excited to be M-Day soldier." (uard unit with its Headquarters lion Desert Storm in both Saudi the first Guard unit he will visit." Gen. Bramlett was accompa- Lafayene, Arabia and Kuwait. Gen. Bramlell arrived at the Al- nied by Maj- Gen. Frank Cutalano. The Bi: ,th more than Landreneau graduated from exandria International Airport and dcput) commander for reserve com- (MM) soldiers, has units located Vidrme High School in 1965. He flew to Fort Polk by helicopter. He ponents, and Brig. Gen. Edmund throughout the stale and is the only i \d a Baehelor (H Sc iencc de received an initial briefing by mem- Giering III. deputy commander. State combat brigade in Louisiana. >nom> from the ' bers of the brigade staff concerning Area Command. Il is also the lai -mal \ersit\f Southwestern Louisiana training and the operational readi- Gen. Bramletl assumed com- Guard unit in the state and was in Lafayette. ness of the brigade. He then toured mand of FORSCOM July I. 1996. mohili/ed for Operation 1) He worked as Assistant State various units in the Brigade. He arrived at Fort McPherson, Ga., itorm. It is currenll\e of 15 ('onser\ationisi. Department of During his tour of the 1st Bat- after serving as deputy commander- enhanced readin in icullure. Natural Reson talion, 156th Armor and the Fort in-chief and chief of staff. US Pa- aid. • alum SCIAKC. He now Polk Multi-Purpose Range Com- cific Command, Camp H. M. Smith. L.tndiei -?m works full-time as ih plex. Gen. Bramlett sat in on the pre- Hawaii. •r in 1970 as an enlisted sol- sistant to the Adjutant General.

Fuel the force... Page 8 Lot isi\N\(ii \KDS\I\ In Search of Excellence Farewell and hail to the Chiefs

Col. Paul I). Alford retired from the iMitisiana Army \ational (iitard in December, 1996 after serving six years as the Chief of Staff. Prior to this he worked in the State Aviation Office since 1971, culminating in his assignment as the State Aviation Officer. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and saw action in Vietnam, before joining the Isntisiana National Ciitard. i pon his retirment Alford received the legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious sen'ice from January 1987 to December 1996. He also received a second Isousiana Distinguished Ser\'ice Medal for the period September 1991 to December 1996. The medals were presented in a low-key setting during a monthly stuff meeting. Alford had to be talked into having an informal retirement party for the benefit of the many people whose lives he had touched and who wanted to honor him with gifts and remembrances. Alford retires to his farm in Mount Hermon. The new Chief of Staff is Col. William Randy Hifbnrn. Hilborn brings with him a rich store of experience earned in several positions he has held, among them: Commander, 61st Troop Command; Commander, 204th Area Support (iroup; Director of Surface Maintenance; Facility Manager, Camp Heauregard, and Commander, 769th Engineer Battalion. In his new position he will oversee and coordinate the efforts of a multi-faceted staff of directorates and special staff officers. Hilborn is a native of West Monroe. 527th Engineer projects on a roll 122nd Weather Flight moves to Hammond A groundbreaking ceremon) longing to both units to work well took place in July lor the new 1.3 By Kristi Moon Graves together. The strong Air Guard million dollar facility thai is part 159th FW/PA presence in the Hammond area will of the 4.2 million dollar construc- also be reinforced. tion project for the 527th Engineer As the fall season approaches, With the move comes a change Battalion's Ruston location. so do many changes for the Louisi- in the 122nd's customer, but not the The new building will be ana Air National Guard's 122nd mission. The mission has always an organizational maintenance Weather Flight. been to provide complete meteoro- shop which will be used for re- The unit moved from its cur- pairing vehicles, said Maj. Ronnie rent home at the New Orelans Na- logical support on a worldwide ba- sis. The new customer will be the Stuckey. The OMS facility, which val Air Station to the Hammond Air- La. Army Guard's 256th Infantry is 13,000 square-feet, is being port in November. Brigadier Gen- Brigade (Mechani/ed). The 122nd funded 100 percent by the federal eral Ken Ross, chief of staff for the government."It's a worthwhile in- La. Air Guard, said that the airport will provide the Brigade with fore- casts that affect close air support. vestment of our ta\" said is an ideal location for this unit and target acquisition, weapon systems. cause of the location. The benefits Sen. Randy Ewing who was on emphasi/ed that the Hammond area state of terrain, troop comfort and in the long run will Include in- hand for the ceremony. has always provided outstanding heal stress creased flexibility and accessibil- Construction has already support to the Guard, ity." Tech. Sgt. Paul Lobre said of begun on the 2.9 million dollar ar- The 16-person flight is now co- Since 1981. the 122nd Weather Flight has supported an Army mis- his unit's changes. mory which is being funded 75 located with the 236th Combat sion. Until now, the unit supported Ross also said the new Air percent by federal money and 25 Communications Squadron and con- Force Space Command mission will percent state funds. The armory, ducts training at the airport on a the Alabama Army National Guard's 31 Separate Armored Bri- be established in Hammond in the which is 32.000 square feet, will regular basis. near future. This new mission and house the headquarters of the 527 Capi. Stephen C. Trauth. the gade. The unit's airmen live with Army soldiers, train with them and unit is being programmed by the De- the Engineer Battalion, as \\ell as 122nd flight commander, said, "The partment of Defense and will be the the Headquarters Support Com- 236th has a real family oriented at- do everything the Army requires of its soldiers. first Air National Guard unit in the pany and Company B. Scheduled mosphere" and that he is looking "It'll be great to support a La. nation focusing in new ultra-high tech completion dale should be mid- forward to working closely with space communications. September them. He expects the combination unit because we'll be able to inter- face with them more, simply be- The projected completion of communication equipment he- date on the OMS simp is next July. 1.01 ISI\N\<;t \KDSM\ In Search of Excellence Page 9

&o A ^^^ . oS—^- For our Families

Family support shines for top brass By John Sullivan going. Mrs. Bramletl said family Public Affairs NCO Led by Maj. Donna Lajoie. with the Office of Family Services Mrs. Bramlett and Mrs. support is something that is now be- Family support isn't just acute at Jackson Barracks, the volunteers Catalano also heard how family sup- ing addressed on a command'level. phrase for two women who visited ga\ a briefing to Mrs. Bramlett and port volunteers helped the family of 'There is a lot of interest and Jackson Barracks recently. Mrs. Catalano about the successes a soldier missing from the Primary concern about family support." Mrs. For Mrs. Judi Bramlett, wife of and the problems they have encoun- Leadership Development Course at Bramletl said. "You see it in the way four-star Gen. David Bramlett, tered. Camp Beauregard. the military is looking after its sol- FORSCOM Commander, and Mrs. "Our success lies in our vol- The soldier, a member of the diers now. Marilyn Catalano. wife of Maj. Gen. unteers." Lajoie said. "Without Oklahoma National Guard, was re- "Like the saying, "We re- Frank Catalano. Deputy FORSCOM them there wouldn't be a family ported missing after tailing to finish cruit the soldier, we retain the lam- Commander RC. it's a subject that de- support program." the Land Navigation Course. An ex- ily.- serves more attention. Among the success stories tensive search of the course and the Mrs. Catalano echoed those Both women have seen family Mrs. Bramlett and Mrs. Catalano surrounding countryside failed to sentiments by adding. support programs, but from differ- heard were the deployments of the find any trace of the missing soldier. "The National Guard is really ent viewpoints. 1st Detachment. 244th Aviation A family service volunteer pushing family support and I think "This is my first dealing with Battalion to Haiti, and the 209th from Camp Beauregard helped ar- it's just great. We have to take care National Guard family support pro- Personnel Services Co. to Germany. range lodging and assistance for of the soldiers and that means tak- grams," Mrs. Bramlett said. Volunteers described setting family members who flew to Camp ing care of the families as well." "This is the benchmark for oth- up telephone communications Beauregard. After hearing the briefing. ers to follow." among the families and making sure "It was a success story be- Mrs. Bramlett said. Mrs. Bramlett and Mrs. that vital information was passed on cause we were there to help." Lajoie "My hat is oft to all of you. You Catalano had a chance to visit with from military sources to the family said. have a wonderful program that is Family Support volunteers from members. "I know a lot about the active taking care of the soldiers and their Anm and Air Guard units in Loui- Lajoie said that during both dui> side," Mrs. BramlcU said. "I families, and that's the most impor- siana, particularly from two units deployments, "it was the volunteers don't know your problems and that's tant thing." that had recently completed activa- that kept each other informed. They why I'm so interested in hearing what tions and overseas deployments. provided the work and kept things you have to say." Family care Employer Support of the Guard/Reserve Committee is nothing awards area businesses at meeting in New Orleans The Louisiana National Guard luncheon where several employers nominated by the La. Air National Kmployer Support of the Guard and and organi/ations were honored Guard; KLFY TV. Lafayette. La. new Reserve Committee held its annual with ESGR awards. nominated by the KSGR committee: By John Sullivan meeting at Jackson Barracks in New The "Pro Patria" Award, the U.S. Post Office. Lafayette. La. nomi- Public Affairs NCO Orleans in February. highest award given by the Depart- nated by the Army Reserve; Hi-Tech. The mission of the ESGR com- ment of Defense to a civilian em- Inc., Kenner. La. nominated by the The idea of the military tak- mittee is to promote public and pri- ployer, was given to the First Com- ing care of the families of sol- ESGR committee; Na\ Communica-. \e understanding of the Guard and merce Corporation in New Orleans. lion and Telecommunication Station. diers wounded or kilted in ac- Reserve in order to gain employer The First Commerce was nominated New Orleans, La. nominated by the tion isn't something new to the and community support through by an employee in the Air Force Air Force Reserve: 156th Army Band. Louisiana National Guard. programs, personnel policies and Reserve for their outstanding mili- La. Army National Guard. Bossier Maj. Donna Lajoie, with practices that encourage employee tary support policies and practices. City. La. nominated by the ESGR the Office of Family Services at and citi/en participation in the re- Recipients of the Stale Chair committee: and U.S. Marine Corps Jackson Barracks, said the idea serve forces. Awards were: Band. New Orleans. La. nominated of such a program goes back to Service Marine Industries. the earl\ of the Civil War. Present at the meeting were by the ESGR committee. Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Stroud. Jr.. State Amelia. La. nominated by the Navy The Washington Artil- Adjutant General; Rear Adm. Reserve; St. Christopher School, lery, she said, alter taking part Francis W. Harness. Commander. Metairie. La. nominated by the Air in the First Battle of Bull Run. Naval Surface Reserve Forces; Maj. Force Reserve; PepBoys Automo- "marched back to Louisiana as Gen. Thomas Wilkerson. Com- tive Center. Greina, La. nominated by a unit. the La. Air National Guard; Medi- "And the first thing the mander. Marine Forces Reserve; Maj. Gen. Joe Earns!. Commander, cal Imaging Ser\. Jefferson. La. unit did when it returned to the th nominated by the Navy Reserve; stale w as to take care of the fami- 377 Theater Army Area Command; Maj. Gen. (Ret.) James Livingston. Avondale Shipyard. New Orleans, lies of soldiers who had boon United States Marine Corps; Brig. nominated by the La. Air National killed or wounded in the baffle." Gen. Jerry Thamo, Deputy Com- Guard; Ms. Debbie Ortego. Houma. Lajoie said the Washing- mander. 90lh Support Command; La. nominated by the ESGR ton Artillery "set a standard that Brig. Gen. Will Joffrion and the commute: Zeneca Pharmaceuticals. we are still maintaining today in Speaker of the House of Represen- LaPlace. La. nominated by the Army ltx)king after our soldiers." tatives. Ll. Col. Hunt Downer. Reserve; Terrebonne Parish Office The day's activities included a of Family Services. Houma. La. Page 10 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence Passing the reigns throu\. Active duty officer commands LANG battalion Story and photo Army, need to he tightly united lo National Guard Bureau and Maj. siana Army National Guard in 1985. by Maria I- I^Vasco prevail." said Maj. Gen. William Gen. Frank Catalano, Deputy Com- His decorations and awards include State Public Affairs Officer Navas. director of the Army Na- mander. Forces Command. Reserve the Meritorious Service Medal, For the first lime since World tional Guard. "This action could he Component. Army Commendation with four oak War II an active component officer the decisive point of change to a Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Stroud. leaf clusters. Army Achievement has assumed command of a National cultural divide thai has hobbled our Louisiana Adjutant General, spoke Medal. National Defense Service Guard unit. Army's maximum potential tor 200 during the ceremony and recogni/ed Medal and the Louisiana War Cross. During the 158th Annual Pa- years." N,i\as s.ud. several individuals instrumental in He lives in West Baton Rouge Par- rade and Review that look place at Hennigan takes over a unit making the day possible. "When I ish and serves as an attorney in Port Jackson Barracks in New Orleans. which has 158 years of tradition be- found out thai there \s talk of hav- Allen. Acosta now moves to a posi- Lt. Col. John R. Hennigan took com- hind it. The Washington Artillery ing an active duty officer lake over tion in STARC. mand of the 1st Bat., 141st Field has fought in the Mexican War. Civil u reserve unit I said, 'Let it happen Capt. Jonathan T. Ball, Alpha Artillery from Lt. Col. Thomas W. War. World War I and II, and was in Louisiana first, ho said. Battery Commander is enthusiastic Acosta, Jr. activated for Operations Desert 1 Icnnigan's assignment prior to about the 141st being the first to in- Hennigan is no stranger to Shield/Desert Storm. It is the old- shearing in as a Louisiana National tegrate an active duty commander. Louisiana having graduated from si militia unit in the slate of Loui Guard man. was working as a Senior "We \ocjk at it as another challenge Northwestern State University i siana and the oldest Field Artillery Operations Officer at the Pentagon's in the history of the battalion," he Natchitoches, La. During hii> Arm attalion outside of the thirteen National Military Command Center. said. "We're looking forward to career he also served as a balte original colonies. Joint Staff He has also served in making Lt. Col. Hennigan's tour a commander with the 5th Infantry Experienced NCOs and > nung. Korea, Germany anil throughout the success and making this success for Division at Fort Polk, La. His wife enlisted troops gave the cry "TRY U.S. Mis decorations and awards the Louisiana National Guard." is a native of Leesville. La. I'S!" during the parade and review/ include the Joint Meritorious Ser- During the Parade and Review, The decision to select an acti\ change of command ceremoney in vice Medal. Army Meritorious Ser- Ball's battery received a Continuous component officer to command a October. 'TRY US" echoed and re- vice Medal, Army Commendation Fire Streamer for the most success- Guard field artillery battalion was verberated to every corner of the Medal and Humanitarian Service ful battery in the area of live fire made to help increase the integra- huge, crowded gymnasium where Medal. exercises and readiness for the en- tion between the active Army and ihe ceremony was mo\cd due to in- Hennigan replaces Lt. Col. tire training year. His battery also National Guard. clement weather. Thomas W. Acosia. Jr.. who had received the Try Us Streamer for the "This decision has the poten- In attendance to witness this served a.s tl»e commander since April highest administrative readiness rat- tial of bringing our Army closer to- historical change of command \\erc 1W4. He also served on actixe duty ings in terms of APFTs. MOS quali- gether at a lime when we, as an Lt. Gen. Hdw ard Baca. Chief of the in Germany before joining the Loui- fication and weapons qualification. Gieg takes pilot seat

159th f-W/PA Maj. Deon Gieg accepted the reins of command of the 122nd Fighter Squadron, Louisiana Air National Guard from Lt. Col. Vance Neumann during a change of com- mand ceremony held April 13th. Gieg. a native of San Fernando. Calif., was commissioned into the Air Force in 1978. Upon his gradu- ation from Pilot Training at Reese AFB, Texas, he joined the 480th TFS in Spangdahlem. Germany where he flew the F-4 Phantom from 1980 to 1982. He then joined the 22nd Tac- tical Fighter Squadron m Bitburg, Germany where he flew the F-15 Eagle from 1982 to 1986. He was a flight instructor for the USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB Nevada from 1986 lo 1989. Gieg left the active duty life to fly with Delta Airlines. In 1990 he joined the Louisiana Air National Guard to once again fly the F-15. While a member of the 159th, Gieg LL C 'ol. John Hennigan receives the battalion guidon from the Adjutant {general of the held the positions of Chief of Staff. rmy National Guard. Maj, (ien. Ansel M. Stroud during the change of command ceremony Operational Support Squadron eld in \ew Orleans in October. Henni^tin is the first active duty officer to commando National Commander and 122nd Operations tuard unit since World \\ar II. Officer before accepting the job as Commander of the 122nd FS. LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence II hout the state...

Maj. Jadwin V. Mayeaux, Jr. took command of the 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry at a ceremony in Abbeville. Here, a pass in review is conducted with Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Stroud, Jr. Mayeaux takes charge of 156th By John Sullivan vice Medal for his tenure as com- Public Affairs NCO mander. 415th gets new boss The award was presented by An arctic blast didn't chill Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Stroud. adju- the spirits of the 2nd Battalion, tant general of the Louisiana Na- By John Sullivan vided translators who spoke Rus- Public Affairs MO 156th Infantry during a change tional Guard. sian and Uzbekistan during a visit of command ceremony at the "The appearance of the sol- of the Uzbekistan delegation to Loui- The 415th Militar> Intelli- unit's headquarters in Abbeville diers here today speaks of the pro- siana as part of the NATO Partnq gence Battalion (Liiu|uiM» has a recently. fessionalism of this unit," Stroud ship for Peace Program. new boss. On Jan. 11, Lt. Col. Herbert said. He complimented the 2nd Bat- As the outgoing command! During ceremonies at the P. Fritts handed over command of talion soldiers "for the pride that Kent spoke from a different battalion'* headquarters in Baton the battalion to Maj. Jadwin V, you have in your unit and yourself." spective. Rouge in January, the flag was Mayeaux, Jr. Fritts commanded The general also "I see a lot of pride here passed from Lt. Col. M. Glen Kent the battalion from 1993-96 and complimented the community of day." Kent said. to Ll. Col. Walter D. While. was awarded the Meritorious Ser- "I sec pride in our unit. pri< Kent assumed command ot the in the Louisiana National Guai see Mayeaux, page 18 415th in October. I9l>4and\*as rec- pride in our state, pride in the U.I ogni/ed lor his leadership vvith the Army and pride in this great coin Averitt takes over 204th Meritorious Sen ice Medal, which try of ours." was presented to him by Maj. Gen. 152nd Military Police Company in He challenged the officei By Karen K. l^eger Ansel M. Stroud. Jr.. adjutant gen- the 199th Light Infantry Brigade NCOs and soldiers of the battalion" Del. I, 102nd PAD eral of the Louisiana National (Mech.) during Operations Desert to continue the traditions tffey have Col. Richard W. Averitt took Guard. Shield and Desert Storm and served already started.As the incoming command of the Headquarters. Stroud spoke to the battalion of as the Deputy Brigade Commander commander. White had a short 204th Area Support Group in a the challc.uvs that face the National of the 256th Infantry Battalion statement for the battalion. change of command ceremony on Guard and the U.S. militarx in gen- (Mech.) since 1992. "I will give you my best, I Sept. 8th at Jackson Barracks in eral. He also complimented the In his civilian career, he's em- pect you to give me your best,] New Orleans, battalion's achievements under Keni. ployed with the Louisiana State Uni- White said. "I'm a people oriented per- Specifically he mentioned Ihc versity at Alexandria as the Regis- A short reception was hcH son," Averitt said, "I enjoy tak- 415th's imolvement u ilh represen- trar and assistant to the Vice Chan- following th change of comma* ing care of soldiers because tatives from (he former Soviet Re- cellor for Academic Affairs. He ceremonies. they're first." public ot I'/hekistaji. The415thpro- Averitt's military service be- graduated from Northwestern Stale gan in 1969 through the Reserve University with a Bachelor of Arts Officers Training Corps. He Degree in Elementary Education and served in the Republic of Viet- nam as a platoon leader in the see Averitt, page 18 Page 12 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence National Guard signs Landmark Environmental Plan It was a strange marriage of sorts Guard to contact the U.S. Fish and Wild- abandoned red-cockaded woodpecker military usage will not jeopardi/e the as members of the environment camp life Sen ice should there be a "reestah- cavity trees. continued existence of the bird. shook hands and signed agreements lishment ot red-cockaded woodpeckers" Representatives of the U.S. Fish Should there be the chance of with members of the Louisiana National on the area which could interfere with and Wildlife Service and the Nature harm to the endangered bird, the Fish Guard in July military training. Conservancy expressed no doubt about and Wildlife Service recommends the The Nature Conservancy and the The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the National Guard's ability to watch National Guard: monitor the proposed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service handed would then have jurisdiction over the over the land. longleaf pine demonstration areas lor over stewardship of the longleaf pine removal of the bird to a safer area. "Initially, we were pretty far the presence of red-cockaded wood- habitat on Camp Beauregard to the Na- "The locus is less on the bird and afield." said Elizabeth Creasman. direc- peckers, notify the Service of the need tional Guard. nmrc on the ecosystem it lives in," said tor of the Nature Conservancy. "With to remove any active red-cockaded The official signing made Camp Chief Warrant Officer Carl Thompson, an agreement like this, you don't know woodpecker cavity trees and allow the Beauregard the first military installation a training site environmental specialist. where it's going to lead. But with this Service or a designce access to Camp in the U.S. to manage land potentially Under the agreement, the National agreement, both sides are now flexible." Beauregard for the purpose of locating occupied by species listed under the En- Guard will be able to expand its train- Currently, there are no red- the birds, including monitoring and dangered Species Act. ing exercises from Camp Beauregard cockaded woodpeckers within the pro- banding. The agreement is known as "Safe into three outlying longleaf pine areas. posed action area, and the conclusion Reprinted in part from Alexandria Harbor" and it requires the Vttional One of the areas contain several of the Fish and Wildlife Service is that I)tiil\ Talk

Korest grant received Protecting Longleaf Pine by National Guard

Knock on Wood: Prospects for "The Louisiana National Guard *v Maria I.. the endangered red-cockaded wood- is committed to the environmena) tate Public Affairs Officer pecker may be on the upswing with stewardship principles of proper re- the July 24 signing of an innovateve source management and conserva- The I ouisiana National agreement between The Nature Con- tion," said Louisiana National Guard Guard's training facility. Camp servancy of Louisiana, the Louisiana Major General Ansel M. "Buddy" Beauregard. recently received an National Guard and the U.S. Fish and Stroud, Jr. Urban and Community Foresirv Wildlife Service. Under the "Safe Harbor" agree- Program »rant from the Louisiana Relying on the new "Safe Har- ment, the Louisiana National Guard Office of Foicstrv. bor" conservation approach, the is under no obligation to protect any The Urban and Communitv three groups have found a way to ac- habitat the endangered woodpecker Forestrv Program recogni/es ef- commodate the Louisiana National may colonize as a result of volun- forts to promote lice care and to Guard's future land use require- tary red-cockaded woodpecker habi- educate the public and residents ments with land management prac- tat maintenance and restoration. about the importance of commu- tices that favor the beleagured bird. If managing for longleaf nity forests. The program encour- Under the agreement, the Loui- pine does attract new red-cockaded ages tree planting, care and main- siana National Guard will work with woodpeckers to Camp Beauregard. tenance." '.aid duet Warrant Of- the consevancy at Camp Beauregard the Guard has agreed to notify the ficer Carl Thompson. en\- in Pineville to protect, restore and USFWS in the event that a Louisi- tal officer for ("amp Beauregard. maintain the longleaf pine ecosys- ana National Guard activity may "We plan to use the giant funds to tem — the woodpecker's primary threaten or harm the bird. In this plant trees, to conduct a tree sur- habitat. situation, the USFWS would relo- vey. train tenants and residents, and Using the Integrated Natural cate the woodpeckers. we hope to achie\ Tree City USA Resources Management Plan devel- "What happens is that public status for Camp Beauregard. This oped by the Conservancy for Camp and private landowners convert their is a special honor for us because Beauregard, the Guard will keep forests to species other than longleaf ue arc the first military post in longleaf pine areas in longleaf, as pine to avoid attracting the birds and Louisiana to be accepted into the opposed to harvesting the trees and facing severe limits on land use as a program." then replanting with other pin spe- lation of red-cockaded woodpecker result." explained Slate Director Lisa To celebrate this award, the cies. And because longleaf pine follows suit, dropping from an abun- Creasman. "This program not only Guard planned an Arbor Day cer- depends on fire for perpetuation and dant status at the turn of the century protects longleaf pine for the wood- emony and Commemorative Tree survival, the Guard will manage the to less than 4.5m family units in 13 pecker and other species, but also in Planting on December 14. IW6. habitat with fire. southern states today. a sense protects the Guard, so they Graduates of the Guard's The Guard will also keep trees Although concerned about the can legally continue activities on this highschool drop-out program, the of all size classes, including some situation of this endangered wood- land. It's a balancing act between Youth Challenge Program, planted relic longleaf beween 80 and 150 pecker and longleaf pine habitates, the needs of the birds and the needs the trees years old. The woodpeckers typi- initially the Louisiana National of the landowners." she said. "Trees arc important to our cally select these older trees, or Guard leadership was reluctant to "Ironically, the management environment." said Maj. Gen. those at least 60 to 80 years in age undertake any land managemnt plan in the end is a bonus not just to Ansel M Stroud. state adjutant gen- in which to excavate their nesting steps that might attract the wood- the woodpeckers and other wildlife eral. "The\e the quality of and roosting cavities. peckers onto their property for fear that gain new habitat, but to the Na- our lives, clean the air that we These and other conservation of incurring land use restrictions tional Guard as well, as longleaf- breathe, shade us from the sun. shel- steps in the management plan will under the Endangered Species Act. dominated forest tends to be rela- ter us from the wind and beautify help restore one of the most de- The Guard also was initially tively open and more hospitable for ir communities " graded ecosystems in Louisiana. hesitant to open themselves up to the trainings and troop maneuvers. Gen. Stroud noted that the Longleaf pine habitat in the south- scrutiny of an environmental orga- We're thrilled to be involved in this ip Beauregard ceremonv is one east has shrunk from approximately ni/ation, but the reasonable terms of partnership." said Cresman. ;p toward achieving the highly 70 million acres I(K) years ago to the "Safe Harbor" agreement con- ncted Tree City I'SA status. less than four miliion acres today. vinced them a partnership with the As its habitat disappears, the popu- Conservancy was possible. See grant, page IS 1.01 ISIVNUil \KDSMVN In Search of Excellence 13 Engineers dig deep to help children

By Maria L LoVasco State Public Affairs Officer made this year the garden club wanted assurance that a water source Members of the Louisiana Na- would be provided to ensure the suc- tional Guard's Post Engineer Facil- cess of the trees. ity at Jackson Barracks came to the Enter the Louisiana National aid of school children at Ha/el Park Guard engineers. Elementary in River Ridge by dig- Ms. Darcie Burnett. Ha/el Park ging irrigation trenches for their School PTO President, turned to the campus beautification project. Guard to provide the labor and.ma- Several donated pine trees chinery needed to trench the ground rhoto by Karl XhMfefcm planted last year in the play yard and connect the PVC pipes donated Five members of the I. Christinas trees that port from our congressional delega- tree fences also break the force of mission as a training opportunitx to \\e laun and interior of the tion and Washington will mark the incoming waxes. pre\enting the practice its long haul driving skills. White House ihis past Christmas kickoff of Louisiana's National Out- washing a wax of shoreline. Two tractor trailers and an escort became part of the 50.000 or so thai reach campaign geared at public Secretary Jack Caidwell \ehicle drixen h> Stall Sgls. Tim will work toward stemming Coastal awareness and education for coastal Department of Natural Resources. Smith. Michael Tradewell. John erosion in South Louisiana. protection, restoration and manage- felt (hat adding the White House Grimm. James Robertson. Richard I ight\t of the ment, as well as bring attention to u» ihe Tree hence Project would Luneau, and Sgi. Rafael Comas nation's total wetland loss occurs the crisis Louisiana is challenged help bring national awareness to the were sent to Washington IX' lo pick in Louisiana uheie coastal erosion by," Caidwell said. problem He encouraged (ioxernor up the trees. After a ccrentonx held is recorded al a rate of approxi- The press conference and cer- Mike I osier to make the request of at the Ellipse near the While House, malelx 25 to 35 square miles each emony in Washington D.C. (Ellipse the White House and inxoKed the which was attended b> Col. Rich- year. near White House) will begin at 9 cooperation and support of the en- ard Axeritl. 204th Area Support The Christmas live Ivnce am with comments from Senator tire Louisiana legislative delegation. Group commander, the trucks be- Project is just one unique method Breaux and other members of the Hut the challenge remained gan the I.(MX) mile journcx to the used throughout the coaxial /one of how to get the trees Irom Wash- trees' exentual destination in parishes to help combat coastal wel- ington IK" to Louisiana. Secretarx s

Sgt. Drexel Stewart shares a light moment with his friend, eighth-grader i\oelle Cowo in the Solomon's Seventh Day Adventist School addition he helped construct during "New Horizons Belize."

By John f-'undator tant principal and 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment eighth-grade teacher, Illinois Army \ational Guard who informed Noelle mat she had a visitor. BURRELK BOOM. Belize -- Louisiana The happily sur- Army National Guard Sgi. I)rc\el Stewart is con- prised Noelle and structing more than schools in this remote loca- Stewart chatted for tion — he's building a special relationship with awhile while her simi- a Belizean schoolgirl that's as solid as the struc- larly cheery class- tures he builds. mates gathered Stewart, a Baton Rouge resident and carpen- around, inspecting the ter extraordinaire, recently made a return trip to bounty she received Beli/easpartof a U.S. military training, humani- from her Louisiana tarian and civic action exercise called "New Ho- friend. rizons -- Belize" to help build another rural Peering at the school. He also found time to check out two photo, the small, soft- schools he previously helped construct last year, pay a surprise visit to his Beli/ean pen pal. Noelle spoken Noelle said, "It's very beautiful. Cowo. and celebrate his 49th birthday at her I'll put it on the wall." school as she and classmates sang. "Happy Birth- After an hour- day." long visit. Stewart and Cowo, an eighth-grade student at Solomon's his friend parted Seventh Day Adventist School in Orange Walk, again. met Stewart last February when he and fellow Soldiers create forms for the initial phase of construction. To many Na- engineers with 769th Engineer Battalion head- tional Guard. Reserve and Active Component two consecutive annual training exercises in quartered at Baton Rouge, began construction of service members who participate in exercises Belize and "borrowed" Stewart to help with a three-room addition to the cramped school as such as "New Horizons," the fruits of their la- the school projects. part of Joint Task Force Bayou. bor are often immeasurable. "We had to pull him for his special skills," "When I got home. I sent her a bunch of On one hand, the U.S. military gains supe- Davis said of Stewart, who is a mechanic in school supplies and then we started writing one rior training while improving the infrastructure the military and an expert carpenter in his ci- another and became good friends," said Stewart. of the host nation by building or expanding vilian life. That bond was strengthened when Stewart schools, improving roads, and providing medi- Stewart's skills. Davis said, helped the returned to the English-speaking Central Ameri- cal and dental care to residents. 769th jump ahead of schedule in their mis- can nation to participate in "New Hori/ons - This part is tangible and the benefits are sion to help construct eight schools and pub- Belize." the largest U.S. military civic-action, readil) apparent. lic buildings and improve more than 10 miles training exercise in the Western Hemisphere this More difficult to weigh are the deep friend- of highly traveled roads in support of "New year. After completing the first phase of con- ships fostered through exercises such as "New Hori/ons — Belize." struction on a school in Sand Hill. Stewart trav- Hori/ons." To those who know him. the fast Correa. assistant principal at Solomon's eled to Orange Walk to see the completed friendship formed between Stewart and Noelle School since 1982. said the improvements Solomon's School and visit his friend Noelle. Cowo was no surprise. made by Joint Task force Bayou to the Orange He didn't arrive empty handed. Toting a bag "He's a big. soft-hearted fella and well- full of school supplies, an enlarged photo of him liked by everyone. He just found a good rela- and Noelle taken at the construction site last year, tionship," said Master Sgt. Randy Davis, who See Engineer, page IK and a hair brush, comb and hand mirror set. manages battalion operations for the 769th for Stewart was greeted by Armondo Correa. assis- LOt I ARDSMAN In Search of Excellence PaRe 15 LANG builds bridge between two nations Hy John f-'undatnr 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Ilinois Army National Guard

BURRELL BOOM. Belize -- Louisiana Army National Guard soldiers training in this Central American nation are building much more than schools and roads here. The) .iiv huiKliitL' .1 hndiK- Ivtucen the t\u> nations that is paying off in a big way for the citizens of Beli/e, especially the children who will take pride in their new schools, and for the soldiers who learn that military training can be richly rewarding in human terms. Through "New Hori/ons - Beli/e," the larg- est U.S. military training, humanitarian and civic- action training exercise in the Western Hemi- sphere this year. U.S. military troops from both the active and reserve components will work with the Beli/e Defense Force and the ministries of Works. Education and Health to improve roads. build eight new school buildings, and provide free medical screening and treatment for thousands of Beli/eans. The six-month, multi-million dollar exer- Sgt. 1st Class David Dykes takes time out with his friend. Dawn Ortiz, a student at Sand Hill School, cise, which kicked off in January, will be headed who gave the citizen-soldier a handmade greeting card expressing her gratitude to him for helping by the 225th Engineer Group of the Louisiana build a new school in Sand Hill. Army National Guard. can. said planning for the exercise began in No- friendly. They all like to talk to you and they treat Referred to as Joint Task Force Pelican, it vember 1995. Project feasibilty studies, budgets, us good.** will receive additional support from the U.S. indentifying required equipment and personnel, In addition to the Burrell Boom-Hattieville Army. Air Force. Marine Corps and Navy, as well and seemingly countless other tasks were needed road project. 769th Eng. Bn. citi/en-soldiers be- as National Guard and Reserve units from Cali- before the vehicles and heavy construction equip- gan construction of three-room schools at fornia. Colorado. Florida. Kansas. New Hamp- ment could be loaded on barges in Louisiana Haltieville. la Democracia and Sand Hill. shire. Oklahoma. South Carolina and Texas. bound for Beli/e. There, loo. soldiers got much more than the Beli/e Defense Force soldiers will also train w ith In mid-January. Oliver said, the first engi- experience of puring concrete and making forms the U.S. engineer and military police counter- neer unit and support personnel providing sup- for the facilities. parts. ply, security, maintenance and medical services "When we got here, these kids sang to us Louisiana Army National Guard Ll. Col. arrived. Blessed with dry weather. Oliver said the and prayed for us. We got them out here and Cliff Oliver, commander of Joint Task Force-Peli- first deployment aggressively tackled the road showed them where the classrooms were going and school construction projects. to be. They were pretty excited about that and "We're probably a good week and a half they all gave us little cards with their.names. ad- ahead of schedule at this point, three weeks into dresses and thank you's on them," said Sgt. 1st the exercise," Oliver said."We've been Class David Dykes. NCO in charge at the Sand fortunate...no accidents and we're anticipating a Hill School site. good exercise." Dykes, a private contractor in Denham And that's just what Louisiana Army Na- Springs, and his crew poured concrete, put in door tional Guard soldiers with Company A. 769th frames, and laid corner blocks for the structure. Engineer Battalion based in Baker. La., got. The new facility will replace one of two old Tasked with beginning work on significant im- wooden buildings, one of them which also serves provements to a rough seven-mile stretch of the as a chapel. Burrell Boom to Haltieville Road, the engineers It will house 70 students in grades one managed to raise one mile of road three feel and through eight, said Morris Williams, principal of replaced a deteriorated culvert with a new. 50- Sand Hill School. foot culvert. "It will accommodate more students. It will "A couple of farmers down there are pretty make the facilities for both students and teachers happy that we're improving their road," said much better." said Williams, who shares the ex- Louisiana Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Andrew citement of his students and local residents as they Huisman. officer-in-charge of the road project. watched the building progress. One. in fact, brought some coconuts for the sol- "We're definitely going to have a party." the diers. "He cut them open and gave us the juice." principal said. " Huisman said his road crew has been busy, Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Hebert, who con- but noted that's the way the citizen-soldiers like ducted the initial site survey on the Sand Hill it. project, said efforts like this one are personally "As long as they're burning diesel and mov- fulfilling. ing dirt, they're happy." said the Baton Rouge. Hebert. a surveyor for Salmon and Associ- La., resident and college junior majoring in con- ates in Baton Rouge, said getting involved in struction managment at LSU. humanitarian and civic-action missions like this Sgt. Michael Lewis, who in his civilian ca- one and a similar project in Orange Walk. Beli/e. reer works for Novartis in St. Gabriel. La., agrees. last year "makes me feel really good. It's going Sgt. Michael Iswis, a heavy equipment operator for This two-week annual training, however, offered to make conditions a lot better for the kids." Co. At 769th Kng. Hn., uses a soil compactor as he more than the typical training at Camp The single-floor school and separate latrine helps his crew lay a 50-foot culvert during his two- Beauregard. week A T in Helise. < Photo by C 'hief Warrant Officer "I feel happy to help other people." Lewis Hud Roberts, 139th Mobile Public Affairs said. He said he was also struck by the pleasant See Bridge page 18 Detachment, Illinois Army Motional (iuard.) nature of the local Beli/eans. "Everybody is so I'.rj, 16 1,01 ISIANACil \KDSM\ In Search of Excellence You and the Law

By Col. James J. Donelon III, State Judge Advocate

Understanding how lawyers charge

• Time and advice are the client or by the circumstances; of lime or money without obtaining your resentation during a set period of time; • The nature and length of the permission. or a lawyer's stock in trade professional relationship w iih the client; • the tender of a down payment • The experience, reputation and • Contingency fee or advance deposit toward the fee to he When most people think of legal ability of the lawyer or lawyers perform- Lawyers may base their fee on a charged for a particular representation services, they think of lawyers appear- ing the services; percentage of the amount recovered. in the future on an hourly or other ing in court. While this may he the most and less certain expenses. Because this type agreed upon basis. visible example of lawyers rendering • Whether the fee is fixed or con- of fee is contingent on the outcome of The first type of retainer, paid lo service to their clients, there are many tingent. the mailer for which the service is ren- retain a lawyer's general availability for different ways in which lawyers may unspecified representation, becomes the When you first consult a lawyer dered. il is called a "contingency fee." provide sen ices-some of which are not property of the lawyer when paid. This about a matter, ask about the fee to be Under a contingency fee arrangement so obvious but all of which require time charged and what services the lawyer lee guarantees that the lawyer will he and training. has certain advantages for people who can deliver. You are entitled to inquired need legal services but do not have av.iil.ihlc lo you. With this kind of re- Lawyers are licensed profession- about the lawyer's qualifications to per- lainer fee agreement, you may be billed als who. alter completing their college funds a\ailable to pay an attorney's fee form those semces and the probability if they should recover noihing. The most additionally for the legal work lhal is educations, receixed ad\anced educa- of success in resolving your legal mat- done. tional degrees m law and passed intense frequenl type of case handled on a con- ter before deciding to entrust your af- tingency fee basis is a personal injury The second type of retainer, paid examinations to become certified to fairs to any attorney. claim. The Rules of Professional Con- for future particular legal sen ices. co\ practice law. Only people admitted as When a lawyer has not regularly duct that certain types ol cases may nol ers the initial work and expenses related members ol the Louisiana Slate Bar As- represented a client, the Rules of Pro- he h.indled on a contingent') fee basis. to your legal mailer. Your lawyer is re- sociation may practice law in Louisi- fessional Conduct require that the ba- These include divorce and criminal quired to place these retainers in a spe- ana. sis: cases. The Rules also pro\e lhal a con- cial account called a trusl account. If you need a lawyer, do not tail against which your legal mailer will be tingency fee agreement must be in writ- to contact one simply because you are • Hourly Rate hilled until completed. If the retainer is uncertain about the cost. Your lawyer ing and must state the method by which Often lawyers base their charges the fee is to be determined, including: insufficient, ihe attorney may ask for ad- w ill want you to be satisfied both with tliiional funds, to be used in Ihe same on a h\ed dollar amount for each hour • the percentage it > he paid to the the services and the charges. manner. Likewise, unused funds at the spent on > our behalf. They keep records lawyer in the event of settlement, trial of the lime spent on your case. This fee conclusion of the legal mailer remain ihe • What will it cost? arrangement is called an hourly rate. The • litigation and other expenses to property of ihe client and should be re- imbursed to the client after all expenses Lawyers have come to understtnd rendering of any legal service necessar- be dedm -ted from the recovery; ami that clients are consumers and are ily involves a lawyer spending time with • whether these expenses are to are paid. In eilher type of retainer arrange- entitiled to the best possible service at you or on your case or legal matter. he deducted before or after the contin- ment, the fee must be reasonable under the best possible price. Every lawyer When paying for legal services gency fee is calculated. the circumsiances and ihe fee should he has an incentive to provide you with the rendered, you are essentially paying Upon conclusion ot a contingency in writing. Don't forget lo ask questions best representation. Lawyers know if lawyers for the lime they spend on your fee matter, the lawyer musi provide the about the rale which you will be charged good ser\e is given and the charge is legal mailer, whether it be in court, in client with a written statement spelling and ihe way in which ihe fee will be fair, you will be please. If you are satis- their office, on the phone, researching, out the outcome of the mailer and, if fied with the services your lawyer pro- drafting documents or simply talking to there is a recovery, show ing the amount billed. You have a righl lo know and you have a righl to have your questions an- vides tor you. you will return to that and advising you. paid lo the client and ihe melhod of iis lawyer and will refer others This is how Time, therefore, is the key to most determination. swered. lawyers build their practices. of the professional lees charged by law - The percentage at which the law- Further, lawyers are obligated by yen. yer is to be paid is nol set by the court • Fixed fee the Rules of Professional Conduct to The hourly rale charged by lawyers but is agreed upon between the lawyer One of the most common methods charge only a fee that is reasonable. can vary greatly from one locality lo an- and (he client. It depends upon many by which lawyers charge for their ser- These rules of Professional Conduct other and within certain specialties of factors, such as the possibility thai the v ices is to establish a fixed fee for a spe- were established by the Louisiana Su- law. Generally, the rate varies from $60 suil may be losl all together, or will in- cific job or particular representation. preme Court and govern all lawyers in lo more than $100 per hour. Fees based volve a lengthy trial with only a small. This is often used in legal work involv- Louisiana. on hourly rales focus on the amount of if any. likely judgment. ing divorces, wills, purchases or sales time necessary lo perform the legal ser- Although many lawyers charge of property, title examinations, etc • Is a fee reasonable? \s required to resolve the matter, and the same percentage. >ou have ihe righl There are some types of cases in which The Rules of Professional Con- not on the client's interpretation of what to ask questions about the amount of your attorney can tell in advance ap- dikl icquiic lh.il .1 l.m\ei - Kv Iv KM is important or trivial. In other words, work to be performed tor the contin- proximately w'hat the changes will be: sonable and that certain factors be con- when lawyers arc working on your le- gency fee. and you are entitled to bar- in many other instances, he or she hon- sidered in determining the reasonable- gal matter, they are not working on gain for a different percentage if you estly can't. Thus charges for a will can ness of the fee. including: someone else's legal matter. (hink that is fair. range from $200 or less to more lhan « The lime and labor required, If your legal mailer is demanding As in cases involving charges on $2.000. depending upon the complex- the mnelly and difficulty of the ques- and lime consuming, ihe attorney must a straight hourly basis. you are entitled ity of your estale. When you agree to a tions involved, and the skill required to charge a fee thai is fair and resonable to inquire about the attorney's ability fixed fee. be sure you know what it dtx-s properly perform the legal service; for the time expended, even though you and experience in the type of legal mai- and does nol include. You should find • The likelihood, if apparent to may consider the mailer to be less im- ler for which you are seeking represen- out if any other charges might be added the client, that the acceptance of the par- portant. When choosing between law- tation. lo the bill. ticular employment will preclude other \s w hose hourly rates vary, you should employment by the lawyer; consider which lawyer has the skills or • Retainer fee Printed with permission of the • The fee customarily charged in experience to resolve the case faster. If You also may employ a lawyer on State Bar Association. the area for similar legal ser\; you agree to an hourly arrangement. y ou a retainer basis. This may involve either: • The amount involved and the and the lawyer may want lo include a • the pavment of an agreed upon results obtained; provision in Ihe agreement requiring that fee to retain the lawyer \ avail - • The lime limitations imposed by the lawyer not exceed a specified amount ability to you for unspecified legal rep- 1,01 ISI\V\<;i AkDSMVN In Search of Excellence Page 17 239th Military Police train at the 'real thing' in Belize Story and photos Rouge, notes that seeing the by David A. Darling Belizeans "makes you really appre- BURRELL BOOM, Beli/.e - ciate what you have back in the Ten National Guardsmen from the United States." Boyd also says that 239th Military Police Company, this is by far the best mission he's based in Baton Rouge, arrived in been on in the Guard. Belize January 4ih. ready to provide "It's not training and we're not equipment and personnel security just pretending. This is the real for Joint Task Force Pelican. The thing." Task Force, composed primarily of According to Spec. David Louisian Army National Guard en- Guidry, of Lafayette, 'The toughest gineers, is conducting the largest hu- thing has been the heat and the mos- manitarian exercise in the Western quitoes, but I think it's a good mis- Hemisphere in 1997. The purpose sion." Guidry and the rest o£ his of the exercise, named "New Hori- team will depart Saturday, January zons 97 - Beli/e", is lo provide U.S. 18th, after two weeks of an unfor- military personnel with challenging gettable experience in Central construction and mediacal training America. as well as practicing the skills re- While the U.S. military has quired to deploy outside of the con- Sgt. Jody Koyd uses his flashlight to help several Belize Defence force conducted similar exercises in the tinental United States. military policemen fill out thier shift change paperwork. past, the scale of "New Horizons 97" Training side-hy-side w iih their surpasses previous humanitarian ef- Belize Defence Force counterparts, Sgt. Jack Lightfoot. of Baton toughest problem the MPs face are forts. these soldiers man the base camp's Rouge, says that the Beli/ean sol- the insects that swarm around. By the time the exercise con- guardposts. ensure that the hundreds diers give his men good intelligence "It'll be ninety degrees outside, cludes at the end of May, over 3,900 of engineer vehicles are safe, and on the local area. and we're huddled around a camp- soldiers will have rotated through most importantly protect the men and "They also assist us by help- fire just to keep bugs away/' Belize, and will have constructed women of the Task Force. They do ing us interact with the local civil- Lightfoot said. five new schools, substantially reno- this by controlling access to critical ians, especially translating, because The MPs have discovered that vated two additional schools, im- areas with identification checks, and although they speak English, their their Belizean partners are lacking proved 10 miles of roads, and con- by patrolling the port and the roads accent is tough lo understand some- in some of the most basic equip- ducted medical assistance training around the base camp being con- times." says Lightfoot. ment. for thousands of Belizean citizens. structed in Burrell Boom Through 12-hour shifts, the Sgt. Jody Boyd. of Baton Golf Classique raises Spotlight on: 1st Sgt. Mark C. Abshier money for D.A.R.E. By Kristi Moon Graves 159th FW/PA Everyone needs an excuse to play golf now and then.. What bet- ter excuse than raising money for a local D.A.R.E. program can there be? Seven years ago the 236th CCS started their golf tournament just to get together and have some fun. "and we do have fun," Maj. Karl Mapes said. Mapes, a member of the 214th EIS, was chairman of this year's 7lh Annual Golf Classique held at Oak Knoll Country Club in Hammond. Actually, he's been the force behind the event since it got its start with only 10 or 12 players all those years ago. 'This thing mushroomed into 60 or 70 golfers after the first three years so we decided to turn it ino a drug (demand) reduction project and donate the proceeds to the local D.A.R.E. program in Hammond," Mapes said. That's when the tour- While performing state active duty during a flood, 1st Sgt Mark C. Abshier, C Battery, 1st Bn, nament became a National Guard I4lst field Artillery, observed civilians boarding military 2 " ton trucks. He noted that the drivers activity, not just a 236th event. to assist the elderly, women and children in getting into the back of the trucks. Realizing the "It's a fun fund raiser." wtential for injury, he contacted the State Safety Office. Abshier suggested a ladder be used to Mapes said that the support he issist the civilians boarding the trucks. 1st U. Richard Kuntz, State Safety Specialist, took the idea and Assistant Chairman Tech. Sgt. me step further and designed a portable stair with a handrail that would Jit both the 2 ' ton and Bobby Pinter need is sponsorship. ton trucks. After building a prototype, Kuntz presented it to COL Mike Appe, Director of State Of course, the event also accepts tax Resources. Appe provided the funding to have a local vendor, lingo's Metal Works, build the deductible donations. The dates for ttairs. for his suggestion, Abshier was presented a Gerber Multi-plier Pocket Took by the Adjutant the upcoming tourney have not been teneral. set yet, but stay tuned to the Bayou Militia Press for more information. Page 18 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence Cynthia Engineer from page 5 from page 14 following two years, she toured Italy as a soloist Bland and the Blueframes. The variety of songs Walk Town facility last year "means a lot of pres- and leader of an Italian-American band. The flow from spirituals to blues to jazz as easy as a tige to ihe community." Blueframes. The response was so favorable the mighty river working ils way south. "When I sing, By doubling ihe size of Solomon's School band landed a contract with the Italian record com- I can't hide the fact that I love the songs," said and consirucling a separale lalrine. Correa said pany. Blues and Rock Connection. Thomas with a shine in her eyes. "When ihe mu- Ihe project added luster lhai helped boost en- According to Thomas, the beauty of record- sic starts, something inside jusi takes over. It is a rollment lo 215 sludenis in grades one through ing in Italy is the freedom to express her love of wonderful release of energy." eight. all types of musical style, like the Blues or Gos- The talent that siarted wilh her grandfalher For Drexel Stewart, the job is still not over. pel," Thomas said. "My problem is I can't decide and cousin has not slopped wilh Thomas. On her The 19-year military veteran -- 17 of them in what 1 like best. I can do the jazz, I can do the CD, her son plays ihe irumpel and the saxophone. Headquarters Company. 769ih Eng. Bn. as a gospel. I can do it all." The CD, / Wonder, will be available for purchase mechanic — said he knows the compelling urge This ability to perform a variety of music is soon at major record outlets in ihe New Orleans to see the completed school al Sand Hill, ihe one evident on her debut CD. / Wonder, by Cynthia area. he has helped consiruct during his mosl recenl Mayeaux deploymenl to Belize, will be overly powerful. from page 11 So. tot». will the desire lo see ihe Belizean Abbeville for their support of the 2nd Battalion. Civil War when Ihe 2nd Baltalionof the 156th In- sludents who appreciate his efforts. "No where in America is the National Guard fantry earned the respect of the Union forces it was 'These kids," he said, "really kept me go- supported better than here in this part of Louisi- fighting againsi as well as praise from ihe Confed- ing on Ihese Iwo projecis. The thing about build- ana," Stroud said. eraie generals ihey were fighling for. ing schools is thai il makes ii beiler for ihem." The 2nd Battalion is made up of units from "You are warriors lo the heart." Frills said, And lhat satisfaction can't be overstated. Abbeville. Jeanerette. Breaux Bridge, Eunice, "Steel Lighting Batlalion." "It makes me feel good, real good." he said. Crowley, Houma, Thibodaux, New Iberia and As ihe incoming commander, Mayeaux said "I know they appreciate that building. I jusi wish Franklin. he has a lough act to follow. we could have done more." "It's great to be an American today, but it's "It is a greal honor lo see Ihe colors of ihis Erosion " even greater to be a member of the Louisiana Na- command," Mayeaux said. "You are Ihe besl bal- from page 13 tional Guard," Frills said. lalion in ihe best brigade in the best state in the Jefferson Parish. La. "Your accomplishments have been many and National Guard system." A ceremony was held al Joe's Landing the bottom line is you are the best." The 2nd Battalion. 156th Infantry (Mecha- in Baralaria lo receive ihe irees and recognize Frills challenged the officers, NCOs and sol- nized) is part of ihe 256ih Infantry Brigade also the many volunteers and organizations lhat made diers of ihe 2nd Baiialion lo continue upholding known as the Louisiana Brigade. ihis endeavor a realily. the traditions of the unit, which date back to the Rcpresenlaiives from the La. Department Coastal of Natural Resources, the Governor's Office, ihe from page 13 Stale Legislaiors Office, the State Coastal Res- loraiion and Managemenl Program, the Depart- Louisiana delegation. The National Guard will ernor M.J. "Mike" Fosier, Jr. is expected lo al- ment of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Jefferson lend ihis event. DNR Assistant Secretary then load the donated trees onto trucks for trans- Parish Coasial Resioration Program, area high- port and delivery lo Harvey. Louisiana in Kalherine Vaughan will host a brief recognition school and university volunteers, the media and Jefferson Parish. ceremony honoring ihose who have participated the Louisiana Army National Guard were in at- in the program. An airlift demonsiralion of ihe A planned event for acceptance of the While tendance. House irees is scheduled Friday, January 31 si. at irees inlo ihe marshes soulh of New Orleans is After the ceremony. Ihose in altendance 2 p.m. at Joe's Landing located at 1170 Anthony also planned. boarded a boat to view the Christmas irees be- For more informalion on this topic, please Lane. Barataria. LA off Hwy. 301. ing placed in ihe marsh. Two UH- 1 H helicop- coniacl Phyllis Darensbourg, DNR Public Infor- According to Marnie Winter. Direclor of lers and crews from ihe 812lh Medical Company Jefferson Parish's coastal restoration program, malion Office al (504) 342-8955 or Marnie Win- sling-loaded ihe bundled trees from a barge to a school studenls and olher community volunteers ler, Jefferson Parish Environmental and nearby designated fence area. This was the fifth will celebrale Ihe arrival of the trees and will lake Developweni Comrol Department at (504) 828- year thai Army Guard aviation units have been part in ihe bundling and preparalion work neces- 4230. involved in the Coastal Restoralion Program. sary for placemeni of Ihe Irees in the marsh. Gov- Maj. Gen. Ansel M. Siroud. ihe adjuiani Bridge general, spoke at Ihe ceremony of ihe perfeci fil from page IS between this requiremenl and ihe Iraining mis- is expecied lo take three months to complete. First anon. sion of Ihe 1086th Transportation Company and Lt. Andrew Thomas, a member of Headquarters Johnson said several of his soldiers have been the 812ih Medical Company. He also empha- Company 769th Eng. Bn.. and officer-in-charge to Belize in the past and have asked to come back. sized ihe Louisiana National Guard's ongoing of the first construction crew deployed for the Sand That would suil the Honorable George commitment to preserving and protecting the en- Hill project, said he has gained much from the Bruno, U.S. Ambassador to Belize, just fine. Vis- vironment. exercise. iting Sand Hill School prior to the opening cer- "Every single member of the National An engineer with the U.S. Highway Depart- emony of "New Horizons-Belize." Bruno said Guard is also a citizen of Ihe siale of Louisiana." ment and a former subsiiiuie teacher, Thomas said, more work by Ihe U.S. military is readily wel- he said. 'The environmenl is very, very impor- "It's a warm feeling to know someone really ap- comed as the tiny Central American country lant to us." preciales and cares for what you are doing. You moves toward the upcoming cenlury. Grant . are doing somelhing for children, that ihey will "If thiscounlry is going to leap inlo the 21st utilize lo beiler ihemselves. Il really touches me." century, these people need lo have a good solid from page 12 Capt. Donald Johnson, commander of the educalion. And Ihese schools provide an oppor- "We are working on the other Tree City USA LANG's Co A, 769th Eng. Bn., said the construc- tunity for education, training, and development." requirments including the appointment of a Tree tion projects have also provided his soldiers with Bruno said. Board, funding a iree care and planting program execellent training. "So it's a very positive thing for the Uniled and developing a iree ordinance for Camp "They have to do their primary MOS along Slaies lo come down lo do our mililary training Beauregard." Siroud said. "When Camp wilh olher MOSs," Johnson said, noling the taleni and, at the same time, provide iremendous ben- Beauregard achieves Tree Cily USA slalus, we in ihe company and ihe benefil of overseas irain- efus lo ihe people in Belize." will join 2,(XX) other communities in America that ing in an ausiere environment will greatly serve proudly fly the Tree City flag of accomplish- to prepare Co A for an upcoming efficiency evalu- ment." Averitt Camp Beauregard is located in central Loui- from page II siana on ihe northeast outskirts of Pineville in a Master of Arts Degree in student personnel. He cialist Degree. northern Rapides Parish. is also a graduale of McNeese State Uhniversity Averili and his wife, Diana, live in Lecompte. with a Masler of Educalion and Educalion Spe- They have three children and a grandson. LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence Page 19 October activities bring Christmas early Story and photos by Suzanne Chaillot IS9th FVi/PA The look on her face was one of a child on Christmas morning. Mrs, Eva McCallon could not hold back the joy when members of the 159th Fighter Wing arrived at her home armed with ev- erything from hammers and nails to handsaws and lumber. More than forty volunteers from the Louisiana Air National Guard were about to trans- form the home she had occupied since the early sixties. McCallon was the grateful recipient of the restoration project known as Christmas in Octo- ber. The New Orleans program was implemented in 1988 to address the needs of homeowners, namely the elderly and disabled, who are ill- equipped to manage home repair. Here is how it works. Eligible homeowners submit applications to the New Orleans Preser- vation Resource Center. These owner occupied homes which need renovation and/or repairs are screened and selections are made by a board of professional contractors and architects. Volunteers from corporate and community organizations then pickup the torch and are respon- sible for completing the repairs. All supplies are donated and provided to the teams of volunteer carpenters, electricians and painters. McCallon's turn-of-the-century shotgun house located in Algiers Point was one of the homes chosen for 1996. "I picked up three pamplets at my church and filled out all of them." said McCallon as Air National Guard workers moved around her in a flurry of activity. "They told me I had been cho- sen and I tell you, I was so happy. I gave it a chance and it worked. It's like a dream come true. While floors were being replaced and paint was being applied to freshly sanded boarding. McCallon watched with pride as she witnessed her home's transformation before her eyes. Master Sgt. Don Chavin of the 159FW Safety Office stopped his sanding for a moment to comment on how great it made him feel to be pan of the volunteer force. "To see Mrs. Ava's face when she saw us arrive this morning was f-75 pilot Capt. Scott Hommer replaces a water pipe during Christmas in October. great." said Chavin. "I really feel like we are helping her see one of her dreams come true." Volunteering comes natural to members of said Hill. It's great to he able to provide this type leans Reservation Resource Center could make a the Louisiana Air National Guard. Besides being of service for people who could not ordinarily difference in the local community, the look on Eva a volunteer military force, the organization car- afford renovations. After we complete our project McCallon's face beamed with a resounding "yes." ries out community improvement programs we usually see the neighborhood follow suit by "This is the biggest and the best Chrismas throughout the year. cleaning up their yards and making improvments present I have ever received," stated McCallon Lt. Col. Rocky Hill is another Air National on their homes, too." with grateful pride. "I can't find enough words Guard volunteer with Christmas in October. "This It there was ever a question of whether the to express my happiness." is my fourth year volunteering for this program." Louisiana air National Guard and the New Or-

MSG. Curtis Williams, civil engineer for the 159th FN cuts a new floor for Eva McCallons' home. Page 20 LOUISIANA GUARDSMAN In Search of Excellence

// is with profound regret that we TAPS comforts announce the untimely deaths of loved ones fellow Louisiana National By John Sullivan Guardsmen. Public Affairs NCO

Spec. Michael Watson Self, 20, died December 25,1996. It's the mournful tune played as a last re- Self enlisted in the Louisiana National Guard on April 29, 1994 and was assigned to spect to a fallen serviceman. It's haunting notes Company A. 527th Engineer Battalion, Pinevillc, La. always seem to linger in the still air after a mili- His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon. National Defense Service Medal, tary service, a fitting end to a solemn service and the Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon. that pays tribute to the fallen man or woman. He is survived by his father. Danny O. Self, of Hornbeck, La. It's also a word that in a way stands for Spec. Dalton Wayne LaForge, 23, died November 19,1996. hope for those left behind. LaForge enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard on April 10, 1991 and was TAPS stands for Tragedy Assistance Pro- assigned to Company C, 527th Engineer Battalion, West Monroe, La. gram for Survivors. His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, It was started in Alaska in 1992 after the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal. Louisiana General Excellence Ribbon, and crash of a single aircraft that killed a number of the Lousiana Longevity Ribbon. top officers and non-commissioned officers in He is survived by his father. Wayne LaForge of Monroe, La, and his mother, Elsie R. the Alaskan National Guard. LaForge of West Monroe, La. Besides leaving a hole in the leadership of Pvt. 1st Class David Nelson Gauthier, 18, died December 4,19%. the Alaskan Guard, it left a hole in the life of Gauthier enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard on November 21, 1995 and Bonnie Carroll. Her husband was one of the was assigned to Company B. 769th Engineer Battalion, Marksville, La. guardsmen killed in the crash. He is survived by his parents. Daniel S. and Alfreda L. Gauthier, of Effie, La. In a taped interview played before mem- Spec. Jemmy Allen Cooper, 19, died December 8, 1996. bers of the Family Services Group at Jackson Cooper enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard on November 15, 1994, and was Barracks, Carroll described the days after the assigned to Detachment 1, Company A. 205th Engineer Battalion, Hammond, La. crash. There were memorial services and then His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, the funeral and the final act when a member of and the Army Reserve Component Overseas Service Ribbon. the military honor guard handed her the flag that He is survived by his mother, Melba S. Yarborough of Tickfaw, La. had draped her husband's casket. Pvt. 1st Class Raymond Calvin Liner, III, 19, died November 4,19%. It was then that she said she realized there Liner enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Detachment 1. Headquarters and were no support groups "or anyone to turn to" Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry Battalion, Jcanerette, La. on December 30, afterwards. 1994. Carroll said that after the funeral, realiz- He is survived by his parents, Raymond C. and Charmaine A. Liner of Franklin, La. ing there weren't any support groups for the sur- Spec. Kemble Anthony Paul, 25, died October 29,19%. vivors to turn to, created TAPS. TAPS has a 24-hour toll free number for Faul enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard on December 2, 1994 and was as- anyone wanting to call as well as E-mail ac- signed to Detachment 1. Company B, 2nd Battalion, 156th Infantry, Eunice, Louisiana. cess. His military awards include the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Bronze Service Star-2, How important is it for the survivors of a Kuwait Liberation Medal. National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Over- military death? seas Service Ribbon. He is surveved by his wife, Jana A. Faul and his daughter, Alexis J. Faul of Eunice, La. In a recent newsletter, TAPS received a let- ter from Gen. C.C. Krulak, commandant of the Staff Sgt. Chester Wayne Henson, 40, died December 8,19%. Marine Corps. Henson enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard on October 25. 1982. He enlisted In his letter, Krulak thanked Stefanie into BatteryA, 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery. New Orleans, La. Since his enlistment he has Begehr, president of the California chapter of served in several units of the 256th Infantry Brigade (Mechanized). His most recent assignment TAPS. was wilh Troop A, 108th Cavalry. Natchitoches. La. his Primary Military Occupational Spe- "Your organization truly does 'serve the cially was lank commander. families and friends of those who have made His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon. National Defense Service Medal, the ultimate sacrifice in service to their coun- Array Lapel Button, Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Overseas Sevice Ribbon, Army try.'" Reserve Component Achievemnt Medal < 2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal. Louisiana As further evidence of the importance TAPS War Cross, Louisiana Longevity Medal (3rd Award). Louisiana General Excellence Medal (3rd is gaining, U.S. Senator Ted Stevens wrote to the Award), and the Louisiana Emergency Service Robbon (2nd Award). Secretary of Defense. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy M. Henson. and daughter, Beth A. Henson, of Gretna. "TAPS will continue to be a valuable re- La. source for the surviving family member, long Spec. William Paul Jolly, III, 20, died December 22,1996. after casualty assistance officers have completed Jolly enlisied in the Louisiana Army National Guard on January 21, 1994. and was their responsibilities. I am hopeful tflat the De- assigned to the 156th Army Band. Bossier City, La. partment (of Defense) will give strong consid- His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service eration to promoting this program within the Medal. military community." He is survived by his parents, William P. Jolly. Jr. of Shreveport. La. and Susan E. Sayes TAPS can be reached by calling: 1-800- of Plain Dealing, La. 959-TAPS, fax 202.638.5312, or E-mail: TAPS AK(a)aol.com or TAPS DC(a)aol.com.

This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Louisiana National Guard. Contents of the Louisiana Guardsman are not necessarily the official views of, endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, of the Army, or the Louisiana National Guard.