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Volume 57 No. 5 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol October 2013 Effects of federal shutdown felt at Adjutant General’s Department By Steve Larson Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant Public Affairs Office general, assured Kansans that, despite the Although far removed from the political federal shutdown, the Kansas National arena in Washington, where wrangling over Guard would be ready to respond in emer- the federal budget, the debt ceiling, and the gency situations. controversial federal healthcare law re- “If there is a tornado, a flood or other sulted in a partial shutdown of federal of- emergency, we are allowed under the laws fices and programs, the effects of that regulating the federal shutdown to deploy shutdown were felt even in Kansas. For the personnel needed to protect the health more than a thousand employees of the Ad- and safety of the people we serve,” said jutant General’s Department, that meant a Tafanelli. “However, every day that this temporary furlough from their jobs. shutdown continues it diminishes our oper- Seven hundred seventy-two Kansas Na- ational capability and our readiness.” tional Guard Soldiers and Airmen reported On Oct. 4 it was announced that an addi- for work Oct. 1 and were notified they tional 263 state employees who were feder- would be sent home on furlough until the ally-funded would be furloughed. One federal shutdown was resolved. Two hun- hundred twenty-four of these employees dred nine federal technicians from the worked for the Readiness Sustainment 190th Air Refueling Wing, Topeka, 146 Maintenance program in Salina and at Fort from the 184th Intelligence Wing, Wichita, Riley. The remainder fulfilled supply, cleri- and 417 Soldiers from various armories Empty chairs were seen in offices throughout the Adjutant General’s Department in cal, facility maintenance and repair, and across the state were furloughed. early October as 722 federal technicians of the Kansas National Guard were placed other support functions and were located The next day, all members of the Kansas on furlough due to federal government shutdown. Two hundred and sixty-three fed- primarily in Topeka, Wichita and Salina. National Guard were informed the normal erally-funded state employees were also furloughed. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public The furlough picture brightened, however, drill period scheduled for the weekend of Affairs Office) Oct. 7 when the Adjutant General’s Depart- Oct. 5-6 would be cancelled due to the fed- tion, headquartered in Topeka, which was the weekend because of the time needed to ment received guidance from the National eral shutdown. The exception to this was beginning premobilization training. notify Soldiers and Airmen, food contrac- Guard Bureau that allowed them to recall for Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Avia- The decision to cancel was made prior to tors and others involved in drill activities. (Continued on Page 3) Armenia evaluated to possibly Guardsman instrumental in contribute to NATO forces returning artifact to Afghans By Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory R. Kober accordance with NATO standards agree- By Steve Larson Command East while deployed with the 287th Special Troop Battalion ments are certified to be including in the Public Affairs Office 102nd History Detachment. The Republic of Armenia recently de- NATO force pool. It was mid-April 2012 when a U.S. mili- After examining the stone, Babcock clared their desire to contribute to the pool Following an Armenian self-evaluation tary team conducting demining operations knew it was a find of cultural significance of NATO forces and is interested in deploy- in 2012, it was recommended the Armenian at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan un- for the Afghan people. He didn’t know ex- ing battalion-sized elements to Kosovo and Peacekeeping Battalion refine their task or- earthed a rock. actly what it was, but he knew it did not be- Afghanistan. Certification for NATO part- ganization to include a headquarters com- So? long on a shelf in the garrison headquarters. ner nations is a two-year process including pany, which is not a part of established The singular thing about this worn and He recommended it should be returned to a self-evaluation followed by a NATO eval- Armenian doctrine. The Republic of Arme- weathered rock was it showed unmistak- the Afghan people. uation. Units assessed to be interoperable in nia, through the U.S. Embassy, contacted able hard-carved images. The stone was “The command told me, ‘You identified the state of Kansas to provide training in transported to the garrison headquarters, it. You’re in charge of making sure it gets organizing and operating a headquarters cleaned with water and put on display with back,’” said Babcock. “I contacted Colonel company in 2012. A team of Kansas Na- other items found in the area. Jerry Brooks, U.S. Forces-A theater histo- tional Guardsmen traveled to Yerevan, Ar- A year later, in May 2013, land surveyor rian, asking what process was in place to menia, July 2012 and conducted a Jeffery Jalbrzikowski brought the rock to return it to the Afghan people. I was in- PAID week-long seminar on Headquarters and the attention of Kansas National Guards- structed to contact the State Department PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR

U.S. POSTAGE Headquarters Company duties and respon- man Master Sgt. Lyle Babcock, who was representative on Bagram Air Field.” PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT sibilities. Examples of training documents, serving as command historian for Regional (Continued on Page 14) including tactical standard operating proce- dures and battle tracking charts. These doc- uments were provided to the HHC commander and battalion executive officer to continue to refine HHC operations in preparation for the self-evaluation, which was conducted with Kansas National Guardsmen mentoring and NATO observa- tion in September 2012. The Armenian Peacekeeping Battalion was provided a critique on their perform- ance in preparation for the NATO evalua- tions in August/September 2013. A team of five Kansas National Guardsmen, consist- ing of Lt. Col. Erica Christie, Maj. Rodger Woods, Capt. Kade Garst, Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Kober and Staff Sgt. Brian Martin, were selected as participants in the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept Evaluation and Feedback – 26th Evaluator Training Course in Yerevan. The team left

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka Aug. 23 traveling over two days from OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Adjutant General of Kansas Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Penalty For Private Use, $300 Kansas to Yerevan to attend the evaluation Master Sgt. Lyle Babcock, command historian for RC-East, and Fahim Rahimi, cura- DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT

NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL instruction course, which included more tor at the Afghan National Museum in Kabul, unpack a stone artifact unearthed by a than 40 hours of instruction, three days of U.S. demining team near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Babcock was instrumental in

DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT (Continued on Page 2) seeing the artifact (inset) was returned to the Afghan people. (Courtesy photo) Page 2 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Training benefits Security Forces before boots on the ground By 2nd Lt. Matt Lucht Shaaban. “It’s not rank heavy. We do have a 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs lot of senior airmen, a lot of airmen, a few When units deploy, there are a lot of i’s staff sergeants here and there, and a few tech- to be dotted and t’s to be crossed before ac- nical sergeants, but it is a very young group.” tual boots are on the ground. Members of Even though the unit deploying is rela- the 184th Intelligence Wing Security Forces tively young, senior leaders are confident in Squadron spent approximately three weeks the few noncommissioned officers to com- at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas, to do just that. plete the mission successfully. “Predeployment training consists of “The noncommissioned officer corps that everything that we may run into down we have has a lot of different experiences and range,” said Master Sgt. Hadi Shaaban, backgrounds going with us,” said Brooks. “I 184th Security Forces Squadron. “It’s basi- think that we are able to use that experience cally knocking off the rust from the training and spread that out among the Airmen to that we received previously but maybe teach them the job that they are doing and haven’t received in a long time.” are expected to do while they are there.” “It’s training that we have had before,” Before getting to El Paso, there was a lot said Senior Airman Kevin Berry, 184th of time preparing the Airmen to deploy. SFS. “It is a refresher for us and, for the 184th Intelligence Wing’s Security Forces Squadron members receive instructions on Multiple days and weeks were spent train- new people, it is taking what they learned how to identify possible improvised explosive devices during premobilization training ing, qualifying and filling out paperwork at in technical school and turning it up a notch at Fort Bliss, Texas, Aug. 9. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Matt Lucht, 184th Intelligence Wing McConnell Air Force Base. Many had to and making it better and more applicable to Public Affairs) ensure that their families were prepared for where we are going.” According to Shaaban and others, not only perience before we leave, they [deployers] this deployment. The 204th Security Forces Squadron is was the training preparing the personnel for wouldn’t know what to expect. So, being “I tried to get everything done that I responsible for premobilization training at their mission, but the location as well. here gives them an idea of what to look for could get done before I left so it would be Fort Bliss. Their goal is to ensure that each “The weather is hot, but it is something over there and helps prepare their minds for easier on them,” said Berry. “Even some- group is mission-trained and deployable for that we have to get use to,” said Shaaban. “I the training, as opposed to just loading up thing as simple as school enrollment, I did their specific deployed location. am glad that we are actually attending the bags and heading straight there.” that for a day.” “It depends what your mission is specifi- combat readiness training here in El Paso The 184th SFS has many lower ranking The 184th SFS were paired up with two cally. If you are going outside the wire or because I believe that it will acclimate us a and first-time deployers on this deploy- other Air National Guard units from Michi- staying inside the wire, you are going to be little bit better.” ment. Several Airmen volunteered for this gan. All were ready to get the mission started. getting a different training package,” said “Being in this environment is similar to deployment before attending basic training “We all understand that someone has to do Master Sgt. Korin Hutchisson, noncommis- the environment that we will see over and technical school. it and if we all do some then some don’t do sioned officer in charge for Desert De- there,” said Master Sgt. Dale Brooks, 184th “We have a couple of Airmen that are a all,” said Brooks. “It is our turn and it is our fender, 204th Security Forces Squadron. SFS. “Without that type of training and ex- month or two out of technical school,” said responsibility, so that is why we are here.” 35th Infantry Division participates in first XCTC program exercise 35th Infantry Division Staff Ind.; Fort Stewart’s mission command training complex; and pecially its National Guard, to integrate and conduct realis- With the sound of artillery and helicopters vibrating their Soldiers from First Army. Together, the control element tic training under extremely constrained resources,” said command post, a staff of 12 Kansas Army National Guard made up a joint force of active duty Soldiers, civilians, con- Lt. Col. Melanie Meier, after witnessing the brigade’s com- Soldiers from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., worked intently at tractors and National Guardsmen from different states. bined arms rehearsal. Fort Stewart, Ga., Sept. 7-15 on their Command Post of the One of the Kansas Soldiers received special recognition The exercise was a combination of live, virtual and con- Future terminals, phones and other command and control from the exercise control leadership and the brigade com- structive methods. Live Soldiers were involved – real peo- devices for sustainment, aviation and artillery fires. mander for her performance. Sgt. Amina Norris, an air traf- ple, using real systems, from pilots flying helicopters to The Kansas Soldiers were acting as a division-level com- fic controller, used her experience in aviation operations (Continued on Page 5) mand element to issue guidance, find answers to requests and air traffic control from for information, plan and write operations orders, and give her combat deployments, advice to a Georgia National Guard Infantry Brigade Com- according to brigade leader- bat Team. ship. The Kansas Army National Guard members drew on Norris, who in civilian their own deployment experiences to help make the train- life is a manager at the Wal- ing realistic and to pass their knowledge and advice to Mart in Leavenworth, per- Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers in a command post sonally mentored the and field training exercise. brigade aviation officer in Georgia’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is one of air combat mission opera- 11 brigades aligned with the Kansas National Guard’s 35th tions, enabling the brigade’s Infantry Division for training support and was hosting the Soldiers to successfully eXportable Combat Training Capability program at Fort complete their training ob- Stewart to provide Soldiers with an experience similar to jectives. combat missions overseas, including working with coali- “She is an example of the tion forces. citizen Soldier, flexible with The 35th Inf. Div. Soldiers taking part in the exercise strong leadership qualities, performed all functions of a division headquarters to present able to take on any task and a realistic environment for the training brigade: command, even tutor those who out- operations, intelligence, sustainment, force protection, fires, ranked her,” said Lt. Col. aviation and planning. The 35th Inf. Div. even provided an Robert Stinson, officer in experienced officer to take charge of the opposing forces for charge of the 35th Inf. Div. the computer-simulated portion of the battle. staff. (Left to right) Maj. Dean Knauss, Maj. Ryan Hofstra, Master Sgt. Antonio Slaughter, The exercise control element running the exercise was a “This entire exercise is Lt. Col. Melanie Meier, Lt. Col. Robert Stinson and Staff Sgt. Megan Albert, all combined force from several locations. In addition to the an example of the ingenuity members of the Kansas National Guard 35th Infantry Division Staff, plan out possi- 35th Inf. Div. personnel, there was a doctrine training team that is required by our na- ble strategies using a brigade-level “sand table” during a command post and field from the Joint Maneuver Training Center at Camp Atterbury, tion’s armed forces and es- training exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga., Sept. 7-15. (Courtesy photo) Armenia evaluated to possibly contribute to NATO forces Continued from Page 1 of the Armenian Peacekeeping Battalion On the final day, Christie, Woods, Garst, cluding demining operations, medical train- evaluations and two days of evaluation commander, Lt. Col. Artur Vasakavetisyan, Kober and Martin were presented gradua- ing, disaster response and the next Peace- input into the database followed by com- prior to the evaluation in order for his staff tion certificates as evaluators at a NATO keeping Battalion evaluation. manders’ briefings on the ratings. There to revisit the tasks involved in analyzing the ceremony completing two weeks of training In 2003, Kansas and the Republic of Ar- were 42 officers and senior enlisted from missions. The team assisted throughout the and evaluation. menia were linked under the National 21 nations that participated in the course. exercise by providing injects to the battal- The five Kansas National Guard mem- Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. A second team of six Kansas National ion for mission assignments and received bers were added to a small registry of certi- The State Partnership Program, a National Guardsmen – Maj. Dallas McMullen, Maj. reports over a 48-hour exercise period. fied United States service members Guard Bureau program, pairs developing Wesley Topel, Maj. John Lane, Capt. At the conclusion of the exercise, both worldwide that are NATO certified evalua- nations with state National Guard organiza- Kendrea Shingleton, Sgt. 1st Class David Kansas teams met with their counterparts to tors. According to the NATO Course Direc- tions to foster mutually beneficial relation- Kennedy and Sgt. 1st Class Samantha discuss all the aspects of the evaluations tor Lt. Col. Morton Mo, Norway; and ships, both military and civilian. The Wier – were selected to assist the Armenian that went well and the areas that needed im- Evaluation Director Roger Ericsson, Swe- Kansas National Guard works closely with Ministry of Defense replicate a higher provement. After action notes were taken den; the five Kansans are the first and only the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Min- headquarters during the exercise to issue and plans for 2014 will be developed from National Guardsmen they know of that istry of Health, Rescue Service and other orders and receive battalion reports from the collective feedback in preparation for have ever attended and graduated the certi- governmental offices and agencies. Types the headquarters company, which consists the next NATO evaluation. A cultural din- fication course in his 12 years with the of cooperation include military-to-military, of a recon platoon and three companies. ner was hosted by the Armenian Ministry of program. military-to-civilian and civilian-to-civilian The team presented a course on the mili- Defense for all the partner nations and There are many planned events in 2014 events as well as law enforcement ex- tary decision making process at the request Kansas participants on the final evening. through the State Partnership Program in- changes. October 2013 • Plains Guardian Page 3 190th Air Refueling Wing Tech Savvy Aircrew members rock babies Front lines of a cyber-war By Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley During a medical flight, the crew often By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Sackrider Imagine having $1,000 in credit card 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs accommodates a patient’s needs for special- Cyber Security Officer debt you didn’t know about. Now imag- The 190th Air Refueling Wing regularly ized cabin pressure or altitude. Sometimes, We are in a digital foxhole on the front ine only one percent of Americans being accepts aeromedical evacuation missions, if they are alert enough, the patients just lines of a cyber-war. Many of our ene- victims. That is three million people, each flying military patients between hospitals all like having someone to talk to. Ramirez mies believe that a long, protracted war with $1,000 of stolen debt. This may not over the world. Recently, a 190th ARW crew gave a tour to one infant’s three-year-old (even covering generations) can be won affect the individual, who is able to con- picked up their youngest passengers yet. brother. The boy got to visit the pilots on by patience and relying on our compla- tact the bank, which forgives it, but the Lt. Col. Mike O’Brien, Maj. Rufus For- the flight deck and sit in the boom pod. cency. banking industry is now down three bil- rest III, Master Sgt. Mike Money and Staff While Ramirez said the boy didn’t really One example of this type of warfare is lion dollars. Think that’s a high number? Sgt. Gabe Ramirez, members of the 117th know what was going on, he said he en- identity theft. Your personally identifiable In October 2012 the Revenue Department Air Refueling Squadron, 190th Air Refuel- joyed it. information identifies you as an individ- of the state of North Carolina reported ing Wing, moved two premature infants on The babies, meanwhile, spent most of the ual apart from anyone else. The most sus- their entire database stolen. That is 3.6 separate flights between Hawaii and San flights in their incubators. A flight nurse ceptible of this information is your social million victims in just one incident. The Diego for medical treatment. The babies took out one infant for a feeding, and the security number. Even your “last four” is state offered a year of credit protection, were carried in incubators, which had to be mother briefly held her baby. It was a mo- no longer safe, as there are now auto- which expires in October 2013. It is be- lifted onto the plane with cargo loaders. ment that Ramirez described as very touch- mated tools to guess the rest of the num- lieved many of those citizens will not “They even had cute little baby-sized ing. Even as a younger crew member ber. The first three digits of your social continue that protection nor put a lock on hearing protectors,” said Ramirez. among older, married men with children, security number are dependent on where their credit, causing another swell in Both infants flew with their families. he found the mission – his first aeromedical you enrolled and the second two can be thefts. This is now considered economic One was flying to medical treatment in evacuation – meaningful. guessed. The warfare on a Dallas, while the other was returning to “It’s really rewarding doing that kind of numbers of national Hawaii. mission,” said Ramirez. those whose level. identities is So what stolen is stag- can we do to gering, not protect our only due to identities? Be the ease of vigilant of obtaining your social them, but the security num- lack of dili- ber. Shred all gence by the personal, fi- potential vic- nancial and tims. even medical Here’s how What we thought cyber Soldiers would look like. information it works: The adversary will pay a small that’s no longer needed. Check to see amount (usually $7 to $15) for a social what protection is offered through your security number. This enables anyone to financial institution, and check your be a potential belligerent. The kid down credit scores at least annually. The Fed- 190th Air Refueling Wing aircrew members and medical professionals oversee the load- the street that goes through your garbage, eral Trade Commission is a good resource ing of a premature infant aboard one of the wing’s KC-135R Stratotankers to be flown or the war driver that sniffs your signal as for free information at www.ftc.gov. between Hawaii and San Diego for medical treatment. The infant was carried in an in- you attach to your wireless internet is If you are willing to pay for more pro- cubator, which had to be lifted onto the plane with cargo loaders. (Courtesy photo) able to obtain your PII if you do not take tection, another step is to enroll in a credit the proper precautions. Once the enemy protection service. As for your computer, obtains an identity, they will register for ensure wireless has proper passwords and Effects of federal shutdown felt as many credit cards as possible and will do not use your “out of the box” user- max them out. The victim never knows name. Instead, create a new login that Continued from Page 1 were recalled Oct. 17 and resumed work this due to false address and contact in- does not have administrative rights. Also most of the federal National Guard techni- Oct. 18 after Congress passed a continuing formation, causing the problem to worsen ensure your computer is updated and has cians who had been furloughed. On Oct. 14, resolution to fund federal offices and pro- until the victim attempts to purchase a current antivirus and protection pro- 126 of the 263 federally-funded state em- grams. something on credit and the damage is re- grams. Remember, you’re not only pro- ployees who worked for the RSMS program “We are relieved to be able to get our vealed. tecting yourself, but the nation as well. began returning to work when it was deter- employees back to work,” said Tafanelli. mined they worked under Fiscal Year 2013 “This will allow us to begin the process to funding. The remaining 137 employees return to normal operations.” University of Kansas commissions five Guardsmen

Congratulations to the latest University of Kansas Reserve Officers’ Training Corps commissioned officers of the Kansas National Guard (from left to right) 2nd Lt. Blake Horvath, Company C, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th In- fantry Regiment; 2nd Lt. Kaleb Gilmore, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regi- ment; 2nd Lt. Kayla Fletcher, Medical Detachment; 2nd Lt. Travis Clark, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery; and 2nd Lt. Josh Robinson, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment. The University of Kansas ROTC commis- sioning ceremony was held May 20. (Photo by Cadet Howard Ting, University of Kansas Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) Page 4 Plainly Speaking Plains Guardian • October 2013 Reflect on what we’ve come through, prepare for what lies ahead of us By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli served our nation and state during disasters Unfortunately, it is likely we will con- process took a full year and has helped the Adjutant General here at home. Just this month we sent ap- tinue to see more federal reductions in the program to improve its policies and proce- Once again the year has flown by and we proximately 45 Soldiers of Company G, next year and beyond. We recognize the fur- dures in addition to being recognized for find ourselves with just a few weeks of 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, to lough was difficult for you and raised a sig- the hard work of all of our staff involved in 2013 remaining. I Afghanistan and we welcomed home more nificant amount of concern for families. We this challenging process. Congratulations to consider Novem- than 75 Kansas Soldiers and Airmen from a will continue to do everything we can to all of our Family Programs staff! ber a very special mission in Colorado rebuilding roads minimize the effects of any future reduc- Since our last edition of the Plains month because we washed away by flooding. tions on our staff and we will keep everyone Guardian, Sgt. Theresa Vail, also known as have the opportu- In a few days, during the Thanksgiving informed as we receive budget information Miss Kansas, went on to represent our state nity to honor and holiday, we’ll have a chance to remember the from Department of Defense and National proudly at the Miss America pageant. She was thank our service many blessings in all areas of our lives and I Guard Bureau and from the state. voted as America’s Choice by the public, members and vet- encourage you to reach out to service mem- I want to take this opportunity to congrat- making it into the top 15 candidates. She car- erans for all of the bers and veterans and their families to ex- ulate our Kansas National Guard Family ried an important message to the youth of sacrifices they press your gratitude for their efforts to keep Programs Office for today, promoting have made for the us safe and for their sacrifices. It will mean a undertaking a pilot “... we have the opportunity to honor her platform of sake of future gen- Maj. Gen. great deal to them. I also encourage you to re- program which will and thank our service members and breaking down erations. Lee Tafanelli member your emergency management com- result in accredita- veterans for all of the sacrifices they stereotypes and em- These past sev- munity and the sacrifices they make to keep tion from the Coun- have made for the sake of future powering women. eral years have been challenging for our Na- our state safe and to stay ready to respond to cil on Accreditation. generations.” She has certainly tional Guard members, many of whom have the needs of Kansans should a disaster occur. Later this year we done that in her role - Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli deployed multiple times to Iraq, It’s been a challenging year for our em- will receive accredi- in the National adjutant general of Kansas Afghanistan, Kosovo and many other loca- ployees and our department as we have tation through the Guard and in many tions across the globe. Thank you for all that weathered financial difficulties with fur- Military and Family other areas of her you do. And for those veterans who have loughs and other staff reductions, includ- Readiness Program which assures military life. Please join me in congratulating Sgt. Vail! fought in previous wars, thank you, too. ing the loss of approximately 100 members and their families that the support As we head into December, we know the Our country stands strong today because positions in our Readiness Sustainment the Kansas National Guard Family Pro- nice Kansas weather won’t stick around of the willingness of great men and women Maintenance Sites in Salina and Fort grams provides meets the highest standards long, so please take some time to get pre- who have gone the extra mile and fought Riley. We are committed to assisting staff of reliability and professionalism. Although pared and ensure your family is prepared. It for our country’s freedoms as well as through these challenges. a part of the Adjutant General’s Depart- only takes a few minutes to stock an emer- ment, the Kansas National Guard Family gency kit for when you have a power out- Programs provides services to members of age and need some extra supplies. Don’t Be a safe and cautious driver all military branches, including active duty forget your car emergency kit to help you in By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Marvin Terhune creased volume of traffic and pedestrians and reserve components. To receive accred- case you get stranded in winter weather. Safety Officer requires an increased attention span while itation, the Family Programs staff had to These simple steps now could make a sig- School has started up again so kids are operating a motor vehicle. completely review their existing adminis- nificant difference for you and your family running around with the excitement of the Keep driving distractions at a minimum. trative, management, and service delivery later. For more information on preparing new school year. The call or text on your cell phone can functions and provide documentation to the your emergency kit, go to our website at We must refocus wait, along with that hamburger you just Council on Accreditation. The accreditation www.ksready.gov. our driving near bought at the drive-thru. When you are schools and any- driving, give it your full attention! time we are around With the time change coming in No- State Chaplain’s Corner a stopped school vember, do not forget to replace the batter- bus that has its ies in your home smoke detectors. New program “Partners in Care” stop sign out with Remember to also test the detectors after By Chaplain (Col.) William Jenkins given to Kansas National Guard members its lights flashing. battery replacement to ensure they are still Kansas National Guard State Chaplain and families equally without regard to re- Remember, too, working. Home fires increase as the Partners in Care is a new program en- ligious belief. Services provided to Guard that there are older weather becomes colder with people trying dorsed by Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the ad- members and families are free of charge, kids that now have to stay warm. Chief Warrant Officer jutant general, that with no obligation and assume no liability drivers license for Now is the time to rehearse your fire 4 Marvin Terhune is being imple- for either party. the first time and evacuation plan and meeting place at your mented by our Partner in Care organizations agree to are driving to school. home. Practice with the kids to make sure Kansas National provide support to the extent that re- For those who you live in a rural commu- they know how to safely get out of the Guard chaplains. sources are available. Support services nity, be aware the annual harvest is going house. Several things to check out now are Partners in Care may include: pastoral support for individ- on. The slow-moving tractors, combines and portable room heaters, fire place chimneys, invites faith-based uals, couples, children or youth; support grain trucks are out on the roads in numbers. heater/furnace filters and any other heating and civic/veteran groups; study groups; finance/budgeting The changing of the weather also means device that you have in your home. Be pre- organizations to classes; child care; transportation to/from deer will be active in the twilight hours. pared for the fall and cold weather and it partner with the appointments and activities; home and What does this all mean to us? The in- won’t catch you by surprise. Be safe. Kansas National auto repair classes; yard/snow removal as- Guard to provide Chaplain (Col.) sistance; food pantry; clothing closet or additional support William D. Jenkins thrift shop; community referrals; and other Kansas Warrant Corps update to service mem- services. By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector Vasquez Soldiers and civilians about officer and bers and their families who may be at risk. If you would like to nominate a congre- State Chief Warrant Officer warrant officer opportunities in the Partners in Care organizations provide an- gation or civic/veteran organization to be- Now that the Warrant Officer Candi- Kansas Army National Guard. Com- other layer of crucial personal support. come a Partner in Care organization, visit date School Class 13-001 has graduated, manders were given the opportunity to All faith communities and civic/veteran with them about the idea and talk to one of it is time for all invite well-qualified future leaders of the organizations are welcome to participate our Kansas National Guard chaplains. For of you who are Kansas Army National Guard, including as Partners in Care organizations. The or- more information, please contact Chaplain interested in be- current Kansas Army National Guard ganization provides a list of services of- (Maj.) John Potter at 785-274-1514 or coming a warrant members, significant others and/or par- fered, as well as a point of contact for [email protected]. officer to start or ent(s), and all Kansas Army National coordination and communication of infor- Your Partner in Care! Pro Deo Et Pa- finalize your pre- Guard leaders to attend this informa- mation, referrals and support. Support is tria… For God and Country. determination tional/interactive presentation about the packets. The next following officer training opportunities: PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian class is to begin • Officer Candidate School in five months, • Reserve Officer Training Corps The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- so now is the • Warrant Officer Candidate School ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, time to start fill- Symposium participants were given the photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- Command Chief olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will ing out a packet Warrant Officer 5 opportunity to interact with recent gradu- payment be made for contributions. as it takes about ates of the Officer/Warrant Officer Candi- The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions Hector Vasquez may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]). five months to date Schools. They also heard from Circulation: Approximately 16,000 approve. Once your packet is approved, subject matter experts on officer bonuses Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office you will have a distance learning course and incentives, officer unit vacancies and Public Affairs Office to complete prior to the class starting. opportunities to excel as a leader in the Commander in Chief Director Gov. Sam Brownback The Kansas Warrant Officer Corps cur- Kansas Army National Guard. This is a Sharon Watson 785-274-1192 Adjutant General of Kansas Assistant Director rently has 40 traditional Guard vacancies. good time to ask question about becom- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Stephen D. Larson 785-274-1194 If you are interested in becoming a war- ing a warrant officer or officer. Editor Public Information Writer rant officer, please contact Chief Warrant I will have a “Warrant Officer Call” in Sharon Watson Jane Welch 785-274-1190 Officer 2 Sam Bonham, recruiter and Wichita and will notify the Warrant Offi- Production/Graphics/Writer FAX 785-274-1622 Stephen D. Larson e-mail: [email protected] strength manager, at (785) 274-1823 or cer Corps once I finalize a location. This Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Videographer [email protected]. will be my last “Warrant Officer Call” for 2nd Lt. Matt Lucht 785-274-1195 Production Assistant A Warrant Office/Officer Symposium the calendar year, so I encourage all war- Jane Welch Staff Writer was held Nov. 2, in Wichita at the Heart- rant officers, retired, future and present, Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett 785-274-1191 land Preparedness Center. The purpose of that are in or live near Wichita to please The Plains Guardian can be read online at http://www.kansastag.gov the symposium was to educate interested (Continued on Page 14) For change of address, contact Jane Welch. October 2013 • Plains Guardian Plainly Speaking Page 5 Warrior to Warrior Noncommissioned Officer Leader Development vital to readiness By Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly Soldiers should be considered for promotion to the next before their advancement. These changes will better pre- Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas higher grade when they achieve competency in their cur- pare our NCOs for the complexities of today’s operational Selection for promotion to a noncommissioned officer rent rank and exhibit the potential to serve successfully at environment while reinforcing the benefits of a deliber- rank is based on a Soldier’s potential to serve at increas- the next higher NCO rank. These Soldiers display a pro- ate, continuous, sequential and progressive professional ing levels of responsibility, and gression of competencies and attributes in the Army pro- development strategy. this potential stems from a fession, professional competence, team building, One year ago, in the October 2012 issue of the Plains leader’s assessment of a Soldier adaptability, lifelong learning and comprehensive fitness. Guardian, I provided an update to our Enlisted Promo- in his or her current rank. The implementation of individual leadership development tion System and notification of improvements to this sys- The description of an NCO as a plans by our company command teams is critical to this tem that were implemented with our 2013 promotion leader is based on the core roles process. boards. We have been very pleased with the results thus derived from the duties, responsi- With proper coaching, teaching, mentoring and educa- far with approximately four months remaining in this bilities and authorities of the tion of our subordinate Soldiers, we depend on our com- year’s board cycle. We have significantly reduced the NCO Corps. Our NCOs lead, pany, battalion and brigade-level command teams to number of NCO vacancies and continue to work hard at train and educate, care for Sol- ensure that only those Soldiers that have truly shown po- all levels to fill all of our NCO positions with fully quali- diers and equipment, and main- tential are recommended for promotion annually and that fied NCOs. tain and enforce standards. These Command Sgt. Maj. the leaders continue to work with all Soldiers to ensure The memorandum of instruction for our 2014 enlisted four roles establish the founda- James Moberly they all can achieve their full potential. promotion boards will be published by the end of October tion for NCO development and The training and education of our NCO ranks is vital to and we will continue with the changes implemented last serve as measurements of success throughout an NCO’s the readiness of the Kansas Army National Guard. Policy year. The eligibility criteria date to be considered by the career. Leaders must continuously assess how Soldiers changes under a Department of Army newly defined se- 2014 promotion board (boarded) is Feb. 1, 2014. Soldiers perform in their current rank and, when successful, iden- lect-train-promote methodology will help ensure that must ensure that their NGB Form 4100 is accurate and tify those who show the capacity and potential, with train- NCOs are prepared to assume their next grade and/or po- signed in a timely manner to ensure their accurate and fair ing, to perform at higher levels of responsibility. sition by completing the requisite training and education consideration by the 2014 board. Structured Self-Development, noncommissioned officer promotions By Sgt. Maj. James Crosby to the Noncommisioned Officer Education the Army and did not obtain the expected The 2013 promotion list remains in effect Joint Forces Headquarters Kansas System enrollment. Effective April 1, our experience at each level prior to promotion. until the 2014 list is published. Significant changes have been made to the trainers were prohibited from enrolling Sol- Too many were promoted before they were The following is the specifics regarding 2014 noncommissioned officer promotion el- diers for NCOES unless they reflected com- truly ready. SSD is an Army-wide institu- each level of SSD and NCOES and promo- igibility criteria re- pletion of their respective level of SSD in tional approach designed to help improve tion impacts: cently. Most levels the Army’s system of record, a.k.a. ATRRS. the quality and performance of our NCO SSD Level 1: Specialist/corporals must of NCO promotions Effective Jan. 1, 2014, completion of Corps. Our Soldiers and families have the complete SSD Level 1 before attaining eli- are now dependent SSD is officially tied to our NCO promotion right to expect the highest quality of leader- gibility for promotion to sergeant. This upon the comple- criteria. This requirement is non-waiver- ship at every level. means you can be considered for sergeant, tion of Structured able; there are no exceptions allowed. We SSD is an online course with each level but you cannot be promoted. Soldiers must Self-Development. must all work very hard at all levels to be consisting of 80 academic hours. SSD has also complete SSD-1 before they can enroll Regardless of what successful and ensure SSD completion im- reached the level of maturity where Sol- in Warrior Leader Course. you think about proves and benefits our Soldiers. diers are auto-enrolled in their respective There is no SSD Level 2. The common SSD, it’s here and This really is nothing new. Leader devel- level of SSD. For specifics with regards to core phase of the Advance Leaders Course it’s serious. opment has been based on three pillars dur- SSD enrollment, completion and other SSD serves this purpose. ALC-CC is an online Army Directive Sgt. Maj. ing my nearly 30 year career – professional issues talk with your first line leaders, train- distance learning course which students 2013-15, signed by James Crosby education, operational assignments and self- ing/readiness NCOs and first sergeants. have 90 days to complete. There is no auto- the Secretary of the development. Senior Army leaders designed At all ranks, completion of the appropri- enrollment for this course. You are assigned Army July 1, establishes Army policies that and implemented SSD for two reasons: ate SSD level is required before you may to a structured class through your normal link completion of SSD and professional 1) Too few of our Soldiers and NCOs be promoted. If you have not completed the unit NCOES enrollment process. Comple- military courses under the newly defined were applying themselves in self-develop- course for your rank, you will be passed tion of this level of training is not tied to select-train-promote methodology. This di- ment and it was reflected in current NCO over for sergeant, but not removed from the promotion eligibility. However, graduation rective is applicable to all Soldiers, active performance and potential and unit readi- list, and the next qualified Soldier will be from ALC with all required phases per your Army, Army National Guard and U.S. ness and mission accomplishment. considered. Staff Sergeants and above will MOS is a prerequisite for SSD-3. Army Reserve. We’ve already experienced 2) Many of our current NCO Corps were not board at all and will have to wait for the SSD Level 3: Staff sergeants must com- the impact of SSD completion with regard promoted very quickly due to the needs of next boarding year. (Continued on Page 7) 35th Infantry Division in first Former Kansas Guardsman, XCTC program exercise Father pins son’s promotion Continued from Page 2 artillerymen firing their cannons. Virtual training involved people operating simulators, such as unmanned aerial systems. Constructive training, which uses both simulated personnel and systems, is similar to computer war games. People provided input to computer simulations and the algorithms in the simulations determined the outcome of the virtual combat. The Fort Stewart exercise included the brigade and battalion tactical operations centers in the field, with troop movement and combat being performed by a combination of Sol- diers and equipment and by computer simulations. The exercise ended with an air assault of various objectives using UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Due to the exercise’s importance, the training area was visited by a number of Army leaders, including Gen. Dan Allyn, commanding general of Forces Command; Lt. Gen. Michael S. Tucker, commanding general of First Army; Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram, Jr., director of the Army National Guard; and Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, commander of the Geor- gia Army National Guard.

Spc. Justin Lero (center), Pittsburg, satellite communications operator with 369th Signal Company, salutes his father David Lero (far left), Iola. The elder Lero pinned the rank of sergeant on his son during a ceremony held outside the Kansas City, Kan., armory, Sept. 8. David Lero was a sergeant in the Kansas National Guard, serving as a company clerk for Company C, 891st Engineer Battalion from January 1976 to January 1983. (Photo by David Lero Jr.) Give an Hour provides free mental health Retired? Keep up with us by email services to help heal the invisible wounds of war. Are you on the retiree e-mail distribution list? Are you receiv- To receive services or join our network of ing your free copy of the Plains Guardian at your home? If your answer is no and you would like to be added please e-mail volunteer providers, visit www.giveanhour.org. your request to Jane Welch at [email protected]. Page 6 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Guard Bureau Chief visits Kansas National Guard Headquarters By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett It is very economical to maintain for the na- The National Guard, a force of more than In the Kansas National Guard, the recent Public Affairs Office tion and for the governors to respond to 463,000 members, makes up approximately furloughs ordered by the Department of “When I come out here and I have the their communities.” 10 percent of the defense budget. Currently, Defense affected 54 percent of the full-time chance to see the great Army and Air Grass spoke to Soldiers and Airmen of 150,000 of those Guardsmen are deployed employees of the Kansas National Guard, Guardsmen from Kansas and across the the Kansas National Guard about staying in to almost every military operation around including approximately 1,100 technician states, I see the huge value that exists in the the fight amidst the federal deficit predica- the world, while at the same time, another 8 positions. Grass said the balancing act is Guard today,” stated Gen. Frank J. Grass, ment during a Town Hall meeting Aug. 5 at to 10,000 are just getting home and another maintaining the Guard’s size and readiness chief of the National Guard Bureau, and the the State Defense Building, Topeka. 8 to 10,000 are getting ready to deploy, ac- while still finding efficiencies. highest ranking National Guard officer in “The Guard is the best buy for the cording to Grass. Due to efforts at the Department of De- the U.S. military. “There is nothing like it. money,” said Grass. “This generation of Guardsmen and fense and help from Congress, Secretary of women expect to deploy,” said Grass. “[De- Defense Chuck Hagel announced a reduc- ployments] are not going to stop. We will tion in furloughs from 11 days to six for see a shift though from combat to support civilian employees just a day after Grass’ skills: transportation, engineers and quarter- visit. masters.” During his visit, Grass met with Maj. Gen. Grass said he spoke with Gen. Ray Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, and sen- Odierno, U.S. Army chief of staff, about ior leadership of the Kansas National Guard. keeping Guard units involved in traditional Tafanelli said he and Grass discussed several deployments to Kosovo, Kuwait, the Sinai ways Kansas is partnering with agencies to Peninsula and the Horn of Africa in coming stretch resources and capabilities. years. Grass would also like to see the Before visiting the Kansas National Guard continue missions in other countries Guard, Grass also met with Kansas Gov. for several months conducting humanitar- Sam Brownback. ian relief allowing traditional Soldiers and Grass assumed his duties as NGB chief Airmen to deploy for a two- or three-week Sept. 7, 2012. Prior to this assignment, annual training. Grass was deputy commander of the U.S. He also noted the National Guard is not Northern Command. exempt from the Budget Control Act of The chief of the National Guard Bureau 2011. became a statutory member of the Joint “When you work inside the national cap- Chiefs of Staff Dec. 31, 2012. ital region,” said Grass, “you sometimes Grass routinely visits the National Guard Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau and the highest-ranking deal with some frustrating issues for all the headquarters in states to discuss NGB is- National Guard officer in the U.S. military, speaks to Soldiers and Airmen of the right reasons.” sues and policies and hear about state con- Kansas National Guard about staying in the fight amidst the federal deficit predica- “We have to deal with the Budget Con- cerns from the adjutants general. ment during a Town Hall meeting at the State Defense Building, Topeka, Kan., Aug. trol Act,” continued Grass. “We have to fig- “It’s really just a great opportunity to 5. During his visit to Topeka, Grass met with Gov. Sam Brownback and Maj. Gen. ure out how we are going to obtain the come out and look into the eyes of our great Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Af- saving for the future. We have to deal with men and women that serve our nation,” said fairs Office) the deficit as a nation.” Grass. Warrior Leadership Course… A sergeant’s insider view By Sgt. Thomas Sureau part of the United States extend their influence beyond weren’t here in August. When it was over, all of us walked Company C, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, their geography. The sun wasn’t even in the sky yet, and away with a greater understanding that we had far more to 137th Infantry Regiment UPAR cool showers were already in my thoughts. learn, volumes of understanding and execution remaining It started with a long drive down the heart of the Mid- WLC is an introduction to skills expected from the in order to perform in the field successfully, and more than west United States. I travelled south, along the Kansas- Army’s Noncommissioned Officer Corp. The next 19 days our share of mosquito and chigger bites. I was one of the Missouri border, through Arkansas, Texas and finally into consisted of instruction in three core areas: training, leader- few NCOs from combat arms; this was my bread and but- Louisiana. I was on my way to Camp Cook, La., for War- ship and warfighting. ter. I may be called to do this for real one day. rior Leadership Course having recently made my promo- I was up at 3 a.m. to work with my study group on physi- With graduation just a day away, we were allowed three tion to sergeant. cal readiness training. After breakfast we moved to the hours of letting it loose. We had a great time knowing we I had talked with a Soldier who had gone to WLC only a classroom for training on Army correspondence and the had accomplished what we set out to, and we knew we few months prior and had some idea of what to expect. De- Army writing style. were better Soldiers than when we had arrived. The follow- spite this, there is always the anticipation of how I will I was evaluated on drill and ceremony, the Army writing ing day’s graduation ceremony was a formality. We knew handle this foray into another Army Tradoc school and re- style and oral presentation. Like much of Army training, I everything was done but the paperwork. visit the questions I answer every day since I decided to struggled to attend to detail while working with less than The NCO Creed has a line in it which says, “I am a non- join the military: “How do I measure up?” “What am I normal amounts of sleep. commissioned officer, a leader of Soldiers,” that line is on made of?” My paperwork said, “Sureau, Thomas Sgt. Gun- My study group was a good mix of personalities from all my mind as Louisiana fades in the rearview mirror. I still ner/Assistant Tank Commander from Overland Park, over and we worked well as a team. As we progressed from double-take when I hear “sergeant” or when an enlisted Kansas.” crawl to walk then run, this dynamic would help keep our Soldier stands at ease before me. I probably will for some I checked in 11 hours later, grabbed my linens, unloaded momentum going. There were thousands of PowerPoint time to come. I do know I am better prepared for what it my gear and sized up the Soldiers around me. We had a slides to see, hours of study and preparation and evalua- means to be an NCO. I am better for having trained at physical fitness test in the morning, orientation briefs and tions to complete. As NCOs, we would be the trainers of Camp Cook. I am aware of my role as an NCO. classes. Soldiers. It was our duty to learn how to do just that. I worked hard. I answered questions about myself. I met The moisture in Louisiana is palpable at this time. The The final evaluation commenced during a field training Soldiers from different parts of the U.S., shared experi- humidity is visible in the air. I could feel it on me, feel the exercise, 36 hours of executing leadership in a tactical en- ences and made lifelong friendships. I learned strength, hu- weight of it in my clothing and my lungs. I am not in a vironment. The moisture of Louisiana in June dominated mility and perseverance all over again. Most of all, I bayou, but the swamps and marshlands that exist in this the training. We found comfort in the realization that we learned that I am proud of the corps. Kansas warrant officer candidates graduate from Phase III By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Smith “The Warrant Officer Candidate School 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment ensures that Soldiers who become warrant Warrant officer candidates from the officers have the leadership skills relevant Kansas Regional Training Institute, Warrant to an Army at war and are thus better able Officer Candidate School, graduated from to operate and survive on today’s ever- their two-week phase of training at Camp changing battlefield in the Global War on Atterbury, Ind., Sept. 21. Terrorism,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 The graduates are David Burgoon, Victo- Hector Vasquez, command chief warrant ria Elbert, Brian Gage, Jesse McAnelly, officer. “The Warrant Officer Candidate Leo Nickel, McKindree Perrin and Robert School is no longer just ‘basic training on Williams. steroids.’ It is a leadership school that helps The two-week training included class- candidates develops skills they need to ef- room academics, the Army Physical Fitness fectively lead Soldiers in the contemporary Test, a staff ride and culminated in a seven- operational environment.” day field training exercise. The field exer- “When a Soldier becomes an Army war- cise consisted of a Leadership Reaction rant officer, their ability to affect change Course where skills at receiving an opera- (Left to right) Warrant officer candidates Robert Williams, David Burgoon, Brian within their command increases exponen- tional order and leading a squad through a Gage, Leo Nickel, McKindree Perrin, Victoria Elbert and Jesse McAnelly pose for a tially,” continued Vasquez. “The Warrant mission were evaluated; land navigation; group picture as they graduate from Phase III of Warrant Officer Candidate School Officer Candidate School focuses on Situational Training Exercise lanes; For- at Camp Atterbury, Ind., Sept. 21. (Courtesy photo) teaching ‘how’ to think, as opposed to ward Operating Base occupation, including teaching ‘what’ to think. Candidates are Entry Control Point training; Tactical Oper- Drills; and Military Operations on Urban Battle Drill and Reconfigurable Vehicle led to understand that their decisions and ation Center set-up and operation; Quick Terrain exercise. Training was also con- Tactical Trainer. Their training began in actions often have an impact well into the Reaction Force, Warrior Task and Battle ducted in the Improvised Explosive Device April with the first of five drill weekends. future.” October 2013 • Plains Guardian Page 7 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion changes command By Spc. Jen Bjorgaard Hale coming on board,” said Riedel. “She 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment was company commander of the 137th Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s Transportation Company a few years ago, 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battal- and it will be nice to have her back in the ion gathered at Lone Elm Park in Olathe, battalion.” Kan., Sept. 8 to conduct a change of com- Hale said she was glad to be returning to mand ceremony. the battalion, and hoped to build on the Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Matthew unit’s successes. J. Bedwell, Belton, Mo., relinquished com- “Lieutenant Colonel Bedwell has done mand to Lt. Col. Carla F. Hale, Shawnee, in an amazing job in leading the battalion dur- a ceremony witnessed by the battalion and ing his tenure,” said Hale. “I plan to build a large group of family and friends. upon his success by continuing to foster an “The 169th CSSB is an outstanding or- environment where Soldiers, their families ganization due to the efforts and profes- and our local communities feel proud serv- sionalism of our Soldiers, and the support ing as a member or supporter of the 169th of their families and loved ones,” said Bed- CSSB and the Kansas National Guard.” well. “It has been an honor and a privilege The headquarters for the 169th CSSB is to command the battalion.” located in Olathe. The battalion’s subordi- Maj. Terresa Riedel, executive officer of nate units are the 137th Transportation the 169th CSSB, acted as the master of cer- Company, Olathe and Topeka; the 778th Soldiers of the 169th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion present arms as they emonies for the event and welcomed Hale Transportation Company, Kansas City, welcome their new commander, Lt. Col. Carla F. Hale, to the battalion during a back to the battalion. Manhattan and Wichita; and the 1077th change of command ceremony held at Lone Elm Park, Olathe, Kan., Sept. 8. (Photo “I look forward to Lieutenant Colonel Ground Ambulance Company, Olathe. by Spc. Jen. Bjorgaard, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) 18th annual Adjutant General’s Physical Fitness Competition By Staff Sgt. Veronica K. Almazan-Chapman points. The second place team was from Wi- 235th Regiment UPAR chita South High School with a combined The Modular Training Battalion of the score of 1,026. The Wichita South team was 235th Regiment hosted the 18th annual Ad- comprised of Dominic Hoheisel, Mary Kuh- jutant General’s Army Physical Fitness nert, Dalson Powel and Brandon Williams. Competition and National Guard Fitness Team members Greg Ransom, Andrew Challenge. The event kicked off Sept. 21 in Reed, Daniel Sundine and Chenney Tran Salina with 157 competitors. All participants from Wichita North East High School came were scored according to the Army Physical in third place with a score of 756 points. Fitness Test age and gender classifications The military team competition was close and standards. The participants were briefed again this year, with only 12 points separat- on three events: push-ups, sit-ups and the ing the first and second place teams. The two-mile run with demonstrations of the first place 35th Infantry Division team con- push-up and sit-up events. sisted of Col. Dave Johnson, Lt. Col. Rob The event attracted a wide range of com- Thompson, Maj. Michelle Hannah and Sgt. petitors this year. Junior Reserve Officers’ 1st Class Michael Green. Their combined Training Corps and high school teams from score was 1,325 out of a possible 1,200 Salina’s St. John’s Military Academy; Wi- points; competitors scoring on 100 percent chita High School, North West Wichita or more in all three events are scored on an High School, Wichita East High School extended scale. The second place team had Topeka High School and Junction City com- More than 150 Soldiers, Airmen and civilians launch from the starting line of the a combined score of 1,313 and came from peted against civilians and Soldiers of all two-mile run event during the 18th annual Kansas National Guard Adjutant Gen- the Medical Detachment. Team members age groups. The top high school team was eral’s Physical Fitness Challenge at the Great Plains Joint Training Center in Salina, were Col. Gordon Kuntz, Capt. Jared Fox, from Junction City consisting of Heather Kan., Sept. 21. The event consisted of push-ups, sit-ups and the two-mile run, con- Capt. Judee Herring and Capt. Amanda Blair, Jeff Hamilton, John Welton and ducted to Army standards. The fastest runner, Capt. Jared Fox of the Medical De- Ponn. The third place team, also from the Karen Wilson with an overall combined tachment, came in at a time of 10:50. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Veronica K. 35th Inf. Div., consisted of Maj. Scott score of 1,121 out of a possible 1,200 Almazan-Chapman, 235th Regiment UPAR) (Continued on Page 14) New Air Force Physical Fitness Structured Self-Development, non- Test standards took effect Oct. 1 commissioned officer promotions By Staff Sgt. David Salinitri Continued from Page 5 wait until the 2015 board to be considered. Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs plete SSD Level 3 to attain eligibility for Master sergeants/first sergeants desiring Air Force senior leadership announced enhancements to the Air Force’s Physical Fit- promotion consideration to sergeant first to be considered for the U.S. Army Sergeant ness Assessment program that were implemented Oct. 1. class. Staff sergeants who have not com- Major Academy Sergeant Major Course In a letter to Airmen Aug. 20, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III ex- pleted SSD-3 by Feb. 1, 2014, are not eligi- must have completed SSD-4 to be eligible. plained the results of the comprehensive review, highlighting the strength of the pro- ble and will not be boarded for promotion. The packets for USASMA SMC that Com- gram and the need for slight improvements. They will have to wait until the 2015 board mand Sgt. Maj. Scott Haworth and I review “We have a tremendous program that has fundamentally changed the Air Force’s to be considered. Staff sergeants must com- require proof of SSD-4 completion. overall fitness level over the past few years,” said Welsh. “The Physical Fitness Test it- plete SSD-3 before they can be enrolled in We have the finest and strongest NCO self is not going to change. But even the best program can be improved, so we are mak- the Senior Leaders Course. Corps the KSARNG has ever had. We must ing changes in four different areas to enhance the overall program.” SSD Level 4: Sergeants first class must work hard to continuously improve. We can Of the changes that took effect Oct. 1, the most significant is to the abdominal cir- complete SSD Level 4 to attain eligibility always get better and Structured Self De- cumference portion of the test. The abdominal circumference assesses an Airman’s for promotion consideration to master ser- velopment will help us do so. The body composition. geant/first sergeant. Sergeants first class KSARNG has never failed to fully and suc- Since the Air Force implemented the newest fitness program guidelines in October who have not completed SSD-4 by Feb. 1, cessfully execute any mission ever assigned 2010, only .03 percent of Airmen have failed the abdominal circumference portion of 2014, are not eligible and will not be and I know you all will successfully com- the test and passed the other three components with a composite score of 75 or higher. boarded for promotion and will have to plete your SSD requirements. “In the future, if an Airman fails the (abdominal circumference) portion of the test, and passes each of the other three components, we’ll measure that Airman using the Body Mass Index taping guidance in (Department of Defense) instructions,” said Welsh. “If the Airman meets the DoD BMI standard, they pass the PFT.” Because abdominal circumference measurement is integrated into the testing proce- dure, the Air Force is currently the only branch of the Department of Defense not re- quired to have a separate weight management program. The other program modifications include realigning the fitness appeal process back to wing commanders, adjusting passing standards for Airmen who can only test on one component of assessment, and changing and simplifying the walk test. In addition to these efforts, senior leaders are reviewing how fitness performance is documented on performance reports as part of a larger effort to examine the perform- ance report itself. Those results are expected in the near future. Though senior leaders are looking to improve the current fitness program, Welsh said he is proud of the Air Force program, and the physically fit culture it has helped to cul- tivate within the branch. “I believe we have DoD’s best designed, best run fitness program, and as a result, we have a force ready for any mission our nation asks us to execute,” he said. “I’m ex- tremely proud of how far we’ve come with our fitness culture.” Page 8 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Crown the Camo: Kansas Guardsman competes in 2014 Miss America Pageant By Spc. Brandon Jacobs Guardsmen and women are capable of, not 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment only as a Soldier but in their civilian life as “Be fearless,” said 22-year-old Sgt. well,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the ad- Theresa Vail of Manhattan, Kan. “It doesn’t jutant general of Kansas. matter how, just go for it.” Keeping up with college and her Not only is this advice Vail gives women pageantry requires a sense of discipline she everywhere, it’s her attitude on life. gained from her military service. Vail not “In everything she does, Theresa not only only uses her military training and discipline succeeds but excels,” said Kathy during drill weekend and at school, but also Wehmhoff, a cousin of Vail. “Tell her she to give her an edge in the pageant race. can’t do something and she will.” “The long nights and mind games here Vail’s philosophy stems from growing up are like basic training,” said Vail. “It’s a in a military family. mental game and basic training has pre- “My dad was in the Army for 33 years,” pared me for this.” said Vail. “I saw the benefits serving his Vail credits the National Guard for sev- country gave him.” eral traits that have helped her stand out From an early age, Vail knew she would from the other 52 Miss America contest- follow in her father’s footsteps. ants.

Miss Kansas 2013 Theresa Vail (center) reacts as she is revealed as one of the top 10 finalists during the Miss America 2014 Pageant at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 15. Vail is a sergeant in the Kansas National Guard, serving as a dental technician with the Medical Detachment. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) hadn’t sung since then and certainly never win, but to promote her platform of breaking opera.” down stereotypes and empowering women. Not only did Vail learn to sing opera, she “I just want to show the judges that I can chose to sing Nessun Dorma, traditionally be this poised, graceful and elegant sung only by male voices in Italian. woman,” said Vail. “I have this dichotomy. Vail said she learned Nessun Dorma by I can wear camo; I can rock combat boots watching videos on You Tube. She only and tattoos. I can carry a gun.” then worked with a vocal coach after being Miss America 2014 attendant Brig. Gen. crowned Miss Kansas. Michaelene Kloster, commanding general The drive that allowed Vail to learn such a of the 98th Training Division (Initial Entry difficult skill in a short time is a product of Training) at Fort Benning, Ga., and a previ- her experiences growing up in a military ous Kansas National Guard member from family and her service in the National Guard. 1994 to 1999, was proud to see Vail be a “At eight years of age she started devel- front runner for women’s opportunities and oping the maturity and confidence that goes the National Guard.

Sgt. Theresa Vail, a dental technician with the Kansas Army National Guard’s Med- ical Detachment and 2013 Miss Kansas, proudly kicks up her combat boots during the 2014 Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade held on the Atlantic City Board- walk, Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 14. (Photo by Spc. Brandon Jacobs, 105th Mobile Pub- lic Affairs Detachment) “He always told us the motto ‘Others be- “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the fore self,’” said Vail. “That’s what we live leadership, maturity and confidence I’ve for, to serve other people.” gained from my service,” said Vail. Vail, a dental technician with the Kansas It’s that maturity and confidence that National Guard’s Medical Detachment, helped Vail adapt and overcome obstacles Lenexa, who recently re-enlisted for an ad- in her path. One such obstacle presented it- ditional six years, has used her service in self only two days before the Kansas state- the National Guard to help achieve her per- level competition, when she was informed sonal goals. that she would be unable to perform The great part of the National Guard is archery as her talent. that it gives freedom to go to school and “Miss America’s insurance policy has a pursue an education while serving your ‘no projectiles’ clause,” explained Vail. country, said Vail, who also holds a 3.8 With only 48 hours until the talent com- grade point average in Chinese at Kansas petition, Vail decided she would add a new State University, Manhattan, Kan. As well skill to her already extensive repertoire: as a Chinese major, Vail is pursuing a major opera singing. in chemistry and is in K-State’s pre-dental “I’d never sung opera in my life,” said program. Vail. “I had an appreciation for it and I sang “Sgt. Vail is great representation of what soprano in choir back in high school, but I Sgt. Theresa Vail – Miss Kansas 2013 – walks the runway wearing a blue dress in the evening gown portion of the final Miss America 2014 competition night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 15. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) with it,” said Vail’s father, retired Col. “Any time we have the opportunity to Mark Vail. showcase what we do as Guardsmen and Re- Vail has also adapted the Army values to servists is great,” said Kloster. “We are twice serve her well in the pageant world. the citizen, when you think about it. We have “Honor and humility, Theresa exempli- our civilian job and our civilian career and fies that very nicely,” said her father. “The then we turn around and are a Soldier. I ‘H’ in the Army values should really be think that any young girl that is lacking in both honor and humility.” confidence needs to look at someone like Vail showed off that humility when, de- Sgt. Vail and say ‘Wow, I can do this too. I spite winning the popular vote, she did not have that chance to do something like this.’” make it to the final five contestants. Many of Vail’s followers have responded “I made ‘America’s Choice.’ I won the via social media sites thanking her for people’s choice and that’s what matters to changing people’s perception of the type of me. That’s Miss America,” said Vail. women that compete in pageants. “America wanted me. So, I’m happy with Throughout the competition Vail experi- my performance.” enced these sentiments firsthand when Shortly after being announced “Amer- teenage girls approached her on the board- ica’s Choice,” Miss America 2014 co-host walk in Atlantic City. Vail was thanked for Lara Spencer asked Vail her reaction on being an inspiration to these young women, winning the online popularity vote. and encouraging them to break stereotypes Miss Kansas 2013, Sgt. Theresa Vail of the Kansas National Guard, thanks the crowd “I am so honored,” said Vail. “To be fair, and be themselves. and viewers at home shortly after being announced the first semifinalist into the top 15 I did have the backing of an entire Army, Vail’s response: “That’s what makes it by winning America’s Choice of the Miss America 2014 competition at Boardwalk Hall literally.” worth it. Win or lose, I know I’m changing in Atlantic City, N.J., Sept. 15. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Vail’s goal in the pageant was not just to something.” October 2013 • Plains Guardian Page 9 184th Intelligence Wing venture out with inaugural combat dining in By Staff Sgt. Maria Ruiz eran support and nonprofit organizations by 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs running distances up to 224 miles. Clark was What do flying mashed potatoes, squirt accepted into Bad Water 135, known as the guns, games, combat boots and face paint- world’s toughest footrace, in 2011 and 2012. ing have in common? The combat dining This marathon covers 135 miles nonstop in, of course! from Death Valley to Mount Whitney, Calif., The 184th Intelligence Wing held its in- in temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. augural combat dining in Aug. 4. The The combat dining in fundraiser donated wing’s dining in event allowed wing mem- $1,000 to the Gallant Few, Inc., organization. bers to socialize, share a meal and play Their mission is to reduce U.S. Army Ranger games in a relaxed environment. veteran unemployment, homelessness and Approximately 550 wing members at- suicide. The program uses one-on-one men- tended wearing combat dress uniforms with toring by a veteran, now successful in the accessories, face and body paint, costumes civilian sector, with a veteran just departed and squadron T-shirts. Raffle prizes were from active-duty service. This connection al- awarded to attendees along with dinner and lows the mentor to assist with physical, so- games throughout the evening. cial, professional and emotional support. The traditional dining in format, dating This event, organized around formal cer- back to the 1930s, is a military-only formal emony procedures such as the honor guard dinner for the members of a wing, unit or presenting the colors and the prisoner of organization. The combat dining in origi- war and missing in action table, promoted nated from these traditional functions and Chaplain (1st Lt.) Justin Moody, Wichita, 184th Intelligence Wing, crawls through mud camaraderie. turned it into a less formal dinner. under camouflage nets as part of the 184th Intelligence Wing’s inaugural combat dining in “I feel that it helped a lot with the morale “The overall goal was to make as many held Aug. 4. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) and esprit de corps,” said Tech. Sgt. people feel involved,” said Capt. Amanda CGOC vice president. most,” said Staff Sgt. April Carron, an in- Christopher Hines, customer service non- George, current operations officer in charge Approximately five months of fundraising, formation technology specialist with 184th commissioned officer in charge of the of the 161st Intelligence Squadron and coordinating, sponsorship and advertising Communications Flight. 184th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “I Company Grade Officers Council presi- went into transforming an idea into a reality. The guest of honor was Wichita native think that unit members will go back to dent. “We really wanted it to be affordable, As an example of one of the dinner’s and retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Anthony their prospective shops and talk about this comfortable and less formal.” “rules of engagement,” the dinner didn’t Clark. He spoke of his deployment experi- for days or even months to come.” The CGOC organized the event with the commence until all attendees ran through a ences and hardships that past and current The future looks promising for another assistance of community members, wing muddy obstacle course or were marked veterans experience after their service com- dining in event. “People from all around the organizations and volunteers. This event with chalk if choosing to forego the course. mitment. wing raved about what a good time they marked the council’s first project since it Other examples were the pounding of “I was fortunate enough to serve in had and the much cherished memories that was established in February 2013. fists on tables instead of clapping when ex- Afghanistan after 9/11,” said Clark. “Me were made that night,” exclaimed Vogt. “It took everyone from around the wing pressing approval, not pointing with your and my wife, Angel, are very passionate “The CGOC voted to have a dining in to make this possible. It was a team effort. finger and not quibbling with the president about helping out veteran causes. We have every three years,” said George. “There is a We (CGOC) depended on the squadron rep- or vice president. done fundraisers for the Wounded Warrior lot of time and preparation that goes into this resentatives to distribute information and “I have never been to a dining out or a Project and Operation Freedom Memorial event. We want the next dining in to be just fundraise,” said Capt. Jennifer Vogt, 184th dining in, so this was my first. I had a great through my ultra-marathon running.” far enough apart where you want to go back IW Commander’s Action Group, and the time and enjoyed the camaraderie the He has raised more than $32,000 for vet- because you want to relive that feeling.”

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Anthony Clark (center), Wichita, accepts a $1,000 do- Master Sgt. Clint Spitler, Falun, of Detachment 1, Smoky Hill Weapons Range, sprays nation from the 184th Intelligence Wing’s combat dining in fundraiser on behalf of the Tech. Sgt. Chris Hines, Derby, of the 184th Logistics Readiness Squadron, as he crawls Gallant Few, Inc., a nonprofit organization, Aug. 4. (Photo by 1st Lt. Matt Lucht, out of an obstacle course at the 184th Intelligence Wing’s inaugural combat dining in 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) Aug. 4. (Photo by Master Sgt. Matt McCoy, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs)

Attendees of the 184th Intelligence Wing’s inaugural combat dining in earn their way into the event by climbing, crawling and running through an obstacle course. Rain from earlier in the day made the course muddy, which added to the fun. The event was held Aug. 4. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs) Page 10 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Crisis City hosts sixth annual Kansas Technical Rescue Conference By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett “This kind of event allows everyone to really know what Public Affairs Office everyone has and network,” said Kevin Weyland, fire cap- Search and rescue professionals from across the state tain at the Olathe Fire Department. “That way when a dis- converged at Crisis City near Salina Sept. 24-26 to aster strikes some location within the state, we’ll know who sharpen their skills at the 6th annual Kansas Technical to call because they have more water resources or structural Rescue Conference. collapse technicians, whatever the event may be.” Disasters can happen at any time and anywhere. This Dirk Christian, volunteer fire chief with Shawnee County conference provides an opportunity for all seven regions Fire District #4, says that the event offers first-rate, hands- within Kansas to collectively train to the same standards to on training not available anywhere else. be prepared for those inevitable disasters. “That’s the reason we built Crisis City about five years “The state is prepared for different types of natural or ago, so we can all come together in a place that is specially manmade disasters or events,” said Doug Jorgensen, built to hold a conference like this,” said Christian, who is Kansas Fire Marshal. “And the state can respond whether also a lieutenant colonel in the Kansas National Guard. it’s a search and rescue or hazmat team probably within an A Vendor Appreciation Night was held the evening of hour of an event happening.” Sept. 25. During the evening’s activities the second annual Approximately 125 first responders participated in this William C. Brubaker Memorial Award was presented by re- year’s conference, which allowed them to get more hands- tired Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, former adjutant general, to on practice than in previous years. Available lane training Staff Sgt. Mark Allgood, a section chief with 1077th included breach and break, shoring operations, technical Ground Ambulance Company, Olathe. The William C. rope rescue, cut/burn and lift/move, technical search and Brubaker Memorial Award is given annually in memory of K-9 search and rescue. Bill Brubaker, who passed away unexpectedly while de- “Today we have been working on our structural tech, ployed to Elwood, Kan., during the Missouri River Floods part of the shoring part of the class,” said Lt. Tim Riggs, of 2011. The award recognizes an individual, team or or- Chanute Fire Department. “We have been working with the ganization whose efforts exemplify the passion and dedica- Paratech Rescue Support System. It secures a building in tion that Bill demonstrated for search and rescue in Kansas. case it might collapse or a partial collapse.” (See related story on Page 11) K-9 search and rescue personnel took advantage of the Crisis City is a state of the art first responder, military conference for its close to real-world environment. and private industry training center located approximately “Having a tech conference like this really allows us to get 10 miles southwest of Salina. Crisis City opened in Octo- around things like that,” said Heather Swift, K-9 coordinator. ber 2009 and is operated by the Kansas Division of Emer- “It helps the dogs ignore all that stuff and look for the per- gency Management. Jason Emley, Task Force 5, Winfield Fire Department, son. One dog is equal to 50 foot searchers. They can go in This year’s conference was sponsored by the Kansas practices cutting and burning with a cutting torch as part and pinpoint where the person is in the pile, and then the first Search and Rescue Working Group, Kansas Division of of the cut/burn and lift/move training lane at the 6th an- responders and tech rescue guys come in and extricate.” Emergency Management, Adjutant General’s Department, nual Kansas Technical Rescue Conference. The confer- The conference not only provided training to first respon- Great Plains Joint Training Center, Crisis City, and Kansas ence was held at Crisis City, near Salina Sept. 24-26. ders, but gave participants an added benefit of networking. Fire and Rescue Training Institute. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Murdie joins Fairgoers learn about preparedness and public safety By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett KDEM staff Public Affairs Office People enjoying the Kansas State Fair in By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Hutchinson got the opportunity to learn about Public Affairs Office the need for emergency preparedness in the The Kansas Division of Emergency home, workplace, schools and community. Management welcomes Bryan Mur- Numerous state and local agencies, and com- die to their team. munity emergency response organizations, Murdie was provided disaster preparedness and public hired Aug. 21 safety information, as well as displayed as the new re- emergency response equipment for Kansas source man- Preparedness Day at the State Fair in agement Hutchinson Sept. 9. planner in the Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclama- Planning and tion Aug. 29 designating September as Mitigation “Kansas Preparedness Month.” The signing Branch. Mur- took place in the governor’s ceremonial of- die will be re- fice in the Kansas Capitol. sponsible for “I’m urging every Kansan to take a few administering Bryan Murdie simple steps this month to ensure they are pre- the Compre- pared for any emergency that may arise,” said Erin McGinnis, state training officer of the Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- hensive Resource Management and Brownback. “Take a little time to assemble a ment, teaches two young boys about chemical hazards and spills using a diorama at Credentialing System, and the state’s basic home emergency kit. You don’t have to the 2013 Kansas Preparedness Day held at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Resource Management/Credentialing do it all at once; add just a couple of items Kan., Sept. 9. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Plan. Murdie will be the primary every month or so. Then make an emergency plan and practice it Home emergency kits should include a gallon of water for every point-of-contact for the division re- with your family. The steps you take now can make a big difference person per day, nonperishable foods, flashlights and batteries, a garding resource management plans. if you’re faced with a major emergency.” battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, medicines, an alternate heat Murdie is a graduate of Kansas “The storms we had this past winter are perfect examples of why source, blankets and other necessities to sustain a family for a min- State University with a Bachelor of preparedness is essential to our safety and well-being,” said Robert imum of three days. Information on building a home emergency kit Science degree in criminology, and Moser, M.D., secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and En- can be found on-line at http://www.ksready.gov, http://www.red- worked for the Manhattan Fire De- vironment. Numerous disaster preparedness and public safety infor- cross.org/prepare/location/home-family and at partment. He is currently pursuing a mation booths, as well as displayed emergency response equipment http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. master’s in business administration. were made available to the public during Kansas Preparedness Day. Agencies and organizations participating in the event included Murdie received logistical training Fred, a two-year-old German Shepherd, was on hand for children the Adjutant General’s Department/Kansas Division of Emergency by the United States Army as a trans- and adults alike to remind them of their pets when creating a pre- Management/Kansas National Guard, Kansas Department of Agri- portation management coordinator paredness plan and emergency kit. Fred is the mascot for an educa- culture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas during his time as a noncommis- tional campaign by the Kansas Department of Health and Department of Transportation, Kansas Fire Marshal, Kansas High- sioned officer in the U.S. Army Re- Environment Preparedness Program. KDHE and Fred work together way Patrol, Reno County Emergency Management, Reno County serves. His logistical civilian to increase family and pet preparedness for all types of emergencies. Sheriff’s Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, Hutchinson experience includes working for the “The State Fair gives first responders and emergency organiza- Police Department, American Red Cross, Citizen Corps, Commu- 100th Logistic Readiness Squadron tions the opportunity to reach out to people from not only just the nity Emergency Response Team, Kansas Search and Rescue Dog in Royal Air Force Station Milden- state of Kansas but all over the country and provide them with pre- Association, National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency hall located near Suffolk, England, paredness information,” said Bill Guy, director of emergency man- Management Agency. and as a shipping coordinator for Pe- agement for Reno County. “Preparedness starts with the individual. gasus Steel in Goose Creek, S.C. So many times during disasters we see that there are people who Follow us on the web Murdie lives in Lawrence with his don’t know what to do, so we try to get them to have an emergency www.kansastag.gov wife, Ashley, and 8-month-old son go kit ready, some kind of plan, and to exercise that plan. That way www.twitter.com/KSAdjutantGen Beau. Murdie fills his down time they know what to do in the case of a natural disaster or man-made www.twitter.com/KansasGuard competing in sports, rebuilding an- disaster like 9/11 or a train wreck with hazmat materials. It has www.twitter.com/KansasEmergency tique cars and playing Texas Hold-em been proven over the years that the more prepared people are the www.facebook.com/KansasNationalGuard poker. less actual victims we end up with, because folks know what to do. They can take care of their families and possibly neighbors.” www.facebook.com/Kansas-Division-of-Emergency-Management October 2013 • Plains Guardian Page 11 Kansas Division of Emergency Management State sends Kansas National Guard to rebuild roads in Colorado By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett twenty-five mile stretch of road on High- Public Affairs Office way 36 and Highway 7. This is extremely A joint task force of approximately 75 important as (Colorado citizens) can’t go engineers from the Kansas National Guard back and forth between Lyons and Estes deployed to Colorado Oct. 16 to aid in re- Park so we hope that our efforts will assist building efforts of highways damaged by in doing that.” recent flooding in that state. Nearly a year's Conducting domestic missions after a dis- worth of rain fell in a matter of hours caus- aster is just one of many reasons National ing the devastation. Guardsmen serve in their branch of military. The Kansas National Guardsmen de- “This is just one way of helping my coun- ployed from Salina and reported to the Col- try, civilians and the state of Colorado,” said orado National Guard armory in Boulder, Senior Airman Sebastian Adame, a member Colo. They were deployed for approxi- of the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Civil En- mately three weeks. The equipment for the gineering Squadron. “It gives me a sense of mission was supplied by the Colorado Na- pride and is why I joined the military” tional Guard. The assistance to Colorado was arranged The Guardsmen are from the 891st Engi- by the Kansas Division of Emergency Man- neer Battalion (Iola), 226th Engineer Com- agement, a division of the Adjutant Gen- pany (Augusta), 242nd Engineer Company eral’s Department, through the Emergency (Coffeyville), 772nd Engineer Company Management Assistance Compact. EMAC (Pittsburg), 190th Air Refueling Wing Civil is a multistate, mutual aid agreement that Engineering Squadron (Topeka), and 184th Approximately 75 engineers from the Kansas Army and Air National Guard de- facilitates interstate assistance in response Intelligence Wing Civil Engineering ployed Oct. 16 from Salina, Kan., to Colorado to assist in rebuilding highways dam- and recovery operations during a disaster. Squadron (Wichita). aged by recent flooding in that state. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Kansas Guardsmen have deployed to other "Our Guardsmen are always ready and Affairs Office) states under the EMAC agreement to battle willing to respond when a disaster hits, either at home or to repairs where the Utah National Guard left off along U.S. forest fires, aid in recovery after hurricanes and for other help our neighbors in other states," said Maj. Gen. Lee Highway 36 leading up to Rocky Mountain National Park. disasters. Tafanelli, the adjutant general. "Just last year, some of our The Tennessee National Guard relieved the Kansas Guard “If we can get out there and help other communities, plus helicopter crews responded to assist in combatting wild- engineers. do our skill that we were trained through the military to fires in Colorado and I know our friends out there would be “We will be assisting (Colorado Department of Trans- do,” said Master Sgt. Randy Rice, supervisor of the Joint just as willing to come to our aid, if we ever need them." portation) on the roads,” said Maj. John Adam, mission Operations Center, “that is a win-win situation for the serv- The joint team of Army and Air Kansas Guardsmen commander and a member of the 184th Intelligence Wing, ice members because they can stay proficient in their job, manned bulldozers and dump trucks as they picked up on Civil Engineering Squadron. “We’re working about a while helping a community to do that.” Jackie Miller takes home Kansas Guardsmen receives “Employee of the Quarter” William C. Brubaker Memorial Award By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett velopment of a statewide search and rescue By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett “I was honored to be considered for the Public Affairs Office capability in Kansas. Public Affairs Office accreditation manager,” said Miller. “I Staff Sgt. Mark Allgood, a section chief “Bill was the most passionate. He did so Kansas Governor Sam Brownback rec- like a challenge and knew it was an op- with 1077th Ground Ambulance Company, much as a person in search and rescue to ognized 43 state employees as “Employ- portunity to learn more about emergency Olathe and firefighter with the Leaven- get our capabilities to where they are ees of the Quarter” for the second quarter management,” said Miller. “I was looking worth County Fire District #1, is the 2013 today,” said retired Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, of 2013 at a reception Aug. 21 at Cedar forward to increasing my personal level recipient of the William C. Brubaker Me- former adjutant general. “He also worked Crest, the Governor’s official residence. of professionalism as well as that of morial Award. on the initial task to come up with deploy- Eight state agencies were represented by KDEM.” The award was presented during the ven- able resources. For some of our storms we the employees. “I understand the significance of be- dor appreciation night of the 6th annual wanted to make sure we had some of the One of the employees honored was coming accredited and I had the opportu- Kansas Technical Rescue Conference held basic resources throughout the state since Kansas Division of Emergency Manage- nity to work closely with almost everyone at Building 365 of the Great Plains Joint the local resources were normally ex- ment’s own Jackie Miller as “Employee at KDEM from the deputy director Training Center in Salina Sept. 25. hausted. He said ‘If we are really going to of the Quarter” for the Kansas Adjutant down,” continued Miller. The award was created in memory of talk about deploying resources anywhere in General’s Department. Miller, the Southeast Regional Coordi- long-time Kansas Division of Emergency the state, we need more than one search and “Jackie volunteered to serve as the nator, started working for the Kansas Di- Management employee, Bill Brubaker, who rescue team so that we can get to people Emergency Management Accreditation vision of Emergency Management July passed away unexpectedly while deployed quicker because sometimes minutes matter Program manager as our state prepared 2004. to Elwood during the Missouri River floods in search and rescue.’ So he took it upon for the assessment,” said Angee Morgan, The State Employee Award and Recog- of 2011. Brubaker served the citizens of himself to start all this and six years ago deputy director of the Kansas Division of nition Program was created by the State Kansas in the areas of public safety and was our first search and rescue confer- Emergency Management. “This position Legislature to recognize employees with emergency management for more than 40 ence.” was critical to our success! It’s great that monetary and non-monetary awards years, most recently as a regional coordina- Allgood demonstrates this same spirit by Governor Brownback appreciated what worth up to $3,500 per employee, per tor for the Kansas Division of Emergency ensuring he and his coworkers are up to our hard-working state employees do and year. The funds must come from the Management. One of his responsibilities date with the latest technology and tech- recognized them for their dedication.” (Continued on Page 13) was the development of deployable re- niques to accomplish their search mission sources in the state, which included search at the Leavenworth County Fire District #1. and rescue. Brubaker’s efforts and support “(Allgood) exemplifies that because not for disaster preparedness, response and only is he a firefighter, but he goes the extra training were instrumental in the initial de- (Continued on Page 13)

Staff Sgt. Mark Allgood (center), a section chief with the Kansas National Guard’s Governor Sam Brownback (left) congratulates Jackie Miller (center), Southeast 1077th Ground Ambulance Company, Olathe, Kan., and a firefighter with the Leav- Region coordinator with Kansas Division of Emergency Management, as enworth County Fire Department, is presented the second annual William C. KDEM’s “Employee of the Quarter” as they pose for a photo with Maj. Gen. Lee Brubaker Memorial Award by the Brubaker family. The award was presented during Tafanelli (right), adjutant general. A reception was held Aug. 21 to honor 43 state the Vendor Appreciation Night at the 6th annual Kansas Technical Rescue Conference employees. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor) in Salina, Kan., Sept. 25. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office) Page 12 Plains Guardian • October 2012 Civil Air Patrol supports All American Beef Battalion feeds Soldiers two-day emergency drill By Sgt. Michael Mathewson bles, roll and dessert were prepared. Urlean Kept-A-Heifer, they sang and 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment The food and labor were donated from flirted with the Soldiers. By CAP Maj. Michael Mathewson If you were a cattle rancher in West- a variety of sources. The visit was more than a year in Civil Air Patrol Kansas Wing Public Affairs Officer ern Kansas, what could you do to “This is our way of supporting the planning. More than 20 emergency management agencies in North- thank the men and women in uniform troops,” said Broadie. “I heard about the All American east Kansas came together in the State Emergency Opera- who are serving the United States, at As a means of funding, Broadie de- Beef Battalion last summer while the tions Center, Topeka, to conduct an emergency home and overseas? This was the scribed a cattle auction where a calf battalion was still deployed,” said preparedness exercise for the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generat- question that Bill Broadie of Ashland, was sold, put back into the auction Maj. Patrik Goss, operations officer ing Station, Aug. 21- 22. Kan., asked himself. His answer; the and sold over and over again. The for the 1st Bn., 108th Avn. Regt. “I Although this is a regularly scheduled event, this was the All American Battalion. money from each sale was donated to contacted Lieutenant Colonel Leger. first time that Civil Air Patrol members participated. One Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th the battalion. The Beef Battalion cov- After he gave his whole hearted ap- senior member and three cadets, all members of the same Aviation Regiment were looking for- ers the cost of volunteers’ fuel, but all proval, I contacted Broadie.” family, reported for duty with the rest of the staff. Senior ward to a break from their two-week other travel costs are out-of-pocket. The Soldiers, used to waiting in the Member Maria Settanni is the older sister to Cadet/Senior annual training at the Great Plains “We have fed Soldiers, Sailors, chow line, took their turn in the fast- Airman Dominic Settanni, Cadet/Airman 1st Class Joachim Joint Training Center in Salina with Marines and Airmen and their families moving line. Settanni and Cadet/Airman Ecclesia Settanni, Rossville. a scheduled morale and welfare day in over 22 states,” said Broadie. “At “This is great that they (the All The Civil Air Patrol is a family tradition. Their grandfather, halfway through. This was the first Fort Bliss (Texas), we fed over 6,000 American Beef Battalion) would go William Linn, Saint Marys, was a cadet. Their mother, major training event since their re- people in less than two hours.” through all this for us,” said Spc. Christine Settanni, is a first lieutenant with the Topeka turn from their deployment to “I am very happy that we are able Stephanie Hodges, Headquarter and Squadron. Kuwait. Although the regiment knew to do this for our Soldiers,” said Lt Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 108th Maria Settanni, an active duty Airman 1st Class on leave they were getting a day off from Col. David Leger, commander of the Avn. Regt. from the Air Force, volunteered her free time to work in the training Aug. 3, they were surprised 1st Bn., 108th Avn. Regt. “We have Senator Jerry Moran was also in at- SEOC. when the convoy of the All American been training very hard for the last tendance. In his remarks, he thanked “This is very similar to what I do in the Air Force,” she Beef Battalion pulled into the park- two years and this is a good way to the Soldiers of the 108th Avn. Regt. said. “I have seen a few things that I can take back to my ing lot. say thank you to them.” for their service to both the nation and unit.” Broadie, along with 25 volunteers, In addition to the meals, entertain- the state of Kansas. He also thanked Cadets Dominic and Ecclesia Settanni were assigned to set up their mobile ovens and un- ment was provided by Merry Vander- Broadie and the volunteers of the Beef the Joint Information Center, passing messages between the loaded all their supplies. In all, 250 gresen and Melinda Lynn Wanner. In Battalion for their support to the na- Joint Information Center and the SEOC. They also hand- steaks with baked potatoes, vegeta- their alter-egos of Minnie Pearl and tion’s fighting men and women. carried news releases from the JIC to the media center in the Nickell Armory conference room. The Setannis did a lot of leg work, not very glamorous, but very important. For every passed message, they saved someone else from stopping what they were doing to walk the message to the proper person. By their actions, the Civil Air Patrol members saved numerous hours of nonproduc- tive time during the exercise. “They were respectful and professional,” said L’Tanya Christenberry, Public Outreach Officer for KDEM’s Tech- nical Hazards section. “They were of great help and I hope that we will be able to work with them again.”

Urlean Kept-A-Heifer (seated at left), a.k.a. Melinda Lynn Wanner, and Minnie Pearl (standing at right), a.k.a. Merry Vandergresen sang to and flirted with Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiments during their morale and welfare day from annual training at the Great Plains Joint Training Center, Salina, Kan., Aug. 3. The regiment was treated to prime rib steaks provided by the Kansas-based All American Beef Battalion. (Photo by Sgt. Michael H. Mathewson, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) History comes alive for the Civil Air Patrol By CAP Maj. Michael Mathewson never return to flying condition,” said Maden. “When she Cadet/Airman Ecclesia Settanni, a member of the Civil Air Patrol Kansas Wing Public Affairs Officer is finished, the plan is to place her on display on the pad in Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, delivers a news re- The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol took advantage of front of the museum.” lease from the Joint Information Center to Vivian Wise, its proximity to the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Ash- This visit was a great education for senior members and media registrar, during an emergency drill for Wolf land, Neb., to take a tour of the museum June 29. cadets. Many of the senior members could remember the Creek Nuclear Generating Station Aug. 20. (Photo by “Almost 10 percent of the wing is here today,” said CAP days when the need for the Strategic Air Command’s motto CAP Maj. Michael Mathewson, Kansas Wing Public Af- Col. Rick Franz, Kansas Wing commander, “a very good “Peace is our Profession” was part of their daily lives. For fairs Officer) showing considering all the summer activities that the wing the cadets it was history outside of a history book. members are attending.” Join the Civil Air Greeted by an SR-71 Black Bird in the entry way, the cadets and senior members toured the modern museum Patrol dedicated to the Strategic Air Command. The Strategic Air Command was established in 1946 under the United States The Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol is Army Air Force. Its mission was the command and control looking for adults and of the nations’ land-based strategic bomber aircraft and teens ages 12 to 18 to land-based intercontinental ballistic missile strategic nu- clear arsenal. The museum’s exhibits ranged from a World join our current volun- War II B-25 to the B-52 and B-1 bombers and almost every teers on important SAC aircraft in between. missions. As the noon hour arrived the CAP members had their The Civil Air Patrol is lunch under the horizontal stabilizer of the massive B-36 an auxiliary of the U.S. bomber. Air Force with three “The box lunches were provided by the dining staff of primary missions: the St. John’s Military School in Salina,” said CAP Maj. • Aerospace education Danny Phillips, Salina. “They have been great supporters Members of the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol of the wing. pose in front of an SR-71 Blackbird in the lobby of the • Cadet programs The museum not only displays aircraft, but restores air- • Emergency services Strategic Air & Space Museum, located in Ashland, craft. Mike Maden, a museum volunteer and a former Civil Neb., June 29. Almost 10 percent of the Kansas Wing Air Patrol cadet, guided members on a tour of a C-54 that made the trip to tour the museum. (Photo by CAP www.kswg.cap.gov was in progress of being restored. Maj. Michael Mathewson, Kansas Wing Public Affairs “We are restoring this aircraft for display only, she will Officer) October 2012 • Plains Guardian Page 13 Challenging mud builds strength and friends DOD, VA improve By Master Sgt. Allen Pickert sonal challenge and “completing the course provided a spe- 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs cific goal to achieve.” online access to Tough Mudder events are billed as a challenge and not as A Tough Mudder course clearly provides a daunting a race. With challenges involving leaping over fire, ice physical challenge, but the course organizers and most par- benefits information water submersion, and live electrical wires, there is no ticipants like the team work and camaraderie participating doubt that Tough Mudder events are hard core obstacle in the course promotes. Wing commander Col. Ron Courtesy story courses designed to test your all-around strength, stamina, Krueger said, “I knew Tough Mudder would be physically The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have re- mental grit and camaraderie, according to their web site. challenging, but I had no idea how much fun it would be. leased improvements to the functionality of eBenefits, a More than 20 190th Air Refueling Wing Coyotes put Our whole team had a blast!” joint, self-service Web portal that provides registered users themselves to the Many Coyote Mudders are already planning to partici- with secure online information and access to a variety of Tough Mudder pate again when the Tough Mudder comes back to Topeka benefits resources for service members and veterans. challenge when the “I had no idea how in May 2014. “The increasing capabilities of eBenefits give veterans roving event came much fun it would be” Maj. Chris Hill, commander of the 190th ARW Commu- and service members greater flexibility in securing the in- formation they are looking for,” said Allison A. Hickey, the to Heartland Park - Col Ron. Kruger, 190th Air nications Flight, who has run marathons prior to running the undersecretary of veterans affairs for benefits. Topeka Raceway, Refueling Wing commander Tough Mudder says, “Marathons are physically challenging Topeka, Sept. 21- in a different way, in a personal and individual way. The The latest release, eBenefits 4.3, allows for easy naviga- 22. Tough Mudder is a lot of fun because you have to help and tion of the online disability compensation claim submis- Tough Mudder courses run between 10 and 12 miles and rely on other Mudders and it is a great team building event.” sion process using interview-style questions and have at least two dozen obstacles to tax participants’ Beside the camaraderie and the physical accomplishment drop-down menus similar to tax-preparation software, in- strength and play on their fears. the Tough Mudder has another mission, to raise money for stead of a traditional fill-in-the-blank form. The latest re- First-time Tough Mudder Senior Master Sgt. Shawn the Wounded Warrior Project. Since Tough Mudders first lease also populates the application with information from Willard, a telephone technician with the 190th ARW Com- began four years ago, the events have raised more than $5 a veteran’s record in VA’s secure database. munications Flight, said he approached the event as a per- million for the worthy cause. Veterans also can view processing times for each phase of their claim. Other site improvements include a tool to help in deter- mining if a veteran is eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits, a calculator for military re- servists to determine retirement benefits, and a search function that identifies a claimant’s appointed veterans service representative, with links to Google Maps indicat- ing the location of their nearest representative’s office. Service members and veterans also can access records such as Post-9/11 GI Bill enrollment status, VA payment history and DOD TRICARE health insurance status. To access eBenefits, veterans and service members must obtain a DOD Self-Service Logon, which provides access to several benefits resources using a single username and password. The service is free and may be obtained in person at a VA Regional Office, DOD ID Card station or online at http://www.ebenefits.va.gov.

1st Lt. Josh Thomas, executive officer of the 190th Air Refueling Wing Communications Flight, and Maj. Chris Hill, commander of the 190th ARW Communications Flight, feel the frigid shock of the ice water obstacle of the Tough Mudder at Heartland Park Topeka Raceway, Topeka, Sept. 21. Tough Mudder events are hard core obstacle courses designed to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie, according to the Tough Mudder web site. (Photo by Master Sgt. Allen Pickert, 190th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs) William C. Brubaker Memorial Award Continued from Page 11 Lansing, Kan., in order to provide wanted the Soldiers to get some famil- miles to take the Soldiers in his ambu- training for search and rescue tactics, iarization, so when they get put into lance company to bring them out (to according to his platoon leader, 2nd that kind of situation like I was, they’ll Crisis City) to teach them that anyone Lt. Calli Wheeler, 1077th Ground have something to kind of go by.” might be put in the situation where Ambulance Company. The award is presented annually by Kansas National they might have to do search and res- Allgood recognized the need for his the Kansas Search and Rescue Work- cue,” said Bunting. “He was the one company to train and be prepared for ing Group and the Kansas Division of Guard Foundation that embodied going the extra mile, a possible crisis. With few opportuni- Emergency Management to recognize teaching extra people about search and ties for Soldiers to be exposed to a an individual, team or organization offers scholarships rescue and taking the time to travel the disaster situation, Allgood introduced that promotes and supports search and The Kansas National Guard Foundation announced distance to come out here and maxi- them to search and rescue equipment rescue efforts in Kansas. the formulation of scholarships available to Kansas res- mize the training opportunity. He was they may never have been able to see “The state of Kansas is blessed to ident high school seniors who have at least one parent the most passionate nominee and the otherwise. have a citizen like Mark Allgood who in the Kansas National Guard. The one who was more like Bill, which is “While deployed to Katrina we chooses to use his skills to serve, lead scholarships will be available for ‘More people need to do this and I worked with local responders quite a and inspire others to do the same,” the 2014-2015 college academic need to be a cheerleader to bring peo- bit while conducting our Guard mis- said Wheeler. “He does not just go year. ple in to this important discipline.’” sions,” said Allgood. “I looked at it as through his daily duties, but recog- Scholarships will be awarded Allgood initiated and coordinated a the opportunity to get the military side nizes the importance of sharing the in increments of $1,000 up to a convoy for the entire 1077th Ground of my life to see and understand the knowledge he continually works to total of five scholarships given for Ambulance Company to travel to civilian side, how they operate. I develop.” each school year. Deadline for sub- mission of applications will be March 1 of the year the Jackie Miller: “Employee of the Quarter” scholarship will be used. Eligibility and selection criteria can be found in the Continued from Page 11 her husband Monte and daughter Miranda, 17. The Millers Scholarship Program Application found on the Kansas agency’s existing budget. Employees recognized by have two adult children, Chase, 23, a second year law stu- National Guard Foundation website at Brownback received a variety of different awards from dent at Washburn and Kaitlyn, 20, a junior at the University https://sites.google.com/site/kansasnationalguardfoun- their respective agencies but all were designated as “Em- of Kansas. dation. Questions can be addressed and applications ployee of the Quarter” and received a certificate signed by Miller enjoys running for fun. She regularly participates can be submitted to the foundation’s e-mail address at the governor. in organized running events from 5K races to a marathon. [email protected]. “We have thousands of outstanding state employees, and Her hobbies also include yoga, weight lifting, scrap book- The mission of the Kansas National Guard Founda- we need to do a better job of recognizing their efforts in the ing and modeling. She likes spending her spare time with tion is to enhance programs to support, educate and workplace and in their communities,” said Brownback. her children. train Kansas National Guard military families and “Today’s reception is just a small way to say thank you for Miller will soon persue classes to become a certified per- Kansas youth from urban and rural communities in what you are doing to make Kansas a great place in which sonal trainer and currently does some modeling in print and areas of the Kansas National Guard mission, deploy- to live and work.” television in the Wichita area with Models and Images. ment, leadership, teamwork and good citizenship. Miller lives in Lyon County, just west of Emporia, with Page 14 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Awards and Decorations Guardsman instrumental in

KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Maj. Joseph Blubaugh, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf clusters returning artifact to Afghans Legion of Merit Maj. Mark Kelly, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Maj. James Wehrli, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Continued from Page 1 carvings depict Buddha and his mother, cluster Senior Master Sgt. Amy Buchanan, 184th IW, Wichita, with It was ultimately decided the artifact Queen Maya of Sakya, along with several Col. John D. Muther, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa two oak leaf clusters would be transferred to the Government of other human figures. Senior Master Sgt. David Butler, 184th IW, Wichita, with two Meritorious Service Medal oak leaf clusters the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Babcock’s satisfaction at his role in re- Senior Master Sgt. Tiyonna Evans, 184th IW, Wichita, with the Aghan National Museum in Kabul, turning the priceless artifact to the Afghan three oak leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Randi Hill, 184th IW, Wichita, with three where it would be authenticated. people was highlighted by his encounter 1st Sgt. Kevin L. Rieschick, Btry A (-), 2nd Bn, 130th FA, oak leaf clusters “They flew us to Kabul for a meeting at with the driver of their vehicle. Holton Master Sgt. Jennifer Allen, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Sgt. 1st Class Rodney D. Cole, 2137th FSC, Manhattan leaf clusters the U.S. Embassy,” said Babcock. After the “The highlight of the day for me, and Sgt. 1st Class Carolyn J. Davis, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Master Sgt. Sean Cochran, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf meeting they went to the Afghan National what made everything worth it was at the Sgt. 1st Class David J. Dunbar, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka cluster Sgt. 1st Class Michael E. Osborne, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Master Sgt. Jamesson Dunbar, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Museum. “The director told me I am the end,” said Babcock. “My driver was Sgt. 1st Class James E. Surber, Co A, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, leaf cluster only U.S. Soldier ever to set foot in the mu- Afghan, and only knew that he was trans- with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Glen Godsey, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Herbert C. Wischnack, 73rd CST (WMD), Master Sgt. Robert Herbig, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak seum. I was given full access to the mu- porting something the U.S. government Topeka, with oak leaf cluster leaf clusters seum and allowed to take pictures. I have a was giving back to the Afghans.” Master Sgt. Kent Niebuhr, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Army Commendation Medal leaf clusters few hundred, most have never been seen by “Well, news travels in their culture,” said Tech. Sgt. Edward Benoit, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Western eyes. It was amazing!” Babcock. “I’m not sure if he ever saw it, cluster Tech. Sgt. Ryan German, 184th IW, Wichita An examination by the museum director, but when we were leaving he asked the in- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Shawn K. Burrell, JFHQ KS-LC, Tech. Sgt. Erik Rollefson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Omara Khan Masoudi, and his curators terpreter to tell me ‘Thank you for making Topeka cluster Chief Warrant Officer 2 Abra N. Cloyd, 287th SB, Wichita, Tech. Sgt. Randall Tindle, 190th ARW, Topeka concluded the carvings dated from the 3rd sure that the stone made it back to the with oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Zuercher, 184th IW, Wichita or 4th century AD when the Bagram Plain Afghan people.’ Physically and mentally, I 1st Sgt. Joseph A. Alaniz, Co A, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with Staff Sgt. Sean Ireland, 190th ARW, Topeka four oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. John Moore, 184th IW, Wichita was at the heart of the region’s Buddhist was tired and worn out, but his statement Sgt. 1st Class Philip L. Clayton, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, Staff Sgt. Sean Piper, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster culture. The museum’s officials believe the made all the effort worth it.” Sgt. 1st Class Ralph A. Coy, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with Staff Sgt. Alesa Riendeau, 184th IW, Wichita eight oak leaf clusters Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M. Martin, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with Air Force Achievement Medal two oak leaf clusters 18th annual Adjutant General’s Staff Sgt. John D. Alderson, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with two oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. James M. Elam, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka, with three Maj. Christopher Hill, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf Physical Fitness Competition oak leaf clusters clusters Staff Sgt. Wayne L. Ryba, Det 1, 995th SMC, Concordia Maj. Marjorie Norton, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Sgt. Michael L. Carr, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka cluster Continued from Page 7 Sgt. Iris N. Marston, 635th RSG, Hutchinson, with two oak Capt. Ellisha Jones, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Chew, Maj. Molly Gillock, Master Sgt. Antonio Slaughter and Spc. Justin Cartright. They leaf clusters Master Sgt. Casey Batterton, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Spc. Samantha A. Coleman, HHD, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka leaf cluster had a combined score of 1,269. Master Sgt. Shad England, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three The top overall individual score for the civilian participants was earned by Steve Mc- KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD oak leaf clusters Master Sgt. Hugh Fraser, 184th IW, Wichita, with six oak leaf Gaughey with a score of 333; Arica Jackson was second place with a score of 295 and Meritorious Service Medal clusters Curtis Davis finished a very close third place with a score of 294. Master Sgt. Scott Moser, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster The top overall score for the military was earned by Capt. Ray Fields, Texas National Master Sgt. Stephen Munn, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak Guard, with a score of 377. In second place was Brig. Gen. Eric Peck, assistant adjutant Col. Joel Darbro, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak leaf leaf clusters clusters Master Sgt. Jeffrey Norling, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two general and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard, with a score of 330 and 2nd Maj. Todd Kavouras, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf clusters Lt. Anthony Henely of Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, came in third with a Maj. Michelle Neugent, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Kristina Perkins, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three Maj. Jesse Sojka, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf clusters score of 323. Maj. Steven Thomas, 190th ARW, Topeka Master Sgt. Joseph Smith, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak Fields also earned the top honors in the individual push-up event, completing 111 Army Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Beach, 184th IW, Wichita, with leaf clusters oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Bryan Byers, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf push-ups and 109 sit-ups. Capt. Jared Fox of the Medical Detachment finished first in the Chief Master Sgt. Brian Norris, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak cluster two-mile run event with a time of 10 minutes and 50 seconds. leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jacob Goldenstein, 184th IW, Wichita, with three Chief Master Sgt. James Weldy, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak oak leaf clusters Four year-old Anna Jackson was awarded a coin from Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Aaron Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita general of Kansas, for completing the APFT Challenge alongside her brothers and parents. Senior Master Sgt. Mark Angelini, 184th IW, Wichita, with Tech. Sgt. Paul Jones, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Matthew Miller, 184th IW, Wichita, with one oak Anna was the youngest competitor this year, one of 10 children under the age of 12 that Senior Master Sgt. Richard Hines, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf cluster participated. Senior Master Sgt. Elisabeth Lind, 184th IW, Wichita, with Tech. Sgt. John Montgomery, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak oak leaf cluster leaf cluster The event was sponsored by the Salina Airport Authority, the Salina Military Affairs Senior Master Sgt. Brian Martin, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Leroy Wyckoff, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Council, the Retired Enlisted Association, USAA and Papa Murphy’s of Salina. Senior Master Sgt. William Montgomery, 190th ARW, cluster Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Keri Christian, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Skala, 184th IW, Wichita, with cluster oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Steven Clark, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Master Sgt. Tracy Vanstory, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Kansas Warrant Corps update Master Sgt. John Baxter, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jerling Hidalgomendez, 190th ARW, Topeka, with Master Sgt. Paul Bliss, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf oak leaf cluster Continued from Page 4 vidual receiving the mentorship must trust cluster Staff Sgt. Shana Sanders, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf attend. The Warrant Officer Call has been and respect the mentor, while being open Master Sgt. William Brown, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Master Sgt. Randall Davidson, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Daniel Snyder, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf increasing in size. There has been great dia- and receptive to the process. Caring is the Master Sgt. Greg Dotson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster log among technical and aviation warrants core of mentorship.” cluster Staff Sgt. Robert Snyder, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Ronald Jackman, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster expressing concerns and sharing ideas. We owe it to our warrant officer candi- Master Sgt. Jason Junghans, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Michael Stochl, 184th IW, Wichita Also, the Warrant Officer Call is a great ice dates and junior warrant officers to clarify Master Sgt. Dennis Lanham, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Staff Sgt. Justin Tompkins, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four leaf clusters oak leaf clusters breaker for all Kansas warrant officers to their goals and help develop short- and Master Sgt. Robin Lewis, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Angel Wendell, 184th IW, Wichita meet and get to know one another. I sin- long-term career strategies toward ad- leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Matthew Winzer, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Leland McKinley, 184th IW, Wichita, with two Senior Airman Chad Broome, 190th ARW, Topeka cerely hope you all can attend. If you have vancement. We must share our knowledge oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Billy Canaan, 184th IW, Wichita a warrant officer prospect, please bring and instruct them in technical, leadership Master Sgt. Scott Moser, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak Senior Airman Vincent Casper, 184th IW, Wichita, with two leaf clusters oak leaf clusters them so they can ask questions and see and management skills. It is also encour- Master Sgt. Michael Paquette, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Jody Cope, 190th ARW, Topeka how supportive our corps is. aged that all warrant officers participate as Master Sgt. Timothy Trapp, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Frank Crandon, 184th IW, Wichita Master Sgt. Lenice Turner, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Justen Crane, 184th IW, Wichita Now that deployments have slowed members of appropriate military profes- leaf clusters Senior Airman Ashlei Dinkel, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak down, it is time to start mentoring. Mentor- sional associations and organizations. This Master Sgt. Jeromy Williams, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster Master Sgt. Steven Williams, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Brittany Jacobson, 190th ARW, Topeka ing is a powerful tool for personal and pro- becomes another strong avenue to develop cluster Senior Airman Dennis Manisap, 184th IW, Wichita fessional development. Many additional mentoring relationships. We Senior Airman Sarah Marsh, 190th ARW, Topeka Air Force Commendation Medal Senior Airman Matthew Otte, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak organizations believe that mentoring im- should also provide personal and job coun- leaf cluster proves individual performance, retention, seling where appropriate. Above all, senior Senior Airman Nicholas Yeager, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Joseph Wallace, 184th IW, Wichita morale, personal/professional development warrant officers must be role models. Lt. Col. Tamra Buettgenbach, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four and career progression. Mentoring offers Inherent in the mentoring is the responsi- oak leaf clusters many opportunities for mentors and bility to closely watch the enlisted Soldiers mentees to improve their leadership, inter- to seek out the potential warrant officers of Retirements Sgt. Joseph Kean, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lawrence Sgt. Vincent Lombardi, Det 2, 250th FSC, Clay Center personal and technical skills, as well as the future. This not only includes monitor- Kansas Army National Guard Sgt. Nathan Sparks, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lenexa achieve personal and professional objec- ing duty performance, but ultimately en- Sgt. Daniel Welch, Btry B (-), 1st Bn, 161st FA, Paola Lt. Col. Gregory Mittman, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Sgt. Norman Worden, HQ, 235th Rgmt (RTI), Salina tives. I would like to share some Warrant couraging them to apply for and assist in Capt. Darby Prine, Det 1, 287th Sustainment Bde, Hays Spc. Adam Brown, Det 1, 995th Maint Co, Concordia Officer Mentoring Philosophy... “A sound the nomination and selection process. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gregory Overfors, JFHQ KS-LC, Spc. James Davis, Co E (-), 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Topeka Spc. Larron Harrison, 772nd Eng Co, Pittsburg mentoring program will ensure that every In closing, if you know of any warrant 1st Sgt. Danny Crumpton, 287th Sustainment Bde, Wichita Spc. Maurice Hornbuckle, Det 2, HHC, 2nd CAB, 137th warrant officer is provided the opportunity officer news such as promotions, gradua- Sgt. Maj. Robert Johnston Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Inf, Junction City Sgt. 1st Class Jerrod Hays, Det 1, Btry B, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Spc. Victor Nall, HSC (-), 35th Inf Div, Fort Leavenworth to receive the necessary tools for success tions, retirements or changes; and you Lenexa Spc. Kenneth Taylor, 226th (-) Eng Co, Augusta throughout his/her career. Mentorship is a would like to see them in the Plains Sgt. 1st Class Darren Joe, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka two-way street. The mentor must be will- Guardian, please send them to me at hec- Sgt. 1st Class Randell Phalp, KSARNG Med Det, Lenexa Kansas Air National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Scott Winter, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, ing to share knowledge, training and expe- [email protected] or (785) 274- Lenexa Senior Master Sgt. Jim Marklevits, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Thomas Cooper, 35th MP Co, Topeka Senior Master Sgt. Tom Skala, 184th IW, Wichita rience in a trusted, respected and 1903. Staff Sgt. Christopher Huslig, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Peggy Becker, 190th ARW, Topeka confidential atmosphere. In turn, the indi- Thank you all for everything you do. Lawrence Master Sgt. Paul Bliss, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Jamie Jackson, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Master Sgt. Randall Davidson, 184th IW, Wichita Marysville Master Sgt. Greg Dotson, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Miller, Det 1, Btry A, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Master Sgt. Robert Herbig, 184th IW, Wichita Liberal Master Sgt. David King, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Daniel Morgan, 287th Sustainment Bde, Wichita Master Sgt. Dennis Lanham, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Mark Yeager, 778th Trans Co (-), Kansas City Master Sgt. Leland McKinley, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Steven Burks, 995th Maint Co (-), Smith Center Master Sgt. Michael Paquette, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. William Cejka Jr., Det 1, 250th FSC, Hiawatha Master Sgt. Steven Williams, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Christopher Gross, Btry E (TA), 161st FA, Great Bend Tech. Sgt. Joan Holup, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. Michael Hare, Det 1, Btry A, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Tech. Sgt. Kevin Tomlin, 184th IW, Wichita Marysville Staff Sgt. Randy Hutcherson, 184th IW, Wichita October 2013 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Kansas Guard Soldier’s future will come with strings attached By Steve Larson money.” Public Affairs Office Satisfied that his design would Staff Sgt. Jimmy Boss has been playing the guitar since work, Boss began his first playable he was 10 years old. guitar using spruce for the top and “It was in 1975,” said Boss. “I got a guitar for Christmas. rosewood for the back and sides. It was just something that a little boy wanted to do. I “Rosewood and spruce are easy to bought a John Denver guitar book and taught myself.” work with, very easy to bend, shape Boss, a full-time chaplain’s assistant for Joint Forces and manipulate and glue together,” Headquarters, Kansas National Guard, developed his skills said Boss. “That’s where I’m starting over the years, as well as an appreciation for the craftsman- at.” ship that goes into the instrument itself. In 2011, singer- Boss noted that different woods songwriter Boss decided to expand his skills and become a will give the guitar different tones. luthier – a maker of stringed instruments, a profession that “The top of the guitar vibrates to has its roots in the 1600s. make sounds from the vibration of the “I was working at the National Guard Bureau in Vir- strings,” he explained. “The harder ginia, thinking about how long I wanted to be in the mili- the sides and back are, the more re- tary and what would I want to do when I retire,” Boss flective it is, very much like a bath- recalled. “I thought about what my interests were. I like room or cathedral hall where you guitars, I like playing guitars and I thought maybe I could have hard surfaces that reflect and build them.” sustain the sound.” After doing some research, Boss began assembling the “So, if you have a cedar top,” he tools and equipment he would need and started on a design. continued, “compared to a spruce top, “If you’re going to do this, either in a part-time business the spruce is a little harder and will or a full-time business, everyone has a unique design for give more of a treble or mid tone. A the body and at the end of the neck where you have your cedar is a softer wood so you get a signature headstock,” Boss said, comparing it to early auto- mellower type of tone.” mobiles where each manufacturer could be easily identified Once the woods are decided on, the by the design of the grill. “It’s the same thing with instru- parts are traced onto the materials, pur- ments. Every luthier has a unique design.” chased from a luthier supply house, To create his personal signature look, Boss looked at and cut out. Then, the sides have to be “many dozens” of designs by other luthiers. bent to the proper shape to match the “You don’t want to copy someone else’s patented head- curve of the top and bottom. stock,” he said. “By looking at others I came up with some- “It is an art called side-bending,” thing that looks good, that I like and that no one else has.” said Boss. “There are several methods One feature that sets Boss’ design apart from most other of doing that. The most basic way luthiers is the placement of the sound hole. would be by hot pipe. This is the “The vast majority of acoustic guitars have a center method I use. You steam it by placing sound hole,” said Boss. “My guitars have an off-set sound the wood on the hot pipe – about 300 Constructing a guitar requires a number of steps involving exacting crafts- hole. There’s a reason why I use that. The more ‘real es- degrees – and you rock it back and manship. Here, Staff Sgt. Jimmy Boss, a chaplain’s assistant in the Kansas tate,’ the more surface area that vibrates and sustains, the forth so the wood fibers become pli- National Guard, smooths the edges of the side sound port on the guitar he is better-sounding guitar you’re going to have.” able like plastic and it slowly bends.” constructing. A self-taught luthier, a maker of and repairer of stringed instru- Gaining more “real estate” is also the reason Boss uses a This process requires great care, ments, Boss hopes to turn this into a full-time enterprise after he retires. cantilever fret board that floats above the neck, allowing said Boss, so the wood does not (Photo courtesy of Staff Sgt. Jimmy Boss) more surface area to vibrate. break, noting that the wood is gener- Boss said his guitars will also have side ports, depending ally less than 1/8 of an inch thick. This thickness is also placed on the fret board, Boss will finish the guitar with ap- on the customer’s preferences. He explained the use of side why it is important that the guitar is properly braced inside. plications of gunstock oil. ports allows the sound to go directly to the player’s ear. “There’s about 186 pounds of tension that all six strings “It’s very simple to apply,” he said. “You can apply sev- The innovation, while not unique to his guitars, is still not place between the guitar neck and body,” Boss pointed out. eral coats and just build up the coats. It’s very durable and in widespread use. “Without the proper bracing underneath the top of the gui- you don’t have to use any spray equipment.” “Ever since the modern guitar came into existence in the tar, that top would just rip right off.” Completing his first experimental model took Boss ap- 1800s, guitars have been made pretty much in the same Boss uses a modified “A” and traditional “X” bracing to proximately three months of working nights and weekends. way,” said Boss. “There are some luthiers out there buck- give the sound board stiffness with the freedom to vibrate, He is currently about two months along in building his first ing the trend, doing something different and stretching that producing maximum tone sustainment. playable guitar. envelope.” The neck, with its hand-carved headstock, may be at- “I’m going to keep that one,” said Boss, who will use it Having settled on a design, the next step is to select the tached by either gluing or bolting it on. “I prefer (bolting) as an example of his design and craftsmanship. While he is woods to be used in the body, sides and neck. just because it’s so much easier if there is any repair to be still new to the field, Boss already has one commission “Common body materials are either a cedar or spruce top done and the neck has to be taken off,” said Boss. lined up. and rosewood back and sides,” said Boss, “but there is a In a marketing presentation he has developed, Boss notes “Right now, I have a person in North Carolina I used to whole range of different materials you can use -- curly that the strings on his guitars will also be attached by a work with in Virginia,” said Boss. “He’s a chaplain in the maple, walnut, koa, all kinds of different exotic woods you method that is out of the ordinary. Army National Guard. He’s commissioned me to build his can get into.” “I designed a tail piece built within the guitar body from acoustic guitar. That’s going to happen this fall.” For his first, experimental model, however, Boss went a which the strings are attached instead of underneath the Although being a full-time luthier is still some time different route. bridge plate. There is no twisting or pulling from the string away—he still has seven more years before he can retire— “I only went as far as building the neck, building the tension because there is no tension applied to the top from Boss is starting now to allow his home-based business to body and putting them together,” Boss said. “I just used underneath the bridge.” This technique permits Boss to use gain momentum and attract customers, perhaps even a big- basic woods you can get at a hardware store just so I could less bracing, making the guitars lighter and allows the top name talent. get the technique down. Everything was trial and error and to vibrate more freely. Who knows? Maybe someday Bruce “The Boss” Spring- if I made a mistake it wouldn’t cost me a whole lot of Once the body and neck are joined and the frets properly steen will be playing a custom-made Jimmy Boss Guitar. Family time in the fast lane By Spc. Anna Laurin, 105th Mobile out his first race car, an electric-green Public Affairs Detachment; Spc. 1999 Mustang Cobra. Alexander Bush, 369th Signal Com- Ewert currently drives a 2006 Mus- pany; Spc. Melissa Herren, 731st tang GT. With personal modifications Medium Transportation Company; that include an upgraded suspension and Staff Sgt. Grant Gawith, 2nd Battalion, a super charger, Ewert has been able to 130th Field Artillery boost his engine’s output to 475 horse- Sgt. Paul Ewert, bassoon player for power. These modifications and higher the 35th Infantry Division Band, Olathe, horsepower have aided Ewert in clock- began drag racing when he was 18 years ing his fastest drag time of 12.3 seconds old in his hometown of Blue Springs, at 117 mph on a quarter-mile track at the Mo. Ewert’s father, Doye, was the one Kansas City International Raceway. who introduced him to the sport. “With these vehicles and races you get “It runs in my blood,” said Ewert. as much out as you put in,” said Ewert. “My father was a big gear head in his Ewert has raced several places around younger days and still is.” the local region, including Tulsa, Okla., His parent’s first date was at the and Mo-Kan Dragway, in Asbury, Mo., Kansas City International Raceway. and enjoys the speed of the race and the They shared their love of racing with community surrounding the sport. Ewert by taking him to races when he Ewert would like to compete on a larger Sgt. Paul Ewert, bassoon player for the 35th Infantry Division Band, Olathe Kan. was a young boy. When Ewert decided scale at some point in the future, but right began drag racing when he was 18 years old in his hometown of Blue Springs, Mo. to start racing, his father not only of- now is focused on getting his car ready for He currently races a 2006 Mustang GT, with an upgraded suspension and a super fered to coach him, but helped him pick the upcoming racing season. charger. (Photo courtesy of Sgt. Paul Ewert, 35th Infantry Division Band) Plains Guardian Page 16 Plains Guardian • October 2013 Plains Guardian Kansas Guardsman throws first Command and General Staff College pitch at Kansas City Royals game International Student enjoys Kansas By Maj. Andrew Parker born in Kansas City, Kan. They live off- Joint Forces Headquarters post in Leavenworth and have enjoyed their Over 7,000 International Military Stu- stay in Kansas. dents have attended the United States Army Each IMS has three sponsors, one from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, one from the Leaven- Fort Leavenworth since its inception in worth/Lansing area, and one from the 1881. CGSC Class 13-01, which graduated Kansas City Area. These sponsors, along in June 2013, had more than 70 IMS from with other German nationals in the area, around the globe. have provided the Trobischs with many op- One member of the class was Maj. Jan portunities to become involved in the com- Trobisch, a member of the German Army, munity. Trobisch and his family enjoy Federal Republic of Germany. Trobisch is walks and have had the opportunity to meet an infantry officer whose last assignment many local Kansans along their route. They was as the operations officer of the German have been struck by the politeness, of the Special Forces Detachment in Afghanistan local population and enjoyed the interest conducting operations in support of the In- taken in their heritage. ternational Security Assistance Forces. Trobisch learned a good deal about Trobisch was selected to attend CGSC American through his interaction with his even though he has completed the German sponsors and classmates. He has pursued 2nd Lt. George Weston, Leavenworth, a member of Headquarters and Head- Army equivalent of the course. Attendance discussion and insight into ordinary Ameri- quarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, throws out the first pitch at CGSC is reserved for only the most quali- can political and economic thought as well at a Kansas City Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, fied officers and is considered to be the most as the tax system, farming and even gun Mo., Sept. 3. beneficial course to attend as part of the mil- control. He believes that the European Weston said he’s been a Royals fan “as long as I can remember” and is also itary’s educational exchange program. Union countries will never understand the an avid Twitter user. He combined the two interests by sending more than 3,800 “I was recommended by the German American stance on gun ownership, but tweets overall with about 10 percent of them about the Royals, earning enough General Staff School,” said Trobisch. “Nor- being in Kansas and gaining perspective on points in the “Royals Rewards Program” to make a dream come true. mally, General Staff Officers will only be the people, culture and geography have “It’s been a dream of mine to even step on Kauffman field,” said Weston. sent to the United States, United Kingdom given him a good understanding of the pre- “And now I’m going to be stepping onto the mound at Kauffman to throw out or France. So, I was selected and happy.” vailing feeling here. the pitch for my favorite team.” (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. George Weston) Trobisch said CGSC offered a great year Trobisch said, Leavenworth is a great of learning and cultural experience along place to live as it provides a great small with the opportunity to see how another town community with the ability to travel to Osborn first Kansas Guardsman to military plans and conducts operations. the rest of the country with little effort. Tro- Trobisch arrived in Kansas in June 2012 bisch and his family have taken advantage attend Army Flight Paramedic course to take part in the International Military of this and visited many sites in Kansas and Student preparatory courses given before around the country. They own an RV back By Sgt. Gabriel Castel tions and participate in class discussions. the beginning of the CGSC courses. home in Germany and enjoy renting one Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th The course also came with opportunities “My first goal was to get to know your here and travelling. They also enjoy hiking Aviation Regiment such as ambulance ride-alongs and emer- country and the people,” said Trobisch. and being close to nature. They have visited Sgt. Tammy Osborn began her first day gency room experience. As training contin- “The second goal was networking with my and explored the Grand Canyon and Rocky of training at the Army Flight Medic ued, Osborn gained more hands-on American colleagues.” Mountain National Park in Colorado as well Course at Fort Rucker, Ala., Jan. 7. Numer- experience with patients. These courses and As part of these courses, Trobisch and his as sights in North and South Dakota and ous flight medics have graduated this real-world experiences were the most valu- IMS classmates participated in the Kansas Montana. They have visited several historic course prepared to apply their training in able training, according to Osborn. Government Day, during which they toured sites including the Eisenhower Library in theatre. However, Osborn would be using it Osborn graduated the Army Flight Para- the state Capitol in Topeka. The students Abilene, Kan., the Truman Library in Inde- as a foundation to build on. medic Course with the highest grade of also met Governor Sam Brownback and pendence, Mo., and the Hoover Library in Immediately after graduating the course, 91.26 percent. This earned her the title of toured the Kansas History Museum. Part of West Branch, Iowa. They have toured Osborn was scheduled to attend the Joint En- Distinguished Honor Graduate for her grad- the visit included a briefing on the Kansas Kansas, visiting Wichita, Topeka, Manhat- route Care Course. Following the course, she uating class. Osborn also showed motivation National Guard. Trobisch particularly en- tan, and all over the Kansas City Metro would be the first ever Kansas Na- and dedication outside of the class- joyed the visit to the Kansas Supreme Court, area. They have visited Omaha and San tional Guard Soldier to attend the room; she was the only student in where the IMS participated in a role-playing Francisco and particularly enjoyed Chicago. Army Flight Paramedic Course. Al- her class to attain a score of 300 on exercise. He felt that it was a good represen- Trobisch has been selected to also attend though the duration and intensity of her Army Physical Fitness Test. In tation of the American legal system. the School for Advanced Military Studies these three back-to-back schools addition to “Hopefully, I am able to use my knowl- at Fort Leavenworth, meaning another year may intimi- these achieve- edge in two ways,” said Trobisch. “First, to here. He and his family are quite excited date some ments, Osborn prepare my general officer to understand about this prospect for the opportunity to Soldiers, Os- served as a class what is going on with the U.S. Army if we gain even more knowledge and experience born met the peer instructor for are cooperating (i.e. in Afghanistan or and also to enjoy their new friends and take challenge the Flight Para- somewhere else). Second, for working in a advantage of the opportunity to continue to head-on and medic Course and multinational staff/environment led by explore the U.S. tackled each volunteered her Americans.” “(When I arrived) I expected to find a course with time outside of Trobisch is accompanied by his wife, farmland area, original and true to life,” re- dedication and class hours to help other students Claudia, four-year-old son Constantin, and called Trobisch, “the Heartland of America, perseverance. grasp concepts and subject material. his six-month old daughter, Elise, who was so to speak. I was not disappointed.” The Army Flight Medic Course Her actions directly contributed to a lasted four weeks. Osborn said the 100 percent pass rate for her class. course provided a foundation for “The confidence I have when I her to build on and made it easier approach a patient is a hundred to grasp subject material while attending times what is was on that first day of train- more advanced courses later. The training ing,” said Osborn. she received helped her to become more She said that confidence is paramount comfortable with her hands-on skills, as when treating patients, for trust in one’s well as develop a better understanding of own skills, as well as the perception of the flight medicine and treatment. patient. Osborn’s next two weeks were spent at Osborn has since returned to her unit the Joint Enroute Care Course. Although Company G, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation this course was comparatively shorter, it Regiment in Topeka. Orborne deployed had plenty of valuable training and experi- with them to Fort Hood, Texas, followed by ences. Osborn studied side-by-side with Afghanistan in November as a flight medic. students from many ranks and levels of ex- “Her ability is a valuable asset for train- perience. She was partnered with a variety ing other Soldiers and applying her own of medical providers such as emergency training in theatre,” said Chief Warrant Of- room doctors, Navy SEALS, a respiratory ficer 2 Christopher Chartrand, unit training therapist and others. officer. “Her positive attitude in regards to The final course Osborn attended was the training makes her a valuable asset toward six-month Army Flight Paramedic Course. the mission of this unit. She is an approach- As the first Soldier from Kansas to attend able and effective leader.” Maj. Jan Trobisch, an infantry officer of the German Army, Federal Republic of this course, therefore she was determined to “Osborn’s training not only enhances Germany, enjoys Kansas with his wife, Claudia, four-year-old son Constantin, and represent her state to the best of her ability mission readiness, but will also save lives his six-month old daughter, Elise, who was born in Kansas City, Kan. Trobisch is and learn all she could. She was taught and on the battlefield in Afghanistan,” added currently an International Military Student at the School for Advanced Military mentored by military providers with years Maj. Kevin Kennedy, commander of Co. Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. (Courtesy photo) of experience and encouraged to ask ques- G, 2nd Bn., 235th Avn. Regt.