Inside Veteran SMDC- Deployed pilot reflects on RDA gets has North The Kwajalein new Alabama service, boss, roots, Eagle page 10 page 4 page 13 The Eagle United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command Volume 11, Number 5, May 2004 Army major joins class of astronaut candidates PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Another soldier joined the ranks of NASA astronauts and the Army Astronaut Detachment May 6. Maj. Robert S. Kimbrough is among 14 individuals — three Japanese, four military and seven civilians — who were announced as the 2004 class of astronaut candidates during Space Day celebration at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. “Service to this nation has always been important to me,” Maj. Shane Kimbrough said Kimbrough, who has been a space operations officer at the detachment since 2002. “The benefits to society as a result of NASA’s discoveries are phenomenal. That’s what motivated me to want to work here. I’m very honored and happy to represent the Army in this capacity.” The detachment — an element of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Colorado Springs, Colo., — includes six active-duty Army astronauts and is located at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. Three of these Army astronauts have already flown aboard space shuttle missions. “Those Army Astronauts who have gone Photo by Jan Waddell before me are obviously outstanding — so I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I’m just Celebrating Earth Day honored to be associated with this right now,” said the 36-year old Army pilot. Col. Jerry Brown, commander, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll, center, joins from left, Mason Malloy, Kimbrough joins other classmates who Molly Premo and Eva Marie Teriong along with representatives from each class at the George will begin their training at the Johnson Seitz Elementary School to plant a kanal tree in the front of the school on Earth Day, April 22. Space Center this summer.

Supporting the war Lt. Gen. Larry Dodgen, commander, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, left, recently visited Soldiers and Sailors at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar. Dodgen thanked the members of the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) detachment for a job well done and reiterated how important their support to the war is.

Photo by Maj. Doug Waddingham 2 The Eagle May 2004 The Command Corner

Lt. Gen. Larry J. Dodgen CSM David Lady Commanding General Command Sgt. Maj.

he Army and the military are transforming – and transforming ast month the Force Development Directorate of SMDC’s quickly.” You may have read this headline in your local Force Development and Integration Center briefed Lt. Gen. “T paper or heard it on the news. L Dodgen on the results of the Army Space Enlisted Force Study You may have also heard that adjustments are possible in where (ASEFS). our military forces will be based in the United States and overseas. “Space Forces” are defined by DoD as the Space and terrestrial Clearly, significant efforts are under way during these times of systems, equipment, facilities, organizations and personnel necessary dynamic world events to ensure America’s military forces are prepared to access, use and, if directed, control Space for national security. In to meet — and defeat — a range of capabilities that adversaries might June 2001, the Army G-1 directed SMDC to conduct, as part of the Army employ. Space FORMAL (Force Modernization Analysis), a study that would Change has been part of our Army for its entire history of 228+ determine the requirement for enlisted occupational specialties (MOS), years. However, what is different with the current transformation is and skill or qualification indicators for Army enlisted Space forces. the magnitude of the changes, which some would characterize as the Simply put, the study sought to show how to best enlist, train, most comprehensive restructuring in the last 50 years. The fact that utilize and retain an enlisted Space cadre for the Army. transformation is under way while the Army is engaged in the Global First, the ASEFS task force examined the current enlisted Space War on Terrorism affirms the vital importance of this process. cadre. Enlisted Soldiers who had served or were serving in Space Army units returning from OPERATIONS ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI positions (SATCON, JTAGS, ARSST, staff) were awarded a Program FREEDOM are among the first units to reorganize themselves. They will Development Skill Indicator, an alphanumeric code which would remain restructure to modular, brigade-sized units, optimized in organization in their records for five years, allowing the Army to track their careers and equipment to support combatant commanders as part of the Joint as well as determine the size of the current cadre of Space-experienced Force. A number of other Army initiatives, including embedding and certified Soldiers (currently, there are 521 enlisted Space cadre space-based capabilities, will support and complement this members, most serving in SMDC). transformation to the Future Force. Second, data was collected and job analysis surveys were conducted The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command has among our units. Soldiers of all grades were interviewed or completed transformed and will continue to transform to fulfill mission surveys. Questions covered position qualification requirements, requirements. Selection of this command to serve as the Army training, doctrine, equipment, well-being and organization. Subject Service Component Command to U.S. Strategic Command matter experts throughout SMDC chains of command and the NCO (STRATCOM), and its designation as Army Forces Strategic Command support channel were consulted on these topics as well. (ARSTRAT), creates exciting opportunities for our space and Third, a critical task list was compiled, physical and intellectual technology professionals to leverage their skills in support of Joint demands of SMDC enlisted positions were reviewed, and training and Warfighters. Several restructuring efforts have already taken place as operations of Soldiers in Space positions were analyzed. The task list part of our new role in support of STRATCOM. SMDC/ARSTRAT has was compared to the tasks trained in our Soldier’s branch specialties achieved much in the work to Full Operational Capability on Jan. (Signal, ADA, Topographical Engineer and Military Intelligence). 1, 2004. We continue to work closely with STRATCOM to assure full Significant training disconnects were discovered in all of our enlisted integration of Army capabilities into all mission areas. specialties. Many tasks for which our Soldiers are trained in their This month, in initial and NCO training are not employed while they are on duty with addition to looking Army Space units. There is a perception that a tour with SMDC is often forward to new not beneficial to the Soldier’s career; that Space Soldiers fall behind challenges, May their peers by performing tasks not understood or recognized as provides excellent significant by their branch chiefs and command sergeants major, and opportunities to that they are not promoted as quickly as their fellow Soldiers who do honor the men and not serve with Army Space units. This perception may not be correct, women now serving in for in the last three promotion lists (Sgt. Major, Sgt. 1st Class and uniform and those Master Sgt.) SMDC Soldiers were selected for promotion at a higher Americans who have percentage than the average for the Army. given their lives in Finally, courses of action were drafted to improve mission the defense of our performance and to eliminate systemic problems. The most significant nation’s freedom. course of action (accepted by Lt. Gen. Dodgen) was that the ASEFS Additionally, this month recognizes military spouses for the support findings become part of the Army Space Cadre FORMAL. This analysis, they furnish to their family and other military families. May also directed by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, is the only Army process recognizes the many contributions Asian Pacific Americans have made that will develop Army consensus on the Space Cadre membership to the nation by celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. (officer, enlisted, civilian), and establish an organization and system for In a time-honored tradition, May has been designated as National Army Space Cadre management and oversight. Military Appreciation Month, which includes Armed Forces Day/Week, This FORMAL will involve HQDA, TRADOC, the combatant Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Military Spouse Day, the National Day of commanders, other major commands and national offices, but will be Prayer and Memorial Day. The special observances take on special led by the Army G-3 and SMDC (G-1 and SMDC during phase three). significance this year due to the sacrifices made by the many The FORMAL is scheduled to last 14 months. members of SMDC and our military who are deployed and provide The Army Space Enlisted Force Study has accomplished its mission. support in the Global War on Terrorism. Now the entire Army will be involved in developing comprehensive May also serves as an important time to remind ourselves of the space cadre policies across the eight life cycle functions. The result will importance of security and safety. The Army recently launched a “Be be a better managed Army Space Cadre. Safe” campaign, with its only goal — according to Acting Secretary of For additional details on the ASEFS and the Army Space Cadre the Army Les Brownlee — to save Soldiers’ lives. This month signals FORMAL, go to the SMDC internet home page, and click on NCO the unofficial start of the summer season, a time when the accident Professional Development. Then click on either “Army Space Enlisted rate rises, particularly the swimming, boating and privately owned Force Study” or “Army Space Cadre FORMAL.” These two files explain vehicle accident rates. Be safe — it’s critical both in the fight and at the predecision findings of the ASEFS and the phases of the Army home. Space Cadre FORMAL.

SECURE THE HIGH GROUND! ON POINT!

The Eagle ... is an authorized unofficial newspaper published for military and civilian members of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command published under the authority of AR 360-1. The editorial style applies the industry standard Associated Press Stylebook. Contents of The Eagle are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, or U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC). This monthly newspaper uses offset reproduction and has a circulation of 3,000. Reader input is solicited and welcomed; however, no payment will be made for such contributions. For more information about SMDC visit our Web site at www.smdc.army.mil. Please direct letters and comments to: U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Publisher...... Lt. Gen. Larry J. Dodgen CG DIRECT ATTN: Editor, The Eagle, P.O. Box 1500, Director, Public Affairs...... William M. Congo Want to communicate Huntsville, AL 35807-3801 Editor...... Debra Valine directly with the CG? Assistant Editor...... Becky Proaps Phone (256) 955-1151 (DSN 645) FAX: 645-1214 Call 866-243-4732 e-mail: [email protected] May 2004 The Eagle 3 What We Think

One of my earliest memories is of watching a Memorial The Eagle asks: Day parade with my World War II veteran father and while watching veterans from the Spanish American What does Memorial Day mean to you? War, World War I, World War II and Korea, I realized that defending America was a responsibility of Memorial Day is a day when I citizenship. As a retired Army officer, Memorial Day remember to appreciate the reaffirms to me that our republic is strong, for America men and women of past wars continues to inspire citizens to defend her, and my as well as those currently respect for those who serve is absolute. serving their country. Al Brandolini Senior Military Analyst SYColeman Arlington, Va.

Belinda Williams Memorial Day brings thoughts of my uncle, Andrew Contract Specialist Carol, who was an 18-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor Contracting and Acquisition stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He was Management Office wounded on Guadal Canal and spent a year in an Huntsville, Ala. Australian hospital. After a back injury returned him to the states, he re-enlisted and was in charge of While Memorial Day is for transporting German POWs to Fort Smith, Ark. I remembering fallen Veterans, it’s also recall an old photograph of my uncle in full uniform, a day to look around and remember with his arm around me and my tricycle. what they died for; America’s freedom and way of life. And to keep in Henry C. Hollman mind those in harm’s way today. As PhD, P.E. General Engineer the bumper sticker says, “If you can Computer read this, thank a teacher. If you can Resources Division read this in English, thank a Veteran.” SMD Battle Lab Huntsville, Ala. John Upp Communications Specialist Memorial Day is an especially Communications important national holiday to me. and Information Office Not only because I am a Soldier and Arlington, Va. live the legacy of those who served before me, but also because if not for the brave men and women who Memorial Day is a great opportunity for all Americans to died in defense of our country, we come together in one voice, honoring the sacrifices paid may not have the freedoms that in blood by our American veterans to ensure the some of us take for granted. I hold abundant freedoms we share, experience and enjoy this day closer to my heart more today, for no greater gift can a man give that he lay Staff Sgt. Robert K. than ever before. My fiancée’s down his life for family and friends. Orndoff Satellite Network younger brother recently gave his Controller life defending our great nation while B Company, 1st serving in Iraq. Satellite Control Battalion Thaddeus Brown Fort Meade, Md. General Engineer Operations Division SMD Battle Lab Huntsville, Ala.

Memorial Day means Memorial Day is a day to reflection ... appreciation remember what our ... prayer ... honoring To me it means being nation’s Soldiers, heroes for every bit of able to work and live Marines, Sailors, and freedom and liberty we as a free individual in Airmen have done for our enjoy. Recently, though ... the best country in this country. It is a day when it now also means world, and sleeping in anybody can walk up to a remembering friends and peace every service member and say, their families. night because of those “Thanks for all you have who sacrificed all they Spc. Joshua A. done.” A day to Capt. Tony Behrens could to provide and Rodriguez remember all those who Commander protect the American Satellite Network JTAGS-Europe Chris Le Blanc gave their lives for our Controller Alpha Detachment, G8, Resource way of life. country. In my opinion, B Company, 1st 1st Space Company Management Satellite Control Memorial Day should be Stuttgart, Germany Financial Analyst, celebrated every day. DA Intern Battalion Fort Meade, Md. Arlington, Va.

May is National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebration to the entire month. Public Law 102-450, approved ay is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. This on Oct. 23, 1992, designated May of each year as National year’s theme is “Freedom for All, A Nation We Call Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. May was chosen for Our Own.” M the observance to commemorate the arrival of the first In June 1977, Representatives Frank Horton of New York Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843. and Norman Y. Mineta of California introduced a House “Asian Pacific American” is a political appellation that resolution that called upon the President to proclaim the first encompasses many ethnic groups with diverse backgrounds, 10 days of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Week. histories, languages, and cultures. The term attempts to give President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring expression to cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity while May 4-10, 1979, as the first Asian Pacific American Heritage recognizing common historical experiences in American Week. history. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrates In 1990, President George H. W. Bush expanded the the collective accomplishments of these communities. 4 The Eagle May 2004 Schexnayder takes leadership of SMDC-RDA

New boss first civilian Site in the Marshall Islands, and the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility located to hold deputy to the at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. “My job is to integrate and synchronize commander position the RDA and Test and Evaluation functions,” Schexnayder said. “In that By Debra Valine role, I need to develop new opportunities for SMDC to grow. The value we deliver to Editor, The Eagle our major customers — the Missile Defense Agency and the Joint Air and HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The U.S. Army Missile Defense Organization — needs to Space and Missile Defense Command’s grow and the value we deliver to the Army Research, Development and Acquisition as a major command needs to grow. That function has a new boss. is not saying we are doing a bad job, but Michael C. Schexnayder became the right now we need to seek every deputy to the SMDC commander for opportunity we can get and then deliver on Research, Development and Acquisition in those opportunities.” a change of position ceremony April 26. Another challenge facing Schexnayder “The people at SMDC are bright-eyed is ensuring there is a work force that is and want to do well for the country,” ready, willing and capable of leading SMDC Schexnayder said. “They all want to make in the future. a difference. I am excited to be here. I “One of the primary responsibilities we think this is a great place with great have is to cultivate the people we have opportunities. I am looking forward to who can meet the challenges and be giving them all the opportunities to excel successful so that the organization can that they can handle.” grow and flourish,” Schexnayder said. “I Schexnayder, the first civilian to hold want to ensure that RDA contributes to this position, took over responsibility from making SMDC a more valuable member of Photo by Debra Valine Maj. Gen. John M. Urias, who had been the Joint team and Army team. In Michael C. Schexnayder became the deputy to the dual-hatted as the deputy commanding business terms, the customer value we SMDC commander for Research, Development general for RDA and the Program deliver should become greater and greater and Acquisition on April 26. Executive Officer for Air, Space and and greater. Customer value equals the Missile Defense. Urias moves on to benefits we provide from our products less perform PEO duties full time. the cost of providing those benefits. I want RDA goals, people tend to be more The decision to “un-dual-hat” Urias is that benefit between the cost and value to productive. It also helps people to be more an initiative by the Assistant Secretary of increase for our Joint and Army productive if their personal life is balanced the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and customers.” with their work life. That is very Technology. As the PEO, Urias will be able Employees who are comfortable with important to me.” to focus on defense programs such as PAC- open and honest communication are In addition to expecting employees to 3 (Patriot Advanced Capability-3), MEADS needed to reach the goal of increased communicate, Schexnayder expects (Medium Extended Air Defense System), customer value, Schexnayder said. “My employees to know their customers and cruise missile defense initiatives and initial impression is that some are understand how what they are doing is BM/C4I (Battle Management/Command, comfortable communicating openly and part of the final product. “When you know Control, Communications, Computers and honestly and some are not. There seems what the possible use of the product is, you Intelligence). to be some worry about the future. The will be able to do a better job. ambiguity or the uncertainty seems to be “We have internal customers — if you causing worry, and I think the way you are a secretary, your customer is your solve that is to have open and honest boss. The boss may be a customer of the ‘I believe in executing a communication both ways. We need to work force for some leadership activities. philosophy that comes out of close the loop when communicating. I tell We also have external customers — if you Ranger School — drive on. you something; then you tell me what you are an engineer working on a radar signal understand; then I acknowledge that you processing task for THAAD or GMD, I Accept responsibility for the understand what I said.” expect them to do everything possible to task. When you run into a He also believes SMDC needs a maximize customer value compared to problem, acknowledge the business plan for RDA that includes what it costs. problem, figure out how to get strategy, a tactical plan and the “I also expect the SMDC employees to the job done, learn from it and organizational structure to support that. use system thinking. How does your work How RDA integrates into the overall fit in with the customer’s higher needs, move on.’ business plan is very important, he said. constraints and environment? — Schexnayder It’s a team effort, and Schexnayder likes to And he values teamwork. “I will do be involved. everything I can to reward teamwork in “My general leadership style is to be contrast to individual work. The Army very participative with the work force,” research and development community said Schexnayder, whose leadership style does not reward high performing teams comes from his time in the Army. In well — we stress awards to the individual. Before moving to SMDC, Schexnayder addition to his extensive background in I want to reward those who are good team served as the associate director for research and development positions, members. Systems in the Aviation and Missile Schexnayder also served 13 years as an “I believe in executing a philosophy that Research and Development Center and Army field artillery officer with experience comes out of Ranger School — drive on. the director of the Technical Management in Honest John, 8-inch and 155- Accept responsibility for the task. When Directorate. In that capacity, millimeter self-propelled units. His you run into a problem, acknowledge the Schexnayder was responsible for all military training includes airborne, problem, figure out how to get the job done, reimbursable scientific and engineering ranger, and nuclear/chemical munitions learn from it and move on. I do not want work performed by the AMRDEC for delivery and effects. people to feel guilty about anything they external customers, to include industry. His goal is to try to align organizational do. It is wasted energy. The important As the deputy to the SMDC commander goals with individual goals. Commun- thing is to learn and adapt.” for RDA, Schexnayder is responsible for all ication is critical to achieving this goal. “I Schexnayder, a native of New Orleans, materiel development functions, test and will tend to look at most of the products La., received a bachelor’s degree in evaluation activities, and simulation requiring a lot of teamwork. Setting up electrical engineering from Louisiana support including the Space and Missile that team is very important. State University in 1971, a master’s Defense Battle Lab, the Space and Missile “However, I can vary my leadership style degree in electrical engineering from the Defense Technical Center, the Office of if the situation calls for it. I do not think Georgia Institute of Technology in 1979 Technical Integration and Interoperability, there is one leadership style. I have found and a master of science in management and the Test and Evaluation Center, people are much more productive with from the Massachusetts Institute of which includes Fort Greely, Alaska, the open and honest communication. When Technology in 1988. U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test you can align individual goals with SMDC/ May 2004 The Eagle 5 Family man loves hustle, bustle of city life New G-1 assumes responsibilities in Arlington SMDC Public Affairs Leadership Branch, G-1. through the Reserve Officer (twice), aide-de-camp to the And what would make a Training Corps as a second commanding general, and he SMDC G-1 is an person continue to seek a job lieutenant from Midwestern executive officer to the efficient organization. in an area with high costs of State University in 1986. He assistant commandant. “T I want to continue the living, frequent traffic jams and also earned two master’s Following his assignment good work already established,” a demanding work schedule? degrees — the first in human from Fort Sill, he served as an said Lt. Col. Gary Quintero, who “I was interested in coming resource management from exchange officer to the Royal took over as the deputy chief of to SMDC,” Quintero said, Troy State University and the Canadian Artillery School, staff, G-1 (Personnel), U.S. adding with a smile, “I sought second in military operational Canadian Forces Base, Army Space and Missile out the position.” art and science from the U.S. Gagetown, Canada, from 1996 Defense Command May 5. A native of Wichita Falls, Air Force University, Maxwell through 1998. Quintero’s previous Texas, Quintero earned a Air Force Base, Ala. “The Army has been good to assignment was at the bachelor’s degree in history Quintero began his Army me,” said the 17-year Army Pentagon’s Human Factors and and received his commission career as a fire support officer veteran. “I’ve served with a lot in the 4th of great people.” Battalion, 11th Quintero said his most Field Artillery rewarding experience was in Regiment, 6th 1999 while assigned as a Infantry brigade S-1 and deputy G-1 Division with the 3rd Infantry Division (Light), at Fort at Fort Stewart, Ga. “That was Richardson, an excellent organization — Alaska. At good leaders and great that same Soldiers.” unit, he He has also served as an served as Army Fellow from 2002 to 2003 battery at the RAND Arroyo Center, executive Santa Monica, Calif. officer, supply His military awards and and mainte- decorations include the nance platoon Meritorious Service Medal leader, and as (with two oak leaf clusters), the battalion S-4. Army Commendation Medal In 1990, he (with one oak leaf cluster), the was assigned Army Achievement Medal, and to Fort Sill, the Air Assault Badge. Okla., and held Married for 14 years, he and a variety of his wife have five children. positions “I like spending time with

Photo by Cali Coulthard including my family. Enjoying the battery outdoors is how I spend most of Lt. Col. Gary Quintero discusses SMDC manning with Ron Mathews, military personnel commander my free time,” Quintero said. specialist, as part of Quintero’s inbrief. New program allows reserve components to track critical civilian employment information

By Master Sgt. Bob Haskell defense for personnel and readiness. employers of their rights and National Guard Bureau, Arlington, Va, Members of the Army National Guard, responsibilities under the 1994 Uniformed Special to American Forces Press Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Services Employment and Reemployment Navy Individual Ready Reserve can now Rights Act. Service enter their employment data on the new The information could be another tool to Defense Manpower Data Center Web site. help determine which units or members of WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new Defense Members of the Army Reserve, Navy the Ready Reserve should be mobilized, Department reporting system has begun Selected Reserve, Marine Reserve and defense officials explained. so members of all seven reserve compo- Coast Guard Reserve will be able to enter Information about full-time employers nents can register their employers. their employment data on their existing also would make it possible for DoD DoD decision-makers need to know the personnel reporting systems. officials to enhance employer support for civilian employers and government To register their CEI information, the Guard and Reserve. agencies of the department’s Reserve component members should go to The law also requires all members of approximately 1.2 million National their respective service’s CEI program reserve components to notify appropriate Guardsmen and Reservists, officials Web sites. defense officials about any changes in explained. The database will, among other Guardsmen and Reservists must their civilian employment. things, give officials a better idea of who register 10 specific data fields concerning The Civilian Employment Information should, and should not, be mobilized for their civilian employers and job skills to Program, Chu explained, will require all national emergencies, they said. meet three requirements mandated by Guard and Reserve members to list on the The database is called the Civilian law. database their employment status, their Employment Information Program, and it Chu said the Defense Department employer’s name, their employer’s is the way for all Guard and Reserve must: complete mailing addresses, their civilian members to comply with the law that • Give consideration to civilian workers job titles, and their total number of years requires them to inform DoD of who — including emergency responders such in their current civilian occupations. employs them and how they are employed as police officers, firefighters and medical Unlike previous military service efforts when not performing their military duties. personnel — necessary to maintain the to voluntarily gather employer data, “This program will make it possible for national health, safety and interests when registering employer data in the CEI defense officials, including those considering which Guard and Reserve program is mandatory. Guard and Reserve responsible for mobilizing our traditional members should be called to active duty. members who knowingly fail or refuse to Guard and Reserve members, to know who • Ensure more members with critical provide that information, or who knowingly can be called up for active military duty civilian jobs and skills are not retained in provide false employment-related without jeopardizing the civilian forces the reserve components than are information, may be subject to responsible for safeguarding our country,” necessary to respond to emergencies. administrative action or punishment, explained David Chu, undersecretary of • Inform the Reservists’ civilian officials said. 6 The Eagle May 2004 Totem Pole program big hit at Pentagon

By Marco Morales worldwide, Ishaq envisioned an SMDC Public Affairs international children’s art festival, to be held, like the Olympic Games, in a host city. ceremony highlighting Schools in every country would and promoting peace participate, and creative through children A children, along with their involved in art was conducted parents and teachers, would be by members of the U.S. Army invited to attend the festival’s Space and Missile Defense exhibitions, creativity Command (SMDC) April 15 at workshops, seminars and the Pentagon. ceremonies. The program “Peace Through Ishaq was then followed by Art” involved the coordinated Prof. Marietta Fryer who efforts of Portia Davidson, chief, described the SMDC Totem Community and Family Pole’s meaning. Fryer teaches Support Division, G-1, SMDC, fine arts at Cheyney University with the International Child of Pennsylvania. Art Foundation (ICAF) and For Native Americans in the Cheyney University of northwest, totem poles often Pennsylvania. Photo by John Upp serve to proclaim a clan’s Command Sgt. Maj. David L. status. The figures carved onto Lady, SMDC’s command Dr. Sebornette Barnes, at podium, director, Cheyney University Singers, the poles symbolize a clan’s sergeant major, made opening announces the next choral selection during SMDC’s “Peace Through Art” Totem Pole program presentation at the Pentagon April 15. mythological history, as well as remarks. the rights and privileges it “These are serious times … enjoys. Fryer talked about the our nation is at war. But this peace through our programs,” increasingly being cited by spirituality and symbolic war will be won. However, to he said. educators and child develop- meaning associated with win a lasting peace, certain The command sergeant ment professionals as a SMDC’s totem pole. values such as respect, major was followed by remarks significant factor in improving “There’s an ancient Native tolerance, patience, and from Dr. Ashfaq Ishaq, the overall academic achieve- American proverb that states, cooperation must become more president and founder of the ment of children,” Ishaq said. ‘treat the Earth well; it’s not common throughout the world,” ICAF. “But there was no truly given to you by your parents; it Lady said. “These values must “We know that children can comprehensive, national and is loaned to you by your be first absorbed by children if lead us into a better and safer international effort to promote children; we do not inherit the they are finally to be practiced world, and art is a powerful child art and visual learning, Earth from our ancestors; we by adults. Using art as a medium — a tool as it were — particularly regarding the borrow it from our children’,” medium to convey values is to help build a foundation for underserved group of 8- to 12- Fryer said. one of the goals of the this endeavor,” Ishaq said. year-old children.” The event also featured the International Child Art ICAF began in the mid-1980s An educator (and former Cheyney University singers Foundation which regularly to actively nurture, sustain award-winning child artist), who filled the Pentagon’s sponsors worldwide child art and promote the artistic Ishaq believed the time was concourse with numerous exhibitions and festivals. promise and creativity of right for such an effort. In choral selections. “It is an honor to represent children around the world. addition to programs designed The SMDC totem pole was on SMDC as we celebrate Army “At that time, participation to actively engage children in display inside the Pentagon’s values, Army families and in the visual arts was the creation of original artwork corridor 9 through April 30. SATCON Soldiers check out Army, Navy ships

By Pfc. Richard W. Hennings III Unit reporter

OKINAWA, Japan — The U.S. Navy rules the seas, our Air Force reigns in the skies, and our ground forces have won world renown. The lines dividing each service’s territory are pretty clear. So what’s the U.S. Army doing with a ship? Recently, Echo Company, 1st Satellite Control Battalion Soldiers had the opportunity to discover precisely that. On a morale and informational tour, a small group of interested E Co. Soldiers traveled to Naval Station White Beach to see the U.S. Army’s USS Joint Venture, a high-speed vessel leased by the Army. The Joint Venture is a converted car ferry that can be used as a platform for a number of Photo by 1st SATCON Bn. Soldiers operations, from troop and supply transfer Soldiers from Echo Co., 1st SATCON Battalion, pose in front of the USS Blue Ridge (the Navy ship) after to non-combatant evacuation. The strong a tour, which also included the USS Joint Venture, an Army ship. Both ships were in port at the Naval movement toward Joint operations is the Station White Beach in Okinawa, Japan. fuel behind the Army’s “owning” a ship. facilities on board. The Blue Ridge is Venture’s bridge seemed compared to that Joint efforts enhance the Rapid Decisive basically a military base crammed into a of the Blue Ridge. Operations concept regarding the ship. The group was able to see how “It was interesting to see a side of the transportation of men and materiel and Sailors live and work day-to-day in a time Army that most Soldiers don’t see every the rapid establishment of advance force of heightened operations. day,” said 1st Sgt. Mitchell Burnett. “The operations, hence the previously odd After the USS Blue Ridge tour, the group Army has some high speed watercraft that pairing of land and sea. then went aboard the USS Joint Venture. seem to overshadow the USS Blue Ridge.” While the Joint Venture was in port and The mess facilities, the crew’s sleeping The E Co. Soldiers agreed with the first being serviced by the 505th Quarter- and working quarters, the troop area sergeant. master Battalion based here, the E Co. where troops are put while transporting Army versus Navy is usually reserved group toured the Naval vessel USS Blue them to another area, and the bridge were for the sports arena, but in this contest, Ridge, also in port. all on the tour. The group was amazed at the Army clearly came out on top in the The guided tour through the ship how much more high-tech the Joint question of … “Who has the coolest ship?” included the bridge, deck and mess May 2004 The Eagle 7 Civilian News Military News

Electronic map shows Feds statistics Registration now open for 2004 Army Ten-Miler Federally Employed Women (FEW) launched an interactive electronic map at www.few.org that provides detailed statistics The 2004 Army Ten-Miler will be held Oct. 24 in Washington, on the number of federal workers in each U.S. congressional D.C. at the Pentagon. Registration is now open for runners district — broken out by county and agency. FEW compiled and interested in participating in the 20th Anniversary of this analyzed the most recent data available from the Bureau of event. The mail-in deadline is Aug. 16; the online deadline is Labor Statistics, indicating there are 2,674,437 federally Sept. 17 or when the field of 20,000 is filled. The Army Ten- employed women and men. With FEW’s map, the employment Miler is America’s largest ten-miler and the U.S. Army’s data is broken down by state, Congressional District and federal premier running event. For complete information about the agency. A FEW statement said one of its highest priorities is event, go to www.armytenmiler.com. the repeal of the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. FEW is also concerned with federal Guide to appealing VA decisions available outsourcing, equal opportunity employment, equal pay and diversity. Veterans and other claimants for VA benefits have the right to appeal decisions made by a VA regional office or medical center New overtime regulations announced through the VA Appeals process. A claimant has one year from the date of the notification of a VA decision to file an appeal. You In the first substantial update in more than 50 years, may appeal a complete or partial denial of your claim or you may Department of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced appeal the level (i.e. the amount) of benefit granted. For a step- recently the final regulations governing overtime for white- by-step guide on how to appeal a VA decision, including a FAQ collar workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Also, to and checklists, see provide overtime protection for other workers, the FairPay rules http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourcesContent/ add new sections that clearly state blue-collar workers, police 0,13964,32522,00.html. officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and licensed practical nurses are entitled to Soldiers who re-enlisted for desert overtime protection. “With the ‘FairPay’ rule, we are restoring overtime to what it was intended to be: fair pay for workers, get retro bonuses instead of a lawsuit lottery,” Chao said. The department’s new FairPay rule will take effect in August. It will be published in An estimated 5,000 Soldiers who re-enlisted last year may be the Federal Register and a text version is available online at eligible for a pay bonus. Bonuses up to $5,000 will be http://www.dol.gov/fairpay./index.htm. retroactively paid to Soldiers, between the ranks of specialist and staff sergeant, with 17 months to 10 years in service, who Pentagon Memorial Fund accepting donations re-enlisted between March 18, 2003, through Sept. 18. Only those who re-enlisted under the option of being assigned to a The Pentagon Memorial Fund campaign was officially launched deployed unit in Afghanistan, Kuwait or Iraq are eligible. in Washington, D.C. April 22. Almost $30 million is being Soldiers have until June 30 to contact their career counselors solicited to make this memorial possible. About $17.5 million and request the lump sum payment. The program will still be of collected funds will be used to build the memorial. Another open through July, but career counselors will have to submit all $10 million in donations will be earmarked for memorial pertinent information to the Retention Management Division for maintenance. Some $2 million already has been collected, review, states military personnel message 04-141. For more including a $1 million donation from the Anheuser-Busch information, go to http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/ Foundation, the first major corporate donor to the Pentagon read.php?story_id_key=5861. Memorial Fund. The Pentagon Memorial will be built in a park- like setting among maple trees, and will consist of 184 Thrift Savings Plan open season update individual units — the number of people killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist-hijacked airliner attack on the Pentagon. Each As a reminder, the TSP open season started April 15 and runs memorial unit will consist of a bench bathed in light from a through June 30. Defense officials are seeing a big problem reflecting pool. The group of 184 memorials will be located near concerning the TSP: Not enough service members are taking the spot where Flight 77 hit the Pentagon. Donations can be advantage of the program. “We’re trying to convince people that made through a secure online system found on the Pentagon TSP is a good vehicle for savings,” said Lt. Col. Janet Fenton, Memorial Fund Web site. For more information go to http:// executive director of the Armed Forces Tax Council. “The great www.pentagonmemorial.net. thing about TSP is that it’s tax-deferred in pretax dollar savings. So it comes out of your income, and you’re not taxed on it until Military phone card donation program you use that money later, hopefully in your retirement.” TSP is goes public also a good idea for people who don’t plan to make a career of the military, because they can take their TSP with them when they leave active duty. Those who leave active duty before retirement The Department of Defense announced that any American can could roll their TSP into a 401K plan of a new civilian employer. now help troops in contingency operations call home. The It could be put into an IRA, or even left in TSP, but no more Defense Department has authorized the Armed Services funds could be added to the account. More than 220,000 service Exchanges to sell prepaid calling cards to any individual or members signed up for TSP in 2002, the first year the savings organization that wishes to purchase cards for troops who are plan was opened to military personnel. That figure jumped to deployed. The “Help Our Troops Call Home” program is designed more than 390,000 at the end of the open season, which ended to help service members call home from OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM in December. For more information, go to and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Those wishing to donate a www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,dod2_042304.00.html. prepaid calling card to a military member may log on to any of the three Armed Services Exchange Web sites: the Army and Air Force Exchange Service at http:// Stars and Stripes offers free electronic www. aafes.com/; the Navy Exchange Service Command newspaper http://www.navy-nex.com/; or the Marine Corps Exchange http://www.usmc-mccs.org/. Service members who don’t have access to the printed Stars and Stripes newspaper can now go online to read or download an OPM launches HealthierFeds Web site exact replica of the paper at no charge. Stars and Stripes launched the free service just in time to salute service OPM has launched its HealthierFeds Web site. The site offers members during Military Appreciation Month, which is information to help federal employees and retirees make life celebrated in May. Free online versions of the newspaper’s style choices and manage their health care to obtain high- European, Pacific and Middle East editions became available quality, cost-effective services when needed. It also provides starting April 26. The free online newspaper is geared to information on care management and prevention strategies. service members in remote locations, but any service member Federal employees and retirees and their families may access anywhere in the world, as well as family members, can use the the Web by going directly to www.healthierfeds.opm.gov. service. Free electronic Stars and Stripes is available at estripes.osd.mil Web site. 8 The Eagle May 2004 Awards/Promotions

Communications and Visual Information Intelligence, G-2 Civilian Promotions Division Mark A. Kollman, Huntsville, Technical Carolyn R. Allyn, GS-13, Huntsville, Center, Space Technology Directorate Time-Off Awards Internal Review and Audit Compliance Matrix Office Jack Miller, Huntsville, Information Owen B. Carleton, Colorado Springs, Veronica M. Collins, GS-12, Huntsville, Management, G-6, Communications and Intelligence, G-2 Battle Lab, Missile Defense Directorate, Visual Information Division Deana R. Clark-Moller, Colorado Springs, Combat Applications Pamela G. Mitchell, Arlington, Office of Force Development and Integration Center Kimberley C. Gillespie, GS-13, Huntsville, the Chief of Staff, Protocol West Public Affairs Office Philip M. Patterson, Huntsville, Battle Willie W. Davis, Colorado Springs, Sherry R. Mahafza, GS-14, Huntsville, Lab, Analysis and Operations Directorate, Intelligence, G-2 Technical Center, Information Science Battle Lab Operations Division Kerrin E. Denham, Colorado Springs, and Technology Directorate Core Robert G. Piper, Colorado Springs, Intelligence, G-2 Sandra F. McAnally, GS-12, Huntsville, Personnel, G-1 Robert T. Godlewski, USAKA, Directorate Operations and Plans, G-3, Command Thomas D. Potter, Colorado Springs, of Logistics and Community Activities Evaluation Division Communications, G-6, Information Ron K. Irons, Colorado Springs, Cynthia A. Nelson, GS-09, Huntsville, Management Division Intelligence, G-2 Resource Management, G-8, Program and Dianne F. Trimble, Huntsville, Office of Norma J. Jenkins, Colorado Springs, Policy Division PARC/Contracting and Acquisition Intelligence, G-2 Deborah A. Webber, GS-09, Huntsville, Management, Branch N Denise D. Newcomb, Colorado Springs, Personnel, G-1, Civilian Personnel Office Intelligence, G-2 Paul D. Schambach, Colorado Springs, Special Act Awards Intelligence, G-2 On-the-Spot Cash Craig s. Seiler, Colorado Springs, Awards William L. Burrows, Huntsville, Technical Intelligence, G-2 Center, Space Technology Directorate Daniel J. Selman, Colorado Springs, Matrix Intelligence, G-2 Edwin A. Barber, Huntsville, Battle Lab, Veronica M. Collins, Huntsville, Battle Douglas W. Smith, Colorado Springs, Analysis and Operations Directorate, Lab, Missile Defense Directorate, Combat Intelligence, G-2 Studies and Analysis Division Applications James M.T. Williams, Colorado Springs, Mickey A. Beavers, Huntsville, Dimitrois P. Llanos, Huntsville, Technical Intelligence, G-2 Information Management, G-6, Center, Advanced Technology Directorate Joseph W. Wychulis, Colorado Springs, Automation Division Core Intelligence, G-2 Jerome G. Bendrick, Huntsville, Battle Royce G. Ogburn, Huntsville, Technical Lab, Space Directorate, Experiments Center, Kinetic Energy Interceptor Division Directorate Matrix Commander’s Award for Teresa H. Brown, Huntsville, Intelligence, Noel J. Paschal, Huntsville, Technical Civilian Service G-2, Security Division Center, Kinetic Energy Interceptor Patricia A. Hampton, Huntsville, Directorate Information Management, G-6, Paul D. Schambach, Colorado Springs, Shad A. Tritt, USAKA, Command Safety Directorate

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Beebe Dancing the night away

The SMDC/ARSTRAT ball held April 30 at the Wyndham Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo., was a festive, yet sometimes solemn, evening for all attendees. The festivity was evident at a glance, with the formal gowns of ladies in attendance sparkling against the sober blues and greens of the Soldiers present. The solemnity was provided in the empty-chaired table devoted to the Fallen Soldier, of which this year there were many. Traditional toasts to the President and Service were made with special emphasis, and the video featuring the contributions of SMDC/ ARSTRAT Soldiers to operations in Afghanistan and Iraq fueled the resounding nature of those toasts. The theme of this year’s ball was Going Global — Pioneering New Missions for the High Ground. Lt. Gen Edward G. Anderson III, deputy commander, U. S. Northern Command and vice commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command, was the guest speaker for the event. Anderson, a former commander of the SMDC, chronicled the many achievements of the command, past and present. May 2004 The Eagle 9 Thinking safety first helps make summer fun time for all SMDC Safety Office are alcohol-related, more than Whether you participate in illness (heat exhaustion or 48 percent of all motor vehicle your local softball league, jog or stroke). Heat-related illness ummertime is fast accident fatalities involve swim, recreational safety occurs when your body can’t approaching and this alcohol. The real tragedy of should always be on your mind. keep itself cool. As the S year, like millions of drunk-driving accidents is how Water recreational activities temperature rises, your body other Americans, SMDC easily they can be avoided. can be very dangerous during stays cool when your sweat employees will begin Don’t become a statistic this the summer months. Experts evaporates. On humid days, celebrating the season by summer. If you’ve been agree that more than 75 your sweat doesn’t evaporate as driving to their favorite drinking, don’t drive. percent of drowning incidents quickly as normal, thus not vacation spot. Don’t forget about your are avoidable. To avoid allowing your body to cool off According to the American passengers. Always have becoming a drowning victim, quickly enough. Automobile Association, 35 everybody in the car buckle up learn to swim. Call the local The most important thing to million families will drive a — including yourself — and Red Cross chapter for remember in preventing a heat distance of at least 100 miles never forget to put your child in information on classes near related-illness is to stay well- on summer holiday weekends. a safety seat. Motor vehicle you. If you can swim, use hydrated. Drink lots of water, Unfortunately, hundreds crashes are the number one common sense. Never swim even when you’re not thirsty. won’t make it to their Avoid tea, coffee, cola and destination. Tragically, alcoholic beverages. Also to statistics indicate that more prevent heat-related illness, than 500 people are killed on avoid outdoor activity on Memorial Day weekend, 4th of particularly hot and humid July and Labor Day weekend days, and vigorous activity combined. should only be scheduled before What can you do to stay safe? 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. If you Drive defensively. Be sure to must go outside, protect always follow the three basic yourself by wearing rules of defensive driving. lightweight, bright-colored First, recognize the hazards by clothing. continuously checking the road By following these rules ahead and behind by using when it comes to driving, water your mirror every three to five and heat-related illness safety, seconds. Second, scan the you can prevent serious injury roads for possible hazards. cause of death of children over alone or in unsupervised or death to you or your loved Third, think ahead, and try to the age of 6 months in the areas, and never drink alcohol ones this summer. Summer is, anticipate what other drivers United States. The proper use before swimming. and should be, a time of fun are going to do. of child safety seats and seat Boating is another water and relaxation; it shouldn’t be Another equally important belts is one of the simplest and activity that can be very spoiled by a needless tragedy. aspect of staying safe this most effective methods dangerous. Be sure you know Remember your health and summer is staying sober available for protecting the and understand all the laws safety is vital to our mission at behind the wheel. This should lives of you and your pertaining to boating. Always SMDC, so enjoy the summer go without saying but, believe passengers in the event of a ensure you and your months, but enjoy them safely. it or not, one in three motor vehicle crash. passengers are wearing a life For additional information on Americans will be involved in Not only will we be driving jacket, and never drink and summer safety, review the an alcohol-related accident this summer but we will be operate a boat. summer safety guide at http:// during their lifetime. Although participating in our favorite Summer also brings an commandnet/Safety/ only 7 percent of car crashes recreational activities as well. increased risk of heat-related SafetyOffice.html. SATCON Soldiers meet Sergeant Major of the Army

By Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith involve force Unit reporter restructuring. Currently, the Army FORT MEADE, Md. — Satellite Control has 33 brigade Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Satellite combat teams, with a Control Battalion recently met the newly plan for the end of appointed 13th Sergeant Major of the fiscal year 2006 to Army, Kenneth O. Preston, at a fund- have between 43 to raising breakfast for the Francis Scott Key 48 brigade combat Chapter of the Association of the United teams/units of States Army. action. This will Among the more than 400 in provide a more ready attendance at the April 2 breakfast were and relevant force to several Soldiers from local hospitals who combatant were recovering from wounds received in commanders and Iraq and Afghanistan. They received a allow for a more standing ovation when introduced and predictable and thanked for their service by SMA Preston. stabilized force for After everyone had the chance to enjoy Soldiers and their their breakfast, Preston took the families. opportunity to address the crowd. He The last issue Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David Coombs spoke of the world environment and how addressed by Preston The 13th Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston, chats with Bravo this would affect the Army of the future. was safety. Co., 1st SATCON Bn. Soldiers — Spc. Ferdinand Placer and his squad leader He emphasized the “Warrior Ethos” and “If you remember Staff Sgt. Robert Orndoff — after a breakfast arranged in the SMA’s honor. being a Soldier and infantryman first, anything I said today regardless of military occupational it is safety.” He noted that — only halfway deaths in the Army. specialty. He compared the current through this fiscal year — the Army has Upon completion of the festivities, the generation to that of the World War II already experienced the same number of sergeant major took time to meet and generation that fought to bring democracy deaths for the average of the last four greet the Soldiers, shaking their hands to Europe as today’s military now fights to years. and posing for pictures with many of them. bring democracy to the Middle East. He added that most deaths come from “The SMA breakfast was a great “There is also a changing and much vehicles. opportunity to meet and listen to the words different battlefield that the Army must “Sixty percent of deaths are tied to of wisdom from the top NCO in the Army” deal with — and as the battlefield changes somebody driving.” said Staff Sgt. Harry Osborne, Bravo Co.’s our forces must adapt,” said Preston. Preston then asked for everyone’s help Headquarters Platoon Sergeant. Some of the changes servicemen and with accidents and deaths as he kicked-off “What a motivating way to start your women have to look forward to, he said, a safety campaign to reduce the number of day!” Osborne added. 10 The Eagle May 2004 Veteran reflects on Kw By Jan Waddell Kwajalein Hourglass

hortly after OPERATION F LINTLOCK, the he attended radio school at 4th Marine Air Wing Division Texas A&M in College S deployed to Kwajalein Atoll to rebuild Station, Texas. He then the air strips and provide air support to joined the VMO155 Marine neutralize some of the outer islands in the Observation Squadron Marshall Islands. stationed in El Centro, Calif., Sixty years later, a member of that and shipped out to Pearl squadron returned. Kenneth Niles was a Harbor where he trained for member of the 4th MAWD squadron, the two weeks with F4U Corsairs “Ready Teddys,” nicknamed for a picture at the EWA Marine Corp Air painted on the side of the planes of a teddy Station in Oahu. Niles’ next bear running to the flight-line dragging a station was Midway Island. parachute. According to Niles, the In April, he came to Kwajalein with his squadron arrived at Midway wife, Dot, to show her some of the places after it was secured. Their he has talked about over the years, and he mission was to fly submarine brought a piece of the island back with hunting combat patrols. A him. young 2nd Lt. John Glenn Jr. In his Kwaj vacation trailer, Niles was one of the test pilots in carefully unwrapped a small card. Glued on Niles’ squadron. Glenn flew the top was a tiny piece of coral rock — Corsairs after engine one of his many prized possessions from changes and repairs had been the war. The card was an official Kwaj done to the planes along with Lodge Membership Card issued to Niles in bombing missions. In one January 1944 and signed by “Rock Happy case, Glenn was testing a Roger.” new type of engine, a water “Roger” was actually a young Army injection engine. sergeant named Russell Beggs who hosted “Lt. Glenn took off,” Niles the daily radio show from 1944-45 in the said. “He wrung that plane same spirit as the more famous military inside out and put it in a [400 DJ Adrian Cronauer from the movie, “Good knot] dive.” The cloth flaps on Morning Vietnam,” according to Kwajalein the plane were in tatters historian Gene Sims. Beggs formed the when Glenn landed, he said. Fraternal Order of Rock Happy Residents of “It was amazing he was Kwajalein. able to bring that plane in. He did everything you could ask Photos courtesy of Kenneth Niles out of a test pilot. Who knew Bob Hope and Jerry Colona perform on Kwajalein Atoll in 1945, in this Working with Lt. Glenn picture taken by veteran Kenneth Niles. he [Glenn] would be one of the astronauts who circled the Niles joined the Marines in December globe three times,” Niles said. 1942, at 18 years old. After basic training, “He was quite a guy.”

Ken Niles, left, with a friend while stationed on Kwajalein and Roi-Namur in 1944. May 2004 The Eagle 11 wajalein service

The squadron was stationed at Midway for about four months before transferring to the Marshall Islands. They left Midway, on the USS Makassar Strait, a converted flattop aircraft carrier, bound for Majuro. At Majuro, they were again reassigned to the Marine Air Group 31 Squadron, headquartered at Roi-Namur. Their main mission was to drop bombs on several of the Marshall and Marianas Islands and provide logistics support. “It was the ground-pounders [Marine ground units], who took the beatings,” Niles said. “They are the ones who did the hard work. They did the heroic work. All we did was back them up and give them support.” ‘It’s really real now’

After two months on Roi, the squadron and planes were loaded on the USAT Hawaiian Shipper bound for Kwajalein. Niles remembers the trip from Roi to Kwajalein taking three days. For eight months the only thing they had eaten was K-Rations and C-Rations. “We threw our C-Rations over the side of the barge and chummed for fish,” Niles said. “This was the first fresh meat we had in over eight months.” During the six months on Kwajalein, Niles recalled, “I saw the chapel being built.” He also remembered a show at the Richardson Theater he attended, and proudly showed off a picture he took of Bob Hope and Jerry Colona on the stage. When Niles and his wife arrived on Kwajalein, they took a short tour around the island. “I was unable to recognize anything but the Chapel and the Richardson,” Niles said. Niles said the Chapel and Richardson haven’t changed since he was here. He said living on Kwaj was difficult but, “if you like camping out in tents, it was great.”

Ken Niles, leaning on an old Japanese bunker on the Roi beach.

Niles talked about how difficult it was to find fresh water, but the Navy brought in fresh water, and the Marines kept it in “Listerine” bags. He said they hung their “Listerine” bags outside in the sun instead of the shade and the water was always hot. Niles said for entertainment they would play cards and listen to the radio. While on Kwaj the troops heard Tokyo Rose threatening them over the radio. “Tokyo Rose would say ‘you people on Kwajalein are going to get it tonight’,” Niles said. “She was just running a bluff.” Niles and his wife also toured Roi-Namur during their brief visit. “Things [on Roi-Namur] have changed over 60 years,” Niles said. “This is a beautiful island. I was astounded. I couldn’t imagine it could be what it is now.” Dot said for years she had listened to stories Niles told her and their grandson and as she stepped off the plane at Roi she said, “It’s really real now.” 12 The Eagle May 2004 Back in Iraq for second combat tour Deployed helicopter pilot has North Alabama roots

By Kay New and Dawn McCoy helicopter which is usually positioned out front of the ight out of basic training ground troops to locate enemy and Advanced Individual forces. He has been stationed RTraining in 1990, Jeff in Iraq since January. McCoy of Douglas, Ala., was McCoy follows a family sent to the Persian Gulf for tradition of military service. OPERATION DESERT S TORM. Both his grandfathers served in Fourteen years later, he the Navy during World War II. returned to Iraq as a helicopter His great-grandfather served in pilot, Army captain, serving as the Army during World War I; adjutant with the 1-25th and he is a ninth generation Aviation Regiment for a one- descendant of John Bowers who year tour of duty. served in the American Capt. McCoy is the son of Revolutionary War. Other Kay and Hector New of maternal and paternal family Huntsville; Kay is a budget members served in the Civil analyst with the U.S. Army War, Korean War and Vietnam Space and Missile Defense conflict. Command, Resource A 1989 graduate of Douglas Management, G-8, and Hector High School, McCoy attended is a retired medical service Snead College for one year corps officer. He is also the son then joined the Army in 1990. of David and Doris McCoy of After returning from DESERT Courtesy photo Sardis, who is a retired chief STORM, he became a Blackhawk Capt. Jeff McCoy, with his OH-58D Kiowa, is deployed in Iraq with the 1-25th warrant officer and also served helicopter crew chief at Fort Aviation Regiment. Campbell, Ky. Following that in OPERATION DESERT STORM. In 1985 he married Dawn Airborne Division. he did a one-year tour of duty McCoy pilots an OH-58D Johnson, a 1987 graduate of He and his family then in Korea, and then was re- Kiowa Warrior, a Guntersville High School. Two moved to Fort Rucker, Ala., for assigned to Fort Campbell, Ky. reconnaissance, light attack years after their marriage, he helicopter flight school. He was awarded a “hip pocket” chose to fly the Kiowa Warrior. scholarship by the In May 2001 he was commanding general at Fort distinguished honor graduate Campbell. The general can and was transferred to award two scholarships per Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, year for a fully funded college where he was assigned to the ROTC program. 1-25th Aviation. He was McCoy graduated in May promoted to captain in October 2000 from Austin Peay State 2003 and was selected by his University in Clarksville, commander to serve as Tenn., where he double- adjutant. majored in computer science While McCoy is in Iraq, his and mathematics with a minor wife is the family readiness in military science. group leader for her husband’s He was commissioned as a company. She is involved with lieutenant by his father and the youth and ladies programs was given his first salute by at their church. McCoy is Staff Sgt. Ricardo Diego, a deacon over the youth program. Soldier who had served under McCoy plans to return to the

Courtesy photo him while he was a platoon southeast after retirement The Kiowa piloted by Capt. Jeff McCoy soars over Baghdad. sergeant with the 101st from the Army.

Congress, nation designate Military Appreciation Month By Gene Harper in 1999 designating National Military federal levels. As a part of PSRW, American Forces Press Service Appreciation Month. That declaration communities across America showcase summoned U.S. citizens to observe the military equipment and service WASHINGTON, D.C. — Both chambers of month “in a symbol of unity … to honor the members from U.S. installations. The the U.S. Congress have adopted a current and former members of the armed largest PSRW event takes place on resolution calling for Americans to forces, including those who have died in Washington’s National Mall, where recognize and honor U.S. service the pursuit of freedom and peace.” more than 100 federal agencies, members during May’s National Military Traditionally, May has focused on the including the military services, put Appreciation Month. their activities, people and equipment Virginia Rep. Tom Davis, along with on public display. This year’s mall event 16 co-sponsors, introduced Concurrent Each year on Memorial was May 6-9. Resolution No. 328 in the House in Armed Forces Day, created in 1949, is November. The Senate agreed to it Day, the White House an annual event held on the third without amendment and by unanimous Commission on Saturday in May, with activities at U.S. consent April 26. Remembrance promotes military bases around the world. This The resolution states that the House, year’s Armed Forces Day is May 15. with the Senate concurring, “supports one minute of silence at The month culminates with the goals and objectives of a National 3 p.m. to honor the Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the Military Appreciation Month.” It also last Monday in May. The day, dating “urges the president to issue a military’s fallen ... from the Civil War era, traditionally has proclamation calling on the people of the marked recognition of those who have United States, localities, organizations died in service to the nation. Each year and media to annually observe” the on Memorial Day, the White House month “with appropriate ceremonies and military in many ways. For example, Commission on Remembrance activities.” Finally, the resolution urges Public Service Recognition Week, promotes one minute of silence at the White House Commission on celebrated the first full Monday through 3 p.m. eastern daylight time to honor Remembrance to “work to support the Sunday in May since 1985, recognizes the the military’s fallen comrades and to goals and objectives” of the month. roles of public servants, including the pay tribute to the sacrifices by the The Senate first passed a resolution military, at local, state, regional and nation’s service members and veterans. May 2004 The Eagle 13 USAKA commander outlines State of Atoll

Col. Jerry Brown is essentially unchanged from location (Where is it?) and launch vehicles is intended to Commander, U.S. Army what I wrote a year ago. We launch assessment (What does reduce the cost and increase Kwajalein Atoll are providing a comprehensive it do?). Of the launches that the reliability of access to missile system-testing we supported last year, two space. environment, supporting space were somewhat unique. It’s clear to me that you, our (The following is an excerpt from operations and surveillance, The first launch of note was experienced and capable Col. Brown’s State of the Atoll and representing Pacific the Rocket launch on June 30, people, are working hard to be message printed in the April 20 Command in the Republic of 2003, from Plesetsk, Russia. the world’s best missile test Kwajalein Hourglass. You can the Marshall Islands. While we This mission placed eight facility and to provide view the Hourglass on the SMDC do not expect transitions of the objects in orbit, including six unparalleled space operations Web site under Public Affairs.) scope that occurred this past so-called “micro-satellites,” and support and surveillance year, there will be additional provided an excellent capabilities. We are making t’s hard to believe that it’s changes. I am confident, opportunity to apply our unique good progress toward those been more than a year however, that those that do sensor capabilities to a goals of our vision. since the first Hourglass I occur will be met with the complex foreign launch in a article outlining my strategic same “Can Do!” attitude and complementary manner. Model for Intergovern- vision for the future. As with with the same positive results. The second historic launch the President’s State of the mental Relationships was the Shenzhou-V launched Union address each year, we Last year, I talked about the Missile Testing from China on Oct. 15, 2003. should take the time to assess direction I wanted to go with On that date, China became our progress during the past During the last year, we host nation relations. only the third nation in the year toward realizing the supported one Peacekeeper and Amending the Compact and world to place a man in orbit. strategic vision, and consider three Minuteman operational the Military Use and Operating The Shenzhou program has the opportunities in the tests, the missions for which Rights Agreement were major garnered worldwide attention coming year — and the years we are best known. The goals, as was increasing RMI beyond. In that light, this is my Peacekeeper mission, GT- first “State of the Atoll” 32, was the first mission message. taken by the new To recap, our vision is for contractor, Kwajalein USAKA/RTS to be the world’s Range Services, just 11 best missile test facility, days after assuming full operated by the most contract responsibility. experienced and capable Through a concerted team people, to be a leader in effort, the mission was technology development with supported successfully and unparalleled space operations all data collection support and surveillance objectives were met. We capabilities, and to be a model continue to maintain our for intergovernmental long history of collecting relationships. We want to the highest quality data for accomplish these things while our Air Force customers. providing the best possible The year 2003 marked a lengthy pause in Ground- File photo quality of life for our soldiers, Two re-entry vehicles streak through the night sky over Kwajalein during a based Midcourse Defense civilians, contractors and their Glory Trip last year in this time-elapsed photograph. families, while optimizing all of testing as the program our resources. transitioned to the operational as one of the most visible new self-sufficiency and USAKA’s As you all know, the past booster intended for foreign launch programs, and procurement of RMI goods and year has been one of deployment. On Jan. 27, we USAKA/RTS was the first site services. I am happy to report transitions accompanied by supported IFT-13B, a successful in the SSN to track the tremendous progress on all many changes. Primary among test of a candidate booster for spacecraft approximately 20 fronts. them has been the transition the GMD program. Planning minutes after launch. of our logistical support and and practice is now under way Later this year, we will The Compact and the integrated range engineering for the next test in the GMD support the NASA Office of MUORA series, IFT-13C, scheduled for contract responsibilities from Space Science with their The Compact was signed by June 2004. Raytheon to Kwajalein Range Equatorial Ionospheric Studies President Bush on Dec. 17, Early 2003 marked the Services. As with all changes of II, or EQUIS II, project, an 2003, and passed by the RMI’s completion and final this scale, we lost some old activity designed to study Nitijella on Feb. 16, 2004. It acceptance testing of an friends to the lure of other disturbances in the ionosphere will officially enter into force in extensive modernization opportunities and a change of created by the interaction the next couple of weeks project at USAKA/RTS. This scene, and gained new ones — between the Sun and the pending some administrative modernization affected nearly those who have come for the Earth’s magnetic field. Project protocols. I cannot overstate all of our sensors and enables challenge of difficult and scientists from Goddard Space the importance of this us to more reliably and flexibly responsible jobs, along with the Flight Center, as well as achievement. support our customers’ chance to enjoy our one-of-a- Cornell University and Although the Department of dynamic requirements. kind island lifestyle. Clemson University, will first State was the lead for these However, we didn’t dwell on Most important in this determine the presence of negotiations, the sensitivity of these significant transition is that the missile appropriate disturbances using the process had a profound achievements. We held a test and space operations ALTAIR and other ground-based impact on our operations, and I completion ceremony and a missions we are here to instruments. They will then am convinced that USAKA’s celebration, and then moved on support continued without launch a series of 14 sounding input had a dramatic and to the next exciting challenge, interruption and with the rockets with payloads to make positive effect on the final form the RTS Operations complete customer satisfaction measurements of the observed of the agreement. Coordination Center, or ROCC. that has always been the phenomena. Similar studies The MUORA provides USAKA hallmark of this command. were conducted at USAKA/RTS the option of remaining in the In addition to our primary Space Operations and in 1990 that were RMI until at least 2066. Now contract change, the Surveillance tremendously successful. Look USAKA and the RMI can both essentially seamless transition Due to our geographic for these interesting scientific reap the benefits provided by of our meteorological services location, USAKA/RTS is the launches in the August- this long-term commitment. contract from Aeromet to 3D first ground-based radar site in September timeframe. Research once again attested the Space Surveillance In an exciting development Concluding Remarks for USAKA/RTS, a new to the ability of our Kwajalein Network to detect most new As an organization, we have team to react quickly to the satellite launches from the company, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or earned the right to be proud of unexpected, stay the course Asian continent. our accomplishments during with exceptional customer Space launches from Asian Space X, is investigating the use of Kwajalein as a desirable the past year. We continue to support and do it all with a countries become visible to our provide world-class support to smile. radars shortly after lift-off, so launch location for its Falcon rocket family. This family of our missile testing and space Our mission at USAKA/RTS our data is valuable for orbital operations customers. 14 The Eagle May 2004 TSM GMD supports ‘Operation Overcoat’ drive for children

By John Frye participation in a project that adequate clothing to Special to The Eagle netted 12 boxes of clothing for protect them from children in Iraq. pending winter weather. he charitable efforts of “You have remarkable Fryc solicited assistance Stafford, Va., high energy, generous charity, and from his stateside Army T school students were caring compassion for your colleagues. recognized by Maj. Triest fellow man’s great need at a “We had a cold spell for Smart, the U.S. Army Space difficult time,” Smart said about two or three days and Missile Defense during the ceremony. and it really struck me Command’s Assistant TRADOC It all started with an that there was a great System Manager for Ground- unusual e-mail from Lt. Col. need out there in the based Midcourse Defense Don Fryc, commander, 2nd coming winter months for (TSM-GMD) April 26 at Brooke Battalion, 44th Air Defense the kids. That was the Point High School. Artillery, 101st Airborne genesis of the idea for Photo by Maral Noori, Civitan Club historian Division (Air Assault) to Col. ‘Operation Overcoat’,” Smart presented 18 students Salima McCravey, a junior at Brooke Point from the Junior Civitan Club Jeffrey Horne, TSM-GMD. Fryc Fryc said. High School in Stafford, Va., prepares and their advisors certificates told Horne that numerous TSM GMD personnel in boxes of winter clothes for transporting to of appreciation for their children in his area of Arlington, Va., Fort Bliss, Iraqi children. The clothes were collected widespread level of operations didn’t have Texas, Huntsville, Ala., by members of the school’s Junior Civitan and Colorado Springs, Club. Colo., responded immediately, passing the word Photographs showing to friends, families, civic appreciative Iraqi children organizations and church receiving the donated clothing groups to gather winter from Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, clothing. 44th ADA began arriving in As donations came in, they TSM-GMD, affirming the were boxed and mailed to Fryc’s project had been successfully unit in Camp Claiborne near completed. Mosul. By the first week in Once the clothing had been December, more than 200 delivered to the children, 2nd pounds of winter clothing had Battalion, 44th ADA been shipped. certificates of appreciation The effort arrived just in were presented to those who time for the Iraqi children who had participated in the drive. received jackets, clothes, hats, Members of the Civitan Club mittens and shoes from said that “while it was Photo by Pfc. Thomas Day, 40th Public Affairs Detachment packages sent by TSM GMD. rewarding to have received an A 2-44th Air Defense Artillery Soldier hands out goodies as a part of Temperatures in Mosul soon official citation, they felt “Operation Santa Strike,” an operation designed to help those less ranged within the 40-degree greater gratification from fortunate in Mosul, Iraq, last December. Fahrenheit range, with heavy simply having been involved in winds and rain. the humanitarian project.” SMDC engineer wins silver in poetry competition

By Kim Gillespie and my country,” he said. “I penned the SMDC Public Affairs words from my heart and entered a contest on Poetry.com,” he added. Weeping American ngineers are not known for having The amateur poetry contest saw several reputations as creative artists. But hundred entries and his was among the Oh my soul, I cry out for them E Will Kistler can not only claim the small number (10-15) of winners. Kistler so sad to see their pain, title of electronics engineer — he can add says he does not plan on giving up his day “award-winning” poet. Kistler’s poem, job yet, but he does plan to continue for in what they do there is gain, “Weeping American,” received the Editor’s writing and seems to have no end for the but it is at a cost, Choice Howard Ely Award from the sources of his creativity. “I have thought International Society of Poetry in March. about using my family’s history — they to see them fall, so young, so full of His silver place finish earned him a came to this country in the 1700’s and life, trophy, medallion, patch and membership have a long record of military service, or now here is our call, in the society, and an invitation to the my parents, for stories,” he said. society’s awards ceremony and poetry Kistler’s father was an Army veteran pray for them all, workshop in Orlando, Fla. who served in both the Korean War and the men and women of the USA Unfortunately, Kistler’s busy work- the Vietnam Conflict, and was listed as related travel schedule prevented him MIA during the Korean conflict. “With all forces, from attending the ceremony, but many of my dad went through, his dedication and for of course, freedom is not cheap. his work experiences continue to feed his service to his country, this inspired me to So shed a tear for a fallen hero, writing. Another poem, “Alaska,” was serve and to give back to this country what inspired by visits there last year. Kistler, I am so grateful for,” said Kistler. His who gave so much to make us safe, an SMDC employee matrixed to the father was injured in a freak jeep accident never forget their sacrifice, Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-based in Germany and met his mother, a Midcourse Defense Command Belgium native, while in the hospital. “I never forget their love for us, Communications Project Office and an wrote the poem in honor of my mother who they do so much, often without fuss. Army veteran, said he has always enjoyed died March 15, 2001 … my dad died 19 so with a deployed troop, stay in writing and considers it a hobby. days later,” he noted. “When I was a lieutenant at Redstone in Even if Kistler’s writings continue to be touch, 1981, I was writing lots of reports and a hobby, he values his artistic side and do not dismay, for while we sleep, enjoyed it. But they were classified, so not sees a new family tradition developing. He many people read them,” he joked. and wife Lisa have two children. “Our our security will they keep. Work, family, his religious convictions, children (Michael, an 11th grader, and God bless them all and keep them in and a strong moral compass feed his Michelle, a sixth grader) are very gifted in his Care. writing, and his poem “Weeping American” art.” drew upon all of these themes. “I was “Weeping American” is scheduled to be feeling very upset about how our troops in a collection published this summer by Willard L. Kistler and the war on terrorism were being Watermark Press called Eternal Portraits. portrayed in the media. I was thinking According to Kistler, “Alaska” may also be Copyright about my parents, my son and daughter, included in that collection. ©2004 Willard L. Kistler May 2004 The Eagle 15 New Defense Travel System arrives at SMDC SMDC Public Affairs the next generation travel system with decisions with the leaders and managers significantly greater capabilities, such as responsible for completing the mission. he U.S. Army Space and Missile online connectivity with a Commercial Defense Command will soon join Travel Office (CTO) for making travel Significant reduction in the time spent T other Department of Defense (DoD) arrangements.” administering travel organizations already using the new Reports to Congress based on field- Defense Travel System (DTS). First Does a person using the DTS have to be testing of DTS indicate that on average envisioned in the mid-1990s, DTS fielding a travel expert to utilize it? the time spent administering travel is cut began in 2001 at 27 pilot sites and at 232 “No, a person doesn’t need to be an to one-third of what it had been before other sites across DoD, and is already expert,” Paugh said. “DTS is a web-based DTS. Saving time also means saving supporting thousands of military and system that includes drop down menus to money. civilian personnel. simplify using the system. DTS uses On Oct. 20, 2003, a Milestone C simplified TDY regulations (JFTR/JTR, Reduced paperwork acquisition decision made DTS the official Appendix O). As DoD’s single end-to-end electronic DoD temporary duty (TDY/TAD) travel “Also DTS has the travel regulations solution for Defense business travel, DTS system and approved fielding of the system directly incorporated into the system, is, in fact, online travel. DTS provides to the entire Defense Department. which will flag items if they’re not electronic connectivity between the “Within the next two years we will compliant with regulations,” Paugh said. traveler, the authorizing official, the deploy DTS to the most high-volume travel According to DTS program officials, service/agency accounting and disbursing sites within DoD,” DTS program director personnel who are appointed as systems, the local comptroller’s budget, Col. Brandy Johnson said. “It will take Authorizing Officials (AO) have additional the commercial travel service provider, time to deploy DTS to all of the DoD, but responsibilities. The AOs not only the commercial bank card service and the the process is well underway.” authorize the travel, but they also obligate electronic archive of travel-related Col. Alan Tomson, the DTS executive the travel funds and certify the travel documents. This electronic connectivity director for Transformation, describes DTS claims. DFAS will not compute the travel and archival process eliminates the as “a state-of-the-art, 21st century e- claim any longer — DTS computes it and reams of paperwork required previously for commerce system.” the AO certifies. AOs in DTS are business travel. “DTS will mean online TDY travel for pecuniary liability for travel claims. virtually every person in the Department Among the most touted benefits DTS Automated payment of government of Defense, both civilian and military,” brings to travelers, authorizing officials, charge cards Tomson said. “This is a quality of life managers and commanders include: fast, This attribute makes DTS “a knight in issue for our people. They deserve DTS.” electronic reimbursement of travel shining armor” for many travelers and for SMDC began implementing the Defense expenses; approvals and certifications tied military services and defense agencies. It Travel System administration training for directly to mission; a significant reduction takes much of the after-the-fact bill paying Arlington and Colorado Springs in March. in time spent administering travel; responsibility away from the traveler, and DTS is scheduled for deployment from reduced paperwork; and the automated will work to reduce those delinquencies June 14 through July 23, with Initial payment of government charge cards. that are caused by having the extra delay Operational Capability (IOC) July 23. in the payment/repayment chain. Once a “Arlington and Colorado Springs are Fast, electronic reimbursement of travel voucher is approved for payment, deploying DTS in conjunction with the Fort expenses reimbursement for expenses charged to Carson, Colo., deployment in June and This is a priority item. “Why should our the traveler’s government charge card is July,” said Maj. David Paugh, deputy chief travelers be financing our operations?” made electronically directly to the of staff, G-8 (Resource Management), Col. Tomson said. “That’s what happens, traveler’s government charge card Arlington. “Huntsville is scheduled to in effect, if we don’t reimburse them account. deploy DTS in fiscal year 2005 with promptly. Thanks to DTS, DoD will now be Current plans call for DTS to be deployed Redstone Arsenal.” able to reimburse its business travelers to more than 100 locations across the DoD quickly and electronically.” by the end of Fiscal Year 2004. DTS will be How does this differ with the current deployed to more than 11,000 DoD Internet Reengineered Automated Travel Worksite approvals and certifications locations by the middle of the decade, at System (I-RATS) used by SMDC DTS places approval of travel which point DTS will support 90 percent of employees at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.? arrangements and certification of travel all DoD business travel. To learn more “DTS is not automating the current vouchers at the traveler’s worksite about the capabilities and functions of travel process, but is rather a reengineer instead of at a servicing finance location. DTS, visit the Defense Travel System of the travel system,” Paugh said. “DTS is This places the authority to make travel website at www.defensetravel.osd.mil.

Former Aviation and Missile Command safety manager takes off for Marshall Islands

By Skip Vaughn commander. Editor, Redstone Rocket Moore, 53, has joined the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense earing sunglasses and a Command as installation safety sports shirt, Mike officer in the Kwajalein Atoll. He W Moore looked the part of was due to report May 4 in the an islander. Marshall Islands. The former Redstone Arsenal “They haven’t had a safety installation safety manager was person out there in over a year waiting outside Building 4488 for and a half, the position I’m taking, family members en route to his so it’s really needed,” said Moore, farewell reception April 29. After who arrived at Redstone in March several minutes, he figured it 2003 from Fort McClellan, Ala. was time to go upstairs since he The Merced, Calif., native, with was the guest of honor. eight years of government service, No sweat, mon. His wife and 4- doesn’t rule out a return gig here. year-old son arrived soon “U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll made afterward. They saw him receive me an offer I couldn’t refuse, but I the Commander’s Award for like Redstone and Huntsville. I Photo by Skip Vaughn Civilian Service from Darrell may be back. I have return rights Brewer, deputy to the garrison Mike Moore, former Aviation and Missile Command safety and all that good stuff,” he said. manager, cuts the palm-tree-decorated cake at his farewell reception. 16 The Eagle May 2004 Echo Company takes

Command leadership visits SATCON Soldiers

By 1st Lt. Eric Setzekorn Unit reporter

OKINAWA, Japan — Recently, Echo Company, 1st Satellite Control Battalion has been on the receiving end of many positive visits from the higher command — to include a visit with the 1st Space Brigade commander, Col. David Shaffer, and a joint visit by the 1st Satellite Control Battalion commander and the command sergeant major, Lt. Col. Mearen Bethea and Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Williams. Shaffer’s visit included the expected tours and briefings of on-going missions and work requirements that are normally a part of VIP visits to a site, but more was added. The brigade commander was able to participate in one of Echo Co.’s 1st Lt. Eric Setzekorn, front left to right, Sgt. 1st Class Chris Blandin, center, Staff Sgt.Michael professional development programs for Lherisson, right; Capt. Dewayne Ingram, rear left, 1st Sgt. Mitchell Burnett, Staff Sgt. Jerod Hall, senior NCOs and officers. The professional Col. David Shaffer, and Staff Sgt. Clayton Vanlangendonck pause for that postcard moment during a development was done at Hiji Falls, a company sponsored hike to Higi Falls. scenic and popular destination on the 130,000 Japanese soldiers and 10,000 northern part of Okinawa, which also gave with unit members during their few days American Soldiers who died during the Soldiers a chance to enjoy the fresh air here. battle. The museum incorporated video, and scenic beauty of Okinawa. On this visit the two had the opportunity audio and large dioramas to make the Hiji Falls is about two miles from any to participate with unit staff sergeants and ferocity of the battle and the horrible road and boasts a winding and steep above in a visit to two local museums aftermath of the fighting felt by the access path. The dense vegetation and relating to the Battle of Okinawa. Okinawa viewer. flowing water is a favored backdrop for was the scene of fierce fighting between Following the Peace Memorial Park, the paintings and pictures of Okinawa. the U.S. and Japan in April, May and June unit went to the Underground Naval At the falls, a class was given on the 1945. Hundreds of thousands died on the Headquarters in what is today the city of role of counseling in the development of island, which is 60 miles long and no more Naha. Underneath a hill at the bottom of subordinates. More importantly the hike than eight miles wide. more than 120 feet of steep stairs a gave the senior leaders of the company a The Professional Development Program sprawling base allowed for a protected chance to spend time together and was designed to give the senior leadership command and control center, naval increase professional morale. Especially in of the company a chance to learn some of hospital and communications facilities. a unit where there is a constant mission the local history and of the interaction After the battle, more than 2,000 human and personnel are always on duty it is between Americans and the local remains were removed from the tunnels difficult for leaders to keep and maintain population. that were sealed by advancing American the close comradeship that is needed in The first stop was the Okinawa Peace forces with demolition charges and the Army. Memorial Park on the southern part of flamethrowers. The tunnels are evidence “It was a good opportunity to have island which was heavily defended and of the overwhelming American firepower personal interaction with the brigade largely destroyed. The Park is designed to that destroyed all above-ground buildings. commander,” said Staff Sgt. Jerod Hall. allow the visitor to first walk through the Both visits ended with hosts and visitors The battalion commander and command courtyard in which is posted the names of having gained a better knowledge of each sergeant major also had serious face time more than 100,000 Okinawan civilians, other and of Japanese history.

1st SATCON Bn. commander, Lt. Col. Mearen Bethea is briefed by Spc. James Halbritter on newly upgraded equipment.

Staff Sgt. Michael Stansbury, E Co., 1st SATCON Bn., receives a coin from the 1st Space Brigade commander, Col. David Lt. Col. Mearen Bethea, 1st SATCON Bn. commander, and Shaffer for being the battalion commander Sgt. Maj. Reginald Williams depart the first in the battalion to Okinawa Peace Memorial Park. They toured the park, which is attend and complete dedicated to the memory of the Battle of Okinawa during World airborne school. War II, while visiting Echo Co., 1st SATCON Bn. Soldiers. May 2004 The Eagle 17 training to Hiji Falls Satellite network controller deploys miniature lake, which in turn ran out into a stream that picturesquely accompanied to Korea Echo Company, a the trail to the falls. Rocks that invited st climbing were all over the place, and a few By Sgt. 1 Class David Combs new and different brave souls took the challenge even Unit reporter further, using the rocks as a base to dive approach to CI Call into the water. After taking pictures and FORT MEADE, Md. — Bravo resting for a few minutes in the serene Company, 1st Satellite Control atmosphere, the unit turned around for Battalion recently loaned one of its By Pfc. Richard W. Hennings III the hike back. best to a sister component. Staff Sgt. Unit reporter After everyone had returned without Glen Clawson, a satellite network complication, the classes scheduled for controller, deployed to Korea in OKINAWA, Japan — Command this CI Call were given, and CI Call was support of EXERCISE RSO&I. The Information (CI) Calls that are conducted completed. exercise provided Clawson an monthly at Echo Co., 1st Satellite Control The somewhat tired group then moved opportunity to enhance his Battalion, are usually full of information, out to Okuma Resort, run by the U.S. Air understanding of the Defense but require long classes and what some Force. All sat down to a big lunch together Satellites Communication System like to call “Death by PowerPoint.” In and afterwards participated in the many (DSCS) constellation’s role during a March, however, Capt. Dewayne Ingram, events that Okuma had to offer. large military operation. company commander, and 1st Sgt. “It was most definitely different from the RSO&I is a Republic of Korea-U. S. Mitchell Burnett decided to take a normal CI Calls we’re used to having,” said Combined Forces Command, different approach to the monthly Staff Sgt. Victor Glaze, unit supply simulation driven, Operation Plan- requirement. sergeant. “It was a good opportunity to oriented command post exercise “We wanted to give the Soldiers a break combine business and fun, giving the conducted annually. The Joint/ from the normal CI Call routine and take family members something of a look into Combined exercise focuses on the them to a place where some have not been our workday, but in a unique setting that reception, staging, onward movement before, and allow the family members to allowed all to have fun.” and integration of strategic experience it as well,” said Burnett. deployment forces; rear operations The unit and several family members command and control; force traveled to the northern part of the island protection; force tracking; and to Hiji Falls, a popular attraction here. sustainment. After a quick safety brief, company Clawson was attached with the Soldiers and family members started 311th Theater Signal Command hiking to the base of the falls — a mile (TSC), a direct reporting command of and a half trek. Along the path, the unit the U.S. Army Reserve Command encountered steep stairs and a 200-foot located at Fort Meade, Md. When long suspension bridge suspended high deployed to Korea, 311th TSC serves above the ground. Some Soldiers stopped as the communications component of on the bridge to look down at the scenery. the Eighth U. S. Army. Their mission When a lot of the Soldiers were crossing is to serve as the senior Army the bridge, the bridge started to sway, communications headquarters in the adding to the Hiji Falls experience. Korean theater. The mission also In spite of the sometimes-daunting included communications manage- hike, everyone made it to the falls without Pfc. Richard Hennings smiles for the camera ment responsibility for all deployed injury, and the view was considered well against the dramatic backdrop of Higi Falls during Army echelons above corps signal an Echo Co., 1st SATCON Bn. Command worth it. The water from the falls fed a forces in theater and operation and Information Call. maintenance responsibilities for echelons above corps communica- tions systems. As executive agent, the 311th TSC had command and control of all participating signal units. The 311th TSC also provided signal support staff to the U.S. Forces, Korea and the Eighth U.S. Army. Exercise participants included active Army, Army Reserve and Army/Air National Guard Signal units. The exercise reflected the Army’s total force integration initiative, with Reserve Component units training with their active counterparts. During the exercise, Clawson was a tactical integrated systems control operator. He monitored the strategic resources needed during a Korean conflict. His job included monitoring real world communications assets that directly impacted the participant’s ability to command and control during RSO&I. “The cross training I received while assigned to the 311th was invaluable,” Clawson said. “All personnel I had contact with from the Photos by 1st SATCON Bn. Soldiers unit were professional and provided a wealth of knowledge. I better Col. David Shaffer, 1st Space Brigade commander, left, Capt. Dewayne Ingram, Echo Co., 1st SATCON understand how my job as a satellite company commander, Staff Sgt. Jerod Hall and 1st. Sgt. Mitchell Burnett hike to Higi Falls during a visit network controller will directly affect by the Brigade commander to the Okinawa-based Echo Co. the Warfighter in a time of crisis in Korea. I also learned that DSCS resources are a small but very important part in a very large communications network used by today’s Warfighter.” 18 The Eagle May 2004

Photo by Christina Ryan Twiggy Hackett, left, owner of the small business All About Moving, and her crew completed the move from Wynn Drive, Huntsville, Ala., to Building 5220 on Redstone Arsenal, in less than six weeks. SMDC-Huntsville move onto Redstone Arsenal completed By Christina Ryan competitive mix is in line with the length small business. Because All About Moving SADBU Office of time in the nine-year program (five- is a young firm and new to the 8(a) year developmental phase and four-year program, the SMDC group wanted to hen the U.S. Army Space and transitional phase); and they are eligible ensure that risk was minimized. During Missile Defense Command and competent to perform the offered work. the site visit they learned moving W Logistics Directorate approached The 8(a) program is an attractive procedures and toured the subcontractor’s the SMDC Small and Disadvantaged mechanism for contracting, in that it warehouse where the moving equipment Business Utilization (SADBU) Office in allows agencies to contract directly with was stored. The SMDC group was search of a moving company to relocate the 8(a) firm without any competition, if reassured and confident that with a about 900 employees from Wynn Drive to the requirement is less than $5 million committed team effort, the young 8(a) firm Redstone Arsenal, the SADBU located All for manufacturing or less than $3 million and its subcontractor could successfully About Moving in Birmingham, Ala. — the for everything else. However, the 8(a) firm complete the SMDC relocation effort. only 8(a), woman-owned small business must perform 50 percent of the labor with After several months of planning and moving company in Alabama. its own work force. two months of physical moving, the SMDC Part of the mission of the SADBU Office After initial discussions with Donna relocation was successfully completed. is to assist small and disadvantaged Glenn, SBA’s assistant district director for The SADBU Office wishes to give a special businesses in obtaining prime and Business Development in Birmingham, thanks to Lt. Col. Robert Steward, deputy subcontract opportunities. The 8(a) Ala., and Twiggy Hackett, owner of All chief of staff, G-4; Karen Long, logistics Business Development Program is a About Moving, it was determined that a management specialist; Rob Darnell, program that helps foster and develop group of SMDC personnel from the general supply specialist; Garfield Boon, socially and economically disadvantaged Logistics Directorate, the Chief chief, Acquisition Management Division; businesses. The U.S. Small Business Information Officer, the Contracting and Elizabeth Moulder, chief, Operation Administration is the proponent for the Acquisition Management Office, and the Branch K; and Robbie Phifer, contracting 8(a) program. They ensure that the firm SADBU Office would conduct a site visit in officer. Without their dedication and has an approved business plan; that their Birmingham with the 8(a) firm and its perseverance this job wouldn’t have been subcontractor, Continental Van Lines, a a success. Commanding general visits SATCON troops in Germany By Staff Sgt. Franklin Barrett Space and Missile Defense Capt. Christopher Conway, Dodgen and provided a briefing Unit reporter Command’s Commanding commander of C Company, 1st on the real-world, day-to-day General, Lt. Gen. Larry Dodgen, Satellite Control Battalion, and mission of C Co. Dodgen also LANDSTUHL, Germany — and SMDC’s Command the unit’s 1st Sgt. Ralph received a briefing from Spc. Crisp, cold air whipped across Sergeant Major, David Lady, Martin, greeted Dodgen and his Ramon Benitez, the Ground the Kirschberg Kaserne helipad touched down here April 20. entourage as they departed the Mobile Forces Network at 8:30 a.m., as the U.S. Army Standing by on the ground, landing field. This visit controller, on the levels of marked the general’s first visit support that the GNC provides to C Co. since assuming to forward-deployed satellite command. terminals supporting While in Landstuhl, Dodgen combatant commanders on the and Lady received various frontlines of OPERATIONS IRAQI AND briefings on the mission of C ENDURING FREEDOM. Company, the unit’s support to While the CG talked with the Warfighters and the quality each Soldier on duty during his of life experienced by the visit, the CSM informally Soldiers and their family walked the operations floor, members living in Europe. talking personally with Soldiers Dodgen also met with the and NCOs. Lady, previously the German soldiers guarding the U.S. Army Europe command Landstuhl compound and ate sergeant major, is familiar with lunch with family members. the unique challenges of living Following a mission overview in Germany. He talked to briefing, the group visited the Soldiers about a variety of unit’s operations building to topics, ranging from the meet the Soldiers on duty and personal to professional. Both to get an “eyes-on” perspective the CG and the CSM of the unit mission. commented on the Sgt. Christopher Sokol, the professionalism and knowledge Photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin Barrett on-duty Senior Defense of the Soldiers. Lt. Gen. Larry Dodgen greeted and ‘coined’ soldiers of the the German Army Satellite Communications contingent that assists in guarding the Landstuhl compound where Charlie System Controller, met with Co., 1st SATCON Bn. Soldiers are stationed. See Germany visit, page 19 May 2004 The Eagle 19 Cub scouts and SATCON Soldiers enjoy ‘day at the races’ By Spc. Jesse Childress the fun-filled “Derby Day” Unit reporter fosters the spirit of competition in a friendly SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — It atmosphere. was quite a scene. The cheering crowd of Setup for the big day began spectators, the brightly colored racers at nearby Stetson Elementary flying down the track, the proud creators of School, the day before the these speedy devices meeting to decide race. The Soldiers who is the fastest. No, this wasn’t a volunteered their time and NASCAR race; it was the Cub Scouts of energy to help bring in the Pack 223 continuing a tradition that heavy metal track, put up the started just over half a century ago. flags and decorations, and The Pinewood Derby is one of the most make sure that everything popular events for the Boy Scouts of was ready to go. America, and the Soldiers of Headquarters Race day saw the HHC and Headquarters Company, 1st Satellite Soldiers returning to make Control Battalion were proud to be there to sure the event ran like help. clockwork. Organizing the Photos by Spc. Jesse Childress Ever since the first Pinewood Derby was order the cars would run for An eager crowd of Cub and Boy Scouts watches the start of a held in 1953, the event has been each heat, running the races, qualifying heat during their annual Pinewood Derby. Soldiers continuously repeated for good reasons. It keeping the Scouts from HHC, 1st SATCON Battalion assisted. teaches the young Scouts to take pride in entertained, and representing their craftsmanship, to appreciate the themselves as good role the Wolverine Patrol (Den 2) raced away meaning of hard work and dedication, and models were all a part of the Soldiers’ with the first place trophy. However, duties during this very special event. everyone received an award from most “It was a original design to best paint job making great experience the statement “every one’s a winner” for all the appropriate. Soldiers that Maj. Steve Elle, 1st SATCON’s were there — we executive officer and the Pack 223 were the ones to Pinewood Derby committee chairman, was actually benefit enthusiastic about the event and the from the young support from the Soldiers. competitors. “Having the Soldiers of HHC support our They showed a Pinewood Derby for the second year in a special row was fantastic. They helped with all of innocence in the manpower necessary to run the that they held no competition and served as true role grudges in models for all of our young Scouts. losing. Every Dedicating their weekend to help with child there was such an event speaks highly of their already a winner commitment to America’s youth and really — just for says a lot about these Soldiers,” said Elle. making a car,” This year’s event had such an impact said Spc. on HHC Soldiers that not only will they be Charles volunteering their time again next year; Strauch. they will be competing in it as well. When all was Staff Sgt. Ryan McCullough and Pfc. Mike Winkler of HHC, 1st SATCON Bn. help Hopefully their satellite design and control out the Boy Scouts by volunteering to be ‘pit crew’ for the miniature cars said and done, experience will prove useful in automotive involved in the annual Pinewood Derby. Kyle Arrington of aerodynamics. Germany visit Center, where they visited Dodgen also commented on continued from page 18 years, following the increase in terrorist activities, to lessen wounded soldiers. the importance of the support that the families provide the With the operations brief the strain on local U.S. units of The unit Family Readiness Soldiers, and seemed wrapped up, Dodgen and Lady fielding a 24-hour guard force. Group leader, Christina thoroughly pleased by the departed the building for a site As the commanding general Maxwell, coordinated the overall visit. orientation briefing, given by shook the hand of each soldier, luncheon for the CG’s visit. “I’ll visit all of you at least the commander of the 181st offering a commander’s coin in More than 20 off-duty Soldiers two more times, while I’m in Signal Company, Chief the other, he inquired where and family members joined the this command,” the CG Warrant Officer Jamie Bryant. each was from. He also unit for lunch with the assured the unit. Bryant escorted the general thanked the German soldiers commanding general. Lady echoed the promise, and the command sergeant for the support they provide. After lunch, the CG offered regretting that he could not major to an area overlooking After reminiscing with the many thanks to the Soldiers spend more time during this the bulk of the compound German troops, Dodgen visited and families of Company C for visit. currently under construction. the unit’s barracks, selected as the warm reception. He A poster was set up to provide the “2003 Best Medium- inquired about a the CG with an idea of what Renovated Barracks in Europe.” few issues, was currently in place, and In the barracks’ day room, the including Cost-of- where future upgrades were to CG and Lady took notice of a Living-Allowance be built. Bryant’s briefing was full-size billiard table. and the current loaded with information about “Soldiers use this equipment Euro rate. current developments, and how often,” CSM Lady said. Proudly, “Which would his unit’s mission would the first sergeant confirmed you rather have,” change over the next five to six that the high quality table and he asked the years to meet the other similar equipment saw group. “Higher communication demands of the much usage. Dodgen took a COLA or a better Department of Defense. moment to test the quality of Euro rate?” Once the general and the table by rolling one of the Cindy Martin, command sergeant major saw balls to check for levelness. wife of the first what the Landstuhl facilities do The table passed. Moving on to sergeant, in support of the Warfighter, the Soldier’s quarters, they answered quickly that she would they met with the soldiers of a visited individual rooms. Photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin Barrett different army. Departing the unit barracks, rather have a better Euro rate. Sgt. Shawn Michaud, a Ground Mobile Forces The Landstuhl compound a small convoy of government Network Control NCO, explains a database designed has been guarded by German vehicles escorted the group to Most of the group by Soldiers in C Co., 1st SATCON Bn. to Lt. Gen. Larry soldiers for more than two the Landstuhl Regional Medical agreed. Dodgen, SMDC’s commanding general. 20 The Eagle May 2004 Sergeants’ time training reflects the times

Colorado Springs, Colo. — Every time you turn on television news, you see deployed Soldiers reacting to current events. To ensure the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade, know what to do in a given situation, leaders devoted recent Sergeants’ Time Training to grenade attacks, medical evacuation and handling of prisoners of war. “As you can see from current events, it is vitally important that all Soldiers have the skill and knowledge to deal with any situation that might arise,” said Sgt. James Menzies, Legal NCO for SMDC/ ARSTRAT in Colorado Springs. “Sergeants’ Time Training allows NCOs uninterrupted, dedicated training time to

Photos by Sharton Hartman focus on Soldier skills,” said HHC 1st Sgt. Members of the 1st Space Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company strap one of their own Rose Lord. “This is our prime opportunity to a stretcher. to train Soldiers to be leaders.”

Members of the 1st Space Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company receive a safety briefing prior to undergoing their weekly sergeants’ time training.

Sgt. Josh Brown, back, covers Pfc. James Beall as he stealthily approaches an unseen enemy bunker.

1st Sgt. Rose Lord, right, tosses a grenade at an enemy target as Members of the 1st Space Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company Sgt. Michelle Hosey provides cover. strap a “wounded” Soldier to a stretcher before evacuating him during medevac training. Crewmembers of Detachment 1, 126th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) based out of Reno, Nev., facilitated the training.