The Magazine of Operation Jump Start ~ Volume 1: Issue 10, October 2007

Above& Duty & Service: Beyond A desert sentinel is a “guardian of the desert.” This magazine tells the story of our Desert Sentinels, standing watch over the border and those who support Operation Jump Start - Arizona

Desert Sentinel is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of Desert Sentinel are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Departments of the Army and/or Air Force, or the Adjutant General of Arizona. Desert Sentinel is published under the supervision of the Operation Jump Start – Arizona, Public Affairs Office, 5636 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008-3495.

To submit articles, photos and content, please email: [email protected]

OPERATION JUMP START - ARIZONA Chain of Command

FEATURES Gov. Janet Napolitano Refuelers of Task Force Raven Keep Aviation in the Air...... 4 Commander in Cheif Army Maj. Gen. David Rataczak Deputy Commander Spends a Day on EIT...... 6 Arizona Adjutant General

Task Force Raven Crew Chief Helps Save A Life...... 8 Army Col. Robert Centner JTF-Arizona Commander

Task Force Tucson Goes to the Dogs ...... 9 Air Force Col. Wanda Wright JTF-Arizona Deputy Commander - Air Medics Make Sure Troops Stay Healthy, Trained...... 13 Army Col. Don Hoffmeister New Leadership at Task Force Yuma...... 17 JTF-Arizona Deputy Commander - Army Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Elifritz Task Force Diamondback Completes the Impossible...... 18 JTF-Arizona Command Sergeant Major

Army Col. Patrick McCarville TF Raven Commander DEPARTMENTS Air Force Col. Mark Hughes The View from the Top...... 3 TF Tucson Commander Army Lt. Col. Robert White Photo Gallery...... 10-11 TF Diamondback Commander

My Life, My Guard...... 19 Army Maj. Christopher Emmons TF Yuma Commander

STAFF ON THE COVER... Air Force Capt. Kristine Munn This month’s “Desert Sentinel” features stories of Soldiers and Public Affairs Officer Airmen who went above and beyond the normal call of duty. From the Sgt. of the Guard who helped deliver a litter of pup- Army Sgt. Benjamin Cossel pies and made sure they were taken care of, to the colonel Editor who spent 24 hours on Entry Identification Team locations to get a feel for the task as well as raise money for charity. Our Army Spc. Monette Wesolek cover features the image of a joint Color Guard representing all Layout and Design Assistant components of the Operation Jump Start mission, color guard detail is an additional duty for those who volunteer, again, ser- Air Force Master Sgt. Laura Bosco vice above and beyond. Staff Writer/Photographer

Army Sgt. Ed Balaban Staff Writer/Photographer Page 3 Desert Sentinel The View From The Top

In keep- in September, bringing the total sense of duty and service before ing in line number of OJS authorizations self that brings honor to our pro- with the down from 2,400 to just under fession and makes us proud to be N a t i o n a l 1,200 in Arizona. After support- Guardsmen, answering every call Guard Bu- ing the OJS mission for more than from our states and our nation. reau’s plan a year, JTF-AZ Border is a leaner, As we continue into the last to reduce yet more efficient team made up year of the OJS mission, re- the total of mostly durational Soldiers and member your pledge to duty number of Airmen who are extremely pro- and service. Remember your Guardsman ficient, effectively doing “more commitment to your governors, supporting with less.” our President and the American Col. Don Hoffmeister O p e r a t i o n While it may seem we are con- people. Remember the National Commander (Acting), JTF - Arizona Jump Start stantly asked to go above and be- Guard is Always Ready, Always (OJS) from yond, in reality, this concept em- There, and that “You” are the “up to” 6,000 to “up to” 3,000, bodies our Army and Air Force . Joint Task Force – Arizona Bor- core values and exemplifies the der (JTF-AZ Border), as directed, very reason we all volunteered to completed its force adjustment take our oath of service. It’s our

By its very nature, Operation completed work on the fencing realization, Jump Start is a mission that asks project known as PF-70. If ever the work its Soldiers and Airmen to go there was an example of our core they did above and beyond the normal values, selfless service, devotion is nothing call of duty. We all remember the to duty and excellence in all we short of in- recruiting pitch, “one weekend do, it is most certainly personified credible. a month, two weeks a year,” and in the work accomplished by the This is yet here we all are, some of us far Soldiers and Airmen who worked what I ask away from our homes and fami- around the clock, six to seven of all of lies, working long hours everyday. days a week to make sure the mis- you, to al- We spend our time manning en- sion was a success. Diamondback ways place try identification team locations, was told to complete 16.2 miles the mis- Command Sgt. Maj. James Elifritz working at the computers that of fencing and to get it all done in sion above Command Sgt. Maj., monitor our borders or making just under two months. Perhaps all else. To JTF - Arizona sure the equipment our customer, this doesn’t seem like such a big always strive U.S. Customs and Border Protec- deal to you and me and to others to do and be the absolute best tion, is operational so they can do not in the engineering branch, but you can be on a daily basis. With their job. consider – a normal crew working this in mind, Task Force Arizona Just recently, the Guardsmen for Diamondback completes one will continue to forge a leadership of Task Force Diamondback half mile every month. With that path in this mission.

Operation Jump Start - Arizona on the web at http://www.azguard.gov/PublicAffairs/PAO%20Pages/ojs/ojs.htm Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007 Refuelers Keep Aviation in the

Sky Story and photos by Sgt. Benjamin Cossel

Tucson, Ariz., resident Army Sgt. Daniel Lopez with the Arizona National Guard’s 258th Engineering Company, pulls fuel hoses, from a M985 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) preparing to refuel a tank pump unit. AJO, Ariz. — It’s pretty much univer- “Some of our sites are constantly per million,” said Mix, a resident of sally agreed that with the assistance of manned - where we push out teams to Hastings, Mich. aviation assets from the National Guard, the locations to be on ground for a sev- Siphoning out a sample bottle full of success of air operations for U.S. Cus- en-day rotation,” said Ernst. “And some fuel, Mix heads over to a machine that toms and Border Protection (CBP) has sites, like those we’re going to now, we analyzes the sample. After a few min- dramatically increased since the begin- drive out to every day to check the qual- utes he calls back “Under 1 ppm!” in- ning of Operation Jump Start (OJS). ity and quantity level of the fuel and to dicating to Ernst and Tucson resident Unseen by the many, who only ob- make sure the TPU (tank pump unit) is and Arizona National Guard Army Sgt. serve the OH-58 Kiowas and UH-60 full.” Daniel Lopez, to begin filling the TPU. Black Hawks soaring through the sky, The crews base out of the Silver Bell “There’s a lot of things that could is a divergent cast of supporting char- Army Aviation Support Facility in Ma- cause water in the fuel mixture,” said acters ranging from mechanics to crew rana, Ariz. At 145 miles away, the Ajo Mix noting that rain and condensation chiefs, test pilots to refuelers. CBP Border Patrol station is their first in the fuel tank are the most common It’s bright and early on the morning of and closest stop of the day. Upon arriv- culprits. Sept. 8, as Task Force Raven Army War- al, the team of three quickly gets to work Just as the team gets the first TPU rant Officer Candidate Steven Ernst, of pulling and testing a fuel sample, yanking filled, a Kiowa crests a hilltop, coming Anchorage, Alaska, with Company E, hoses from the M985 Heavy Expanded down for a landing. Like clockwork, 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) to Ernst, Lopez and Mix don their protec- Alaska Army National Guard, gathers hook up to the TPU. tive equipment and standby. his crew in preparation for a long day “Army regulations say that fuel can “We don’t do hot refuels (refuels ahead. be no more than 10 parts per million while the helicopter is still running) out Ernst and his team are Petroleum, Oil, water,” said Michigan Army National here,” explained Ernst. “We wait for the and Lubrication specialists (92F series Guard Spc. John Mix, from Company electronics on the bird to completely military occupational specialty), refuel- E, 1st Battalion, 238th Avn. Reg. at- shutdown and the rotors to come to a ers, working the daily Forward Ammu- tached to OJS-Arizona, TF Raven. complete stop before we ground the he- nition and Refueling Points (FARP). “We try to shoot for under two parts licopter and begin refueling,” he said. 04 Desert Sentinel

Anchorage, Alaska, resident Warrant Officer Candidate Steven Ernst with the Alaska Army Na- tional Guard’s Company E, 1-207th Aviation Regiment attached to Task Force Raven, Operation Jump Start – Arizona, checks the fuel-level status of a Tank Pump Unit at a Forward Ammunition and Refueling Point (FARP) at the Ajo, Ariz., U.S. Customs and Border Protection Station.

“Kiowas are really fun and quick to job reinforce good habits, but with the single one of them has said the same refuel,” said Ernst noting that compared wide breadth of experience all the dif- thing – this has been one of the best ex- to the up-to 15 minutes it can take to ferent Soldiers and Airmen bring to periences of their military career.” refuel a Black Hawk, Kiowas are much TF Raven, tips and tricks of the job are Refueled, the Kiowa takes back to the easier at only 5-6 minutes on average. freely traded. air to perform its mission of spotting Testing fuel samples, refilling helicop- “There are so many guys here who undocumented aliens, protecting the ters, and the various other tasks that fill have so much know-how doing this job,” Southwestern border. The Soldiers of the the days all add up to a rewarding ex- said Ernst. “And they pass on those years refueling team get back to the business perience each of these Soldiers will take of knowl- of fill- back to their home units. edge to “Working out here in Arizona for OJS has been a ing the “Working out here in Arizona for the young- phenomenal training experience.” second OJS has been a phenomenal training ex- er troops, T P U . perience,” said Ernst. “Members from knowledge Warrant Officer Candidate Steven Ernst, E r n s t , my unit in Alaska came down here be- that would Company E, 1st Battalion, soon on fore they deployed to Afghanistan and have taken 207th Aviation Regiment, his way they are constantly emailing me, telling them years Alaska Army National Guard to War- me that the experience they gained here, to learn.” rant Of- in Arizona, has been a tremendous asset Even with the harsh desert condi- ficer School to become a pilot, takes a to them there.” tions and remote locations to some of special joy in his mission making sure Mix agreed, “Being on OJS has defi- the FARPS, “We have some spots that aircraft of TF Raven have the fuel so es- nitely been great from a training and the only thing around for miles is our sential to their mission. learning perspective. I know I’ll go refueling point,” said Ernst; Soldiers and “I hope to fly those birds one day,” he home and be able to mentor my young- Airmen of Task Force Raven, OJS-Ariz. said. “And working out here, I get a real er Soldiers with all the experience I’ve agree, they wouldn’t trade the experience appreciation for all the hard work these gained here.” for anything. guys put into making sure the pilots can Mix and Ernst said that not only does “We conduct exit interviews on all our do their job.” the day-to-day repetition of doing their rotating troops,” said Ernst, “and every 05 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007 Story and photos Deputy Commander - Air Beats Heat, by Master Sgt. Laura Bosco Raises More Than $4,000 & Sgt. Benjamin Cossel PHOENIX — It didn’t take much back in July,” said Wright. “I was walking out the door to head persuading for Air Force Col. Wan- Commander of Task Force Yuma, down to Yuma when I stopped in the da Wright, Joint Task Force Arizona Army Maj. Paul Babeu overheard her Public Affairs office,” said Wright. deputy commander – Air, to take comment and with some good-na- “Paul, (Air Force Maj. Paul Agu- time out of an already busy schedule tured ribbing, challenged her to stand irre, State Public Affairs Officer) to visit with Soldiers and Airmen on at an Entry Identification Team (EIT) said that if I only ate MREs (Meal, the U.S.- border all while rais- checkpoint in August. Ready to Eat) while I was out there, ing money for a good cause. At first, Wright declined the offer he would throw in an additional $100 “It started when I made an off- but then Babeu upped the ante of- and then Kristy (Air Force Capt hand comment about the heat during fering to donate $250 dollars to the Kristine Munn, OJS Public Affairs Col. Hoffmeister’s (JTF-Ariz. Depu- Arizona Family Assistance Fund if Officer) said she would do the same. ty Commander - Army) promotion Wright came out and spent a day at I told them both I would do what I various check- could,” said Wright. points. Prior to coming to Yuma, Wright “Before I attended three days of intense train- even fully re- ing to prepare her for her mission. alized what “I watched all the briefings on the was going on, first day,” said Wright. “Spent the sec- planning was ond day in paintball training where involved and they took us through several differ- nearly $4,000 ent scenarios we might encounter on was on the line the border - from an angry farmer to if I went out a mother and child UDA (undocu- there and spent mented alien) dehydrated looking for 24 hours with water. The third day was spent on M9 the troops on familiarization and qualification.” the EIT sites. In the early morning hours, Wright With that level made her first stop at Forward Op- of support how erating Base Cannon to sign for her could I refuse?” weapon, Interceptor Body Armor Wright said. and Kevlar. After picking up her gear, But that Babeu, briefed the colonel on her wasn’t the end shift schedule. of the chal- “I told Paul (Babeu) about the lenges Wright MRE deal I’d made with the PA would face be- (public affairs) and he told me there fore leaving was no way (Babeu would let her eat the Arizona an MRE), he would take me out to Department of lunch but I told him we would just Emergency and wait and see,” said Wright. Military Affairs Information in hand, Wright head- (Joint Force ed out to the levee along the Colora- Joint Task Force Arizona deputy commander, Col. Wanda Wright, helps set up a shelter at an Entry Identification Team location in the Yuma Sector. Headquarters). do River near the border to begin her shift and join her first EIT group. 06 Desert Sentinel “When they dropped me off, I asked for the MREs,” said Wright “It’s all for a good cause, so I knew I A Word of Thanks From had to do it.” During her shift, Wright and fel- Col. Wright low team members Sgt. Jesse Benson, Ore., Spc. Todd Budd, Mo. and Pfc. Eric Mayo, Tenn., scanned the border for any individuals trying to cross il- legally. OJS Soldiers and Airmen pro- vide support to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol as their eyes and ears. “It really meant a lot to our team that the colonel came down to expe- rience what we do everyday,” Budd said. “She endured the heat and be- came one of our team.” After a few hours, her shift over, Wright said goodbye to her first team, heading down the levee to meet her Dear next team - all Soldiers from North Members Carolina. Ready to help setup the of Operation site, Wright joined Sgt. Jimmy Kin- Jump Start - Arizona, caid, Sgt. Waddell Kemp and Spc. Aida Medina. With set up complete, What started off as a challenge from Wright took a break to eat her MRE. the Yuma Task Force Commander ended up Tortellini was the specialty of the day being one of the best experiences of my life and I for the colonel. have all of you to thank for it. Besides raising over $4,000, “From the time I woke up at 4 which was outstanding, the encouragement and community spirit a.m., until I went to sleep at midnight, shown by everyone I came in contact with was wonderful. The Guard I enjoyed my time immensely with is all about helping our own and each of you came through with flying my two teams,” said Wright. “It was colors. I want to especially thank Maj. Babeu, who started this whole all worth it. Task Force Yuma made thing, and Lt. Col. Lash, who along with the help of Staff Sgt. Leavitt, it fun and we raised over $4,000 to worked out all of the details for collecting the funds and delivering them boot. Who could ask for more?” to the Arizona National Guard Family Assistance Fund. I thoroughly en- Although Wright must head back joyed my time with the six Entry Identification Team members who were to Phoenix to focus on the entire on my shifts and Master Sgt. Laura Bosco, my escort for the day. Joint Task Force - Arizona mission, she leaves Task Force Yuma with first For all of you who contributed, I give you my heartfelt thanks. We all hand experience and an even great- know someone who has been in need and it is great to have a fund that er appreciation for our Soldiers and can help Guardsmen and their families in time of crisis. You can rest as- Airmen supporting the southwest sured that you all have contributed to a great cause. border mission. Col. Wanda Wright Deputy Commander, JTF-AZ Border

07 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007

Crew Chief to the Rescue Story by Sgt. Benjamin Cossel

PHOENIX — August 12 started out tressed UDA and then, BORSTAR called go ahead as he headed back to the heli- like any other day for Army Sgt. Louis again – both UDAs were found - one was copter to get more supplies. Garcia, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief ok, the other needed medical attention. With just one needle left, Garcia knew with Task Force Raven, Operation Jump “BORSTAR had found the distressed this was a “go/no-go” situation – a man’s Start – Arizona. His mission for the day UDA in a wash and beneath a bush,” said life hanging in the balance. complete, he and the crew of Raven 48 Jones. “Our crew executed a low recon of “I took a look at both his arms and were heading home to the Papago Park the landing site and then performed the thought the one on the right had a better Military Reservation in Phoenix, when approach and landing.” vein, and I just went for it and got it,” said the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Almost immediately, the BORSTAR Garcia. Rescue (BORSTAR) agent that the crew agent motioned for Garcia to assist. With the IV successfully in the patient, worked with called them on a cell phone. “I hurried out of the aircraft with wa- the BORSTAR agent and Garcia secured The call diverted Raven 48 back to Yuma ter and the medical kit,” Garcia said. “The him on the Black Hawk for transport to a and would put soon Garcia’s combat life guy didn’t look good - real lethargic, he medical facility. saving (CLS) training to the test. had no idea what was going on around “We’d put three bags into him before “At approximately 11:20 a.m., we re- him, he just kept asking for water, he was we even got to the hospital,” Garcia said. ceived a call on the cell phone from our obviously suffering from dehydration.” Arriving at the hospital, the crew of BORSTAR agent that both CBP (U.S. Garcia began giving the UDA small Raven 48 waited for the BORSTAR agent Customs and Border Protection) ground sips of water as the BORSTAR agent to deliver the patient and then returned and air units were working on a group of tried to get an IV started. home. distressed UDA’s (undocumented aliens) “The BORSTAR agent was having Since the beginning of Operation Jump approximately 30 miles east of the Yuma a hard time finding a vein,” said Garcia. Start in May 2006, Task Force Raven has Airport,” said Task Force Raven opera- “When he finally did find one, he tried to participated in 36 rescue operations with tions officer and pilot for Raven 48, Army insert the needle but missed.” CBP but this was a first for Garcia. Maj. Perry Jones. The BORSTAR agent tried again, “You hear about them,” Garcia said. Initially the crew was told to stand by missed, leaving the rescuers with only one “But this was the first time I’d actually but be ready at a moment’s notice. needle. participated in one. I talked to the BOR- “I began quickly configuring the air- “I told the BORSTAR agent I was a STAR agent later and he told me the guy craft to carry a litter,” said Garcia. “Bor- CLS, having been trained prior to my de- made it. That definitely made me feel der Patrol said they’d found four UDA’s ployment to Iraq,” said Garcia. “I asked good.” who had told them two more were unac- him if he wanted me to give it a try.” counted for, the Tucson, Ariz., resident The BORSTAR agent told Garcia to said. “I wanted to make sure the aircraft was prepared in case we had to assist.” According to a Yuma sector CBP news release, there were 27 UDA deaths from Oct. 31, 2005 through July 31, 2006, and 11 in the same period 2006-2007. Tem- peratures in the barren desert spanning the U.S.-Mexico border had routinely burst the mercury in the prior days, hit- ting upwards of 120 degrees with Aug. 12 being no exception. At 12:50 p.m., Raven 48 got the call to assist, mounted up and joined the rescue operation. Once the crew got on-site, they began performing low-level reconnaissance of the area, searching for the missing indi-

vidual. For 30 minutes, Raven 48 circled Raven Force Task by submitted photo in a desperate attempt to locate the dis- Army Sgt. Louis Garcia with Task Force Raven assists an agent with the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) rescue an undocumented alien who nearly succumbed to the 08 desert heat. Desert Sentinel

NO - G A L E S , Ariz. — The sight of stray dogs in the towns that strad- dle the U.S.-Mexi- co border is very common. However, a few strays in No- Clyde gales, Ariz., have cre- No doubting daddy m o n t h s, atively found homes Ste phens, and new owners by way in this one along with his lo- of their “adopting” Na- cal contacts, arranged for tional Guard EIT (Entry care of the pups and their parents Identification Team) sites to include not only spaying/neutering but and the Soldiers and Air- m a d e P u p p y L o v e also adoption of all the dogs. men that are posted there. for a preci- Story by Sgt. Ed Balaban Although many of Team Falcon’s per- Bonnie, Clyde, and Misha, sion, if not rudimentary, sonnel are rotational, Stephens explained, all German shepherd early-warning system especially during mixes, found their separate ways to EIT the hours of darkness. “No one wanted to leave the [EIT] sites locations on both the east and west sides “Team members suspected and abandon the dogs, who of Nogales in the early days of Opera- Bonnie was pregnant when she appeared to continue to be tion Jump Start. The rotational personnel have gained some weight and be- tremendous who maintained the long and arduous vigil gan to display some behavioral morale boost- of manning an EIT post welcomed their changes,” said Air Force Master ers The bond presence at the respective sites. The troops Sgt. James Stephens, sergeant of that was ce- looked after the dogs, offering food, water, the guard for Team Falcon’s Bra- mented be- and shelter in exchange for the companion- vo Flight. tween the ship of “man’s best friend.” Suspicions were confirmed members As time went on and the trust between when Bonnie came into the tent on of Team human and canine developed, the dogs be- May 28 and dropped a litter of six. Falcon gan to demonstrate numerous positive be- The two male and four female pups a n d haviors that reflected how much they had all survived, thanks to Master Sgt. t h e i r learned and adapted. Many a Guardsman Stephens, a member of the 118th Air d o g s w a s can attest to the sensitivity of their Wing in Nashville, Tenn., who has been She has hereyes. momma’s s o f o u r - l e g g e d compan- on mission since January. He quickly be- strong that ions who often came known as the “Dog Whisperer.” many of the dogs were adopt- alerted the site “Fortunately, I had the ed by the same team members who cared to approach- mobility as the sergeant of for the animals when they were on site.” ing undoc- the guard to take control of Stephens, who left the mission in August, umented the situation. Being able to described the experience as “an example of aliens and take responsibility for the pups unconditional love and companionship of o t h e r just happened to work out,” said visitors. Stephens. humans and their pets.” T h i s An admitted dog-lover, Stephens made contact with Dr. Roberto J. Rojas of Companion Veterinary Clin- ic in Nogales, and Deborah Porterfield of The Dog House in Green Valley, Bonnie Ariz. Over the course of the ensuing two 09 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007

Border Patrol Agent Michael Bernacke examines an abandoned vehicle out in the Sanoran desert. Around OJS

Arizona National Guard Member, Spc. Guadalupe Heredia, salutes the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem at a Naturalization Ceremony, July 20, in Phoenix. Here- dia is currently assigned to Operation Jump Start in Yuma, Ariz.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, poses for a photo with Airmen and Soldiers of Task Force Di- amondback during a ceremony marking the completion of the fencing project known as PF-70. Airmen and Soldiers from Arizona’s Joint Force Headquarters and Operation Jump Start, Joint Task Force –Arizona go for an early morning run commemorating the sixth anniver- sary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Desert Sentinel Around Arizona

Three year-old Garrett Bauer, son of Command Sgt. Maj. John Bauer, currently deployed to Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry, Arizona National Guard, throws out the ceremonial first pitch, Oct. 12, during Game 2 of the National League Championship Federal, state, county and local agencies from around Arizona took Series featuring the Arizona Diamondback vs. the Colo- part in a week-long (Oct. 15 – 19) exercise called TOPOFF – 4 testing rado Rockies. their ability to respond to a nuclear attack.

Arizona National Guard Assistant Adjutant General – Army Brig. Gen. Hugo Salazar is “pinned” by his mother during a promotion ceremony at Papago Park Military Reservation’s Russell Auditorium.

Guardsmen from the 91st Weapons of Mass Destruction - Civil Support Team, Arizona National Guard, analyze the material from a simulated spill Oct. 16, in support of Top Officials (TOPOFF) 4. The U.S. State Department sponsored TOPOFF exercise tests the readiness capabilities of state and federal agencies as they respond to simulated, real-world events Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007

Soldiers of Task Force Tucson practice combat life saver skills under the watchful eye of Sgt. Dave Carter, noncommissioned officer in charge of Task Force Tucson medical operations. 12 Desert Sentinel Keeping Troops Healthy and Safe Downrange Story and photos by Sgt. Ed Balaban TUCSON, Ariz. — When Arizona National Guard Sgt. Dave Carter joined Operation Jump Start on Aug. 16, he vividly remembers his resources consisted of “a picnic table in the middle of the drill floor, a blank medical form, and 25 combat life saver (CLS) bags.” Since then, the Casa Grande firefighter/paramedic has gone on to be the senior enlist- ed person in charge of all of Task Force Tucson’s medical operations. His responsibilities involve managing daily sick call triage, ordering supplies, allocating the available personnel to locations where needed as well as other manpower issues, and managing the myriad of paperwork generated by accidents, illness, and daily sick call. Carter, an Air Force veteran and now a member of the 996th Area Support Medical Command in Glendale, Ariz., has as many as 22 medics reporting to him. “Initially, our responsibilities were driven by mission needs,” said Carter. “However with the phased drawdown, our responsibilities are now in flux owing to the changing operational environment,” explained Carter. Presently seven medics, including Carter, are assigned. One example of Carter’s concerns is ensuring that Servicemembers who take ill or are injured while assigned to OJS are properly cared for, not only during their assignment but also beyond their orders end date. To ensure adequate medical coverage, Carter also maintains a keen awareness of the shifting assignments of personnel among the various locations within Task Force Tucson’s area of responsibility. The Task Force’s operational area is congruent with the U.S. Border Patrol’s Tucson Sector, which spans 262 linear miles of border with Mexico. Additionally, Carter has the medical administrative responsibility for those Task Force Raven (aviation assets) and Task Force Diamondback (engineering) elements that are op- erating within the Tucson Sector. On any given day, Carter’s routine includes helping Soldiers and Airmen secure ap- propriate Tricare assistance, monitoring in-house training, and maintaining good relations with local civilian and military medical entities such as Southwest Ambulance, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s Hospitals, Davis-Monthan Medical Group, Fort Huachuca Troop Medical Clinic (TMC), and Western Army Aviation Training Site TMC. His networking efforts have contributed to having all of his staff maintaining proper Emergency Medical Tech- nician and Certified Emergency Paramedic certification while they work toward attaining their individual national registry certification, a professional milestone. When injuries do occur, Carter spearheads the Guard’s interaction with local medical facilities, chaplains, and if necessary, the American Red Cross. Often, it is Carter along with Spc. Amaya Malufau, who personally respond to the receiving emergency facility treating the injured servicemember. Members of Carter’s team routinely participate in regular Combat Life Saver and Self Care and Buddy Aid courses, providing instruction and assistance. The courses, endorsed and sponsored by the OJS Medical Command, strives to prepare Soldiers and Airmen to correctly respond to medical emergencies that could be encountered not only in the Arizona wilderness, but also under combat conditions. With an joint team presently composed of members from Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Utah, Task Force Tucson’s medical department is testament to the coordination and cooperation that has kept over 16,000 volunteers in excellent condi- tion over the last year. Proudly describing their efforts, Carter stated that “My guys are downrange to ensure that our Operation Jump Start Soldiers and Airmen are kept healthy and safe; they are doing an exceptionally outstanding job!” 13 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007 Profile In Leadership Deputy Chief U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ronald R. Colburn Story and photos by Sgt. Benjamin Cossel

Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Ronald Colburn, addresses gathered agents, Servicemembers, and other distinguished guests during a change of com- mand ceremony that saw Colburn surrender command of the Yuma Sector to Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson. YUMA, Ariz. — On Sept. 25, then Chief “Dad would come in dusty, with a tired Patrol, often at the forefront of ideas and Patrol Agent Ronald Colburn, relinquished look on his face and I would run up to plans that have forever changed the Border command of the Yuma Sector U.S. Cus- him, give him a hug, and ask him to tell me Patrol. Such was the case in 1983, when toms and Border Protection Headquarters a story about what he did that day,” said Colburn met with other agents to discuss to Chief Patrol Agent Paul Beeson. Col- Colburn. “And he always had the best sto- the need for a federally-trained, emergency burn moves to Washington, D.C., where ries.” law enforcement response team. he’ll take up the number two spot for the It was during Colburn’s years at Mesa While the United States formal decla- U.S. Border Patrol - Deputy Chief, U.S. College in Mesa, Ariz., during a sopho- ration of the War on Terrorism was still Customs and Border Protection - a pro- more year skills evaluation test that his eyes some twenty years away, the events of the gression as natural as rain for a man whose were opened to the job staring him in the late 70s and early 80s taught Colburn and memories of “the Patrol” extend as far face. his peers that a rapid response force was of back as he can remember. “I was taking my skills inventory and the national security interest. “Being a part of Border Patrol,” says results came back with – loves adventure, In February, 1979, led by student pro- Colburn, sighing as he lets the vagaries being outdoors, law enforcement, and it hit testors, Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi of time work their magic on his memory, me…Border Patrol.” was removed as the leader of Iran. In his “that’s something that’s been a part of me Colburn took and passed the Border place, Ayatollah Ruhallah Koemeini took and facing me my whole life,” he said. Patrol entrance examination and two years power, declaring the United States “The Colburn went on to explain his father later, in 1978, joined the Border Patrol Great Satan.” was a member of Border Patrol. Some of graduating, with honors, from the 125th During that same year (Nov. 1979), 66 Colburn’s earliest memories involved his session of the academy. hostages were seized from the U.S. embas- dad walking through the door in his forest Since entering on duty, Colburn has con- sy in Iran. While 14 individuals would be green uniform. sistently been on the cutting edge of the released, 52 U.S. citizens remained in 14 Desert Sentinel captivity for 444 days, released on the tion, to borrow the phrase, my friends it’s all worked as well,” Colburn said. first day of Ronald Reagan’s presidency and I from BORTAC have ‘spilt the same Handing over the reins of control, Col- - January, 1981. blood in the same mud.’ I have developed burn said during the change of command In Oct. 1983, suicide bombers in Leb- relationships with those guys that I will that on-coming Chief Patrol Agent Paul anon drove two trucks into a housing never give up, they are my brothers.” Beeson, was the right man for the job, compound killing hundreds of U.S. Ser- Colburn assumed command of the making Colburn’s handover easier. vice members. The threat to U.S. security Yuma Sector Headquarters in June 2005. “When it comes to selecting the right abroad, and possibly domestic, was clear Immediately he set about initiating strate- person and the right personality for the job and present. gies to stem the tide of illegal crossings in in Yuma, you have the right man for the “Border Patrol often finds itself depu- a sector that regularly accounted for over job,” Colburn said. “I’m happy to tell you tized to handle events on the home front,” 100,000 apprehensions per year. Leaving we found the perfect man.” said Col- Through all of his burn, “from success, Colburn said he desegrega- would be nowhere were tion en- it not for the support of forcement his family, most specifi- during the cally his wife. civil rights “I wouldn’t be here, movement where I am today, were to natural it not for the support disasters. of my wife, Debbie, But we’ve my two sons, and my been meet eight grandkids,” said by an es- Colburn. “Through calation in everything I’ve asked violence in of them, they’ve always drug traf- been there. One of my f i c k i n g sons even went so far as and events to join the Border Pa- a r o u n d trol.” the world As he assumes his du-

- a feder- Deputy Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Ronald Colburn, talks with Task Force Yuma commander, Army ties in D.C., as second in ally trained Maj. Paul Babeu, at the Yuma Army National Guard Armory during Task Force Yuma’s change of command command of Border Pa- SWAT team ceremony. trol, Colburn will report was needed to meet force with force.” Yuma Sector, Colburn is most proud of directly to the head of the U.S. Customs Out of those turbulent times, Colburn the 68 percent decrease in apprehensions and Border Protection, under the Depart- was invited to a conference to discuss these with 35,800 between Oct. 1, 2006 and July ment of Homeland Security and will work threats. The result of the meetings: Bor- 31, compared to 112,900 apprehensions with other federal organizations such as der Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), was during the same period the previous year. the Department of Justice and the Depart- born. “Serving as the Chief Patrol Agent for ment of Defense. Colburn was one of the first gradu- Yuma has been the highlight of my career,” Amidst his busy schedule, Colburn was ates of the BORTAC program going on said Colburn. “It completely exceeded all on hand Sept. 21, to address the graduat- to serve in that capacity for several years. of my expectations,” he said. ing BORTAC class. While his words were He would eventually serve as a team leader, “To be in a position to take the different pointed to the graduates, they well serve all conducting drug interdiction missions in ideas from all the people and the commu- who wear a uniform. South America. Some of Colburn’s fond- nity involved and to put them into a tacti- Said Colburn, “I reminded them of est memories involve his time with the tac- cal plan. To join forces with organizations what BORTAC is and our legacy, but most tical unit. such as the National Guard and other fed- importantly, I reminded them to humbly “You tend to measure things in your eral organizations and to see that plan work serve in any duty they perform. Like all life by the milestones achieved, the friends to make a safer environment for everyone, agents, they are here to protect our chil- forged in combat, longevity, and physical that’s really been something I’m proud of. dren, and our children’s children and our training,” said Colburn. “My time with We were determined to make Yuma a suc- very way of life.” BORTAC has really reinforced that no- cess story and I can’t think of a place where 15 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007

Changing of the Guard At Task Force Yuma

Story and Photos by Master Sgt. Laura Bosco & Sgt. Benjamin Cossel 16 Desert Sentinel

YUMA, Ariz. —Tracing its lineage Task Force – Arizona commander, ceremony never ended. I wouldn’t say back to the beginnings of the U.S. Army Col. Don Hoffmeister. it was the worst day of my life, but it Military, change of command cer- “ B e - certainly emonies are a time-honored tradition ing a w a s n ’ t whereby a commander transfers au- c o m - “Being a commander ... it’s one of the one of my thority to a new officer. On Sept. 25, mander, greatest times you will have in your favorites. at the Yuma National Guard Armory, whether military career.” I could’ve Army Maj. Paul Babeu, commander, its as a Army Col. Don Hoffmeister been a bat- Task Force Yuma, took the task force compa- talion com- guideon and ceremoniously passed it ny, bat- Joint Task Force - Arizona, m a n d e r to Army Maj. Christopher Emmons, t a l i o n , Commander, Acting for the rest signifying the successful passing of or a task of my command. f o r c e c a r e e r,” “I want to say thank you to the commander; its one of the greatest Hoffmeister reminisced. Soldiers and Airmen with whom I’ve times you will have in your military Hoffmeister praised both Emmons served,” said Babeu during his fare- career,” said Hoffmeister. and Babeu for their role in achieving well speech. “This is my last opportu- Hoffmeister went on to say that he a 55 percent reduction in the appre- nity to thank you directly for the sac- knew the emotions running through hensions in the Yuma sector since the rifices you’ve made. This is important both men as one left command and beginning of Operation Jump Start. work that we do.” the other assumed. Truly joint in presentation, the cer- Babeu noted that during his tenure, “There were two very distinct days emony was attended by the highest more than 800 Airmen and Soldiers, in my life as a battalion commander,” ranking officials of the U.S. Customs durational and rotational, worked for said Hoffmeister. “That day, when like and Border Protection, Chief of the Task Force Yuma and serving as their Maj. Emmons, I sat in my chair want- Border Patrol David Aguilar. The col- commander was one of his greatest ing the ceremony to be over so I could or guard was comprised of members honors. begin my command. Then there was of the U.S. Border Patrol, as well as Transferring the guideon between the day, like Maj. Babeu, when I re- Air and Army National Guardsmen. Babeu and Emmons was acting Joint linquished command and hoped the Prior to assuming command of Task Force Yuma, Emmons served as the task force’s dep- uty commander. During his speech, Emmons spoke of his vision moving forward and how thrilled he was to be as- suming command. “I’m both excited and hum- bled to be taking over this ex- cellent task force,” said Em- mons. “Its not often that an individual gets the opportunity to be both the deputy and com- mander of the same task force. I am confident that with the support of the excellent Task Force Yuma staff we will con- tinue to successfully meet the Army Maj. Paul Babeu received the Arizona Distinguished Service Medal from acting Joint Task Force - Arizona challenges ahead.” commander, Army Col. Don Hoffmeister, during a change of command ceremony where Babeu relinquished command to Army Maj. Christopher Emmons. 17 Volume 1: Issue 10 - October 2007 problem solving mode and really came up Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, attach- es a plaque to the final piece of fencing, Oct. 28, in Douglas, Ariz., for with some creative ways of getting things the project known as PF-70. done,” said White. As the task force worked to streamline the operation, increasing efficiency, Moth- er Nature threw a curveball into the mix, unleashing monsoon rains stopping work for nearly a week. “We were stopped cold turkey for four days in Naco,” said White. Work stoppage for the crews were just the beginning of nature caused problems as the torrential downpour flooded dirt roads making passage treacherous at best, Story and photos impassable at worst. But through it all, the by Sgt. Benjamin Cossel Guardsmen of TF Diamondback pulled MISSION COMPLETE through. “We’re the military,” said White. “We’re EAST OF DOUGLAS, Ariz., — It wasPF-70 doing and began moving all of our crews used to working under adverse conditions a task many thought couldn’t be done out to the designated worksites,” said and high demands but this was just incred- – construct 16.8 miles of 15 foot tall White. ible.” fencing along the United States-Mexico In Yuma, Task Force Diamondback White said the success of the project border and get it done in just under two needed to complete 8.1 miles of fenc- sat solely on the shoulders of the Soldiers months. On Sept. 28, when Department ing and in the Naco and Douglas area, and Airmen of Task Force Diamondback. of Homeland Security Secretary, Michael the task force was responsible for 8.2 Chertoff agreed. Chertoff welded the final panel of fenc- miles. All told, Diamondback transferred “I said back in July that the right organi- ing in place, Task Force Diamondback, 75 Servicemembers to Naco and 40 to zation was working on this project and to- the engineering component of Operation Yuma to complete the mission. Crews day you’ve have proved my words correct Jump Start –Arizona, denied the naysayers, began working 12 hour days, six to seven in yet another success story,” said Chertoff accomplishing the mission. days a week. to the assembled Servicemembers on hand “For fiscal year 2007, we (Task Force “The NCO’s (noncommissioned offi- to see the final panel welded into place. Diamondback) was given responsibility for cers) of Diamondback really took charge Said White, “We have phenomenal Sol- 32 miles of the 62 miles of PF-70 in Ari- and made sure the mission got done,” said diers and Airmen in this task force. Every- zona,” said Army Lt. Col. Robert White, White. one came together and really put the needs commander, Task Force Diamondback. White explained that the NCO’s of of the mission and the country first to get While Servicemembers of the task force Diamondback started by breaking down this project done, on time, when no one worked on the project known as PF-70 their Soldiers and Airmen into very fo- thought we’d make it.” throughout the year, according to White, cused work parties defined it wasn’t their primary focus. Then in July, by task levels. In addition, priorities in Washington, D.C. shifted for they changed the way Dia- the fencing project forcing White to redi- mondback normally did rect all his task force’s efforts to PF-70. business by manufacturing Soldiers and Airmen of TF Diamond- the fencing panels off-site, back were already engaged on other fence then transporting the com- construction projects spread out along the pleted panels to the job lo- Arizona border. With the change in priori- cation where they welded ties, a massive redistribution and consoli- them into place. dation of the task force was necessary. “Everyone involved in

“We stopped everything else we were this project was deep into Surrounded by Soldiers of Task Force Diamondback, Michael Chertoff, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security con- gratulates the task force for completing the fencing project 18 between the U.S. and Mexico border known as PF-70. Desert Sentinel

My Name Army Staff Sgt. Roberto V. Flores childhood ambition To make my family proud

fondest memory My father, mother, and family

indulgence Helping people out

current mission Noncomissioned Officer in Charge

favorite hobby Baseball and ESPN

My Life Has been great with the support of my family, friends and wife of 25 years 2222nd Transportation Company, My Guard Arizona Army National Guard

My Name Army Sgt. Marco Lechuga childhood ambition Novelist

fondest memory “Every man’s memory is his private literature” ~ Aldous Huxley

indulgence The Cheescake Factory

current mission Blackhawk crew chief

favorite hobby Videography/Photography

My Life “In three words I can sum up everthing I have learned in life. It goes on.” ~ Robert Frost Company A, 2nd Battalion, My Guard 285th Aviation Regiment, Arizona Army National Guard

19 Coming Soon!

The Official Operation Jump Start Joint Task Force Arizona T-Shirt

FRONT OF SHIRT

B A C K

O F

S H I R T

Shirts will be available at the Papago Park Military Reservation Military Clothing Sales for $15.00 plus tax or by contacting Sgt. Benjamin Cossel at [email protected]