@ease ExpressSeptember-October 2011

Click here for more about how the Wisconsin National Guard observed the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Wisconsin Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Roth @ease 4

Above, Gov. Scott Walker presents Col. Jeffrey Liethen with a Wisconsin state flag xpress during a sendoff ceremony Sept. 16 at the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee. Soldiers prepare to deploy for At right, a heartfelt farewell. 128th Air Refueling Wing photos by Senior Master Sgt. E Jeffrey Rohloff 2010 NGB Media Contest winner Kosovo-bound Soldiers receive sendoff 2nd Lt. Nathan T. Wallin of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Kosovo known as KFOR. The 157th will serve as the brigade headquarters unit for Elected officials, senior Wisconsin Multi-National Battle Group East, also National Guard leaders, family and friends referred to as Task Force Falcon. NATO mission in Kosovo gathered at a large hangar at the 128th Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee Friday general of Wisconsin, recognized the (Sept. 16) to bid farewell to approximately Soldiers preparing to deploy as well as 150 Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army their families. on the cover September-October 2011 National Guard’s 157th Maneuver “You can count on us,” he said. “We’ll Enhancement Brigade. do our job for you, as I know you’ll The Soldiers — members of the do your job for the United States of brigade’s headquarters company as well America.” as the 32nd Military Police Company Gov. Scott Walker thanked the Soldiers — will serve alongside more than 700 for their continued dedication. National Guard Soldiers from seven other A Wisconsin National Guard rifle team stands at Volume 3, Issue 5 states, as well as six other nations, as part Official Newsletter of the port arms during the official ceremony at the state Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard capitol in Madison commemorating the 10th an- Men of the North niversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on http://dma.wi.gov to the rescue The Adjutant General: America. 128th Air Refueling Wing photo by Senior Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar 6 Airman Ryan Roth Deputy Adjutant General Army: From the frying pan to the forest, FROM THE TAG Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson 3 54TH CST DEMONSTRATES ABILITY TO Gov. Scott Walker got a first-hand look at storm Approximately 50 Soldiers from the 8 cleanup efforts by the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 724th 724th Engineer Soldiers get to work Deputy Adjutant General Air: other state agencies in two northern Wisconsin counties Engineer Battalion used chainsaws, Sept. 23. wood chippers, front end loaders and “After surveying the cleanup effort, I was truly back hoe loaders, along with muscle amazed by the good work being done to repair the power, to clear timber Sept. 19 felled by damage done by storms over the summer,” Walker said. a powerful storm in northern Wisconsin. “I’d like to thank the local elected officials, hardworking The Soldiers have been clearing selected SERVE, PROTECT Brig. Gen. John McCoy state employees at numerous agencies, the Wisconsin areas in two northern Wisconsin counties National Guard, state legislators from the area and other since Sept. 6. Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Director of Public Affairs: 9 BG McCOY VISITS DEPLOYED AIRMEN Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie 10 AVIATION UNIT MEMBERS PREPARE TO At Ease Editor: at DEPLOY Vaughn R. Larson MUSTER WisconsinMILWAUKEE hosts National Guard Association’s annual conference 11 LAST MOBILIZATION FLIGHT AT VOLK Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs 15 12 ANNUAL TRAINING IN KOREA 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Wisconsin National Guard hosts 13 TESTING THE WATERS AT CAMP RIPLEY 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs annual NGAUS conference 14 LEAP CELEBRATES MILESTONE 157th Maneuver Enhancement 24 WISCONSIN NATIONAL GUARD Brigade Public Affairs SUPPORTS 9/11 CEREMONY 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 28 EXPERIENCING AN INCENTIVE FLIGHT 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Brewers salute Wisconsin 30 FAMILY CONFERENCE STRESSES RESILIENCE National Guard, veterans Volk Field Combat Readiness on 9/11 anniversary BERLIN CRISIS REMEMBERED 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin 31 Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Training Center Public Affairs Ten years ago, in the days immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on America, major league sports events were cancelled in recognition of the magnitude of the tragedy. Ten years later, the Milwaukee Brewers took to the field and saluted veterans and members of the Wisconsin National Guard. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general KEY PROMOTIONS IN COMMAND STAFF of Wisconsin, approved. 35 “The decision the public made on that day [in 2001] not to live in fear, to continue to live their lives, to keep their hopes and dreams alive ... that decision was How to Reach Us a key point for our country,” Dunbar said to Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder, 26 36 MERITORIOUS SERVICE E-mail: [email protected] Milwaukee Brewers salute Phone: (608) 242-3056 Fax: (608_ 242-3051 Wisconsin Guard, veterans on 38 VETERANS, FAMILIES, RETIREES Department of Military Affairs; 39 PARTING SHOT Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, was among distinguished Attn: Vaughn R. Larson military veterans to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game Sept. 11. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Carlynn M. Knaak 2400 Wright Street; Madison, WI 53708-8111 9/11 anniversary Submissions: For photo or story submissions, The Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard’s At Ease Express newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of please call (608)242-3056 At Ease Express are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. The editorial content or e-mail [email protected] of this publication is the responsibility of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Officer.

@ease Express 2 September-October 2011 From the TAG e just commemorated the 10th the National Guard has proven it anniversary of the terror attacks can take more of that responsibility Won America. This was a moment going forward and continue to meet when time stood still and our nation our homeland security requirements changed. We’ve had others — Pearl at home. Given our capability and Harbor, the day President Kennedy unmatched cost effectiveness, this was assassinated. We all know where will not likely be overlooked as our we were and we all have a personal nation’s leaders seek to address our story. Our National Guard has a story national fiscal crisis while preserving as well. national security. There is value in remembering — The strides we have made or, put another way, never forgetting over the past 10 years reflect the — the events of that tragic day. There character of the men and women is also great value in looking forward in the National Guard, from the from that day, to see where we have enlisted members fresh out of boot gone as an organization and what we camp to the senior leaders who have become. have effectively leveraged their When the Pentagon contemplated knowledge and abilities to help mobilizing the National Guard for transform the National Guard from sustained operations in Afghanistan, a Cold War strategic reserve to an and later in Iraq, there were many operational force with strategic who thought that doing so would depth. It also reflects the courage, break the National Guard. On the sacrifice and support of families, contrary — not only did it not break communities and employers. When us, it has made us stronger. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar our nation mobilizes the National That should not be surprising, The Adjutant General Guard for operations — it mobilizes when you consider the enduring state mission. Even as we deployed Our National Guard has never our families, communities, and value of the National Guard. We have hundreds and thousands of our men been more ready, reliable or relevant. employers as well. We connect Main always responded to our nation’s and women to support the global We have never been more combat- Street to the war effort. need. We have grown up in an war on terror, we maintained our hardened or experienced, and we As we move forward, I am America that has maintained a robust capability to assist local authorities have never been more accessible. confident that we will face future active duty standing military force, in natural disaster response efforts. This is a posture we want to challenges with the same passion, but before World War II that was not In addition, we sent help to other maintain. character and professionalism that the case and we were a militia nation states, such as the Hurricane Katrina I believe that the Wisconsin we have displayed over the past 10 with a much smaller active duty response in 2005. Earlier this year National Guard brings great value years. component. Today’s National Guard we called National Guard troops to Wisconsin, and similarly the It is truly an honor and a privilege is a fulfillment of the total force to active duty to support local National Guard brings great value to serve with you. vision and the all volunteer force authorities during a major winter to our nation. I believe that the with one exception — the National storm, and in September we sent nation can and should rely on the Guard is no longer a theoretical Soldiers from the 724th Engineer National Guard to continue to be an concept but a proven capability. Battalion to two northern Wisconsin operational National Guard. While But we have not achieved this counties to help clear timber debris the need to maintain a strong active transformation at the expense of our from a series of strong July storms. duty military is well understood,

@ease Express 3 September-October 2011 Above, Gov. Scott Walker presents Col. Jeffrey Liethen with a Wisconsin state flag during a sendoff ceremony Sept. 16 at the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee. At right, a heartfelt farewell. 128th Air Refueling Wing photos by Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Rohloff

2nd Lt. Nathan T. Wallin of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Wisconsin National Guard Kosovo known as KFOR. The 157th will serve as the brigade headquarters unit for Elected officials, senior Wisconsin Multi-National Battle Group East, also National Guard leaders, family and friends referred to as Task Force Falcon. gathered at a large hangar at the 128th Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee Sept. general of Wisconsin, recognized the 16 to bid farewell to approximately 150 Soldiers preparing to deploy as well as Soldiers of the Wisconsin Army National their families. Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement “You can count on us,” he said. “We’ll Brigade. do our job for you, as I know you’ll The Soldiers — members of the do your job for the United States of brigade’s headquarters company as well America.” as the 32nd Military Police Company Gov. Scott Walker thanked the Soldiers — will serve alongside more than 700 for their continued dedication. National Guard Soldiers from seven other states, as well as six other nations, as part Continued on Page 5

@ease Express 4 September-October 2011 Above, Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, addresses deploying Soldiers from the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade during a sendoff ceremony Sept. 16 at the 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee. At right, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett speaks to deploying Guardsmen as Gov. Scott Walker looks on. 128th Air Refueling Wing photos by Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Rohloff 157th MEB Guard members headed to Kosovo Continued from Page 4 the people of Wisconsin every time they looked at that flag. “Thank you for your service already,” Immediately following the ceremony, Walker said. “Thank you for being here the deploying Soldiers departed for Camp today for this deployment. Most of all, Atterbury, Ind., for pre-deployment training. thank you on behalf of a grateful state and They will take part in Kosovo-specific a grateful nation.” mobilization training in Germany before Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also arriving in Kosovo around Thanksgiving. praised the deploying Soldiers. A maneuver enhancement brigade “You are making a sacrifice for includes military police, civil affairs, everyone in this community,” he said. engineering, signal and chemical units, Walker presented Col. Jeffrey Liethen, and is designed to provide command and brigade commander, with a state flag and control and freedom of movement for a asked the deploying Soldiers to remember designated area.

@ease Express 5 September-October 2011 Gov. Scott Walker got a first-hand look at storm Approximately 50 Soldiers from the cleanup efforts by the Wisconsin National Guard and Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 724th other state agencies in two northern Wisconsin counties Engineer Battalion used chainsaws, Sept. 23. wood chippers, front end loaders and “After surveying the cleanup effort, I was truly back hoe loaders, along with muscle amazed by the good work being done to repair the power, to clear timber Sept. 19 felled by damage done by storms over the summer,” Walker said. a powerful storm in northern Wisconsin. “I’d like to thank the local elected officials, hardworking The Soldiers have been clearing selected state employees at numerous agencies, the Wisconsin areas in two northern Wisconsin counties National Guard, state legislators from the area and other since Sept. 6. Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Continued on Page 7

@ease Express 6 September-October 2011 Soldiers from 724th Engineer Battalion clean up storm debris in northern Wisconsin Continued from Page 6 interested parties for coming together to take decisive action to help deal with this massive blowdown.” Approximately 50 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 724th Engineer Battalion have been working since Sept. 6 to clear branches, limbs and tree trunks from roadsides in Burnett and Douglas counties. The powerful July 1 storm toppled trees across 130,000 acres in six northern Wisconsin counties. The storm debris in the rights of ways pose a safety and fire hazard. “This is really helping our local townships,” Bobby Sichta, Burnett County Emergency Management director, said Sept. 19. “[Without the National Guard’s assistance,] it would be more expensive to local townships. They’ve already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Sichta said that the storm damage for Burnett County was estimated at $1.8 million, and that many towns have taken out loans to pay for initial debris clearing efforts. The Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers began the mission as an Innovative Readiness Training project, which allowed existing federal funds in the training budget to be used. The Department of Defense revoked its IRT approval Sept. 8, and Walker placed the Soldiers on state active duty. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, engaged leaders at the National Above, Gov. Scott Walker expresses his gratitude to Guard Bureau to restore federal funding Sept. 9 via members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 724th additional annual training orders. Engineer Battalion for their work in storm debris cleanup The state Department of Corrections has efforts in northern Wisconsin Sept. 23. 724th Engineer approximately 30 inmates in three teams, two male and Battalion photo by 1st Lt. Kevin Decker one female, assisting the National Guard in clearing storm debris. The state Department of Natural Resources At left, 724th Soldiers haul downed and Department of Transportation are also involved in branches to a large wood chipper to clear different aspects of storm recovery. the right of way along a road in northern The 724th Engineer Battalion and local officials had Wisconsin Sept. 19. Wisconsin National identified more than 162 miles of road as having the Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson greatest need of debris clearance. As of Sept. 22, the work at its area and “leapfrogs” the second team to begin Guardsmen had cleared close to 86 miles, or just over work farther down the road. 52 percent. Maj. Brandon Manglos, officer in charge of “We adjust our tactics,” Manglos said. the cleanup effort, explained that weather and density Dunbar praised the “Men of the North,” many of of fallen timber in some work areas have hindered the whom just returned from a deployment to Iraq, for their cleanup pace somewhat. efforts. “You’ve got six toppled logs on top of each other in “This is the Guard at its best,” he said. “Deployed some places,” he said Sept. 19. “It takes a while to be overseas in support of contingency operations, and then safe.” responding to the needs of our community a few months However, Guard members have picked up the pace later. It means an awful lot to the folks who live here.” where possible, clearing more than eight miles of The 724th cleanup mission, originally scheduled to roadside Sept. 22. This was accomplished by working conclude on Sept. 30, has been extended until Oct. 12. two teams in tandem, so that one team — with heavy By the end of Sept. 24, the National Guard had begun equipment, wood chippers and chain saws — completes cleanup efforts in each of the 11 assigned townships.

@ease Express 7 September-October 2011 At left, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lackey of the Wisconsin National Guard’s 54th Civil Support Team directs Staff Sgt. Tammy Rueth A Wisconsin National Guard unit and Sgt. 1st Class continues to hone its skills for responding Eric Johnson where to threats of weapons of mass destruction to stage their vehicle in the state. and equipment during The 54th Civil Support Team, a full- the beginning of a time joint Army and Air National Guard multiple-day exercise unit based in Madison, took part in a responding to weapons five-day exercise named “Operation of mass destruction in Bay Watch” in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Sept. exercise scenario depicts a domestic 13. Below, Maj. Gen. terrorist attack involving a nerve agent at Don Dunbar, adjutant the Door County Fairgrounds race track, general of Wisconsin, and also a dirty bomb laboratory in the speaks with a member municipal area. of the medical section. According to Karl Nagel, a member Wisconsin National Guard of the Army controller-observer team photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn heading the exercise, the 54th CST was R. Larson judged on how well it responded to Click here for various training events. Some events from the race track venue were designed to additional images. recur in the dirty bomb laboratory venue if observer-controllers determined that the 54th CST required additional training. Lt. Col. David May, deputy director of domestic operations, plans and training with the Wisconsin National Guard’s concept — it was conceived during the Joint Staff, explained that the 54th CST is second term of the Clinton administration required to complete a training proficiency — it nonetheless reflects the changing role exercise approximately every 18 months. the National Guard plays in protecting the Their last certification exercise was in homeland. March 2010. “The 54th CST represents the high “The scenarios are built to ensure the end of our core mission,” Dunbar said. team is tested in all the required areas, but “Floods, fires and storm responses may also are intended to be realistic,” May said not require the same specialized skill sets The 54th CST assists local first that the Civil Support Team possesses, responders in determining the nature of but deep down it’s the same mission — an attack, provides medical and technical provide capabilities to local authorities advice, and — as the first military to safeguard our communities. But responder to the scene — serves as an whether natural or man-made, if the threat advance party if additional state or federal changes, the National Guard adapts.” military resources are required. They do May noted that local support in Door not take over the scene, but coordinate County for this exercise was outstanding. with the local incident commander “The county parks department and and determine how to best assist local staff, the county emergency manager, response efforts. Sturgeon Bay Police Department, local Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant businesses and local citizens have general of Wisconsin, said that while the accommodated everything that we have Civil Support Team is not a brand-new needed,” he said.

@ease Express 8 September-October 2011 Brig. Gen. McCoy visits deployed Wisconsin Air Guard Airmen WESTERN EUROPE — Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, visited Airmen serving with the 313th Air Expeditionary Wing July 30 to thank them for their service and support of Operation Unified Protector, and to meet with unit commanders. Col. Ted Metzgar, 313th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and other senior staff members greeted McCoy upon his arrival. During his visit, the general spoke with Airmen during lunch and later received a mission briefing on unit operations and Airmen morale and welfare from 313th AEW senior staff members. McCoy also toured the aircraft maintenance hangar and flightline.

Photos and text by Capt. John Capra

@ease Express 9 September-October 2011 There was no shortage of support for said Capt. Joseph Bradley, commander approximately 30 deploying Wisconsin of Detachment 1, Company B, 248th National Guard Soldiers during an official Aviation Battalion. “We’ll do our peace sendoff ceremony in West Bend Sept. 24. sustainment mission and we’ll do it well.” Gov. Scott Walker joined other state State Command Sgt. Maj. George officials, family, friends and Wisconsin Stopper spoke to the families in Guard leadership in honoring the Soldiers attendance and, by show of hands, polled before a 12-month mobilization — which the deploying Soldiers on deployment includes approximately two months experience. He urged the Soldiers with of pre-deployment training at Camp prior deployment experience to guide Atterbury, Ind., followed by roughly newer Soldiers through the process. 10 months in Kosovo in support of the Pfc. Alex Mumm, 238th flight NATO-led peacekeeping mission Kosovo operations specialist, is anxious to begin Force, or KFOR. his first deployment. Walker thanked the deploying Guard “It’ll be interesting to get over there members on behalf of a “grateful state and and find out what a deployment is all nation” for the service they’ve already about,” Mumm said. “I’m definitely ready given and the sacrifice they’ll give over to be over there.” the course of the next year. Kosovo Force — a cooperation The bulk of the Soldiers come from between 30 countries, including 22 Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238th Aviation NATO nations — has worked to provide Regiment and will support the medevac peace and stability in the area since mission as part of KFOR’s Aviation Task 1999. Roughly 150 Soldiers of the 157th Force. Twelve Soldiers, assigned to 248th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade are Aviation Support Battalion, will join currently training at Camp Atterbury and units from North Dakota, New Jersey and will report to Kosovo in late November. Wyoming to support the ATF’s headquarters, Kristi Dilley, Mumm’s girlfriend, lift and maintenance units, respectively. said she plans to use every means of “The Soldiers’ experience is going to communication available to stay in touch. be perfect for this mission because the “Duty has called, but he’ll always be terrain and flying we do here is similar in my heart,” Dilley said. “He’s worth the to what we’ll be doing in Kosovo,” wait.” Gov. Scott Walker addresses Soldiers of the 238th Aviation Regiment and 248th Aviation Support Battalion as they stand in formation during a sendoff ceremony in West Bend, Wis., Sept. 24. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Dirk Brandt, maintenance test pilot, spends time with his daughter, Sydney, at the Aviation Flight Facility in West Bend, Wis., during a Sept. 24 sendoff ceremony. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue

@ease Express 10 September-October 2011 Soldiers of the 236th Engineer Company, Texas National Guard, receive a ceremonious departure from Volk Field to honor the final outbound flight of the Aerial Port of Embarkation mission Oct. 1. The joint mission between Volk Field Air National Guard Base and neighboring Fort McCoy began in 2002 and has seen more than 140,000 service members depart and return to Fort McCoy, which at one point was the Army Reseve’s busiest mobilization and demobilization station. Photo by Joe Oliva

Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue Volk Field had become commonplace Guard. ever hear a complaint because we were Wisconsin National Guard in the years following the 9/11 attacks “Volk Field has been very supporting a valid mission,” he said. “The — it wasn’t uncommon for six or seven accommodating and supportive of Fort mission has been very rewarding over the For close to 10 years, Volk Field planes to be on the ground at one time. McCoy and the service members deployed years. Combat Readiness Training Center At one point, Fort McCoy was the largest as a result of our mobilization mission,” “When you look out on the flight line served as the gateway to neighboring Fort mobilization and demobilization station Eckland said. “Regardless of mission and see families waving flags, holding McCoy or field bases overseas for more for the Army Reserve entity, according requirements, they were there every step signs, waiting for their loved ones on the than 170,000 Soldiers and 60 million to Chief Master Sgt. Greg Cullen, Volk’s of the way, always providing exceptional flightline … I don’t think there’s any of pounds of cargo, ferried by more than 430 airfield manger since 2004. support and never complaining. The us that haven’t gotten choked up at some flights. “The Volk Field-Fort McCoy partnership has been and will continue to point,” he continued. That joint partnership reached a partnership is a tremendous success be excellent between us.” milestone when the last troop mobilization story and a great source of pride for all Although the APOE mission directly Although the APOE mission has flight, carrying more than 150 Soldiers of involved,” said Col. Gary Ebben, Volk or indirectly affected almost every concluded, Fort McCoy will continue to the Texas Army National Guard’s 236th Field commander. “For nearly a decade, Airman on base, and accumulated an extra operate other flights to Volk to keep the Engineer Company, left the Wisconsin we have maintained our focus on the 2,000 hours of work for Volk Airmen, working relationship going. After all, Volk Air National Guard base for Afghanistan deploying or returning service member.” complaints were few and far between, Field Airmen have gotten good at it. earlier this month. Their departure marked The sentiment from Fort McCoy is Cullen said. “As an airfield manager, I’m really the end of what is officially referred to as much the same. “Although we — airfield management, proud of our staff for supporting a global the Aerial Port of Embarkation (APOE) D.J. Eckland, supervisor of Fort weather, air traffic control, fire effort in the safe and efficient movement mission. Fort McCoy also ended its McCoy’s movement branch, once department, security, fuels, etc. — had of our troops,” Cullen said. “We didn’t mobilization mission in September. deployed from and returned to Volk Field to work weekends, late hours, holidays always like to see them leaving, but we Soldiers departing and arriving at as a Soldier in the Wisconsin National and all times of the night, seldom did you liked seeing them come home.”

@ease Express 11 September-October 2011 112th MPAD sharpens its skills near the DMZ Sgt. Carlynn Knaak 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment The 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment is sometimes referred to as “those guys with the cameras,” but there’s more to an MPAD than taking photos and writing stories. The 112th MPAD got a chance to stretch its muscles, so to speak, during annual training Aug. 16-26 in South Korea, where the unit supported Ulchi Freedom Guardian 2011. The routine exercise enhances the ability of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and U.S. forces to defend South Korea, protect the region and maintain stability to add to their skill set and provided our deployments. on the Korean peninsula. unit a different perspective to the public “A specialized unit like ours does not The 112th ran a combined press affairs domain as well as the opportunity necessarily do the same mission when we information center during the exercise, to refine our skills.” operate at war or back here in Wisconsin,” and was responsible for conducting press Working side-by-side with the he continued. “The public affairs needs of conferences, working with media and Republic of Korea military reinforced each situation will dictate what we do to Members of the Wisconsin Army acting as media role-players. to 112th MPAD members the need for support the commander. This opportunity National Guard’s 112th Mobile “Although I worked with a combined careful translation to ensure the overall has made our Soldiers more confident Public Affairs Detachment and press information center while deployed to message is understood clearly and in their skills and has prepared us to the Republic of Korea’s military Iraq in 2009, I didn’t have the opportunity concisely. accomplish any public affairs mission we took part in press conferences to conduct the day-to-day operations “This exercise definitely got us out are assigned.” on a training base in South Korea of the CPIC,” said Staff Sgt. Michelle of our comfort zone,” said Maj. Jeremy Holmes said experiencing South during the ULCHI Freedom Guardian Gonzalez, a print journalist. “This Holmes, unit commander. “This annual Korean culture was an added benefit. exercise 2011. 112th Mobile Public training, along with working with our training provided different demands than “Who knows?” he mused. “We may do Affairs Detachment photos by Sgt. Korean counterparts, allowed our Soldiers what most of our Soldiers did on prior this again.” Carlynn Knaak

@ease Express 12 September-October 2011 Spc. Adeline Barnes, a water treatment specialist from the Whitewater-based Company A, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, inspects the operation of a water pump as part of a few days at Lake Ferrell testing the water, skills and equipment. Minnesota National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Ewer Barnes and Clark earned their 92W Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs specialty at Fort Lee, Va. “I chose the water treatment specialty because it CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. — Wisconsin seemed to fit well with my career goals in National Guard Soldiers from the 257th ecological management,” Barnes said. Brigade Support Battalion performed “There is a lot to know about the their two-week annual training at Camp treatment process,” Clark added. “It’s Ripley, Minn. in August. Water Treatment actually more of a science when you get Specialists from the Whitewater-based down to it.” Company A spent a few days at Lake While at Camp Ripley the Wisconsin Ferrell testing the water, their skills and National Guard Soldiers were able their equipment. to complete many other training There is a lot of preliminary work to requirements, including marksmanship do before the pumps are turned on, qualification. according to Spc. Daniel Clark. “We “I love the ranges here. They are well recon water sites,” he said. “We test the taken care of,” Clark said. “The pop-up water for chlorine, Ph level, dissolved targets were easy to see. This was the first and non-dissolved solids.” A water source time I qualified expert.” containing chlorine would destroy the “Our time here was fantastic,” Barnes expensive filters, he warned. agreed. “I enjoyed it a lot.” “Then we prime the pump, start it,” said Spc. Adeline Barnes. “Making sure Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers we could pump water and return it to the Spc. Daniel Clark and Spc. Adeline water source.” Barnes, water treatment specialists A Reverse Osmosis Water Purification from the Whitewater-based Company Unit completely filters the lake water, A, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, resulting in pure drinkable H2O. prime a water pump before starting it “At the end of the process,” Clark said, up as part of a few days at Lake Ferrell “you’ll have water that will actually be testing the water, their skills and fresher than bottled water.” equipment.

@ease Express 13 September-October 2011 Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue the influential stages in their development Wisconsin National Guard has been very beneficial. “This program has really made The Wisconsin National Guard has Columbus High students part of a better now provided 150,000 Wisconsin children program,” Schweitzer said. “Many new with tools for success. friendships that students will make The Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) today … are friendships that could last a program celebrated the major milestone lifetime.” Sept. 28 as approximately 75 Columbus In LEAP’s inception in the early High School freshman students became 1990s, teams of Soldiers and Airmen the latest graduates of the Leadership would travel around the state in a truck Education Adventure Program (LEAP) at and trailer and set up a mobile challenge Volk Field. course — reaching about 20,000 students “This is a significant milestone, not per year. only for you as you complete the third and The program was then streamlined, final phase of the LEAP, but also because narrowing the focus to about 3,000 150,000 students have participated in the children per year — at the vulnerable Drug Demand Reduction program since time periods of 5th, 7th, and 9th grades, its inception,” said Col. Mark Greenwood, when children are most vulnerable to director of the Wisconsin Guard’s experimenting with drugs and alcohol — Counterdrug Program. as well as building a challenge course, The entire program aims to located at Volk Field Air National Guard give students better confidence and Base. communication skills that can help Krueck recommends the program navigate them safely through tough for all children, even those who may be choices. One of those choices is drug use. intimidated that members of the military “Illegal drug use has become a deeply run it. ingrained part of American life,” said Above, ninth-grade students from Columbus High School navigate an “It’s not like boot camp where we go Brig. Gen. Scott Legwold, director of out and yell at them,” Krueck said. “If the Wisconsin National Guard joint staff. obstacle as part of the Wisconsin National Guard’s Leadership they don’t want to do it, we don’t push “We can change those attitudes, but it will them. We just strongly suggest they do it.” take much effort — and many parts of Education Adventure Program (LEAP) society must get involved.” Sept. 28 at Volk Field. Left, Col. Mark During the ceremony commemorating 1st Sgt. Tom Krueck, LEAP facilitator, Greenwood, director of the Wisconsin the 150,000 graduates, guest speaker Brig. has worked for the DDR for more than National Guard’s Counterdrug Gen. (Ret.) Bruce Schrimpf commended nine years and believes in the progress Program, speaks during a ceremony the children for their participation and made through the three-stage program. celebrating LEAP’s 150,000th spoke of tough decision making. “You see them working with people graduate. The program targets youth “I thank you for the effort you’ve put they’ve never worked with and the in 5th, 7th and 9th grades as part of forward,” Shrimpf said. “Talk to your communication while they’re here gets a three-phase program to increase friends about the consequences of good better,” Krueck said. “The long-term confidence, communication and and bad choices.” effects are confirmed by the teachers — positive decision making among the While thrilled with the program’s better teamwork, communication and students. Wisconsin National Guard current milestone, Krueck admitted that he respect for others.” photos by Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue and wishes additional funding was available Although Columbus is just one of 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin so the program could be expanded. 24 communities across the state to “I think to be able to reach out to more participate in the program, Columbus kids, help more kids … it would be huge,” High School LEAP coordinator Jeff Krueck said. “I hope I’m around for the Schweitzer believes reaching children at 300,000th celebration.”

@ease Express 14 September-October 2011 at MUSTER WisconsinMILWAUKEE hosts National Guard Association’s annual conference

@ease Express 15 September-October 2011 Gary Wetzel, left, a Medal of Honor recipient, and Gov. Scott Walker take off at the start of the Freedom Ride from the Harley-Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee on Aug. 26. More than 3,000 Army and Air National Guard officers and enlisted members from across the United States began arriving in Milwaukee Aug. 25 for the 133rd National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) General Conference and Exhibition, held at the Frontier Airlines Center and hosted by the Wisconsin National Guard. Approximately 100 National Guard officers rode personal and rented motorcycles in the Freedom Ride from the museum to Holy Hill and back. @ease EFREEDOMxpress RIDE16 September-October 2011 Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, and other Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze cutting is the “first great event” at the senior leaders of 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs NGAUS conference. Three hundred the National Guard and sixty-six vendors are attending celebrate with a The 133rd general conference of the conference — a driving force of ribbon cutting the the National Guard Association of the NGAUS mission to promote the start of the 133rd the United States (NGAUS) officially procurement of better equipment, National Guard opened its exhibition floor at 10 standardizing training, and building Association of a.m. Aug. 27 at the Frontier Airlines a more combat-ready force by the United States Center in downtown Milwaukee when petitioning the U.S. Congress for (NGAUS) conference Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the resources. in downtown National Guard Bureau, Maj. Gen. McKinley ended the brief ceremony Milwaukee on Donald P. Dunbar, adjutant general with his remarks on the conference. Aug. 27. Wisconsin of Wisconsin, and Maj. Gen. Frank “I call [the NGAUS conference] a National Guard photo Vavala, NGAUS chairman, cut the family reunion,” he said. “We are here by Senior Master Sgt. ceremonial ribbon. to remember the past, embrace the Jeffrey A. Rohloff Vavala explained that the ribbon present, and look to the future.”

@ease Express 17 September-October 2011 At left, Gen. Craig McKinley speaks during the opening day of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker gives a warm welcome to the general conference Aug. 27. Above, Milwaukee Mayor Tom members of the 133rd National Guard Association of the Barrett encourages conference guests attending the invitation- United States (NGAUS) conference at the opening ceremonies only Adjutant General Reception Aug. 26 at Discovery World in Aug. 27. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. downtown Milwaukee to enjoy their stay. Jeffrey A. Rohloff

The global war on terror is in its 10th year with two taking risk with national security, they would design the and brightest we have in this country, many times fronts far from home. Anticipated defense budget National Guard.” with multiple deployments to keep our freedoms and reductions will challenge how the U.S. military continues Dunbar was not the only official to hit on the objectives secure across the globe.” to meet its obligations. Hurricane Irene is scouring the conference theme, The National Guard: Right for Walker and Dunbar, along with approximately 100 eastern seaboard. America. Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National conference attendees on Friday, led a Freedom Ride from In this crucial time, the National Guard is needed more Guard Bureau, reminded attendees Aug. 26 that the the Harley-Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee than ever, according to Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant Guard’s state mission continues regardless of the to the majestic Holy Hill basilica in the scenic Kettle general of Wisconsin. demands of national defense. Moraine, and back. “Our nation is facing a fiscal crisis, and tough choices “A large number of our folks are back in Washington, “There’s nothing better than being on a Harley- need to be made,” Dunbar said Aug. 27 during the D.C., working the [Hurricane] Irene relief operations,” Davidson and experiencing the freedom, the excellence opening session of the National Guard Association of the McKinley said. “We’ve got an awful lot of adjutants and the tradition,” Walker said. “Really, when you think United States (NGAUS) 133rd General Conference and general who aren’t here tonight, who are staying home of it, that summarizes the National Guard — it’s that Exhibition at the Frontier Airlines Center in downtown protecting their citizens.” tradition, that sense of freedom.” Milwaukee. “The National Guard — you and I, our Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker spoke of plans to have Dunbar said the United States has never had a more Soldiers, Airmen, families and employers — are part of the National Guard assist in relief efforts in northern experienced, ready, accessible or combat-hardened the solution. In fact, we are a big part of the solution. Wisconsin, where strong storms have toppled enough National Guard than it does today, describing the Guard “We provide proven combat readiness across the timber to create safety hazards along roadways. as a national treasure. full spectrum of military capability at a fraction of the “That prospect of helping out with exceptional “We are the leaders of this organization, and we cost,” he continued. “If Congress formed a think-tank of skills, we see examples of that every day — not only must tell our story,” he said. “So, once again, welcome the world’s greatest thinkers, started with a clean slate in Wisconsin, but all across this nation,” Walker to Wisconsin. We are glad you are here. Have fun, but and tasked them to reduce military spending while not said Saturday. “Men and women who are the best remember — we’ve got work to do.”

@ease Express 18 September-October 2011 Gov. Scott Walker center, and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, left, adjutant general of Wisconsin, greet members of the National Guard Association attending the governor’s reception being held at the Harley- Davidson Museum, in downtown Milwaukee Aug. 27. Below, the Rocky Lynne band performed. Wisconsin National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Rohloff

Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze to express his support for the Guard 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs and the association. Attendees enjoyed an assortment of German, Italian and The Harley-Davidson Museum in Southwestern foods, local beverages downtown Milwaukee was a perfect and music from the Rockie Lynne band. location to greet hundreds of National Walker and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Guard officers, Gov. Scott Walker said. adjutant general of Wisconsin, presented “When you think of Harley- Lynne with a Concord Minuteman statue Davidson, you see tradition, freedom for his support of the reception as well as and excellence,” Walker said during the his support of the troops overseas. Lynne Governor’s Reception Aug. 27, part of just returned from an overseas tour of the National Guard Association of the deployed bases, and his Country songs United States (NGAUS) 133rd General feature military themes. Conference and Exhibition. “Those are the As the reception came to a close, same qualities the National Guard values.” Walker praised the Guard members in The reception followed the opening attendance. day of the three-day conference, and “For what you do in your states, provided an opportunity for NGAUS territories, or units, we can’t thank you members to unwind and for Walker enough,” he said.

@ease Express 19 September-October 2011 The resource spigot is going to dry up. – Gen. Craig McKinley, chief, National Guard Bureau

1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Underscoring the theme of this Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs year’s conference, The National Guard: Right for America, McKinley said the As the federal government grapples National Guard would have to reach out with budget and deficit concerns, the to Congress in the coming months and Department of Defense is bracing for the years to maintain its improved standing as unknown concerning future funding. an operational force in the Department of “We’re looking through a glass darkly,” Defense. said Adm. Sandy Winnefeld, newly In a taped message following appointed vice-chairman of the Joint McKinley’s speech, Air Force Chief of Chiefs of Staff, during a morning address Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz urged the Aug. 28 at the National Guard Association“ National Guard to be a team player as it of the United States conference in looks to the future downtown Milwaukee. “We simply “I call for applying our energies don’t know what the future holds for our and our passion less toward pure self- nation’s defense budget.” interest — although I appreciate there That uncertainty has each branch and will always be some degree of that — component of the military engaged in a and more toward shaping the future as a type of fiscal triage concerning programs, truly cohesive team of America’s service equipment and missions. The National members,” Schwartz said. “Regardless Guard, which has made tremendous of whether active, Guard or Reserve, gains in equipment, funding, training and let’s pick up the pace together, let’s work experience over the past decade, seeks together and let’s achieve together.” to avoid relegation to its pre-Sept. 11 Schwartz said that the Total Force must status. Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the distinguish between required and desired National Guard Bureau, used the phrase capabilities in the unfolding austere fiscal “barbarians at the gate” to describe the environment, and that those capabilities Guard’s current situation. must be properly balanced between active “New active component leaders and reserve components. come in and they don’t understand “It’s manifestly clear that it is no longer the National Guard,” McKinley said. feasible to assure that all of today’s Air “They don’t understand the history, the National Guard will be able to retain a legacy, the lineage, the competency, the traditional flying mission in perpetuity,” professionalism, the roots that are buried he warned. “However, approaching this deep into our community. from a total force perspective, we can “It will be a challenge, because the see — as indeed we have seen — this resource spigot is going to dry up,” he situation much more as an opportunity continued, “and we’re the first target that than as a crisis.” the Air Force and the Army always look to in a time of fiscal constraint.” Continued on Page 21

@ease Express 20 September-October 2011 National Guard braces for challenging future Continued from Page 20 questions on how to maintain its balance within our active force,” Winnefeld said. Schwartz said Air Force reserve Winnefeld pledged to maintain contact component units may gain remotely with the reserve components in his new piloted aircraft missions or ground control role, and also urged teamwork in an station operations for remotely piloted uncertain future. systems. “I would urge you to think creatively,” “I call upon you to continue to expand he said, “and that we all work together the definition of the Guard’s mission set,” towards the collective good for our entire he said. “This will help us increase our military — active, Guard and Reserve. strategic option for finding ways for every “You are the lynchpin of maintaining Guard unit in every state, the District the American people’s connection with of Columbia and the three territories to the military,” he continued. “You live and contribute to the total force mission within work alongside our fellow Americans the constraints imposed upon us by stark in communities from Milwaukee to fiscal reality.” Montgomery. You as Guardsmen are Brig. Gen. John Walsh, NGAUS vice- uniquely postured in your communities chairman, urged his fellow association to take the lead in maintaining and members to take Schwartz’s message to strengthening this dialog. So just as we heart. need to hear from you on the strategic “We need to listen to what he said,” issues you face, they need to hear from Walsh said. “We need to stay focused as you about who we are, and what we an organization. We need to stay focused do proudly each day and every day as as NGAUS. We need to stay focused on members of our nation’s military. what is right for the National Guard. We “We need you to help lead that need to stay focused on what is right for conversation.” the citizens of the United States. And we need to stay focused on what is right for America. The National Guard is part of what is right for America. “Reach out to the citizens in your community,” Walsh continued. “Reach out to the leaders in your community. Make them aware of what’s going on in the National Guard. We need to turn these challenges Gen. Schwartz mentioned into our favor. How can we make what he said today help us make a better National Guard?” Winnefeld developed a strong working relationship with the National Guard Adm. Sandy Winnefeld, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his previous role as commander of received a Concord Minuteman statue following his speech Aug. the U.S. Northern Command, and referred 28 at the National Guard Association of the United States General Conference. Winnefeld spoke about how the Guard has become an to McKinley as a dear friend. He said that Wisconsin National Guard general simply returning the reserve component to integral part of national defense. Wisconsin National Guard photos officers listen as Gen. Norton Schwartz, by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson a strictly strategic reserve role is “a non- Air Force chief of staff, addresses the starter.” conference. “I can tell you the Secretary of Defense recognizes the need for an operational Additional NGAUS http://www.ng.mil/news/ http://www.ng.mil/news/ http://www.ng.mil/news/ reserve, and is asking a lot of good coverage: archives/2011/09/091311-Schwartz.aspx archives/2011/09/091211-Winnefeld.aspx archives/2011/09/091411-Jacoby.aspx

@ease Express 21 September-October 2011 Spc. Tong Her and Pfc. Brent Sliva, both of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) General Conference and 32nd Military Police Company, walk a patrol around the Frontier Airlines Center Exhibition Aug. 27-29. Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard members took part in downtown Milwaukee Aug. 29. The Wisconsin National Guard hosted the 133rd in the security detail. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson BEHIND THE SCENES: Wisconsin Guardsmen part of collaborative security for NGAUS conference In a room at the end of a side hallway “The Milwaukee Police Department Adamson noted. as night shift commander. at the Frontier Airlines Convention Center [made] significant contributions in terms That teamwork extended beyond beat Adamson noted that the Wisconsin in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin of personnel and resources to ensure the patrols. Adamson was responsible for State Patrol brought in motorcycle officers National Guard personnel collaborated safety of this event,” he said. off-site interagency coordination, while from other districts to support Gov. Scott with Milwaukee Police as well as Approximately 60 Wisconsin National Lt. Col. Timothy Covington, commander Walker’s Freedom Ride, and that the representatives from other regional law Guardsmen — members of the 32nd of the Wisconsin National Guard’s 54th Milwaukee Police Department’s harbor enforcement agencies to ensure the 133rd Military Police Company, 115th Security Civil Support Team, was responsible patrol was a great help with lakeside NGAUS general conference went smoothly. Force Squadron and 128th Security Force for off-site coordination with local events at the Milwaukee Art Museum, According to Maj. Joseph Adamson, Squadron — were part of static and roving explosive ordnance disposal teams. Maj. Discovery World and Harley-Davidson former provost marshal for the Wisconsin presence patrols around the Frontier Center. John Wheeler, commander of the 115th Museum. Army National Guard and one of four “It was quite unique that we had SFS, served as day shift commander at “Together we were able to make this members of the NGAUS security three distinct units come together and the Frontier Center, and Capt. Angela an uneventful and enjoyable time for committee, the collaboration was a success. work seamlessly for the NGAUS event,” Hoistion, current provost marshal, served everyone,” he said.

@ease Express 22 September-October 2011 SCENESfrom NGAUS

For additional photos from the NGAUS conference: http://www.ittybittyurl.com/13q

@ease Express 23 September-October 2011 Sgt. Alyson Swanke Wisconsin National Guard. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment The public was invited to join Walker, Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, “As a nation, we watched in shock 10 adjutant general of Wisconsin, and state years ago,” Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch and federal officials to pay tribute to said during the opening minutes of a those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. ceremony of remembrance at the state Remembered were those from Wisconsin capitol. “We all watched. We all flew that died at the twin towers and Pentagon, flags. We all renewed our love of America. as well as first responders, firefighters, In a morning they hoped would lead us to police, and all other who lost their lives in despair, we found unity. In the instant they the attacks on America and in the global wanted us to feel defeat, we found hope.” war on terror. More than 50 family members of fallen “Let us renew our commitment to service members joined government and never forget the victims of 9/11, and military officials and hundreds of citizens remain mindful of the privilege it is to be around the south entrance to the Capitol an American,” Kleefisch said. building for the hour-long ceremony. The ceremony included music by “On a day when we reflect on what the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s happened that day, what is so powerful 132nd Army Band, an F-16 flyover by is not what happened and what was the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s torn down, but rather what was lifted 115th Fighter Wing, 21-gun salute, a up, and what became of us,” said Gov. Scott Walker, commander in chief of the Continued on Page 25

@ease Express 24 September-October 2011 Continued from Page 24 wreath laying and the national moment of silence at 7:46 a.m. Members of the Madison Police Department and Capitol Police posted the nation’s colors, and a joint service color guard retrieved them. Dunbar shared his recollections of being on duty in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001. “I believe the terrorists miscalculated grossly — they proved they could sucker punch us, but we’ve responded,” Dunbar said. “The miscalculation is that they do not understand what America is, and who we are.” On Sept. 11, 2001, Dunbar was working in the National Guard Bureau Click above to see how the Wisconsin a half mile away from the Pentagon, National Guard has supported the global where he felt the impact of the hijacked war on terror during the past 10 years. airliner as it struck the building. If not for men and women,” Walker said. “Not renovations being done at the Pentagon, only the ones that have paid the ultimate Dunbar and the National Guard Bureau sacrifice, but their comrades who are itself would have been in the building at still serving today, who show that out the time of the attack. of something as tragic and horrific as “We made a few decisions that night, what happened a decade ago, that instead right then and there,” Dunbar said. “We of fear and horror, we see honor, and decided we would continue to live our life devotion, and commitment, and pride. with confidence in our nation. That’s what America is about.” “As Americans, we had to decide what “They thought they could defeat us we would do on a personal level,” he by knocking down a few buildings and continued. “The next day the answer came burning our Pentagon,” Dunbar said. as our country returned to work. We made “They did not understand that our strength a decision as a nation that we would not is in our freedom, our Constitution and in live in fear.” our people. We are a resilient nation, and The Wisconsin National Guard has despite being countered at again and again deployed more than 14,000 Soldiers throughout history, our nation always rises and Airmen in support of the global war to the occasion.” on terror since Sept. 11, 2001. Many “Ten years ago America walked Wisconsin National Guard members through the valley of the shadow death, have deployed more than once. Every but these United States are one nation, unit in the Wisconsin National Guard under God, indivisible,” said Kleefish. has supported to some extent the global “We will fear no evil.” war on terror. Among the 153 Wisconsin A Freedom Walk, sponsored by service members who gave their lives, 10 Operation Homefront, took place at the were Wisconsin National Guard members. Capitol Square immediately following the “This is the next great generation of ceremony.

@ease Express 25 September-October 2011 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin Wisconsin National Guard Ten years ago, in the days immediately following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on America, major league sports events were cancelled in recognition of the magnitude of the tragedy. Ten years later, the Milwaukee Brewers took to the field and saluted veterans and members of the Wisconsin National Guard. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, approved. “The decision the public made on that day [in 2001] not to live in fear, to continue to live their lives, to keep their hopes and dreams alive ... that decision was a key point for our country,” Dunbar said to Brian Anderson and Bill Schroeder, Continued on Page 27

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, was among distinguished military veterans throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game Sept. 11. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Carlynn M. Knaak

@ease Express 26 September-October 2011 Inset: Bill Schroeder, the Milwaukee Brewers in-game color analyst with Fox Brewers salute Sports Wisconsin, interviews Hannah Statz, 13, as her siblings Thomas, 10, and Alison, 7, and Jerry Augustine, a Brewers Guardsmen, veterans Live analyst with Fox Sports Wisconsin, look on. Hannah’s father, Wisconsin Continued from Page 26 Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Statz, is presently deployed to Milwaukee Brewers television analysts Afghanistan in support of Operation for Fox Sports Wisconsin, during an in- Enduring Freedom. Wisconsin National game interview. “I can tell you, baseball Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin is America’s national pastime. This is something you get together as families and go out, and this is part of that living life, not living in fear.” Fox Sports Network, through its “Operation Home Base” program, made 500 tickets and commemorative T-shirts to the Sept. 11 game against the Philadelphia Phillies available to Wisconsin National Guard members. Guard members appreciated the gesture. “I recently got back from a volunteer deployment to Afghanistan, and I would just like to say thank you for the tickets,” said Sgt. James Lauck of Company C, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry of the Wisconsin Army National Guard. “The game was excellent and the crew topped it off with a win.” Dunbar joined five other veterans prior Above, Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, center, to the game in throwing the ceremonial adjutant general of Wisconsin, Russ first pitch. Spahn, retired Greenfield fire chief, and “A little low,” Dunbar quipped in the five other veterans — Hector Sepulveda, broadcast booth. Army; James Brooks, Marines; Ed Fox Sports sideline reporters Gleason, Coast Guard; Lee Phipps, interviewed troops and their families Navy; and Phylena Fowler, Air Force — during the game. One Wisconsin National applaud as members of the Milwaukee Guard family was invited down to the Brewers are announced before the field after the Brewers’ 3-2 victory. Sept. 11 baseball game at Miller Park. Darla Statz and her children Hannah, 13, 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Thomas, 7, and Allison, 7 were selected photo by Sgt. Tyler Lasure because Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Statz, a member of the Volk Field Combat Left, Mark Concannon, a reporter Readiness training Center, is presently with Fox Sports Wisconsin, interviews deployed to Afghanistan in support of Staff Sgt. Jeremy Wilson of the Operation Enduring Freedom. Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Ed Gleason, a Coast Guard veteran Air Refueling Wing’s public affairs who took part in the ceremonial first pitch team, along with David and Samantha with Dunbar, expressed his appreciation Harrison. Wisconsin National Guard for the special event. photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin “It was a memorable day,” he said.

@ease Express 27 September-October 2011 2nd Lt. Matthew Wunderlin factors that could prevent the flight. “It is best not to get The component of me that normally chooses that 115th Fighter Wing too excited,” my mature side reasons. which is easier over that which is more fun tries to absorb The second step is a medical evaluation. There the many details. “To undo the straps in order to get out “Eat bananas for breakfast. I hear they taste the same is a screening questionnaire, blood pressure check, of the aircraft in a ground emergency remember ‘two, going up as coming down,” is the last piece of advice I measurements to ensure I will fit into the cockpit, and one, two, one’ and everything else will disconnect on its get during egress-hanging-harness training. I discover the advice as to how to handle multiple g’s during the flight. own,” I practice - repeatedly. next day this is not true. It is also the first time I hear about bananas as an optimal That night I have a difficult time going to sleep Ever since I was 7 years old and received a toy F-16 as breakfast choice. Finally, I am informed many people get because my 7-year-old self will not stop talking and a gift, I dreamed of flying in the jet. Life had gotten in the sick so I should be ready to use air-sickness bags, or if bouncing around. way of my becoming a pilot; however, in 2007 I received necessary, to pull open my shirt and do my business in a The morning of the flight, the portion of me that has national recognition that added my name to the list of way that will not damage the expensive electronics. learned to enjoy fiber heaves out of bed and downs a few those privileged enough to receive an incentive flight. “Don’t worry, I’ll be good,” my younger self chimes bananas - annoyed at having to skip coffee. Because the F-16 is a single-seat aircraft, few get while fidgeting with a pen. Two hours before liftoff brings the fourth step in the the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of flying The part of me that had recently argued the merits of preflight process, a briefing with the pilot. He reviews the in one. The 115th Fighter Wing is one of a handful of owning a minivan begins to make a checklist of extra weather, procedures and where we will be going. Then he units that has a two-seat version of the aircraft used for clothes to pack for the following day’s flight. “Pick up asks what I hope to do during the flight. He offers several training, familiarization and incentive flights. some bananas tonight,” I also note. aerobatic suggestions. Since flying in the F-16 is uncommon, I want to share The third step is an extended visit to the aircrew “Yes! I want to do that. And that! And that! And my experience. It is the experience of a 7-year-old boy flight equipment shop. The folks there do a great job that,” my younger self staccatos. “This is going to be attempting to escape from the body of a nearly 36-year- of entertaining while explaining about 600 procedures awesome!” old man in a way that only breakfast bananas can. and pieces of equipment designed to ensure that when The edition of me that wakes up most nights to use the There are four steps prior to the flight. The first step is I go up, I will come back down. After drinking from bathroom apparently missed this meeting because there notification of the flight date. that fire hose, I am suspended from a device to practice was no counterargument. “Yippee skippy,” my 7-year-old self exclaims as parachuting procedures in a worst-case scenario. Shortly after the briefing my family arrives to watch youthful antsiness fills my body. “What’s this do? What’s that do? This is fun,” I the flight. My older self wonders whether we will even fly that exclaim. The less decrepit version of me clearly has day. I know from experience that there are numerous ADD. Continued on Page 29

@ease Express 28 September-October 2011 After years of waiting, Airman finally experiences childhood dream of flying in an F-16 Continued from Page 28 calmness before rushing back towards the ground. Soon I get control of the aircraft “Hey, look at me. Look at me! Look for some aerobatics while the pilot talks at my helmet. It has a mask and a visor me through them. Next, we explore the and everything! Isn’t my suit amazing,” MOA. It is beautiful. A canopy provides rattles my younger, less reserved and more much better view than a postage-stamp- ambitious self. sized commercial airline window, and “I’d better put the barf bags in a spot the maneuverability of the jet more than for easy access,” my accustomed-to- makes up for the restricted bodies inside. checking-for-elongated-nose-and-ear-hair Halfway into the flight we do an personality concludes. aerobatic maneuver that makes me a little We walk out to the jet. While the pilot nauseous. However, as quickly as the makes small talk about the book I recently nausea comes, it goes. A few minutes later published, my child self wants to skip as we do more sightseeing, it happens. I and my adult self wants to go wait in the barely have time to get my air-sickness minivan. The flight line smells of exhaust bag open. In my head I apologize to the and heated asphalt. pilot because I do not have time to shut I climb the ladder into the cockpit my radio off. and get strapped in. It is a tight fit, but Bananas do not taste the same going up somewhat comfortable given the small as coming down. space, though I cannot imagine enduring Immediately after, I am back to feeling a cramped transoceanic flight. There is normal. We do a little more exploration. a fan between my knees that I adjust Then the pilot gives me control of the to blow cool air on my neck. My green aircraft and tells me I can do whatever I flight gloves make this more difficult than want. Like most human beings, I have no anticipated. In my helmet I hear the radio, idea what to do with complete freedom, the not-so-distant noise of other aircraft 2nd Lt. Matthew Wunderlin receives an incentive flight Sept. 11, at Truax Field, so I fly straight and level for awhile. on the runway, and my own breathing, Madison. Wunderlin was selected for an incentive flight back in 2007 after being Eventually I do more sharp turns and slightly more labored than usual in the recognized as the Air National Guard Command Post Controller of the year. He is another loop. rubber mask. tied for the unofficial record of most canceled incentive flights.115th Fighter Wing The pilot takes control again and I feel the vibration of the engine photo by Paul Gorman “yadda, yadda, yadda” I put more banana through my body. The canopy closes with a commercial airliner land. I wonder if the but mostly I just notice my eyelids seem into another bag. a “humpf.” The noise of other aircraft passengers inside see us. I look towards to be stuck half shut. Oddly enough, at this point aerobatics around me disappears. The fan accelerates the airport and wonder if there is a 7-year- We level off and an overwhelming feel better than flying straight. and the air on my neck is colder. I adjust old boy inside looking out the window in rush of adrenaline fills my body. I shake I hear the pilot say we have to return my seat height so my helmet is a fist hopes he can see a fighter jet. with excitement as I am offered control home. It feels like only a couple of away from the clear canopy. My tongue In an instant we are moving. At first, of the aircraft to fly to the Military minutes have passed, but in reality we are is dry. I look around as the pilot finishes it does not feel much different than a Operating Area. The stick hardly moves, nearly an hour into the flight. I try to soak his checks. I have a hard time observing commercial airliner although I notice we but it senses pressure. I am surprised, as up the remainder of the experience with what is outside the jet because my gear are off the ground a lot sooner. I hear the someone not a pilot, at how quickly the all my senses. Finally, all too soon, we fly partially blocks my view and the tight pilot talking to me and mentioning we are controls seem to become an extension of over the base, turn hard left and land. straps restrict my movement. I have at 100 feet. I turn to look for my family as my body. I barely remember taxiing, exiting the jet “precompetition jitters.” I hear our engine roar. We get to the MOA and the real fun and returning my gear. I cannot believe it is Then we start to move. As we taxi, I Immediately my head is glued begins. First, we do some g-force testing. over. I cannot believe I just got to do that. have the impression I must be someone sideways to my seat, and my body Then we do some aerobatics. My favorite All too quickly, I am back to my else. I fumble to pull down my visor experiences the power of a jet accelerating is a loop. Massive g-forces strain my routine. However, as I drive my minivan to keep the sun out of my eyes. I hear as it travels vertically to 15,000 feet in body while the jet surges straight up, home that night I take the time to think that we have been approved for an a couple of seconds. I feel the g-suit and then as the jet crests past vertical it about how “a 7-year-old boy’s dream unrestricted takeoff to 15,000 feet. I watch compress around my legs and stomach, feels like floating. It is a strange sense of came true today.”

@ease Express 29 September-October 2011 Staff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment More than 200 Soldiers, Airmen and family volunteers met with senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders Sept. 17 in Oconomowoc to discuss the resiliency of service members, families and volunteers at the 2011 Wisconsin National Guard Family Program Conference. “Standing Strong: Ready, Responsible and Resilient,” the theme of this year’s conference, was designed to familiarize attendees with the State Family Program, improve personal and family preparedness and to enhance the readiness of the Holly Bednarek, senior family readiness Wisconsin National Guard. advisor for First Army, speaks to “We are here to honor our volunteers,” family volunteers on the challenges said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant faced during deployments at the general of Wisconsin. “We are here to say 2011 National Guard Family Program thank you for all that you do supporting Conference held in Oconomowoc Sept. our Soldiers and our Airmen.” 17. Dunbar said that Soldiers and Airmen could not focus on defending the country conference focused on dealing with without support from home. differences in communication, challenges Keynote speakers addressed topics service members and families face with such as volunteer resiliency, the transition multiple deployments, personal financial home from deployment, breathing counseling, learning how to respond and relaxation techniques for stress constructively, forming family bonds and management, and spiritual resiliency after reframing trains of thought. crisis. The goal of these workshops was “Everybody has something they’re to introduce volunteers and families dealing with,” said Holly Bednarek, senior to the Army and Air dimensions of Retired Naval officer Chip Lutz, Yellow Ribbon cadre speaker for the Center for family readiness advisor for First Army. strength and how to build resiliency and Excellence, addresses the challenges faced when service members return from “We can all help each other in some way.” enhance performance in the physical, deployment. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photos by Staff Sgt. Michelle “As family programs, what we’re social, emotional, spiritual and family Gonzalez really trying to help people do when they dimensions. participated in a panel discussion with the volunteers; and how to communicate with come back home are deal with those “The conference overall gave families highest ranking members of the Wisconsin families lacking access to social media different forces of change,” said Chip and volunteers a chance to rejuvenate, National Guard leadership. Issues sites like Facebook. Lutz, a retired Naval officer and Yellow learn something new and to focus on discussed at the panel included how the “Every year the conference is about Ribbon cadre speaker for the Center for topics outside of the day-to-day duties national budget will impact the National including families and volunteers and Excellence. “The key thing is to reiterate of an FRG [family readiness group] Guard and its services; the impact to introducing the services and programs that getting back to life is just like riding a volunteer,” said Lisa Kluetz, family families of in-state mobilizations, disaster available through the Service Member bicycle. It takes a little bit of practice and program director for the Service Member relief and troop rotations; differences Support Division in a way that is a little bit of time.” Support Division. between National Guard and active duty meaningful to everybody attending,” Other workshops offered at the Volunteers and family members also deployment training; crisis response for Kluetz said.

@ease Express 30 September-October 2011 Red Arrow honed for potential Cold War conflict 50 years ago 1st Lt. Brian Faltinson Wisconsin Army National Guard Five decades ago the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 32nd Division — the famed “Red Arrow” division from World War I and II — was called upon again as the world appeared headed for another European conflict. In June 1961, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev challenged newly elected U.S. President John F. Kennedy by declaring that the Soviet Union would sign a separate peace treaty with East Germany. This treaty would end guaranteed access to the divided city of Berlin by American, English and French occupational forces. At the end of World War II, the four major allied powers divided Germany into four sections, with the Soviet-held portion becoming East Germany. Berlin, the capital of Nazi Germany, was located in East Germany but was also divided At left, Red Arrow troops embark by into zones of occupation by the four allied train to Fort Lewis, Wash., for several powers. The Soviet zone became East months of training in the event the Cold Berlin, while the other three zones were War turned hot. Above, LIFE magazine known as West Berlin. The divided city captured an image very familiar today, served as a point of tension between the but in 1961 not seen in a generation — Americans and Soviets as the Cold War Wisconsin National Guard troops being emerged in the late 1940s. In June 1948, called to federal active duty. the world was brought to the brink of war technicians, teachers and other signaled the young president’s potential when the Soviets blockaded land access professionals. The loss of these people weakness. As a result, Khrushchev divisions for the Army and two for the to West Berlin in order to gain complete significantly impacted the economic calculated that it was time to address his Marine Corps. control of the city. For nearly a year, the vitality of East Germany, undermined Berlin problem. Kennedy requested an increase in the air forces of six nations supplied West the nation’s political structure and was a On June 4, 1961 in Vienna, Khrushchev active Army from 875,000 men to one Berlin until the Soviets relented. negative Cold War propaganda point for issued an ultimatum to Kennedy that, million, along with large increases to the Tensions between the Soviets and the Soviet Union. by year’s end, the Soviet Union would Air Force and Navy. He also requested the Western powers regarding Berlin Khrushchev and President Dwight sign a treaty with East Germany ending the ability to call up National Guard simmered throughout the 1950s. However, Eisenhower negotiated various issues in guaranteed Western power access to East and Reserve forces as part of this force during the decade, millions of East the late 1950s, including the division of Berlin. In an address to the nation on July increase. Khrushchev viewed this as Germans escaped the Iron Curtain by Berlin. A major summit regarding Berlin 25, 1961, Kennedy responded by stating a threat of war. On Aug. 13, 1961, the traveling to West Berlin. By 1961, 20 was scheduled in Paris in May 1960, but his willingness to talk with the Soviets East Germans initiated the long-planned percent of the East German population was canceled after Gary Power’s U-2 spy over the issue of Berlin. He announced closure of West Berlin by constructing had fled the country. While the number plane was shot down by the Soviets. In that the United States “will seek peace, the Berlin Wall around the city. The wall of people leaving was significant, the April 1961, after only a few months in but will not surrender,” and part of his was designed to stop the flow of East most alarming aspect to East German office, Kennedy ordered the Bay of Pigs address included a request to Congress Germans to the west. During the wall’s and Soviet authorities was that most of invasion of Cuba. A complete failure, for an additional $3.25 billion in defense these people were engineers, physicians, the invasion in the eyes of the Soviets funds and the ability to raise six new Continued on Page 32

@ease Express 31 September-October 2011 32nd Division called up in response to Berlin Crisis Continued from Page 31 construction, the Soviet Union maintained a significant force around West Berlin. By October, American and Soviet tanks stared at each other from their respective sides of the city. During this time the National Guard maintained a force of 27 divisions, of which seven were considered as “high- priority” units. These priority units were 30th and 49th Armored Divisions of Tennessee and Texas, and the following infantry divisions: 13th (North Carolina), 26th (Massachusetts), 28th (Pennsylvania), 32nd (Wisconsin) and the 38th (Indiana). Under the pentomic configuration of five battle groups (formerly battalions within a regiment), an infantry division on paper numbered 13,748 troops while an armored division totaled 14,617 Soldiers. However, these seven priority units were authorized only around 71 percent of their combat strength while the other 20 divisions maintained an authorized strength between 55 and Above, 32nd Division Soldiers condut rapid assault 65 percent. Guard divisions also only training with helicopter transport. Below, Soldiers possessed about two-thirds of its heavy from Company E, 127th Infantry at the rifle grenade equipment and no units fielded the new range. M-14 rifle or M-60 tank. Some units, however, were issued the Honest John with 146 smaller elements. Although not a formal alert, field artillery rocket and 8-inch howitzer, the order essentially was a warning of a possible call to both of which had nuclear capabilities. active duty. Such call-ups would allow the Pentagon to On Sept. 6, 1961, the Pentagon deploy up to six active duty stateside divisions to Europe ordered 148,000 Guardsmen, Reservists with the mobilized Guard and Reserve units backfilling and Ready Reservists to undertake their positions in the United States. Eventually, the 32nd “combat readiness” training consisting Division and the 49th Armored Division were activated of a second weekend drill per month. and its troops told to report to their armories on Oct. 15 52,000 of these Soldiers were from the for up to one year of stateside training. Ready Reserve (today’s Inactive Ready Wisconsin’s 32nd Division was one of the Guard’s Reserve) and their mission was to bring “high-priority” units. In the summer of 1961, the division units closer to operational strength. was within 100 men of its authorized strength of 10,200. Shortly before, Congress had granted During its summer annual training period, the division Kennedy authorization to call up 250,000 earned 13 staff-level and 24 company-level superior unit Guard and Reserve Soldiers without awards with many other elements rated as excellent. an emergency declaration. Within this The division headquarters was located in Milwaukee’s number were the 26th, 28th 32nd and 49th Divisions of the National Guard along Continued on Page 33

@ease Express 32 September-October 2011 Garrison life proved first challenge for Red Arrow Continued from Page 32 sprawling Richards Street Armory with its five infantry battle groups clustered in communities around their headquarters in Eau Claire, Elkhorn, Milwaukee, Appleton and Oshkosh. The division possessed a significant number of experienced Soldiers throughout its ranks, starting with its commander — Maj. Gen. Herbert Smith. Enlisting in 1919 as an Army private, Smith joined the Wisconsin National Guard in 1921 and was activated with the rest of the 32nd Division in 1940. During most of World War II, then Lt. Col. Smith commanded the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, which served with distinction in the Pacific Theater. In addition to Smith, the division’s ranks included more than 80 other Soldiers who had been activated with the division in 1940 — many of whom were now senior commissioned and non-commissioned officers. After about a week at home station, the division’s advance party flew to Fort Lewis, Wash., to prepare for the division’s arrival. They cleaned barracks mothballed since World War II and cut the cantonment area’s knee-high grass — in between Above, combined arms training in Yakima, Wash. Photo courtesy Carl Birk At right, half-mile hikes to the nearest mess hall. learning to rappel in the thick Washington wilderness. The rest of the division received a final truck in Montana, killing six civilians. conditions nurtured questions among weekend furlough to spend with families; Once at Fort Lewis, the men of the many Soldiers as to their purpose at Fort many celebrating Thanksgiving a few 32nd engaged in the time-honored troop Lewis. weeks early. In scenes reminiscent of ritual of complaining. Conditions were Some Soldiers made their thoughts those 21 years earlier, thousands tearfully cramped as 4,000 reservists trickled in known to the state’s Congressional watched their community’s Soldiers board to fill out the division’s strength to near delegation. U.S. Rep. Alvin O’Konski one of 17 troop trains that would carry 14,000. With classrooms pressed into received 16 petitions and, after a three-day them away into service for the nation. Two barracks, training shifted outdoors during tour of the base, called for an investigation thousand more trekked via automobile the area’s notorious rainy season. Most of by the House Armed Services Committee. across the Rocky Mountains in an era these buildings had not been used since U.S. Sen. William Proxmire conducted before interstate highways, and 1,500 the war and possessed few amenities a surprise visit to Fort Lewis and spent experienced their first airplane ride on a — hot water and furnaces were notably considerable time interviewing enlisted chartered commercial carrier. All arrived missing. Supplies and equipment were Soldiers about living conditions, training safely despite the fact that one car with slow to arrive, and there was much idle and general thoughts on the deployment. two Soldiers fell nearly 4,000 feet in the time as the division was brought up to mountains, and a troop train hit a gravel strength and adjusted to active duty. These Continued on Page 34

@ease Express 33 September-October 2011 Training began in earnest after a Christmas furlough. Soldiers spent 32nd Division proves its hours on ranges honing their skills with individual and crew-served weapons. Once complete, the division moved onto value during Berlin Crisis more advanced training with a large-unit focus. The 32nd had not maneuvered Continued from Page 33 as a division since World War II. Drills Ultimately, Proxmire explained that and annual training had focused only on many of the division’s supply problems creating proficient squads, platoons and stemmed from the different supply companies. The complexity of exercises systems of the Guard and the regular increased with a combined arms focus, as Army, but the Army’s individual filler well as in joint maneuvers with the regular policy to bring the unit up to full strength Army’s 4th Division, which was also also concerned him. stationed at Fort Lewis. After some bad press, the men of the The division participated in several 32nd did not want to give the impression large-scale exercises and special training that they were whining. Pvt. Laurence events in the winter and spring of 1962. Matzat clarified to theMilwaukee Journal The 1st Battle Group, 128th Infantry about the deployment: “It’s a soldier’s was the first unit in the Army to undergo prerogative to gripe, but there is a counter-guerilla training, culminating with Above, after several difference between griping and crying.” an exercise in the rainforests of Olympic months of intensive Other issues sorted themselves out as National Park against Special Forces training, the 32nd training tempo increased and Soldiers units. Division returned to were allowed to live off post if their In March, several elements trekked to Wisconsin. At right, families followed them from Wisconsin. California’s Fort Irwin for desert training mortar training in the Kennedy addressed the need for the where they participated in vast artillery, field.Photos courtesy activation when he said, “We called them armor and helicopter exercises. In May, Carl Birk in to prevent a war, not to fight a war.” the training culminated in a massive The deployment placed a significant exercise at the Yakima Firing Center. strain on Soldiers’ families and their Dubbed “Operation Mesa Drive,” it communities. The small northern featured the entire 32nd Division, regular Wisconsin town of Rib Lake petitioned Army elements and Air Forces assets. It the governor for a physician after its was the Army’s largest military exercise sole doctor deployed with the division. since World War II and it simulated a Privates who earned little more than combined conventional and nuclear $100 a month wondered how they could battlefield. pay their mortgages and support their The 32nd Division’s hard training paid families. Soldiers with small businesses off when it was made part of the Strategic pondered what condition their businesses Army Corps (STRAC), which meant would be in after they returned home. that the division could deploy anywhere The deployment even affected the Green in the world ready for war within a few Bay Packers, who had three players in the hours. The division maintained this status Army Reserve. Shortly after star halfback until two new regular Army divisions Paul Hornung deployed with an engineer were ready for duty. With STRAC status unit to Fort Riley, Kan., linebacker Ray achieved, the division’s training schedule Nitscke and flanker Boyd Dowler received lightened considerably. Many received word that they were going to Fort Lewis passes to visit Seattle or the majestic with the 32nd Division. The Packers and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. In the Army eventually agreed to furlough August, the men of the 32nd Division Nitscke and Dowler on weekends so they returned to Wisconsin to resume their could play — however, the Packers had civilian lives with the full knowledge that to provide a game film for the Wisconsin their division was ready to defend and troops’ entertainment. serve the United States.

@ease Express 34 September-October 2011 Gov. Scott Walker formally promoted Dunbar thanked family and friends for the adjutant general of Wisconsin to the attending and for participating, noting that rank of major general during an Oct. 3 it made the event more meaningful. He ceremony at the State Capitol in Madison. also mentioned two special people who Walker officially promoted Maj. Gen. could not attend — his mother, Peggy, and Don Dunbar in August. However, it is his father-in-law, Buzz Donegan (USMC) a tradition for the governor to promote — both of whom passed away in 2009. Wisconsin National Guard general officers He concluded his brief remarks by with a formal ceremony at the capitol. praising the Wisconsin National Guard “I am honored to continue this tradition and the work they do for our state and here today,” Walker said, “and to officially nation. “It is a privilege to be the adjutant bestow the rank of major general to general and serve the men and women an outstanding senior officer of the of the Wisconsin National Guard,” he Wisconsin National Guard.” explained. “I pledge that I will do my very Several people took part in Dunbar’s best not to let them down.” pinning ceremony. Walker and Dunbar’s Gov. Scott Walker and Colleen Dunbar wife, Colleen, pinned the major general pin major general rank to the uniform rank on Dunbar’s jacket, while Dunbar’s of Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant father Phil and mother-in-law Ida general of Wisconsin, during a formal Donegan put the new two-star shoulder promotion ceremony Oct. 3 at the boards on his epaulets. His sister Margie State Capitol. Wisconsin National Guard Wildason pinned the rank on his hat. photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin

Warrant Officer Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig T. Krenz reconnaissance sergeant until 1990, when 4 Craig T. Krenz, of Tomah, Wis., command chief warrant he transferred to the Headquarters State the command officer for the Wisconsin Army National Area Command in Madison. chief warrant Guard, was promoted to the rank of chief Krenz was appointed as a warrant officer for the warrant officer 5 in a Sept. 19 ceremony at officer in 1992 after completing the Wisconsin Army Joint Force Headquarters, Madison. Warrant Officer Candidate Course at Fort National Guard, The rank of chief warrant officer 5 is McCoy, and served as a military personnel was promoted the highest attainable as a warrant officer. technician in both the Headquarters State

Sept. 19 to the “I’m humbled and I’m honored,” Area Command and 232nd Personnel rank of chief Krenz said. “I’ve had the fortune of Services Company. warrant officer 5. having a great career.” In February 2009, he mobilized for His father, Bruce active duty with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Krenz, and wife During the ceremony, Krenz imparted Combat Team and served in Iraq in Jeanine, help lessons learned throughout his career. support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. pin on the new “The best thing I can pass on to anybody Upon his return, he rejoined Joint rank. Wisconsin is know your commander’s intent.” Force Headquarters and was selected as National Guard Krenz enlisted in 1980 with the the command chief warrant officer for the photo by Staff Headquarters Company, 724th Engineer Wisconsin Army National Guard where Sgt. Michelle Battalion located in Superior. He served he serves as the principal advisor to the Gonzalez as a vehicle driver, unit clerk, personnel adjutant general on warrant officer policy, staff non-commissioned officer and career management and assignments.

@ease Express 35 September-October 2011 Meritorious service

Two Wisconsin residents — a National Guard Program’s state advisory council. In 2010 she was officer and a civilian — received awards Aug. named to the Pro Bono Honor Roll for providing 29 at the National Guard Association of the pro bono legal services to service members, United States (NGAUS) annual convention in veterans and families of service members in Milwaukee. Wisconsin. Capt. Jason Crabb, of Verona, chief of future “Those who know me well know that I am operations with the Wisconsin National Guard rarely speechless,” she said. “However, I am at a Joint Staff, is one of six national recipients of loss for words because of the magnitude of this the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for recognition. The National Guard family, both Company Grade Officers. A Wisconsin Air service members and volunteers, is filled with National Guard member for 14 years with three kind and hardworking people, full of integrity years in the active component Air Force, he and courage. To be chosen by that same National spent many years as the officer in charge of the Guard family, and nominated by people for whom Wisconsin National Guard’s Joint Operations I have great respect, is an unparalleled honor for Center. His performance in that role prompted his me.” nomination. Van Kirk said she volunteers because she “It’s an honor and a privilege to receive this enjoys helping families and service members, award,” he said. “I’m glad to have the opportunity Wisconsin Air National Guard Capt. Jason Crabb, chief of future and has enjoyed opportunities to learn, observe to represent Wisconsin on our home turf.” operations with the Wisconsin National Guard Joint Staff, received deployment training, and hear Gen. William Lt. Col. David May, with the Wisconsin the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for company-grade Casey, Jr., former Army Chief of Staff. National Guard’s operations directorate for officers Aug. 29. With Crabb are Brig. Gen. William Burks, left, “I have also had the distinct pleasure of military support, has supervised Crabb for nearly NGAUS vice chairman for Air, and Col. Murray Hansen, chairman of meeting amazing service members, family three years in the Joint Operations Center. the awards committee. members and volunteers who will be my lifelong “When I saw the award, Jason was the first friends,” she said. one I thought of,” May said. “He’s an outstanding Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of leader. He understands operations, he’s a strategic Wisconsin, said both recipients deserved their thinker, he’s mature beyond his years and has the awards. experience to back him up.” “The Wisconsin National Guard is blessed to According to the award citation, “His ardent have individuals such as Capt. Crabb and Ms. Van and steadfast efforts, combined with shrewd Kirk who embody the dedication and devotion of resource management and development of our organization,” Dunbar said. “The bedrock of assigned personnel, has enabled the Wisconsin the National Guard rests upon professionalism, Joint Operations Center to grow into a robust and volunteerism and family. Without those vital mature asset critical to the Wisconsin National components, we could not succeed in our mission Guard’s response capability.” to safeguard community and country.” Crabb said the award is not an individual The Theodore Roosevelt Leadership achievement, noting that outstanding officers and Award, first presented in 2006, recognizes the noncommissioned officers are responsible for a achievements and dedicated service of Army and successful Joint Operations Center. Air junior officers who demonstrate outstanding Jennifer Van Kirk, of Brookfield, a partner leadership and professionalism in their service to in the Milwaukee law firm Peckerman, Klein country and community. and Van Kirk since 2009, is one of five national Jennifer Van Kirk received the Patrick Henry Award for exceptional The Patrick Henry Award, created in 1989, recipients of the Patrick Henry Award. A service to the National Guard by local officials or civic leaders recognizes local officials and civic leaders who Wisconsin National Guard Family Program Aug. 29. With Van Kirk are Brig. Gen. John Walsh, left, NGAUS vice distinguish themselves by exceptional service to volunteer since 2004, Van Kirk has served in chairman for Army; Burks, and Hansen. Wisconsin National Guard the U.S. Armed Forces, the National Guard or several volunteer positions and on the Family photos by Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Rohloff NGAUS.

@ease Express 36 September-October 2011 Meritorious service Veterans, Commissioning Families, ceremony breaks Retirees another glass ceiling National Guard, Reserve 1st Lt. Kevin Steele 732nd Combat Support Sustainment families eligible for Battalion tutoring service Sgt. 1st Class Christina Pagenkopf, Tutor.com services are now available of Durand, Wis., became the first female to families of all members of the National Wisconsin National Guard Soldier Guard and Reserve Components, to commission into a basic branch regardless of their duty status. in Wisconsin Army National Guard Prior to this expansion, Guard and history during a Sept. 26 commissioning Reserve families could only access free ceremony at Camp Williams. Tutor.com services while on Title 10 Until 2004, female Soldiers could not (Active Duty). receive a direct commission into one of This is a collaborative effort between the basic branches such as military police, the Department of Defense Morale quartermaster, and signal corps. Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Library Pagenkopf encountered resistance Program and the DoD Yellow Ribbon when she started pursuing the idea of Reintegration Program. As members of becoming an officer in late 2009, as many the Reserve Components continue to people told her a female could not receive operate at a high tempo, it is critical that a direct commission into a basic branch. families are provided resources to focus “I didn’t believe them,” she said, and on the health, well-being and education of checked into Army regulations. She students and children. learned that the regulations had changed National Guard and Reserve families — since 2004 there have been no rules can now receive online tutoring and preventing her from at least attempting to homework assistance from Tutor.com become an officer. Col. John Van de Loop leads Sgt. 1st Class Christina Pagenkopf in a direct at no charge. This program allows K-12 The process of earning a direct commissioning ceremony Sept. 26 at Camp Williams. Wisconsin National Guard and adult students to connect to a live commission takes many months, and photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson tutor online at anytime for help with exceeds what is required for a Soldier to “I just wanted to further my career,” approval of — Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, homework, studying, exam preparation, attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). she said, shrugging off the “first female” commander of the Wisconsin Army college coursework and more. According to Army regulations, not only label. National Guard. Guard and Reserve families accessing must the candidate be “exceptionally In a recommendation letter, Lt. Col. At the commissioning ceremony, Capt. services at Tutor.com are matched with qualified” they must also be a non- Emond — commander of the 732nd David Best — who pinned the officer’s one of more than 2,500 carefully screened commissioned officer, be at least 22 years Combat Support Sustainment Battalion rank on her uniform — said he knew her experts who include certified teachers, old, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, — said of Pagenkopf: “She is an potential when she served as his platoon college professors, graduate students, pass the Army Physical Fitness Test with exceptionally talented and gifted NCO sergeant on deployment. select undergraduates from accredited a minimum of 70 points in each event, who consistently produces superb results. “She was one of the best platoon universities and other professionals. and meet the rigorous medical screening Her appointment will greatly enhance sergeants out there,” he said. “Her Tutor.com tutors are primarily based in requirements. the Officer Corps of the Wisconsin Army new platoon sergeant will have to use the U.S. and Canada with some bilingual “I didn’t want to be stuck — I wanted National Guard and the United States minimum time training her because of specialists located internationally. This to grow and not miss any opportunities,” Army.” her exceptional skills and work ethic. She service is offered at no cost to families of she said. Pagenkopf also said she wanted In addition to getting her battalion epitomizes the first line of the NCO creed, the Guard and Reserve members. to influence others, and becoming an commander’s approval, Pagenkopf which states ‘No one is more professional These enhanced services took effect officer would provide that opportunity. also had to meet with — and gain the than I.’” Oct. 3.

@ease Express 37 September-October 2011 Veterans, Families, Retirees service. Lison, Jr., adjutant general of Wisconsin for you. Visit the link Education on the Services, hours for The 2012 How to Nominate letter of in 1974, executed a Memorandum of Service Provider Monthly Communication instruction and information on how to Agreement authorizing WINGA, Inc. to Calendar to access a flyer that includes the Retiree Activities Offices make a nomination can be downloaded administer the SSLI Program. following: The Retiree Activities Office (RAO) from the Retiree Activities Office (RAO) SGLI is offered by the federal • Webinars on evaluating online provides guidance and information to web site at: http://dma.wi.gov/dma/ government and is only available to active schools and Tutor.com and a Moderated retirees and spouses of retirees, of all retirees. Printed copies of the documents Guardsmen. Once you separate or retire Chat on discovering your career passion ranks and services. The RAO provides are available upon request through the from the Guard, the SGLI insurance • Orderable Materials including information on military status, TRICARE, Retiree Activities Office or the Hall of program terminates. You have the option a booklet and CD titled How to Help Your military ID cards, survivor benefits, death Honor program administrator. to convert SGLI to Veterans Group Life Child Succeed in School and the booklets reporting and much more. Due to current regulations, the Insurance (VGLI), but VGLI will be a Learning Never Stops and Ten Everyday Retirees may provide an e-mail Department of Military Affairs is unable more expensive option. Also, you cannot Math Activities for Parents and Kids address, to include first name, middle to provide copies of retiree records to insure your family under VGLI. • Articles including topics such initial, last name, retired military grade non-DoD employees, but copies of needed SSLI is available to all active as dealing with bullying, special needs and branch of service to widma.retiree@ records will be attached to nomination Guardsmen (Army and Air), separated education, money and your college wisconsin.gov to be added to the RAO’s packets before they are forwarded to guardsmen, retirees, spouses and student, off duty education programs, e-mail data base. The RAO also has a the Hall of Honor selection board. dependent children. Active Guardsmen keeping in touch with your child’s teacher website that provides a lot of information Nominators should therefore put extra receive a 70 percent bonus in addition during deployment, and organizing your for retirees and can be found at http://dma. emphasis on the narrative portion of their to their base coverage at no additional child’s school life at home wi.gov/retirees. nomination. cost after your first year in the program. • Tools and Services such as The Madison RAO is located at Joint Questions about the Hall of Honor Separated and retired guardsmen receive Podcasts on Countrywide Home Loans Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street, program and the nomination process can a 10 percent bonus. Guardsmen and Settlement and Employment Scams, Room 160, Madison, Wis. 53704. The be directed to Staff Sgt. Jason Walters, by their spouse can continue this insurance the Applying to College Toolkit, Tutor. RAO is open Tuesdays and Thursdays e-mail at [email protected] or program until age 70. You can retain the com, Peterson’s Online Academic 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. except on holidays. phone at (608) 242-3011 or 1-800-335- insurance if you move to another state. Skills Course, the Spouse Career Center Their phone number is 608-242-3115, 5147 ext.3011. Dependent children are covered until age and Special Needs pages on Military 1-800-335-4157, ext. 3115, DSN 724- 21 or age 23 if they are full-time students. OneSource, and The Spouse Education 3115. Contact the RAO with questions or Unlike SGLI, when you separate or retire and Career Newsletter for assistance. State-Sponsored Life from the Guard your SSLI premium does For more information on our calendar The Milwaukee RAO is co-located not increase. as well as past and future themes, please with the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Insurance program The SSLI is underwritten by the New visit the Service Provider Home Page — General Mitchell Air National Guard York Life Insurance Company. Additional http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/ Base, 1835 E. Grange Ave, Bldg 512, The State-Sponsored Life Insurance (SSLI) program was established for information on SSLI can be found at the ServiceProvidersGateway.aspx Milwaukee, Wis., 53207. Their phone WINGA, Inc. web site www.winga.org, number is 414-944-8212. Their e-mail Wisconsin National Guardsmen in 1971. This group term life insurance program by calling our office at 608-242-3100 or address is [email protected]. The you can stop in our office at Joint Force WNGEA seeks Milwaukee RAO is manned by volunteers was originally established because Guard members at that time were not eligible for Headquarters, Room 205. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 Editor’s Note: At Ease does not executive director a.m.-2 p.m. Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI). Congress passed legislation authorizing endorse SGLI or SSLI. This information is The Wisconsin National Guard Enlisted each State Department of Military provided for the reader’s benefit. Association is seeking to fill a future Nominations open Affairs (DMA) to establish a group vacancy for the position of Executive term life insurance program whereby Director. This is a paid, part-time position. for Hall of Honor Guardsmen could deduct premiums Educational resources A detailed job description is posted on Nominations are being accepted for from their monthly Guard pay. This our website: www.wngea.org or can be obtained by Guard Hall of Honor until Friday, management of the insurance program Whether you are considering going request to: WNGEA, 2400 Wright Street, Dec. 30, 2011. This prestigious award to their respective State National Guard back to school yourself, supporting your Madison, WI 53704. Interested applicants represents the highest honor Wisconsin’s Association (WINGA). Brig. Gen. (Ret) spouse’s decision to return to school, or should submit a resume’ and cover letter Adjutant General can bestow upon former Patrick Roach was the first State Insurance helping your child adjust to that next step, to the above address by Oct. 30. Selection Wisconsin Army Guard members for their Administrator for SSLI. Maj. Gen. James Military OneSource has the resources is expected to be made by Nov. 15.

@ease Express 38 September-October 2011 Parting shot

Gov. Scott Walker, commander-in- chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, received a tour the 115th Fighter Wing facilities Aug. 16, culminating in a familiarization flight in an F-16 fighter aircraft. The 115th Fighter Wing is one of three Air National Guard units in the state of Wisconsin, and performs numerous state roles, including airport crash and rescue, explosives ordinance disposal and homeland security, in addition to its federal mission of supporting military contigencies worldwide. 115th Fighter Wing photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman

@ease Express 39 September-October 2011