Lower costs, Vets Day bird Winter faster ship- hunt brings weather is ments with Guardsmen here, so be PlainsPlainsnew system 2 GuardianGuardiantogether . . .5 prepared . . .8

Volume 61 No. 1 Serving the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, Kansas Emergency Management, Kansas Homeland Security and Civil Air Patrol January 2017 Kansas Guard responds to emergency in Neodesha 35th Division By Steve Larson Public Affairs Office deploying to An explosion at a chemical manufactur- ing plant in Neodesha, Kansas, left area Persian Gulf residents scrambling to figure out their Thanksgiving Day plans. Public Affairs Office The explosion occurred at approxi- The 35th Infantry Division Head- mately 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, quarters, located in Leavenworth, 2016. Runoff from firefighting operations Kansas, has received notification for a entered the Fall River at Neodesha and deployment to the Persian Gulf and subsequently flowed downstream into the Levant regions. Approximately 500 Verdigris River, resulting in contamination Soldiers from both the Kansas and Mis- of the water supply for Neodesha, Cof- souri National Guard will be activated feyville, Independence and several rural in support of Operation Spartan Shield communities that purchased their water beginning in mid-2017 to enhance on- through those cities. going theatre security operations. The Kansas Department of Health and “Our nation has, once again, called Environment initially issued a do not drink upon the Soldiers of the 35th Infantry order for the Neodesha and Rural Water Division to take on a demanding task to Districts 3, 4, 6, and 8 because of possible support the national security goals of contamination. Water intakes downstream the United States,” said Maj. Gen. Vic- along the Fall River and Verdigris River tor J. Braden, commander, 35th Infantry were closed, cutting off potable water for Division. “As Americans, we relish the area residents. challenge and, through superb training, Gov. Sam Brownback issued a State of we will thrive.” Disaster Emergency for Montgomery and Elements of the 35th Infantry Division Wilson Counties. Airmen with the 190th Air Refueling Wing set up a reverse osmosis water purification deployed in 2003, 2007, 2013 and 2014 “We are thankful there was no loss of system to augment water supplies for communities affected by a Nov. 22 explosion at a to support peacekeeping operations in life and are grateful to all first responders, chemical plant in Neodesha that temporarily contaminated the Fall and Verdigris Bosnia and Kosovo. This is the first time community volunteers, and local offi- Rivers, forcing water suppliers to cut off intake from those rivers. (Photo provided) since 1944 the entire division headquar- cials,” said Brownback. “The state will water for area residents. KDEM partnered and approved for consumption, the water ters has been activated. continue to offer full support and re- with Walmart, Sam’s Club, the American was transported via tanker trucks to distri- “This is a calling that requires inten- sources.” Red Cross, United Way, Harvesters, bution points. sive preparation, specialized education, “Our first priority is the health and United Methodist Committee on Relief "They were very professional and did an and continuous learning and develop- safety of all those affected by this explo- and other private companies and organiza- outstanding job," said Neodesha city man- ment of skills,” said Braden. “It will re- sion,” said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the tions to coordinate donated water supplies. ager Ed Truelove. quire the support of our families, our adjutant general and director of the Kansas As an added measure, the Kansas Na- KDHE and the Environmental Protec- communities and our employers to en- Division of Emergency Management. “We tional Guard was tasked to deploy two re- tion Agency took regular water samples sure our mission’s success.” stand alongside the governor, local offi- verse osmosis water purification systems from the Fall and Verdigris Rivers to mon- The 35th Infantry Division is one of cials and volunteers, offering immediate, from the 190th Air Refueling Wing in itor water for chemical and bacterial con- 18 divisions in the Army and one of on-the-ground support.” Topeka to Elk City Lake west of Neodesha. tamination. Water outflow from several eight divisions in the Army National KDEM activated the State Emergency Each system was capable of purifying reservoirs upstream of Neodesha were in- Guard. Operations Center in Topeka 24/7 to coor- 1,500 gallons of water per hour and tem- creased in an effort to dilute contaminents dinate response efforts and locate potable porarily storing it on-site. Once purified and flush them from the water systems. 184th Jayhawks celebrate 75 years of service By Master Sgt. Matt McCoy veterans congregated in Hangar 41 at Mc- Intelligence Wing. PAID 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs Connell Air Force Base Sept. 10 to cele- Hugs, handshakes, laughter and stories PRSRT STD PRSRT SALEM, OR U.S. POSTAGE

PERMIT NO. 178 PERMIT Friends, coworkers, family members and brate the 75th anniversary of the 184th of the “good ol’ days” from current and for- mer members of the wing filled the atmos- phere of the building that served as the unit’s main hangar since 1954.

“You hear it all the time that the Guard’s a family… they’re acting like they’re at a family reunion.” Col. David Weishaar commander, 184th IW

“That’s really what this was all about— bringing these guys back together,” said Col. David Weishaar, commander, 184th IW. “You hear it all the time that the Guard’s a family…they’re acting like they’re at a family reunion.” The celebration opened with a formal presentation given by current command-

2800 Topeka Blvd. 2800 Topeka ers. As part of the presentation, the wing OFFICIAL BUSINESS OFFICIAL

Adjutant General of Kansas invited Retired Navy Capt. Thomas Fla- Topeka, Kansas 66611-1287 Topeka, Senior Master Sgt. Joel Unger (left), 184th Intelligence Wing, and his father, retired Penalty For Private Use, $300

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY THE OF DEPARTMENT nary, son of Lt. Paul N. Flanary, the unit’s

NATIONAL GUARD OF KANSAS GUARD OF NATIONAL Master Sgt. John Unger, a former unit member, look at photos from the past 75 years during the 75th anniversary celebration Sept. 10. Hundreds of photos and memorabilia first commander, to speak to the audience. were on display. (Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW Public Affairs) (Continued on Page 14) DEPARTMENT AND AIR OF THE ARMY FORCE DEPARTMENT Page 2 Plains Guardian • January 2017 130th Field Artillery Brigade change of command “The right man for the right job at the right time.” By 1st Sgt. Brent A. Anders Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant adju- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment tant general and commander of the Kansas Replica Colonial Army National cannons fired, followed “Whether you are a full Guard-Land compo- by modern artillery, in nent; and Command recognition and cele- bird colonel or a private, Sgt. Maj. Howard bration of the Kansas the great thing about the Whitley, senior en- National Guard’s 130th military is that you are al- listed advisor of Field Artillery Brigade Kansas Army Na- change of command ways learning and trying to tional Guard-Land ceremony held Sept. 18 push yourself further.” component. in Frank Anneberg “I think regardless Park, Manhattan, Col. Thomas Burke of whether you are a Kansas. full bird colonel or a The ceremony was private, the great witnessed by Guardsmen, family, friends thing about the military is that you are al- and distinguished visitors that included ways learning and trying to push yourself

Col. Thomas Burke, (right) accepts the colors of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade as its incoming commander during a change of command ceremony at Frank Anneberg Park in Manhattan, Kansas, Sept. 18. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Brent Anders, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) further and trying to help our organizations have a war fighter exercise coming up in grow,” said Col. Thomas Burke, incoming 2019 and it is the culminating event for all commander of the 130th FA. “Anytime a the training that Colonel Rueger has got Soldier has an opportunity to go outside everyone started with in helping to grow the their comfort level and serve in a greater ca- organization. So, we have to work toward pacity it is an opportunity to learn.” 2019 in a lot of skill sets to continue to Burke, who prior to this assignment was grow the organization.” commander of 69th Troop Command, said “I’m moving on to a different position in taking command of the 130th FA he was with the 35th Infantry Division," said Col. assuming control of a well-established unit. John Rueger, the outgoing commander. Cannons fire during a change of command ceremony for the 130th Field Artillery “Colonel Rueger has done a phenomenal "I’m excited about that. I’m excited to go Brigade held at Frank Anneberg Park in Manhattan, Kansas, Sept. 18. (Photo by 1st job," said Burke. "The organization was just up there and continue my military career. Sgt. Brent Anders, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) stood up officially about a year ago. ...We (Continued on Page 5) Lower costs, faster shipments the goal of new system By Steve Larson To facilitate the use of commercial carriers, Harsch, “With our area truck runs, it’s normally on about a Public Affairs Office Krull and Sgt. Patrick Stowe, traffic management special- three or four-week cycle, hitting various areas in the “Energize.” ist, began compiling a list of data that would be needed – state,” said Krull. “With this, we will immediately be Anyone familiar with the Star Trek television or movie se- point of origin, destination, package size and weight, and from one to five days for each transaction to take place ries knows that was the signal to activate the transporter, a other information. This information was turned over to the and we’ll trim that to three. device that could send material or people thousands of miles Data Processing branch of the U.S. Property and Fiscal Of- “In addition to being able to reduce the amount of in a matter of seconds. fice, which developed an online form that an armory sup- money that we are spending using the area truck, we can However, until – and if – such a high-tech device is ever ply sergeant can fill out and send with the click of a mouse. ship supplies and materials more quickly and more effi- invented, whenever the Kansas National Guard needs to send “It will be like your checkout when you order something ciently,” said Krull. “We’ve worked to remove unnecessary supplies or equipment from one place to another, it has to online,” said Harsch. “You just complete the data, you hit steps and requirements to create a more simplified and effi- rely on the tried and true method of putting the shipment on a the submit button, it comes up to the State Movement Con- cient process. By minimizing time spent traveling, we will Kansas National Guard truck and driving it from one city to trol Center and we do the rest of the work for you. improve efficiency and maximize our time accomplishing another, which, in addition to time, requires manpower and “With the new system, they can create shipping labels day-to-day missions.” fuel. Food and overnight lodging for the drivers must also be and email them to the armory, which they can put on the Going commercial would also free up personnel to con- factored in. All of which cost money, in one way or another. package. We have the ability right here at the USPFO centrate on their regular jobs. Two years ago, Lt. Col. Roger Krull, Service and Supply Transportation Section to create FedEx, to create UPS, (or “We’re needing more and more people working on the chief for the Kansas Army National Guard, and Chief War- other) shipping labels and we’ll send it right to you.” floor of the warehouse to do other support missions,” said rant Officer 5 Kevin Harsch, Commercial Transportation su- Harsch said the turnaround time on routine shipments, Krull. “A lot of these armories, where there are one or two pervisor, began thinking how they could reduce all those from the time the shipper submits his online request form people, three at most, you take one person to drive to Topeka, factors. Their discussions led them to consider an alternative to the time he receives his shipping label, is less than 10 they can’t get anything accomplished back at their armory. solution: commercial carriers. minutes on average. Krull said the new system is expected That’s completely lost time and effort.” “We have commercial partners that run the roads – FedEx, to drastically cut the time a shipment is in transit, as well. (Continued on Page 15) UPS, CTI, Roadway and other partners—that do this for a living every day,” said Harsch, “and they can do it at a much more efficient rate than we can by putting employees on the road in a government vehicle, paying their wages, paying their fuel, paying the operating expense of the vehicle to get it from point A to point B.” Working the numbers, Krull and Harsch realized going commercial could save the Kansas National Guard and the taxpayers quite a bit of money. Krull cited an example in- volving the shipment of a 500-pound engine to Kansas City. “To send somebody from Topeka with our truck, a driver, just a small amount of fuel to go to and from, we estimated it was going to be $300 to $500,” said Krull. “We could do it for $65 if we went through Roadway or any other commer- cial carrier. We said ‘Wait a minute. This has some pretty sig- nificant savings. “Once we started doing the calculations, we realized how cheaply we can actually move supplies and goods across the state while allowing the customers at each end to continue to do their job.” Using an average number of 460 cargo pallets the Kansas Army National Guard moves each year, they calculated the cost at approximately $75,000 a year for vehicle mainte- nance, Soldier pay, lodging, food and other expenses. “Using commercial carriers, and based on a high-cost average of $65,” said Harsch, “the cost of sending 460 Sgt. Patrick Stowe, traffic management specialist, processes a shipment request from his desk at the U.S. Property pallets is $29,000.” and Fiscal Office in Topeka. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) January 2017 • Plains Guardian Plainly Speaking Page 3 The Kansas National Guard, one team with many strengths By Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli The Adjutant General “When I think of the Kansas National Guard, I see a diverse Have you ever heard the phrases Army force of infantry, field artillery, pilots, tankers, security forces or Strong; Fly Fight Win; Always Ready, Al- ways There? military police, engineers, truck drivers and a host of other skills. Slogans like these give military mem- bers a motto to follow while serving their A good description would be ‘One Team, Many Strengths.’” state or nation. When I think of the Kansas National Guard, I see a diverse Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli force of infantry, field artillery, pilots, tankers, security forces or military police, The Adjutant General engineers, truck drivers and a host of other skills. or Airmen, they were all part of our team, to keep them informed. Airmen, communicate with your employ- A good description would be “One Team, the Kansas National Guard. To the families on our team, we are here ers! Updated information will make the Many Strengths.” Over the next several months, units of to support you. You serve a vital role in the transitions easier for them when you are One team was clearly seen during the the Kansas Army and Air National Guard success of the mission and I understand the called away to serve. Planning will not be joint operations for the recent ice storm will be preparing to deploy for overseas importance of the role you play. in a vacuum. We will keep a constant flow that involved the Kansas Division of Emer- missions. Approximately 700 Soldiers from Several Family Readiness Groups have of information for employers so they can gency Management, Kansas National the 35th Infantry Division, 635th Regional already been established for the units that make the plans or necessary changes. Guard, Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Support Group; 2nd Battalion, 130th Field are deploying. Some of these groups can be We are doing this together. We are One Department of Transportation and other Artillery; and Company G, 1st Battalion, joined on Facebook to make it easier to Team, Many Strengths. partnering agencies. Every section used 111th Aviation will be supporting opera- stay connected. I encourage you to get in- I am proud to be a part of the Kansas Na- their strengths to keep the citizens of tions in southwest Asia. Airmen from the volved in these groups to support or get tional Guard and I am proud to see how the Kansas safe and informed before, during 184th Intelligence Wing and 190th Air Re- support, if needed. Soldiers and Airmen continue to selflessly and after the storm. Approximately 200 fueling Wing will also be deploying to sup- To the employers, I understand how dif- serve the state and nation. I know our team Guardsmen were activated to provide port other ongoing operations. Even ficult it is to maintain a business when with their many strengths will keep adding stranded motorist assistance on Kansas though our missions will be at different lo- Guardsmen are deployed. Soldiers and to the success of the missions. roads and highway and generator support cations, we are still one team, the Kansas for electrical needs. National Guard. Our many strengths were demonstrated I recognize that deployments, activations Murdock, Brown honorary when approximately 150 Soldiers and Air- and additional training puts a tremendous men, from different military disciplines, amount of stress on Guardsmen and our ad- captains at GCCC football game were requested to travel to Washington ditional teammates; their families and em- D.C. to support the 45th presidential inau- ployers. As Guardsmen, we cannot succeed guration. Regardless if they were Soldiers without their support and we owe it to them Warrior to Warrior Your abilities enhance Kansas National Guard’s readiness By Command Chief Master Sgt. during this next year are extremely opti- James Brown mistic. The joint force that is represented State Command Senior Enlisted Leader by the Army and Air has a multitude of The new year can present opportunities abilities and experiences that we will use for change and, effective Jan. 1, 2017, for to strengthen our team and achieve the the first time in over 30 years, I will no TAG’s priorities. longer be involved in working with law Each member of our organization has enforcement. While my position within the ability to create positive impact. This the Kansas Na- is more likely to be produced when mem- tional Guard will bers feel they are positively contributing not be changing, to the team versus acting alone. The re- the status in sults of one team acting towards a com- Col. Roger Murdock (right), chief of joint staff, and Command Chief Master which I serve mon goal will likely result in increased Sgt. James Brown (tossing coin), command senior enlisted leader, acted as cere- will. By accept- performance, confidence, accountability monial captains participating in the traditional coin toss in midfield of Garden ing a full time po- and ownership. City Community College's Broncbuster Stadium, Oct. 1. Kansas National sition as the The possibility of state or federal acti- Guard and the college are partners in a program called Task Force Broncbuster, Kansas command vation is a realistic scenario that must focusing on opportunities for Soldiers to gain valuable civilian and military edu- senior enlisted drive every aspect of how we operate. In- cation in a traditional student role. The Broncbusters won the game against But- leader, I pledge to dividual readiness will be a priority for all ler Community College 43-0. (Photo provided) continue to serve units and unit training plans will reflect our Soldiers and Command Chief Master those requirement. An effective training Airmen with loy- Sgt. James Brown plan based on a unit’s needs and mission “No one really knows why they are alty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, analysis will increase readiness, build ca- integrity and personal and administrative maraderie, and give our Soldiers and Air- alive until they know what they'd courage. I will represent and serve the en- men a sense of belonging. die for.” listed men and women of the Kansas As Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen, we Army and Air National Guard and be their represent a demographic with unique abil- Martin Luther King Jr. representative to the Kansas adjutant gen- ities that enhance mission readiness. One eral and champion all matters regarding of our greatest strengths lies in the variety the professional development, discipline of skillsets we bring to the fight through a of the force, readiness, training, utiliza- combination of our military and civilian PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian tion, health, morale, and welfare of our roles. Being mentally and physically pre- The PLAINS GUARDIAN is published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for the personnel of the Kansas National Guard. The editorial content warriors. pared to deploy these skill sets when of this publication is the responsibility of The Adjutant General’s Department PA Officer. Contents of the PLAINS GUARDIAN are not necessar- With the enlisted force having senior ily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of the Army or The Adjutant General’s Department. News, features, called upon, while supporting TAG initia- photographs and art materials are solicited from readers; however, utilization is at the discretion of the editorial staff. All photos must be high res- representation across the entire force, my tives, will remain our focus as we con- olution and include complete caption information, including photographer’s name and rank. No paid advertisement will be accepted, nor will pay- ment be made for contributions. expectations for what we can accomplish tinue to strengthen our enlisted force. The deadline for all submission is the first Wednesday of the month: February, April, June, August, October and December. Submissions may be e-mailed to Jane Welch ([email protected]).

Circulation: Approximately 15,500 Printed under contract with the U.S. Government Printing Office Commander-in-Chief Public Affairs Office Gov. Sam Brownback Director Adjutant General of Kansas Catherine Horner 785-646-1192 Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli Assistant Director Editor Stephen D. Larson 785-646-1194 Katie Horner Public Information Writer Production/Graphics/Writer Jane Welch 785-646-1190 Stephen D. Larson FAX 785-646-1622 Sgt. Zach Sheely e-mail: [email protected] Production Assistant Videographer Jane Welch Capt. Matt Lucht 785-646-1195 Staff Writer The Plains Guardian may be read online at Sgt. Zach Sheely 785-646-1191 http://kansastag.gov Command Historian For change of address, contact Jane Welch. Master Sgt. Jeremy Byers 785-646-1197 Page 4 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Domestic Operations display capabilities for Guards Soldiers state leadership at 184th Intelligence Wing r showcase abilities, By Senior Airman Lauren Penney none of these pieces have come with a prime mover.” 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs That’s where the joint operations comes in. The Army incentives at On Oct. 18, 2016, the parking lots of the Roost Dining Fa- Guard has many more vehicles, which is written in as part cility and 184th Medical Group were filled with the vehicles of the state’s capability packages. Kansas State Fair and equipment that support the many missions of the 184th “There may be times we Air Guardsmen will have to Intelligence Wing. rely on our Army counterparts to move our pieces of Leadership from the wing and Kansas National Guard equipment to wherever they’re needed,” said Chappell. state headquarters received briefings on each squadron’s About four months was spent planning for the briefing. s budgets and the amount of funding needed to operate effi- “We had many meetings involving our emergency man- ciently. The briefings were followed by a tour so leadership agement personnel from the 184th and 190th Air Refuel- could see for themselves how each squadron’s equipment ing Wing, as well our Mission Support chain of commands works and what they potentially needed. from both wings,” said Col. Chris Ioder, director of opera- Because the majority of the Kansas National Guard are tions, Kansas Air National Guard. Army Guard, the objective of the day was to educate state “My goal was to bring visibility to our Kansas National leadership on Air National Guard-specific domestic opera- Guard Domestic Operations capabilities, but more specifi- tions equipment and to demonstrate how the Airmen use cally, capabilities unique to the Kansas Air National Guard,” their capabilities. said Ioder. “I wanted our Kansas National Guard leadership, “This was an effort to brief and show all the air-specific along with our KDEM (Kansas Division of Emergency Man- capabilities and show how much funding Congress sets agement) representatives, to see what the Kansas Air Na- aside to equip the Air National Guard to help mitigate emer- tional Guard brings to the domestic operations fight.” gencies and disasters that affect the states and communities Kansas National Guard leadership is responsible for we belong to,” said Master Sgt. Ross Chappell, emergency keeping Army and Air Force Guardsmen trained and ready management superintendent, 184th Civil Engineering to respond to the incidents and disasters that happen. Squadron. “My hope is that everyone will begin to have a greater For the most part, operations and funding seem to be suf- appreciation for and focus on our Kansas National Guard ficient with few problems. domestic operations capabilities,” said Ioder. “That will “The main shortfall is transporting all of these domestic mean better training and planning from our leadership operations pieces to a response,” said Chappell. “The Na- going forward. Our Kansas Air National Guard capabili- tional Guard Bureau sends these fantastic pieces of equip- ties and responsibilities need to be known not only by our ment, but outside the Mobile Emergency Operations Center, Airmen, but also our local community officials.”

Spc. Vanessa Lugo, a power generation equipment re- pairer with the 35th Infantry Division, explains the basic functions of the Mk 19 grenade launcher to 12- year-old Colton Miller at the Kansas Army National Guard exhibit at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas, Sept. 15, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Brandon Ja- cobs, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) By Sgt. Brandon Jacobs 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Amid hundreds of booths, fried turkey legs and a giant cows made of butter at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchin- son in September sat four vehicles of warfare surrounding a large tan shelter tent. As fair-goers examined the static Tech. Sgt. Al Daniels, air transportation specialist, 184th Intelligence Wing, explains the function of communica- displays, Soldiers of the Kansas Army National Guard tions equipment to Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, at McConnell Air Force Base, Oct. 18, 2016. were on hand to tell about their equipment, the Guard’s (Photo by Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW Public Affairs) mission and the benefits it offers. “We have a two-fold mission here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Reichert, a recruiter stationed in Hutchinson. “We are Kansas Guardsman participates in Strategic Broadening Seminar here to serve and interact with civilians of all ages, as well Public Affairs Office British counterparts. Upon arrival at the Defense Academy, as show potential recruits what the Guard can do for them. Maj. Rodney Seaba, Office of Personnel Management, they participated in a four-day critical thinking seminar at “People don’t know that the National Guard is the Kansas Army National Guard, recently returned from a six- Cranfield University aimed at establishing the baseline for largest reserve component in the military,” said Reichert. week Strategic Broadening Seminar conducted at the United success while participating in follow-on modules. “Being the largest means we have more jobs, more full- Kingdom Defense Academy in Shrivenham, England. The course covered the nature of warfare, the current and time positions, and more avenues for promotion. One of The seminar is an Army Chief of Staff program designed emerging strategic environment, the contributions from the the key advantages is you don’t follow the National to educate and enhance an appreciation for the complex con- military to achieving the U.K.’s strategic goals while under- Guard, the Guard will follow you.” temporary security environments future senior leaders need standing their defense policy and the global effects on British Although Soldiers join the National Guard for varying to lead Army, Joint, Interagency and multinational task forces defense. The course also analyzed strategy and policy, the reason, they tend to stay for one common purpose. They and teams. fiscal context of British defense, and the capability strategy enjoy the benefit of getting to be at home and still serve Seaba and 28 other U.S. Army officers took part in the In- at the Ministry of Defense level. Academy lectures, coupled their country honorably. termediate Command and Staff Course – Land with their with student trips to many of the key locations of the Min- “I joined because my family has a history of service,” istry of Defense, facilitated a rapid learning curve. said Pfc. Taryn Vaughn, Humboldt, 35th Military Police The experience of this course was more than just educa- Company. “The National Guard gives me the option to do tional, it also aimed to provide each student with a greater my duty and still go home.” understanding of British culture and history. Vaughn, who stands five feet tall, regularly shocks peo- “The experience gained while in the United Kingdom al- ple when she tells them she is a military police officer. lowed me to gain a much greater appreciation for the factors “I surprise people all the time,” said Vaughn. “The affecting security and defense in the current environment,” Guard is very rewarding, very difficult, but very fun and said Seaba. challenging.” In addition to the educational and cultural experiences “The Guard really is the best of both worlds,” said Staff made available to the U.S. students, the opportunity to de- Sgt. Hendrik Rijfogel, Colby, a Multiple Launch Rocket velop lifelong relationships with British counterparts proved System crewmember with Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 130th beneficial. During the six-week course, Seaba was part of a Field Artillery. “I serve part time in the Guard and am able 12-student group with 11 British officers from all branches of to maintain a civilian career.” the British Army. These relationships are lifelong and will “It’s a team effort,” said Rijfogel. “With all the different serve to further strengthen the special relationship between [military occupation specialties] in the Guard, we can pro- the U.S. and British armies. vide a wide variety of services to our state and country. If “The knowledge gained from this experience is buoyed by you want an education, the Guard can help pay; if you Maj. Rodney Seaba, Kansas Army National Guard, the realization that an understanding of world events allows want to change your life the Guard can help.” (white shirt) participates in an exercise with British army me to better serve the Kansas Army National Guard,” said To find out more about the opportunities and benefits of officers at the United Kingdom Defense Academy in Seaba, “especially when understanding how events are meas- the Kansas National Guard contact your nearest recruiter Shrivenham, England. (Photo provided) ured through critical thinking and cognitive management.” at goo.gl/YLFKQU or call 1-800-Go-Guard. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 5 Soldiers, Airmen share common bond in Veterans Day bird hunt By Capt. Matt Lucht Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, Kansas adjutant shooting,” said Tafanelli. leadership away from the office, uniforms Public Affairs Office general; Brig. Gen. Jay Selanders, Kansas Shells were loaded and the dogs were and responsibilities. Some were surprised Most military members like to enjoy Vet- assistant adjutant general-Air; and Col. sent out as the eight hunters split into two as the day went on. erans Day relaxing and taking advantage of Matt Oleen, Kansas Army National Guard separate parties in hope of getting a few “I didn’t know that the adjutant general the generous offerings of businesses and deputy chief of staff. birds for their freezers. The hunting event was a hunter and to be a bird hunter like restaurants. Five Kansas National Guards- “We were able to take out five Soldiers was a prime way for leadership, Soldiers this,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Dix, men chose to relax outdoors for their 2016 and Airmen from the Kansas National and Airmen to enjoy the hobby that they all noncommissioned officer in charge, Office Veterans Day hunting at Muddy Creek Guard and go out for some great upland have in common, hunting. of Personnel, Joint Force Headquarters. Game Birds near Meriden, Kansas, with hunting, some great camaraderie and wing “We do a lot besides our Guard job and “He had his dogs out there and the dogs there is time for the adjutant general and were trained well. To be out there with him everything else and there is another time and see him working his dogs, he is just an- where you can just relax and enjoy each other person like us. other’s company, enjoy the outdoors in this “I got such a kick, he didn’t have to case, which we never get enough of,” said shoot to enjoy. He was getting everyone Selanders. “So this is one of those opportuni- else involved once his dogs were on point ties. It was very informal, lots of fun and I and encouraging them on like ‘You guys think that everyone had a great time, relax a ready?’” little bit and took a day off on Veterans Day.” As the sun went down and several birds “Day to day, I just see the typical people collected, all agreed that it was a great day that I work with,” said Tech. Sgt. Austin of camaraderie and a great way to spend Bowman, engine mechanic, 190th Air Re- Veteran’s Day. fueling Wing. “I don’t think that I have “This is great for me, to be able to go out ever had any face to face time with those with some of our Soldiers and Airmen,” said guys [leadership] and the others that work Tafanelli. “It was really a lot of fun to watch with them, so it was pretty nice to get out those guy have a good time and work behind and talk with them.” the dogs. A great day to reflect on Veteran’s The Guardsmen were able to see the Day and spend it with our troops.”

The bird is up and a hunter takes aim during a Veterans Day hunt at Muddy Creek Game Birds Preserve, near Meriden. (Photo by Capt. Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) 130th FAB change of command (Continued from Page 2) can deal with change to be able to move the “It’s been a great opportunity with the organization forward and they’ve done 130th Field Artillery Brigade. I’ve learned that. They have really supported me. a lot. It has been a tremendous experience They’ve done a lot of things that have al- and allowed me to grow as a leader and af- lowed me to set a vision and they’ve exe- fect an organization from the ground up.” cuted on it. Rueger credited the Soldiers under his “They have a great commander coming command for his success. in -- Colonel Tom Burke," said Rueger. “I greatly appreciate all of the hard work "He is the right man for the right job at the and effort that the Soldiers of this unit did right time. He is going to take this organi- over the last two years to stand up the or- zation to the next level. He has tremendous ganization and react to all of the change ability. He has a wide range of experiences that we’ve had in the Kansas National that are going to really allow this organiza- Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, takes a downed pheasant from Bella, Guard," said Rueger. "Change is constant tion to move forward and prepare for what- his German shorthair pointer, during a Veterans Day hunt Nov. 11. (Photo by Capt. in our organization. It takes Soldiers that ever comes down.” Matt Lucht, Public Affairs Office) Divish receives command of 69th Troop Command By Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett chanic in Company A, 1st Battalion, 635th 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Armor. He received his commission from In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at drill, the 69th Troop Command took time Emporia State University in May 1989 as a out to welcome their new brigade com- Distinguished Military Graduate. mander, Col. Tony Divish, in a change of After earning his commission, he command ceremony at Nickell Armory in served in various positions in CompanyA, Topeka, Sept. 10, 2016. including platoon leader and executive of- Family, friends and peers gathered to ficer. He has been assigned to many dif- witness the pageantry of the ceremony with ferent positions at the company, battalion pass and review of massed 69th TC units, and brigade levels within the Kansas Na- including the polished sounds of the 35th tional Guard. Divish deployed to Iraq in Infantry Division Band. 2008-2009 as battalion commander for Outgoing commander, Col. Thomas the Special Troops Battalion, 287th Sus- Burke, will continue his military career as tainment Brigade. commander of the 130th Field Artillery His military education includes the Brigade in Manhattan. Armor Officer Basic Course, Combined Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, commander Logistics Officer Advanced Course, Com- of the Kansas Army National Guard-Land bined Armed Services Staff School, Com- Component, presented the brigade colors to mand and General Staff College and the Divish, symbolizing his confidence in the U.S. Army War College. He works full commander’s ability to handle the respon- time for the Kansas Army National Guard sibility of command and maintain or im- as the director of logistics. prove the unit. Divish is a graduate of Emporia State “I am honored for the privilege to serve Col. Tony Divish accepts the command flag of the 69th Troop Command from Brig. University, where he earned a bachelor’s as the commander of the 69th Troop Com- Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant adjutant general - Army and commander of the degree in psychology with a minor in mand,” said Divish. Kansas Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony Sept. 10. Spanish. He earned a master’s degrees in “This is not a job that is taken lightly. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Barnett, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) business management from Webster Uni- You have to have your wits about your- you over the past 12 months” said Burke. between two great leaders that have ac- versity and a master’s degree in strategic self; you definitely have to be a servant of “My departure is bittersweet. This com- complished histories,” said Mohatt. “I studies from the U.S. Army War College. the Soldiers, because there are so many of mand has been a great blessing for me. I know the future is going to continue in Burke began his military career in 1981 them looking to you for leadership, for have learned much about you... about the the same manner.” as a combat medical specialist and was guidance, for assistance and whatever organization over the last year while pro- 69th Troop Command is major subordi- commissioned a second lieutenant through those needs are in a Soldier’s life. I fully viding an overarching leadership. I can nate command of the Kansas Army Na- the ROTC program at Iowa State Univer- understand those responsibilities and ac- honestly say the leaderships built have tional Guard. sity in 1990. cept them.” been the best part of command.” Divish enlisted in the Kansas Army Na- Burke’s previous assignments include “It’s been my privilege to serve with “It’s an honor to be able to pass the flag tional Guard in May 1985 as a tank me- (Continued on Page 14) Page 6 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Medical mission helps 184th Medical Group build bonds in Armenia

By Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz The mission was the first time in the past 10 184th Intelligence Wing Public Affairs years that a medical unit has visited Arme- Thirty-five members of the 184th Intelli- nia. gence Wing, primarily from the 184th Med- Dr. Nune Grigoryan, optometrist and chief ical Group, supported a humanitarian civic doctor, Hrazdan Medical Center, worked outreach mission in Armenia in August alongside Lt. Col. Darin Nitschke, op- 2016. The purpose of the two-week mission tometrist, 184th MDG. was to train U.S. and British forces in their “The first thing that I learned from Doctor medical specialty fields. Nitschke was to smile. It was just not a job, it Airmen were divided between two gov- was a pleasure to work with him,” said Grig- ernment hospitals, oryan. “Though [the Hrazdan Medical Armenian hospital Center and Gavar “Smiles can reach a staff] works with dif- Medical Center. Three ferent instruments than soldiers from the 6th million people.” in America, I learned a Battalion, British Reg- lot from him and I ular Army were em- Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, hope that we continue bedded into the 184th 184th IW Medical Group. to share our experi- MDG component in ences.” Gavar. The Airmen Classes taught by and Soldiers worked the 184th MDG for the in many sections of the hospital. Armenian medical staff members included “This is the first time partnering with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation, advanced car- Kansas Air National Guard and it’s been an diac life support, basic life support, infection absolute pleasure,” said Cpl. Andrew Fuller, control procedures, and stroke therapy and Airman 1st Class Cora Bloom (right), aerospace medical technician, 184th Medical combat medical technician class 1, 6th Bat- assessment. Airman 1st Class Cora Bloom, Group, demonstrates how to conduct a stroke assessment for emergency room nurses talion, British Regular Army. “We are happy aerospace medical technician, 184th MDG, and staff members at the Hrazdan Day Care Center for Children with Disabilities in to be here and be part of this experience. “ presented a stroke assessment class to Hraz- Hrazdan, Armenia. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) The project was accomplished, in part, dan emergency room nurses and staff mem- for every patient.” The generous hospitality of the Armenians through the National Guard Bureau State bers at the Hrazdan Day Care Center for The American and British personnel also was expressed in a variety of ways, such as Partnership Program. The SPP has been Children with Disabilities. reached out to the Gavar Orphanage, which inviting the U.S. and British personnel to building relationships between U.S. military “I taught a National Institutes of Health cares for approximately 63 children. The join in their coffee breaks. members and 76 developing countries for scale that determines what body part and children were given toothpaste, tooth- The Total Force components at the Gavar more than 20 years. The program matches how severe a stroke has affected a patient,” brushes, instructions on body hygiene and hospital received a visit from Richard Mills, National Guard with armed forces or equiva- said Bloom. “Using this scale will give the toys. The Airmen and British personnel vis- U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, and Judith lent organizations of a partner country in a emergency room nurses a quantitative value ited the orphanage off-duty to play games Farnworth, British Ambassador. mutually beneficial relationship. Kansas has to their stroke assessment. They can do all of and interact with the children. “This program not only gives the hospitals been partnered with Armenia since 2003. it in an organized manner and the same way “Smiles can reach a million people,” said the help of some talented medical experts to Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, flight operational provide continued quality care, it also serves medical technician, 184th MDG. “It was a as a valuable training and experience for our great time interacting with the children and U.S. and U.K. medical staff,” said Mills. teaching body hygiene.” “The U.S. volunteers are gaining experience Additional donations to the community in- with conditions and ailments that may not be cluded clothes from the 184th MDG mem- common in the U.S., and working with Ar- bers, 1,000 toothbrushes from King’s menian doctors and nurses, they gain a better Storehouse Food Bank, Texas, and 300 pre- understanding of working across cultures, a scription eyeglasses from the Lion’s Club In- valuable skill for a unit that is ready to de- ternational, Texas. ploy worldwide on short notice.” Visit reaffirms success of Kansas, Armenian partnership

By Capt. Matt Lucht gency Situations and really see as they get Public Affairs Office that hands-on-experience of working with 6,414 miles separates Topeka, Kansas, some of similar equipment that we have from Yerevan, Armenia. But when Maj. and what they have was really fun to Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general of watch,” said Tafanelli. Kansas, and several other Kansas National Maj. Dennis Sewell M.D., Headquarters Guard leaders were invited to the Republic and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, of Armenia Sept. 18-23, 2016, to help that 108th Aviation, first visited Armenia in Staff Sgt. Ryan Ghaffari, flight operational medical technician, 184th Medical nation celebrate 25 years of independence, 2007 to help the Armenian military design Group, checks a patient’s eyes in Gavar, Armenia. Ghaffari was one of 35 members it was a small distance to travel. a combat medic program. With the pro- from the 184th Intelligence Wing who supported the humanitarian civic outreach Kansas and Armenia have been partners gram only weeks away from launch, mission. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) in the National Guard Bureau’s State Part- Sewell and a medical team were on hand nership Program since 2003 and, over the for any last minute questions. years, the two nations have engaged in nu- “With the continued partnership of folks merous exchange visits. that come after me, and the ones that have “It’s really impressive to see not only been here before, we are going to make this how far along the Armenians have come,” a success and there are going to be a lot of said Tafanelli, “but really how far along we lives saved on the battlefield because of it,” have come in terms of our partnership and said Sewell. really what we are able to gain from these For Airmen Garrett Browne, 190th Med- training events as well.” ical Group, the trip was a double-first: his Tafanelli had the opportunity to sit on the first time in Armenia, as well as his first reviewing stand during the independence time outside the United States. parade and saw a visual difference in the “I think that, if anyone that hasn’t been seven years he has been adjutant general. outside of the U.S. they should jump on the “To see how proud the Armenian people opportunity if it arises,” said Browne. “I were, to see how well prepared and disci- think that it is a great place to be and for plined the Armenian troops were,” said me, personally, being that it was my first Tafanelli, “it was really a pleasure to be time outside the United States, it was a here as well as an honor to attend.” great experience.” However, the trip wasn’t just for the cel- “We have some outstanding young men ebration. Tafanelli visited with several and women who serve in our formation in Kansas Guardsmen who were in Armenia the Kansas National Guard,” said Tafanelli, conducting medical and emergency re- “and whenever we can project that profes- sponse classes for their Armenian counter- sionalism, that dedication to mission, that parts and heard ideas on how Armenia and dedication to service abroad and really see Kansas can continue to partner on these the overall impact that it has had on a Capt. Andrew Jamerson, laboratory officer in charge, 184th Medical Group, takes and other types of exchanges. country and really more important the peo- blood samples as part of an outreach mission in Hrazdan, Armenia. The purpose of “To watch our [73rd] Civil Support ple and the friendships that has been devel- the two-week mission was to train U.S. and British forces in their medical specialty Team members work alongside counter- oped over the years. It really is rewarding fields. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW Public Affairs) parts that work in the Ministry of Emer- as the adjutant general.” January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 7 Soldiers motivated and Year-end wrap-up, looking ahead ready at annual fitness event By Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael Smith We currently have more By 1st Sgt. Brent Anders Thompson received a specially engraved Command Chief Warrant Officer 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment eagle trophy for his performance. warrant officers in the As we head into a new year, I would Although there was a dense fog at the be- Team placement awards were also pre- like to thank you all for your continued state than ever before. ginning of the Adjutant General’s Army sented. The third-place team, with a total service and the Physical Fitness Test competition, hosted in score of 1,102, was the 997th Brigade Sup- We are also at our high- sacrifices that Salina Sept. 18, 2016, by the 235th Regi- port Battalion, consisting of 2nd Lt. Rachel you and your est number for readiness ment, Guardsmen from across the state of Nelson, Staff Sgt. Cody Breon, Spc. Devon families make. ever, but we still have a Kansas were excited, motivated and ready Willard and Pfc. Justin Boswell. The sec- Less than one to compete, with a clear vision of what ond-place team, with a total score of 1,137, way to go... so I ask for percent of Ameri- they wanted to accomplish. was the 235th Modular Training Battalion, cans today your assistance by pro- “My team and I came here to compete, consisting of Lt. Col. Michelle Hannah, 1st choose to serve because we wanted to show what [Head- Sgt. John Duerr, Sgt. 1st Class William viding names of quality this country and quarters and Headquarters Company] was Cookson and Staff Sgt. James Hill. The much of the pop- Soldiers that you feel made of,” said Spc. Derick Cruz, Head- first-place team, with a total high score of ulation does not would make quality war- quarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd 1,309 points, was the Kansas National know the sacri- Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Guard Medical Detachment, consisting of Chief Warrant Officer 5 rant officers. fices you make, Regiment. “I think it’s a great event. It’s an Col. Robert Thompson, Capt. Samuel Or- Michael Smith but without all of opportunity for other units to get together nelas, Capt. Jarrod Fox and 1st Lt. Scott you, we couldn’t enjoy the freedom that tem and Officer Evaluation Report and show their showmanship of athleti- Gregory. we do every day. support form. You have to be proac- cism. You get to meet new people and do Each team received an engraved plaque I want to briefly point out some of the tive in maintaining your record, be- great things.” with medals for each team member. The achievements made within the KSARNG cause if you don’t, no one else will. Enlisted Soldiers and officers competed first-place team will also have their name en- Warrant Officer Cohort this past year: By updating all your records at one against themselves and one another. Sol- graved on the main TAG APFT trophy kept • During our Aviation Warrant Officer time you can better track and update diers competed individually and as teams at the 235th Regional Training Institute. Pre-flight boards, five Soldiers were the schools and training you have re- in all three of the APFT events: two-minute Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, assistant ad- selected to attend flight school. Cur- ceived during the past year. Promo- pushups, two-minute sit-ups, and two-mile jutant general and commander of the rently, Warrant Officer Aviation is tion boards are looking over your run. Competitors’ scores were calculated Kansas Army National Guard, competed in over 100 percent, yet we need avia- records and if you don’t update your using the standard age/gender score sheets, the event to set an example for others. tors in the pipeline to become warrant records or OERs, you can be over- but could score on the extended scoring “I feel it gives a transparency to myself officers because it takes approxi- looked because you don’t meet pro- system if they reached a minimum of 100 and the standards I hold myself to,” said mately two years of training to be- motion requirements. points on each event. Mohatt. “I would charge every commander, come a warrant officer aviator. I also want to remind everyone that each The Soldier with the highest score in the leader and Soldier to do the same, to hold • Chief Warrant Officer 5 Peter Panos, year the National Guard Association of pushup event was Sgt. 1st Class Chase Tay- themselves to that kind of standard. the National Guard Bureau command Kansas elects a Warrant Officer of the lor with 101 pushups. Cruz won the indi- “When you put the uniform on, I think chief warrant officer, was the guest Year. Candidates for this award will be rec- vidual highest sit-up score with 102 sit-ups. you kind of have a competitive approach speaker at the Kansas National Guard ommended according to the following: The individual with the highest score on towards your life,” he said. “So when you Association Warrant Officer lunch- 1. JFHQ: Recommendations may be the two-mile run was Capt. Jarrod Fox with do a challenge, you are laying a gauntlet eon, and updated us with progress forwarded through command chan- a time of 10:49. Each of these Soldiers re- out there for individuals to test themselves made concerning the Warrant Officer nels to the appropriate commander. ceived an engraved plaque. against their peers and against the entire Promotion System and other warrant 2. Army National Guard: Recommen- The overall highest score by an individ- force. That’s a good thing. What it really is, officer initiatives. dations will be forwarded through ual Soldier in all three events was Col. is sending a message to the organization • Continued to refine the Senior War- the unit commander to the appropri- Robert Thompson with a total score of 344. that physical fitness is important.” rant Officer Advisory Council and ate major subordinate command. ensure that topics brought up for dis- JFHQ and each major subordinate com- cussion are given their due attention. mand will initiate the recommendation • Increasing warrant officer readiness. process in sufficient time to ensure that the We currently have more warrant offi- chair of the awards committee, National cers in the state than ever before. We Guard Association of Kansas, receives the are also at our highest number for nomination at least 10 days prior to the as- readiness ever, but we still have a sociation’s annual conference. The objec- way to go. Current warrant officer tive for the Warrant Officer of the Year is strength puts us at 84 percent. We to provide recognition for outstanding still have approximately 25 vacancies leadership, loyalty, initiative, and public to fill. On average, 10-15 warrant of- service displayed by a warrant officer. ficers leave the Kansas Army Na- The NGAKS conference will be April tional Guard annually, so I ask for 28-29 in Wichita, so there is still time to your assistance by providing names submit warrant officer names to the com- of quality Soldiers that you feel mittee. Two out of the past three years would make quality warrant officers. our warrant officers were also selected as I ask that any noncommissioned offi- National Warrant Officer of the year. cers who would like to become a Finally, if you know of any warrant of- warrant officer to contact me. ficer news, such as promotions, gradua- In each issue of the Plains Guardian, I tions, retirements, or changes that affect try to give helpful advice to junior warrant warrant officers and you would like to officers, so the advice for this issue is: see them in the Plains Guardian, please Competitors in the annual Adjutant General’s Army Physical Fitness Test event start • Now is a good time to update your send them to me and I add them. (Phone the two-mile run, the final event of the competition. (Photo by 1st Sgt. Brent Anders, biographies, Interactive Personnel 785-274-1903; michael.w.smith293.mil@ 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Electronic Records Management Sys- mail.mil) Girl Scouts learn about careers in aviation from those who live it By Sgt. Zach Sheely aviators on hand to talk about their experiences and the op- Public Affairs Office portunities that are available. More than 200 Girl Scouts packed the Museum of the “It has turned out to be a tremendous experience for Kansas National Guard in Topeka for the “Girls in Avia- me,” said Master Sgt. Summer Walters, unit deployment tion” event Oct. 1, 2016, to meet multiple generations of manager, 190th Air Refueling Wing, who also served as a female military aviators and discuss careers and opportuni- KC-135 crew chief for 18 years. “I wanted to make sure ties for girls in aviation. that I could hold my own out there. I got in there, got my The scouts, from Topeka and the surrounding region, hands dirty. I liked the challenge of it. met current and former female pilots and crew members “Working with the guys was great. They’ve treated me with the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Avi- really well. They’re kind of like the brothers I never had.” ation Regiment and the 190th Air Refueling Wing. Retired Col. Pam Luthie-Rodriguez was there to offer “This is something that they would have probably not her wisdom as the first woman pilot in the Kansas Army seen had we not brought them here,” said Tammy National Guard. McBride, co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 866, Olathe. “We “It’s an awesome opportunity,” said Luthie-Rodriguez. wanted them to talk to women who actually work on “We’re hoping that some young girls will look at us and planes and fly planes. say ‘That’s what I want to do,’ and they’ll think it’s possi- “We don’t want them to be stuck in the thought that they ble. It’s available to them.” have to be teachers, or veterinarians, or stay-home moms. Girl Scouts and sponsors gather near a KC-135 at the Luthie-Rodriguez said opportunities for women were not They can do anything they want.” Museum of the Kansas National Guard for Girls in as robust during her career and that there was a stigma The Girl Scouts viewed the static aircraft at the museum Aviation Day Oct 1, 2016. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, about women in aviation and in the military as a whole. and had face-time with multiple generations of military Public Affairs Office) (Continued on Page 13) Page 8 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Kansas Division of Emergency Management Winter weather is here. Make sure you’re prepared for it By Steve Larson • Extra hats, socks and mittens tion from the Kansas Department of Transportation by Public Affairs Office • First aid kit with pocket knife calling 5-1-1 or visiting the Kandrive website at kan- It’s a message that most people have heard before, but • Necessary medications drive.org. it’s one that bears repeating: The time to prepare for se- • Blanket(s) To find information on road conditions when not in the vere winter weather is now. • Tow chain or rope state, call 1-866-511-5368. “As most Kansans know, winter weather in the state can • Road salt and sand The Kansas Department of Health and Environment en- be extremely variable from one year to another, even from • Booster cables courages Kansans to plan ahead and dress appropriately one day to another,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director • Emergency flares for bitterly cold weather and to know the warning signs of of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. • Fluorescent distress flag hypothermia. Information about staying safe in winter “We’ve already had one round of snowfall accompanied Information on winter driving tips is available from the weather is available at goo.gl/XgE06N by bitter temperatures. This may signal the start of a bad Kansas Highway Patrol at goo.gl/pzzGHu. You can also For a complete list of items for a home or car emer- winter or it could turn out the rest of the season is mild. follow the Kansas Highway Patrol on Facebook and Twit- gency kit, go to www.ksready.gov. Additional information The best course of action is to be prepared.” ter at www.kansashighwaypatrol.org. on preparing for winter weather is available from FEMA Morgan advised all Kansans to check their home and If you must travel when winter road conditions are de- at www.fema.gov, the American Red Cross at www.red- vehicle emergency kits and replenish any outdated sup- teriorating, then plan ahead to get the latest road informa- cross.org, or your county emergency management office. plies. KDEM recommends a minimum three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person), nonperishable high-energy foods, extra blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, a safe alternate heat source, extra medications and other essentials. Pet owners are reminded to see to the needs of their pets, particularly if kept outdoors. When making your home emergency kit, make one for your pets, as well, with the same three-day supply of food and water, med- ications and other essentials. Ensure that your pet has a warm, dry shelter with straw or other bedding material, and access to food and water that is not covered by snow or ice. If you do not have a heated water dish, make sure to replace the water at least daily when temperatures drop below freezing. During severe conditions, it is advised to bring the pet indoors to a garage, mud room or other warm area. Road travel is discouraged during extreme storm situa- tions; however, if you must travel in those conditions the Kansas Highway Patrol encourages taking extra precau- tions to keep yourself and your family safe. Keep at least a half a tank of gas in your car at all times in case you get stranded or stuck in traffic. Arrange your travel plans so you can leave well ahead of bad weather and keep an emergency kit in your car.” Recommended items to include in your vehicle: • Shovel, windshield scraper and small broom • Flashlight • Battery powered radio • Extra batteries • Water • Snack food • Matches 35th Infantry Division conducts back-to-back command post exercises By Spc. Stefanie Fulcher 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs "Repetition is key, And these efforts Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division will be seen when we arrive over- from the Kansas and Missouri Army Na- seas and are ready to tackle a 24- tional Guards continued preparations for hour cycle of supporting those their upcoming overseas deployment dur- brigades that we're commanding." ing two separate five-day command post Col. Jeff Van exercises held at Camp Clark, Missouri. deputy commanding general "One of the commander's training objec- 35th Infantry Division tives is to centralize operations and to be expeditionary," said Col. Jeff Van, 35th In- tailor training for future command post fantry Division deputy commanding gen- exercises," said Col. Timothy Bush, 35th eral, operations. Infantry Division chief of staff. "It's re- It was for that reason the 35th Division ally an incredible opportunity that allows left the comfort of Leavenworth and de- us to go through multiple repetitions of a ployed its mobile command post to Camp specific battle drill and better familiarize Clark to better simulate a real deployment all staff personnel with their individual where both states could enhance the overall functions." collective readiness of the unit and support The first command post exercises, con- systems during a shared mission. ducted in December, gave the Soldiers of "We decided to change what's been nor- the 35th the opportunity to fine tune those mal in the past of doing the collective train- individualized practices while simultane- ing at Fort Leavenworth," said Van, "and, ously creating a more cohesive team. instead, deploy our headquarters to a cen- "Information in this environment does tralized site that would be easily accessible not just flow vertically up and down the for both states to enhance collective train- chain-of-command,” said Van. “It has to Maj. Gen. Victor J. Braden (left), 35th Infantry Division commanding general, gives ing and better support." flow laterally to each section that might an operational overview to Maj. Gen. Robert P. White, 1st Armored Division com- The exercises, held in December and benefit from that information. If you don't manding general, during Command Post Exercise 2 at Camp Clark, Missouri, Jan. January, are a continuation of training ef- exercise this, it won't just come overnight." 9. Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division from the Kansas and Missouri Army Na- forts built from lessons learned at last sum- Taking what was learned from the expe- tional Guards are continuing their preparations for an upcoming overseas deploy- mer's warfighter exercise in Leavenworth. riences of the first command post exercise, ment. (Photo Sgt. 1st Class Mark Hanson, 35th Infantry Division Public Affairs) Where most large-scale warfighter exercise 35th Division leadership had a better idea selves and improve our overall process." frequency in practice have been staples in include multiple elements from various ac- of areas needing focus as they moved into Leadership within the 35th has spear- the division's success, allowing for acceler- tive-duty, National Guard and Reserve the second exercise in January. headed this challenge by incorporating an ated learning. units across the country, these command "We took the smaller pieces that needed aggressive and compressive training plan "Repetition is key," said Van. "And these post exercises consisted only of 35th In- work and went through a crawl-walk-run that includes extended drill periods, lan- efforts will be seen when we arrive over- fantry Division Soldiers. process," said Van. "This not only allows guage courses and increased communica- seas and are ready to tackle a 24-hour cycle "The CPXs serve to establish a base- us to better ourselves through individual tion within the organization itself. of supporting those brigades that we're line of division readiness that allow us to functions, but be able to re-evaluate our- The continuity in training and increased commanding." January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 9 Page 10 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Ceremony inducts two into Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame

Photos and story by Capt. Margaret Ziffer the love, sacrifice and support of their 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment spouses, their families and their friends. The Kansas National Guard Hall of “There’s a lot of people responsible for Fame hosted its 2016 induction ceremonies me being here – my family is the biggest Nov. 6 at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. one,” said Axtell. During this annual event, retired Maj. “There are so many I would like to thank Gen. Russell C. Axtell and retired Sgt. Maj. for this honor,” said Holt. “In my opinion, Lynn Edward Holt were welcomed as the there is no higher honor that can be given organization’s newest members. to a retired member of the Kansas National “Today we recognize two of our own Guard.” who have made immeasurable contribu- Axtell also credited the entire National tions in shaping the Kansas Army and Air Guard community for successes and how it National Guard that we know today,” said has been able to grow and evolve over the Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general years. “Throughout my career, I worked of the Kansas National Guard. with great individuals who were dedicated The Kansas National Guard Hall of to their work and to each other. That’s re- Fame was established by the National ally the strength of what we do, the Guard Association of Kansas to recognize strength of the National Guard: the sense of individuals who have served in the Kansas community that exists in this organization,” National Guard or its predecessor, the said Axtell. Kansas State Militia, and who have made a “It is easy for all of us to get distracted significant contribu- by the day-to-day tion to the National “There’s a lot of people re- grind and the busy Guard achievements, schedules and forget tradition, or history, sponsible for me being the deeper reason Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn Holt accepts an award from Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the ad- according to the Mu- why we serve,” said here – my family is the jutant general, during the 2016 Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame induction cere- seum of the National Tafanelli. “But on biggest one.” monies in Topeka Nov. 6. Guard’s website. In- days like today, we ductees must be nom- Retired Maj. Gen. pause to honor two with the KSANG as an F-105 instructor ceived proper training. He served from the inated by their peers Russell C. Axtell leading examples of pilot with the 184th in 1973. During this detachment through state level. He is and selected by a dedication and serv- time he served as an academic, simulator known for his ability to recognize Soldier committee. 2016 Hall of Fame inductee ice. We also take a and flight instructor. He moved through a needs at all levels. The same care he felt The achievements moment to remind succession of positions, from life support for Soldiers carried over into his commu- of this year’s in- ourselves of a deeper officer to squadron operations officer to nity activities. Holt’s passion for people ductees were numerous. truth – that America still needs her pro- chief of academics. In 1979, he transi- and their needs exemplifies his true charac- “Any Airman who has served with Axtell tectors and warriors, perhaps now more tioned to the F-4 Fighter by attending up- ter. He devoted his entire adult life to the would consider him an unusually fine and than ever. grade training with the 426th Tactical betterment of our nation, our state and the capable leader, having guided the 184th “Thank you for allowing us to be re- Fighter Training Squadron at Luke Air Kansas National Guard. Tactical Fighter Group and, later, the entire minded of what real integrity, character, Force Base, Arizona. He also resumed his Born July 27, 1951 in Topeka, Holt grad- Kansas Air National Guard through some and selfless service looks like,” said college education, graduating with a uated from Topeka High School in 1969. very difficult times,” said Tafanelli. “He is Tafanelli. “Thank you for spending decades Bachelor of Science degree in aeronauti- Soon after graduating, he enlisted in the an Airman’s Airman, a general with intelli- of your lives dedicated to things greater cal engineering in 1977. KSARNG as a cook with Company A, gence, a sense of humility and perspective than yourselves.” Other assignments include deputy com- 169th Support Battalion as a cook. He that few others have.” More information about how to nominate mander of resources, and the Air National completed his basic and advanced individ- Tafanelli remarked that Holt is one of a Kansas National Guard retiree for induc- Guard advisor to the ual training at Fort few individuals who left such an indelible tion into the Hall of Fame can be found at Air Force’s Tactical “In my opinion, there is Leonard Wood, Mis- mark on the enlisted force in the Kansas http://www.kansasguardmuseum.com/. Air Command for souri, in 1971. Army National Guard. Retired Maj. Gen. Russell C. Axtell plans and operations no higher honor that can Shortly after re- “For over three decades, he has faith- Axtell joined the Kansas Air National at Tactical Air Com- be given to a retired mem- turning from basic fully served at the detachment, company, Guard in 1968 while attending the Wichita mand Headquarters ber of the Kansas National training, he became battalion, brigade and state level, earning State University’s Reserve Officers' Train- at Langley AFB, Vir- the unit supply spe- a well-deserved reputation for selflessly ing Corps program, and received a direct ginia. He was re- Guard.” cialist until May ensuring that his Soldiers were trained, commission in May 1969. He received sponsible for 1973. He assumed motivated and ready to execute whatever pilot training at Reese Air Force Base from advising the staff on Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn E. Holt the duties of unit missions came their way,” said Tafanelli. July 1969 until July 1970. Afterward he at- policies, plans, and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee supply sergeant and “He has a tireless focus on a simple but tended F-100 Combat Crew Training programs. He also was employed as the powerful philosophy: work to make the School with the 162nd Tactical Fighter coordinated issues unit administrative unit better every day.” Group, Arizona Air National Guard, Tuc- between TAC-gained ANG units, state ad- supply technician, where he was pro- The two inductees were not able to reach son, Arizona, and was in the first F-105 jutants general, National Guard Bureau, moted to sergeant. He was promoted in these achievements alone, however, and Combat Crew Training School class con- ANG support center, and TAC. Addition- May 1974 to staff sergeant in the same Tafanelli pointed out that their families also ducted by the Kansas Air National Guard, ally, he coordinated war plans, exercises assignment. In July 1977, he was as- made numerous sacrifices over the years, 184th Tactical Fighter Group, McConnell and deployments. signed as the personnel supervisor, record with “lost opportunities and missed Air Force Group, Wichita, Kansas, receiv- In 1990, Axtell returned to Kansas as the section, 69th Infantry Brigade, Adjutant events,” which enabled Axtell and Holt to ing honors and graduating as the outstand- commander of the Smoky Hill Weapons General Section and promoted to sergeant serve the Kansas National Guard. ing graduate in 1972. Range, 184th Tactical Fighter Wing, first class in April 1978 and master ser- The inductees themselves also credited Axtell became a full-time technician Salina. During this time, he resumed his geant in 1982. flying career in F-16 fighter aircraft as an Holt transferred to Headquarters and instructor pilot. While at the 184th, he led Headquarters Support, 35th Infantry Divi- the unit to the best-ever unit effectiveness sion at Fort Leavenworth in October 1985, inspection with the ultimate reward as the where he served as the replacement detach- Outstanding Unit Award, the first ever ment supervisor. In August 1992, he trans- awarded to a gunnery range. ferred to headquarters of the Kansas State After a short stint as the director of Area Command in Topeka and was pro- Fighter Forces for the ANG, Andrews moted to sergeant major. After graduation AFB, Washington D.C., he was selected from the United States Sergeants Major as commander of the 184th Fighter Academy in 1995, he was assigned as the Group, which converted to a heavy personnel sergeant major in the Directorate bomber unit, the first ANG unit in the na- of Personnel office. In 2001 he was assigned tion to receive the B-1B Bomber. as the HQ STARC battalion sergeant major In 1997, Axtell was appointed as the until he retired in December 2003. chief of staff for the KSANG and he was Holt served his community as president appointed the assistant adjutant general-air of the Tecumseh North Elementary for Kansas in 2000. In 2003 he was se- School Parent Teacher Organization; lected as the ANG assistant to the com- coach, fundraiser and building committee mander, Air Forces Space Command, of Shawnee County Amateur Baseball As- Peterson AFB, Colorado. sociation; coach and manager of Dorn- His awards and decorations include the wood Girls Softball Association; former Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service tornado spotter with the Kaw Valley Ama- Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and nu- teur Radio Club; assistant chapter dad, merous other Air Force and Kansas Na- DeMolays; THS reunion committee Class tional Guard Awards. of 69 from 1989 to present; Arab Shrine Retired Sgt. Maj. Lynn E. Holt Past Potentate – 2005, Arab Shrine clown Holt built his distinguished Kansas Army and past president of Arab Shrine Past Retired Maj. Gen. Russell C. Axtell speaks during the 2016 Kansas National Guard National Guard career developing strength, Potentates Association 2011 and secretary Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at the Ramada Inn in Topeka. retaining Soldiers, and insuring Soldiers re- treasurer since 2012. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 11

Speaking from experience Kansas Army National Failure to prepare can stunt career growth Guard welcomes first By Sgt. Zach Sheely If any of this sounds familiar to you, I Public Affairs Office implore you to take your career in the Na- woman into Chaplain Corps “The purpose of this performance tional Guard more seriously, and that starts counseling is to inform you that you did with physical readiness. Being physically not meet Army physical fitness standards ready is at the very core of military serv- by failing a record Army Physical Fitness ice, regardless of your branch, status or Test as a gradua- military occupation specialty. tion requirement I showed up at WLC, the first level of for the Warrior the Noncommissioned Officer Profes- Leader Course sional Development System, unprepared, and inform you both mentally and physically. that your failure Upon arrival, Soldiers are measured for to pass the APFT height and weight and tested in the APFT. retest will result I assumed that the APFT administered in your dismissal there would be just like every other APFT from the Warrior I had taken, and the NCO grading my Leader Course.” performance in pushups and sit-ups This was writ- would score leniently and count any and ten on a Develop- Sgt. Zach Sheely all pushup and sit-up repetitions. Much to mental my dismay, they did not. Counseling Form and was, along with a The cadre at NCOES will tell you – as DA Form 1059 marked “unsatisfactory,” they reminded me – that they are there to given to me before I left Camp Ashland, apply and uphold the standard. You can’t Nebraska – a failure of the then-named fake it on an APFT at NCOES. You must Warrior Leader Course. arrive prepared. I had failed the initial APFT at the War- School slots are valuable to every Sol- rior Leader Course by three pushups, and dier. When a Soldier fails out, as I did, it then failed the APFT retest seven days is a waste of a slot that another Soldier later. I was unceremoniously removed from may have been waiting for and needing to class later that day and told by my small advance their career. group leader that I needed to pack my bags If you do fail out of an NCOES or Retired Col. David Jenkins, former Kansas National Guard state chaplain, pins the silver and report to the operations building imme- MOS-producing school because of APFT bar of the rank of first lieutenant on 1st Lt. Jamilah Moss’ uniform during a commission diately. I was being dismissed early as a and/or height/weight failure, rest assured and promotion ceremony Nov. 23, 2016, at the Lawrence Indian United Methodist non-graduate of the course. that you will spend the next year or more Church in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Sgt. Zach Sheely, Public Affairs Office) I was one of several Soldiers who were proving to your command team that you involuntarily removed from the course for deserve to go back. At my first sergeant’s By Sgt. Zach Sheely, ing that there's need for chaplains led to failing to meet Army standards in either behest, I took a dozen or more APFTs to Public Affairs Office me coming on board with the APFT or body composition. That was show that I was ready. The Kansas Army National Guard wel- the Kansas National Guard." a long and lonely drive back to Kansas. I was determined never to fail another comed a new chaplain who is unlike any Moss was promoted to the rank of first It was a genuinely humiliating experi- APFT again and, more importantly, to other into the Chaplain Corps during a lieutenant as family, members of her ence that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, live a healthier lifestyle. I sought out ex- commissioning ceremony at the Lawrence church and fellow KSARNG Soldiers con- and it could have been so easily avoided perts in fitness and nutrition and asked for Indian United Methodist Church Nov. 22, gratulated her. with preparation and the right mentality. their help, including my first sergeant. 2016. “Jami's been a blessing to the Kansas I made the mistake early in my National Soldiers do not want to see Soldiers fail. Chaplain (1st Lt.) Jamilah Moss is the Army National Guard," said Chaplain Guard career of disregarding physical train- I participated in the Comprehensive Sol- first female chaplain in the Kansas Army (Col.) Peter Jaramillo, state chaplain. ing and the importance of body composi- dier Fitness program, which was invaluable National Guard. "She's accepted the call. What she brings is tion to my overall readiness. I coasted by to my military career and my personal life. "I'm grateful and honored," said Moss, unsurpassable in many ways. She brings for years on my annual APFT, preparing I’m happy to say that I returned to "and I know that it comes with a lot of re- her own unique calling, she's endowed very little and completing the bare mini- Camp Ashland, Nebraska, in late 2016, sponsibility, but it's a celebratory experi- with a rich cultural background and she mum number of repetitions in both pushups and graduated the Basic Leader Course. ence in many ways." has great pastoral skills." and sit-ups needed to pass – repetitions that I’m now ready to take the next step, but Moss, who served in the U.S. Army Re- In April 2016, the Kansas Army Na- may have not been up to standard. the reality is that I stunted my career serve in the early 1990s, said that the jour- tional Guard opened all military occupa- I would crash diet the week before a growth by a year or more. ney to the chaplaincy has been years in the tions to women, including infantry and height/weight measurement, eating only Nothing will hinder your career or slow making. field artillery, a fact that makes Moss' salads and baked chicken to ensure that I your upward progression quite like failing "I really felt a call on my life for a long commissioning even more opportune, ac- squeaked by on my tape measurement, to meet the APFT and/or height/weight time," said Moss, “the call to serve God, cording to Chaplain (Maj.) John Potter, then returning to bad eating habits imme- failure. Take it from someone who has but I didn't know what that looked like. deputy command chaplain. diately afterward. experienced failure firsthand. Take the Now it has developed into being a full- "There's an incredible importance in It was a lifestyle. I didn’t hold myself to a steps needed to fix yourself. It is possible. time pastor and being a part of the Army having female chaplains," said Potter. "As high enough standard, and I paid the price. It starts with you. National Guard. I knew long ago… that I we continue to increase the numbers of fe- wanted to help but I didn't know how and males in combat arms, it's huge that we at the time, I wasn't a Christian.” have a female presence in all branches. So Moss serves as an elder in the Oklahoma for this to happen in 2016 is historic, it's Shriners donate circus tickets Indian Missionary Conference with the unique. In a way, it's kind of sad it hasn't United Methodist Church and pastor of the happened until now. Lawrence Indian United Methodist "But it's not like she's just going to be a Church. Moss said her service to her chaplain for females, that's not the case at church and to the Soldiers in the Kansas all. She's going to be there for everyone. Army Guard are one in the same. It's a huge honor to bring her in. She "My desire is to serve the people of comes from such an incredible background God in any capacity I can," said Moss. and culture that she's going to bring to the "So, being prior service and understand- Chaplain Corps of the Kansas Guard."

In a show of support for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Kansas National Guard and their families, the Topeka Arab Shrine donated approximately 2,500 tickets to the 2017 Shrine Circus to the Kansas National Guard during a brief presentation Jan. 4, 2017, at the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka. Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general of Kansas, accepted the tickets on behalf of the Kansas National Guard. Page 12 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Kansas Guard assists with Topeka city JROTC drill competition By Capt. Rory Mele, municating with those students, he said, that we are not just here to recruit their 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and it’s important for the students to see kids, but we are actually a part of the com- “Without the Kansas Na- “That was on point,” was whispered by another face in uniform from time to time. munity here to assist their children.” tional Guard, we could not a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Sgt. 1st Class Craig Jackson, the recruit- “As a parent, there is a sense of security cadet after watching a drill and ceremony ing and retention noncommissioned for knowing that there is a plan,” said Sarah pull off an event such as presentation by cadets from a competing Holton and Topeka, expressed that, as citi- Good, a mother with one cadet in high this.” school during the Annual All City Drill, zen Soldiers, Guardsmen are often recog- school and one cadet at Kansas State Uni- Retired Lt. Col. Ron Daniels, Fitness and Marksmanship Competition at nized for their response to disasters, but are versity on scholarship to join the Air Force. Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, also recognized for the work and service that “With school, and beyond school, there is a senior aerospace instructor, Kansas, Dec. 3, 2016. they do in the communities where they live. plan for what my son is going to do with Washburn Rural High School Cadets were not the only ones critiquing “You cannot measure the trust built by the rest of his life and I don’t worry about the precision and discipline of the exercises getting out and serving the community,” him being successful because he has being a part of this program.” being conducted. Judges were organized said Jackson. “The moms and dads can see learned all of the skills needed to do that by Good said that the JROTC program and provided by the Kansas Army National helped her kids develop a maturity level Guard Recruiting Battalion and consisted that almost cannot be taught outside of the of seven Kansas National Guard Soldiers, JROTC and ROTC structure. three Kansas State University ROTC cadets The students are in it for other reasons. from the Persian Guard, and two Marines; “We want to be different,” said Pvt. who scored each competing team by a list Miguel Monteclaro, Topeka High School of specific criteria. JROTC company commander, who recently All five JROTCs in the Topeka area – joined the National Guard. “We want to Marine, Army, Navy and Air Force cadets – show the world what young men and women participated in this competition, according to of our generation are still capable of.” retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ron Daniels, “First and foremost, with JROTC, our Washburn Rural High School’s senior aero- guiding role is to create good citizens for space instructor. They competed in marks- America,” said Daniels. “We want to instill manship with air rifles earlier in the week, good citizenship, making every cadet a and in the President’s Physical Fitness Test, good citizen of character, no matter their doing sit-ups, pull-ups, a 30-yard shuttle run branch and, I think that I can speak for all and a mile run prior to their Precision Drill of the other JROTC instructors, that with- competition. The drill competition included out the National Guard, we couldn’t do a unarmed and armed regulation, armed and lot of the things we do and we are very unarmed exhibition and color guard. grateful for them.” Kansas National Guard Soldiers who are “It’s great to see citizen-Soldiers support expert in the various event disciplines, have the high schools,” said Jackson. “These are judged these events in the past our future leaders right here. So the more “Without the Kansas National Guard, we they can see positive role models and indi- could not pull off an event such as this,” viduals is an amazing thing and it is great said Daniels. “They do a great job of get- to get the support of my fellow recruiters ting in and helping us with the cadets.” Cadet Jared Koopman, battalion commander of Topeka High School’s JROTC, dis- and others within the Army.” Daniels said that the events these cadets cusses left and right limits with Sgt. 1st Class Veronica Bartley, Kansas Army Na- Along with providing the judges, the do require a great deal of military disci- tional Guard, who served as a judge at the Annual All City Drill, Fitness and Kansas Army National Guard Recruiting pline focus and individuals from the Na- Marksmanship Competition at Washburn Rural High School, Dec. 3. (Photo by Battalion covered the expenses of 16 tional Guard provide not only judges for Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) plaques to be handed out for each of the those events, but they help through com- competitions. January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 13 From Guard to Guardian Never ignore patch messages Airman honored for lifesaving actions

By Staff Sgt. Rachel Waller going to let anyone burn to death in a car. 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs “I reached in and grabbed the mom’s May 23, 2015, is a day Staff Sgt. Clinton wrist and squeezed as hard as I could and Brown will never forget. ripped her daughter out of the back seat,” It was a little after three a.m. and Brown Brown said. “Her son was behind the had been driving for almost eight hours driver seat, so I just grabbed him and and could see the lights of his hotel in the pulled him out of the vehicle.” distance just outside Marshall, Texas. At After he pulled the children out, the po- that moment, a car blew past him at more lice arrived and were able to get the than 80 miles an hour, running red lights woman out of the burning car. before it T-boned into another car. For his actions, his first sergeant, Master xkcd.com. “I pulled in as fast as I could, slammed Sgt. Jerry Gardiner, 161st IS, nominated the car in park and jumped out barking out him for the United Service Organization By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Sackrider pictures of your aunt online. orders to my wife,” recalled Brown, 161st National Guardsmen of the Year. Cybersecurity Officer Software and patches are supposed to be Intelligence Squadron intelligence analyst. “Clint Brown is the type of person that Imagine hiring a construction company digitally signed. That is, your computer can “I needed to help these people.” is very compassionate with a tremendous to build a house. Your house has plumbing, look at its fingerprint and look it up on a Assessing the situation, Brown realized capacity to do what is right for himself, his doors, windows, furnace, and all the other database and be sure it is from the proper the driver in the T-boned car was pinned in family, and the community,” said Gardiner. items one needs to live comfortably. company and has not been modified. You and needed the most help. “[He is] a quiet, humble and inspiring indi- A month after you move in, you realize if can trust your computer to know the proper “I reached in there and tried to feel his vidual who puts service to his country and the thermostat is set on 72, the air condi- patches during system notifications; do not pulse,” said Brown. “We tried to provide family before himself.” tioner and the furnace both come on. You trust websites. If you do feel you need a aid to the driver, but he was gone. His fi- Ultimately, Brown was selected as the notify the construction company and they patch, go to the vendor’s site directly, not ancée was in the car with him.” recipient of the award and was honored replace your thermostat. from a link on a webpage or email. Brown’s wife, Stefanie, stayed with the during the 2016 USO Gala in Washington, Then word gets out that the windows Have your computers set to automati- woman while Brown moved on to check D.C., Oct. 20. could be opened from the outside with a cally update your operating system and the other vehicle. “I was shocked,” Brown said about the specially-bent butter knife. So the window main programs. Luckily, Windows now re- Suddenly, it caught fire. Brown and an- selection. “I am literally the small-town manufacturer sends out new locks to every- members where it left off when it rebooted other bystander tried to kick the windows boy who grew up helping people. I’ve al- one with that brand of window. your computer. Many times you won’t even in, but had no luck. Then, the driver of a ways tried to help. It’s who I am; I will This process of mediating faulty con- know your system restarted. Of course, passing semi-truck approached them with sacrifice my life if I need to.” struction or new exploits happens daily there exists that small chance of data loss, a hammer. Recently, the Brown family learned what with your digital systems. We know them save often. “I ran over, grabbed the hammer and happened to the people involved in the ac- as patches, those annoying messages that Can your system be completely patched? broke the back passenger window out,” he cident. pop up and tell us we need to download, in- No. There are ways to sneak into your sys- said. “There were two kids in the back seat “The guy that was killed was 19-years- stall, and (shudder) reboot our computers. tem that the programmers aren’t aware of. who were fully awake and conscious. The old,” Brown said. “The other driver was We don’t have time for that (postpone, These are called Zero Days, so named be- mom was still in the driver seat. She was charged with first-degree murder and a postpose, ignore). cause there are no days between the time of going crazy. couple counts of child endangerment. She The issue is that our systems need to be the patch (which doesn’t exist) and the time “She was turned around, holding onto was found not guilty by reason of insan- patched to operate smoothly and safely. to be able to exploit a system. Some zero both kids and wasn’t letting go. She was ity.” Patches not only cover operating systems, days are out there for a year before soft- going to let them burn in the car.” Brown doesn’t know what happened to but applications, drivers, and security ware companies realize it. Unfortunately, The truck driver returned with a fire ex- the two children he rescued, but to his chil- measures to keep our systems and informa- the bad guys knew about it all this time, tinguisher and attempted to get the flames dren, he will always be their hero. tion (and pictures of our Aunt Ruth) safe. using it and not letting it slip that it’s there. under control with little success. Soon the “My youngest daughter will tell you I’m It is true that a patch can make a system In that case, we use other means to protect front of the car was engulfed in flames. her hero,” he smiled. “It makes me unbe- worse. Much testing goes on before a our systems -- defensive software, firewalls Brown, a father of three, said he remem- lievably proud and brings tears to my eyes patch is rolled out, but with the myriad of and, above all, vigilance. bered thinking to himself that he wasn’t to hear it.” configurations of hardware and software, As we learned with the massive internet there are bound to be some hiccups. Let outage this year, devices within the Internet this not deter you in keeping your systems of Things (IoT) need to be patched as well. up-to-date. Printers, phones, security systems, watches, Another issue is how do we trust a patch? and televisions and other items all need to Many times a website will notify you a pro- be patched. It’s a hassle remembering to gram (usually Flash or Java) is out of date, keep these systems up to date, so again it’s and you should immediately download a best to allow them to update themselves, patch that they sooooo graciously offer. In and tolerate a slight inconvenience now reality, the patch is a Trojan horse that will rather than trying to get your identity (or spy on you, steal your data, or post those family pictures) back later. Workshop focuses on military education assistance programs Last year, during National Education nity College, Kansas State University and Week, the Kansas National Guard hosted Southwestern College. its 7th annual workshop for 27 school certi- LOI schools have a high volume of Sol- fying officials, registrars and financial aid dier enrollments and the school’s registra- counselors from 12 Kansas institutions of tion and withdrawal processes are higher learning. The workshop is designed integrated with GoArmyEd. Each term, for employees that manage the accounts of these schools upload a portion of their students who use the GI Bill, Federal Tu- course offerings into GoArmyEd and Sol- ition Assistance and State Tuition Assis- diers are able to search the system for their Staff Sgt. Clinton Brown was named United Service Organization National Guards- tance programs. classes. Non Letter of Instruction schools men of the Year for his lifesaving actions in May 2015. (Photo provided) The workshop was hosted by Maj. have fewer Soldier enrollments and the Chuck Leivan, the Kansas National Guard school’s systems are not as integrated with Education Services officer, and his staff. GoArmyEd. However, all schools use the Girls Scouts, women in aviation The section coordinated with the Depart- electronic invoicing, grading, and gradua- (Continued from Page 7) good that these changes are happening.” ment of Veteran’s Affairs, the Kansas tion reporting features within GoArmyEd. “There was definitely a stigma,” said The Girls in Aviation event coincided Board of Regents, Kansas State University “I have attended this workshop for the Luthie-Rodriguez. “No one ever told me with the 2016 Fly Kansas stop at the Com- and the Office of Officer Strength Manage- past three years and I always learn some- this, but I know there were certain guys bat Air Museum in Topeka. The girls were ment providing a wide-range of topics rele- thing new here” said Summer Bond, finan- that wouldn’t fly with me.” able to observe airplanes from across vant to the audience. cial aid coordinator at Kansas City According to 1st Lt. Courtney Brungardt, Kansas land and take off, visit with the pi- “One of the most gratifying things about Community College. aeromedical evacuations officer, 1st Battal- lots and get an up-close look at the various this workshop is to actually see these vari- The presentation by Maj. Feng Zhang, ion, 108th Aviation Regiment, that stigma aircraft that included a tour of the fuselage ous agencies learn from each other. It’s like Specialty Branch officer strength manager, is a thing of the past. of a KC-135 with the 190th ARW. magic when the lights go on and someone included information on the incentives and “My unit has been nothing but profes- “I learned a lot about what planes look has that ‘A-ha!’ moment,” Leivan said. opportunities for doctors, physician assis- sional,” said Brungardt. “They don’t expect like on the inside and what women can do Dominic Barnes, Military Student Serv- tants, dentists, nurses and chaplains have if anything more or less from me than they in the military,” said Madalyn Hesterlee, a ices coordinator for K-State Global Cam- they commission in the National Guard. would my male counterparts. I’m grateful Girl Scout with Troop 1494, Kansas City pus at Fort Riley, briefed the requirements “We had a lot of positive feedback and I that we... can do not only this job, but all the Kansas. “It was really cool (to meet of a Letter of Instruction schools for feel confident that this event reinforces our other jobs that have recently opened. women in aviation) because most of the GoArmyEd. There are six Letter of Instruc- efforts to develop relationships with indi- “Things have definitely changed, and I time men were allowed to do stuff, but tion schools in Kansas: Barton County viduals at all levels with our external stake- think it’s for the better. We can do our jobs knowing that women can do stuff too, it Community College, Fort Hays State Uni- holders fostering stronger partnerships in just as good as a male can and I think it’s was really cool and a good experience.” versity, Grantham, Kansas City Commu- the future,” said Leivan. Page 14 Plains Guardian • January 2017 leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Gregory Rowley, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Chad Ewertz, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster cluster Awards and Decorations Tech. Sgt. Christian Grant, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Dajuan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Souphan Keodouangkham, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Ryan Smith, 184th IW, Wichita KANSAS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Spc. Paul Mason, Co E, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Paul Vernacchia, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Spc. Keenan Toll, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kroulik, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf leaf clusters Legion of Merit cluster Staff Sgt. Cole Watts, 184th IW, Wichita KANSAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD Tech. Sgt. Keith Melvin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Staff Sgt. Stephan Westermann, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak clusters leaf cluster Meritorious Service Medal Tech. Sgt. Graham Moulden, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Staff Sgt. Shawn Whetstone, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Brig. Gen. Anthony Mohatt, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth, with oak leaf clusters leaf cluster oak leaf cluster Tech. Sgt. Jared Petefish, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Airman Joseph Alberts, 184th IW, Wichita Brig. Gen. Robert Windham Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with cluster Senior Airman Timothy Blake, 184th IW, Wichita oak leaf cluster Lt. Col. Peter Austin, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dustin Pieschl, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Senior Airman Patrick Demoe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Col. John David Johnson 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth clusters cluster leaf cluster Col. Russell Richardson, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lt. Col. Christopher Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Tech. Sgt. David Prosser, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Christopher Fernandez, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Ron Boyer, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth oak leaf clusters leaf clusters Senior Airman Shane Fowler, 184th IW, Wichita Lt. Col. Bradley Hilbert, 184th IW, Wichita, with three oak Tech. Sgt. Jesse Reid, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Senior Airman Robert Fry, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Meritorious Service Medal leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Francisco Salcedovaldivia, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Lt. Col. Bradley Hinkle, 190th ARW, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Schneider, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three Senior Airman Mark Hallacy, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Lt. Col. Jared Maag, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka oak leaf clusters leaf cluster Lt. Col. Russell Sakati, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dylan Swearingen, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Scott Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita Col. Thomas Burke, 69th TC, Topeka, with four oak leaf clus- cluster leaf cluster Senior Airman Veronica Kellogg, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak ters Lt. Col. Phillip Stadler, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two leaf cluster Lt. Col. Richard Fisher, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Laken Meyer, 184th IW, Wichita cluster Lt. Col. Tanya Wehrli, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Tech. Sgt. Heath Wilson, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak Senior Airman Jordan Morgan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak Lt. Col. Matt Twombly, 1st Bn, 161st FA, Hutchinson, with cluster leaf clusters leaf cluster three oak leaf clusters Lt. Col. Robert Williams, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two oak Tech. Sgt. Hasan Zaidi, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Lauren Penney, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Daniel Ball, HHB, 2nd Bn, 130th FA, Hiawatha leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Sebastian Adame, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Timothy Button, HHC, 169th CSSB, Olathe, with oak Maj. Scott Avery, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Jenna Bausch, 190th ARW, Topeka Senior Airman Christopher Purdy, 184th IW, Wichita leaf cluster Maj. Joseph Blubaugh, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Staff Sgt. Jesse Boring, 184th IW, Wichita Senior Airman Christopher Ruhlen, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Dwayne Byerly, Rec & Ret Bn, Topeka cluster Staff Sgt. Chad Broome, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak Senior Airman Aaron Slaughter, 184th IW, Wichita Maj. Adam Johnson, 69th TC, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster Maj. Kevin Cline, 190th ARW, Topeka leaf clusters Senior Airman Ariel Ward, 184th IW, Wichita Capt. Elizabeth Tipton, 73rd CST, Topeka, with two oak leaf Maj. Jeffrey Dickman, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Bradlee Brown, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Jim Xayavongsy, 184th IW, Wichita clusters Maj. Brandi Staniec, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Senior Airman Stephen Duncan, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Davis, HHC, 169th CSSB, Chief Master Sgt. Von Burns, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Brown, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Senior Airman Angela Edwards, 190th ARW, Topeka Olathe, with oak leaf cluster leaf cluster oak leaf clusters Senior Airman David Glassman, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 2 Amanda Davis, HHC, 635th RSG, Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Montgomery, 190th ARW, Topeka, Staff Sgt. Keri Christian, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four oak Senior Airman Travis Gould, 190th ARW, Topeka Topeka with two oak leaf clusters leaf clusters Senior Airman Benjamin Hunter, 190th ARW, Topeka Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Whitley, HHB, 130th FAB, Man- Chief Master Sgt. Thane Stauffer, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Chelsea Dennison, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Tyler Leed, 190th ARW, Topeka hattan, with two oak leaf clusters three oak leaf clusters leaf cluster Senior Airman Andrea Lopez, 190th ARW, Topeka 1st Sgt. Nancy White, HQ, 235th Regt, Salina Chief Master Sgt. John Womer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Staff Sgt. Christopher Erhart, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Senior Airman Ryan Lu, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Master Sgt. Richard Anderson, 235th Regt, Salina, with oak leaf cluster leaf cluster cluster leaf cluster Senior Master Sgt. Michael Akers, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Terence Gallagher, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two Senior Airman Auston McKinnon, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Terry Abernathy, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, Man- Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, JFHQ KS-AC, Topeka oak leaf clusters Senior Airman Fabian Medrano, 190th ARW, Topeka hattan Senior Master Sgt. Keith Decker, 184th IW, Wichita, with Staff Sgt. Robert Hollar, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Zachary Thomas, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Danielle Burke, HHD, 635th RSG, Topeka three oak leaf clusters cluster Senior Airman Kelsey Warren, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Francisca Jimenez, 73rd CST, Topeka, with two Senior Master Sgt. Allen Ewell, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Adam Johnson, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Senior Airman Paul Webber, 190th ARW, Topeka oak leaf clusters Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Gray, 190th ARW, Topeka, with cluster Airman 1st Class Steven Bohling, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Darwyn Luat, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita oak leaf cluster Staff Sgt. Jamie Johnson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Airman 1st Class Logan Borovetz, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Melnick Jr., 778th Trans Co, Kansas City Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Hansen, 184th IW, Wichita, with cluster Airman 1st Class Travis Gantt, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Aimee Plankinton, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka two oak leaf clusters Staff Sgt. Jacob Masters, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Kole Johnsonhanna, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Ross, HHC, 287th SB, Wichita Senior Master Sgt. Joel Unger, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Grant Myers, 190th ARW, Topeka Airman 1st Class Robert Phillips, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class John Stubbs, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Maurice Balance, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Matthew Nelson, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Airman 1st Class Jon Potts, 184th IW, Wichita Lenexa, with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Vincent Finney, 190th ARW, Topeka cluster Airman 1st Class Dylan Gardner, 190th ARW, Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Barry Vogelbacher, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Master Sgt. Brandon Lambert, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Brandon Rhoten, 184th IW, Wichita Airman 1st Class Chevy Honeycutt, 190th ARW, Topeka Lenexa, with oak leaf cluster Master Sgt. Matthew McCoy, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Anathea Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Airman Alexandria Brun, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Alvin Winns, HHC, 130th FAB, Manhattan Master Sgt. Eric Porterfield, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Benjamin Roe, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Airman Alyssia Logan, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Jay Yeager, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Wichita Master Sgt. Justina Saucedo, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Cheryl Baranow, 137th Trans Co, Olathe Tech. Sgt. Heath Jones, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Michael Rectenwald, KSARNG Training Center, Tech. Sgt. Rafael Marrero Rivera, 184th IW, Wichita Salina Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka 184th IW 75th Anniversary Army Commendation Medal Air Force Commendation Medal (Continued from Page 1) dience and they need to see where we came “We knew that in looking back at 75 from, and pass the torch on to them, so at 1st Sgt. Kit Portz, 2137th FSC, Manhattan, with three oak leaf Maj. Seth Rundle, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf years, it was critically important that we had 100 years they can have a celebration like clusters clusters Capt. Mary Burkett, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf cluster the right audience,” said Maj. Deb Balen- this and say some of the same things about Army Achievement Medal Capt. Matthew Lucht, 184th IW, Wichita tine, director of staff, 184th Wing Staff. this wing,” said Balentine, who was a mem- Senior Master Sgt. Terry Martin, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak leaf clusters “The intent is to honor the past and make it ber of the celebration planning committee. Master Sgt. Loth Chhang, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak clear to everyone that we continue to hold The committee, which was organized by Maj. Michael Ehrstein, 177th IAS, Wichita leaf clusters Tech. Sgt. Julie Hoefer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with three oak the same standards [of excellence].” Senior Master Sgt. Pauly Arnold, chief, In- Kansas Meritorious Service Ribbon leaf clusters After the formal ceremonies, visitors formation Protection office, began planning Tech. Sgt. Justin Jacobs, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster were invited to look through old photos the celebration in late 2015. Tech. Sgt. Christopher McCarthy, 184th IW, Wichita and memorabilia that were on display. “I would rank this as a huge success,” said Maj. Larry Leupold, 130th FAB, Manhattan Tech. Sgt. Maria Ruiz, 184th IW, Wichita Staff Sgt. Paula Conley, 190th ARW, Topeka Many attendees picked up their copy of the Balentine. “Anytime you get all the seats Kansas National Guard State Staff Sgt. Ramon Espana, 184th IW, Wichita recently published history book, “Fighting filled and you have such an engaged crowd; Emergency Duty Service Ribbon Staff Sgt. Joshua Gibbs, 190th ARW, Topeka Staff Sgt. Cody Larson, 184th IW, Wichita Jayhawks: Seventy-five Years of the Air to see everyone zeroed in on what we had on Staff Sgt. TJ Tasker, 184th IW, Wichita National Guard in Wichita.” A 23minute the screen, they were listening, they were Maj. Kevin Kennedy, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Air Force Achievement Medal documentary that covered the unit’s history playing along with us as we went. The Topeka entertained guests as well. A time capsule turnout alone, to me, was a huge success.” Capt. Casey Atkins, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Capt. Clarence Schreiber, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, from 1990 was opened and a commemora- “I think it was great,” said Weishaar. Topeka Maj. Carlton Abner, 190th ARW, Topeka tive bench, which will go in the Reflections “The work that was put into this and then Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steven Hood, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, Capt. Derek Craig, 190th ARW, Topeka 135th Avn Regt, Topeka Master Sgt. Roger Brooker, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two of Freedom Airpark, was unveiled. the crowd that came out was just simply Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brandy Nichols, HHC, 1st Bn, 108th oak leaf clusters “We also have the young troops in our au- amazing. It brings back great memories.” Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Preciliano Deleon, 190th ARW, Topeka, with four Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ingmire, Co B, 1st Bn, oak leaf clusters 108th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Norman Foster, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Morabito, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th leaf cluster Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Paul Grunden, 184th IW, Wichita 69th Troop Command Chief Warrant Officer 3 Patrick Reynolds, Co Bn, 1st Bn, Master Sgt. Michael Hummer, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak 108th Avn, Salina leaf cluster (Continued from Page 5) National Guard. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Keyes, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, Master Sgt. John Ives, 184th IW, Wichita, with two oak leaf 135th Avn Regt, Topeka clusters company fire direction officer and execu- Burke deployed to Iraq from January 2004 Sgt. 1st Class David Lebbin, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Daniel Mangiaracino, 190th ARW, Topeka, with tive officer, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 194th through February 2005 with the 2nd Battal- Sgt. 1st Class Michael Munson, Co D, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, three oak leaf clusters Topeka Master Sgt. Eva Mayberry, 190th ARW, Topeka Field Artillery in Algona, Iowa; battalion ion, 130th Field Artillery. He also deployed Staff Sgt. Ryan Kohlman, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. James Mayfield, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two fire support officer, 1st Battalion, 168th In- to the Horn of Africa as the battalion com- Staff Sgt. Heath Martin, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina oak leaf clusters Sgt. Steven Baker, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Topeka Master Sgt. Mark Moulden, 190th ARW, Topeka, with two fantry in Council Bluffs, Iowa; recon-sur- mander, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery Sgt. Ricardo Bonilla, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina oak leaf clusters vey officer, logistics officer, liaison officer, from March 2011 through February 2012. Sgt. Tony Dickey, Co C, 2nd Bn, 211th Avn, Salina Master Sgt. Michael Ragan, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf Sgt. Jeremy Leach, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka cluster battalion fire direction officer, Battery A Burke attended Iowa State University, Sgt. Darren Love, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Master Sgt. Curtis Rogers, 184th IW, Wichita commander and assistant operations officer where he graduated with a Bachelor of Sci- Sgt. Christian McGraw, Co G (-), 2nd Bn, 135th Avn Regt, Master Sgt. Eric Stanley, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak leaf Topeka cluster for 1st Battalion, 127th Field Artillery in ence degree in electrical engineering. He Sgt. Matthew Palcher, Co A, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Topeka Tech. Sgt. Al Daniels, 184th IW, Wichita, with oak leaf cluster Ottawa, Kansas; operations duty officer, later received a master’s in business admin- Spc. Rudolph Fink, Co B, 1st Bn, 108th Avn, Salina Tech. Sgt. Russell Essman, 190th ARW, Topeka, with oak 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Topeka; op- istration from the University of Missouri, erations officer and executive officer for Kansas City. Burke has completed the Field Sgt. 1st Class Charlie Williams, HHC, 169th CSSB, 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery; fire ef- Artillery Officer Basic Course, Field Ar- Olathe Retirements Staff Sgt. Dennis Dewitt, Det 1, 778th Trans Co, fects officer, liaison officer, and assistant tillery Officer Advance Course, Paladin Kansas City chief of staff - Resource and Budget officer Commanders Course, Combined Arms and Kansas Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Keith Wilson, 2nd Bn, 235th Regt (MTB), Salina for the 35th Infantry Division; commander Services Staff School, Command and Gen- Brig. Gen. Robert Windham Jr., JFHQ KS-LC, Staff Sgt. Jay Yeager, Co B, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery; eral Staff College and is currently a student Topeka Wichita Col. Suzanne Wheeler, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Spc. Craig Brown, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, and training officer for the Kansas Army in the U.S. Army War College. Lt. Col. Timothy Nehls, 35th ID, Fort Leavenworth Lenexa Capt. Cory Durbin, Co C, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lenexa Kansas Air National Guard Capt. Brian Webb, HHC(-), 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Lt. Col. Chris Gnagi, 190th ARW, Topeka A 24/7 Resource for Kansas City Lt. Col. Russ Sakati, 190th ARW, Topeka Chief Warrant Officer 4 Terrell Bonnett, JFHQ KS- Lt. Col. Phil Stadler, 190th ARW, Topeka LC, Topeka Maj. Brandi Staniec, 190th ARW, Topeka 1st Sgt. Gregory Kittle, Co A, 2nd CAB, 137th Inf, Chief Master Sgt. Joe Montgomery, 190th ARW, Military Members, Lawrence Topeka Master Sgt. Larry Dew, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Chief Master Sgt. Thane Stauffer, 184th IW, Wichita Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Graham, Co A, 2nd CAB, Chief Master Sgt. John Womer, 190th ARW, Topeka Spouses and Families 137th Inf, Lawrence Senior Master Sgt. Robert Bledsoe, JFHQ KS-AC, Sgt. 1st Class David Istas, JFHQ KS-LC, Topeka Topeka Sgt. 1st Class Jon Kuchera, 287th SB, Wichita Master Sgt. Vincent Finney, 190th ARW, Topeka 1-800-342-9647 Sgt. 1st Class Darwyn Luat, 287th SB, Wichita Tech. Sgt. Dorothy Westergren, 190th ARW, Topeka January 2017 • Plains Guardian Page 15 Kansas National Guardsmen support annual Freedom Fest event By Capt. Rory Mele the 40-mile Gravel Grinder bike ride and 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment the Spur Readiness Test, consisting of five Banners displaying photographs of veter- military-style obstacles, within 3 hours and ans from all military branches lined the 40 minutes. street that led to the south end of Emporia. The event attracted men and women of There, veterans and civilians, young and all ages, including participants like Shawn old, made final preparations to compete in O’Mara, who competed in the event last the Spur Ride at the 14th annual Freedom year and wanted to race again. Fest held at All Veterans Memorial Park “I fully embrace this celebration for our Nov. 6, 2016. veterans,” said O’Mara, a participant on the “Freedom Fest is a celebration of veterans Dirty Kanza Promotions team, “and I’m in the city of Emporia, which is the founding proud of our city for embracing Veterans city of Veterans Day,” said Command Sgt. Day and all vets.” Maj. Steve Harmon, coordinator of Freedom The race this year also welcomed a first Fest. “The Spur Ride is our starting event of its kind team that included Capt. Timo- that attracts around 250 participants and thy Hornik from the Blind Veterans Associ- roughly 200 spectators from Kansas, Mis- ation and his guide, Lt. Col. Matthew souri, Nebraska, Colorado and Oklahoma.” Battiston, both retired cavalry Soldiers who The Spur Ride is a competitive commu- met as students at the University of Kansas nity gathering event that is part of the All Veterans Association and decided to pre- Veterans Tribute week began in 2003 by pare together for this event. volunteers to honor all veterans and their “I had done the Spur Ride last year and I families, according to the Emporia Main completed the Dirty Kanza 200-mile bike Street volunteers’ website. race earlier in the year,” said Battiston. “Tim Freedom Fest included individual events had heard about me riding through the KU such as the 5K Freedom Run/Walk and a Veterans Associations and had asked me to Retired Lt. Col. Matthew Battiston and retired Capt. Timothy Hornik, Blind Veterans 16-mile or 40-mile Freedom Ride, where start riding with him in the mornings.” Association, compete as a team in the Spur Ride at the 14th annual Freedom Fest in participants bike through the Flint Hills at Hornik, who lost his sight in a service- Emporia. (Photo by Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) their own pace. It also included a timed connected injury after taking direct fire most challenging part was the 40-mile years, according to Lt. Col. Jason Nelson, competition called the Dirty Kanza/635th from a sniper, completed each event by Gravel Grinder on a tandem bicycle battalion commander. Armor Regiment Spur Ride. Participants in holding on to Battiston’s arm or shoulder through the gravel roads of the Flint Hills. “We have a more robust role this year by the Spur Ride had to complete the 5K run, and listening to verbal instructions. The Hornik was already an avid runner, but providing 15-20 personnel to support run- they both started biking in the mornings ning the Spur Ride event and assisting with before school. They started biking 15 miles aid stations on the run and the bike trails,” and increased their distance over the next said Nelson, who also presented partici- four to five months, eventually leading to pants with their awards at a final ceremony. their involvement in the Spur Ride. Participants were called to formation Hornik and Battiston said that they en- where first time racers received a shiny new joyed the event, the association with other spur and those competing for a second time participants, and the support they received received a leather spur strap to attach to their throughout the competition. Their goal is to first-year prize. Along with these awards, get a few more teams from the Blind Veter- participants were encouraged to come again ans Association into the Spur Ride next year. next year and to challenge their friends. The success of the event can be credited “We have a lot of dreams and plans for to the diversity of its participants and to the this event,” said Harmon. “Currently, we many volunteer organizations, sponsors are looking to expand the Spur Ride por- and individuals who worked together to tion of this event which will give partici- make the event run as safely and efficiently pants a taste of what it’s like to go through as possible. an actual Spur Challenge with a cavalry or The proceeds from major sponsors help armor unit by hosting, here in Emporia, a run the event, said Ben Schubert, coordinator true Spur Challenge that anyone in the mil- of the 5K Run/Walk event. Volunteer groups itary across the nation can participate in.” from the local university provided commu- Harmon explained that a Spur Challenge nity service, troops from the Boy Scouts of for a Soldier or trooper is very extensive, America helped with crowd control and lasting more than five days. Participants get safety on the run, and local organizations of- very little sleep and must rely on each other fered food and drinks to participants and vol- to get through the event, which includes a unteers throughout the event. physical fitness test, range qualifications, a Company D, 2nd Combined Arms Bat- ruck march, multiple go/no go stations on Runners take off on the 5K Run/Walk at the 14th annual Freedom Fest in Emporia. talion, 137th Infantry Regiment has been warrior tasks, and the chance to demonstrate (Photo by Capt. Rory Mele, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) providing support for this event for several their leadership skills.

stead of transferring equipment to the goes out to all the commercial carriers. It Lower costs, faster shipments warehouse first. rates that shipment. Once it goes out, it (Continued from Page 2) supply room and take up critical space, that “That’s how it used to be,” said Stowe. looks at all the carrier information and puts Krull said a faster shipment turnaround can be rather painful and create an issue of “Things would come in to the warehouse, them in sequential order from the cheapest time will also free up warehouse space and loss of accountability,” said Krull. requiring extra accountability, and then the to the most expensive. improve accountability. Part of the improved accountability and warehouse would take the necessary steps “We’re required by regulation to start at “If you, as a customer, have to hold on to time savings also comes from facilitating to ship it out. Now, Soldiers and employees the cheapest carrier and call down the list something for three to four weeks in your direct armory-to-armory shipments in- will be able to request and coordinate ship- until we find a carrier that will take it on ments between any of our armories and cost comparison. We’re mandated by De- other facilities throughout the state.” fense Travel regulations to start at the top Harsch said the new system will not en- and work our way down to pick the next tirely supplant the old method of moving carrier. We can’t just pick the hundredth equipment and supplies. carrier because he’s our buddy.” “The customer will send the shipping re- After some trial runs, the new system offi- quirements to the State Movement Control cially rolled out Dec. 1 of last year. Even so, Center,” explained Harsch. “The Direc- Krull said, the system is a work in progress. torate of Logistics staff will first see if they “We’re going to evaluate some things can support it with military assets. If throughout the next year or more and there’s a unit out there that needs some there probably will be some tweaks to the training and already has training slated, web page or some other things that we we’re not going to bypass the State Move- discover along the way,” said Krull. “This ment Control Center. If they can support it is a foundation and an evolution of where – they’ve already dedicated the time, the things can go.” fuel and the Soldiers to the mission – we’re Krull said he did not know of any other going to allow them to do that before we state using such a system. push it off to a commercial partner.” “This may very well turn out to be a If the decision is made to send the ship- good model, especially on the Army Guard ment by commercial carrier, the selection side of the house, throughout the nation of which carrier to use will be handled by someday,” said Krull. The new shipping process will allow the Kansas Army National Guard to ship any the Cargo Movement Operating System. “This is just one piece of projects that lo- item -- from a single sheet of paper to a piece of equipment weighing hundreds of “Once we input all the data into it, we hit gistics has in the works,” said Harsch. pounds -- faster and cheaper. (Photo by Steve Larson, Public Affairs Office) ‘Send request,’” said Harsch. “The request “Stay tuned.” PlainsPlains GuardianGuardian Page 16 Plains Guardian • January 2017 Annual Engineer Regimental ball Recruiter’s efforts earn him top award celebrates camaraderie, history By Capt. Margaret Ziffer “The Soldiers of the 891st have trav- 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment eled to Alaska, Belize, Costa Rica, Hon- The 891st Engineer Battalion held its an- duras, Panama, El Salvador and Armenia nual Engineer Regimental Ball Sept. 17, to move the earth and to make life better 2016, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. for the people of these communities,” Lt. Col. Kenneth Weishaar, battalion, said Nusz. “We have travelled to Ger- commander, opened the evening by re- many to support the active Army. We viewing the year’s accomplishments. High- have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to lights included several teams from the conduct combat missions. We have re- Headquarters and Headquarters Company sponded to natural disasters throughout completing the Bataan Memorial Death the state of Kansas. March; integrating 24 Armenian peace- “During World War I, the Soldiers of keeping soldiers into their annual training; Fort Scott saw battle at Argonne, Alsace the Forward Support Company completing and Lorraine. During World War II, the over 1,700 miles of driver’s training; the Soldiers in the battalion saw battle in 226th Engineer Company’s continuation of Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, their total Army partnership with Fort Ardennes, Alsace and central Europe.” Riley; the 224th Engineer Company’s “The mission of the Engineer Corps is clearing and grubbing of 93 acres of train- as varied as the contents of this punch,” ing sites and six miles of ATV trails; and said Nusz. “Topographic engineering, the 35th Military Police Company’s sup- combat engineering, facilities engineer- port of a Wolf Creek training exercise. ing and civil works, mobility, counter “Time limits my ability to tell you mobility, survivability and the underlin- everything we accomplished this last ing requirement to get the job done and Although not a Kansas Army National Guardsman, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bufford, year,” said Weishaar. “However, we did get it done right -- this is the Army Corps was named the top Recruiter and Retention producer for the Kansas National accomplish a lot. I wanted to let you of Engineers.” Guard and Army Reserve in 2016. Buford is part of the Recruiting and Retention know that your taxpayer dollars were Three Soldiers of the battalion, Lt. Col. Office office at Fort Riley (Photo provided) hard at work. Eric Blankenship, Sgt. 1st Class Jamie “We are prepared not only to fight and Mosbrucker and Staff Sgt. Melvin Eu- “We are on mission to put Soldiers in the The state of Kansas offers incentives for win our nation’s wars, but we are also here banks, became the newest recipients of Guard or Reserves coming off of active joining the Kansas National Guard that to serve the homeland and support our the Bronze de Fleury Medal, which is duty,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bufford, many other states don’t. friends and neighbors.” awarded to individuals who have ren- 1st Division, Headquarters Battery. “So, “Kansas has one of the best stabilization Weishaar also thanked the families and dered significant service or support to an based on my efforts for fiscal year 2016, I policies,” said Bufford. “For four years, friends of the 891st Engineer Battalion. element of the Engineer Regiment. was the top producer of people in the that Soldier is not deployable. So if you get “Most of the time when we have these The spirit of the Engineer Corps was Guard or Reserve.” those infantry Soldiers that are coming off events, the commander or senior officer evident throughout the event. Col. Matt Oleen, deputy chief of staff, of active duty that have a three or four year thanks the families for their sacrifice,” said “It’s the history and the camaraderie,” Kansas Army National service obligation re- Weishaar. “I want you to understand that said Nusz. “It’s especially nice to see the Guard, presented Buf- “Kansas offers state tu- maining, it just makes that’s not a cliché, that’s not something retirees come back for it. We try to get ford with the Recruit- sense for those Sol- ition assistance for col- that just goes in the script. An M1 tank is away from doing it on a drill weekend so ing and Retention diers to stay in Kansas just as important to accomplishing the mis- that everyone can relax and have some fun. Producer of the year lege. There aren’t a lot of for the non-deployable sion as family support. So, don’t ever take “Engineers now, as always, clear the award for his efforts. states that offer that.” eligibility. That was a your support of our Soldiers doing their way,” he said. “From the establishment of Over the past year, good sale for me. jobs lightly, because I can tell you that the the corps in the eighteenth century to the the Kansas Army Na- Sgt. 1st Class “Also, Kansas offers senior leaders and I certainly don’t.” exploration of the universe well into the tional Guard trans- Ronald Bufford state tuition assistance Before the traditional punch cere- twenty-first, you will see the tangible evi- ferred in 150 for college. There mony, Maj. Justin Nusz, battalion ad- dence of the engineers and forever hear active-duty Soldiers aren’t a lot of states ministrative officer, recounted the the engineer motto ringing in your ears: from across the nation. Bufford and the re- that offer that, where a Soldier can take ad- legacy of the battalion. Essayons (Let us try)!” cruiting and retention team at Fort Riley vantage of state tuition assistance to any were responsible for a majority of those. private college in the state of Kansas.” “Sergeant Bufford was the recipient of The benefits aren’t just one-sided. The the award,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Luck, Kansas National Guard also gets quality interstate transfer coordinator, Recruiting Soldiers to fill vacant positions. and Retention Battalion, “but he made it “Cost and time,” said Luck. “The Guard clear that it was the team that helped the doesn’t have to pay an applicant to go to contracting process; it really was a team ef- basic training or back to training. If we get fort. They [Fort Riley team] did 77 of the a Soldier from active duty, the day after his 150 total just from Fort Riley. He [Bufford] expiration term of service, we have a basic- did 40 of those 77.” trained and job-qualified Soldier.” “Our team is very strong and we all back Bufford and the team are preparing for each other,” said Bufford. “So when the next fiscal year with the goal of taking award was given to me, I took it for the home another award from the Kansas Army team. I really feel good about taking care of National Guard. the state that I am in.” “We do have a higher goal than 77 from Two to three thousand active-duty Sol- last year,” said Bufford. “We have a differ- dier from Fort Riley have to meet with ent mindset on how we are going to handle Bufford’s office as their service commit- our units so I am sure that Fort Riley will ment is coming due. If the Soldier chooses come out number one again for state of to continue their service, they have two op- Kansas and we are trying to outdo what we tions -- the National Guard or the Reserves. did last year.” Civil Air Patrol Cadets take part in Veterans Day activities Civil Air Patrol cadets from Kansas sisted with passing out programs and City Composite Squadron and Heartland opening doors. Cadet Squadron came together to serve Cadets from Heartland Squadron pre- the Shawnee community during local sented the colors for a Veterans Day Cel- Veterans Day events. ebration at Gardner/Edgerton High Kansas City Composite Squadron car- School. They also participated in a ried the colors for the city of Shawnee Wreaths Across America donation event Kansas Veterans Day Celebration at the at Bass Pro Shops in Olathe. Shawnee Civic Centre. This is the fifth “Laying a wreath on those who have year that the Civil Air Patrol has played fallen warms my heart,” said Cadet Sen- an active role in the event. ior Master Sgt. Serena Armenta. “It’s an “I’m here because my dad is a vet- honor because it’s one of the little things eran,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Bailey. we have the privilege of doing for those “This is to honor him” men and women who gave up so much Cadets from both squadrons also as- for us to be where we are today.”