March-April 2011 @Ease 4 Xpress Task Force Badger Back from Iraq Deployment E Commander in Chief Gov

Click here to find out who rose to the top of the 2011 Wisconsin National Guard’s Soldier of the Year competition.

@ease ExpressMarch-April 2011 @ease 4 xpress Task Force Badger back from Iraq deployment E Commander in Chief Gov. Scott “You are an amazing group of men ‘Men of the North’ engineer a Walker, military leaders, an Army band and women,” said unit Commander Lt. and nearly 1,000 friends and family Col. Dave O’Donahue as he struggled braved cold temperatures Feb. 18 to to find the words that could sufficiently 2010 NGB Media Contest winner give a warm welcome to about 300 of convey his pride in the unit that had Wisconsin’s newest combat veterans. completed a 10-month mission to Iraq. “We could not be more proud,” Walker “You did a phenomenal job. It is the said during a welcome home ceremony for greatest honor of my military career to the 724th Engineer Battalion in a packed have served with you.” hanger at Volk Field. “Thank you, and to Task Force Badger’s principal mission the families we say thank you as well.” was to provide freedom of movement The 724th Engineer Battalion deployed throughout Iraq. This included 200,000 to Iraq last April. Operating as Task kilometers of route clearance — searching Force Badger, the 724th became the only for and removing roadside bombs. The successful tour in Iraq remaining engineering battalion in Iraq battalion also removed five major military and directed a total of eight engineering bridges, completed construction work for March-April 2011 companies — including Guard units from Iraqi forces at combined check points near on the cover Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, active Kirkuk and Mosul, trained Iraqi forces in Army units from Fort Lewis, Wash., and bridging techniques and procedures, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and an Army moved more than $90 Volume 3, Issue 2 Reserve unit from Fort Belvoir, Va. Staff Sgt. Benajmin Van Aucken of Headquarters Official Newsletter of the Detachment, 1st Battalion, 426th Field Artillery Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard Regiment in Fort McCoy manuevers over a wall dur- Sgt. Steven Dahl, the 2011 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier of the Year, examines his target while being evaluated on the Mystery Army Warrior Task of executing proper grenade throwing techniques. 112th Mobile Public ing the obstacle course portion of the 2011 Soldier http://dma.wi.gov Affairs Detachment photo by Rising Spc. Alyson Swanke The Adjutant General: to the and NCO competition. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar Detachment photo by Sgt. Tyler Lasure TOPThe Soldier of the Year, NCO of the Year Competition 10 Deputy Adjutant General Army: Soldier of the Year competition FROM THE TAG Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson 3

Sgt. Eric Liesse Though recently promoted, he competed competitor. “We’re probably going to start training 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in the junior enlisted category. “Our state-level competition is a this week,” Swanson said. AIRMEN URGED TO LIVE THE DREAM Sgt. Brandon Swanson of St. Croix pretty grueling process,” Stopper said. “[I’ll do] the same thing,” Dahl said 6 Two Soldiers from the same battalion Falls, a member of Detachment 1, “Unfortunately, there can be only one of his training for May. “I’ll go in pretty of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Headquarter Company, 1st Battalion, Soldier of the Year, and only one NCO of confident and not get down when the Deputy Adjutant General Air: team will represent the Wisconsin Army 128th Infantry in Chippewa Falls, was the Year.” competition gets a little tougher.” National Guard at April’s regional Soldier named NCO of the Year from a field of “I’m relieved all the hard work paid That echoed Stopper’s guidance to of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer nine competitors. off,” Swanson said after the closing competitors the night before Friday’s first once again goes down to the wire of the Year competition at Camp Dodge, The three-day competition, which ceremony. “If you give it everything event. 128TH ACS WINS TOP UNIT AWARD Iowa. began April 1, tested Soldiers’ abilities you’ve got, no one can take that away “The one tip I have for you is never Sgt. Steven Dahl of Oconto, a member in marksmanship, physical fitness, land from you if you don’t win.” give up,” Stopper said Thursday night. 7 Brig. Gen. John McCoy of Company A, 1st Battalion, 128th navigation, Soldier task knowledge and “I learned there are other people who “You’ll fail at something, and that’s Infantry in Menomonee, was named military bearing. can compete at this level, people you when you need to know to step back and Soldier of the Year from a field of six Wisconsin Army National Guard State wouldn’t expect,” Dahl said. reload.” competitors representing Wisconsin Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper, Both competitors hold high National Guard units across the state. who directed the event, praised each expectations for themselves. 8 DEPLOYED SOLDIER BECOMES CITIZEN Director of Public Affairs: Lt. Col. Jackie Guthrie 9 SNOW EMERGENCY REMEMBERING DESERT STORM At Ease Editor: 13 Vaughn R. Larson 16 SUPER BOWL FRENZY IN IRAQ LOMBARDI TROPHY TOURS JFHQ Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs 17 20 SURVIVAL TRAINING FOR MARRIAGES 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment 18 WWE helps Wisconsin National 21 LAMBEAU FIELD ARTILLERY Guard muscle into fan base WWE, recruiters team up at live 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Inside the darkened arenas at Battalion, noting that free merchandise Milwaukee’s Bradley Center and Green with the National Guard and WWE logos Bay’s Resch Center, ring warriors better was quickly snatched up at the Bradley AVIATORS TAKE TOP GUARD AWARD known as WWE Superstars battled each Center. Additional promotional items with 22 other in displays of strength, agility and just the National Guard logo also proved Public Affairs bravado. popular among WWE fans. Before the lights dimmed, enthusiastic “We’re getting our name out there,” WWE fans purchased souvenirs and Johnikin said of his mission that night. moved to their seats to watch the “It’s definitely a good experience to get performances that would be seen that out here and meet the people. If we get a HAPPY ENDING FOR CADET VIDEO week on Monday Night RAW, WWE couple of leads, that’s great, too.” Superstars and Friday Night Smackdown. According to Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy events in Wisconsin 23 Many of those fans met with Wisconsin Martinson, a Wisconsin Army National Army National Guard recruiters, Guard recruiter based in Green Bay, 157th Maneuver Enhancement positioned in concourses with information the National Guard Bureau coveted the and promotional merchandise. WWE’s demographics — many fans are “It was like a bull rush at first,” said in the 18-35 age category — and sought Spc. Zollie Johnikin, a recruiter for the PROMOTION SYSTEM CHANGES Brigade Public Affairs 132nd Combat Sustainment Support 24 FEMALE SPECIAL OPS TEAM 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 25 26 HO-CHUNK WARRIOR PROMOTED 128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Platoon leader 27 DIVERSITY ENSURES QUALITY FORCE Volk Field Combat Readiness NEW LEGAL TEAM OFFERS SERVICES Training Center Public Affairs r c s 28 o k the NBA rims 30 NEW PT TEST ON THE WAY 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Wisconsin National Guard

When he’s not leading a platoon Gamez — who specializes in flip through infantry tactics, 2nd Lt. Arturo dunking, flip passing and flip twists — How to Reach Us Gamez might be seen attacking an NBA was part of the most slam dunk passes GUARDSMAN MEDALS IN BIATHLON backboard with flair as a captain with the record. 29 Milwaukee Bucks’ Rim Rockers Dunk The Rim Rockers is a part-time 31 Team. venture for Gamez, who also works for “Working in sports is awesome,” said the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant in E-mail: [email protected] Gamez, a member of Company C, 2nd the game operations department. The Platoon leader rocks the rims as Battalion, 127th Infantry. “Every game is Rim Rockers practice once a week 11 different and always exciting. Performing months out of the year, and perform at Arturo Gamez, a second lieutenant in dunks during the Bucks games is a huge approximately 21Milwaukee Bucks home the Wisconsin Army National Guard, AVIATION OFFICER HONORED adrenaline rush.” games. In addition, the Rim Rockers performs “acrodunks” regularly as a 32 Gamez joined the Rim Rockers — an have performed at the 2008 NBA All-Star member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Rim Phone: (608) 242-3056 Fax: (608) 242-3051 acrobatic entertainment feature of the Game in New Orleans, a halftime show in Rockers Dunk Team. Photos courtesy Milwaukee Bucks combining 15 young Madison Square Garden for the New York Milwaukee Bucks men with basketballs and trampolines Knicks, and at NBA development teams, be ready for the unexpected.” — when it formed six years ago, one as well as Summerfest, the Wisconsin Gamez’ role with the Rim Rockers “There’s nothing like dunking during year before joining the Wisconsin Army State Fair and other venues. The team has includes developing performance a playoff game,” he said. “The crowd is MERITORIOUS SERVICE National Guard. travelled twice to China, Abu Dhabi, and choreography, helping run practices unbelievable and it pumps you up to do 33 Department of Military Affairs; “When I first started, I was terrible,” various universities such as Ohio State, and managing other team members. As your best tricks. he said, noting that he had no gymnastics Marquette, the University of Wisconsin an assistant with the game operations “I’ve never been more nervous than background. But he and the team have and Wisconsin Lutheran. Gamez missed department, he helps with promotions, when we dunked during the NBA All-Star a Milwaukee Bucks entertainer progressed and are now among the elite the Abu Dhabi trip as he was attending the music, Bango the mascot and other Game in New Orleans,” he continued. of “acrodunking.” The Rim Rockers holds infantry basic officer leadership course. entertainment aspects that enhance the “Going to China for the NBA China Attn: Vaughn R. Larson three Guinness World Records — the “Being in the military and becoming game for fans. His experience with the games was unforgettable. Six years VETERANS, FAMILIES, RETIREES highest forward flip trampoline slam dunk, an officer has taught me a lot about what Bucks helped him earn his marketing ago when the team was assembled, I the furthest forward flip trampoline slam it takes to be a leader,” he said. “Being degree. would never have imagined that I would 34 dunk (20 feet), and the most slam dunk a captain of the team, I try to use those Gamez said being part of the Rim have done those things. This has given passes in 30 seconds (36, eclipsing their skills to push the guys to develop and get Rockers has yielded some wonderful me memories that I wouldn’t trade for 2400 Wright Street; Madison, WI 53708-8111 own record of 21 set in 2009). better. It has taught me to remain calm and memories. anything.” Submissions: For photo or story submissions, The Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard’s At Ease Express newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of please call (608) 242-3056 At Ease Express are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. The editorial content or e-mail [email protected] of this publication is the responsibility of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Officer.

@ease Express 2 March-April 2011 From the TAG Our mission is to be there — “always ready for emergency support and national defense.” Our state and nation count on us — citizen-Soldiers/Airmen and civilian employees — to provide outstanding leadership, preparedness, protection and response during a crisis. We never know when we will be needed. This was true in early February when a major blizzard hit Wisconsin. The governor declared an emergency ahead of the storm and, in anticipation of severe conditions, we staged Guard members and tactical vehicles in armories across Southeastern Wisconsin. We partnered with first responders and the Wisconsin State Patrol to assist motorists stranded due to the severe winter storm. Wisconsin Emergency Management monitored the areas affected by the storm, coordinated with local agencies and led the state response by directing resources to where they were Gov. Scott Walker, center, Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and First Lady Tonette Walker, right, meet needed. with Merrill residents April 11 as part of a visit to survey tornado damage to dozens of homes and several businesses The governor relies on us to there. An April 10 storm system spawned 10 tornadoes in the central and northern parts of the state. Wisconsin Emergency coordinate with federal and local Management photo by Lori Getter agencies and align key roles require additional support, the and potentially more devastating, Our fellow citizens rely on and responsibilities concerning National Guard is ready to such as terrorism, chemical spills, you. You add great value to our initial response and recovery supplement with essential military radiologic incidents, biologic communities. Thank you for being operations. Wisconsin is a home- capabilities and emergency or explosive threats, and cyber there and for remaining “always rule state, meaning that local law management expertise. attacks. Our state, local and federal ready — always there.” enforcement and first responders Natural disasters such as partners count on us to lead the have primary responsibility blizzards, floods and tornadoes state’s effort in support of first to prepare for and respond to are challenges we know well and responders and civil authorities emergencies. When those agencies understand. Others are less familiar during disasters and contingencies.

@ease Express 3 March-April 2011 Task Force Badger back from Iraq deployment Commander in Chief Gov. Scott “You are an amazing group of men Walker, military leaders, an Army band and women,” said unit Commander Lt. and nearly 1,000 friends and family Col. Dave O’Donahue as he struggled braved cold temperatures Feb. 18 to to find the words that could sufficiently give a warm welcome to about 300 of convey his pride in the unit that had Wisconsin’s newest combat veterans. completed a 10-month mission to Iraq. “We could not be more proud,” Walker “You did a phenomenal job. It is the said during a welcome home ceremony for greatest honor of my military career to the 724th Engineer Battalion in a packed have served with you.” hanger at Volk Field. “Thank you, and to Task Force Badger’s principal mission the families we say thank you as well.” was to provide freedom of movement The 724th Engineer Battalion deployed throughout Iraq. This included 200,000 to Iraq last April. Operating as Task kilometers of route clearance — searching Force Badger, the 724th became the only for and removing roadside bombs. remaining engineering battalion in Iraq The battalion also removed five major and directed a total of eight engineering military bridges, completed construction companies — including Guard units from work for Iraqi forces at combined check Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico, active points near Kirkuk and Mosul, trained Army units from Fort Lewis, Wash., and Iraqi forces in bridging techniques and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and an Army procedures, and moved more than $90 Reserve unit from Fort Belvoir, Va. Continued on Page 5

@ease Express 4 March-April 2011 Four-year-old Annika reacquaints herself with her father, Maj. Billy Kesselring of the 724th Engineer Battalion’s headquarters company upon his return to Wisconsin Feb. 18 following a 10-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson‘Men of the North’ return to Wisconsin Continued from Page 4 you accomplished in theater,” he said. “You may never know all the people you million of vehicles and equipment out of helped, but they will remember you — Iraq as part of the drawdown of forces. In they will remember the 724th.” addition, Task Force Badger assisted the Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant State Department in the construction of general of Wisconsin, agreed. Contingency Operating Station Erbil in “Your accomplishment is now etched northern Iraq. in the book of American history,” he said. O’Donahue accompanied his men on O’Donahue said that in addition to the many missions, and saw what it took to great sense of accomplishment, he felt a get the job done in a country that still great sense of relief now that the 724th poses considerable danger. was back home in Wisconsin. “Night after night they put it on the “We completed the mission,” he said. line, keeping other people safe,” he said. “We did it the right way.” “So many of our missions were at night — not many people knew all that we did.” At right, Gov. Scott Walker and Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, the adjutant of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, general of Wisconsin, talk with family praised the Men of the North, as the members of returning Wisconsin Army battalion is known. National Guard Soldiers in a hangar at “You can be extremely proud of what Volk Field Feb. 18.

@ease Express 5 March-April 2011 Curtis Zimmerman helps Staff Sgt. Brian Young, fire team member for the 115th Security Forces Squadron, learn to juggle on March 6. Wingman Day promoted “living the dream,” and Airmen encouraged to ‘Live the dream’ taking care of fellow Airmen. 115th Tech. Sgt. Don Nelson fire eater before taking his talents to television Fighter Wing photo by Tech. Sgt. Ashley 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs and cruise ships. His presentation incorporates Bell the juggling to demonstrate a message he calls, Acknowledging the impact deployments and “failing successfully,” that includes bringing other stressors can have on service members someone up in front of the large audience and and their families, leaders at the 115th Fighter teaching them how to juggle. Wing took aim at increasing Airman resiliency – That lucky participant was Staff Sgt. Brian promoting awareness and the tools available to Young, 115th Security Forces Squadron. help military families through tough times. While Young was not able to perfect the skill, National-level motivational speaker Curtis he did drop the balls many times en route to Zimmerman headlined the “Wingman Day” event nearly perfecting the art; thereby illustrating at the fighter wing and encouraged more than 800 Zimmerman’s message. Airmen of the 115th to take control of the “scripts” “Obviously it was frustrating, but the point of in their lives and take care of one another. me struggling through something also gave the “This day is about making smart choices same message across to everybody … no matter and looking out for each other,” said Brig. Gen. how many times somebody fails, you still have to Joseph Brandemuehl, 115th FW commander. “We try to pick them up or the lesson is never going to must continually strive to improve the wellness be learned.” of our organization, ourselves and our families... “I think the message he was trying to get resiliency, unit wellness and being good across is that ‘You are the only person that wingmen are the themes of the Wingman can make yourself successful, but if you’re Day.” surrounded by people that support you than it Zimmerman explained that everyone is helps you is important,’” Young said. the star of their own show … the stage is Zimmerman talked about his personal story of theirs and they have control of who and childhood illness, poverty and family challenges. what happens in it. When asked what about his story helps him The event was created to strengthen communicate his message, he said that everyone the morale and welfare of units and has a story not unlike his. its’ members by devoting time to “I give 100 speeches a year and none will building relationships between co- be as important as the one I give today,” said workers and discussing topics like Zimmerman. “I want to help people understand suicide prevention, responsible drinking what it means to ‘Live the Dream.’” behavior, financial management Zimmerman stated he is happy when his and identification and intervention of audience gets the message. troubled Airmen. “The process to learn is to believe that ‘I can Zimmerman’s message was intermingled do it,’” said Zimmerman. “Once you believe you with games such as juggling and can do it, the next step in the process is to drop the coordination exercises in an effort to ball, knowing that you have to fail to succeed.” induce a message of hope and optimism Zimmerman shuns the idea of lack of “natural with a dose of realism that encouraged all ability” as a reason why people can not do certain in attendance to, “Live the Dream.” things and says it is often used as an excuse. He “I use the metaphor that encourages explained that he dropped the ball thousands of people to be the star in their own life,” said times until he was able to succeed at juggling. Zimmerman. “Too many of us let our show Young seems to have grasped the message of be dictated by outside influences…we need to “failing successfully.” give those people less lines in our own show “I think when it came to the juggling, it’s and by doing this our life can get better.” probably easier than I was making it,” Young said. Growing up in Los Angeles, Zimmerman “I’ll pick them up from time to time and I’ll just learned to perform as a mime, juggler and keep practicing.”

@ease Express 6 March-April 2011 Dedication is Airman’s secret ingredient Wisconsin Air Guard squadron wins Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze 128th Air Refueling Wing Outstanding Unit Award Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue their performance.” Staff Sgt. Jamie Schoewe of East Wisconsin National Guard The 128th does not rest on its laurels, Troy, a 128th Air Refueling Wing however — the squadron remains busy services squadron specialist, was awarded A group of Wisconsin Airmen stand supporting Presidential events across the the Kenneth Disney Award in March united in a unique mission — controlling country and participating in large-scale following an inspection of the wing’s air space from the ground. Now they stand exercises such as the Patriot Exercise, services squadron. united as one of the nation’s top Air Force Northern Lightening and NATO’s As one of three selected Airmen from units. international exercise, Ramstein Rover. throughout the nation, Schoewe will Air Force officials recently awarded “We don’t let grass grow under our go to the Culinary Institute of America the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit feet. We’ve continued to reach out and at Greystone in Napa Valley, Calif., in Award to the Camp Douglas-based 128th seek out events that challenge us,” Iverson September. There, she will work with Air Control Squadron, which employs said. “You have to be proactive in getting master chefs, as well as services personnel more than 160 members of Wisconsin’s out there. By doing so, it gives everyone from the Air Force and Marine Corps, Air National Guard. experience to further hone those skills that while honing her food preparation and “I’ve got outstanding officers, and we train for.” cooking skills. outstanding NCOs and Airmen that In the award’s announcement letter, Lt. “[This is] a huge honor, and the fact are dedicated to meeting their own Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, director of the Air we were even selected is great,” Schoewe individual qualifications … but they’re National Guard, highlighted the caliber said. also dedicated to upholding the traditions of the award and its significance to the The Hennessy Travelers Association of this organization,” said Lt. Col. nation. inspected the 128th Air Refueling Wing Gerard Iverson, 128th ACS commander. “The competition was extremely keen services squadron in February, and the “That’s what so great about this award and each winner is commended for having squadron was selected as one of the top Staff Sgt. Jamie Schoewe, a 128th Air — it’s not just one person, it’s the entire been selected from and outstanding group three in the nation, Schoewe said. Due to Refueling Wing services specialist, organization.” of nominees,” Wyatt said. “The dedication her expertise and skill, the 24-year-old prepares a kiwi at Sijan Hall in The ACS was recognized for their and commitment of the members of these staff sergeant was chosen to receive the preparation for the Sunday lunch on service from Nov. 1, 2008 through Oct. organizations enable the Air National Kenneth Disney Award. April 3. Schoewe was awarded the 31, 2010. During this time of highlighted Guard to fulfill its commitment to the “I extended for one year to accept the Kenneth Disney Award for her superior service, the ACS provided theater battle mission of peacekeeping, humanitarian award,” Schoewe said. “It’s an honor to be performance in the services squadron, management command and control relief, domestic improvement and most known as someone who goes above and and she will travel to Napa Valley, Calif., while deployed to Southwest Asia in important of all — defense of America.” beyond for just doing their job.” in September for a nine-day culinary support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is the fourth AFOUA award the “She’s like the Energizer Bunny,” school taught by the Culinary Institute Recognized for their proficiency during 128th has earned, but the first since the a Unit Compliance Inspection in June 1980s. The 128th ACS is a mobile radar/ said Tech. Sgt. Amy Auxier, the fitness of America at Greystone. 128th Air program manager with the 128th ARW 2010, the ACS earned a 97 percent communications unit that supports air Refueling Wing photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy compliance rating from an Air Combat operations from the ground. The unit services squadron. “[Schoewe] never Wilson stops working, she always has a smile, Command Inspector General team. The deployed immediately following Sept. and she stays late to take care of any bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. unit was also looked to for their expertise 11, 2001 and has since deployed twice to unfinished business.” Schoewe maintains a positive and when they were called upon to provide Afghanistan and once to another base in Schoewe has been with the 128th upbeat attitude about her job with the pre-deployment training to another Air Southwest Asia. Meanwhile they continue Air Refueling Wing for six years. Wisconsin Air National Guard. Control Squadron — certifying 40 Airmen to support Homeland Defense as part of When not drilling, she works at the “[This job] requires a passion for prior to their deployments overseas. Operation Noble Eagle. Incoming Call Center for the Great West food,” she said. “We probably have the “This is a tremendous honor,” said “We bring a seasoned, well-rounded, Retirement Center, where she answers most fun out of all the sections on base Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general experienced and highly motivated control people’s questions regarding retirement — we work hard to feed everyone on of Wisconsin, “that recognizes the and reporting center to the combatant funds. The hospitality-minded sergeant base, and then we keep the facility clean. significant contributions of the 128th ACS commander,” Iverson said, “and that is a attended the University of Wisconsin I think anyone [in the services squadron] to the joint war fighter. This is a special testament to each and every individual in and UW-Whitewater, where she earned a deserves the award.” group of Airmen and I am very proud of this organization.”

@ease Express 7 March-April 2011 Deployed warrior now a citizen President’s Day will likely be a special Villa-Rivera joined the Wisconsin holiday for a Wisconsin National Guard National Guard for the education benefits, Soldier currently serving in Iraq — it will and hopes to make a career in the be the anniversary of the day the 25-year- Guard. 1st Sgt. Jason Hanson, the senior old Wisconsin National Guard Soldier noncommissioned officer in Villa-Rivera’s became a U.S. citizen. unit, spoke highly of the Soldier he refers Spc. Carlos Villa-Rivera, Keil, Wis., to as “Spc. ‘V’.” is a decontamination specialist deployed “He is a ‘never say die’ troop who to Iraq with Headquarters Company, 1st constantly seeks out more responsibility,” Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment. He Hanson said. “He is an air assault graduate is also one of 53 Soldiers representing 31 and he made that look easy. He puts a nationalities to take the oath of citizenship face to the Army values, and I am ever so Feb. 21 during a naturalization ceremony proud to have him as one of my warriors.” at Saddam Hussein’s Al Faw Palace in Hanson added that Villa-Rivera is a Baghdad. two-time battalion Soldier of the year “To become a citizen is something winner, and this year was a top-five I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said finisher at the brigade level competition. Mexico-born Villa-Rivera. His family The new citizens had a chance to obtained visas and moved to Wisconsin in meet each other and trade stories of 2000 when he was 15 years old because their journey from their homeland to the area of Mexico where they had been Saddam’s palace the week leading up living was becoming dangerous. “My to the ceremony. All were brought from mother wanted better opportunities for their bases throughout Iraq to ensure that us,” he explained. their citizenship and passport paperwork “It has been called the ‘Great American were in order prior to reciting the Pledge Experience’,” said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin of Allegiance as U.S. citizens for the first III, United States Forces-Iraq commander, time. during the naturalization ceremony. “It is Villa-Rivera began the citizenship called that because it became a nation of application process last September in Iraq, immigrants on a foreign land and none of and said he received plenty of assistance them knew at the time whether it would from unit leadership and military legal succeed or fail.” advisors. He said he is looking forward to Austin went on to say that the Soldiers voting for the first time. who became citizens in Camp Victory are “If you don’t participate in the a reminder that the strength evident in the democratic process, you don’t have a valid nation and the Army comes from ethnic reason to complain,” he said. and cultural diversity. The 147th arrived in Iraq last September following six weeks of training at Fort Hood. The Soldiers are responsible Spc. Carlos Villa Rivera, Headquarters for all aviation operations — including Company, 1st Battalion, 147th troop and cargo movements, medevac Aviation Regiment, signs his passport and attack missions — in United States application after becoming a U.S. Division-South, which covers nine citizen during a President’s Day provinces of Iraq, including the area south naturalization ceremony at one of of Baghdad. Saddam Hussein’s former Baghdad Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Troth, Enhanced palaces in Camp Victory. eCAB Public Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs, Affairs photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Troth contributed to this report.

@ease Express 8 March-April 2011 Two Humvees depart the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Oak Creek armory Feb. 1 in response to a call for assistance during the recent severe winter storm. The Guard’s tactical vehicles were able to handle road conditions that prevented conventional emergency response vehicles from reaching stranded motorists. Wisconsin National Guard photo

Cold Warriors: National Guard activated to aid in winter storm response

Approximately 100 Wisconsin National agencies including Wisconsin Emergency state Emergency Operations Center. Guard members were called to state active Management, State Patrol, Transportation, Kurt Picknell, undersheriff with the duty Feb. 1 by Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, Natural Resources and especially first Walworth County Sheriff’s Department, adjutant general of Wisconsin, to help responders.” was the operations commander for the state and local officials with blizzard- Each team’s mission varied, but most night shift Feb. 1 and said Wisconsin related emergencies as part of Gov. Scott focused on working with law enforcement National Guard vehicles were utilized all Walker’s declaration of emergency. agencies and rescuing stranded motorists. night and into the morning of Feb. 2. He “This is at the core of why there “[The Guard was] able to get to places placed a sheriff’s deputy in each military is a National Guard,” he said. “We where our rescue vehicles and even our vehicle dispatched to assist stranded provide enduring value by assisting civil snow plows couldn’t,” said Steve Braun, motorists. authorities when the situation demands the emergency management director “Combining assets like that worked and this blizzard was just such an for Grant County, noting that snow was extremely well,” he said. occasion.” drifting as high as eight feet in some Shortly after 9 p.m. Feb. 2, the Pvt. Zach Bersch of the Plymouth- The Guard members were stationed areas. “The Guard was a great asset.” Wisconsin National Guard completed based Battery B, 1st Battalion, 121st at armories in Plymouth, Milwaukee, Brad Altman, executive officer for the its winter storm assistance missions and Field Artillery, performs maintenance Oak Creek, Kenosha, Sussex, Elkhorn, Wisconsin State Patrol’s southwest region, returned to home station where they were on Humvees staged Feb. 1 in prepara- Watertown, Platteville and Janesville and said the National Guard assets at the released from state active duty. tion to assist state and local authori- dispatched winter response force packages Janesville armory were able to negotiate “This is an event that we will never ties with weather emergencies. Six — community and highway assistance treacherous road conditions to reach forget,” wrote one Wisconsin resident Soldiers at the Plymouth armory were teams — Tuesday and Wednesday. stranded bus passengers three miles north in an e-mail to the Wisconsin National among about 100 statewide called to “While I am extremely proud of our of Janesville and move them to safety. Guard. “I truly want to thank the National state duty following the state of emer- Soldiers and Airmen,” Dunbar said, “Considering the circumstances, it was Guard and the [Walworth County] gency called by Gov. Scott Walker. Wis- “our mission was successful because a successful mission,” said Altman, who Sheriff’s Department … You all will be so consin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. of our partnership with state and local requested Guard assistance through the very blessed for all you did!” Vaughn R. Larson

@ease Express 9 March-April 2011 Sgt. Steven Dahl, the 2011 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier of the Year, examines his target while being evaluated on the mystery Army Warrior Task of executing proper grenade throwing techniques. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Rising Spc. Alyson Swanke to the

TOPThe Soldier of the Year, NCO of the Year Competition

@ease Express 10 March-April 2011 Staff Sgt. Charles Hensen of Troop A, 1st Battalion, 105th Cavalry in Ft. Atkinson attempts to free himself from his combatives opponent during the 2011 State NCO and Soldier of the Year competition. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez Click on this photo to see video. Fifteen Soldiers vie to represent Wisconsin Army National Guard Continued from Page 10 new this year, and required competitors to complete a 15-meter swim while holding Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Shields, of their weapon above water, a blindfolded the Milwaukee-based 157th Maneuver jump, and removing a load-bearing vest Enhancement Brigade, offered the same while submerged. Soldiers completed advice prior to the obstacle course on these tasks while in their PT uniforms, Saturday. including running shoes. “We understand that you may not be “They aren’t flippers, that’s for able to complete each obstacle,” Shields sure,” said Sgt. John Eckert, St. Francis, said. “But what matters the most is that a member of Racine’s Battery A, 1st you give it your all.” Battalion, 121st Field Artillery. Events included a physical fitness Continued on Page 12 test, pistol and rifle marksmanship under normal and stress conditions, combatives (hand-to-hand combat based on mixed Spc. Wayne Diedrich, of Battery A, martial arts), land navigation in daylight 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery in and at night, combat water survival, an Racine, holds a weapon above his head obstacle course, common Soldier skills, a to keep it dry during the combat water written exam, simulation grenade course, survival test portion of the 2011 Soldier a nine mile road march and an appearance and NCO of the Year competition April 2. board. 112th Mobile Public Affiars Detachment The combat water survival event was photo by Sgt. Carlynn M. Knaak

@ease Express 11 March-April 2011 Sgt. Jessica Gray of Detachment 1, Headquarters Company, Brigade Special Troops Battalion low crawls under an obstacle during the 2011 Soldier and NCO of the Year competition. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Tyler Lasure

Wisconsin Army National Guard names Soldier, NCO of the Year Continued from Page 11 with the other Soldiers,” Stopper explained. “You’ll never see another cadet here, all right?” Wisconsin’s fickle spring weather factored into the Spc. Kimberly Gass of Wausau, a member of the competition: snow fell during Friday’s marksmanship and 106th Engineer Detachment in Tomah, was promoted to land navigation events, and a cold rain saturated Sunday’s sergeant during the closing ceremony. road march. Stopper also mentioned the many units that supported During the closing ceremony, Stopper lauded each the competition. “It was because of you that these competitor’s sponsor — another Soldier tasked with competitors had an outstanding experience,” he said. “A preparing and assisting the competitors — and singled dog-tired experience, but an outstanding experience.” one out for special recognition. Stopper kept the grueling weekend competition in “You know I’m pretty adamant with this being a perspective. purely enlisted event,” Stopper said. “And 99.9 percent of “At the end, it does boil down to great and wonderful it was.” Soldiers.” Sgt. Brandon Swanson of Detachment 1, Headquarters But one sponsor, officer candidate Randy Fendryk, Spc. Joseph Wong of Milwaukee, a member of Company, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry in Chippewa represented the Wisconsin Army National Guard as Troop A, 105th Cavalry in Fort Atkinson was named 1st Falls, seen here on the day land navigation course, a finalist at last year’s National Guard Bureau’s Best Alternate for Soldier of the Year. Staff Sgt. Jason Kirch was named Wisconsin Army National Guard’s NCO Warrior Competition as a private first class. of Prairie Du Sac, a member of the 106th Quarry Team in of the Year. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment “I wanted him to bring that skill set back and share it Tomah, was named 1st Alternate for NCO of the Year. photo by Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez

@ease Express 12 March-April 2011 FLASHBACK: Wisconsin National Guard played supporting role in Desert Shield, Desert Storm 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wing. 107th followed suit Nov. 8. Wisconsin National Guard Refueling Wing would be the first. Mere More than 200 Soldiers with the 107th Three more units would be alerted days after the invasion, the Milwaukee- Maintenance Company, based in Sparta in November — the Monroe-based The Wisconsin National Guard’s based 128th voluntarily flew refueling and Viroqua, were alerted Aug. 24, 1990 1158th Transportation Company, the involvement in Operations Desert Shield missions from Mitchell Field to support and called to active duty one month later. 390-member 13th Evacuation Hospital and Desert Storm two decades ago the mobilization effort. In late December, They were joined on active duty by the of Madison, Marshfield and Chippewa began shortly after Iraqi dictator Saddam the 128th was partially activated and four-member 1122nd Transportation Falls, and the three-man 132nd Military Hussein invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2, 1990. deployed a sizable portion of Airmen Detachment, based in Madison. The History Detachment based in Madison. Of the more than 1,400 Wisconsin and KC-135 stratotankers to a forward 1122nd was the first Wisconsin Army The 1158th was called to active duty Nov. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen operating base in Cairo, Egypt, where National Guard unit to deploy to Saudi to mobilize for the first gulf war, the they supported the provisional 1706th Air Arabia, leaving Wisconsin Oct. 1. The Continued on Page 14

@ease Express 13 March-April 2011 Desert Shield marked first major mobilization in three decades for Wisconsin National Guard Continued from Page 13 20, followed by the 13th Evac on Nov. 26. The 132nd did not report for active duty until Dec. 10, but deployed to Saudi Arabia on Christmas Day. The 1158th deployed Jan. 6, 1991 followed by the 13th Evac on Jan. 9. The 1157th Transportation Company, based in Oshkosh and Berlin, and the 229th Engineer Company, based in Platteville and Prairie du Chien, were alerted Dec. 1 and reported to active duty Dec. 10. The 1157th deployed Jan. 8, and the 229th followed Jan. 19, after Desert Shield had become Desert Storm. The Milwaukee-based 32nd Military Police Company was alerted Dec. 3, reported for active duty Jan. 6 and deployed Feb. 6. These federal activations marked the first such mobilization of Wisconsin Sgt. 1st Class Alan Foss, above left, held the rank of specialist when he deployed Army National Guard units since the in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. He is seen here guarding the 1961 Berlin Crisis, and it provided perimeter of the 13th Evac Hospital with Sgt. Richie Mattingly. Below, some of an opportunity to demonstrate their the regular traffic to the 13th Evac.Photos courtesy Sgt. 1st Class Alan Foss capabilities to the active-duty military and the public. “We can be extremely proud of the Home was never far from the hearts way our people have responded to this of deployed Wisconsin National Guard mobilization,” Maj. Gen. Jerald Slack, members. Photo courtesy Col. Jeff Liethen the adjutant general of Wisconsin during of fine, blowing sand and rough sun- Desert Shield, said at the time. “They baked terrain, and praised his equipment have been ready when they were needed.” operators and maintenance section for Col. Jeff Liethen, commander of the helping a National Guard unit attached to 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, an active duty engineer battalion achieve was a captain commanding the 229th that battalion’s best equipment readiness Engineer Company during Desert Storm. rating. “The key to success over there was Sgt. 1st Class Alan Foss, a privacy keeping Soldiers busy,” he said. “And it act officer for the Wisconsin National worked. I had no problems over there.” Guard, held the rank of specialist when The 229th performed a variety of he deployed with the 13th Evacuation missions — repairing roads, fortifying Hospital, but his duties were anything Patriot battery sites, building earthen but specialized. Foss was a jack-of-all- berms for temporary enemy prisoner of trades, helping maintain generators, war facilities, and helping erect Log Base air conditioner units, refrigerators and Bastogne, a U.S. military field base. electrical networks. He also moved Liethen said equipment maintenance was crucial in a harsh environment Continued on Page 15

@ease Express 14 March-April 2011 Desert Storm provided Wisconsin National Guard with valuable lessons for following mobilizations Continued from Page 14 later, the 128th Air Refueling Wing was the first Wisconsin National Guard unit equipment around camp and around the to return from Southwest Asia. Within desert using a forklift and a 5-ton truck, days they were followed by the 13th and was trained as a litter team member Evacuation Hospital, 32nd Military when patients were delivered to the field Police Company and the 229th Engineer hospital by helicopter. Company. “We were spread out pretty thin,” The 132nd Military History Foss said, recalling work days lasting up Detachment departed Saudi Arabia to 18 hours. “Everybody needed me for May 15, followed by the first iteration something, but that was good — it kept of the 107th Maintenance Company me busy.” — a volunteer replacement company Foss described the 13th Evacuation deployed in June 1991, allowing the Hospital as a family, and said his 107th to redeploy home — the 1157th deployment experiences developed his Transportation Company and the skills and changed his life. 1122nd Transportation Detachment. The “It kept me in the Guard, actually,” he replacement 107th Maintenance Company acknowledged. left Saudi Arabia on Oct. 31, 1991. The Wisconsin National Guard Family Col. John Schroeder, deputy chief Program also proved its mettle during the of staff for logistics with the Wisconsin mobilizations, staffing family assistance Army National Guard, was a 1st centers in a half-dozen locations across lieutenant platoon leader in the volunteer the state with volunteers. Kathy Halloran, replacement company for the 107th then the state volunteer for the Wisconsin Maintenance. The 107th was tasked National Guard Family Program, recalled with helping an active duty maintenance how her duties changed. unit from Fort Knox repair vehicles and “I had only been selected for this Soldiers from 1st Platoon, 229th Engineer Company, repair potholes on Military prepare them for shipment back to Europe position a few months prior and we were Supply Route Dodge in Saudi Arabia. Maintaining convoy routes was only part or the United States, along with several still formalizing training and programs for of the 229th’s mission during their deployment in support of Operation Desert other smaller tasks. our volunteers and the military families Storm. Photo courtesy Col. Jeff Liethen we worked with,” she said. “Presentations Due to requirements prohibiting the and programs needed to be developed to transfer of foreign soil, cleaning the sand- meet the changing needs of the military, encrusted vehicles was a critical task. families and the Family Assistance Schroeder said that the wash rack adopted Centers we worked with.” a “third-shift” schedule from 6 p.m. to 5 Adding to the whirlwind, Halloran’s a.m. to prevent heat injuries to Soldiers as husband Dennis was a Wisconsin Army well as have vehicles ready for inspection National Guard Soldier at the time whose by 8 a.m. unit was on alert but did not mobilize. Schroeder said the plan to relieve a unit “Visits to the hangar at Volk Field in place was a prelude to the practice used for deployments brought on a flurry of today in Iraq and Afghanistan when units emotions — pride, fear and sadness,” she rotate in and out of theater. said, “but always the wish to stay strong Liethen said his fondest memory for the people that I was serving, knowing was after the unit had returned home, that the load they carried was a much when he was standing on the drill floor larger burden than mine.” and a retired noncommissioned officer As military campaigns go, Desert approached him. Storm was brief — the air campaign “He came up to me and said, ‘Good began Jan. 16, 1991 and the 100-hour job, Jeff — you brought them home ground war ended Feb. 28. One month safe,’” Liethen recalled.

@ease Express 15 March-April 2011 Super Bowl frenzy reaches Packers fans in Iraq Staff Sgt. Andy Poquette base movie theater, in dining halls or at Wisconsin National Guard a recreation facility. They also waved “Title Town Towels” sent to them from You can take a Green Bay Packers fan McArthur Towels of Baraboo. out of the frozen tundra, but you can’t take The Soldiers of the aviation battalion, the frozen tundra out of a Packers fan — stationed at multiple bases in Iraq, viewed even while serving in a desert more than the big game via projectors in their 6,000 miles away from home. tactical operations center or on televisions Just under 1,000 Wisconsin Guard at local dining facilities. Soldiers and Airmen were serving on “It is very exciting,” said Capt. Shane active duty during Super Bowl XLV Sipiorski, of Sheboygan, Wis. “We are all — mostly in Iraq, including about 300 preparing for a battle with the Steelers.” Madison-based Soldiers from the 1st Sipiorski is the commander of Company Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment and E, 1-147th Aviation stationed at Camp approximately 300 members of the 724th Adder. Engineer Battalion from several northern Packers fans were not the only ones Wisconsin communities. deployed overseas however. Some “We’re Pittsburgh all excited to Steelers fans watch the game were serving Spc. Cary Warrell of Gratiot, left, Sgt. Benjamin Doucette of Wonewoc, and Staff early Monday right alongside Sgt. Derek Ramey, right, of Superior cheer on the Green Bay Packers against the morning, Packers fans Pittsburgh Steelers early Feb.7 as they watch Super Bowl XLV at a dining facility and we’ll be in the 724th in Balad, Iraq. 724th Engineer Battalion photo cheering the Engineer Packers on to Battalion. victory the best “Within our we can from Task Force, Iraq,” said we have a 1st Lt. Joseph unit from the Waggoner of Pennsylvania Menomonie, National who’s currently Guard,” said deployed with Waggoner. the 724th Engineer Battalion. “Just the other day we received a pictorial The full game, including the pre- note of a Steelers Cheese Shredder game show, was beamed by satellite to shredding a Packers Cheese-Head. We American Forces Network viewers and have our share of playful banter going on American Forces Radio (AFRTS) listeners between the units.” in 175 countries and aboard Navy ships at The Steelers and Packers showed their sea. For the special occasion, the Defense support for deployed service members Logistics Agency Troop Support (who with pre-recorded “shout-outs” from 32 coordinates meals in the theater) created players — 17 Packers and 15 Steelers, a special tailgating menu to include including quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers pizzas, cheese sticks, buffalo wings and and Ben Roethlisberger — which aired more. In addition, Wisconsin Guard unit throughout the game. commanders hosted cookouts and donned AFRTS has been delivering the Packers gear. game live to service members, civilian Most 724th Engineer Battalion Soldiers employees and families serving overseas Sgt. 1st Class Don Eggert of Madison the operations non-commissioned officer for were stationed in Joint Base Balad, Iraq, since the first big game was played on Jan. Task Force Badger, basks in the glow of the Lombardi Trophy on television. 724th and planned to watch the game at the 15, 1967. Engineer Battalion photo

@ease Express 16 March-April 2011 Master Sgt. Paul Gorman, a public affairs noncommissioned officer with the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing, photographs Tech. Sgt. Jamie Mills with the Lombardi Trophy at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison Feb. 24. The Green Bay Packers brought the trophy as a show of appreciation for the Wisconsin National Guard. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

Green Bay Packers show appreciation to National Guard Many members of the Wisconsin National Guard “We play a game for a living, for “It’s pretty awesome,” agreed Tech. are fervent fans of the Green Bay Packers. As it turns goodness sake,” Bakken said. “We Sgt. Jamie Mills, an administrative out, the Packers are pretty big fans of the Wisconsin appreciate all that the Guard does, and this assistant for Brig. Gen. John McCoy, National Guard as well. is the least we can do.” commander of the Wisconsin Air National That explains the unique gesture of appreciation Some Guard members and Department Guard. Feb. 24 at the 115th Fighter Wing and Joint Force of Military Affairs employees had an “It’s a great thing to share with these Headquarters, both in Madison — a visit from the opportunity to have their picture taken folks,” Bakken said. Super Bowl XLV Lombardi Trophy. with the trophy. This is not the first such gesture by the Tom Bakken, an assistant equipment manager “You don’t get an opportunity like this Packers toward the Wisconsin National with the Green Bay Packers, brought the trophy too often,” said Sgt. 1st Class Christina Guard. In recent years Wisconsin Guard to Madison. He explained that he had gotten to Pagenkopf, who normally works at the members have been honored on-field at know the Guard as a result of coordination for U.S. Property and Finance Office at Packers games, and the official Green military flyovers at Lambeau Field, and wanted Camp Williams, and was at Joint Force Bay Packers game day program featured to give Guard members the opportunity to see Headquarters for a meeting Thursday. “It’s Wisconsin National Guard members and the trophy up close and personal. a once in a lifetime experience.” units during the 2010 season.

@ease Express 17 March-April 2011 WWE helps Wisconsin National Guard muscle into fan base Inside the darkened arenas at Battalion, noting that free merchandise Milwaukee’s Bradley Center and Green with the National Guard and WWE logos Bay’s Resch Center, ring warriors better was quickly snatched up at the Bradley known as WWE Superstars battled each Center. Additional promotional items with other in displays of strength, agility and just the National Guard logo also proved bravado. popular among WWE fans. Before the lights dimmed, enthusiastic “We’re getting our name out there,” WWE fans purchased souvenirs and Johnikin said of his mission that night. moved to their seats to watch the “It’s definitely a good experience to get performances that would be seen that out here and meet the people. If we get a week on Monday Night RAW, WWE couple of leads, that’s great, too.” Superstars and Friday Night Smackdown. According to Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Many of those fans met with Wisconsin Martinson, a Wisconsin Army National Army National Guard recruiters, Guard recruiter based in Green Bay, positioned in concourses with information the National Guard Bureau coveted the and promotional merchandise. WWE’s demographics — many fans are Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters Spc. Zollie Johnikin, Sgt. Penny Marsh “It was like a bull rush at first,” said in the 18-35 age category — and sought and Sgt. Jack Wickey pounced on the opportunity to interact with the public at the Spc. Zollie Johnikin, a recruiter for the Feb. 7 Monday Night RAW live event in Milwaukee. Wisconsin National Guard photo 132nd Combat Sustainment Support Continued on Page 19 by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

@ease Express 18 March-April 2011 State DNR gives green light to Army Guard environmental program The Wisconsin Army National Guard noted that the Wisconsin Army National takes environmental stewardship seriously Guard, with 85 facilities included in the — so seriously that the state Department application, is the largest organization to of Natural Resources recently accepted the participate in Green Tier. organization into its Green Tier program, Scott Rickard, the environmental which holds participants to a higher performance assessment and standard of environmental compliance. environmental management system According to Capt. Nathan Olson, manager for the Wisconsin Army National environmental branch chief for the Guard, said that the Wisconsin Army Wisconsin Army National Guard, the National Guard meets the requirements DNR approached the Guard about joining to be at Green Tier’s level 2 but will start the program. at level 1 to acclimate to the program. “We’re very proactive on Among the benefits of participating in environmental responsibilities,” Olson a program designed for commercial said. and industrial businesses is one point of This is due in large part to the rigorous contact with the state for environmental environmental management system issues, rather than multiple agents. Also, required by the Department of Defense. by agreeing to abide by higher standards, By meeting those requirements — energy Green Tier participants receive greater and water conservation, recycling, waste consideration in areas such as permits and Wisconsin Army National Guard Master Sgt. Trevor Seitz and Command Sgt. reduction and contamination mitigation deferred civil enforcements in the event of Maj. Ralph Rosemore present current WWE Divas Champion Eve Torres with among them — the Wisconsin Army regulation violations. a shirt and an ACU-pattern backpack before the start of the Monday Night National Guard already met most of the But Olson said the payoff goes far RAW live event in Milwaukee Feb. 7. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. standards for Green Tier. beyond friendlier relations with the state Vaughn R. Larson The Wisconsin Army National Guard’s DNR. environmental management system “EMS gives us a better way to be WWE helps Wisconsin Guard reach potential recruits (EMS), enacted in 2006 and based aware of all of our environmental on the U.S. Army model, established impacts,” Olson said. “Being in Green Continued from Page 18 continue supporting the military and goals to protect the environment and Tier shows the citizens of Wisconsin also help the Guard get its message out conserve natural resources. Among we are serious about our environmental the partnership that began in 2009. The to thousands of people.” those goals: assuring that environmental responsibilities.” partnership was recently extended for In addition to providing promotional considerations are part of strategic Rickard said being a Green Tier three months. opportunities for the National Guard decision making, restore lands and participant also sends an important “[We] are just trying to get the during its live events, WWE promotes waters damaged by Wisconsin Army message. word out about what we are all about,” fitness as well as Guard youth programs National Guard activities, support Army “As the Guard becomes known for Martinson said. “We can get in front of a such as Challenge Academy. material recycling programs, actively being responsive, it changes the public’s few more faces that can spread the word Eve Torres, the current WWE Divas address environmental quality issues with impression,” he explained. “A lot of about the National Guard. If we get Champion, has performed in WWE’s neighboring communities, and maintain private industry doesn’t have the same some enlistments, it will be well worth annual special “Tribute to the Troops” a review process for environmental level of compliance as the Army does.” our time.” He added that the recruiting dedicated to service men and women objectives. Olson said that the entire organization effort at the WWE Smackdown event in Iraq and Afghanistan, calling the “Seldom do we see the level of is involved with environmental went well. opportunity to do so “an incredible organization that [Olson and the compliance — of all the Wisconsin Army Joe DelGrosso, senior vice president experience.” environmental staff] has brought to this National Guard facilities in the program, of partnership marketing with WWE, “[The troops] are so excited to see work and the degree to which he has all but one are classified as very small said the arrangement is a win-win us, and we’re excited to be there,” she committed to extend the environmental generators of hazardous waste. The lone situation. said during a brief visit with Wisconsin ethic geographically throughout the exception, the U.S. Property and Finance “The WWE is proud of our nation’s National Guard members and guests prior organization,” wrote Mark McDermid, Office at Camp Douglas, is classified military and the dedicated men and to the start of the show in Milwaukee. Green Tier program director for the DNR, as a small generator of hazardous waste women who serve in uniform, and “We’ve built a good relationship with in his recommendation to approve the because it collects, distributes and we believe our fans share this pride,” the National Guard,” Torres said. “The Wisconsin Army National Guard’s entry disposes of hazardous materials for all of he said. “Partnering with the Army National Guard is a little closer to our into the program last month. He also the Wisconsin Army National Guard. National Guard is another way we can hearts.”

@ease Express 19 March-April 2011 n Strong Bonds program offers couples relationship-building skills Militaries have always trained their warriors in the skills needed to survive combat. Not until recently has the U.S. military offered training to its married service members in the skills needed to help marriages survive the rigors of a relationship as well as the strains of deployment. The Strong Bonds program began modestly in 1999 with a Hawaii-based infantry division, and today encompasses all of the active and reserve components of the Army. A chaplain-led program for commanders that builds relationship resiliency, the mission of Strong Bonds is to increase service member readiness by strengthening the family relationship through education and skills training in an off-site “getaway” setting. The Wisconsin National Guard has provided these services to all service members, not only its own Soldiers and Airmen, for the past few years through its Service Members Support Division. Relationship programs include a seminar for singles on building strong relationships, a workshop for families on developing resilience, a relationship enhancement session for married couples as well as a new offering — “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage” by Mark Gungor. “PREP [Prevention, Relationship Enhancement Program] has been a real strong foundational thing we’ve been doing,” said Maj. Douglas Hedman, state chaplain for the Wisconsin National Guard. PREP teaches couples how to improve communication techniques and explains strategies for resolving problems, but it is considered a workshop and not marital counseling or therapy. “It’s not the silver bullet,” Hedman said, “but it’s certainly helpful. The Army’s making a great baloney,” Gungor, a pastor from Stevens Point, says PREP. investment.” during one of the sessions. “The truth is we love you in “I had someone approach me during the break and say, PREP has been well attended, and some service spite of the way you are.” ‘My husband and I haven’t laughed this hard in years,’” members have attended the weekend program more than In another observation, Gungor referenced a biblical he said. once for refresher training. Hedman said the SMSD proverb about how you can’t have an ox without a messy The Service Members Support Division Strong Bonds wanted to offer something different in addition to PREP, ox stall, but the ox’s strength is valuable in the field. schedule presently includes three marriage enrichment and chose the popular “Laugh Your Way” seminar. “There is no such thing as a poo-free marriage,” weekends, one additional “Laugh Your Way” weekend, Hedman and his staff completed training to present Gungor said. “This weekend is not about attaining a two premarital interpersonal choices and knowledge the video seminar, which was offered for the first time perfect marriage — it’s about achieving a good positive- weekends and two family wellness weekends. Service through SMSD Jan. 28-30 at The Osthoff Resort in to-poo ratio.” members can register online. For additional information, Elkhart Lake. Hedman said the seminar was well received, with contact Carolyn Morgan, Family Assistance Center, at “I love you just the way you are — what a bunch of many participants comparing the program favorably with 800-292-9464.

@ease Express 20 March-April 2011 Field artillery conference in Green Bay a booming success In artillery parlance, a two-day conference of National Guard field artillery leaders — aimed at improving already strong bonds between the active duty Army, reserve components and Training Doctrine Command, or TRADOC, and finding solutions to common artillery challenges — hosted by the Wisconsin Army National Guard recently in Green Bay was right on target. “We met all of our goals and objectives,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chard Heron, an operations noncommissioned officer with 1st Battalion, 426th Field Artillery — a teaching unit at the Wisconsin National Guard’s 426th Regional Training Institute at Fort McCoy. “These conferences are a communication tool for everyone in the field artillery community.” Maj. Gen. David Halverson, commander of the U.S. Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Okla. — in essence, head of the Army field artillery - was on hand to address the nearly 200 artillery Soldiers from National Guard units across the nation at the conference. Aaron Wallander explains a 50-caliber simulator “Field artillery in the Guard has been very important,” to Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Halverson said. “The tightness we have now is such Wisconsin Army National Guard; Halverson, and Brig. that nobody knows the difference between active duty, Gen. Thomas Vandal, commandant of the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserves. Our reliance on the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, during a March 13 National Guard field artillery is going to be greater than visit to the Wisconsin Military Academy. ever.” He pointed out that President Harry Truman was a Col. Richard Borkowski, commander of the 426th National Guard field artillery officer who served in World RTI, added that it was important to show Halverson and War I, and brought that experience to bear in the closing Vandal that active duty artillery Soldiers would receive days of World War II. the same standard of training at the 426th RTI as at Fort “Fort Sill grounded him for the most important Sill. decisions,” Halverson said. “They are the movers and innovators in field artillery,” Halverson and Brig. Gen. Thomas Vandal, Morgan continued. “This is an educational process so commandant of the Army Field Artillery School at Fort they can see another tool in the toolbox.” Sill, paid a visit to what some in the Wisconsin National Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Guard like to refer to as “Fort Sill North” — the 426th Wisconsin Army National Guard is also the deputy RTI, which has three National Guard Bureau field commanding general for the Army National Guard at Fort artillery subject matter experts and has been certified a Sill’s Field Artillery Center. His role there is to advise center of excellence for artillery instruction. Vandal and the active duty field artillery community “Our goal was to meet or exceed Fort Sill standards,” about the capabilities of the National Guard field artillery Lt. Col. Kerry Morgan, commander of the 1st Battalion, community as well as regional training institutes in 426th Field Artillery, said during his briefing to Wisconsin and other states. Maj. Gen. David Halverson, commanding Halverson and Vandal. He detailed how the 426th works “This is a great opportunity for Wisconsin to showcase general of the U.S. Fires Center of Excellence at closely with Fort Sill and that 426th instructors have the collective work of the Soldiers assigned here at the Fort Sill, addresses nearly 200 National Guard taught at Fort Sill to underscore what the Wisconsin 426th RTI,” Anderson said, “the capabilities they bring to field artillery Soldiers during a “Tailgate Dinner” National Guard facility can provide. the field artillery and the U. S. Army.” event March 12 in the Lambeau Field Atrium. “As they face challenges, they can see us as an As Halverson prepared to leave, it appeared that Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. additional resource,” Morgan explained after the official message had been received loud and clear. Vaughn R. Larson visit. “We have these phenomenal resources and Soldiers “You have all the skill sets here,” he said. “I’m very out here available to them.” impressed. The question now is how do we integrate?”

@ease Express 21 March-April 2011 Members of Company E, 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, an Army National Guard unit comprised of Wisconsin and Michigan Soldiers, operate a helicopter refueling point in Iraq. Company E improved the refueling point practice to serve a greater number of aircraft at one site. Wisconsin National Guard photo

Wisconsin National Guard aviators earn national honors A Wisconsin Army National Guard unit The award is presented to the Army an airframe readiness rate greater than In addition, warrant officers in the currently deployed in Iraq has been named National Guard aviation unit that has 85 percent. Battalion mechanics have 147th from Wisconsin and Michigan the best aviation unit in the Army National made an outstanding contribution or provided expert instruction on the formed a communications security team Guard. innovation to the field of Army aviation UH-60M to contractors and aviation to train up on the new communications The Madison-based 1st Battalion, above and beyond the normal assigned intermediate maintenance units. Roughly system for the UH-60M Black Hawk 147th Aviation Regiment — a UH-60M mission. one-third of Company E’s Soldiers cross- helicopter. The process they developed Black Hawk helicopter unit that includes However, the nature of the 147th’s trained to learn refueling operations, and became the standard used by the Army. Soldiers in Michigan and Indiana — current mission in Iraq is itself outside improved the process so that one refueling “Every day they prove themselves with will receive the 2010 Army Aviation of normal parameters. Operating with point can serve six Black Hawks. seamless and tireless support,” Pond said Association of America’s John J. Stanko aviation units from Colorado and Kansas Company E dispensed nearly 900,000 of the Soldiers of Task Force Ironhawk. award at next month’s AAAA Annual as Task Force Ironhawk, the 147th covers gallons of fuel with no environmental “These Soldiers have a well-deserved Professional Forum and Exposition in all of the United States Division-South mishaps. reputation for excellence.” Nashville. This is the first such award for — including six bases — performing Pond said Task Force Ironhawk The 147th reported for active duty a Wisconsin National Guard helicopter the highest number of missions of any easily distinguished its leadership in last June 17 for their third Middle East unit. battalion supporting the 1st Enhanced implementing the Black Hawk “Mike” deployment. A portion of the battalion first Lt. Col. Marty Pond, battalion Combat Aviation Brigade of the 1st model into the total combat force with the deployed to Iraq in March 2003. The unit commander, described the award as a Infantry Division (the Big Red One). exceptionally high operation tempo. also deployed to Kuwait from July 2001 great honor. During a four-month span, the 147th flew “Remember, this only accounts for the to August 2002 in support of Operation “It is a reflection of our Soldiers and 1,986 missions totaling more than 15,000 first four months,” he said. “[Things] have Desert Spring. A portion of the 147th also their families,” he said, “[and their] combat hours without any accidents. not slowed down in any way since.” deployed in support of Task Force Eagle, the commitment to our nation, our mission Three of the aviation battalion companies Prior to deploying, the 147th tackled NATO peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, and overall excellence in performance.” moved more than 5,600 passengers and another daunting task — transforming in July 2006 for a one-year mission. Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander 660,000 pounds of cargo in that time into the first Army National Guard The 147th has played an important of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, frame, while a fourth provides round-the- air assault helicopter battalion, which role in stateside responses, such as the agreed. clock medical evacuation coverage at four involved intensive training and fielding historic mobilization of National Guard “We are extremely proud of the locations, conducting 102 missions and new equipment. Flight instructors with the units across the country to respond to leaders and Soldiers of the 147th Aviation transporting 109 patients. 147th also trained helicopter pilots from Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf coast, and Battalion in receiving this award,” he said. On the ground, aircraft from three units numerous other Guard and active Army the Wisconsin floods of 2008. In 1998 the “It is a recognition of the professionalism across six bases have been integrated aviation units, resulting in 25 qualified 147th deployed to Guatemala for several and dedication of the entire team.” into one maintenance program, with pilots and eight instructor pilots. months following Hurricane Mitch.

@ease Express 22 March-April 2011 Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy graduates attend Champions Gala The opportunity for a second chance in life has translated into a little bit more — a trip to Washington D.C. to attend the National Guard Youth Foundation Champions Gala — for four recent graduates of the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy. Denzel Parker of Milwaukee, Paul Becker of Glendale, Michael Schiffer of West Salem and Tyler Sabel of Fond du Lac were able to mingle with military leaders, members of Congress and celebrities at the March 1 event. They were invited as special guests by virtue of winning the National Guard Youth Foundation’s YouTube video challenge. Their video was featured at the gala. Two other cadets involved with the winning video — Taylor Jean Maciosek of Stevens Point and Devan Farnsworth of Madison — were unable to attend the gala due to commitments to AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps. During the gala, the Wisconsin cadets were recognized for their achievement and the winning video was played during the dinner. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, presented Parker, Becker and Schiffer with $2,000 scholarships — part of the prize for winning the video contest. Maciosek and Farnsworth will also receive $2,000 scholarships, and the Wisconsin National Guard Challenge Academy received a $5,000 scholarship. The video winners also received Cisco Flip cameras. Parker, the military honor graduate for Class 25, enjoyed his first airplane flight and sat next to American Idol winner Kris Allen at the gala. “I never thought I would have a chance to travel to Washington D.C., see everything that I have seen and Michael Schiffer, a recent graduate from the Wisconsin National Guard’s meet such amazing people,” Parker said. “This whole trip Challenge Academy, is presented with a certificate of achievement March was unbelievable.” 1 by Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during the Parker, Becker, Schiffer and Sabel spent three days National Guard Youth Foundation Champions Gala in Washington D.C. touring Arlington Cemetery, Washington’s monuments Schiffer and other Wisconsin Challenge Academy cadets were invited to and memorials, the National Archive and the Smithsonian. the gala after winning a video competition. Also pictured, left to right: Cadets received a tour of the Capitol building, arranged by Lt. Gen. Harry “Bud” Wyatt, director of the Air National Guard; Maj. Gen. U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl’s office, and attended sessions in both Raymond Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard; and Lt. the House of Representatives and Senate. Gen. (Ret.) John B. Conaway, former National Guard Bureau chief and Celebrities in attendance included Allen, country current chairman of the National Guard Youth Foundation. Wisconsin singer Gretchen Wilson, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt National Guard Challenge Academy photos Challenge Academy graduates Jr., and actress Karri Turner. when you think about it, [no one] is better than the National Guard to create such Tyler Sabel of Fond du Lac, The gala also recognized the 100,000th Challenge a successful program.” Denzel Parker of Milwaukee, Academy graduate, signifying the program’s success. Gen. Craig R. McKinley, National Guard Bureau chief, said that the National Paul Becker of Glendale and “When you think of the National Guard, you don’t Guard Youth Challenge Program allowed cadets to earn something they might Michael Schiffer of West Salem think educator, you think warfighter,” said Gail Dady, not otherwise have had — a future. in front of the U.S. Capitol on president of the National Guard Youth Foundation. “But Sgt. Darron Salzer of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report. March 2.

@ease Express 23 March-April 2011 Leadership skills key to new promotion, selection process 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Wisconsin National Guard Approximately 1,000 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers are up for promotion this year, and await the results of the annual enlisted promotion system (EPS) boards to learn their chances for upward mobility. “Soldiers will be fairly surprised when the lists are published,” said State Command Sgt. Major George Stopper, who directed this year’s boards. The Wisconsin Army National Guard volunteered to test the National Guard Bureau’s new promotion board system this year for staff sergeants and higher, which measures different criteria for promotion. The previous system allowed a maximum of 1,000 promotion points based on administrative and leadership achievements — with 60 percent allocated to administrative achievements such as physical fitness scores, marksmanship and correspondence courses. The new system discards the administrative points in favor of leadership ability. “Some Soldiers have been able to stack up administrative points but have not been the most solid of performers,” Stopper Sgt. Major Joel Rothbauer, left, and 1st Sgt. Michael Perl McCoy. The Wisconsin National Guard was a volunteer test noted. “This changes that balance. examine evaluations and supporting documents March state for a new promotion and selection system produced by “Soldiers need to come to work and 16 during the Enlist, Promote and Select (EPS) Boards at the National Guard Bureau. Wisconsin National Guard photo do their job well,” he continued. “Those the Wisconsin National Guard’s Military Academy at Fort by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson solid performers will be the first to earn promotions.” good tool to validate Soldiers. the boards of the importance of quality said. He called for supervisors to regularly The new system is more closely “Honesty and education will be key noncommissioned officer evaluation counsel their subordinates so they aligned to that used by the active Army, during this transition,” he explained. reports. understand how to meet or exceed the Stopper said. “Soldiers will look at the new promotion “Good, solid bullets and excellence standards. He also said that the best way “I don’t know that we can ever lists, which will be very different from the ratings with measurable bullet to ensure the best candidates are promoted perfectly align,” he said. “Some aspects past, and they need to understand why. statements are easy to read, evaluate is through honest evaluations. of the National Guard are not the same as The days after the lists are published will and understand,” Stopper explained. He “We’ve come a long way in the past active duty, but this brings us closer.” be challenging.” also said that ratings of “excellence” and three years,” he said. “We’ve made a Some areas of the new process have This year’s board reiterated to “needs improvement” need quantifiable significant change in our thought process. been identified for improvement, but Stopper and the approximately 50 senior statements by the raters. We do a good job — now we have to do a Stopper said that overall the system is a noncommissioned officers serving on “It needs to be spelled out,” Stopper great job.”

@ease Express 24 March-April 2011 Female Wisconsin Guard Soldiers to be part of Special Ops mission Four Wisconsin Army National Guard Capt. Nicole Zupka female Soldiers have learned that they will of Fair Lawn, be part of an all-female team supporting N.J., currently a Army Special Combat forces by battlewatch captain interacting with local women in combat with Combined Joint zones. Task Force-Paladin, Sgt. Kristen Elegeert of De Pere, a helps an Afghan member of the 457th Chemical Company child with her in Burlington, said the demanding five- writing skills during day assessment and selection process at female engagement Fort Bragg, N.C., was unlike anything team training she had ever experienced. This was not a on Bagram Air training environment, but an evaluation Field, Feb. 3. Four of physical, mental and intellectual Wisconsin National capabilities required to maintain Guard Soldiers composure, apply logic, communicate have recently been clearly and solve problems in demanding selected for this situations. program. Female “It took a lot of resilience, solid work Engagement Team ethic and teamwork,” she explained, training teaches adding that these same principles will Dari and Pashto be needed to prepare for the upcoming language, Afghan mission. “Gaining maximum mental culture, Afghan awareness and physical strength is a must.” religion and many Master Sgt. Karen Dumke of Waupun, other lessons to a member of the 64th Troop Command in prepare for future Madison, agreed. engagements. “It was the most difficult and Photo by Sgt. Grant challenging thing I have done in my Matthes, Combined entire 25-plus years in the military,” Joint Task Force-101 Dumke said. “I believe it was basically Public Affairs an abbreviated version of what the males must go through in order to be selected to Team. A total of seven Wisconsin Guard and language training at Fort Bragg, assistance and civil-military operations. enter the Special Forces.” members volunteered for the assessment N.C. The training will include cross- As Special Forces have very few Sgt. Sonia Buchanan of Cottage Grove, and selection process. cultural communication skills for Afghan trained female Soldiers available to a member of the Madison-based Joint Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander and Islamic cultures. They will also interact with Afghan women and children, Force Headquarters, said there was no of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, learn negotiation and mediation skills, the cultural support team will fill a vital feedback during the assessment process said he was very proud of all seven proper use of interpreters and key leader role in Afghanistan. A total of 50 female until the final day. volunteers. engagement techniques. Soldiers are sought for the cultural support “At that moment, as I was face to face “This was an extremely demanding Upon completion of training, the four team. Deployments are expected to last up with the assessor, all I wanted to hear was selection process for a very demanding will deploy with either a Ranger platoon to eight months. four words — ‘You have been selected,’” and important mission,” he said. “They or a Special Forces team in Afghanistan “I am extremely appreciative to be Buchanan said. “It was all worth it — all chose the best of the best, and it says a lot as members of a cultural support team accepted,” Elegeert said. “I am very eager the pain, all the hard work.” to me that they chose four Soldiers from working with area villages. Their primary to get to work.” 1st Lt. April Kane of Viroqua, a Wisconsin.” mission will be to interact with women Dumke plans to begin a challenging member of the Wisconsin Medical The four who were selected will and children to build rapport, foster physical training regimen prior to arrival Command at Camp Williams was the undergo several weeks of specialized relationships and establish trust. In this at Fort Bragg. final Wisconsin National Guard Soldier training, beginning in May with a week role they will support medical missions, “I will also be studying up on Afghan selected for the Female Engagement at Fort Benning, Ga., followed by culture searches and seizures, humanitarian culture and language,” she said.

@ease Express 25 March-April 2011 Ho-Chunk warrior, Guard officer promoted Tech. Sgt. Sarah Ellis Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs In a ceremony complete with ceremonial Native American raiment and music, a Ho-Chunk Nation warrior was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Wisconsin Army National Guard March 19 at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison. David James Whitehorse Klauser of Madison, an assistant staff judge advocate assigned to Joint Force Headquarters and a state public defender in Janesville, was lauded for his 14 years of service to the Wisconsin Army National Guard. “He is a good example of a Ho-Chunk warrior and officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard,” Robert Mann, veterans service officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, said of Klauser. “He served his people, his country, and the Wisconsin National Guard proudly. He has earned the status of warrior ever since he signed up and went into the military.” Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, agreed. “It was not hard to realize his tremendous effort and dedication, what he has already accomplished, what he has done, what he has been, and the value he has provided to this organization and nation,” Anderson said. Klauser is one of 74 Wisconsin National Guard members of Native American or Alaskan native heritage. Mann related how, during a 2007 deployment to Iraq with the 332nd Rear Operations Center, Klauser raised the Ho- Chunk Nation flag over the headquarters building. “That just shows the type of person he is,” Mann said. “He is very proud of his Robert Mann, right, veterans service officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, presents newly promoted Lt. Col. David James heritage.” Whitehorse Klauser with a blanket during a ceremony at Madison’s Joint Force Headquarters March 19. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Ellis

@ease Express 26 March-April 2011 Wisconsin National Guard focusing on diversity with opportunities for everyone The Wisconsin National Guard continues to be a diverse organization — a collection of 10,000 Wisconsin farmers, lawyers, mechanics, doctors and nearly every other occupation from across the state — but leaders believe there is room for improvement. Recruiters, equal employment officers and the organization’s top leaders are focused on diversity — recently creating two councils and attending a national-level conference on the topic. The strength “I know as an organization we are serious about ensuring that everyone in Wisconsin is aware of the of our opportunities the Guard has to offer,” said 1st Lt. organization Ronald Adams, WING equal employment manager. “We have an environment where everyone is welcome.” is based on Diversity is often seen as differences in very tangible identifiers such as race, gender, age, etc. Wisconsin Guard the quality of leaders are focused, however, on a broader sense of the word … looking to instill “diversity of thought,” where Soldiers and Airmen our service from different backgrounds, with different skill sets and ideas, are able to contribute to the organization’s overall effectiveness. members, and “The strength of our organization is based upon the quality of the quality our service members and the quality starts with diversity of thought, experiences, culture and background,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, starts with Wisconsin Army National Guard commander. Adams said the Guard is still focused, however, on meeting or diversity exceeding the demographics, in the traditional sense of the word — race, gender, skin color, etc. — and work force statistics that exist in of thought, Wisconsin. “No matter how much we want to take the focus off the obvious, experiences, that is always going to be a part of diversity,” Adams said. “We work culture and in the demographics of our state and we look at the workplace to get a better idea of where we’re at. Hopefully we can represent the background. population through the state to come close to the rest of the workforce demographics.” – Brig. Gen. Mark Gen. Craig McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, provided Anderson credibility to the issue during the National Diversity Conference held in Boston earlier this month. “Diversity isn’t a program you do for a specific period of time and declare victory. It’s an everyday thing,” McKinley said. Adams said the Guard is proud to employ Wisconsin citizens – everyone from farmers to politicians. “Based on the fact that we have members from throughout the state – people of all religions, from rural areas to cities … we are diverse,” Adams said. “We’re just trying to figure out how we can assure everyone in the state that they are welcome.”

@ease Express 27 March-April 2011 New trial defense team to provide Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers with legal services A newly formed Wisconsin Army defense lawyer until the Army appointed National Guard unit will enhance the them with one, sometimes just shortly integrity of the military judicial system before an administrative or courts-martial within the state’s National Guard forces. hearing, Hartley said. The 505th will The newly formed 505th Trial give Wisconsin Soldiers an immediate Defense Team was created to provide avenue to seek help, receive consultation, Soldiers with a zealous, and gain clarity at the inception unbiased, and timely legal of their problem. representation – without fear The team consists of two of reprisal from the members’ lawyers, a judge advocate and chain-of-command. a paralegal. One of the issues “We are a tool to be the TDT faces is handling a used to make the system large case load. Each lawyer more efficient,” said Maj. has seen an average of more Charles Hartley, lead than 10 open cases at any attorney for the 505th TDT. given time. Although the “This is our only mission … to 505th only consists of traditional provide defense for our clients.” Guard positions, the team finds itself Under the old system of defense eager to help, often providing services services, Soldiers were not always in one form or another every day of the afforded an opportunity to speak with a week, Hartley said. defense lawyer until the Army appointed “We’ve been trying to establish a fair them with one, sometimes just shortly and independent TDT for well over five before an administrative or courts-martial years,” said Col. Julio Barron, Wisconsin hearing, Hartley said. The 505th will National Guard staff judge advocate. “The give Wisconsin Soldiers an immediate result is the establishment of the robust avenue to seek help, receive consultation, defense service provided by the 505th.” and gain clarity at the inception of their “This allows the TDT attorneys to problem. zealously advocate their clients without Legal issues, depending on factors concern of command influence,” said such as severity, location, duty status, Chief Warrant Officer Miguel Florez, etc., can be handled at many different legal administrator for the Wisconsin junctures, from the company level to Army National Guard. “That is the only the state level. The legal office at the way the Soldiers can have faith in the state’s Joint Force Headquarters – which system.” only sees the tip of the spear in the The first step in the defense process state’s cases – initiated more than 125 is speaking to an attorney who can administrative separation actions in the advocate on your behalf. The creation of last fiscal year. the 505th has made that a little easier on Be first, be credible, be visible Legal issues can include situations Wisconsin’s Soldiers. Dr. Joseph Trahan emphasized the importance of preparation and credibility such as drug abuse, unsatisfactory “Soldiers can feel free to consult with during a presentation on crisis communications at a recent conference for participation, weight failure, misconduct us because they know we don’t report to senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders at the Wisconsin Military Academy. and other administrative issues. anyone in [the same] chain-of-command,” The presentation included a practical exercise where groups would answer Under the old system of defense Hartley said. “I have 100 percent media questions concerning a scenario emergency. Wisconsin National Guard services, Soldiers were not always confidence in my ability and every photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson afforded an opportunity to speak with a member of my teams’ ability.”

@ease Express 28 March-April 2011 Platoon leaderr c o ksthe NBA rims 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson Wisconsin National Guard

When he’s not leading a platoon Gamez — who specializes in flip through infantry tactics, 2nd Lt. Arturo dunking, flip passing and flip twists — Gamez might be seen attacking an NBA was part of the most slam dunk passes backboard with flair as a captain with the record. Milwaukee Bucks’ Rim Rockers Dunk The Rim Rockers is a part-time Team. venture for Gamez, who also works for “Working in sports is awesome,” said the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant in Gamez, a member of Company C, 2nd the game operations department. The Battalion, 127th Infantry. “Every game is Rim Rockers practice once a week 11 different and always exciting. Performing months out of the year, and perform at Arturo Gamez, a second lieutenant in dunks during the Bucks games is a huge approximately 21Milwaukee Bucks home the Wisconsin Army National Guard, adrenaline rush.” games. In addition, the Rim Rockers performs “acrodunks” regularly as a Gamez joined the Rim Rockers — an have performed at the 2008 NBA All-Star member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Rim acrobatic entertainment feature of the Game in New Orleans, a halftime show in Rockers Dunk Team. Photos courtesy Milwaukee Bucks combining 15 young Madison Square Garden for the New York Milwaukee Bucks men with basketballs and trampolines Knicks, and at NBA development teams, be ready for the unexpected.” — when it formed six years ago, one as well as Summerfest, the Wisconsin Gamez’ role with the Rim Rockers “There’s nothing like dunking during year before joining the Wisconsin Army State Fair and other venues. The team has includes developing performance a playoff game,” he said. “The crowd is National Guard. travelled twice to China, Abu Dhabi, and choreography, helping run practices unbelievable and it pumps you up to do “When I first started, I was terrible,” various universities such as Ohio State, and managing other team members. As your best tricks. he said, noting that he had no gymnastics Marquette, the University of Wisconsin an assistant with the game operations “I’ve never been more nervous than background. But he and the team have and Wisconsin Lutheran. Gamez missed department, he helps with promotions, when we dunked during the NBA All-Star progressed and are now among the elite the Abu Dhabi trip as he was attending the music, Bango the mascot and other Game in New Orleans,” he continued. of “acrodunking.” The Rim Rockers holds infantry basic officer leadership course. entertainment aspects that enhance the “Going to China for the NBA China three Guinness World Records — the “Being in the military and becoming game for fans. His experience with the games was unforgettable. Six years highest forward flip trampoline slam dunk, an officer has taught me a lot about what Bucks helped him earn his marketing ago when the team was assembled, I the furthest forward flip trampoline slam it takes to be a leader,” he said. “Being degree. would never have imagined that I would dunk (20 feet), and the most slam dunk a captain of the team, I try to use those Gamez said being part of the Rim have done those things. This has given passes in 30 seconds (36, eclipsing their skills to push the guys to develop and get Rockers has yielded some wonderful me memories that I wouldn’t trade for own record of 21 set in 2009). better. It has taught me to remain calm and memories. anything.”

@ease Express 29 March-April 2011 TRADOC revises Army physical fitness test Kelly Schloesser To better assess muscular endurance, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command the one-minute rower and push-up events will not allow Soldiers to pause Soldiers will be better prepared if and rest. This will require non-stop they train how they would fight. This muscle movement that will demonstrate innovative physical readiness training immediate muscle fatigue and failure. philosophy, implemented by the U.S. TRADOC is also recommending Army Training and Doctrine Command, Soldiers take the ACRT, which has driven the U.S. Army Physical Fitness incorporates warrior tasks and provides a School to revise not only how the Army more accurate assessment of the physical conducts physical training, but also readiness training program and the how it will evaluate a Soldier’s physical Soldier’s individual capability. The ACRT capability. will be executed in the Army Combat WHY CHANGE? Uniform, Advanced Combat Helmet, Since 1980, the U.S. Army has and weapon, and includes a 400-meter assessed physical aptitude through the run, hurdles, a high crawl, casualty drag, Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT. sprints, and several other movement drills. Commonly known as the “PT Test,” The ACRT is designed to not only Soldiers are required to complete three correlate with readiness training, but also events: two-minutes of push-ups, two- to provide a more accurate picture of a minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Soldier’s ability to perform Warrior Tasks “Today’s PT test does not adequately and Battle Drills. The test incorporates measure components of strength, several exercises and drills from the endurance, or mobility. The events have physical readiness training circular and a low correlation to the performance of provides a testing environment similar to warrior tasks and battle drills and are not that on the battlefield. strong predictors of successful physical “Previously, we primarily trained for performance on the battlefield or in full the assessment,” said Palkoska. Now our spectrum operations,” said Lt. Gen. training will drive the test, not the other Mark P. Hertling, TRADOC’s deputy A Soldier high-steps over obstacles on the second leg of the new Army Combat way around, he said. commanding general for Initial Military Readiness Test after completing the first portion of the test, the 400-meter run, WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN? Training, who holds a master’s degree in during a trial run at Fort Jackson, S.C. U.S. Army photo by Rob McIlvaine The Army will begin pilot testing exercise physiology. the ACRT, align with Army Physical endurance while reducing the risk of at approximately eight locations with As TRADOC’s lead for the test review, Readiness Training outlined in Training injuries. The current test also only multiple units in order to set standards. Hertling collaborated with a 16-member Circular 3-22.20, which was implemented provides a “snapshot” assessment of upper The pilot currently plans to align age team headed by Frank Palkoska, director Army-wide last August providing and lower-body muscular endurance and categories for the test scores with the of the U.S. Army Physical Fitness School, exercises, drills and activities appropriate fails to identify anaerobic capacity, said American College of Sports Medicine resulting in a recommendation to the Army for various levels of physical fitness. Hertling. and Cooper Institute, broadening age for not just one, but two revised PT tests. The APRT, designed to replace the In order to better assess anaerobic categories to under 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50- “The goal is to align the training and current APFT, expands from three to five capacity that drive high-intensity bursts 59, and 60 and above, for both genders. the tests with tasks that Soldiers have events, eliminates sit-ups, increases the of energy, the run will be changed to 1.5 Following the establishment of to perform on the battlefield so that the pace of push-ups, and replaces the long- miles. standards and a thorough review, likely commander has a better tool to measure distance run with shorter-faster runs. The “Soldiers will tend to run faster, testing lasting through the summer, the tests preparedness and can guide training for five events include: 60-yard shuttle run, the anaerobic energy system in their can then be approved for Army-wide the unit,” said Palkoska. one-minute rower (exercise outlined in TC body,” said Hertling of the 1.5 miles. The execution. Implementing the new tests WHAT WILL THEY LOOK LIKE? 3.22-20), standing long-jump, one-minute shorter-faster run, requiring a significant is the final step in the Soldier Athlete The proposed tests, the Army Physical push-up, 1.5 mile run. burst of energy, will better prepare initiative to better prepare Soldiers for Readiness Test, or APRT, and the Army These events will more accurately Soldiers for the intensity of today’s strenuous training and the challenges of Combat Readiness Test, known as test a Soldiers anaerobic and aerobic battlefield, he said. full-spectrum operations.

@ease Express 30 March-April 2011 Staff Sgt. Jason Kirch of Prairie du Sac, a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 106th Engineer Detachment in Tomah, crosses the finish line en route to a bronze medal finish at the Chief of the National Guard Bureau Championships biathlon competition last month in Vermont. Submitted photo

Wisconsin Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason Kirch, Wisconsin Guard member takes bronze in National Guard Biathlon second from right, Tech. Sgt. Mike Zeigle four events — two individual and two with his bronze 115th Fighter Wing team — ranging from 7.5 kilometers to 20 medal earned during kilometers, with stops along the route to the 2011 Chief A Wisconsin National Guard Soldier shoot targets in both prone and standing of the National competing at his first Chief of the National position. Competitors are penalized in Guard Bureau Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships time or distance skied for shots missed Championships earned a bronze medal in the 10K sprint during the shooting stages. biathlon competition. race novice category. Heavy snow impeded travel to the Pictured with Kirch Staff Sgt. Jason Kirch of Prairie du Sac, event for some competitors, and delayed are, left to right: Louis Wis., a member of the 106th Engineer the races by one day. Wind and rain added Cabrera, National Detachment in Tomah, Wis., finished with to the challenge during the course of the Guard Bureau; a time of 57 minutes 17 seconds. He was competition. Brig. Gen. Steven one of four Wisconsin National Guard The National Guard sponsors Cray, commander members to compete March 6-13 at Camp individual state teams which compete in of the Vermont Air Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt. regional and championship competitions National Guard; Other team members include Master Sgt. each year. The National Guard has also and Col. Robert LeRoy DePas, Staff Sgt. John Brown and had a representative competing on the Gingras, construction Tech. Sgt. Mike Zeigle, all members of Olympic biathlon team every year since and facilities the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison. Zeigle the 1980s. management officer has been on the Wisconsin National Guard Kirch was also recently named for the Vermont biathlon team for 29 years. first alternate in theWisconsin Army National Guard. The biathlon combines cross-country National Guard’s state Soldier and Submitted photo skiing and marksmanship skills. The four- Noncommissioned Officer of the Year day Championships competition includes competition.

@ease Express 31 March-April 2011 Wisconsin National Guard Soldier receives national Army aviation honor A Wisconsin National Guard Soldier who has logged more than 4,100 flight hours and 30 years of aviation experience was recognized with the prestigious Order of the Saint Michael award. Col. Jeffery Paulson, deputy chief of staff of aviation, is the first Wisconsin National Guard member to receive the national honor, a joint venture between the Army Aviation Association of America and the U.S. Army Aviation Center. “It’s pretty humbling that someone felt strong enough to look at what I was doing,” Paulson said. “It’s been more than just a job. I’ve loved every minute of it.” Paulson was elected by his peers to the national chairmanship for Army aviation. His role enabled him to take issues from the field and work with National Guard Bureau and other agencies to get those issues resolved quickly. “Aviation has gone through a lot of modernization and transformation in the last six to seven years,” Paulson said. “We’ve been able to resolve a lot of issues and that’s very satisfying.” Paulson dealt with that transformation in Wisconsin as well. Within a two-year period every Army Guard aviation Soldier in Wisconsin learned to fly, maintain or support a new helicopter as the state’s fleet was upgraded. “I’m involved at the strategic level but at the operational level, there are a whole lot of great Americans that do a lot of great stuff,” Paulson said, “The award is more than what I’ve done.” Paulson joined the Army in 1977 and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mark Grapin, national vice president of St. Michael award to Col. Mark Paulson, the Wisconsin began pilot training shortly thereafter. of aviation safety, Brig Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of state aviation officer. Paulson is the first Wisconsin Soldier He joined the Wisconsin Army National the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Donald presented with this national award. Wisconsin National Guard Guard in 1983. Paulson has seen many E. Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, present the Order photo by Staff Sgt. Andy Poquette changes in Army aviation. He himself units: the 32nd Brigade Aviation Section Joint Force Headquarters responsible for integrity and moral character, display has flown many helicopters in his career; and, in 1990, the newly formed 832nd all the Army Guard aviation units in the an outstanding degree of professional including the TH-55 Osage, OH-58 Medical Company (Air Ambulance). state. competence, and served the U.S. Army Kiowa, UH-1 Cobra and UH-60 Black Following his assignments in West The Order of Saint Michael is intended Aviation community with distinction. Hawk. Bend, Paulson became the head of to recognize individuals who have “I pride myself on being an aviator … While serving In West Bend, Wis., training and operations of the Madison- contributed significantly to promotion not just a Soldier,” Paulson said. “To be from 1983 to 1996, Paulson had the based 147th Aviation Regiment and of Army Aviation. Recipients must have recognized on that level is very special to opportunity to command two different subsequently the aviation directorate at demonstrated the highest standards of me.”

@ease Express 32 March-April 2011 Meritorious service Wisconsin Airman awarded for combat actions in Afghanistan Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue Guard members Wisconsin National Guard awarded for An Airman’s heroics were recognized March 5 as Wisconsin National Guard public affairs work leaders presented the Air Force Combat Four Wisconsin National Guard Action Medal to a member of the members have received top awards Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing. in the 2010 National Guard Bureau Tech. Sgt. William Williams, 115th Media Contest. Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight, Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue of the braved hostile fire while on a mission Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing to locate a missing U.S. Sailor in Public Affairs section took second Afghanistan’s Logar Province in an effort place in the Outstanding New to blow up an unexploded mortar round at Broadcaster category. the request of a U.S. Army search team. Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez of the As Soldiers laid down suppressive fire, Madison-based 112th Mobile Williams emerged from cover and ran to Public Affairs Detachment received the mortar. He placed charges, took cover a second-place award in the and conducted a controlled detonation. photography category for an image He then picked up his M-4 assault rifle from the 2010 Rhythm and Booms and joined his comrades in engaging the celebration in Madison. enemy. Spc. Brandon Frederick, also of Williams is just the fourth Wisconsin the 112th MPAD, received a second- Air Guard member to receive the place award for a television news AFCAM since the award’s inception in Tech. Sgt. William Williams, 115th Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician, report on the 1st Battalion, 121st 2007. The criterion for the award is that shares experiences from his recent deployment to Afghanistan on March Field Artillery firing a new weapons the individual must have been under 5. Williams was awarded the Combat Action Medal for his actions during his system for the first time in June direct and hostile fire while operating in deployment. 115th Fighter Wing photo by Tech. Sgt. Ashley Bell 2010. unsecured space (outside the defended proud of Williams’ actions. joined the 115th in 2008. Tech. Sgt. Ashley Bell, also perimeter), or physically engaging hostile “I’m not surprised at all that he was Earlier in the deployment, Williams of the 115th Fighter Wing Public forces with direct and lethal fire. able to perform extremely effectively in was called upon at Bagram Air Base, Affairs section, received a third- Although Williams’ job of eliminating a difficult situation,” Philpot said. “That Afghanistan to “render safe” four suicide place award for his picture story on unexploded ordnance is dangerous doesn’t surprise me because of who he is bombers with explosives strapped to the realistic training conducted by enough, this was his first experience in and the type of training [EOD Airmen] their chest. Though the insurgents died the 115th Security Forces. combat. receive.” from gunshot wounds before reaching Spc. Frederick’s submission “The first time [getting shot at] is Williams received small squad tactics, the Bagram Air Base fence line, the advanced to the U.S. Army’s Keith definitely an attention grabber,” Williams shooting and other technical training explosives still needed to be cleared. L. Ware competition. said. “I’m actually really proud of myself as part of 30 days of pre-deployment This is the type of task Williams has In addition, the Wisconsin because you never know how you’re or “Combat Ready Airman” (COBRA) come to know and love from his job. He National Guard’s official going to perform in that situation.” training at Tyndall Air Force Base, Tenn. admitted he loves his family and loves publication, At Ease Express, Williams’ actions came in 2010 while Williams hails from Sun Prairie, Wis., his job, but to be a successful EOD received a first-place award for web- serving on his third deployment as an and is married with two children. He technician, a clear mind is a must. based publications in the National explosive ordinance disposal technician. enlisted into the active duty Air Force in “You can’t be distracted while you’re Guard Bureau Media Contest, and He was attached to the Army’s 173rd 1996 and has been stationed around the doing that,” Williams said. “Once you advanced to the Keith L. Ware Airborne Brigade Combat Team operating globe, including Aviano Air Base, Italy; have time to reflect on it, then you competition. Last year the At Ease from Forward Operating Base Altimur, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey; Ramstein Air definitely thank God you’re still around Express won a Keith L. Ware award south of Kabul. Base, Germany; Osan Air Base, Korea, for your family.” and the Department of Defense’s Lt. Col. Kevin Philpot, 115th Civil and Nellis and Scott Air Force Bases in 2nd Lt. Steven Montgomery contributed Thomas Jefferson award. Engineer Squadron commander, said he is Nevada and Illinois, respectively. He to this story

@ease Express 33 March-April 2011 Veterans, Families, Retirees State DVA reaching veterans in new ways TRICARE mails meds to homes The Wisconsin Department of TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery facility or retail network pharmacy. Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has created allows beneficiaries to save time and Pharmacy home delivery also features new outreach tools designed to make money by delivering maintenance an automatic prescription refill option to it easier for Wisconsin veterans of all medications safely and securely to their ensure beneficiaries are always supplied ages and eras to learn about important home through the U.S. mail. with the medications they need and checks developments and issues that may affect More than one million prescriptions medical and prescription history to avoid them. The Wisconsin Veterans Registry were filled through home delivery in each harmful drug interactions. A phone line and the WDVA Facebook page are new of the last five months of 2010 – a record. is available 24/7 to speak directly to a approaches to reaching the state’s more Pharmacy home delivery is available pharmacist. than 417,000 veterans. to many categories of beneficiaries, TRICARE retail network pharmacies “These are new ways to make it easier including active duty service members fill prescriptions with a 30-day supply. for service members to stay up to date on deployed overseas. Home delivery fills prescriptions for important issues,” said Ken Black, WDVA Home delivery can be to any U.S. the same co-payment, but for 90 days. Secretary. “It’s our job to help veterans postal address and overseas Army Post Home delivery costs beneficiaries $3 for connect with the benefits and services Offices (APO), Fleet Post Offices (FPO) a 90-day supply for generic formulary they have earned, and we’re focused on and in some cases, U.S. Embassies. medications and $9 for a 90-day supply bringing new ideas and new technology to Beneficiaries have convenient and secure for formulary brand-name medications. bear on that challenge.” Internet access to their plan information TRICARE beneficiaries switching Newly-returned veterans are often and can manage their prescriptions online. to pharmacy home delivery from retail busy reintegrating back to civilian life. Home delivery is especially useful for pharmacies in 2010 saved 66 percent on Over time, older veterans may become beneficiaries with prescriptions they need their co-payments, up to $176 a year for less connected to service-related news to take on a regular basis – maintenance a non-formulary prescription. They also and updates. The voluntary registry helps changes to state programs and services medications. These medications are used to saved taxpayers $30.7 million. overcome these challenges by delivering such as the Wisconsin GI Bill and the treat illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and To sign up for pharmacy home delivery key information directly to veterans via property tax credit for disabled veterans; high blood pressure. If beneficiaries need or to learn more about the program, go to e-mail. Using Facebook as another way and important federal notices on veterans immediate relief from a pain medication www.tricare.mil/homedelivery or call the to connect delivers good information to issues. or antibiotics, they should have their Member Choice Center toll-free at 1-877- veterans, and, perhaps more importantly, The Wisconsin Veterans Registry is prescription filled at a military treatment 363-1343. allows them to connect with each other open to all Wisconsin veterans, their through the popular social media site. family, friends and anyone concerned The service is an e-mail registry about veterans issues. Veterans are Services, hours for Retiree Activities Offices that sends automatic updates whenever encouraged to sign up for the Wisconsin The Retiree Activities Office (RAO) Room 160, Madison, Wis. 53704. The significant developments occur on health Veterans Registry to begin receiving provides guidance and information to RAO is open Tuesdays and Thursdays issues, hazard exposures and state and updates immediately. Updates will occur retirees and spouses of retirees, of all 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. except on holidays. federal benefits and services. Veterans can only when new information is available. ranks and services. The RAO provides Their phone number is 608-242-3115, find a link to sign up for the free registry With over 500 active users in less information on military status, TRICARE, 1-800-335-4157, ext. 3115, DSN 724- at the WDVA website: www.WisVets.com. than a year, WDVA’s use of Facebook military ID cards, survivor benefits, death 3115. Contact the RAO with questions or The type of information that the is a growing success. Posts to the social reporting and much more. for assistance. Wisconsin Veterans Registry is designed media site include upcoming events, Retirees may provide an e-mail The Milwaukee RAO is co-located to disseminate can be extremely announcements and news items from address, to include first name, middle with the 128th Air Refueling Wing, important. For example, last year the around the state. Veterans are welcome initial, last name, retired military grade General Mitchell Air National Guard U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to post their own messages and events, and branch of service to widma.retiree@ Base, 1835 E. Grange Ave, Bldg 512, announced key rule changes that provide provided they comply with a basic usage wisconsin.gov to be added to the RAO’s Milwaukee, Wis., 53207. Their phone easier access to entitlements for Vietnam policy. e-mail data base. The RAO also has a number is 414-944-8212. Their e-mail Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. For more information about the website that provides a lot of information address is [email protected]. The The registry is designed to deliver Wisconsin Department of Veterans for retirees and can be found at http://dma. Milwaukee RAO is manned by volunteers information on health issues, including Affairs, please visit www.WisVets.com, or wi.gov/retirees. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 Agent Orange, Depleted Uranium, and call WDVA toll-free at 1-800-WIS-VETS The Madison RAO is located at Joint a.m.-2 p.m. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); (947-8387). Force Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street,

@ease Express 34 March-April 2011 Parting shot Spc. Jennifer Denhartog of Company A, 724th Engineer Battalion, greets her 18-month- old son Brendan Feb. 18 upon her return to Wisconsin from a 10-month deployment to Iraq. Denhartog was among approximately 300 Soldiers from the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 724th Engineer Battalion who officially completed their duty in Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

@ease Express 35 March-April 2011