November-DecemberNovember-December20162016 Vol.11Vol.11 No.No. 66

GRIZZLYGRIZZLYOfficialOfficial NewsmagazineNewsmagazine ofof thethe CaliforniaCalifornia NationalNational GuardGuard Vigilant Guard Cal Guard’s rescue skills tested in large- scale earthquake reponse exercise pages 8-9

Top Soldiers compete at Best Warrior pages 6-7

www.calguard.ca.gov/pa Leadership Corner

Marijuana remains illegal for Soldiers and Airmen

Major General David S. Baldwin

In California, a proposition recently passed to allow pare to the ravaging effects of methamphetamine. dential. Your commander will be notified and will the recreational use of marijuana, a change from pre- receive reports on your progress. vious law that only allowed for medicinal use. One Among other health consequences, methamphet- thing, however, has not changed: Marijuana use – amine can cause severe heart problems, sometimes Commanders understand that a troop coming for- both medicinal and recreational – remains illegal for resulting in death, even in young users. It causes tre- ward to seek help shows strength. Seeking help for all Soldiers and Airmen. mendous tooth decay. And it causes “formication,” your addiction is the best way to ensure you are mis- the sensation of something under your skin, which sion-ready and performing to the best of your abil- Your neighbors in California may start using mari- prompts users to scratch themselves until they create ity. Your safety and that of everyone in your unit de- juana and ignoring the federal ban. But if you break scabs and lesions. pends on your ability to perform, and we welcome that federal law, you will be breaking your oath as a service members who recognize this responsibility member of the U.S. Armed Forces. The long-term health consequences of meth are dra- and admit they cannot solve their problem alone. matic and unavoidable. Service members who test positive for any illegal Soldiers who are proactive and reveal their sub- substance, including marijuana, will be reviewed by Perhaps most striking is the change methamphet- stance abuse will receive protections from certain our Judge Advocate General Corps and processed amine brings about in the brain. Methamphetamine administrative actions: Your disclosure will not be for separation in accordance with Army regulation is known to elicit violent behavior in its users. The used against you in a court-martial or Uniform Code or Air Force instruction. The service member’s chain argument that drug use is a “victimless crime” does of Military Justice action. And if separation is found of command will make a recommendation, and ul- not hold here, as meth users’ addictions often cause to be an appropriate action, the characterization of timately, as adjutant general, I will make the final them to commit other illegal acts. the discharge will not be affected by your disclo- determination on separation. sure. If you have a prescription for a stimulant to treat This applies to members of the California State Mili- attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or a similar The Air Guard maintains a strict drug policy and tary Reserve (CSMR) as well. CSMR members who condition, do not be fooled into thinking you can does not provide a similar “limited use policy” pro- possess, use or distribute marijuana, on or off duty, therefore test positive for meth and get away with tection. are subject to disciplinary actions up to and includ- it. Our drug-screening process distinctly detects the ing separation, non-judicial punishment, state court two substances. When you signed up for the Guard, you promised to marital, or civilian prosecution. protect your state, your nation and your brothers- If you are currently using marijuana, methamphet- and sisters-in-arms to the best of your ability. That Again, the recent change in California law will have amine or any other substance banned by the Defense means maintaining peak physical and mental condi- no effect on any case. Department, I implore you to stop using it now. If tion so you can perform your duties in a manner that you are a Soldier or Airman who is unable to stop, brings pride to your branch of service. Even a single use of an illegal drug may be detect- there is help available through your chain of com- able in your system long after use, and the Defense mand. Don’t make a mistake that will compromise your Department drug-screening process will catch you. unit’s safety and jeopardize your military career. If you reveal your substance-abuse issue to an Army Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug by the chaplain, the Cal Guard’s Army Substance Abuse Every Army unit must complete Strong Choices, federal Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning Program or an officer or noncommissioned officer a training program presented by the Cal Guard’s it has a high potential for abuse. The drug may dull in your chain of command, we will help you get the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP). If your your memory, slow reaction times and damage your treatment you need, including helping you enroll in unit has not completed or scheduled this training, respiratory system. a health insurance plan, if needed. please contact Wendy Van Houten, ASAP alcohol, drug and control officer, at wendy.l.vanhouten.ctr@ As damaging as marijuana can be, it does not com- These communications, however, will not be confi- mail.mil or 916-854-1207.

“When you signed up for the Guard, you promised to protect your state, your nation and your brothers- and sisters-in-arms to the best of your ability. That means maintaining peak physical and mental condition so you can perform your duties in a manner that brings pride to your branch of service.” - Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin

Marijuana, along with nine other substances, is specifically prohibited under Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and penalties for its use can range from a general discharge to dishonorable discharge (for positive results of a urinalysis) and even imprisonment for possession. Courtesy photo

2 Grizzly TABLE OF CONTENTS The Official Newsmagazine of the California National Guard Santa’s Workshop Children hang out with MPs 4 Santa comes to Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, but 9 School children check out MPs during Vigilant Guard and go his reindeer were substituted with 80 motorcycle riders from away impressed, especially by our female troops Nov. - Dec. American Legion Post 716 The power of prayer Female leaders visit Czech Republic 12 Chaplain Edward Ganigan from the 163rd Attack Wing finds Vol. 11 No. 6 The Cal Guard’s Col. Mimi McEwing was part of an Ameri- inspiration in prayer, and in the movie “Rudy” can delegation of female military leaders who visited the 2016 Czech Republic in December Shooting hoops with the Lakers Airmen from the 163rd Attack Wing got the chance to train with the Lakers in the Hoops for Troops program Publisher Farewell 2016, hello to a busy 2017 The National Guard stayed busy in 2016 responding to natu- Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin 5 ral disasters across the country and participating in opera- The Adjutant General Ukrainians, Nigerians visit Cal Guard tions overseas. 2017 looks to be just as active. 13 Top leaders from the Ukrainian and Nigerian militaries vis- Director of Public Affairs ited the Cal Guard in November Col. Peter B. Cross Best Warrior 6 The California Army National Guard’s top performers for 140th Chem Co. heads to Alabama Editor 2016 head to Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts to 14 soldiers from the 140th Chemical Company spent annual Capt. Jason Sweeney compete in another grueling Best Warrior Competit training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Alabama learning all the latest skills in their field OPAT unveiled at Best Warrior 7 The Army’s new Occupational Physical Assessment Test is Camp Roberts hillside set aflame put to the test as an event at the Best Warrior Competition Twenty-five firefighters from five fire departments conduct- ed a controlled burn at Camp Roberts as part of a rare train- Vigilant Guard 17 ing opportunity Submissions 8 Cal Guard Soldiers test their disaster response skills at the Del Valle Regional Training Center in Southern California National Day of Service Articles: during Vigilant Guard 17, which took place Nov. 14-18 15 “A Sunburst ChalleNGe National Day of Service hopes to generate awareness of the National Guard’s program for at-  Articles range from 350 to 2,000 words. 115th RSG is ‘operational backbone’ risk youths All articles should be accompanied by For Vigilant Guard, the 115th Regional Support Group ran multiple high-resolution images. the show from behind the scenes providing operational IG builds an app  Include first names, last names and mili- oversight as troops headed into the exercise area 16 A new app gives Soldiers easy access to Army Inspector Gen- eral offices around the country tary ranks. Always verify spelling. MPs train with FEMA and LAFD  Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and 9 During Vigilant Guard, Cal Guard Soldiers and Airmen Counterdrug gets smart full unit designations on first reference. head to the FEMA training site in Sherman Oaks to practice 17 The Counterdrug Task Force sends Soldier to the DEA basic  Only submit articles that have been their skills alongside their civilian counterparts intelligence course approved by your unit’s public affairs officer. In Every Leadership At a Know News & Issue 2 Corner 10 Glance 18 Your IG 19 Benefits Photographs:  Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB. California National Guard troops mobilized as of December 2016  No retouched photos, no special effects.  Include the photographer’s name and rank, and a caption: what is happening in the photo, who is pictured and the date and location.

E-mail submissions and feedback to: [email protected]

Ukraine Europe 6 Kosovo 1 Afghanistan 86 Asia

Kuwait 85

U.S. 142

U.S. 88 Africa

GTMO 141 Afghanistan Cover photo by Antarctica Djibouti Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza Germany Italy Kuwait Sgt. Allan G. Torres, left, and Pfc. Roman O’Doherty Qatar Saudi Arabia of the California Army National Guard’s 1st Bat- UAE talion, 184th Infantry Regiment, look through rubble Air Army 65 for survivors Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard 17, an exercise simulating a massive disaster response to a powerful earthquake in Los Angeles. Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. Santa’s Workshop rings in the holidays at JFTB Annual Christmas event at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos features Santa, motorcycles and lots of kids

By COL. (CA) RICK LALOR JFTB Public Affairs

For more than 100 children of California National Guard Soldiers and other military families, Christmas came ear- ly at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. And no- body -- adults and children alike -- seemed to mind that motorcycle riders from American Legion Post 716 in Los Alamitos substituted for 80 reindeer as Santa Claus was waved through the JFTB main gate on Friday evening, Dec. 16.

Santa’s Workshop marked the fourth quarterly “We Care” meeting of 2016, hosted by JFTB family assistance specialists bringing Guard families together, providing them with networking opportunities to obtain resources LEFT: Santa was on hand at Joint Forces Training Base Los in their communities… and perhaps, most importantly, Alamitos on Dec. 16 for the annual Santa’s Workshop event. giving them a chance to spend a few hours of relaxation ABOVE More than 100 military children attended the event. They received gifts, watched “Polar Express”, participated in and quality time together away from the challenges and arts and crafts and munched on treats. stress of military life. Photos courtesy by Col. (CA) Rick Lalor All the kids got the opportunity to talk with Santa, select from hundreds of toys, view the movie “Polar Express” “Meals were provided by Grateful Hearts Community on a large screen television and participate in arts and Resource Center and Arrowhead Products in Los Alami- crafts activities, while guests of all ages munched on a tos,” she continued. “The Orange County USO provided variety of holiday treats. holiday treats and crafts for the kids. Mindful Warrior Project also assisted with the crafts, while the Sons of the The event was the brain child of Cara Borm, a family as- American Legion grilled hot dogs, and the Camp Fire sistance specialist at Los Al and wife of a California Army Bumblebee Troop from Long Beach assisted to serve the National Guard chief warrant officer. She had attended guests. similar events at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, and wanted to do something for Guard families to enjoy “And a very special nod of appreciation to the JFTB Mili- during this special time of the year. tary and Veterans Resource Center volunteers, military “We have been doing this for six years now, and it could family members who pitched in to assist, and especially “The holiday events I had attended in the past at Fort not take place without our many community partners who the Legion Riders who helped Santa navigate his way to MacArthur included very few Guard families, and as a care for our Soldiers and join together to lend a helping the base so he could make so many kids so happy. Guard spouse I wanted to organize something special de- hand in so many ways… toys donated by American Legion signed primarily for our Guard community,” said Borm. Post 716 in Los Alamitos, John Wayne Airport and Ameri- “It is important we never forget that the California Na- “Although we always welcome military families from all can Airlines, in partnership with Orange County USO, tional Guard is a community-based organization,” Borm branches to Santa’s Workshop, it is very satisfying to look USMC Toys for Tots, Seal Beach VFW, Leisure World’s concluded. “Having so many partners donate so much out and see that the majority of families in attendance are Children Are a Priority program and Dollar Tree, in part- time and energy to the success of Santa’s Workshop rein- from the National Guard. nership with Operation Homefront. forces just how special our Guard community really is.”

U.S. women military leaders visit Czech Republic The Cal Guard’s Col. Mimi McEwing heads to Czech Republic to highlight role of female military leaders

California Military Department The ambitious goal of the Czech govern- ment is to have 40 percent of women in Adm. Michelle Howard, Commander Al- decision making positions within gov- lied Joint Force Command, Naples, Italy, ernment by 2020. led a group of U.S. military senior female leaders on a visit to the Czech Republic The U.S. military women participated Dec. 6-8, 2016 to highlight the strong role in a round table discussion along with women leaders play in the military and members of the Czech Ministry of Inte- to share best practices of fulfilling gen- rior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on der integration in peace and security. the Action Plan of the Czech Republic on the implementation of the U.N. Security Included in the group was California LEFT: The Cal Guard’s Col. Mimi McEwing took part in a round table discussion in December in Council resolution. The following day, the Czech Republic. The discussion was on increasing the role of women in the Czech military. Army National Guard Col. Mimi McE- they met with the Chief of the General RIGHT: The audience listens to the discussion. Photos courtesy of Col. Mimi McEwing wing, currently deployed to NATO Staff, Army General Josef Bečvář, and KFOR 22 as the Assistant Chief of Staff, with Land- and Air Force commanders. J2. U.S. Naval Forces Africa public’s action plan to implement Unit- •Brig. Gen. Giselle M. Wilz, Senior Mili- ed Nations Security Council Resolution The U.S. military women also discussed Members of the group met with their tary Representative, NATO Headquar- No. 1320 (2000) on women, peace, secu- the alliance and the American armed counterparts at the Czech Ministry of ters Sarajevo Commander rity and related resolutions for the years forces with their Czech women col- Defense, participated in a women leader- •Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, United 2017-2020. leagues. Various topics were raised to ship panel held at the American Center, States Deputy Military Representative to include: motivation, background differ- and attended a reception in their honor the NATO Military Committee The Czech action plan seeks to have bal- ences, benefits of having a women’s per- hosted by U.S. Ambassador Andrew •Col. Mimi McEwing, U.S. Army, NATO anced representation of women and men spective. Women Soldiers also discussed Schapiro. Headquarters Kosovo Force Assistant in decision-making positions. Currently, if a woman can truly do it all, balancing Chief of Staff J2 (Intelligence) Czech women make up 13.8 percent of family and relationship issues; and Czech Representing the U.S. Military Women: •Capt. Clara R. Gumm, U.S. Army, the Czech armed forces, but only 5.6 per- women soldiers wondered whether their NATO Headquarters Kosovo Force Aide- cent are in decision making positions. American colleagues have ever been sor- •Adm. Michelle Howard, Commander, de-Camp to Chief of Staff Czech women compose 15 percent of the ry to have joined the military. All unani- Allied Joint Force Command Naples, police force, but only 8.4 percent are in mously answered that they would not U.S. Naval Forces Europe Commander, The conference focused on the Czech Re- command and control positions. have changed their choice.

4 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. National Guard looks back on busy 2016, prepares for 2017 By TECH. SGT. ERICH B. SMITH call out more than 2,200 Guard members "The SPP allows us to leverage the deep National Guard Bureau to clear snow, assist stranded motorists, and trusting ties the National Guard has provide health and wellness checks and built with a very large group of foreign The National Guard saw a busy 2016, meet- transport first responders and emergency allies across every combatant command," ing challenges both at home and abroad, workers. Lengyel said. deploying overseas, responding to large- scale emergencies and natural disasters at Later in the month Guard members from During the year, the Georgia Guard built home while also taking part in a number of the Michigan National Guard responded partnerships in other ways. milestone events and transitioning to new to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. With roles. high levels of lead in the city's drinking wa- Soldiers from the Louisiana Army National Soldiers with the Georgia Army Guard's ter, Michigan Guard members distributed Guard navigate a flooded road while respond- 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were One of those new roles included a change bottled water throughout the city. ing to severe flooding in the southern part of among the first Army Guard units to take in leadership in September when Air Force the state in March. This year saw thousands of part in the Associated Unit program, which Gen. Joseph Lengyel took the helm as the "This is why I joined the military – to help Guard members respond to floods in Louisi- integrates active and reserve component 28th chief of the National Guard Bureau. people," said Spc. Charles Colwell, a medic ana, as well as the East Coast, parts of Wiscon- units at all levels for training, readiness He took over from Army Gen. Frank J. with the Michigan Army National Guard's sin and West Virginia. Guard members also re- and deployments. The brigade is aligned Grass, who retired after four years as the Headquarters and Headquarters Compa- sponded to a variety of other natural disasters, with the active component's 3rd Infantry chief and 46 years of service. ny, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment. deployed overseas, continued to train for ad- Division, while an infantry battalion from Colwell was one of 70 Guard members acti- ditional missions and wrapped up a busy 2016 the 3rd ID has been incorporated into the The Air National Guard also saw new lead- vated to support water distribution efforts. with preparations for taking part in the 58th 48th IBCT. ership, with Air Force Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice presidential inauguration. Photo by Master taking the reins from Air Force Lt. Gen. Meanwhile, more than 600 Soldiers and Sgt. Toby Valadie "Much of [the] Army's capacity is resident Stanley Clarke III, who retired, and the Airmen of the Missouri National Guard in the reserve components and we must Army National Guard welcomed Com- kicked off the year responding to historic throughout those states. rely more heavily on them to meet the de- mand Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner as the flooding throughout the eastern portion of mands of a complex global environment," 11th sergeant major of the Army Guard. the state. While on duty, Missouri Guard For the Florida Guard, it was the first time said Army Gen. Mark Milley, chief of staff members supported local authorities by in close to a decade they responded to a of the Army, referring to the program. As he took on the duties of chief, Lengyel staffing traffic control points, providing large flood. emphasized the primary mission of today's evacuation support, filling sandbags and While Soldiers with the 48th IBCT donned National Guard. purifying water. "It's been almost 10 years since we've had to the shoulder patch of the 3rd ID, Army do this," said Army Brig. Gen. Ralph Ribas, Capt. Robert Killian, with the Colorado "We fight our nation's wars as part of the Missouri Guard members weren't the only the joint task force commander for the Flor- Army National Guard's B Company, 5th United States Army and part of the United ones to face flooding during the year. In ida Guard. "But there's a lot of experience Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group, and States Air Force," he said. "Our training for March, more than 1300 Soldiers and Air- and everyone's going to do what it takes to Army Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, with the the warfight, our ability to deploy and sup- men with the Louisiana National Guard be successful." Pennsylvania Army National Guard, took port it, is our number one role, the number responded to heavy flooding, rescuing first place in the Lt. Gen. David E. Grange one reason why we exist." more than 4,200 people and 354 pets and Guard members supported rescue efforts Jr. Best Ranger Competition, the first time assembling emergency levee walls on river and assisted local law enforcement agen- the 33-year-old competition has been won As part of that, approximately 300 Airmen banks. cies during the flooding. by an Army Guard team. from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing deployed late in the "Anything we can do to save people's busi- While some regions suffered through too "It still really hasn't totally sunk in yet," year in support of Operation Inherent Re- nesses and lives, that's what we're here to much water, a lack of water in other areas said Friedlein, after finishing the competi- solve, a joint and coalition effort to defeat do," said Army Staff Sgt. Tommy Dunlop, meant dry conditions and wildfires. tion. "I'm just really amazed. I can't believe and destroy ISIS. with the Louisiana Army Guard's 844th En- we did it after three days of struggling and gineer Company. In September, aircrews from the Nevada just constantly trying to chip away [at the "We are excited to generate, execute, and Air National Guard's 152nd Airlift Wing competition for] first place." sustain decisive combat airpower," said Air The March flooding was just the start for battled blazes in Nevada, Oregon and Ida- Force Col. David C. Lyons, commander of Louisiana Guard members. A massive, ho with C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped Army Guard teams also took first place the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, which "thousand year" flood from heavy rains af- with the Modular Airborne Firefighting honors in the Sullivan Cup, which names oversees the deployed unit. fected southern Louisiana in August and System. The unit is the newest Air Guard the best of the best among Army tank saw more than 3,800 Soldiers and Airmen unit to fly the MAFFS mission and saw air- crews, the Army's annual best sniper com- Army Guard members continued to play respond. Guard members rescued more crews fly 142 sorties, dispensing more than petition and the International Sniper Com- key roles overseas in 2016. For the first time than 19,000 citizens and distributed more 3.5 million pounds of fire retardant and petition. since the Korean War, two Army National than 78,000 meals, nearly 500,000 bottles of water. Guard division headquarters were de- water and 961,500 sandbags. The National Guard also expanded cyber ployed to a forward location concurrently. "The actual drops [were] challenging and capabilities this year with the addition of The flooding damaged more than 146,000 exhilarating," said Air Force Lt. Col. Tony the 185th Cyber Operations Squadron, an Soldiers from the Texas Army National homes, saw more than 30,000 people leave Machabee, one of the first pilots from Air National Guard unit based in Joint Base Guard's 36th Infantry Division deployed to their homes and was considered by some the unit to fly the MAFFS mission. "It's a Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The Guard now Afghanistan, while more than 450 Soldiers to be one of the worst U.S. natural disasters great feeling to see [the] immediate results boasts 40 cyber units in 29 states. from the Virginia Army National Guard's since Hurricane Sandy struck New York whether we are dropping a protective line 29th Infantry Division headed to Kuwait. and New Jersey in 2012. of retardant between the fire and someone's "We are active in nearly every facet of cy- The 29th ID Soldiers are set to provide property or dropping it directly on flames berspace operations," said Lengyel. "And oversight and command and control of For some who responded, the large-scale leaping from the tops of trees." we practice our capabilities routinely at all more than 18,000 service members taking flooding reminded them of Hurricane Ka- levels." part in a variety of operations throughout trina. In July, historically dry conditions kept the Middle East. California Army National Guard Soldiers As the year closed out, Guard members be- "It brings me back to when Hurricane Ka- busy flying UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, gan preparations for the 58th Presidential "This is the epitome of the Total Force and trina passed in 2005 and I saw the National dropping water on wildfires in the north- Inauguration, scheduled for the end Janu- displays how the Army National Guard is Guard around in all the neighborhoods," ern part of the state. Members of the Colo- ary. Guard members from more 40 states, fully integrated into the Total Force," said said Army Sgt. Bryan Campo, with the rado Army National Guard also responded territories and the District of Columbia Army Maj. Gen. Blake Ortner, the com- Louisiana Army Guard's 2225th Multi-role to wildfires near Nederland, Colorado, will be among about 15,000 military ser- manding general of the 29th ID, adding Bridge Company. Campo and other mem- during the same month. Later in the sum- vice members supporting the event. More that the deployment will see the largest bers of his unit navigated deep flood wa- mer, Soldiers from the South Carolina and than 8,000 Guard members are scheduled number of troops the division has led since ters using boats they typically employ to Tennessee Army National Guard used to take part in a variety of roles including the Second World War. erect floating bridges used to move units in Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinook helicop- marching in the inaugural parade and as- combat. ters to drop water on wildfires in eastern sisting local authorities with crowd control Numerous other Army and Air Guard Tennessee. and security assistance. units deployed to other locations, took part "This is one of my proudest moments," he in large-scale training exercises at the Na- said of taking part in the response. The past year saw continued growth of the As Soldiers and Airmen from throughout tional Training Center or multi-national ex- National Guard Bureau's State Partnership the Guard look back on the past year, they ercises in Europe and other locations. October saw flooding throughout the program, which pairs up National Guard also stand ready for 2017. Carolinas, Georgia and Florida from Hur- elements with partner nations worldwide. Back at home, January saw the East Coast ricane Matthew. Though the storm stayed Argentina became the 73rd partner nation "Although we are proud of our heritage blanketed with snow from winter storm offshore, heavy rains resulted in the mo- in November, teaming up with the Georgia and our past, I am more excited about our Jonas, prompting governors in 12 states to bilization of about 6,000 Guard members National Guard. future," said Lengyel.

5 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. The quest for the best California guardsmen tested in 2017 Best Warrior Competition on the Central Coast

By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA obstacle course challenge, drill and ceremo- 69th Public Affairs Detachment ny, in ranks inspection, land navigation and a taste of nerve gas in the Chemical, Bio- Once again, the California Army National logical, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Guard’s top 1 percent of enlistees and non- chamber. Competitors paced themselves in commissioned officers (NCOs) underwent an unknown distance run and later quali- a mentally challenging and physically fied with M-9 pistols and M-4/M-16 rifles. A grueling test to determine the state’s best mystery event—where each competitor had of the best in this year’s Best Warrior Com- to crawl through a 50-meter tunnel, shoot petition. at non-live targets and drag a 180-pound training prop uphill—proceeded a Public Seven Soldiers and five noncommissioned Affairs event that simulated a press confer- officers competed in the 2017 Best Warrior ence with reporters and cameras. Competition (BWC) Nov. 1-5. The annual event determines the California National “The purpose of (BWC) is to identify that Guard’s Soldier of the Year and NCO of one NCO and that one enlisted Soldier who the Year. The two winners will represent stands out above all the rest,” said Sgt. 1st California at the National Guard Bureau’s Class Jeffrey Winch, operations noncom- regional competition March 2017, which missioned officer of the California Guard’s California will host. 223rd Regional Training Institute, which hosted the event. “The best thing (for all “Competition raises the level of ability and competitors) is to take your time. I know competencies for all who participate,” said time is a commodity, but really you want Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph R. Menard Jr., to take your time to make sure that you’re California Army National Guard com- accurate. Sometimes it’s better to have bet- mand sergeant major. “This level of com- ter accuracy than it is to have a better time. petition continues to raise the challenge bar (They) just have to stay focused at their for each competitor to reach the level as the task at hand, what they’re currently work- best warrior within the California Army ing on. Don’t overthink things.” National Guard.” The competition concluded with a review Added Menard, “We have developed the board, where Soldiers and NCOs stood competition to be mentally and physically in dress uniform before senior noncom- challenging. Each competitor will perform missioned officers. Competitors answered Twelve contestants vied for the Best of the Best honor Nov. 1-5 in the California Army National both standard Army individual tasks and questions, earning points for correct re- Guard’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition at Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts, Califor- non-standard tasks that will require physi- nia. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza sponses. cal endurance, mental resilience and criti- cal thinking skills.” from the Occupational Physical Assess- levels, we add events that are not standard “For some the competition with one's self ment Test (OPAT), a four-part test that Army tasks,” Menard said. becomes more important than competing Competitors represented five California evaluates a Soldier’s fitness level. The U.S. against other Soldiers,” Menard said. “At Guard brigades and one division. Earlier in Army introduced the OPAT earlier this The OPAT includes a standing long jump, the end, I want each competitor to go from the year they won their respective compe- year, and California BWC leaders included seated power throw, strength deadlift and this a better Soldier and leader than when titions that enabled them to participate in parts of the test in one of dozens of events an interval aerobic run. they started. Compete against each other BWC. during the competition. and against yourself, but also become part Another change was in the 11-mile ruck of the team of competitors striving to be “Anyone can be a Soldier,” said Spc. Aurora “Since we are testing and selecting the sack march, where competitors hauled a something larger than just themselves.” M. Pass, representing the 115th Regional California Army National Guard best war- 35-pound ruck sack around Camp Roberts, Support Group. “But only a few can be a rior to compete at the region and national California. Competitors boarded a CH-47 BWC winners will be announced late Janu- Warrior.” levels, our competition is not that unique. Chinook helicopter and landed at Camp ary 2017 at a ceremony in San Diego, Me- While the competition we develop needs Roberts at the march starting line. nard explained. That gives them ample There were a few changes to this year’s to reinforce performance in similar events preparation time for the March 2017 re- event. Organizers integrated fitness tests that will be seen at the region and national Regular events consisted of a written exam, gionals.

LEFT: Sgt. James W. Peterson, Intel & Sustainment Co, 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, struggles in The Weave, an obstacle course event that requires competitors to go over and under an overhead beam during California’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition Nov. 1-5, 2016, at Camp San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California RIGHT: Spc. Jazmin Garcia-Aguilar of the California Army National Guard’s 870th Military Police Company, 49th Military Police Brigade, assembles an M-4 rifle during the weapons event of California’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition Nov. 1-5, 2016, at Camp San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

6 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. Job specific fitness tests unveiled at Best Warrior The Army’s new Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) gets trial run as an event at Best Warrior Competition

By STAFF SGT. SALLI SABLAN qualify for all jobs and minimally, all must meet the moderate/gold standards. Job selec- California Military Department Public Affairs tion at this level will be limited to less physically demanding professions.

Civilians who want to enlist and Soldiers who want to transfer into more physically de- With last year’s removal of all gender-based restrictions on military service, the OPAT will manding military occupational specialty (MOS) jobs such as infantry, will be required to be used to screen the more than 220,000 previously all-male infantry, armor and Special prove they can handle the fitness demands through new physical screening testing. Forces fields across the military, now open to those that score in the heavy or black cat- egory. A tool new to Army recruiting, the Occupational Physical Assessment Test, or OPAT, serves to screen for job selection. This year’s competitors in the state’s Best Warrior Com- In regards to diversity, the use of this tool will, “combine genders because there is just one petition got a chance to see what the OPAT is all about. standard,” said Aquino. “It might encourage females to attempt to join combat jobs if they can meet those standards.” “The OPAT is a physical assessment test like the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Bat- tery Test), used to evaluate the suitability for Soldiers to perform in certain military jobs,” Job selection and testing said Command Sgt. Major Vincent Herbert with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Lower body muscles used for lifting and carrying supplies or heavy fuel container are measured by the standing long jump. Two practice jumps are allowed and three success- “It was included as a competition event so that everyone from competitors, sponsors and ful jumps with a firm landing are required. support staff could learn about it. They could return to their brigades and use the OPAT for recruiting and re-classing purposes,” said Herbert. Upper body and core muscles used in repetitive but generally static duties like loading ammunition are measured by the seated power throw. Two practice throws of a 4.4 pound “It was interesting to see how this testing measures your strength and endurance differ- medicine ball are allowed while the member sits on the floor with their back and shoul- ently than the APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test),” said Sgt. Natalie Aquino, a military ders firmly against the wall. A yoga block is placed in the lower back area and legs are police with the 49th Military Police Brigade. extended and straight. The test giver must push/throw the ball upwards and outwards for three successful attempts. Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the event for the competition, Sgt. 1st Class Chris- tian Palisoc, with the 223rd Regional Training Institute, said this new tool is valuable to Lower body muscles used for more explosive lifting such as patient evacuation are mea- the school house that runs the competition because, “with this testing in place, students sured by the strength deadlift. Starting with 100 pounds minimally and progressing as attending our 88M (Motor Transport Operator) course will be physically fit and capable high as 220 pounds sequentially, test givers watch for strict dead lift form and caution to perform the daily duties of the 88M.” about pain or discomfort during the test. There is a one minute rest allowed in between progressions. Gender-neutral testing The four event, job specific, fitness testing includes the standing long jump, seated power Aerobic fitness used for short burst activities common to combat arms jobs are measured throw, strength deadlift and the interval aerobic run; commonly known as the beep test. by the interval aerobic run. The test starts with a 20-meter jog back and forth guided by There is only one scoring scale, without separate charts for age and gender. a progressively faster beep with increasing levels mastered. This means runners need to increase their speed to level up and complete a higher number of shuttles. “I thought it was a very good test with a lot of variation relating to different MOS’s,” said Spc. Daniel Geray, a Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (TUAS) Operator with the 79th Command Sgt. Major of the Army National Guard, Joseph Menard, said the APFT will Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “Because it is gender neutral, for equality and neutrality, continue to be an annual and entrance physical requirement. The ASVAB assesses mental this tool is a big step forward.” ability while the OPAT screens physical requirements, he added, which can be used to direct a Soldier’s career and determine in which fields they can be successful. OPAT scores are split into four color coded, physical demand categories: heavy (black), significant (gray), moderate (gold) and unprepared (white). “If you come in to the military and you’ve been screened to take a job you’re likely to be successful at and then thrive, you will remain in the field and advance your military career Re-class Soldiers or new recruits who meet the black, highest physical demand standards because of that success,” said Menard. “It was interesting to see how this testing measures your strength and endurance differently than the APFT.” - Sgt. Natalie Aquino

Spc. Daniel Geray, 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Cali- fornia Army National Guard, tosses a medicine ball during the seated power throw of the Occu- pational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) event of California’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition Nov. 1-5, 2016, at Camp San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, California. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

7 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec.

LEFT: Engineers with the 235th Engineer Company (Sapper) hoists a victim out of a confined space during search and rescue operations at the Del Valle Regional Training Center Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard., which took place Nov. 14-18, and called upon members of the California, Nevada and Hawaii National Guards and Federal Emergency Response Agency Region IX to respond to an earthquake. TOP CENTER: Sgt. Susan Mead, left, with the 149th Chemical Company, helps an injured victim at the Del Valle Regional Training Center Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard. BOTTOM CENTER: Staff Sgt. David Padilla, with the 144th Medical Group helps an injured victim at the Del Valle Regional Training Center Nov. 17. RIGHT: Engineers with the 235th Engineer Company (Sap- per) use jack hammers to breach a confined space for search and rescue operations at the Del Valle Regional Training Center Nov. 17. Photos by Sgt. Brianne Roudebush Vigilant Guard: a collaborative emergency response effort By SGT. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH quarters and Headquarters Company, 579th Engineer Battalion, said. “They, in turn, have 69th Public Affairs Detachment an understanding of how we work, so when an actual incident does come up, we are bet- ter prepared to respond efficiently.” It’s a familiar scene for National Guard Soldiers and Airmen at the Del Valle Regional Training Center: rubble piles, precariously placed mannequins, medical tents, and decon- The exercise not only emphasizes interagency collaboration, but also teamwork among tamination stations. The scene is part of a disaster response exercise designed to prepare different National Guard units as well. Scenarios throughout the exercise required en- the California National Guard Homeland Response Force and civilian first responders to gineers, military police, chemical specialists and medical personnel to work together to work in a collaborative effort in the event of an emergency. conduct search and rescue operations and provide aid to victims.

The exercise, Vigilant Guard 17, which took place Nov. 14-18, called upon members of “It promotes camaraderie,” 2nd Lt. Marta Petrenko, the 3rd platoon leader with the 235th the California, Nevada and Hawaii National Guards and Federal Emergency Response Engineer Company (Sapper), said. “The guys on the team are really close and every time Agency Region IX to respond to an earthquake in Nevada and subsequent aftershock in we go out and train, it just brings them closer together which promotes teamwork and Los Angeles. Units participated in the exercise throughout California and Nevada. Those makes things get done better and safer.” deployed to the Del Valle Regional Training Center practiced rescuing victims trapped in confined spaces. These units train year-round to ensure they are prepared. Tech. Sgt. Jason Ramirez, a medical logistics noncommissioned officer with the 144th Fighter Wing, said, “It’s really “Really, the bottom line is that we build relationships with [civilian agencies] and get an important to continue these exercises with our civilian counterparts and National Guard understanding of how they work,” 1st Lt. Eric Neubauer, the battle captain with Head- brothers because this is what we are here for – to support our communities.” 115th RSG provides ‘operational backbone’ for Vigilant Guard 17 By STAFF SGT. CHRISTINA COOPER ed us the opportunity to adapt and overcome any shortcom- 69th Public Affairs Detachment ing in our operation.”

The California National Guard’s 115th Regional Support In the event of a largescale disaster, the 115th RSG operates Group, based in Roseville, California, participated in this Joint Reception Centers where activated military personnel year’s Vigilant Guard—a multi-agency exercise designed to are in-processed and then deployed to the affected disaster test the emergency response to a largescale disaster. areas to perform associated search and extraction opera- tions, decontamination procedures and medical aid. Vigilant Guard 17 took place Nov. 14-18 at multiple sites in Nevada and California. The National Guard Bureau and During Vigilant Guard 17, the 115th Regional Support U.S. Army Northern Command (NORTHCOM) -supported Group monitored convoy movements to and from the earth- exercise focused on the National Guard’s civil support re- quake training locations. Evaluators from 1st Army Midwest sponse to a catastrophic Southern California earthquake. First Lt. Brian Bell, battle captain for Task Force Joint Re- were at the 115th RSG headquarters building conducting an ception, Staging and Onward Integration (JRSOI), moni- evaluation on the preparedness and readiness of the deploy- tors 115th RSG operations in Roseville, California, during ing units. “The 115th RSG role in Vigilant Guard was to provide the Vigilant Guard 2017. Photo by Capt. Kara Siepmann operational backbone to Task Force JRSOI (Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration). We provided Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Nevada Depart- “Citizen Soldiers who are civilian first responders bring an operational oversight of six JRCs (Joint Reception Center) ment of Emergency Management, FEMA, and local juris- additional level of expertise to our operation, allowing us to and two mobile JRSOI operations to move over 10,000 na- dictions in the Southern California and Las Vegas response quickly assess training injects and accurately make decisions tional forces from within California and numerous other areas. during the logistical and troop onward integration phase,” states to impacted areas,” said Major Mario Acevedo, 115th Serrato said. RSG operations officer. “Because of our emergency disaster response exercises throughout the year, we are prepared to respond to real Vigilant Guard is one of many exercises the California Na- Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians participating in the training world disasters,” said Master Sgt. Ernest Serrato, 115th RSG tional Guard conducts throughout the year. The exercises were from the California Military Department and Nevada operations NCO. “These exercises have highlighted gaps in are designed to give Soldiers fine-tuned training in prepara- National Guard, with exercise support from the California our execution of our joint reception centers and have afford- tion for real world disasters.

8 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec.

Vigilant Guard: Cal Guard trains with FEMA and LAFD By SPC. AMY CARLE The 270th was tasked to provide civil sup- 69th Public Affairs Detachment port for local authorities during the simu- lated disaster, and focused its training Soldiers from the 49th Military Police on the kind of circumstances they could Brigade’s 270th Military Police Company expect to encounter. Guardsmen at the and 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regi- FEMA site participated in realistic exercis- ment, joined by Airmen from the 129th es including evacuating and treating casu- Air Rescue Wing, trained together with alties from a simulated train wreck, clear- members of the Federal Emergency Man- ing vehicles and debris from an accident agement Agency (FEMA) and the Los site, responding to civil unrest conditions Angeles Fire Department at a FEMA and supporting medical airlift procedures. training site in Sherman Oaks near Los Angeles. The training was overseen by representa- tives from FEMA and the Los Angeles Fire The exercise was designed to simulate a Department. The exercises help the agen- 6.7 magnitude earthquake originating in cies become familiar with the differences Nevada and then striking California in between standard operating guidelines the following days. The training provid- and communications, said Charles Garcia, ed an opportunity for service members Hazardous Materials and Logistics De- to practice working with civilian agen- partment Captain for FEMA. Garcia said cies in the kind of realistic environment one of the key differences is the focus the they could face in such a scenario, said military places on full security. 1st Lt. Michael Molina, commander of the 270th MP Company. “We’d rather see you get here first,” he said. “You’re going to secure the area and Molina said that working with outside we’re going to be looking good.” agencies and understanding their capaci- Members of the 270th and 649th Military Police companies move into formation to respond ties and resources helps ensure Guards- The training is also an opportunity for the to a civil disturbance Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard 17 at the Federal Emergency Management men will be better prepared to respond if civilian agencies to better understand the Agency Headquarters, California Task Force I, Los Angeleses. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza or when a disaster should occur. tasks and skillsets the Guard can bring in a real-world environment, said Jeff Dapper, tween the fire department and the Guard. networks with local agencies that would Vigilant Guard 17 is one of the largest a Battalion Chief for the Los Angeles Fire help them in future scenarios. scale multi-state civil exercise the Guard Department. Dapper said that in a genu- “When we get pushed to the limit, we has ever conducted, said 1st Lt. Brian ine disaster scenario, the fire department have someone to turn to when we need Garcia, the FEMA representative agreed Frizzie, executive officer for the 270th MP would likely be over capacity within 30 it,” Ruedy said. with the overall success and lessons Company. Frizzie said it has been moti- minutes, so it’s important to understand learned during the training. vating to be able to train outside of an the capabilities Guard units can bring to For many of the participants, this was the armory in a realistic environment, while the scene. first time they had a chance to get involved “It’s always going to better if you can also being part of a historic mission. with a training of this size and scope, but talk before an incident,” Garcia said. John Ruedy, an LAFD captain, echoed Molina said he felt the unit had been able “You’re so much ahead of the game. Ev- “We’re here as a part of a much larger, the value of the training, and said it has to achieve its objective at the site. He said ery time we do this it’s going to be better bigger picture,” he said. helped reinforce a great partnership be- Soldiers had built skills, relationships and and better.” California MPs welcome youngsters during Vigilant Guard By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA “Emek is a place where our children are 69th Public Affairs Detachment taught to the highest standards, pro- tected with care, and loved like they are They were training for a riot. Hundreds of family,” the school’s website says. “Our California Army National Guard military atmosphere is a serious but warm one, police, with dozens of tactical vehicles, conducive to learning and to success. Our were mobilizing for a mock civil distur- primary goal is to empower Emek’s stu- bance during Vigilant Guard 17, a larges- dents with Jewish values so that they will cale disaster response exercise from Nov. go out into the world with an unwaver- 14-18 in California and Nevada. Most of ing devotion to living a moral and ethical the Guard troops at a FEMA training site LEFT and ABOVE: California Army Nation- life.” in Sherman Oaks were draped in their al Guardsmen from the 270th and 649th standard military-issued weapons, protec- Military Police Companies, 49th Military One surprise for the National Guard Sol- tive shields and non-lethal crowd-control Police Brigade, welcomed hundreds of stu- diers was the students’ interest in women equipment. dents as well as faculty from Emek Hebrew who serve as military police. Academy Teichman Family Torah Center But instead of facing an angry mob, the prior to start of Vigilant Guard 17 at the Frizzie said one of the cooler things was military police experienced the exact op- Federal Emergency Management Agency some of the girls and women instructors posite. (FEMA) California Task Force 1, Los Ange- from the academy asked if they could be les. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza in the Army. “Well, guess what? I actually Members of the 270th and 649th Military ern California, convoyed to this Los An- up vehicles for the kids and instructors to have some female Soldiers here who have Police Companies dropped defenses and geles County area training site prepared see, showcased several weapons, and as- been successful, who have deployed,” opened their arms to hundreds of young to assist in the mega-disaster exercise in- sured that everything was safe for all. Frizzie said. “A lot of (the students) came students from the Emek Hebrew Acad- volving dozens of local, state and federal up and for a half hour got to sit down emy Teichman Family Torah Center — an agencies. The Soldiers’ role was to aid law “When they saw us coming into town, with some of our female Soldiers who institution just across the street from the enforcement in simulated scenarios, such they were very interested to know what said, ‘Yes, you can join the military too. units’ temporary training area — in what as crime prevention and civil disturbanc- was going on here. We invited them to It’s not just for boys.’” was a surprise for everyone. The citizen es. Not long after they arrived, a different see some of our vehicles and equipment,” Soldiers momentarily put mission aside request came, one involving a call to meet Molina said. “They were very fascinated Molina said the girls were fascinated. to welcome roughly 300 youngsters into with young children. in what we do. They had a lot of great “They saw a lot of females within our their ranks. questions. It was great chance for us to get ranks. They had a lot of great questions. “This is their academy right here. This out and meet another community partner- Morale was at our highest. We had a blast “They came around asking for autographs is their community,” said Frizzie, point- ship, especially a local school.” with the kids.” from all the Soldiers — on their shoes, on ing across the street. “They were able to their hands, on notes of paper,” said 1st Lt. get a hold of us, asked if a couple of kids Added Molina, “Their curiosity was very The interaction lasted a few hours. Par- Brian Frizzie, 270th executive officer. “It can come by. We said, ‘Send them over.’ high. They don’t see this much movement ents and teachers eventually gathered the was really good for the kids as well as the The commander was more than willing to coming through with this many troops.” students and marched them across the Soldiers to get some positive appreciation have them here and it went really well.” street, to the dismay of quite a few. from the community.” About 700 students from grades one to First Lt. Michael J. Molina, 270th company eight attend the Emek academy, accord- “How did that impact us?” Frizzie asked. The Soldiers, most of them based in North- commander, got his unit ready. They lined ing to its website. “It was very positive.”

9 TOP LEFT: Pfc. David Chang of the California Army National Guard’s Headquarters Support Company, 40th Infantry Division, sprints during the interval aerobic run of the Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) event of California’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition Nov. 1-5 at Camp San Luis Obispo. TOP RIGHT: Spc. Spc. Aurora Pass of the 49th Personnel Support Company makes her way through an obstacle course tunnel during California’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition at Camp San Luis Obispo. BOTTOM RIGHT: Spc. Fabio Avetisyan, Headquar- ters-Headquarters Detachment, 1106th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group, pulls a 180-pound training dummy up a hill to a medical skid at Camp San Luis Obispo during Best Warrior. BOTTOM LEFT: Spc. Patrick Mayo of the 118th Maintenance Company, 224th Sustainment Brigade, carries a 35-pound pack and closes on the 11-mile Ruck Sack finish line at Camp Roberts during Best Warrior. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza MIDDLE LEFT: Pfc. David Chang of Headquarters Support Company, 40th Infantry Division, exits a gas chamber during the Chemi- cal, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) event during Best Warrior at Camp San Luis Obispo. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Andres Viveros

10 At a Glance

LEFT: A California Army National Guardsman from the 270th Military Police Company eyes a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter preparing to land in Los Angeles’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters, California Task Force I, on Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard 17. RIGHT: Spc. Ricardo Denis of the 649th Military Police Company through a cracked train window for survivors Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard 17. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

LEFT: Students from Emek Hebrew Academy Teichman Family Torah Center share a photo moment while visiting the 270th and 649th Military Police Companies, 49th Military Police Brigade, California Army National Guard, prior to start of Vigilant Guard 17 at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) California Task Force 1, Los Angeles. Photo by 1st Lt. Michael Molina RIGHT: Engineers with the 235th Engineer Company (Sapper) hoist a medical technician with the 144 Fighter Wing into a confined space during search and rescue operations at the Del Valle Regional Training Center Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard. Photo by Sgt. Brianne Roudebush

ABOVE LEFT: Veteran’s were honored at the 2016 Veteran’s Day observance at Mather Field, California. Photo by Master Sgt. David LoefflerRIGHT: Firefighters from five Central Coast fire departments conduct a controlled burn on a hillside on Camp Roberts on Dec. 6. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney BELOW LEFT: Cal Guard Command Sgt. Major William Clark Jr. fires off some sim rounds in the Re- configurable Tactical Trainer during a visit to Camp Roberts on Nov. 10. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney

11 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. Finding peace through the spiritual pathway of prayer By CHAPLAIN (CAPT.) EDWARD GANIGAN A powerful reminder about peace through prayer that I’ve come up with only two hard, incontrovertible facts; 163rd Attack Wing Staff Chaplain I’ve found helpful comes from the movie “Rudy”. It’s the there is a God, and, I’m not Him. true story about a tiny Catholic boy, with average grades In the past couple of months certain events filled my life: and average athletic skills, from a steel mill town, fight- Somehow, in some way, praying acknowledges that 1) a trip to the emergency room 2) a notification of our ing against all odds in his attempt to achieve his child- someone, something bigger and greater than my situ- rent being raised 3) a follow up visit to the doctor 4) a hood dream of playing football at Notre Dame. After ation and myself, exists. In praying I humbly acknowl- plane ride to an unknown, never visited before place giving his all in the classroom and on the practice field he edge that there is someone who is willing to hear my cry 5) an unpleasant confrontational discussion needing to finds himself in chapel wondering if he’s done enough. for help and someone who can do something about my take place with another person 6) an accident on the free- A Catholic priest who’s been helping him comes in and appeal. And then something incredible -- and mystical way 7) an election that would decide who would be the the following dialogue takes place: -- happens. I come to know that there is a God, that I leader for the next four years at least of the greatest na- am not Him, and that He does indeed care to know my tion of this green earth. Father Cavanaugh: [in church] Taking your appeal to a concerns and as I pour that out to Him I receive peace. higher authority? There is a commonality in all these events for me. In each Rudy: I’m desperate. If I don’tget in next semester, it’s Peace. It’s a word that adorns our greeting cards during of them, some to a greater degree than others, there were over. Notre Dame doesn’t accept senior transfers. the Christmas season. It’s the gift we wish for others and moments when this sobering, absolute realization be- Father Cavanaugh: Well, you’ve done a hell of a job kid, for ourselves. It is an essential piece of having a healthy came crystal clear: namely that there things that happen chasing down your dream. and refreshed soul. in life that I have little to no control over. I don’t know Rudy: Who cares what kind of job I did if it doesn’t pro- about you, but I like being in control! For me those situ- duce results? It doesn’t mean anything. Prayer. It’s the pathway God provides to know peace in ations rob me of this spiritual condition of resting in and Father Cavanaugh: I think you’ll find that it will. a world filled with uncertainties, in the midst of events being at peace. In those situations, my peace is depen- Rudy: Maybe I haven’t prayed enough. beyond our control, to know shalom in the deepest parts dent upon someone or something else. An emergency Father Cavanaugh: I don’t think that’s the problem. of our soul. medical technician. The landlord. The doctor. A pilot. Praying is something we do in our time, the answers Other voters and our democratic system. And although come in God’s time. We at the 163d Chaplain Corps would love to pray for I’ve put my trust in those more capable than me, I find Rudy: If I’ve done everything I possibly can, can you you, pray with you, or connect you to the faith group that a truer, more real and lasting sense of peace comes help me? you identify with to grow in knowing peace through the when I pray. Father Cavanaugh: Son, in 35 years of religious study, pathway of prayer. Game on! Airmen from the 163rd Attack Wing workout with the Los Angeles Lakers

Airmen from the 163d Attack Wing work out with members of the Los Angeles Lakers organization Oct. 21 at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers

Story courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers Community Relations Department

Members of the 163d Attack Wing joined the Los Angeles Lakers and their partner, Pechanga Resort & Casino, Friday, Oct. 21, for the third of three basketball clinics held at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, and the Honda Center in Anaheim, as part of the 2016 Hoops for Troops program. These clinics allowed the Lakers the opportunity to actively engage with members of the United States Air Force, Marines, and Navy both on and off the court. Each clinic hosted 50 servicemen and women, as they participated in a variety of shooting, passing, and ball handling drills, overseen by former Laker, Brian Cook.

The basketball drills at the clinics eventually evolved into small competitions, as each group was split into two opposing teams. Participants then had the chance to win a spot to be the Honorary Team Captain and the Game Ball Delivery person for the following game. The clinics concluded with a final game of knockout, which included every participant on the court and created an electrified atmosphere as family members cheered from the sidelines. In addition to the basketball and competition aspects of the clinics, Cook and the Lakers staff also highlighted the Laker values of teamwork and sportsmanship. At the conclusion of each clinic, military members and their families were able capture their memories on the court and continue making memories by receiving Lakers tickets to the following preseason game.

12 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec.

TOP: Cal Guard Soldiers pose for a photo with a visiting Ukrainian military delegation Nov. 10 at Camp Roberts, California. Cal Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, center left on the sidewalk, took Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov, center right, on a tour of the camp’s facilities. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney BELOW LEFT: Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov presents Camp Roberts Gar- rison Commander Col. Nicole Balliet with a plaque during his visit of the camp on Nov. 10. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney BELOW CENTER: Nigerian Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Oche Anebi, centertours an exercise location in Los Angeles County during exercise Vigilant Guard, an earthquake response exercise in Southern California Nov. 12-18. Photo by Brandon Honig BOTTOM RIGHT: Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager, center, speaks with Nigerian Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Oche Anebi during a meeting at Joint Forces Headquarters, Sacramento, in November. Cal Guard photo Delegations from Ukraine and Nigeria visit California Senior leaders from the Ukrainian and Nigerian militaries tour state and strengthen partnerships with Cal Guard

By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY cility California to gain familiarization with Cal Guard fa- Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle. California Military Department Public Affairs cilities, capabilities and the regional area of operations. At the conclusion of the tour, the visiting party departed Two high-profile visits to California from Ukrainian and The Ukrainian delegation visited Camp Roberts with Maj. by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for Sacramento. Nigerian senior military leaders took place in November. Gen. David Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard on Nov. 10 as part of the weeklong famil- In Sacramento, the Ukrainians attended a Veterans Day Both Ukraine and Nigeria are partnered with the Califor- iarization visit. Commemoration, visited Joint Force Headquarters and nia National Guard as part of the National Guard’s State attended a dinner event with the local Ukrainian commu- Partnership Program. The purpose of the program is to The distinguished visitors flew from Sacramento to Camp nity. enhance military ties and strengthen partnerships with na- Roberts in a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and were met tions around the world. by Camp Roberts garrison commander, Col. Nicole Balliet, The Nigerian delegation visited the state to observe Vigi- and Camp Roberts Command Sgt. Maj. James Norris, who lant Guard, an earthquake response exercise Nov. 12-18 The California National Guard’s partnership with Nigeria showed them the post’s facilities and training capabilities. in Los Angeles County and Nevada that tested the Cal was established in 2006 while that with Ukraine dates back Guard’s ability to work with civilian agencies as part of to 1993. The tour included a visit to the post’s Reconfigurable Tacti- its Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) mission. cal Trainer (RVTT), a convoy operations simulator, and a On Nov. 9, Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov, Commander of the walk-through of newly refurbished barracks. After lunch The Nigerian delegation included Air Vice Marshall Em- Ukraine National Guard, Col. Vladimir Grabchak, Depu- at the post’s dining facility, they toured the Camp Roberts manuel Oche Anebi of the Nigerian Air Force, Quintus ty Director of Internal Relations for the Ukraine National Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF), and Gerald Azogu of the Nigerian Federal Fire Service and Lt. Guard, and their interpreter, Oksana Goncharuk, arrived the Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) Facility Col. Ibrahim Babatunde Gambari of the Nigerian Army. in Camp Roberts Combined Arms Collective Training Fa- where they observed the launch and operation of a RQ-7B The purpose of the event was to allow them to observe and experience Cal OES and the California National Guard’s response to state emergencies.

The Nigerian delegation visited several key emergency management civilian agencies and met with key leaders of Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services and the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

The Nigerian delegation had several days of introduction meetings with key leaders in both the state and California National Guard leadership.

“This really showcased our ability to partner with Nige- LEFT: Cal Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, left, tells Ukrainian Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov about barracks renovations ria specifically for DSCA and they were able to learn a on Camp Roberts on Nov. 10. RIGHT: Capt. Franklyn Pangelinan briefs Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov on a mannequin used in combat lot from our interactions,” said Maj. Michael Martin, Cal simulations at the Camp Roberts Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on Nov. 10. Photos by Capt. Jason Sweeney Guard State Partnership Program officer.

13 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. The 140th Chemical trains with the CDP in Alabama By 2ND LT. CHRISTIAN PALANCA nerve, blister, and blood agents. But the amount of hands-on training and situation- 140th Chemical Company knowledge gained on new equipment is al exercises they participated in. The 140th just as important as the refresher on the conducted training in all types of PPE to The 140th Chemical Company out of Gar- equipment they are accustomed to. better prepare them for the challenges they dena, California, participated in a training face in the real world. In order to simulate exercise in August at the former home of As a chemical company the 140th is famil- the most realistic training possible the 140th Fort McClellan, and the United States Army iar with using MOPP (Mission Oriented entered the Chemical, Ordnance, Biologi- Chemical School. Located in Anniston, Ala- Protective Posture) 4 protective suits; but cal, and Radiological Training Facility, or bama, the area now contains small United the CDP takes personal protective equip- COBRATF for short. The COBRATF is a live States Army Reserve and National Guard ment beyond the standard U.S. Army is- agent chamber where the Soldiers of the components. Soldiers from the 140th Chemical Company sued Joint Service Lightweight Integrated 140th got to test their skills and knowledge attending training at the CDP pose for a photo Suit Technology (JSLIST). The Soldiers had putting to use the equipment they trained The unit’s annual training was conducted with their battalion leadership, Lt. Col. Noland the opportunity to experience operations on with live chemical and biological agents. in Anniston because it is home to the Center Flores and Command Sgt. Maj. Roddrick Pul- in level A, B, C, and D Personal Protective for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), which len. Photo courtesy of the CDP Equipment (PPE)—Level D being a typi- Suiting up into MOPP 4, the 140th entered provides specialty training. The CDP is cal work uniform. Level C PPE is similar the hot zone to test unknown powders and run by the Federal Emergency Manage- grounds from throughout the country and to MOPP 4 as they both use air-purifying liquids. What they found inside the hot ment Agency (FEMA) and is used for train- passed on their extensive knowledge and respirators and a protective outer layer of zone included radiation sources, anthrax, ing emergency responders to respond to experience of HAZMAT to the Soldiers of clothing. Level B uses a chemical resistant ricin, GB (sarin) and VX nerve agents. The chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, the 140th Chemical Company. splash suit with a self-contained breathing COBRATF gave confidence to the 140th that explosive (CBRNE), or any other hazardous apparatus (SCBA). Level A is the highest they could effectively and safely work in materials (HAZMAT) incident. The course was run in a typical training level of protection. Level A uses SCBA but a hot zone with their PPE. It also showed environment with lectures on CBRNE and the fully encapsulating splash and vapor them that their equipment does what it’s The 140th registered for three courses pro- different types of HAZMAT response. resistant suit is worn on the outside which supposed to do. Being able to swab a sur- vided by the CDP in the two weeks it en- Equipment familiarization was also a big protects the SCBA. face that looks non-threatening and get gaged in training at the facility. All of the part of the course. Advanced equipment a positive hit for ricin can put a new per- courses related to response to HAZMAT introduced during the courses were used “There are several tactical and operational spective on the dangers of a CBRNE or incidents. The courses were led by a team to monitor what is in the air or detect applications that are unique to level A PPE HAZMAT situation. of extremely knowledgeable instructors samples of liquids or solids. MultiRAE, and MOPP level 4. The one thing they do with years of time in the field responding FirstDefender, and the Ludlum are all new share in common? They both make you After two weeks, two live agent chambers, to CBRNE and HAZMAT incidents. The pieces of equipment for the 140th, but ex- sweat buckets!” said Spc. John Soto, of the and countless hours of invaluable training, staff came from a variety of backgrounds: tremely important to any CBRNE incident. 140th. the 140th Chemical Company headed home firefighters, police officers, bomb squad, The 140th also trained on familiar pieces of to Gardena, bringing back with them the hazmat and military. Each instructor equipment: the joint chemical agent detec- What made this training extremely ben- knowledge and experience from a once-in- brought different experiences and back- tor (JCAD) and M256, both used to detect eficial to the Soldiers of the 140th was the a-lifetime training opportunity.

Firefighters from five fire departments conducted a controlled burn on the hills of Camp Roberts on Dec. 6 for training purposes and weed abatement. Photos by Capt. Jason Sweeney Firefighters train on the burning hills of Camp Roberts By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY Paso Robles City Fire, Morro Bay City Fire, Templeton Fire The training killed several birds with one stone by allow- California Military Department Public Affairs and the Camp Roberts Fire Department used drip torches ing local firefighters a rare opportunity to conduct hand to ignite brush over about 200 acres. crew training while also assisting the Camp Roberts weed The hills were aflame Dec. 6 at Camp Roberts. But the fire abatement management plan and reducing the fuel load in was part of a controlled burn conducted by several Central The firefighters were training on communications and the burn area to help prevent future fires. Coast fire departments who were able to get some great ignition, essentially preemptively burning away brush to training on one of the camp's designated hand crew train- deny a wildfire fuel. “Camp Roberts is one of the few places where an agency ing areas. can put fire on the ground and do hand crew training and “The purpose of this training is to get agencies to work to- progressive fire hose training,” Neilson said. “This isan Twenty-five firefighters from San Luis Obispo City Fire, gether,” Camp Roberts Fire Chief John Neilson said. amazing opportunity that very few fire departments have.”

14 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. Sunburst initiates National Day of Service for Youth ChalleNGe academies

By BRANDON HONIG and how to ‘be the change’ for their community simply by California Military Department Public Affairs caring.”

Completing a National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program Sonza has worked at Sunburst for nearly 10 years, and she is a transformative experience. Cadets all enter the pro- has seen firsthand the dramatic, lasting effects the Chal- gram voluntarily, but bring with them with a variety of leNGe program has on youths. The program’s tremendous motivations: to make up school credits, get “cool” military success is the reason California is preparing to open its training or earn a second chance after burning bridges with third Youth ChalleNGe academy this winter in Lathrop, behavioral problems, to name a few. giving the Cal Guard a ChalleNGe academy in Northern, Central and Southern California. The ChalleNGe cadre and staff, though, aren’t just inter- ested in the cadets’ personal goals: They set out to change Meanwhile, many states still do not have a single Chal- cadets’ whole outlook, and giving back to their communi- leNGe academy. ties is part of that transformative process. “When you really think about it, why doesn’t every state “Cadets become motivated during the ChalleNGe pro- have a ChalleNGe academy? Because they don’t know gram to become better citizens, and service to community who we are,” Sonza said. “We need local community sup- is part of that eye-opening experience,” said Air Force Lt. Cadet Migdel Ferrel of the California National Guard’s Sun- port in addition to congressional support … and we can be Col. Denise Varner, director of the Sunburst Youth Chal- burst Youth ChalleNGe Academy in Los Alamitos, California, an unstoppable force.” leNGe Academy in Los Alamitos, California. “This is the presents flowers last month to a resident of the Los Alamitos first opportunity that many of our cadets have had to do Senior Center, where cadets spent time last month brightening Establishing a ChalleNGe National Day of Service, similar something positive in their community and reap the re- the residents’ day. The trip to the Senior Center was just one of to the law enforcement community’s National Night Out, wards – reap the gratitude of their neighbors – which fur- many ways Sunburst cadets’ provide service to their commu- will hopefully generate enough awareness that people out- ther instills their desire to help others.” nity, which was highlighted this year through a nationwide Chal- side the program will recognize Oct. 23 as the ChalleNGe leNGe Program social media campaign on Oct. 23 and tagged Day of Service in years to come, she said. Oct. 23 was cho- The 40 ChalleNGe programs in 30 states and territories #ChalleNGe4ChaNGe. Photo courtesy of Sunburst sen because President George H.W. Bush signed legisla- welcome high school dropouts and at-risk teens for a 22- tion establishing the ChalleNGe program on that date in week residential program that promotes the values of and over again.” 1992. discipline, hard work, academic excellence and caring for your community. Service to community is a vital part of Alejandro’s experience was just one of thousands like it Social media posts about the National Day of Service are each cadet’s growth, and every cadet contributes at least 40 in October for cadets in ChalleNGe programs all over the marked with #ChalleNGe4ChaNGe. hours during the ChalleNGe program’s residential phase. country, which organized the ChalleNGe program’s in- augural National Day of Service this year on Oct. 23. The Sonza said new cadets don’t fully understand the value in Cadets at the Puerto Rico ChalleNGe Academy, for ex- nationwide push was the brainchild of Sunburst’s Warrant performing service until they actually get into the commu- ample, have volunteered to perform maintenance, garden- Officer 1 (CA) Rochelle Sonza, who said she wants to bring nity and do it. But once they pitch in to help others, they ing and painting at public schools, municipal facilities and attention to the good work the ChalleNGe program is do- end up loving the experience. low-income elderly families’ homes, and they have spent ing, both for communities and cadets. quality time at a children’s home. “[Service to community] made me realize that some people “We want to shine a light on how these kids give back, be- have it worse off than others, and there are also people who “Out of all of the community service activities, the one cause service alone changes communities, and it changes are willing to help, which is really a great thing,” said ca- I most enjoyed was at the homes of the elderly people,” the kids to know they are doing something good,” said det Garrett Wise, 16, from the Arkansas ChalleNGe Acad- said cadet Kevin Morales Alejandro. “Besides the help Sonza, Sunburst’s community outreach coordinator. “Ev- emy, who recently helped out at a Habitat for Humanity [we gave them], seeing the happiness in their faces as we ery service we do stems from compassion, and there is ReStore. “It made me want to help where I can and do as danced, sang and played dominoes with them, it just filled meaning behind it. So the kids can walk away understand- much as I possibly can, and it made me have a good feeling me with joy. It’s an experience that I would repeat over ing who they are helping and the impact they are making, about what we were doing.”

15 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. Recruiter finds inspiration in wrestling and racing By COL. (CA) RICK LALOR ATVs and go-karts and compet- to always be the best you can be print that encompassed metropol- JFTB Public Affairs ing in motocross while helping in practice and in competition. itan Los Angeles, the high desert crew on his dad’s race team. Your teammates and coaches cities of Lancaster and Palmdale Capt. Spencer Murdock, who make you better, and you help and communities along the coast served as Alpha Company Com- “Growing up in a racing environ- make your teammates better – from San Clemente to Lompoc – a mander for the California Army ment, crewing for my father and both mentally and physically. total population base of some 15 National Guard’s Recruiting and racing myself, I learned at a pret- million people – incorporated a Retention Battalion (RRB) before ty young age that it was critical “Think about it! Wrestlers make lifetime of lessons learned on the assuming his current duties as an for all of the parts to fit into place good Soldiers because they have track and the mat to build a suc- RRB Deputy Commander, hails so we could win,” Murdock said. been pushed to the limit. There is cessful and smooth-functioning from a small town in Nebraska. nobody else to blame but your- team of Guard recruiters. In developing his personal lead- But Murdock’s first love was self if you fail. But your battle ership style, he has meshed to- wrestling, a sport in which he buddies, like your teammates, “We continually trained hard as Capt. Spencer Murdock, a former gether the values of the American competed in from age six through help pick you up and push you to a team to become experts in the wrestler, referees a wrestling match. Heartland with skills acquired high school (earning all-confer- overcome barriers while focusing required skill sets and constantly Photo courtesy of Capt. Spencer from his participation in two ence honors three times) and on the upside. In doing so all of adapted ourselves to each of the Murdock seemingly divergent sports – during his first year of college. you become a better team.” many geographic and cultural auto racing and wrestling. Although he no longer competes, environments we found our- ness and everybody can have a he has exchanged his wrestling It is often said that recruiting is selves working in,” said Mur- bad month, but you have to deal Murdock’s father built a race shoes for a whistle and serves as the hardest job for a Soldier in the dock. “I empowered my leader- with the ups and downs and shop behind the family home in a referee at the high school and garrison environment. Physically ship team and my field recruiters the trials and tribulations,” con- Bassett, Nebraska, (population college level. and mentally, auto racing and to maintain a positive attitude cluded Murdock. “An attitude 515), using it as his base of opera- wrestling are two of the hardest from top to bottom – to always of ‘can’t’ never gets you any- tions to drive sprint cars at tracks “Once you wrestle, everything sports to succeed at. Murdock, believe that they would succeed where… It is essential to always throughout the Midwest. It was else in life is easy,” explained who as a company commander at all levels! look past the negatives, focus only natural for his son to pick up Murdock. “It is one-on-one com- controlled five teams and 35 re- on the upside and keep moving the sport at an early age, driving petition and the sport pushes you cruiters in an operational foot- “Recruiting is a very tough busi- forward.” New apps offer access to worldwide IGs By DUSTIN PERRY The concept of the Bookshelf app came termine, 'What are the critical requirements U.S. Army Inspector General Agency about as Bettis wanted to give IGs and Sol- [of the apps] and what do they want to see diers quick and searchable access to Army them do?'” Perna said. Two new mobile applications developed regulations, pamphlets and other official by a Soldier provide quick and easy access documents. More than 500 documents are The first step was to create visual mockups to more than 500 Army reference materi- available in Bookshelf, and are searchable of the apps to get an idea of how the inter- als and a worldwide database of Army In- with a keyword “find” function. Addi- face would look. Once this was finalized, spector General offices. tional features are planned for the app in the development of the apps began. A sur- the near future, Bettis said. vey was conducted that revealed close to 90 The IG Locator and DAIG Bookshelf apps percent of IGs use iPhones, so the decision -- both of which are now available for free “My hope is that it [the Bookshelf app] was made to develop the apps on a plat- downloading via the iTunes App Store -- will lessen the amount of work that some form called Xamarin, which is compatible IGs get based off of complaints that could with Apple's iOS operating system, but also were the idea of Maj. Brian Bettis, an in- Maj. Brian Bettis, right, an inspector general spector general with the Department of with the Department of the Army Inspector be easily solved by taking just a couple of allows for future cross-platform develop- the Army Inspector General Agency. General Agency, demonstrates to U.S. Army minutes to look it up yourself,” Bettis said. ment for both the Android and Windows Inspector General Lt. Gen. David E. Quantock “Anyone who has the app can do the re- OS. The IG Locator app is a digital directory how to use the IG Locator, one of two smart- search right on their phone.” that contains phone numbers and street phone apps Bettis devised and developed with Test versions of the apps were finalized and addresses for Army IG offices both in the the Army Research Laboratory over the past Though Bettis said his initial concept was uploaded to Apple's Test Flight program, U.S. and overseas. The DAIG Bookshelf year. Photo by Dustin Perry rough -- “they were caveman drawings,” which allows a select group of users to test is a searchable database that offers users he joked -- ARL realized the potential of apps, look for bugs and give feedback to the quick access to more than 500 publicly I'll get back to you.'” the idea and agreed to fund the project. His development team. available Army materials -- regulations apps were added to an existing contract and other documents -- that are often ref- Bettis' contact put him in touch with peo- ARL had with TransApps, a DOD mobile “It's been very exciting; we get to build erenced by inspectors general as part of ple at the Army Research Laboratory, an apps program that began in 2010 and pro- something very quickly and get it out right their duties. Army organization that conducts research vides Soldiers with a number of secure mo- away and get feedback,” Perna said. “This and analysis to develop communications, bile applications that offer users a broad was an ideal environment for this project. The idea for the apps came to Bettis in vehicle and weapons technology for the range of geospatial, tactical and analytic We had a very involved stakeholder, and October 2015, while was he on temporary Army, and often works with private-sector capabilities. it's really been a wonderful experience.” duty in Chicago, attending the Defense partners. Bettis submitted a PowerPoint Entrepreneurs Forum. The forum brings slide he made that outlined his concept for “There is this push for innovation in the The proliferation of apps that have a func- together “defense and national security the apps to ARL. He initially envisioned military, and we're connected with another tional and tactical use for the military has leaders who strive to solve national se- creating a mobile “tech channel” -- a se- couple of entities through ARL in the gov- been rising steadily in the last five years, curity problems … by exposing [them] to cure, up-to-date digital phone and email ernment, like the National Security Tech- and they have primarily been developed the techniques and experiences of civilian roster for IGs worldwide to make it easier nology Accelerator/MD5 and the Defense for use in a wartime environment, Vander- innovators and social entrepreneurs,” ac- for them to contact each other. Innovation Unit Experimental, that are slice said. Apps like those developed by cording to the DEF website. driving this innovation push,” said Chad Bettis demonstrate a “pendulum swing” to The Locator app could also be “crowd- Vanderslice, the principle investigator in more peacetime missions. Prior to the event, Bettis said he was hav- sourced,” as Bettis described it, meaning the project. “Brian is a prime example of ing difficulty finding the correct phone that if registered users found an error, one of those [innovators] -- we call them “Generating ideas from within an inter- number for an IG contact. Bettis con- they could submit the correct email ad- 'intrepreneurs' because they're inside their nal organization is not a novel thought; cluded that if he, an inspector general, dress, phone number or street address for organizations trying to make progress.” it's been going on for years, decades,” was having trouble getting in touch with their respective IG location, and it would Vanderslice said. “This innovation trend a fellow inspector general, then the aver- be immediately updated in the database. A team of TransApps developers began is a new way to leverage technology and age customer would likely encounter the working on the apps shortly after that. Lou capabilities to get those ideas quickly up to same problem. “If a soldier is out in South Dakota and is Perna, a software development engineer decision makers … and get them out there looking for the IG office, and the app has with the veteran-owned development com- quicker. I think this is obviously a trend “After I got back [from the conference] the wrong address and he finds it, he can pany GXM Consulting, was asked to lead that needs to continue.” and I was stewing on this for six months, correct it,” Bettis said. “Hopefully this the project. I reached out to a guy I met at the DEF fo- helps Soldiers get to their IG office faster To download these apps, search “IG Loca- rum and asked, 'How do I build an app?'” than having to wait on a phone call back “We started having meetings with Brian tor” and “IG Bookshelf” in the iTunes App Bettis said. “He says, 'Give me a day and from the Pentagon.” and his stakeholders to go through and de- Store.

16 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec. COUNTERDRUG TASK FORCE CDTF sends first military member to DEA basic intelligence course

By SGT. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH Counterdrug Task Force

For the first time, the Drug Enforcement Administration invited outside entities to attend their Basic Intelligence Research Specialist Academy. Staff Sgt. Bryan Ricablanca, a case support analyst with the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force was the first military member to attend the school.

Ricablanca, who supports the Los Angeles DEA Field Division, was asked if he would be interested in attending the course and immediately jumped at the opportunity.

Since all DEA analysts attend the course, Ricablanca said having the same training allows him to better support the agency.

“Personally, I thought it would be beneficial for my own career development, but I also believe I will be more of an asset to Counterdrug,” Ricablanca said. “As far as the case work goes, it gave me more knowledge and skills and understanding of how the cases move from initiation to the courtroom process.”

The course, which was held Sept. 19 - Nov. 19 at the DEA Training Facility in Quantico, VA., focused heavily on procedures and case construction techniques.

“The best part was understanding law and courtroom procedures,” Ricablanca said. “They actually had us do a mock courtroom … and gave us tips on how to act in court and explain reports properly.”

Although as a member of CDTF, Ricablanca would not be called to court, he said the training gave him a better understanding of how to gather information for case construction.

From a training standpoint, Capt. Ruel Fuentecilla, the Counterdrug District Los Angeles officer in charge, said. “Most of [CDTF’s intelligence courses] are one or two weeks, so nothing compares to a nine-week agency course.”

Not only will Ricablanca “be able to apply what he learned at the BIRS Academy in the case support he provides,” but his attendance in the course “also strengthens our relationship with our [law enforcement] partners because we are all invested in the success of the analyst,” Staff Sgt. Lindsay Sandoval, the CDLA intelligence noncommissioned officer in charge, said.

Sandoval also said it bolsters CDTF’s reputation among agencies by showing they hire quality members.

Ricablanca has 15 years of military service under his belt - eight as a Marine and six as a human intelligence collector in the Cal Guard with the 250th Military Intelligence Chuck Rosenberg, the acting administrator of the DEA, Staff Sgt. Bryan Ricablanca, a case Battalion, Company B. He has attended multiple specialized schools including the support analyst with CDTF, Staff Sgt. Lindsay Sandoval, the CDLA intelligence noncommissioned Joint Analyst Interrogator Collaboration Course and the Joint Human Intelligence officer in charge, and Tech. Sgt. Isabel Rico, a case support analyst with CDTF, pose for a photo Analysis and Targeting Course. after Ricablanca’s graduation from the DEA Basic Intelligence Research Specialist Academy. Courtesy Photo Despite his background, Ricablanca said the BIRS course was challenging and very that we are ‘all in’ when it comes to supporting their mission.” demanding. He was among a group of highly intelligent and competent individuals. Of the 27 graduates, half had intelligence experience and 16 had graduate degrees. Sgt. 1st Class Crisoforo Ruiz, the CDTF intelligence NCOIC added that additional schools “are just going to make the analysts that much better.” As it stands, the plan is to continue to send CDTF analysts who support the DEA to this school whenever possible. “Training is key,” Ruiz said. “As long as we can continue to have that at the top of our list, we will be a better force every day and that’s what it all comes down “The agencies we support see that commitment to send someone to a nine week to--being able to help out the law enforcement agency and continue making those academy and helps to solidify our current relationship,” Fuentecilla said. “It proves seizures and making a difference.” Spotlight on Retirements Congratulations to Sgt. Major Clinton Lockard and Master Sgt. Gregory Dodds on their 20-year active duty retirements! Lockard held multiple positions during his time with CDTF and retired Nov. 30 as the senior enlisted advisor. Dodds , who retired Dec. 31, was a senior case support analyst. The work they accomplished throughout the years contributed to the success of the task force. Their service to their country, California, and the counterdrug program were exemplary, respected and greatly appreciated.

17 Grizzly | 2016 | Nov. - Dec.

18 News & Benefits

Sgt. Anthony Ayala, left, of the California Army National Guard’s 270th Military Police Company, coordinates with an Air Guardsman from the 129th Air Rescue Wing as a UH-60 Black Hawk pre- pares to land Nov. 17 during Vigilant Guard 17 at the Federal Emergency Management Agency Headquarters, California Task Force I, Los Angeles. Photo Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza 129th RQW saves two lives in a week Sign up for the Camp Roberts’ Buzz Marathon After saving the life of a 63-year-old civilian contractor aboard a U.S. naval ship just a It’s almost running time at Camp Roberts. The annual Buzz Marathon is scheduled for week prior, the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing (RQW) conducted Feb. 19 this year. its 1,014th life-saving mission the evening on Nov. 19, completing a long-distance rescue over the Pacific Ocean. The mission saved the life of a seriously ill 29-year-old Filipino Register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanMiguel/BuzzMarathon. Registra- man on board the Noble Salute, a Japanese bulk carrier vessel. tion ends on Feb. 11 at 11:59 p.m.

“This, our second save in a seven-day span, is a testament to the selfless dedication and This is the 17th anniversary of the run through the hills and meadows of historic Camp professionalism that our citizen-airmen bring to the table every day,” said Col. Taft Au- Roberts Army National Guard Reservation in north San Luis Obispo County along the jero, 129th Rescue Wing Commander. “The 129th Rescue Wing is always mission-ready.” fertile Salinas River Valley. The marathon and half marathon begin at 8 a.m., 6:30 a.m. for walkers; 8:30 a.m. for 10k and 5k; and 8:45 a.m. for children under age 12 who can run the Early that Saturday morning the Noble Salute was approximately 490 miles west of San mile course. The event closes at 3 p.m. Francisco when the U.S. Coast Guard and Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) requested the 129th RQW to conduct the long range open ocean rescue. With AFRCC The Buzz Marathon is a Boston Qualifier (among others). All races are run on the grounds and U.S. Coast Guard coordination, the 129th RQW launched two HH-60G Pave Hawk of historic Camp Roberts, just north of San Miguel, California. The run is on an out-and- helicopters, two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and an 11-man Guardian Angel para- back course on a paved road with dirt and packed gravel shoulders, flat to gentle rolling rescue team from Moffett Federal Airfield around 12 p.m. to the Noble Salute. hills, with breathtaking views of oak-studded hillsides, Salinas and Nacimiento Rivers and abundant Central Coast wildlife. Some compare course to a trail run. Start line is at In spite of marginal weather conditions, the Rescue Task Force successfully delivered 620 feet of elevation in front of gymnasium and rises to 997 feet at the marathon turn- pararescuemen from a Pave Hawk helicopter to the Noble Salute, stabilized the patient, around spot. and hoisted him via litter. The Guardian Angel team provided en route medical care to the patient until their arrival at a local Bay Area hospital. Child care will be available. The Camp Roberts Museum and annex will be open during the race and some militry vehicles for viewing (perhaps even a ride). The 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives of 1,014 people since 1977. The Wing conducts combat search and rescue missions, as well as the rescue of distressed per- SECURITY NOTE: To enter this fedaral facility you will need DHS REAL ID approved sons on board ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations across the continental documents, car registration, and proof of insurance (rental agreement works if you have a rental). Most state drivers licenses are now compliant - check DHS.gov website if you are in doubt. Foreign nationals will need to send copies of passport, photo ID/drivers license Resources available for military during tax season to the base security by Feb. 10 for vetting. It’s time to pay your taxes. Get free help filing your taxes at Military One Source starting Jan. 16. Go to: www.military.com/money/personal-finance/taxes/do-your-taxes-for-free. The registration fee is $85 for the marathon; $75 for the half marathon; $85 for marathon html. walkers and elders; $40 for the 10k; $75 for half-marathon walkers and elders and $10 for the mile run for children under 12. Or for those with incomes under $64,000, visit IRS Free File: www.irs.gov/uac/free-file-do- your-federal-taxes-for-free. The run benefits Larsen Hornet Athletics and the Sacramento Children’s Receiving Home.

19 Public Affairs Directorate, California National Guard . 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95827-3561

From left, Sgt. Natalie Aquino, 870th Military Police Company; Sgt. Caleb Achuela, 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion; Staff Sgt. Joseph Stokes, 49th Personnel Company; Sgt. James W. Peterson, Intel & Sustainment Co.; and Sgt. Fernando Carmona, 1113th Transportation Company, 340th Brigade Support Battalion were the five noncommissioned officers (NCOs) competing for top honors in the Cali- fornia Army National Guard’s 2017 Best Warrior Competition Nov. 1-5, at Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

The Grizzly Newsmagazine

Published by the Directorate of Communications, California National Guard Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army, www.facebook.com/CAguard the Department of the Air Force or the California Military Department. www.twitter.com/theCAguard The Grizzly is an official publication authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and Air Force Instruction 35-101. www.flickr.com/photos/CAguard www.youtube.com/CAnationalguard Submissions and feedback: [email protected] www.instagram.com/theCalGuard Address/subscription: CNG members must make changes through their unit. Retired members, email [email protected].

THE GRIZZLY NEWSMAGAZINE 2016 www.calguard.ca.gov/pa