Angel Reign 129Th Rescue Wing Trains with Australian Military in the Outback and Over the Great Barrier Reef Page 5

July-AugustJuly-August 20162016 Vol.11Vol.11 No.No. 44

GRIZZLYGRIZZLYOfficialOfficial NewsmagazineNewsmagazine ofof thethe CaliforniaCalifornia NationalNational GuardGuard Angel Reign 129th Rescue Wing trains with Australian military in the Outback and over the Great Barrier Reef page 5

Cal Guard upgrades armories with eye on environment page 4

www.calguard.ca.gov/pa Leadership Corner Taking the State Military Reserve to the next level

Brigadier General (CA) Frank D. Emanuel

California has a long and proud the end of World War II, more than port unit, we enhance our abil- expect it to partner with a wide out the state, including our new tradition of militia service that 75,000 Californians would serve in ity to develop complementary variety of government organi- location on B Street in Sacra- stretches back over two centuries the State Guard, protecting infra- capabilities that maximize our zations to enhance cyber secu- mento, where we broke ground to when Alta California was a structure, guarding borders and partnership’s effectiveness. Medi- rity, and to evaluate and monitor in June. Spanish colony and later a Mexi- performing search-and-rescue cal, legal, chaplain and AWOL- bridges, embankments and natu- can province. Since joining the missions, among other traditional abatement support are just some ral resources. And during the past 15 years, United States, California has pro- National Guard functions. of the areas in which CSMR units when a total of 44,000 Cal Guard vided more of its citizens to our have already taken leading roles The CSMR is a combination of Soldiers and Airmen deployed in common defense than any other The California State Military Re- to support their Guard wing or combat-tested veterans and mili- support of the fight against ter- state. From the lonely 18th cen- serve (CSMR), as the State Guard brigade. tary emergency management rorism, every one of them was as- tury colonial presidios of El Real is now known, filled the gaps for specialists (MEMS). Rigorous sisted by the CSMR’s medical and Ejército de California (the Royal National Guard units while they The integration of CSMR and MEMS training is integrated into administrative specialists during Spanish Army of California) to the were fighting WWII, and the Guard organizations also enhanc- all CSMR professional education, deployment processing. mountains of Afghanistan, Cali- CSMR continues to fill gaps today. es our ability to assume Guard and many of our members are fornians have always been there But we are about to take that to a duties when troops are overseas, trained and certified on FEMA’s Since taking command of the and continue the tradition of self- new level. as the State Guard did so admi- National Incident Management CSMR in April, I have been great- less service. rably during World War II. The System and its Incident Com- ly impressed by the dedicated If you serve in an Air wing or CSMR is now structured to align mand System. service members of this organiza- The list of California militiamen Army brigade and are unfamiliar with the Cal Guard, enabling a tion. We run about 1,600 members who have served our nation reads with the CSMR, that may change smooth transition when service We have operational understand- strong in the CSMR, and the cali- like a “Who’s Who” of American very soon. A CSMR support group members deploy. ing of the principles of emergency ber of our troops is exceptional. military history. Generals William or support brigade has been as- management, including mitiga- T. Sherman, Henry Halleck and signed to every major Cal Guard Our Air- and Army-support units tion, preparedness, emergency But our organization can do Joseph Hooker all served in the organization, and the integration have provided dedicated service response and recovery, and we more. We have room for many California militia before the Civil of these units has already begun. for decades, but it’s time to add a have the knowledge, skills and more dedicated members, both War. The California Volunteers new element to our state reserve abilities needed to work effec- with prior military service and were among the first to enter Ma- Every National Guard unit is force, unlike any other in Califor- tively within a comprehensive without, who can help us expand nila during the Spanish-American unique and has distinct needs. nia: the Maritime CSMR Support emergency management opera- our mission and enhance our sup- War. Under the CSMR’s new structure, Command. tion. Some of our members who port of the National Guard. each Guard wing or brigade will are MEMS-certified by the State In 1941, as California National determine how it can best utilize The Maritime Command, which Guard Association of the United The CSMR is a top-notch training Guard Soldiers were deploying in its CSMR support unit, then de- is buoyed by Navy, Marine and States are qualified to lead and and emergency-response force, droves to fight dictators in Europe velop a long-term plan for build- Coast Guard veterans, wears uni- plan incident-response efforts. but we have only begun to realize and Japan, the state stood up the ing and maintaining those capa- forms similar to the U.S. Navy our potential. With the addition California State Guard, a force that bilities in a joint environment. and focuses on two important The CSMR also has been charged of new missions and a structure by year’s end would exceed 21,600 missions: cyber defense and sup- with growing the California Mili- that maximizes our contributions, dedicated volunteers falling in on By affiliating each Guard organi- port of our intra-coastal water- tary Museum System, which op- I believe our greatest days as an the National Guard’s duties. By zation with its own CSMR sup- ways. As this command grows, I erates several locations through- organization lie ahead.

Joint environment offers unique leadership challenges for NCOs and petty officers

Command Sergeant Major William Clark Jr.

On page two of the book “Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer: BACKBONE of Course, are just a few of the development curriculums now available. Quickly eroding is the Armed Forces,” there is mention of NCOs and Petty Officers (PO) “bridging” leader- a sense that a prerequisite Marine Corps fitness test is too much for an Airmen to muster, ship within every service branch. As difficult as our jobs are in our support channel role or that a Sailor may have trouble with some of the Army Marksmanship tables. In the end, as trainers and maintainers, we also have to execute the orders of officers appointed over Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen are sacrificing together and graduating together, us. In some instances, we must be readily available to offer personal or professional men- unified by their commitment to the profession of service. toring to a platoon leader or flight commander at a moment’s notice because they assume we are in the know just by the stripes we wear on our sleeves. In other words, bridging Operating in a joint environment has left lasting impressions on many of us. What I want leadership comes with the territory of being an NCO or PO. to accomplish is to incite a sense of urgency within the realm of joint learning and leadership, specifically in what “bridging leadership” means to us today and tomorrow. The ability to bridge leadership throughout our service ranks comes with time and experience. However, doing so in a joint environment comes with some unique challenges once Joint mission adaptability as it applies to mission command is trending toward an ever thought to be beyond the realm of time and expertise. Not long ago, joint learning took greater decentralized and risk responsible small team concept. Having a background in place during major exercises or on task forces where often our service cultures appeared joint education and mission experience in a joint environment increases that sense of con- to be pronounced and insular. Those fortunate enough to see past our differences in uni- fidence while improving the speed which an NCO can be deemed truly accountable. Em- form and jargon experienced firsthand the force multiplication that takes place in what powerment in today’s battlespace comes sooner to those who make an investment in their was referred to as Air-Land strategy during major operations. service requirements as well as strive to understand the capabilities and qualities of what the other services bring to the fight. For those of you who already agree with the premise Today, when it comes to joint operations, less and less is left to chance. Courses in joint of joint development, I ask that you continue to mentor those who are unsure. For those of intelligence, joint engineering, joint medic, and more recently, the Joint Service Corporals you who are no onboard yet, the fast-paced setting of a joint environment awaits.

2 Grizzly TABLE OF CONTENTS The Official Newsmagazine of the California National Guard Heroic action recognized New officers join the ranks 4 Master Sgt. Robert Allinder receives the 2016 Army Van- 9 The Cal Guard and the California State Military Reserve wel- guard award for his actions during the extraction of a pilot come their newest crop of officers July - Aug. and co-pilot from a helicopter that crashed in Afghanistan Military kids head to the mountains Better armories, better environment Children of California National Guard members spent three Vol. 11 No. 4 Upgrades to the California National Guard’s armories are days in the San Bernadino Mountains for a Teen Symposium taking a conservation-minded approach 2016 Guamanians overrun Camp Bob Angel Reign 12 More than 500 infantry troopers from the Guam National The 129th Rescue Wing heads to Australia to train over the Guard return to Camp Roberts for an infantry field excercise Publisher 5 Outback and Great Barrier Reef Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin The Adjutant General Working dog goes after drugs 129th Rescue Wing saves a sailor 13 Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Joe Hall and his K9 Spc. Chance Director of Public Affairs Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing were called into action volunteer to search for illegal drugs on Camp Roberts Col. Peter B. Cross to rescue a seriously ill sailor aboard a ship 800 miles north- west of San Francisco Soldier spotlight Editor Ever since he was a boy, Sgt. John Spragg always wanted to Capt. Jason Sweeney JRSOI exercise tests readiness serve in the military. The Cal Guard made his dream come 6 More than 300 Soldiers and Airmen participate in a Joint Re- true and gave him the opportunities he was seeking ception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (JR- SOI) exercise in Fresno that tested their ability to rapidly TASMG set to deploy mobilize during a natural disaster 14 A pre-deployment ceremony was held in Fresno for 65 members of the the 1106th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance 144th Fighter Wing puts out fires Group (TASMG) who are deploying to Kuwait Submissions Firefighters, engineers and explosive ordinance technicians from the 144th Fighter Wing practice responding to a terror- Keeping JFTB safe from bird strikes Articles: ist attack 15 An innovative program aims to keep aircraft safe from bird strikes at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), Los Alamitos Articles range from 350 to 2,000 words. Google helps military businesses All articles should be accompanied by 7 Tech giant Google holds a workshop to help give a leg up Guardsman is Twice a Citizen multiple high-resolution images. to military veterans and their spouses who own small busi- 16 Sgt. Deven Ortiz is awarded for outstanding performance in Include first names, last names and mili- nesses both his military and civilian capacities tary ranks. Always verify spelling. Interagency search-and-rescue Fit to Fight Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and 8 The Cal Guard teams up with first responders from Men- Maj. Jonathan Shiroma helps you pass the APFT full unit designations on first reference. docino County to practice their skills at conducting search- Only submit articles that have been and-rescue operations Counterdrug celebrates summer The Counterdrug Task Force takes a break approved by your unit’s public affairs 17 officer. Operation Ecocide The 95th Civil Support Team joined up with East Bay first IG Basics -- Pay and allowances responders in the San Francisco Bay Area for an exercise in- 18 The Office of the Inspector General explains pay and allow- Photographs: volving a suspicious gas pipeline leak ances, a subject causing approximately 25 percent of IG cases Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB. In Every Leadership At a Know News & No retouched photos, no special effects. Issue 2 Corner 10 Glance 18 Your IG 19 Benefits Include the photographer’s name and rank, and a caption: what is happening in the photo, who is pictured and the date California National Guard troops mobilized as of 2016 and location. August

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

Ukraine Europe Kosovo 46 30 Afghanistan Asia

U.S. Kuwait 181 258

U.S. 634 Africa Horn of Africa 2 GTMO 142 Djibouti Germany Cover photo by Italy Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson Kuwait Qatar Romania Saudi Arabia A pararescueman with the 129th Rescue Wing South Korea rappels from an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter UAE on July 4 in the High Range of the Australian 396 Air Army military zone during the Angel Reign exercise. Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Master Sgt. Robert Allinder recognized for heroic action during Afghanistan deployment By MASTER SGT. PAUL WADE intersection on Camp Resolute Support in ed logistic mentorship to the Afghan Army California Military Department Public Affairs Kabul, Allinder instinctually went into life- and Police.” saving mode. He plunged into the thick of “Despite the imminent danger of fire and it with electrical sparks shocking him as he Allinder’s quick reactions on that tragic explosion, [Master Sgt. Robert] Allinder moved to extract those alive and dead, all day in 2015 helped save the lives of four immediately approached the aircraft and the while with the threat of the ankle deep military members, although five coalition began to focus on the extraction of the pilot aviation fuel catching fire. personnel, including two from the U.S. Air and co-pilot. He stabilized the pilot’s head Force, died. as other responders placed a tourniquet on Allinder, who began his military career in the pilot’s right leg, cut him out of the seat, the United States Marine Corps Reserves at Despite what the citation says Allinder and removed him from the aircraft. He then the age of 17, has served with the California wasn’t alone in the recovery effort as more stabilized the co-pilot’s head and directed Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 160th base personnel scrambled to the crash site others around him as they extracted him Master Sgt. Robert Allinder is seen here in Af- Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 144th Field to assist him. A witness and later an investi- as well. Even though [Master Sgt.] Allinder ghanistan on Sept. 7, 2015. Photo courtesy of Artillery, 11th Forward Support Company, gation would confirm that the British Royal received numerous electrical shocks by ex- Master Sgt. Robert Allinder 223rd Regional Training Institute, and cur- Air Force Puma Mk 2 helicopter struck a posed wires in the wreckage during the ex- rently as the Operations NCO for the 100th monitoring balloon, which wrapped itself traction, he continued on without regard for first people to arrive at the crash site ofa Troop Command as an Active Guard and around the blades causing the aircraft to go his own safety.” NATO helicopter carrying nine passengers. Reserve Soldier. He deployed to Okinawa down. with the Marines in response to Desert This excerpt was taken from the 2016 Army “I was in my room and heard the rotor wash. Storm and to Kosovo in 2009 with his field “This was a horrible tragedy,” said Allinder. Vanguard Recipient award citation pre- It sounded strange. Then I heard nothing artillery battery. “I’ve spent 30 years in the military and this sented to Allinder on July 14 at the Non and a split-second later I heard the crash,” event brought all that I have learned to frui- Commissioned Officers (NCO) Association said Allinder, who was halfway through “I wanted to deploy with the 224th [Sus- tion. While I was not in a firefight, I instantly Vanguard Awards Banquet in Las Vegas, his deployment as the Support NCO for the tainment Brigade] to put all my years of ex- reacted based on what I have been taught at Nevada. Allinder, who has served in the California Army National Guard’s 224th perience to work,” said Allinder. “I ended basic training, skills schools and leadership California Army National Guard since 1993, Sustainment Brigade’s Logistics Mentor up handling all of the [administrative, lo- courses. I am just glad I was there and able is being considered for the Soldier’s Medal mission in Afghanistan. “I ran outside and gistical, and information technology] needs to put all that into helping the victims.” for “distinguishing himself by heroism not the [debris] was about 25-feet away. Liter- for a 150 person team comprised of all four involving actual conflict with an enemy.” ally, right outside my barracks.” U.S. service branches, seven foreign mili- The complete award citation and his story tary countries, and Department of Defense can be read at www.ncoausa.org/index. On Oct. 11, 2015, Allinder was one of the As the wreckage was scattered across a busy civilian contractors. We collectively provid- php/2014-ncoa-convention-vanguards/.

Cal Guard armory upgrades improve efficiency Statewide Cal Guard armory-upgrade programs improve readiness and morale while taking a conservation-minded approach By BRANDON HONIG which was funded through a state grant, is California Military Department Public Affairs projected to save nearly 30 million gallons of water per year, roughly the equivalent The California Military Department (CMD) of 45 Olympic-size swimming pools. has begun unprecedented armory renovation and maintenance programs that prom- Armories across the state will be fitted ise upgraded, resource-efficient facilities with the same low-flow fixtures, and also for Soldiers throughout the state for de- will benefit from new LED lighting, which cades to come. is expected to shave 30 percent off electric bills. Utility provider Pacific Gas and Last year, with the support of Gov. Ed- Electric will foot some of the bill for the mund G. Brown Jr., the CMD proposed the lighting conversion, and about 40 armor- Sustainable Armory Renovation Program ies are expected to have the new lights by (SARP) to fund the top-to-bottom reno- The California Army National Guard armory in Concord is one of many receiving facility up- year’s end, with the remainder completed vation of three California Army National grades under two new armory-renovation and -maintenance programs funded jointly by the in 2017. Guard armories per year. CMD planners state and federal governments. California National Guard photo estimate a full-scale renovation costs $4 “This [initiative] will make a big differ- million to $5 million per armory, but the of Finance recognized that these initiatives provide better facilities and make the most ence for the look and feel of the armories, state government only needs to foot half are in the best interest of the state, not just of our budget as we go along.” and it will help with morale,” Emanuel that bill, as the Defense Department will the National Guard,” said Col. (CA) Darrin said. “And the energy savings we’ll get out match any state contributions. Bender, director of external affairs for the SARP money has been allocated to reno- of these improvements will make a huge CMD. “Their support is going to enable us vate armories in Bakersfield, Escondido, impact. You can’t even count it in dollar SARP, which was included in Brown’s last to improve Army readiness and morale in Eureka, Ontario, San Bernardino and Santa value.” two budgets approved by the State Legisla- a fiscally and environmentally responsible Cruz, and separate state funding was ob- ture, creates a sustainable system for every way.” tained to modernize the San Diego armory. A conservation-minded approach is part armory to receive an appropriate overhaul The Lodi, Santa Rosa and Torrance armor- of every CMD facilities project. Solar en- every 30 years. The total of $30 million in state and federal ies are also high on the department’s list for ergy initiatives, for instance, are planned maintenance money from this year’s bud- an overhaul. or underway at Camp Roberts, Camp San Soldiers who are impatient for their ar- get will fund more than 70 projects that Luis Obispo, Joint Forces Training Base mory’s turn in the 30-year renovation cycle, will make a noticeable impact on soldiers’ The renovation and maintenance programs Los Alamitos and Sacramento’s Okinawa though, will be glad to know immediate comfort and safety. Among the top priori- will make an immediate difference in sol- Armory. And when the Cal Guard opens help is on the way as well. ties are installing women’s showers and la- diers’ quality of life, but the projects are its new headquarters in Sacramento, pro- trines, renovating kitchens, adding security also being undertaken with an eye to the jected for 2020, it will be a zero-net-energy Brown’s budget this year also included $15 fencing and video surveillance, and updat- future. Emanuel expects each SARP reno- building. million — which will be matched by the ing electrical and climate-control systems. vation to last up to 30 years, and every ef- Defense Department — to conduct main- fort is being made to conserve resources “We have a duty to take care of our sol- tenance on about 40 armories by the end “Most of our armories were built in the such as water and energy. diers and provide them with training of 2017. That’s up from $5 million in state 1950s, when the National Guard was a spaces that maximize their effectiveness,” funding last year, and no funding the pre- smaller force with smaller units, and most- In a separate maintenance project complet- Bender said. “With these initiatives, we’ll vious year. ly men,” said Brig. Gen. (CA) Frank Eman- ed in July, for example, the CMD installed improve conditions for our service mem- uel, director of the CMD Facilities and In- modern plumbing fixtures at 10 Southern bers while providing excellent value and “The Governor’s Office and the Department frastructure Directorate. “We are trying to California locations. The $47,000 project, long-term savings for taxpayers.”

4 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Angel Reign: Joint training in the Outback The 129th Rescue Wing heads to Australia for a search-and-rescue exercise in the Outback and over the Great Barrier Reef

By SENIOR AIRMAN ZACHIAH ROBERSON 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

The 129th Rescue Wing departed Moffett Federal Airfield on June 26 for Townsville, Australia as part of joint training exercise Angel Reign. While there, California Air Guardsmen participated in a diverse set of search and rescue (SAR) training exercises with the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Army.

“This mission is about the 129th Rescue Wing growing as a whole. When we think of diversity, we think of skin tone or gender. But to me, it’s culture,” said Col. Taft Aujero, 129th Operations Group Com- mander. “We are growing culturally by doing these joint missions and working along-side our allied military counter- parts.”

One training mission utilized two HH- 60G Pave Hawk helicopters to rescue simulated victims off the coast of Townsville. Pararescuemen pulled the simulated victims directly out of the water and admin- istered first aid in the helicopter.

After the pararescuemen polished their over-water SAR proficiencies for three consecutive days, the time came later in the week to showcase their abilities on solid ground while under enemy fire. At the High Ground Combat Survival Train- ing site, personnel from joint teams dem- onstrated their injured personnel recovery capabilities in an urban environment involving an improvised explosive device and simulated paint rounds.

“All the Australians we have worked with TOP: An MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft lands in a grass landing-zone during Operation Angel Reign at the High Range near Townsville Aus- have the tendency to adapt and not be- tralia, July 5. BOTTOM RIGHT: Pararescuemen with the 129th Rescue Wing start up the engine of a Zodiac on June 29 during Operation Angel come too stuck to one plan,” said Senior Reign in Townsville, Australia. BOTTOM LEFT: Members of the 129th Rescue Wing maintenance squadron unfold the main blades of an HH-60 Airman Matthew Sutterfield, 129th Rescue Pavehawk shortly after its arrival at Royal Australian Air Force base Townsville on June 28.Photos by Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson Wing survival, evasion, resistance and es- cape (SERE) specialist. “If the plan doesn’t Combat Shadow aircraft exercises, refuel- Eric Valdez, an MC-130P Combat Shadow together, learning more about each sec- work out, they are always willing to roll ing the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters in loadmaster. tion’s capabilities and fighting as a cohe- with the changes and continue working on midflight. sive unit. a new concept.” The three aircraft flew a total of over 50 “Anytime we can train in different airspac- combined hours, conducting SAR mis- “It’s a great opportunity to practice in Not far from the High Ground Combat es, or unfamiliar rendezvous, we get the sions and air dispatch of equipment. They a new environment and to work our in- Survival Training site, the sky above the chance to gain new skills and improve our were supported by communication per- teroperability with our Australian coun- Great Barrier Reef played host to MC-130P worldwide capabilities,” said Master Sgt. sonnel and maintenance crews working terparts,” said Sutterfield. 129th Rescue Wing rescues sick sailor out at sea 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs ters, an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and a Guard- ian Angel pararescue team from Moffett Federal Airfield California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Res- around 4:30 this morning to the HMCS Calgary. Once the cue Wing completed an overwater rescue mission on the Guardian Angel Team boarded the frigate, they made Pacific Ocean, saving the life of a seriously ill 37-year-old sure the patient was stable before loading him into an crewman on board the HMCS Calgary, a Canadian naval HH-60G that departed back to Moffett. The Guardian frigate. Angel team continued to care for the Canadian crewman while inside the helicopter. An ambulance met the crew- "The 129th Rescue Wing's federal mission is to conduct man at Moffett and immediately transported him to a lo- combat rescue. But as California Guardsmen, we have a cal hospital. responsibility to apply our life-saving capabilities here at home," said Col. Gregory F. Jones, 129th Rescue Wing The 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives Commander. "Whether at home or abroad, the 129th of more than 1,000 people. From arid deserts and snow- Rescue Wing and the Air National Guard are always covered mountain tops to urban and rural settings, 129th mission-ready." Cal Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing prepare an Rescue Wing air guardsmen can reach any destination MC130P Combat Shadow aircraft Aug. 12 to rescue a seri- by land, air or sea. Equipped with MC-130P Combat The HMCS Calgary was approximately 800 miles north- ously ill 37-year-old crewman on board the HMCS Calgary, a Shadow aircraft, HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters west of San Francisco, Calif. when the U.S. Coast Guard Canadian naval frigate, 800 miles off the Pacific Coast from and Guardian Angel teams (Pararescuemen and Combat requested Air Force Rescue Coordination Center assis- San Francisco. Photo by Master Sgt. Ray Aquino Rescue Officers), the 129th Rescue Wing conducts combat tance. The 129th Rescue Wing (RQW) accepted the mis- search and rescue missions, as well as the rescue of dis- sion due to the time-critical nature of the event and the With AFRCC and U.S. Coast Guard coordination, the tressed persons on board ships, lost or injured hikers, and distance of the vessel from shore. 129th RQW launched two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicop- medical evacuations across the West Coast.

5 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Army and Air National Guard team up for JRSOI exercise By STAFF SGT. CHRISTIAN JADOT the ground. 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs “We work with the Army to document and track moving “The message that should go out to everybody: What have personnel the entire time,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. I done to prepare myself and my family for such a natural Kodie Enegolf, 144th Force Support Squadron. “We track disaster?” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Severin Koerner, 144th what unit they are coming from, where they are going and if Logistics Readiness Squadron. they are departing or staying overnight in the staging area. We track all that data and deliver it to the personnel office.” California Air and Army National Guardsmen participated in a Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement The whole exercise was observed by various inspection per- and Integration (JRSOI) exercise in Fresno on Aug 6. More sonnel making sure it was carried out as planned. than 300 service members from around California participated in the exercise simulating the logistics and troop “As validators, we go through and watch the process and as- movement of a deployment to a natural disaster. This par- sist where needed,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gary Thomas, ticular exercise simulated an earthquake striking the San Soldiers line up to be in-processed for a simulated disaster re- 115th Regional Support Group. “We overview the whole Andreas Fault. sponse during a Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement process; we go in and monitor and view and watch the play- and Integration (JRSOI) exercise in Fresno on Aug 6 Photo by er’s area of expertise. We monitor how the troops are coming Koerner was the project officer overseeing the logistical Senior Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano into the process of the exercise, the flow of things, the brief- aspect of the exercise. ings, the in-processing and out-processing and how they zones, usually in the United States, in the case of an emer- transition Soldiers to get them to where they need to be.” “I have been the project officer for the last eight months, gency, natural disaster or an event that kicks off the need basically designing the joint Fresno JRSOI program,” National Guard forces,” Koener said. “We are supposed to While this was an exercise, natural disasters are very real. Capt. Koener said. “My main role has been to coordinate be able to move 1,500 people in a 24-hour period; for this The reality of the situation was on the mind of many of the with the Army to come up with a very good design to pro- exercise it is about 300 people coming through our pro- participants. cess people through for a response to a disaster, such as cess, and an additional 50 vehicles. Our staffing is around San Andreas or Arcadia event.” 100 people for the exercise. If this was real world it would “This exercise is important to helping everybody out in the require 175 people to operate 24/7.” state of California,” Koerner said. “Readiness is extremely The Army and Air National Guard set up the staging area important. Everyone is vulnerable no matter where we live. to process personnel and equipment through the area to The processing lines have several stations which incom- JRSOI is the lynch pin that allows response teams to get their their deployment site. ing and outgoing service members must be properly people to go into an effected area and stop the suffering, the processed through. Each station has a unique task which loss of life and turn it around to make a positive impact on ”The JRSOI is our way of moving forces in and out of gives headquarters a correct view of what is happening on our communities.”

144th Fighter Wing conducts multi-agency exercise By SENIOR AIRMAN KLYNNE PEARL SERRANO "The fire department responded to the emergency, they tin said. "Emergency management's job was to identify 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs put out the fire, and inspected the vehicle," said U.S. the source and render the equipment safe as well." Air Force Master Sgt. Allan Martin 144th CES assistant The 144th Fighter Wing conducted a multi-agency fire chief of training. "The firefighters discovered explosive After the scene was deemed safe, the 144th CES fire- exercise at the Fresno Air National Guard Base July 10, devices inside the vehicle, which required EOD to re- fighters had the opportunity to use hydraulic rescue 2016. spond." tools, also called Hurst's Jaws of Life, to cut through the vehicle and recover the body of the terrorist. The agencies involved in the exercise included the 144th EOD arrived at the scene and used the F6A remote ord- Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, emergency nance neutralization system robot to inspect and safely "With heightened threat levels continuing to rise, it is management and explosive ordnance disposal units. detonate the explosives inside the vehicle. important for agencies to take part in multi-agency exercises," Martin said. "Not only with agencies on base, The exercise was a terrorist scenario, which simulated "After EOD cleared the vehicle of the explosives, they but also with the surrounding communities. We work the terrorist crashing his vehicle into the main gate detected a possible source of radioactivity, which the closely with the Fresno and Clovis fire departments in building, which caused a fire. emergency management flight responded to next," Mar- training as well as real world emergencies."

LEFT: Senior Airman Abraham Barragnon, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, puts out a simulated fire during a training exercise at the Fresno Air National Guard Base July 10. UPPER RIGHT: Senior Airman David Geil, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, uses a hydraulic rescue tool during the training exercise. LOWER RIGHT: Tech. Sgt. Dennis Barnhart, 144th Civil Engi- neer Squadron explosive ordance disposal technician, prepares an F6A remote ordnance neutralization system unmanned remote bomb disposal robot during the exercise. Photos by Senior Airman Klynne Serrano

6 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Google helps military small business owners get online Tech giant helps military veterans and their spouses who own small businesses up their game at Washington D.C. workshop By SPC. AMY CARLE car if I could!” 69th Public Affairs Detachment Wellman agreed. Her goal for the day Nine a.m. is considered pretty early in the had been to create a strategy for how to tech world, even in the nation’s capital, but move her business forward. Only halfway on June 9, the large event room in Google’s through the session, she said she’d already Washington D.C. office was already teem- outlined a growth roadmap and created a ing with activity. Employees in bright red list of tips to improve her online presence. T-shirts were lining up name tags in neat While her business already conducts a de- rows at the front entrance, hanging goodie cent amount of business online, she said bags behind every seat, and setting up com- she is really excited about what she will be puters at the long tables that lined the room. able do now that she is armed with lessons A technician performed sound checks and from the workshop. adjusted the stage lights, which matched the company’s signature blue, red, yellow and “I’m about to take the train home, and I green. hope they have wi-fi, because I have a lot of work to do,” Wellman said. “I want to By 9:30 a.m. guests started to arrive, si- spend a whole week, close the door and go multaneously grabbing coffee and pastries through every page.” while cheerily performing introductions. An outside observer could be forgiven for As the workshop wound down, Kudrez assuming the attendees already knew one handed the stage to another trainer, Mar- another. They spoke with a familiarity and Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Graham, right, gives pointers to Jennifer R. Goodale during a Google- vin Augustin, who started talking to the comfort borne from shared experiences, re- sponsored workshop for veteran and military spouse small-businesses owners in Washington group about building websites. Kudrez gardless of the fact that most were meeting D.C., June 9. Graham created the workshop during his one-year fellowship with the online search said that this class was the most engaged for the first time. Each attendee was a veter- company. Photo by Spc. Amy E. Carle group she had ever presented to, and an or military spouse with a small business, spoke admiringly about the businesses and they had all come to Google to attend for spouses to find employment,” he told ness Policy, were both on hand to talk to the they were running and the challenges they a workshop specifically designed for entre- the audience, explaining his inspiration for group about what services they offer to the had overcome. Kudrez said she had one preneurs in the military community. They the program. community. main lesson she hoped each guest would also shared the same goals; they wanted to take with them. learn how to stand out online, reach custom- Graham handed the stage over to Stasia Kapral said that IVMF, which is part of Syr- ers and differentiate themselves from their Kudrez, a trainer and technology evangelist acuse University, aims to support veterans “It’s not just important to be online,” she competition. who puts the science of Google’s products and military families by offering education- said. “It’s important to be findable online.” into plain language. Kudrez is an energetic al programs such as their Entrepreneurship “People don’t know you’re there,” said redhead who connects with her audience Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV), and Veteran By 2 p.m. the speakers had wrapped up Stefanie Woods-Weakley, owner of Abby so naturally it seems almost as though the Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneur- and most of the attendees had left, anxious Maddy designs (www.abbymaddy.com), stage disappears when she talks with them. ship (V-WISE). All their programs are free to put their new skills into practice. A few explaining her challenges as a small-busi- or very low cost, and cover topics a small- still lingered, getting last minute tips and ness owner. “How do you stand out? How While Kudrez discussed products, search business owner needs to know, including talking with members of the Google team do you say you’re different?” engine results and ads, she also took ques- government contracting, legal and HR con- who stayed to make sure every last ques- tions from the audience. She called them by cerns, and basic technology considerations. tion was answered. Woods-Weakley was just one of the small- name and remembered details about their Kapral said IVMF was excited to partner business owners who had come to Google to businesses they ran in order to provide real- with Google. Graham said he was excited about how learn industry best practices to help acceler- world examples of how to use the lessons well the workshop was received, and that ate their businesses online. she was teaching. She jumped quickly into “The more opportunities to reach military he is working to create a template so the her focus; 97 percent of consumers start their spouses, the better,” Kapral said. “What program could go on the road across the Crystal C. Wellman, owner of Ladyburg shopping online, often by initiating one of they learn today will enhance their technol- country. Ideally, he’d like to see the pro- Bath and Body Apothecary (www.lady- 5 billion searches completed with Google ogy skills as it applies to their business, and gram offered at military installations, burg.com), was another. Wellman said she every day. This was one of the main points who better to teach it but Google?” but he also hopes the lessons the attend- felt overwhelmed by the volume of conflict- of the workshop—teaching small-business ees learn get disseminated organically ing information she found online when she owners how to convert a search into a sale. Mentzer also emphasized the importance of throughout the military community. Most tried to learn about e-commerce. outreach to military spouses. As a military of the information presented in the work- Kudrez rattled out facts and metrics that spouse who has spent 25 years working in shops is also available online through “My online presence needs serious help, and illustrated the importance of e-commerce, family support, he understands the unique Google’s Get Your Business Online pro- I mean serious,” Wellman said. “If Google and then paused for a moment so the audi- challenges facing military families and the gram (www.gybo.com), so business-own- says something is going to work, that’s who ence was fully focused on her next question. weight placed on military spouses to help ers don’t need to attend a workshop in or- you want to listen to.” keep the family together during moves, der to take advantage of the content. “How do I search for you if I don’t know deployments and transitions. Although 85 Providing solutions to these challenges is ex- you exist?” percent of spouses want or need to work, For Graham, the pilot program he created actly what motivated Sgt. 1st Class Matthew their unemployment rate is four times high- is just one element of an effort to help cre- Graham, Google’s Army Fellow, to organize Kudrez ran her own search engine optimi- er than the national average. With spouses ate opportunities and build bridges be- this workshop. Graham began a fellowship zation company for years before she started serving as the backbone for military fami- tween the military and private sector. Both with Google a year ago ‘on loan’ from the working for Google. She knows all the tricks lies, he said, supporting them is necessary to Kapral and Mentzer agreed, and were ex- Army, as part of the Army’s broader Train- of the trade, as well as all the conflicting ad- ensure the health of the military. cited to find additional ways to continue ing with Industry program. The program vice that might be offered when small-busi- working with Google. They want to grow aims to help members of the military learn ness owners try to navigate e-commerce. “It’s a retention issue,” Mentzer said. “If their programs, reach out to more veterans private sector best practices and bring them She spoke openly about some of the prom- spouses have issues with their careers, it and military families, and connect them back. This event, a military-specific version ises made by SEO professionals, and reas- might not be worth it to stay in the military. with the kind of products and services of Google’s small-business workshops, is sured the attendees that they don’t have to It’s retention and quality of life.” Google offers. This is something Google his baby. After spending a year immersed pay for these services to get good results. wants, too. in Google, Graham developed the program By the time the session paused for a mid- to fulfill his goal of creating a meaningful “Google is wicked smart,” Kudrez said, us- morning break, the attendees were already “It’s important that the veteran and spouse connection between Google and the military ing a bit of her Boston background to accen- animatedly planning and making to-do small-business owners know that Google community—something he hopes will con- tuate her point. “The best website gets to the lists. Despite being excited for the rest of the has their back,” said Graham. tinue after his tenure ends. top, not just who can pay for the best SEO.” workshop, some were already anticipating the end of the session so they could get to Mentzer said he hopes the program can ex- As the group settled into their seats, Gra- Google partnered with The Institute for Vet- work. Navy veteran Connie Russell Gorum, pand, because he’s seen a real need for this ham took the stage to address the audience. erans & Military Families (IVMF) at Syra- a V-WISE graduate and owner of C.L. Rus- kind of training, and the demand keeps His efforts on the program became especial- cuse University (www.vets.syr.edu), and sell Group (www.clrussellgroup.com), a growing. ly poignant after he mentions that his wife, the Department of Defense to identify at- training and instructional design firm, could Sonia Graham, a Realtor, was among the attendees for the pilot workshop. Tina Kapral, barely contain her enthusiasm. “It doesn’t matter what we are doing in the tendees at the workshop. the Senior Director of Programs and Ser- world,” Mentzer said. “The need to sup- vices for IVMF, and Eddy Mentzer, the As- “I can’t wait to get back to my desk,” Go- port our military members and their fami- “I know firsthand how challenging it can be sociate Director for the DOD Family Readi- rum said, laughing. “I would do it in my lies will never go away.”

7 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August

Cal Guard joins Mendocino personnel to practice interagency SAR response

By CAPT. WILL MARTIN The star of the show, however, might have 69th Public Affairs Detachment been Guardian, a German shepherd and key member of the Mendocino County No Cal Guard domestic mission is more Search and Rescue team. Jeff Andrade, a dramatic than search-and-rescue (SAR) K-9 instructor with the Sheriff’s Office, incidents involving distressed or miss- stood alongside a Cal Guard Lakota and its ing civilians. When a California resident hoist, barking guidance as SAR personnel loses their way or suffers injury among embraced Guardian and rehearsed lifting the state’s vast landscapes, an orchestra him to safety. of interagency response is set in motion. And like any orchestra, an effective perfor- “It’s going to spin when you’re out there!” mance requires plenty of practice. shouted Andrade, as he furiously twisted the hoist suspending Guardian and Kim On July 12-13, Cal Guardsmen joined the Evans, a Mendocino County Search and Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office and sev- Rescue K-9 handler. “It spins when you’re eral other Northern California emergency- in the air.” response agencies to trade knowledge and SAR best practices at Lake Mendocino in “There’s nothing we do in combat rescues Ukiah, California. that doesn’t apply here,” said Staff Sgt. Greg Proell, a Cal Guard flight medic who Home to some of the state’s most vast for- provided Black Hawk hoist instruction ests, Mendocino County is no stranger to to SAR personnel. “The medicine is the SAR incidents, and Cal Guard helicopters same, the rescue doctrine and training is can prove a game changer for the state’s lo- the same. … It’s about familiarization and cal SAR agencies. What can normally take getting our capabilities out there so other SAR teams several hours of arduous and agencies know what we have to offer.” sometimes fruitless ground searches can be accomplished in a fraction of the time, said While much of the training’s focused on the Mendocino County Sheriff Office’s Lt. aerial extraction and transport, the Cal Shannon Barney. Guard also offered SAR personnel plenty from the ground, as well. California State “These searches often require a large com- Military Reserve (CSMR) volunteers also mitment of advanced SAR teams and sig- participated in the training, bringing with nificant logistical support that must be them a “fly-away” IC4U kit. Normally, the brought to the scene,” said Barney. “These IC4U, or Incident Commander's Command, SAR missions are often dependent on avia- Control and Communications Unit, is a ve- tion resources to insert and extract teams hicle that travels to emergency incidents to and to be available to provide rescue sup- provide phone and internet connectivity port.” TOP: Staff Sgt. Greg Proell instructs SAR personnel on UH-60 Black Hawk hoist operations to responders in remote locations. The fly- during a search-and-rescue exercise in Mendocino County on July 12. BELOW LEFT: A search- away version, however, is a mobile kit that The Cal Guard deployed HH-60 Black and-rescue canine named Guardian is familiarized with a Cal Guard helicopter hoist during the can be loaded onto aircraft and flown into Hawk, CH-47 Chinook, and UH-72 Lakota exercise. BELOW RIGHT: One of three Cal Guard helicopters that participated in the exercise the most austere of environments. helicopters to the training, which began is parked in a field in Mendocino County July 12. Photos by Capt. Will Martin with familiarization of the aircrafts’ capa- “We’ve deployed these 10-15 times in the bilities. SAR personnel from Mendocino, It wasn’t long, however, before the aircraft gers rehearsed personnel transport, medi- last 24 months,” said Capt. (CA) Eric Out- Marin, and Napa counties joined CAL began transporting the SAR personnel – cal evacuations, and missing-person loca- fleet, who served as the CSMR OIC during FIRE, which also contributed a UH1H Su- and their canines – to designated points tion and extraction using Forward Looking the exercise. “We’re able to go from a prior per Huey helicopter to the exercise, in ac- across the forests surrounding Lake Men- Infrared (FLIR) cameras and helicopter state of no communications to a full suite quainting themselves with the highly ver- docino. Simulating emergency scenarios, hoists capable of lifting several hundred you’d normally have in your office. … It’s a satile aircraft. Cal Guard aircrews and their SAR passen- pounds of human cargo to safety. home run for us.”

95th CST is Cal Guard’s cornerstone of domestic support Civilian agency first responders team up with the 95th Civil Support Team in the East Bay for Operation Ecocide

By CAPT. WILL MARTIN CST’s in the Cal Guard, both of which are designed to California Military Department Public Affairs rapidly respond to domestic incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield ex- If interagency cooperation is the foundation of California’s plosives. Such CBRNE incidents can overwhelm the ca- emergency-response network, the Cal Guard’s 95th Civil pabilities of civilian first responders, sometimes placing Support Team is one of its cornerstones. the CST at the frontlines of manmade or natural disasters. On July 26, the 95th CST cemented its already firm relationship with regional first responders by conducting Op- “It’s always good to work together like this, to see what eration Ecocide, an emergency-response exercise revolving we can do better,” said Amber Akerman, a HAZMAT around a suspicious gas pipeline leak and explosive device response specialist with Contra Costa County. “It’s in San Ramon, California. good to know what resources are available to us, and to be familiar with the faces we’re going to see and work Joined by the San Ramon Police Department, San Ramon with during an emergency.” Valley Fire District, Contra Costa County HAZMAT Re- sponder Team, and the Walnut Creek Police Department Though focused on best practices among local first re- Bomb Squad, the 95th CST’s entry and science teams sponders, the training also had an international com- braved the 102-degree weather to exchange best practices ponent. Three members of the German Army observed and strengthen bonds across the first responder commu- the training to gain knowledge on how they might best nity. address such incidents at home.

“People are what make this work,” said Major Christopher “It’s interesting to see both sides and perspectives on Angle, deputy commander for the 95th CST. “I say this all how to deal with these situations,” said Maj. Chris Ros- Sgt. Kevin Kem, of the 95th Civil Support Team, prepares chemi- the time about the Army, too. Even though you think we’re sel, an infantry reserve officer and an emergency-re- cal detection equipment during the Operation Ecocide inter- all about the equipment, this is a people business.” sponse manager near Frankfort. “Our chancellor is now agency exercise in San Ramon, California, on July 26. thinking about starting a national guard to help with Photo by Capt. Will Martin The 95th is one of two Weapons of Mass Destruction catastrophic events like this.

8 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August

The California National Guard’s newest officers pin on their gold bars California Army National Guardsmen and California State Military Reservists earn their commissions at Camp San Luis Obispo By CAPT. JASON SWEENEY Markert said. 69th Public Affairs Detachment “It was challenging,” Sandoval said of the training. “We For seven California Army National Guardsmen and 12 did a lot of growing, learning to lead, learning to be part of California State Military Reservists, their officer candidate a team, all of us leading each other.” training came to an end Aug. 20 when they took the Oath of Office at Perlee Theatre on Camp San Luis Obispo and Two members of Class 58 attended an accelerated OCS became the state’s newest commissioned officers. training course at Fort Meade, South Dakota.

“It is through this crucible we have grown,” Class 58 grad- California State Military Reserve (CSMR) officer candi- uate 2nd Lt. Enrique Sandoval said. “We’ve been waiting dates conducted their own training separately in a volun- for this moment for a while. I feel great. I feel privileged.” teer status. The CSMR is a volunteer operational force that supports the Cal Guard. The California National Guard’s Officer Candidate School is run by 2nd Battalion, 223rd Regiment, Regional Training The final phase of OCS culminated Aug. 20 at Perlee The- Institute, at Camp San Luis Obispo on California’s Central Friends, family and fellow military members watch as members atre when California Army National Guard Commander Coast. of California National Guard Officer Candidate School Class 58 Maj. Gen. Lawrence A. Haskins and members of the offi- are pinned with their gold bars Aug. 20 at Perlee Theatre on cial party welcomed the newest Cal Guard and CSMR offi- “Officer Candidate School is a physically demanding Camp San Luis Obispo. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney cers into their roles as leaders during a ceremony that was course and Army officers are expected to lead from the attended by friends, family and fellow military members. front with high levels of fitness,” said 2nd Battalion Com- Obispo for Phase 2 training, which was conducted by 2nd mander Lt. Col. Daniel T. Markert. Battalion instructors over 11 months during monthly drill “This has been a real team effort,” said newly commis- weekends. sioned 2nd Lt. (CA) Janet Chin. “We come to OCS as indi- Markert said if you can score 270 or above on the Army viduals and we leave as a team.” Physical Fitness Test, max out the day and night land navi- At the end of Phase 2, the candidates returned to South gation course and can develop and verbally issue a five Dakota for two weeks of active duty Phase 3 training. Los Angeles residents Dewey and Jacqueline Johnson were paragraph operations order, you should be able to make it at the ceremony to see their son, Dajhar Johnson, receive through OCS with little problem. After completing Phase 3, the candidates returned to his commission through the CSMR. Camp San Luis Obispo for a weeklong state directed Pla- Officer Candidate School is conducted in phases, begin- toon Leader's Course. “He said the training challenged him,” Dewey Johnson ning with four months of pre-OCS training held during said of his son. drill weekends at Camp San Luis Obispo where a cadre of “The final cut is land navigation and field leadership,” eight captains, two sergeants first class and a major provide Markert said. “I’m really proud of him and will continue to support his the training and screening of potential officer candidates. dreams and goals in life,” Jacqueline Johnson said. Markert said the course’s instructors are certified by Fort When pre-OCS training was completed, the officer candi- Benning OCS through U.S. Army Training and Doctrine For those interested in joining the officer corps, Officer dates of Class 58 who met educational, medical, and secu- Command (TRADOC) and complete about five weeks of Candidate School and Warrant Officer Candidate School rity clearance requirements, as well as overall OCS stan- specialized instructor training. symposiums will be held Sept. 17 at the Okinawa Armory dards, were shipped out for two weeks of Phase 1 active in Sacramento and Sept. 24 at Joint Forces Training Base duty training at Fort Meade, South Dakota. “It is a great assignment and very rewarding to have the re- Los Alamitos in Los Alamitos. For more information, visit sponsibility of training and validating our next generation http://www.calguard.ca.gov/RRB/Pages/California-Army- Those who graduated Phase 1 returned to Camp San Luis of Army officers for the California Army National Guard,” National-Guard-Officer-Recruiting.aspx.

Cal Guard teens participate in Annual Teen Symposium mountain retreat By ALEXIS DELEON ming and managing the sympo- suicide prevention program. The “My little brother came last year Cal Guard Youth Programs sium budget. goal of the Teen Resilience Pro- and he is here this year,” said gram is to translate the skills cur- volunteer, Eddie Culebro. “Our Camp Nawakwa is located in the “This is my first year on the coun- rently used to train “ready and dad is in the military and I want- beautiful Barton Flats Area of the cil and my first year planning a resilient” Soldiers and spouses ed to see what it was all about. San Bernardino Mountains. Ma- symposium. I have been excited to the teen population. The teen’s The main thing taught here has jestic Ponderosa, Jeffrey Pine and and inspired by everyone coming ability to be “ready” when faced been leadership skills, how to Black Oak trees shade the camp together and sharing their life,” with challenges or transitions was think for yourself and how to and the surrounding hiking trails Teens participate in a challenge said Sierra, a Teen Council mem- amplified as they completed each make good choices. I am happy as children of California National course in the San Bernadino Moun- ber Sierra. training module. to be a part of this.” Guard members gathered togeth- tains during a Teen Symposium July er to share common experiences. 22-23. Photo by Jennifer Lucero Teens from around the state par- On the final evening, teens For more information about ticipated in leadership training grouped together to perform their Child and Youth activities and A teenager named Abigale was “Dare to be Camo Strong” as the with an emphasis on resilience, resilience-themed skits. Each programming, please contact among 50 military teens who par- theme of this year’s symposium. teamwork, peer-to-peer connec- group powerfully conveyed the your regional coordinator: ticipated in the free, three-day tion and outdoor education to skills they learned throughout the Annual Teen Symposium hosted “For our symposium, we really prepare them to cope with the symposium on how to conquer by the California National Guard want teens to leave with resilien- challenges associated with be- challenges, such as parental de- Northern Region: Teen Council on July 22-24. “I’ve cy skills to deal with problems or ing a military child and reduce ployments, academics, and peer Alexis DeLeon never really met any other mili- challenges they face as a military risk taking behaviors. During pressure. Lead Child and Youth Pro- tary kids in my neighborhood or child,” said a second year teen the action-packed three day, two gram Coordinator school so this was a great way to council member named David. night event, teens participated in Prior to boarding the buses for (916) -854-3651 meet other kids with parents in an array of experiences, including the long journey home, teens ex- [email protected] the military and share experienc- The 2015-2016 Teen Council con- a low elements challenge course, changed contact information and es,” she said. sists of seven members who are hiking, shelter building, resilience spoke fondly about the new found Central Region: willing to share their story and themed skits, icebreaker games, friendships and connections they Shavon Parker The California National Guard represent the 16,000 National team-building activities and moti- made over the weekend. Child and Youth Program Teen Council operates under the Guard youth who reside in Cali- vational training that empowered The California National Guard Coordinator mentorship of the Cal Guard’s fornia. The Teen Council mem- them to use personal strengths to Child and Youth Program’s mis- (559) 347-5818 Child and Youth Program and bers participate in monthly con- face and overcome fears and chal- sion is to promote and sustain [email protected] serves as the “voice” of National ference calls, community service lenges. the quality of life and resiliency Guard youth within California. and attend four Teen Council of National Guard families by Southern Region: Members of the council work training events at various loca- Child and Youth Program Coordi- providing secure, timely, flex- Alfred Sun diligently throughout the year to tions throughout the State. The nators Sgt. 1st Class Erica Fisher ible, high quality support services (626) 633-8199 plan and execute the Annual Teen Teen Council is responsible for facilitated the Teen Resilience and enrichment programs to Na- [email protected] Symposium during their two-year selecting a location, choosing rel- Training, a modified version of tional Guard Children and Youth term. The Teen Council selected evant trainers, creating program- the Army National Guard R3SP school- aged to 18.

9 TOP LEFT: Staff Sgt. Craig Carter and Sgt. Adam Rosillo from the 149th Chemical Company demonstrate the capabilities of their DECON All-Hazard Response Trailer using a civilian participant during National Preparedness Month in August in Sacramento. Photo by Staff Sgt. Salli Curchin TOP RIGHT: Sgt. Deven Ortiz, (in uniform) an engineer with 216th Engineer Mobile Augmentation Company and a member the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, takes a selfie with his family before an awards banquet at the San Diego Convention Center Aug. 24 where he received the National Defense Industrial Association San Diego Chapter’s Twice A Citizen Award. Photo by Rick Naystatt CENTER LEFT: Joint Forces Training Base Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Nathan Range and U.S. Olympic Women’s Water Polo Team Captain Maggie Steffens raise the U.S.A. Olympic Team Flag at the JFTB Aquatic Training Center assisted by Master Sgt. Bobby Chavez and Steffens’ teammates. Photo by Col. (CA) Rick Lalor CENTER RIGHT, BOTTOM RIGHT and BOTTOM LEFT: The 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion and 40th Brigade Support Battalion made up Task Force 578 which trained up with more than 300 troops at Camp Roberts and then sent to the wildfire south of Monterey where they spent 20 days mopping up, clearing lines, taking down trees, placing and retrieving hoses, and more. Photos courtesty of Task Force 578

10 At a Glance

TOP LEFT: Officer Candidate Enrique Sandoval, front, and members of Class 58 wait to enter Perlee Theatre on Camp San Luis Obispo Aug. 20 where they will be commissioned as the California Army National Guard’s newest second lieutenants. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney TOP RIGHT: California State Military Reserve Warrant Officer Candidate Kristen Spence waits to enter Perlee Theatre on Camp San Luis Obispo Aug. 20 where she and her classmates will be commissioned. Photo by Capt. Jason Sweeney CENTER LEFT: A member of the Guam Army National Guard, calls for backup after spotting a simulated enemy during the 2016 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise June 15 at Camp Roberts, California. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza CENTER RIGHT: Charlie Company Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, march to a training lane June 14 in the 2016 eXportable Combat Train- ing Capability (XCTC) exercise at Camp Roberts, California. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza BOTTOM LEFT: A 144th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter cuts through a windshield during a training exercise at the Fresno Air National Guard Base July 10. Photo by Senior Airman Klynne Serrano BOTTOM RIGHT: An HH-60 pilot with the 129th Rescue Wing successfully latches on to the drogue of an MC-130P Combat Shadow to begin air refueling during a training exercise for operation Angel Reign in Townsville Australia, June 30. Photo by Senior Airman Zachiah Roberson

11 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August ‘Chamorro warriors’ return to Camp Roberts Guam National Guard infantry battalion completes XCTC mission in the dry hills of Central California By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA 69th Public Affairs Detachment

Once again, the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regi- ment mobilized more than 500 Soldiers more than 5,000 miles for nearly 15 days of tough challenges.

Guam’s elite infantrymen returned recently from the 2016 exPortable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise, a field-environment training regime that united them with National Guardsmen from Hawaii, Arizo- na, Washington and California. The XCTC placed participants in simulated combat scenarios, testing their proficiencies at various leadership levels. This, too, was a test on the 294th’s command — the Hawaii Army Na- tional Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) — that led the exercise. LEFT: Sgt. 1st Class Joshua M. Losongco, right, of the Guam Army National Guard’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, “The biggest challenge is the geographic dis- moves his team to a secure location during a June 14 mission in the 2016 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Camp Rob- persion of the brigade,” said Command Sgt. erts, California. RIGHT: Members of the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, listen to instructions during a react Maj. Bret D. Moore, 29th’s operations ser- to contact mission June 15 at Camp Robertsa. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza geant major. “We’re spread out all over the Hawaiian Islands. We got a unit in Guam, we 294th commander. “It’s a big opportunity for some time, according to Command Sgt. Maj. where we’ll end up fighting an enemy. It got a unit in Arizona. The challenge is sync- us because this is the first time the 294th de- Ken M. Cruz, 294th command sergeant ma- can’t always be near an air conditioner.” ing everybody on the same schedule, getting ploys with the 29th IBCT as our higher head- jor. Fire support teams (FIST), scouts, mount- the same information … understanding how quarters.” ed vehicle gunners, forward observers, and Per the U.S. Army’s website, XCTC “provide that’s going to all flow together, to make sure mortar gunners, to name a few, were able to tough, realistic training for every participat- everybody’s synchronized, that’s one of the Four 294th line units — Alpha, Bravo, Char- train in their specific fields as oppose to other ing Soldier and the means to achieve the biggest challenges. Just getting a meeting of lie and Delta companies — took the XCTC roles in previous missions. required company level certification and bat- the minds with everybody with the disper- challenge, along with members from Guam’s talion battle staff proficiency for (Army Na- sion that we have throughout the brigade (is Headquarters-Headquarters Company. “Since 2003 we’ve been actively deploying tional Guard) units during pre-mobilization our goal).” Guam’s Hulu Company served as a support Soldiers but they mostly haven’t been doing training.” unit, rounding out Guam’s overall roster. what they initially were trained to do,” Cruz The event marked Guam’s first return to said. “In this (XCTC), all we want is for them “Basically, if you were a civilian, this is like Camp Roberts since 2012. The 294th came to “There are a lot of building blocks, a lot of to learn the basics again. Take all the experi- your final exam prior to graduating from col- this California National Guard training fa- things we have to piece together since the bat- ence they have and throw them to the side. lege,” Moore explained. “What we’re doing cility twice as a stepping stone to a historic talion returned from Afghanistan in 2014,” Teach each other the basics again.” is getting evaluated to make sure we’re pro- Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) de- Delfin added. “This is our first time interact- ficient on our mission essential tasks that the ployment in 2013. Similarly, more than 500 ing in the field with our (29th IBCT) brigade. The 29th set the training pace, and Camp government will call on us for in case of war Chamorro warriors utilized Camp Roberts’ There are always going to be challenges, but Roberts provided tough obstacles with its or any other type of contingency we need vast ranges and training lanes for OEF valid- at the end of the day, relationships are going unforgiving hills, dusty terrain and dry to operate under. This is just a validation to ity. to get better.” weather that gored all participants with high say Yes, we are good at what were suppose 90-degree temperature. “Infantry condi- to be doing. We can meet the demands and “This time we’re here for XCTC, to validate XCTC provided Guam Soldiers a chance to tions,” said a Guam warrior. “These are just requirements that our higher headquarters our platoons,” said Lt. Col. Romeo Delfin, utilize skills they haven’t mastered in quite things we need to adapt to. You never know will place on us.”

LEFT: Spc. Steelydan Mapote of the Guam Army National Guard’s mortar platoon, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, yells “Fire!” and drops a 120-millimeter into its launcher June 17 in the 2016 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Camp Roberts, California. RIGHT: Sgt. Jesse R. Mantanona of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, Guam Army National Guard, leads four team members into the hills of Camp Roberts, California, June 14 during the 2016 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise, a training led by the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Photos by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza

12 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August California National Guard facility initiating working dog program By STAFF SGT. EDDIE SIGUENZA men utilizing it in a typical year. Civilian groups, like CAL 69th Public Affairs Detachment FIRE and Department of Corrections, use it regularly. Camp Roberts boasts vast ranges and training lanes among Joseph A. Hall is taking a big chance both literally and figu- its nearly 43,000 acres, which attracts national and interna- ratively. tional units as well.

A retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer, Hall’s initiating a “Is there a potential for drugs to be present here? With all program this Central California installation hasn’t seen in the visitors we get, yes,” said Hall. “They’re everywhere, umpteen years, possibly not since Camp Roberts opened in including within our own. And it’s not just Guardsmen. 1941 to prepare for World War II. It’s a chance he’s taking We have a lot of civilian contractors. A lot comes through with Chance. this gate in uniform and not in uniform.”

“As a state military reservist (SMR), we support the Cali- Chance will be used to search vehicles, inspect buildings, fornia National Guard. The way I see it, the best way I can scan personal property, etc. Hall’s years of civilian law en- support is to do what I do best,” said Hall. “And what I do forcement experience adds to the effort of locating drugs best is with the dogs.” and narcotics. They assist Camp Roberts’ military police Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Joe A. Hall of the California Na- and security forces weeding out the bad. The dogs. Hall has trained two dozen canines in his 40- tional Guard’s State Military Reserve (SMR), a veteran military plus years as a military working dog (MWD) handler. One working dog handler, and Spc. Chance, a trained military work- “Dogs add that extra advantage in the war against drugs,” of them, Spc. Chance, a 3-year-old German Shepherd, is ing dog, are inseparable. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eddie Siguenza California K9 police instructor Matt Flemish said. “Their the centerpiece of Hall’s program. The recently promoted sense of smell is extremely powerful, much stronger than Chance is a drug detection dog that uses its sense of smell detection K9s. Hall loves this job so much, he bought humans. German Shepherds are one of the best at finding to find illegal drugs humans cannot locate. Chance is strict- Chance its own business cards that are designed like col- narcotics.” ly a Camp Roberts canine, and technically the installation’s lector-type baseball cards. Etched in its description: “Ille- first MWD in the past two decades if not longer, Hall ex- gal Drugs Don’t Have a Chance with Chance.” Hall hopes his plan flourishes to where other California plained. Guard installations adopt the same program. There’s no “My whole life has gone to the dogs. It’s all I ever wanted cost to Camp Roberts or to the National Guard, especially “Drugs are everywhere. The military is not exempt,” Hall to do,” Hall said. “It’s all I’ve ever done.” since Chance goes home with him. said. “It’s unfortunate, but it does exist.” Bringing Chance to Camp Roberts is really about giving According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Hall presented his plan in March. Installation leaders have civilians and service members an option—a chance, so to Health (NSDUH) record, approximately 9 percent of Cali- accepted it ever since, Hall explained. It’s still a work in speak. Those who know a drug sniffer is on the installation fornia residents reported using illicit drugs in the past progress, but so far Chance hasn’t been a bad risk. It was may think twice about having drugs in their possession. month. The national average was 8 percent. Additionally, even promoted to its present rank after “its first successful nearly 4 percent of California residents reported using an search,” Hall said. “We see this more as a deterrent,” explained Hall. “If illicit drug other than marijuana in the past month. The na- people know the dog is here, chances will be diminished. tional average was 3.58 percent. “Wish I could get him to be a warrant officer candidate,” There will be a lot less drug activity on campus. Knowing Hall added. “His initials would be WOC—warrant officer the dog is here sends a message: Don’t bring it here. If you As a direct consequence of drug use, 4,178 persons died canine.” do, we’re going to find it. Chance doesn’t miss.” in California in 2007. This is compared to the number of persons in California who died from motor vehicle acci- Unlike his companion, Hall is an old dog with new tricks. Hall isn’t speculating a drug problem exists at Camp Rob- dents (4,306) and firearms (3,268) in the same year. Califor- He credits over four decades of training canines for mili- erts. He just wants to make sure the chance of it happen- nia drug-induced deaths are 11.4 per 100,000 population, tary and civilian law enforcement as a marriage of mutts. ing doesn’t. The facility is one of three of the California which is slightly lower than the national rate of 12.7 per He has trained bomb sniffers (explosives) as well as drug- Guard’s main training locations, with up to 15,000 Guards- 100,000. Soldier spotlight: Sgt. John Spragg Soldier finds opportunity, a career and a chance to serve his state and nation in the California Army National

By LAUREN HALL fits. It offered a nice balance between being in the military Spragg’s outgoing, energetic and contagiously positive California Military Department Public Affairs and being able to serve my state and my country as well personality is perfectly suited for recruiting. as working in a civilian job and furthering my education.” Originally from Marin County, Sgt. John Spagg enlisted “I like talking to people about the National Guard in the Guard in 2005 as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Spragg celebrated his 21st birthday by volunteering to and the things and opportunities it’s given me that I repairer. join the Veterans Honors Program (VHP), eventually wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t joined. I want to be able to becoming a team leader for the Northern Coastal area, share my experience with others,” he said. “A good re- “I always wanted to serve in the military, ever since I was covering military funeral honors from the Golden Gate cruiter can help someone make the right decisions and a little kid,” Spragg said. “I thought the National Guard Bridge to the Oregon border. He later became the state start their career off on the right foot.” had a great aviation program and had a lot of great bene- trainer and Color Guard NCO before accepting his current position with the California Army National Guard During his time away from recruiting, he enjoys riding (CAARNG) Recruiting and Retention Battalion. horses, sailing, spending time with family and friends, wakeboarding, water skiing and snowboarding. He’s As a recruiter for the Sacramento area, he represents the also been known to fly various small private and ex- CAARNG in the community, searching for qualified ap- perimental aircraft since he was 13, learning from his plicants to enlist in career fields from aviation, infantry, father, an avid pilot. human resources, military intelligence and everything in between. “I like the challenges of all the different positions I’ve held. It’s made me grow up a lot faster than I think I “We canvas the area and go to malls and businesses look- would have if I hadn’t joined the Guard,” he said. “I ing for qualified applicants and talk to them and inform like the camaraderie and being able to work with peo- them about the National Guard and its benefits,” he said. ple who I truly consider to be brothers and sisters. It’s “What keeps some people from joining the military is that something you can’t find anywhere else, other than the they think they can’t serve and go to school or hold a ci- military.” vilian job at the same time, but they can. The National Guard is the perfect choice.” Yep, he’s going to be a very, very good recruiter!

Sgt. John Spragg, center front, served on the Veterans Honors Program as a team leader. Today, he is a recruiter with Califor- I like the camaraderie and being able to work with nia Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Photo courtesy of Sgt. John Spragg people who I truly consider to be brothers and sisters.

13 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August

ABOVE: The Fresno-based 1106th Theater Aviation Support Maintenance Group is sending approximately 65 avionics, electrical, structural, armament, airframe, logistics and administrative aviation specialists to Kuwait in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During a July 9 ceremony in Fresno, Col. Carmona and Command Sgt. Maj. Kellam were joined by special guest, Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager in wishing the men and women, their families and friends, a special thank you and safe return. BOTTOM LEFT: Soldiers who are about to deploy with the 1106th TASMG stand at parade rest during a pre-deployment ceremony at the TASMG hangar in Fresno on July 9. Photos by Master Sgt. Paul Wade TASMG lends high end aviation maintenance to Operation Inherent Resolve Leaders bid farewell and odspeed to 65 Cal Guard Soldiers before their deployment to Kuwait during a ceremony in Fresno on July 9

By MASTER SGT. PAUL WADE Staff of the California National Guard, fol- current mission requirement there was al- skill set number we brought are our sheet California Military Department Public Affairs lowed Carmona’s speech with a poignant most a fantasy football draft day feel to it. metal mechanics to fix those deficiencies.” question. In a helicopter maintenance hangar dis- “In getting our numbers filled in some cas- As with most occupations in the military, playing ripped apart engines, gutted air- “With a show of hands, how many of you es Soldiers were competing for the oppor- aviation sustainment comes with its chal- frames and tool kits worthy of million dol- have deployed once, twice, three times?” tunity to go based on their [military skill lenges. Part of the problem is just that – lar repairs, Col. Louis Carmona addressed Out of 65 troops the amount of hands set]. In other situations we cut it pretty parts. First you need to have them. Once family and friends of his unit, the 1106th raised was astonishing, and only barely close in terms of running out of a certain you have them you need to move it. Not Theater Aviation Sustainment Mainte- let off at the three mark. “Four?” “Five?” skill set,” said Carmona. only does the TASMG fix helicopters, nance Group (TASMG) on July 9 regard- “Six?” an incredulous Yeager asked. One but the unit also depends on them to be ing their upcoming deployment to the Soldier still had a hand up, proving the Having the rank and file step forward and express mailed, maybe without the over- Middle East and why this Fresno-based typical trend within National Guard units request to be on the list is the wish of most night guarantee. ultra-unique unit is needed to keep the across the nation. unit leaders. According to Carmona, when pressure on our enemies. the bugles call a Soldier to serve the state “The reward is going to be having a front The unit normally doesn’t send its en- or nation and you are the right fit for the row seat to the push to eliminate ISIS and “The Soldiers of the National Guard will tire compliment of around 500 aviation operation’s puzzle, be prepared because being able to assist with the aviation logis- continue to prepare for conflict. Our de- and support personnel at any given time. you signed a contract to serve and raised tical piece. That is our share of the task,” sire for peace is not shared by our nation’s There are only a handful of TASMG units your right hand. said Carmona as he explained how the enemies and it is difficult to envision this in the nation and each one handles upper aviation realm can be looked at. “Keeping deployment being the first and last for the level aircraft maintenance—think NAS- In the end, the final roster for the up- [troops] off the roads is the reward for util- 1106th’s junior Soldiers,” said Carmona CAR pit crew versus Jiffy Lube—for up coming deployment was comprised of ity and cargo aviation teams. Backing up flanked by 65 of his Soldiers bound for to 14 surrounding states and territories. paralegal specialists, intelligence person- the [troops] on the ground is the reward Kuwait later this year. In a previous deployment in 2004, the nel, machine shop personnel, helicopter for attack aviation teams. We might not unit landed in Kuwait with 250 Soldiers. mechanics, armament specialists, aircraft be in the cockpit but we let that pilot and Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager, Director, Joint With only 65 slots being called up for the electricians, hydraulics specialists, avion- their crew be at the right place at the right ics specialists, structural repair specialists time.” and more. During the deployment ceremony, Car- Add some dust, sand, scorching tempera- mona said if Hollywood shot a movie of tures – 121 degrees high enough for you? – the operations in the Middle East, his unit and lows in the 90s, and a very fluid, often would be the troops in the background. hectic, demanding operational tempo and Not a knock on what they bring to the this group has their work cut out for them. fight but in the cast of characters, they aren’t consider lead actor material. In the “We are expecting this not to be a nor- aviation world those positions are held for mal deployment. We have seen our 40th the helicopters. Combat Aviation Brigade conducting operations [outside of Kuwait] and we “Hollywood and the media like their high- know there is a push to have more main- light reel – the sleek Black Hawks lifting tenance assets closer to the customers,” off the runway at sunrise,” said Carmona. said Carmona. “We will do just that with “But in reality, those helicopters probably contact teams and embedding our troops are not going to be able to take off without with [combat] units. Our bread and but- units like the 1106th. Logistics is what we ter is when aircraft are identified as hav- do and that is why our motto is ‘Support ing cracks in their airframe. The highest Above All Else.’”

14 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Bird-avoidance program means clear skies for Los Alamitos Army Airfield Birds on the Cal Guard’s Los Alamitos airfield are a risk to aircraft. A new program is helping to keep birds and aircraft safe

By BRANDON HONIG Biteman has worked to eliminate any puddles on the base, California Military Department Public Affairs which could attract some bird species.

From above, the California Army National Guard airfield Biteman also keeps a detailed daily log describing the bird in Los Alamitos looks like a bulls-eye, according to Capt. population on base, which enables him to advise the air- Michael Fish. Aside from two golf courses that border the field on the safest areas for takeoff and landing. His data base, the surrounding area is densely populated, typical of ultimately will provide a clearer picture of migratory pat- Los Angeles area sprawl. terns, which could influence flight schedules and routes.

The airfield’s open space has long attracted many species Those modifications all contribute to a safer JFTB, but the of birds, particularly predators that seek a large area to sur- airfield will never be able to change some of the challenges vey for prey. The avian traffic hasn’t caused any dangerous associated with its neighborhood. collisions with the Cal Guard or Army Reserve helicopters based there, but they do pose a serious threat to planes, “The golf courses that nearly surround the airfield have like the US Airways flight Chesley Sullenberger famously plenty of trees for birds to perch and nest, and there are emergency-landed in New York’s Hudson River following some really large water hazards, which are a big problem a bird strike in 2009. Dan Biteman, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Department of if you’re trying to keep birds away. We also have the Seal Agriculture, calms a red-tailed hawk captured Feb. 4 near the Beach National Wildlife Refuge right next door, and the As the home to the only military airfield in Los Angeles airfield at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos and later re- ocean is nearby,” Biteman said. “There are a unique set and Orange counties, Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) Los leased in a more suitable habitat. Courtesy photo of challenges associated with managing wildlife on JFTB.” Alamitos is the region’s primary flight hub for emergency- response operations, which could involve any type of air- Fish said, the pilot should be able to land safely. Scary Situation craft. Visitors to JFTB’s two runways in recent years, for Since modifying the base won’t fully correct the problem, instance, have included Air Force One and the military’s That’s why Army airfields have been slow to adopt bird- Biteman often shifts to the same solution you would, if largest plane, the C-5M Super Galaxy. avoidance programs: They mostly handle helicopters. But you wanted to get rid of some birds: scare them away. for facilities like JFTB, which works with a wide range of To ensure the base is safe for all types of aircraft, JFTB has local, state and federal partners, a Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Before he arrived, airfield personnel would sometimes instituted a new program that Fish said is one of the first of Strike Hazard (BASH) prevention program is essential. drive a truck toward birds and honk the horn to move its kind for an Army airfield. Dan Biteman, a wildlife biolo- them off the airfield. Biteman has used that tactic but also gist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, now works full- The Federal Aviation Administration receives at least 2,300 brings in pyrotechnics: the bird banger, which is fired time at JFTB, mitigating the risk to aircraft any way he can. reports of wildlife-related strikes involving civilian aircraft from a starter pistol and delivers a noise like a firecracker, each year, and the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps add and the screamer, which makes a whistling sound that is “We have a wide variety of species present on JFTB, and at least 3,000 more. Nonetheless, only an estimated 20 per- effective on some species. each reacts differently to the deterrent, hazing or capture cent of actual bird strikes are reported, according to the De- methods available to us,” Biteman said. “The species that fense Department’s Partners in Flight program. The noisemakers work on many birds at first, but most are present shift daily, weekly, seasonally and annually. … species eventually catch on and simply move to the other Monitoring the area consistently is important, because it Because of airplanes’ greater speed compared with helicop- side of the field when Biteman fires. He spends more time can guide what kinds of methods we use.” ters, bird strikes pose a greater risk to a plane’s fuselage and setting up traps — Swedish goshawk traps, bal-chatri windshield. Jet engines also can ingest a bird or group of traps, net traps — so the birds can be relocated to better A Significant Danger birds, forcing an emergency landing. habitats. Only a few birds have collided with helicopters at JFTB in recent years, Fish said, because the aircraft move slowly at “With Sullenberger, they ingested those birds into the en- So far the traps have captured two great horned owls, a takeoff and landing, and are highly maneuverable. Plus, gines and both engines flamed out,” Fish said. “That same turkey vulture and a red-tailed hawk, which were trans- large predators like red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures potential is here. Any aircraft taking off or landing can go ferred to the nonprofit South Bay Wildlife Rehab. The seem to have learned which side of the road Americans through these birds.” hawk was released at least 200 miles from the base, which drive on. Biteman said is the necessary distance so it won’t “smell” Unique Challenges home and come back. “When I was flying, predator birds just ruled the field, but JFTB’s 1,319 acres include plenty of land for small animals they knew what a helicopter was, and would stay away like gophers and other potential raptor prey to burrow. With the combination of all those methods, Biteman ex- from it,” said Fish, who is the airfield’s administrative offi- Most of those areas are now tilled frequently at JFTB to pects to significantly decrease the risk of a dangerous bird cer. “It was like they knew the rules of the road because they keep them free of vegetation, because plants attract small strike at JFTB. would always break to the right. They were very smart.” animals, which use them as cover from predators like the red-tailed hawk. “Reducing the bird population at JFTB to zero is an im- Though the bird strikes at JFTB all ended disastrously for possible goal,” said Tom Tandoc, JFTB’s environmental the birds, they never posed a serious danger to a helicopter Decoy owls and wire spikes sit atop the many poles and officer, “but we are doing everything we possibly can to or its crew. Even if a bird destroyed an entire rotor blade, high spots where raptors like to perch around JFTB, and make this place safe.”

A C-17 Globemaster is loaded up April 21 at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) Los Alamitos where a bird-avoidance program has been institued to ensure the airfield is safe for all of its federal, state and local partners. Photo by Brandon Honig

15 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August Twice A Citizen: An award well-deserved By SGT. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH Wright said. California Counterdrug Task Force Sitting in the audience listening to the list On Aug. 24, a small room at the San Di- of his accomplishments, his mother beams ego Convention Center is bustling with while his sisters turn to each other, saying activity and chatter: a photographer “I never knew he did all that.” prepares his camera while men in suits greet guests, pass out name tags and “Every night Ortiz is on the radio, coordi- make introductions. In the next room nating with the Coast Guard, Border Patrol over, an awards banquet awaits. and the Office of Air and Marine to con- verge and interdict [suspicious and illegal Exuding confidence and dressed to the activity],” Maj. Justin Goldman, the CDTF nines in his Army dress uniform, Sgt. San Diego district commander, said. “It Deven Ortiz walks in flanked by his truly is a joint interagency mission and he family. Ortiz, an engineer with 216th En- has excelled at it.” gineer Mobile Augmentation Company and a member the California National “The entire JHOC crew have really put Guard Counterdrug Task Force, is set to together a skillset,” Goldman continued. receive the National Defense Industrial “That’s why they are so valuable to the Association San Diego Chapter’s Twice Coast Guard.” A Citizen Award. Goldman explained that the JHOC mission The award recognizes National Guard was eliminated for four months in 2015 due and Reserve service members who dem- to budget constraints. During that time, the onstrate outstanding performance in Coast Guard saw a huge spike in narcot- both their military and civilian capaci- Rear Admiral James R. McNeal, commander of the Navy Reserve Naval Expeditionary Logistics ics trafficking. The mission was reinstated ties. Regiment Global Logistics Support, presents the National Defense Industrial Association San January 2016 and the team made an imme- Diego Chapter’s Twice A Citizen Award to Sgt. Deven Ortiz, an engineer with 216th Engineer diate impact; they made a dozen detections “I’ve undoubtedly seen a lot of wonder- Mobile Augmentation Company and a member the California National Guard Counterdrug Task in the first few weeks, Goldman said. ful write-ups of really great people but I Force, during a banquet at the San Diego Convention Center Aug. 24. The award recognizes have to tell you, I’ve never seen a nomi- National Guard and Reserve service members who demonstrate outstanding performance in Receiving the Twice A Citizen award lets nation package like the one for our next both their military and civilian capacities. Photo by Sgt. Brianne Roudebush Ortiz know “that what [he] is doing is awardee,” Gar Wright, the NDIA Twice making an impact and that people value A Citizen committee chair, said during In addition to his leadership position with stolen assets, and the development of key his contribution as a team member,” Gold- the award presentation. “There are way the engineer company supervising five Sol- intelligence that lead to the dismantlement man said. too many contributions to squeeze into a diers, Ortiz has been a member of CDTF of an illegal drug ring, Wright said. simple citation… the bottom line is: in a since 2010. Currently, he is a sensor opera- Ortiz, who dedicates his off-duty hours field of great performance, his great per- tor in the Joint Harbor Operations Center Most recently, Ortiz aided in a successful teaching self-defense and healthy lifestyles formance stood ahead.” is San Diego. search and rescue operation. After receiv- to youth, said that “the award means a tre- ing a radio alert from the spouse of a free mendous amount.” As the 578th Brigade Engineer Battal- “In this role, he provides excellent opera- diver who had drifted away, Ortiz main- ion’s Soldier of the Year, Ortiz embodies tional support to the Coast Guard and their tained communications with Coast Guard “It makes me feel even more recharged excellence. The Soldier of the Year com- cooperative law enforcement missions be- assets, ensuring their ability to quickly and about what I do,” he said. “To be recog- petition includes fitness tests, weapons tween state, local and federal agencies,” effectively conduct their search. nized on a grand scale like this in front of qualifications, land navigation, radio Wright said. all these people, is awesome. It’s a direct communication, a ruck march, drill and “Thanks to SGT Ortiz and his team, a he- reflection of my chain of command, my ceremony and both written and oral Along with his team – a joint effort led by licopter from Air Station Los Angeles was family, and I couldn’t do it without my tests. Ortiz not only won, he dominat- the Coast Guard – his actions are directly able to ultimately recover the diver ap- team – it represents all of us. I was the ed the competition, scoring 22 percent responsible for the apprehension of drug proximately four miles from his vessel and awardee today but all of us played a part higher than the Soldier in second place. smugglers, the seizures of illegal drugs and return him safely to a grateful family,” in it.”

paign focuses on comprehensive health While the editors of Guard Your Health and has actionable articles and infograph- believe the website offers solid fitness ad- ics on topics such as fitness, nutrition, be- vice, they encourage Soldiers to come back FIT to FIGHT havioral health, suicide prevention, sleep time and again for more than just getting health, and more,” says Jenna Lenskold, tips on improving in the APFT. with MAJ. JONATHAN SHIROMA Outreach Lead for Guard Your Health. “We also recognize that many Soldiers are “The APFT may happen once a year, but You and the APFT. It can be a love hate re- 1) Let’s do this…I want to see how far concerned about passing their APFT, so health and wellness should be part of a lationship. above my max I can go. we wanted to create a central point on the Soldier’s lifestyle. The absolutely best way 2) I always past my APFT, as long as I pass, website where Soldiers can access resourc- for a Soldier to prepare for the APFT is When it comes to taking the semi-annual/ I am good. es to help them prepare for the APFT.” to make health and wellness part of their annual APFT, in my opinion, Soldiers fall 3) Dang, I need to drop a few pounds and lifestyle,” says Lenskold. “The health of a into three categories: I need to start training to pass. Lenskold points out that there are spe- Soldier is not based purely on fitness, but cific tools on the website to help Soldiers, rather on a mix of strong behavioral health, Whatever the case may be, we all know including workout plans, preparation proper nutrition, adequate amounts of that the APFT is an Army standard and guides, exercise demonstration videos and sleep and more. Guard Your Health rec- there are those who love taking the APFT health tools. One such tool is the APFT ognizes the challenges of a Citizen-Soldier and those who absolutely hate it. Calculator which allows you to determine lifestyle and has created resources on a your fitness level based on APFT stan- number of different health topics to help Regardless of what side you are on, pass- dards by entering your gender, age, sit-up, Soldiers be resilient, medically ready and ing the APFT is a critical requirement for push-up and two- mile run score. physically fit.” as long as you are a Soldier. “We’ve created a number of exercise So, when you have a chance, check out the Now, thanks to a new website, no mat- guides that are based on how long a Sol- website: www.guardyourhealth.com. ter where you stand when it comes to dier has to prepare for their test,” explains your APFT score, check out “Guard Your Lenskold. “The 30, 60, 90-day exercise You’ll find everything from 24/7 confiden- Health,” a one-stop site on doing your best plans provide options for Soldiers based tial support to lists of chaplains and coun- when it comes to passing and excelling at on how long they have before their APFT selors you can reach out to if you need to the APFT. and their current fitness level,” she says. talk to someone about a behavioral health “All three exercise plans focus on strength concern to a link to easy recipes for healthy “Guard Your Health is a health and well- and cardio training so that Soldiers can eating and a slew of other resources to ness campaign developed specifically for maximize their APFT scores and achieve help you remain fit on the outside and on Army National Guard Soldiers. The cam- their fitness goals.” the inside.

16 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August

COUNTERDRUG TASK FORCE

2 IN HIGH SPIRITS 1 3 CDTF holds MWR event ahead of busy summer season

By SGT. BRIANNE ROUDEBUSH Counterdrug Task Force

Leaving uniforms, emails, and stress behind, members of the California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force headed out to the lake June 30 for a much-needed break from the office. Against the sunny backdrop of Lake Natoma at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center, the Soldiers, Airmen and their families and friends held a barbecue complete with music, volleyball, kayaking and paddle boarding.

The Morale, Welfare, and Recreation event was emphasized by the command team after a stressful period of inspections and prior to the task force’s busy summer season.

“We’re headed into the high op-tempo part of the year for us,” Sgt. Major Clinton Lockard, the CDTF senior enlisted advisor, said. “We wanted to get everyone together 5 4 before we break off into our missions and start working extremely hard for the rest of the [year].” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 1. Master Sgt. Rhea Hill, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the logistics section, and Sgt. 1st Class J’neen Rice, a member of the operations section, rent For a large task force like CDTF, which is spread across the state, it is important to a kayak at Lake Natoma. 2: Sgt. Rhonda Higgins, a member of the current operations team, maintain camaraderie among members. Lockard said that when unit cohesion is plays with her coworker’s son. 3: Lt. Col. Jeffrey Moore, the executive officer, serves hamburgers strong, “everyone has an emotional investment in the mission and the people they are and hotdogs to Sgt. Michael Ramirez, a ground tactical team member from the North Eastern working with.” California District, during the barbecue. 4: Capt. Berenice Harrison, the officer in charge of the finance section, and her husband get lunch. 5: Sgt. Major Clinton Lockard, the senior enlisted Staff Sgt. Claudia Sandoval, a member of the operations team, agreed, adding advisor, barbecues hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch. Photos by Sgt. Brianne Roudebush that cohesion makes the working environment a lot more amiable. Sandoval and her supervisor, Master Sgt. Leah Aboabdo, both brought their sons who spent the because we have a really good working relationship and, outside of work, we can also afternoon paddle boarding and playing in the lake together. hang out. I love that.”

Aboabdo said it was very important to her that families were invited. Lockard echoed these sentiments, adding that “Events like these bring people out of their bubble a bit. You get to know a little bit more about people outside of the uniform “This event showed support to the service members and their families,” Aboabdo and rank - it kind of brings down the wall, so to speak.” said. “It’s nice to see everyone in their family role and to have the opportunity to bring Counterdrug to life for the people who support you at home.” The various activities available at the aquatic center encouraged interaction and enticed people to stay all afternoon, despite the heat. Throughout the afternoon, children could be found playing on the beach, eating hotdogs and cookies and dancing to the music while CDTF members made family While the event allowed Soldiers and Airmen an opportunity to take a break from the introductions and spent time getting to know one another outside the work daily grind, MWR aims to improve the working environment as well. environment. “I think it was great. I saw a lot of smiling faces and everyone seemed to have a good “I think it brings us closer,” Sandoval said. “Leah is my boss, but I get along with her – time,” Lockard said. “Back at the office, morale was absolutely improved. I see a lot I respect her as a peer, as a superior, as a person – so I think that’s extremely important more chatter in the area; there’s a lot more interactivity now, which is a good thing.”

17 Grizzly | 2016 | July - August

18 News & Benefits

Soldiers from Task Force 578 pose for a photo in August while fighting the Soberanes Fire. The task force was composed of troops from the 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion and 40th Brigade Sup- port Battalion who were trained at Camp Roberts and sent to the wildfire south of Monterey where they spent 20 days mopping up, clearing lines, taking down trees, placing and retrieving hoses, and more. Photo courtesy of Task Force 578 Cal Guard fights wildfires Military families have several The California National Guard actively assisted civilian agencies in fighting several large fires that burned up and down the state in August. resources to help them vote The Military Officers Association of America launched the nonpartisan web portal “Ab- Two Air National Guard C130J Airtankers equipped with water/retardant-dropping Mod- sentee Voting Guide” for troops and family members of all service branches and ranks. ular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS) performed drops on the Rey Fire in Santa Barbara County. Four Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters performed medi- In addition, service members and their eligible family members can use the Defense De- cal evacuation, search-and-rescue, water drops and transportation of personnel and cargo partment’s nonpartisan Federal Voting Assistance Program website and installation vot- on the Rey Fire. ing assistance offices.

Four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were active on the Rey Fire and the Chimney Fire in DoD’s program is its tool for complying with the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Ab- San Luis Obispo County, performing medical evacuation, search-and-rescue, water-drop, sentee Voting Act, which applies to military members and their families, wherever they’re and transportation of personnel and cargo. located; and U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.

Three hundred and thirty Army National Guard combat engineers and support personnel Through the FVAP.gov website, these voters can find tools and resources to help them helped fight the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County, working in hand crews using hand vote from any other state, or anywhere in the world. tools to create breaks in fire lines and mopping up hot spots. In all, the hand crews worked nearly 60,000 man hours. Silicon Valley Air National Guardsmen Vets can apply for VA benefits on the phone complete overseas deployment to Africa The Department of Veterans Affairs published a final regulation on Monday that allows California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing completed a four-month former service members to complete VA health care applications by calling 877-222-8387, deployment to the Horn of Africa in June. according to a report in the Military Times. Approximately 30 Pararescuemen (PJs) and Combat Rescue Officers (CROs) of the Wing’s The line is manned by VA employees who walk veterans through the process, including 131st Rescue Squadron served as the primary personnel recovery force for Combined Joint providing them information on copayment requirements and third party insurance. Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) throughout their deployment. While deployed, the Wing’s guardsmen have been supporting CJTF-HOA’s multinational counterinsur- Previously, VA required veterans to apply in person at a VA medical center or submitting gency and stabilization operations throughout the region. a paper application to the department. But the system was beset with problems, creating a backlog of 847,882 applications that stretched back nearly 15 years and included submis- In April, the PJs were involved in the rescue of two Saudi Arabian airmen after their F-15 sions from more than 300,000 deceased veterans. fighter jet crashed in the Gulf of Aden.

Steps were taken to change the application process, to include removing the requirement “The return of our air guardsmen is punctuated by the rescue of two Saudi fighter pilots to physically sign necessary paperwork. The VA also embarked on an effort to clear the during their deployment,” said Col. Gregory F. Jones, 129th Rescue Wing commander. backlog, starting with 30,000 combat veterans who should have automatically qualified “We are proud to welcome home our warriors after a job well done.” for the benefit but were placed in the system by mistake. To date, 129th Rescue Wing is credited with saving the lives of more than 1,000 people Veterans can continue to apply for benefits in person as well, according to the department. both overseas and in the United States.

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

Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, scan their sectors June 14 in the 2016 eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise at Camp Roberts, California. 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