Noble Eagle / Enduring Freedom Pull-out Supplement Inside

MAGAZINE OF THE OHIO ARMY AND A IR N ATIONAL GUARD WINTER/SPRING 2003

AA Moment’sMoment’s NoticeNotice Ohio National Guardmembers, families continue to respond when called Photo by 121st Air Refueling Wing Visual Information Mission Essential Ohio’s 121st Air Refueling Wing is key in national defense strategies. Here, SrA Dan Petry repairs the vertical stabilizer on the tail of one of the unit’s KC-135 Stratotankers. See pages 7-9. Contents

Winter/Spring 2003

Volume 27, No. 1 F E A T U R E S The Buckeye Guard is published quarterly by the Public Affairs Office, Ohio Adjutant ☛A A Moment’s Notice General’s Department, 2825 W. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789, Special ONG deployment (614) 336-7000. The views and opinions pull-out supplement inside. expressed in the Buckeye Guard are not necessarily those of the Departments of the 7 Pulling up to the Pump Army and Air Force or the Adjutant General of 121st ARW mission of aerial Ohio. The Buckeye Guard is distributed free to members of the Ohio Army and Air National refueling vital to national defense. Guard and to other interested persons at their request. Circulation is 22,000. 10 Soldiers/Airmen of the Year Ohio names outstanding

ADJUTANT GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT guardmembers for 2002.

State Commander-in-Chief 24 Taking it to the Streets Gov. Bob Taft 1-147th Armor Battalion practices Adjutant General street mission at Fort Knox, Ky. Maj. Gen. John H. Smith

Assistant Adjutant General, Army Ohio Army Guard engineers Brig. Gen. Ronald G. Young recover an American flag during Assistant Adjutant General, Air emergency relief efforts in Maj. Gen. Paul J. Sullivan response to unseasonable tornados that struck Ohio last Command Sergeant Major, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Craig R. Huffman fall. See pages 12-14. SrA Elizabeth Slater / 180th Fighter Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard A. Smith D E P A R T M E N T S PUBLICATION STAFF 2 Command focus Director, Public Affairs Maj. Neal E. O’Brien BG Ronald Young says personal, personnel readiness and training Deputy Director, Public Affairs Mr. James A. Sims II key to ONG readiness.

Associate Editors 3 Feedback from the field Mr. Steve Toth Sgt. 1st Class Diane L. Farrow 4 National news Technical Support Mr. Todd M. Cramer 6 Citizen spotlight Contributors Newsman and soldier, Akron native Army/Air National Guard Journalists Courtesy photo ready to respond at moment’s notice. ANG Visual Information Specialists The 52nd Weapons of Mass Unit Public Affairs Representatives Destruction-Civil Support Team 32 Buckeye briefs participates in training exercises Guardmembers and their families are which test their response to 34 All about people encouraged to submit any articles meant to victims of chemical attacks. inform, educate or entertain Buckeye Guard See pages 26-29. readers, including stories about interesting 36 Guardmember benefits Guard personalities and unique unit training. E-mail us at [email protected]. Deadlines are: A B O U T T H E C O V E R S

Spring, January 15 FRONT: Richard Reuss hugs his ○○○○○ BACK: Soldiers from Company A, 612th Summer, April 15 wife, Pfc. Kristen Reuss, 135th MP Engineer Battalion, clean up the carnage Fall, July 15 Company, prior to the unit deploying left behind when a tornado leveled the Winter, October 15 in support of Operation Enduring engineer maintenance building in Van Freedom Feb. 27. Photo by Spc. Wert County last November. Photo by Haraz Ghanbari / HQ STARC (-) SrA Elizabeth Slater / 180th Fighter Wing www.ohionationalguard.com ○

1 Command focus Guard readiness challenge is three-fold

global war on terrorism, and we can expect to see more units and personnel mobilized in the coming years. The challenge to maintain the readiness we have achieved all across the board continues. We still have a requirement to recruit ach Buckeye Guard issue quality young men and women into our ranks. We still must plan, E features a historical vignette resource and execute challenging training to maintain a tactical provided by retired Col. Judge edge to our readiness. Never before in our history have we been Robert Walker, a 37th Infantry in a position to respond when called, with ready units. I have the Division veteran. Many of these utmost confidence that we will continue to achieve our recruiting vignettes recount battlefield he- and retention goals. That is only one third of the battle in the roics and accomplishments of readiness challenge. We will continue to push the noncommis- members of the Ohio Army Na- sioned officer corps to execute challenging training and mentor BY BG RONALD G. YOUNG tional Guard (OHARNG) in war. junior officers. The officer corps must lead by example, and ac- ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL, ARMY They reflect the professionalism cept nothing less than absolute mission accomplishment. As we and abilities of the citizen-sol- have seen before, when our units are properly resourced and diers of Ohio for the past 200-plus years. training is well-planned, our leaders are capable Today, we continue that legacy based of executing missions. on our readiness as evidenced by our Simply put, our “readi- The final piece of the readiness triad is per- highest operations tempo since World sonal readiness, the ability of our soldiers to War II. ness” can be boiled down have their personal affairs in order when they Simply put, our “readiness” can be mobilize. With the mobilization of more than boiled down to three equally important to three equally important 2,500 Ohio Army Guard personnel to date, we areas: personnel readiness (MOSQ, have learned a number of lessons that have NCOES, OES), challenging training and areas: personnel readiness been passed on to our entire organization. personal readiness. When the country mobilizes the National Guard, In 1999, the Ohio Army National we mobilize the servicemember, their family and Guard set out on a mission to improve (MOSQ, NCOES, OES), their employer. We do our part to ensure the readiness, and hence our relevance, by soldier has the proper equipment to execute embarking on Buckeye Force XXI, challenging training and the mission, and the information necessary to which laid out our personnel readiness take care of things at home and at work. Some goals. At that time, Ohio ranked 46th in personal readiness. units will have advanced notice for deploy- personnel readiness out of the 54 states ments to locations such as Bosnia, Kosovo or and territories. We exceeded the goals the Sinai. Others will have only days versus we set, and today Ohio ranks fourth out of 54 states and territories weeks or months. The time for preparing yourself for mobiliza- in personnel readiness. It was a daunting task for the sixth largest tion is now. Take the time to prepare your family by ensuring that Army National Guard state in the nation. when you are mobilized, you will know how the bills will be paid, This accomplishment allowed us to focus on collective training who in the unit family readiness group your spouse needs to get that in the past had been lacking due to squads, platoons and in touch with, and address any potential financial challenges companies being short the qualified soldiers required to carry out should you be mobilized. Help educate your employer about the our missions. Our efforts paid off following the tragedy of Sept. 11. Ohio Committee for Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. Battalion-sized units such as the 148th Infantry were able to de- Provide your employer with some of the many fact sheets avail- ploy with the required personnel when they were mobilized just able about ESGR from the www.esgr.org website, and if they are three weeks later. There are few like-sized units—active, Guard deserving, recommend them for a “My Boss is a Patriot Award.” and reserve—that could have met that challenge. In all, 10 com- Make sure that if you are deployed that you stay in touch with pany-sized units in the OHARNG were mobilized for Operation your employer if you have the means to communicate with them. Noble Eagle. As you read this, the 372nd Maintenance Company Work with family and friends to help pick up the slack at home and a liaison cell from the 37th Armored Brigade that will be sup- while you’re gone. We know that our soldiers who are personally porting the 4th Infantry Division (Mech.) have deployed to the prepared to mobilize have higher morale and can execute their U.S. Central Command area of operations. The 112th Engineer Bat- mission knowing their family is well take care of. talion activated more than 300 soldiers to provide security at Ohio Finally, let me tell you how proud I am of every soldier in the Air National Guard bases, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Ohio Army National Guard. We’ve come a long way on our road Youngstown Air Force Reserve Base. However, as Maj. Gen. Paul to increasing readiness. The sense of purpose in all we do is Sullivan, assistant adjutant general for Air, laid out in this column evident in our ability to meet our ultimate goal: to respond when in the last Buckeye Guard, this is just the beginning of the called, and be ready!n

2 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Feedback from the field

Enlisted Association hosts Team Toledo in this massive undertaking. range. But first, he needed to find some Please contact Conference Chair Larry Ice adoptive parents for his pets. state, national conferences at [email protected] or (419) 476-6036 to see The unit had received its short no- A Call to Arms...a rather ominous phrase how you can help. tice alert followed immediately by the for any person that has served in the mili- Finally, if you’re not a member of ONGEA, mobilization order, and in a matter of tary. The prospect of large-scale deploy- now is the time to join the force. If you are four days, soldiers and families had to ments has not loomed larger since Desert a member, share the wealth and recruit your get their lives together to prepare for a Storm. Unprecedented numbers of National fellow unit members. Our strength is in our separation that may last up to a year, Guard troops are being mobilized. Our numbers, and every one of you counts. potentially longer. They had been de- hearts and prayers are with them and their This is your association. ployed already for a year and some of families. JOHN FLEEGER the soldiers for six months before that. Unfortunately, as the number of troops ONGEA PRESIDENT And who says the Guard is just one activated increases, the number of volun- weekend a month and two weeks in the teers available to support your Enlisted Cavalry troopers planning summer? I feel very badly for these sol- Association decreases. And, as Uncle Sam diers, and I’m humbled by their willing- would say, “I NEED YOU!” overseas reunion for late May ness to serve. But I am deeply honored So what can you do? Support the Ohio The Border Legion 2003 Reunion will be to be their battalion commander. National Guard Enlisted Association held in Germany from May 28 to June 1. My staff coordinated the farewell cer- (ONGEA) and plan to attend the Enlisted The reunion will center on Fulda, with sepa- emony, which was a real tear-jerker to Association of the National Guard of the rate events taking place in Bad Hersfeld say the least. Amidst all the flurry of United States (EANGUS) Conference in and Bad Kissingen. activity and the ceremonial good-byes, August, which will take place in Toledo. The reunion is open to all past and it was the little observations that struck This year’s state conference took place present troopers who served with the 11th me. For example, there was the soldier May 2-4. There, we presented awards, rec- and 14th Armored Cavalry Regiments (and who just returned from basic training ognized excellence and enjoyed fellowship supporting units) along the East-West Ger- and AIT four days before. He was called with the enlisted family of Ohio, but we also man border. and told to show up with everything; focused on the serious need to find per- Contact Glenn Snodgrass, at (703) 676- he thought he was coming to drill. And sonnel to serve on our executive board. 2672 or [email protected] or Don as Brig Gen. (Ronald G.) Young (assis- If you would like to submit a nomination Snedeker at (703) 676-4019 or donald.c. tant adjutant general for Army) told him, for an elected position and/or volunteer on [email protected]. “Private Eduards, this is going to be a committee, contact me at (937) 605-9203 DON SNEDEKER one long drill.” or [email protected]. If you want FALLS CHURCH, VA. What intrigued me the most was that more information about next’year’s ONGEA almost every single mother, father, wife Conference, contact Conference Chair Commander offers insightful and husband that I talked to expressed Brad Hesson at (419) 409-0613 or how proud they were of their soldier. [email protected]. deployment perspective There were no regrets, even if the sol- The EANGUS National Conference is set “Good morning young man, how are dier had just returned. Sure, there were for Aug. 17-20, with a golf tournament you?” tears and lots of hugs, children hold- planned for Aug. 16. To get registration in- “Fine Sir.” ing onto their departing parents for formation for the conference and/or golf “What-cha got there?” dear life and one, very young soldier tournament, visit the EANGUS website at “Oh, uh, this is my guinea pig, Squeaky, running around at the last minute with www.eangus.org or contact Phil Wesley at Sir.” two guinea pigs and a rabbit. (419) 472-0586 or Phil-Toledo@worldnet. “You’re not going to try to sneak But in the end, the soldiers were att.net. There are guardmembers that have Squeaky on the C-130 are ya?” called and they responded, like the pro- the talent and experience needed to assist “No Sir, I’m just trying to find one of the fessionals they are. They are indeed the families to adopt him before I leave.” heroes, the patriots. And this same kind “Listen son, if you can’t find any- O H I O N A T I O N A L G U A R D of thing is happening all across the one, let me know and I’ll watch him state, to many different units, to many Historical Highlights for you until you get back.” soldiers and many families and prob- “Great Sir, thanks, and I have an- ably a few guinea pigs and a rabbit or other one and a rabbit too,” two as well. he Cleveland Grays, now “No problem, just let me know.” Tthe Ohio Army National I hope and I pray every day for the Guard’s 112th Engineer Battal- That’s how my morning started; soldiers’ safe return. No one knows for ion, served on the honor guard the morning before the 323rd MP sure what the future holds. But based detail for the funerals of two Company’s departure to its mobili- on what I saw at the 323rd MP Com- U.S. presidents—President zation station and then on to a va- pany, I’m confident in our soldiers and Lincoln in April 1865 and cation spot overseas. And the sad in our families. They will make it President Garfield in Septem- part is that this young man very eas- through these challenging days. ber 1881. RETIRED JUDGE ily could have been my son. He was LTC MICHAEL ORE (COL.) ROBERT D. WALKER / 37TH all of 18 and looked like he was still 731ST TROOP COMMAND INFANTRY DIVISION a freshman in high school. Bright- eyed and excited about going down

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 3 National news

National Guard were the note, more are signing every hour,” he among the 75,000 fans said. “It gives them a way to show how who flocked to the strongly America supports her sons and 25th annual Shootout, daughters in uniform.” DoD officials are which was run under working out details of how to make the elec- the lights and on prime- tronic “signatures” available for ser- time television for the vicemembers to see. AMERICAN FORCES first time. PRESS SERVICE “NASCAR is a team sport and a family New MREs coming soon event. That’s why it’s Pepperoni and barbecue chicken pocket exciting to be a part of sandwiches have been approved for the it,” said Lt. Gen. Roger Meal, Ready-to-Eat. Schultz, Army Guard The shelf-stable sandwiches were first director, who built and developed by the Department of Defense MSG Bob Haskell / NGB drove his own stock Combat Feeding Program at the Army The National Guard’s new Winston Cup stock car rolls car for a couple of sea- Soldier Systems Center in the mid-1990s out for its first race, the Budweiser Shootout at sons when he was a as a ration to enhance soldier mobility. Daytona International Speedway in Florida. young man in Iowa. They require no refrigeration or freezing, “It’s a way to reach the or utensils or heat source before eating, National Guard 54 debuts American people and tell the Guard’s story. although they can be warmed with a And NASCAR fans are very patriotic, very flameless ration heater. on NASCAR circuit patriotic.” “We’ve combined shelf-stable bread that Millions of fans have screamed “So many Americans are watching these now supplements the MRE with meat into themselves hoarse while watching cars, and they will see that red, white and a lightweight, identifiable, eat-out-of-hand stock cars, gleaming with familiar blue car,” said Lt. Gen. Daniel James III, Air food,” said project officer Dan Nattress. names and numbers, compete in Win- Guard director, while taking in his first stock Shelf-stable sandwiches are comparable ston Cup races nationwide. Now a new car race. “Once again, the National Guard is in size, calories and appearance to “Hot contender seeks their approval. connecting with the communities.” AMERI- Pocket” brand sandwiches found in gro- Crowds got their first look at a brand CAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE cery stores. The major difference is in pro- new red, white and blue Ford embla- cessing that allows the food to meet the zoned “National Guard 54” when Millions of Americans Combat Feeding Program’s minimum shelf NASCAR’s premier racing circuit life of three years at 80 roared to life Feb. 8 for the 2003 season show support to troops degrees Fahrenheit or at the Daytona International Speedway Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of six months at 100 de- in Daytona Beach, Fla. Staff, Gen. Richard B. Myers, thanked grees Fahrenheit. Twenty-year racing veteran Todd Americans for their outpouring of The sandwiches Bodine, 38, drove the new car that is support to their armed forces. passed soldiers’ taste bearing this country’s colors and the “I want to express my gratitude to tests and meet Food National Guard name for a new team, the American people for sending and Drug Administra- BelCar Racing. The National Guard is their online thank-you note to tion requirements for the primary advertiser. The car’s num- America’s servicemembers, thanking food safety, said project ber, 54, represents the 50 states and them for defending our nation’s free- officer Michelle four territories where Army and Air doms,” Myers said during a Penta- Richardson. Guard units are located. gon media briefing in February. He Sarah Underhill / AFPS Other varieties under “I feel like I’m driving for the whole said 3.7 million people to date had The new barbecue consideration are a country,” said the younger brother of visited Defend America, chicken pocket sand- pizza pocket with Italian wich MRE. Winston Cup star Geoff Bodine before www.defendamerica.mil, and signed sausage and pepperoni racing in the 70-lap Budweiser its online thank-you note. slices in a tomato sauce, sliced beef in a Shootout. “The car is red, white and Defend America is the Defense barbecue sauce, tuna or chicken salad, ham blue. It’s like I’m driving the American Department’s official website for news on and cheese, and peanut butter and jelly. flag,” Bodine said. the war on terrorism. Along with coverage “The number of breakfast items available Bodine started eighth among 19 cars of top national security leaders, the site also to the warfighter is very limited and not and was 13th in the pack of 18 that fin- features up-to-date photographs, informa- highly acceptable,” said Richardson, who ished the race. The field included Dale tion on weapons and equipment, personal- has proposed cream cheese-filled bagels Earnhardt Jr., who started last and fin- ity profiles and human-interest features. with and without fruit fillings, sausage and ished first; defending Winston Cup The website debuted shortly after U.S. cheese biscuits, breakfast burritos with champion Tony Stewart, who finished troops went into Afghanistan in response bacon and eggs in a tortilla wrap, and break- 15th; and Jeff Gordon and Jimmie to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Its fast pizza. Prototypes are scheduled to be Johnson. online thank-you note was posted in May ready this year with production planned The directors of the Army and Air 2002, Military Appreciation Month. for 2004. AMERICAN FORCES PRESS “Now that people are finding out about SERVICE

4 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 ‘Ready Campaign’ meant to better SPRINGFIELD prepare America for terrorist attack Command profile By Kathleen T. Rhem living areas in case of a biological or chemi- American Forces Press Service cal attack, Ridge explained, “Experts tell us that a safe room inside your house or in- mericans should stay informed of side your apartment can help protect you world events, but never surrender from airborne contaminants for several A to fear, “because fear is the terror- hours, and that could be enough time for ists’ most effective weapon,” Homeland Se- that chemical agent to be blown away. curity Secretary Tom Ridge said. “We would not recommend these mea- Ridge recently launched his department’s sures if they did not make a difference,” he “Ready Campaign,” saying that even said. “All the same, we hope you never though officials can’t predict an attack, or- have to use them.” dinary citizens can do things to better pre- An emergency communication plan is pare in case there is one. equally vital. “Think about this: How often The multiyear, multimedia information is every member of your family in your Thomas W. “Tom” Pape campaign was designed “to build a more house at the same time?” Ridge said. For Call sign “Pappy” prepared nation, one family, one neighbor- most families, not often, he posited. He sug- 178th Fighter Wing hood, one com- gested families, munity at a time,” workplaces, Ridge said in a na- schools and com- Age: 54 tionally televised “We can be munities devise a Traditional Guard Position: address to the afraid, or we can plan and make sure 178th Fighter Wing Commander American Red be ready...and all members know Full-Time Occupation: Cross chapter in how to get in touch 178th Fighter Wing Commander Cincinnati. today America’s with each other. “The threat of families declare Keeping in- Hometown: Pickerington, Ohio Family: Married to Susan (Loring) terrorism forces us we will not be formed of the situ- to make a choice: ation and the best Pape; children Jessica (25) afraid and we We can be afraid, —Tom Ridge course of action to and Jeremy (26) or we can be will be ready.” Homeland Security Secretary take will also help Most recent achievement: ready,” Ridge said. families stay safe. got an “A” in a night class at “And today “An emergency is America’s families declare we will not be not time to plan, it’s a time to react,” Ridge Clark State Community College afraid and we will be ready.” said. “So be informed. Different types of The last good movie I saw was: The secretary recommended three main attack require different responses.” Antwone Fisher steps for families to take: Make an emer- He suggested individuals visit the Home- The books I’m reading are: Holes gency preparedness kit, make a communi- land Security Department’s new website at and Ohio Real Estate Law cation plan, and be informed. www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BEREADY for Emergency preparedness kits should in- more information on how best to respond My most prized possession is: clude such items as three days’ worth of to emergencies. family photo albums and the nonperishable food and water, flashlights, The secretary acknowledged a raised memories they bring. a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a threat level can cause more stress on fami- Heroes: my family first aid kit, and an adequate supply of re- lies and on emergency workers, but it is I’m better than anyone else at: quired medications. necessary to focus people on what steps Officials recommend families with infants to take. knowing that I’m not—hopefully and young children keep an extra supply of “Whatever the threat level may be on I’d give anything to meet: diapers, infant formula and specialty foods any given day, every family and every citi- not to meet, but have, dinner with on hand. zen will know that they have done their job my parents and family Of his recommendation to stash some if they take the time to be prepared,” Ridge Three words that best describe me: duct tape and plastic sheeting to seal off said. n Open, honest and dedicated O N L I N E R E S O U R C E S If I could leave today’s guard- The American Red Cross’s recently developed American Red Cross: www.redcross.org members with one piece of online publication, “Homeland Security and You: A Civil Air Patrol: www.cap.gov advice it would be: Whatever you Guide to Disaster Preparedness,” is just one re- Citizen Corps: www.citizencorps.gov are doing today, should have source families can use to help prepare themselves Department of Homeland Security: for each level of the Homeland Security Advisory www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/ been done yesterday, and System, the color-coded system that depicts the Federal Emergency Management Agency: can wait until tomorrow current risk of terrorist activity. Visit these websites: www.fema.gov

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 5 Citizen spotlight

middle of the night,” Mansfield said. “You have to get up whenever the news hap- pens—I always have the cell phone on and always have the pager on.” Mansfield recognizes that his role in the National Guard may require just as an im- mediate of a response. “Crisis can strike our nation or state at any time and I’m proud to say that I’m ready to do my part if called,” Mansfield said. “The toughest part of serving in the National Guard is never knowing when you’re going to be called to service, but that’s why we’re here.” When reporting on military events, Mansfield tries to educate the public on the military’s function. As an Army officer he tries to educate the military about the civilian media. “The media does a great job about promoting good stories and show- ing good images of the military,” Mansfield said. “The media should be allies of the National Guard.” Eric Mansfield on the Akron PAX 23 television set. Despite interviewing three presidents, Newsman and soldier, Mansfield numerous celebrities and covering major sporting events, one of the most memo- ready to respond at moment’s notice rable stories during Mansfield’s 10-plus years as a journalist was a piece on the By Spc. Haraz N. Ghanbari to be a morning radio disc jockey. After “vomit comet,” a DC-9 airplane used by HQ STARC (-) attending basic training and advanced in- NASA to train astronauts. dividual training to become a military po- “We’re in a DC-9 diving towards the elevision spotlights hang from the lice officer, the Akron native started col- earth and you create weightlessness. They Tceiling. A satellite-controlled cam- lege at the University of Dayton and stud- (NASA) take up very few journalists, but era and teleprompter generate a ied journalism. Larry Baker (a photojournalist) and I got to news script. It is 6:30 p.m. and Eric After dabbling in both radio and TV dur- go up,” Mansfield said. “You end up getting Mansfield is on live TV, reporting news ing his freshman and sophomore years of sick but it was a tremendous experience.” to the greater Akron area. college, Mansfield decided to pursue a TV The story Baker and Mansfield did was A typical workday for the Army Na- career. “Dayton was perfect because it was aired nationally on the weekend edition of tional Guard captain begins at 10 a.m. a small journalism program, but yet in a big NBC’s Today Show. when he arrives at the PAX 23 TV sta- enough city that it had three television sta- The numerous awards he has earned dis- tion in downtown Akron. Sitting down tions,” Mansfield said. play the fruits of his labor. He was awarded at his desk, Mansfield checks the morn- By his junior year of college, Mansfield two Emmys, one for Outstanding Live Re- ing newspaper, the radio stations and his was reporting for the CBS affiliate WOIO porting and the other for Outstanding Ser- e-mail for possible story ideas for the day. Channel 7 in Dayton. He went on to pursue vice Reporting. In 1999, he earned a first- As a managing editor, reporter and internships in Dayton, Akron and at ESPN. place award from the Cleveland Press Club anchor, Mansfield oversees the content “People turn to television when there is and an honorable mention from the Asso- of the newscast. At 10:45 his news team a major event,” Mansfield said. “When you ciated Press for a story on the Doug Prade has a meeting to decide what stories will become part of bringing that information murder case. In 2000, the Cleveland Press be covered for the evening news. News to them, it is an adrenaline rush you don’t Club awarded him a second place award comprises about 13 minutes of a 30- get anywhere else.” for his coverage of the Teresa Andrews minute broadcast, while sports, weather The decisions made during the team’s murder in Ravenna. and commercials fill in the remaining time. morning meeting are not concrete. What Regardless of the endless demands Mansfield sees the military and the may be deemed the biggest news story of placed on him as a journalist and a military news business as having several things the day might not be by mid-afternoon and officer, Mansfield enjoys both of his ca- in common. may be completely out of the newscast by reers. “On drill weekends, I can be knee- “You start everyday with nothing. You 6:30 p.m. “Any given day in TV news the deep in mud at the Ravenna Arsenal, and have to meet those deadlines,” Mansfield whole world can get turned upside down,” then showered and in a suit reporting the said. “When six o’clock comes you’ve Mansfield said. “Fifteen minutes from now evening news.” n gotta be ready, whether you are ready or I can be up there on that set and be live for not you have to be up there in front of the next 12 hours because something has EDITOR’S NOTE: Mansfield was recently the camera and ready to give the news.” happened. deployed with the 371st Support Group Growing up, Mansfield said he wanted “It is like being a doctor on call in the in support of Enduring Freedom.

6 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 A C-5 Galaxy under- goes refueling by the 121st Air Refueling Wing. PULLING UP TO THE PUMP Photo by SSgt Douglas Nicodemus / 121st ARW Story by Tech. Sgt. Greg Rudl “Most people who come through the air- pounds of JP-8 jet fuel in 10 different com- 121st Air Refueling Wing craft don’t know what we do,” said boom partments throughout the plane. operator Tech. Sgt. Joe Semeraro. “So when Even though women have made great t doesn’t fly as precisely as the they get back to the boom pod, if I don’t strides in moving into military jobs domi- Thunderbirds in their trademark six- tell them, they probably leave the jet think- nated by men, a female in a flight suit still I ing, ‘OK, it’s just another military aircraft attracts attention, especially from the gen- plane formation, or as powerfully as a Canadian F-18 Hornet banking away from with some seats on the side.’” eral public. Just ask 2nd Lt. Heather Arehart, the crowd at full afterburner, or as authen- In the warm and dimly-light boom pod who just finished pilot training. Being a role tically as a P-51 Mustang tailing a Japa- area at the back of the plane, he answered model for young girls doesn’t bother her nese Zero. Actually, it didn’t fly at all dur- questions and showed photos of in-flight though. ing the Cleveland Air Show last Labor Day refueling, explaining the 121st’s core mis- “I love it when I hear moms telling their weekend. Nonetheless, hundreds, if not sion. daughters, ‘See honey, you can be a pilot thousands, waited in line to tour it—a sleek, “They see the pictures and it brings too—she’s a girl.’” gray KC-135 Stratotanker from Columbus’ some reality to it,” he said. She eagerly told them about what it’s like 121st Air Refueling Wing. The boom pod sits below floor level and being a female pilot, as well as the benefits Members of the 121st were on-hand act- is where a boom operator like Semeraro lays of being in the Guard, like paid college tu- ing as tour guides—helping spectators down and operates the boom (the long, ition. understand the classic bird’s mission. cylindrical device protruding from the back What air show faithfuls couldn’t do that “‘What airplane is it and what does it of the plane, where planes connect to get day was see the plane in action—watch it do?’ is the first question they ask,” said refueled). fuel another while traveling at hundreds of Maj. Bill Roach, a pilot for the Columbus He explained that the plane can transfer miles per hour, thousands of feet off the unit. When he explained that the KC-135 about 1,000 gallons a minute, but that can ground. That privilege came to a few fortu- gasses up other aircraft while airborne, vary, depending upon the type of plane nate Civil Air Patrol kids earlier last sum- many civilians were surprised. being refueled. The aircraft can hold 200,000 mer.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 7 Going on a refueling mission Glossy wooden floorboards hid fuel blad- Back at Rickenbacker Air National Guard ders below. Base in Columbus, the home of the 121st, a Once the captain gave the OK, curious HISTORY OF AIR REFUELING group of local Civil Air Patrol youth rang- kids dressed in fatigues and combat boots 1918 Lieutenant Godfrey L. Cabot, a U.S. Navy ing from ages 10 to 16 sat in an auditorium walked with cameras up and down the Reserve pilot, began snaring bags of sand posi- listening to a pre-flight safety briefing by length of the aircraft with emergency oxy- tioned on floats as a test of the viability of putting fuel gen bottles dangling from their shoulders. boom operator Master Sgt. Paul Emler. Be- on ships in such a way that aircraft could grab it on ing careful not to talk over their heads, he The plane neared the rendezvous point, nonstop transatlantic flights. explained emergency procedures and what where refueler meets refuelee. Emler’s mid-air refueling is all about. friendly demeanor took on a more urgent A wing walker with a five-gallon “Today we’ll be flying over some four or tone as he walked to the end of the plane to Nov. 21, 1921 five southern states, hooking up with a C- the boom pod. It was time to execute the can of gasoline strapped to his back, climbed from 17,” he said. The crew will practice con- mission. He’s the last in a chain of hun- an airborne Lincoln Standard aircraft to a JN-4 necting and disconnecting with the C-17 dreds of support people whose efforts aircraft (biplane) and poured the gasoline into the Globemaster, from the 315th Airlift Wing, made this moment possible. He put on a tank of the second aircraft. This Long Beach, Cali- South Carolina ANG, Charleston. faded blue corduroy baseball cap and went fornia, publicity stunt is considered the first “air-to- The 121st allows groups like the CAP to to work like so many times before. air” refueling on record. ride along on refueling missions. They’re “I’m somewhat superstitious, I never fly called orientation flights, and are given to without it.” No wonder why it’s so worn, in April 20, 1923 Two Army Air Service De groups like ROTC, employers of National his 16-year career he’s logged more than Havilland DH-4Bs performed the first in-flight hose Guardsman and civic leaders. Such flights 5,000 flying hours. contact. were suspended after 9-11 and only re- Emler said that refueling can get to be pretty routine until energetic visitors like sumed during the summer of 2002. January 1929 In a test of both the practical value After waves from a metal-detector wand, the CAP members show up. “They make us of air refueling, and crew and aircraft endurance, a appreciate our efforts more,” he said. the kids took a short bus ride out to the modified Atlantic (Fokker) C-2A, the “Question plane and boarded. The jet taxied, took off Just how important is air refueling to the Mark,” established a world duration record of 150 and climbed. The roar of Pratt and Whitney Air Force? turbines filled this grayish-green tunnel, “Air refuelers extend the range of aircraft hours, 40 minutes, and 15 seconds almost 6 days so Emler passed out ear plugs. The stuffy by increasing the amount of time they can of non-stop flying and the equivalent of 11,000 miles. air smelled faintly of burnt jet fuel. Bundles remain airborne and by increasing their of wires and duct work lined the ceiling. payload,” said former Operations Group 1948 SAC (Strategic Air Command) determines Commander Ronald Albers. “They can that the existing hose-type fuel transfer equipment take off light on fuel with more muni- used for air refueling was not compatible with evolv- tions and can refuel once airborne.” ing jet aircraft. Boeing was asked to provide a bet- The Air Force uses two refueling air- ter air refueling system, one that could provide faster craft: the large KC-10 and the smaller flow rates at higher altitudes and higher airspeeds, KC-135. eliminating the need for receivers to decelerate and The 121st ARW provides its services descend to lower altitudes to conduct air refueling worldwide, refueling just about every- operations. thing, everywhere. It has refueled pro- totypes like the YF-22 Raptor off the A B-50 from Carswell AFB, Texas, coast of California and B-1B bombers Feb. 26, 1949 was refueled four times by KB-29 tankers at vari- over the Atlantic heading to the Middle East. The wing has deployed several ous points and circled the globe. The nonstop flight times to Geilenkirchen Air Base, Ger- took approximately 94 hours, covered 23,108 many, to support NATO operations miles, and clearly demonstrated SAC’s long-range and participated in military training ex- offensive capability and highlighted the importance ercises like Northern Edge in Alaska, of air refueling. where approximately 10,000 troops par- ticipate from all over the world. Sept. 1, 1950 The flying boom joined the active Back inside the KC-135, CAP kids inventory on a KB-29P at Biggs Field, Texas. In- waited in line to get a chance to lay troduced by Boeing, it was capable of transferring next to the boom operator as he refu- fuel at three times the rate as the hose-type system, eled the C-17 Globemaster. and at higher altitudes and airspeeds. Looking out the boom pod window, one could see the mighty C-17 slowly Early 1950s Air Force develops two different fly up. It’s the newest cargo aircraft to and incompatible methods of air refueling: the flying enter the airlift force; it’s claim to fame boom method for SAC and the hose-drogue method is landing a lot of cargo on small run- for TAC Unit maintenance personnel inspect the boom of a KC-135 1957 KC-135s began to enter the inventory. refueling aircraft. Photo by 121st ARW Visual Information

8 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 to have a flight evaluation every 17 months. For pilots, they must demonstrate the ability to not only fly the airplane, but accomplish the primary mission—in our case air refueling,” Padro said. “If a pilot passes his evaluation, he’s good for another 17 months. If he fails, then the evaluator pilot gets together with the person’s squadron commander and they design training to correct any deficiencies,” he said. Padro performed some navigational du- ties as well. He eyed a small radar screen, toggling from screen to screen, stopping at one that showed a Doppler radar that he used to scan for any bad weather in the plane’s path. This cockpit has seen some changes in the past few years. Old displays from the 1960s have been replaced by digital ones. The main change is the loss of the naviga- tor position due to a conversion called “Pacer CRAG” in 1999. It allows the air- Photo by SSgt Douglas Nicodemus / 121st ARW craft to fly with just a pilot, co-pilot and A 121st boom operator TSgt Kevin J. Black boom operator. The upgrades meant new refuels a C-5 Galaxy. ible through the boom’s window, started avionics systems which included four mul- creeping back for more practice. tifunctional displays, two flight manage- ways. Air turbulence from the KC-135 shimmied Practice that day, but after 9-11, the unit’s ment systems and color weather radar. Pacer the C-17—only natural when flying at about 400 refueling mission was in great demand. As CRAG derives its name from the program’s mph. Its engines wobbled. The plane came in part of Operation Noble Eagle (ONE), it flew name “Pacer” and the acronym for Com- closer and closer and almost filled the entire four sorties per day, refueling combat air pass Radar and Global Positioning System. window. The pilot’s name tag could almost be patrols over cities on the east and west It’s also known as the “glass cockpit.” read. Boom operator Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cartwright coasts. Does this mean that all 121st navigators pressed a button on a the joy stick and a metal- “The 121st flew nearly 27 percent of all have been retrained? Not so, according to lic cylinder slid out from the flying boom. It ONE refueling sorties for the six-month Maj. Douglass Meador from 121st Opera- found a receiving port just behind the cockpit period following Sept. 11, and is still flying tions Support. He said the unit still has 10 of the C-17 and locked in. Cartwright pressed a them today,” said Col. John Tuttle, opera- qualified navigators on staff. another button and began pumping gas. tions group commander, in September. “Three aircrew are needed to fly a mis- The KC-135 carried only 70,000 pounds that In about a nine-month period after the 9- sion,” he said. “However, a navigator could day; 20,000 of that was off-loaded during the 11 attacks, the unit logged more than 3,500 be required for a special mission.” A “navi- mission. flying hours and flew almost 800 sorties— gator suite” can be installed and a naviga- Talk about a reliable aircraft with longevity. about four times more than were flown dur- tor called in for unique missions. The KC-135 started as a commercial 707 pas- ing the same period the year prior. It main- Eleven-year-old Caleb Schaadt stared at senger plane. In 1954 the Air Force purchased tained aircraft on “24-7” alert. During the many of the new Pacer-CRAG cockpit the first 29 of its future 732-plane fleet. The first same time the wing was the lead tanker unit changes. He’s only been in a military air- aircraft was delivered to the Air Force in 1957, for Operation Northern Watch—flying out craft at museums and air shows. the last in 1965. Even though the planes that of Incirlik, Turkey, to maintain the Iraqi no- “Me and my brother want to join the Air the 121st fly are 40-plus years old, they have fly zone. Force and fly F-16s,” he said out of ear- seen numerous modifications and overhauls like shot of the refueling pilots. quieter, more-powerful and fuel-efficient en- Cockpit changes With the in-flight refueling mission so gines. On the other end of the plane, the door pivotal in U.S. military operations, as with Cartwright looked over and said, “hold on.” to the cockpit was open during this orien- ongoing missions Noble Eagle and Endur- Suddenly, the C-17 disconnected and dropped, tation flight. The kids saw the pilots in ac- ing Freedom, as well as the war in Iraq, the shooting out the back. The boom’s fins tion and checked out the many gauges and 121st has entered a new steady state of changed angle, raising it up abruptly. The me- electronic displays, feeding their dreams operations, according to Tuttle. tallic cylinder extracted. What just happened? of someday flying. “The ‘old days’ of one weekend a month Cartwright leaned over calmly and said, “It’s Inside, pilot Lt. Col. Ruben Padro sat in and two weeks for summer camp per year called a breakaway. We practice it often.” the navigator chair, just behind the two pi- are over,” he said. “While the new steady The maneuver sees the KC-135 accelerate lots, writing into a notebook. Being a se- state is not specifically defined, we should and climb while the receiver does the opposite. nior pilot, his job was to evaluate them on not expect our current tempo to go down. It’s done whenever the planes come too close their takeoffs, landings, navigation abili- It is recognized that there is much greater so as to prevent a collision. ties and those breakaways. capacity in Guard units than has been real- The C-17, now much smaller and barely vis- “Every crewmember in the Air Force has ized in the past.”n

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 9 Ohio Air National Guard

Airman of the Year

SrA Shelly A. Cruse Information Management Journeyman, 123rd Air Control Squadron, Blue Ash

Senior Airman Shelly A. Cruse graduated with honors from Princeton High School in 1998 and graduated with a 98 percent academic average from the Information Apprentice course. She received both the John L. Levitow Award and the Leadership Award while attending Airman Leadership School. Cruse volunteered both to provide ad- ministrative assistance in support of Operation Noble Eagle and to travel to the 128th ACS, Volk Field CRTC, Wisc. There, she mastered a training database just months after undergoing radiation and chemotherapy after the removal of a brain tumor.

NCO of the Year Sr. NCO of the Year

Tech. Sgt. Joseph E. Onesto SMSgt Kevin M. Gadd Services Craftsman Support Branch Superintendent, 121st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus 121st Air Refueling Wing, Columbus

Tech. Sgt. Joseph E. Onesto joined the 160th Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Gadd joined the 160th Air Refueling Group/160th Services Group in Air Refueling Group in 1991 after active-duty 1992 after serving in support of Operations Desert service as a Communications Specialist. While at- Shield and Desert Storm. In 2000, Onesto was tending Ohio State University, he worked full time hired as a temporary AGR as the Vice Services Readiness Technician with duties in the Base Communications Center until 1993, when the 160th merged with that included Unit Training Manager, Unit Deployment Manager and Honor the 121st. Gadd is currently the Support Branch Superintendent for the 121st Guard Administrator. On Sept. 11, 2001, Onesto immediately activated the Communications Flight where he is responsible for motivating, mentoring and Services Control Center and followed all recall procedures and emergency ac- training communications specialists. He is currently leading two teams which are tions in the absence of the full-time services technician. Onesto participates in augmenting active-duty forces. He also serves as a member of the Air Force many 121st Air Refueling Wing activities including the annual golf outing, Association Advisory Board for Air National Guard Affairs. Gadd is married with the 121st Military Ball, Family Day and Base Honor Guard. two sons, Michael and Joseph.

1st Sgt. of the Year 2nd Lt. of the Year

SMSgt Richard A. Schuller 2nd Lt. Matthew H. Zelnik Security Forces Squadron 1st Sgt. Services Flight Commander 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield 180th Fighter Wing, Toledo

Senior Master Sgt. Richard A. Schuller’s ca- reer began with an active duty-tour at England AFB, La., where he was named Base Airman of In 1986, 2nd Lt. Matthew H. Zelnik joined the the Month. He was promoted below-the-zone 160th Security Police Flight in Columbus. In to sergeant and later was named Base Airman of the Month and Base Airman addition to his security duties, Zelnik served as a professional military education of the Year at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Schuller joined the 179th Security instructor with the Noncommissioned Officer Preparatory Course, Airman Lead- Forces in 1982, serving as Law Enforcement Flight Chief and Resource ership School and the NCO Academy Distance Learning Program. He earned a Protection Manager, and he was recently promoted under the Exceptional bachelor’s degree from Regents College in 1996. Zelnik was commissioned in Promotion Program. Schuller volunteered for the 1996 Olympics, Opera- February 2001 and was recognized as Distinguished Graduate from the Air Na- tion Buckeye Express and the Base Honor Guard, and he also serves his tional Guard Academy of Military Science. Zelnik and his wife, Penny, have local church and the Richland County Emergency Management Agency. two young daughters, Madison and Marissa.

10 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 OHIO’SOHIO’S Ohio Army National Guard Soldier of the Year SPC Raymond L. Nagley Carpentry and Masonry Expert BESTBEST Co. C, 216th Engineer Battalion Walbridge The best soldiers, airmen, noncommis- sioned and junior commissioned officers in the Ohio Army and Air National Guard were Spc. Raymond Nagley knew early on that he selected and announced earlier this year. wanted to be a soldier in the Ohio Army Na- The people chosen were deemed among tional Guard. Between his junior and senior years in high school, Nagley graduated as the Soldier of the Cycle from Basic the best and brightest in their career paths Training. At his Advanced Individual Training, he was named honor from among the 15,000 men and women in graduate, earning the Commander’s Award for Excellence and a Physi- the Ohio National Guard. cal Fitness Badge. Currently, he is a freshman art student at the University

of Toledo, where he hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in order to teach.

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Army Guard changes state NCO of the Year SGT Robert A. Scott ‘Soldier of the Year’ board Tank Commander Co. C, 1-107th Armor Battalion The State Selection Board for the First U.S. Army’s Noncommis- Stow sioned Officer (NCO) and Soldier of the Year Awards Program expe- rienced significant changes in 2002. In addition to the traditional personal appearance board that was standard through 2001, nomi- After serving on active duty for five years, nees were required to participate in an Army Physical Fitness Test during which time he performed peacekeeping (APFT) and a hands-on Common Task Training (CTT) test. They missions for the United Nations in Bosnia and were required to wear a Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) with field gear, Haiti, Sgt. Robert A. Scott joined the 1-107th an Army Physical Fitness uniform and a Class A dress uniform for Armor Battalion. In addition to his many achievements, such as earning a their participation in the selection board process. The program was Presidential Unit Citation, Scott received the Ohio Distinguished Service Medal conducted at Beightler Armory on Dec. 14. for saving another’s life by performing the Hiemlich Maneuver. He was instru- Master Sgt. Pamela Gray, assistant to State Command Sgt. Maj. mental in writing a pre-basic training program for the 1-107th, which is being Craig R. Huffman said the all-day event started at 7 a.m. with the implemented statewide. He is currently working as a Strength Maintenance APFT, continued with breakfast, then half of the nominees pro- NCO in the Cleveland area. ceeded to the personal appearance board and half proceeded to the CTT. After lunch, the nominees switched and completed the board requirements by 4:30 p.m. win....I want to set them up for success,” he added. Gray also noted the tasks nominees were tested on were taken In addition to the personal appearance board, the APFT and the from the state-issued 2003 training year CTT list. The nominees CTT portions of the selection board, the First Army West competi- were given the opportunity to study up on three of the tasks– tion also requires nominees to complete an Individual Weapons “Perform First Aid to Prevent or Control Shock;” “Protect Yourself Qualification. from Chemical/Biological Contamination Using Your Assigned Pro- Huffman was concerned with making the changes to the process tective Mask;” and “Issue a Warning Order Resection.” “Employ a at first, but ended up being “very pleased” with the end result. He Claymore Mine” was a task given to the nominees without notice. said the process was challenging and would create success for Gray said the new selection board process allowed 200 possible Ohio’s NCO and Soldier of the Year as they moved on in the compe- points to be obtained by the nominees. One hundred possible points tition towards the First Army Board in Atlanta later this year. could be obtained in the board questions portion, 50 points from “The competitors were hyped up. They were excited by the bearing and appearance, 30 from the APFT and 20 points from the changes and how it was conducted,” Huffman said. CTT. She also said the AGR and traditional boards were combined “The overall assessment of the process by the nominees is that in 2002 allowing for one State NCO and Soldier of the Year among it was more competitive, they got to meet the competition and it full-time and part-time Ohio Army National Guard servicemembers. created esprit de corps among themselves,” Gray said. The state command sergeant major said the changes were made Huffman was also impressed by the quality of competitors ap- to the state selection board in part to make the process more com- pearing before the 2002 State Selection Board. “If we had a squad petitive and battle-focused. with those individuals, we’d have the best squad in the whole “I wanted to bring the Ohio Army National Guard more in line Army,” he said. SGT BOB BARKO JR / HQ STARC (-) with the First Army West NCO and Soldier of the Year Boards,” Huffman said. “I want our soldiers to have a chance to compete and

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 11 MaintainingMaintaining itsits

Fall Tornados ment a much-needed break. We could not Nearly 100 Ohio National Guardmembers have recovered without them,” Brown said. were called to state active duty to help local Estimates compiled by the American Red agencies recover from rare fall tornados that Cross in Ohio indicate more than 500 homes swept through northwest Ohio Nov. 10, kill- were damaged by the tornados and 171 were ing five people. destroyed. President Bush declared six Guardmembers from Alpha Company, 612th northwest Ohio counties disaster areas, Engineer Battalion, St. Mary’s, reported to making victims of the tornados eligible for Van Wert on Nov. 11, assisting both county federal aid. Of the 17 Ohio counties affected and Ohio Department of Transportation work- by the storms, Hancock, Ottawa, Paulding, ers in debris removal. Two days later, soldiers Putnam, Seneca and Van Wert suffered the from Charlie Troop, 2-107th Cavalry Squad- brunt of the damage. ron, Sandusky, were activated to assist the Gov. Bob Taft and Ohio Emergency Man- Ottawa County Sheriff, the Port Clinton Po- agement Agency Director Dale Shipley lice and the Catawba Island police in traffic toured the state soon after the tornados hit control and security of the tornado-damaged to survey the carnage they caused. Taft areas. vowed to assist Ohio citizens as much as “Soldiers that provided support are from possible. SrA Elizabeth Slater / 180th Fighter Wing the affected areas. They know the commu- “I want to assure the people impacted by ABOVE: Soldiers from Alpha Company, nities and feel a deep sense of pride in their the tornado that I will do everything within 612th Engineer Battalion, assist with mission,” said Maj. Gen. John H. Smith, Ohio my power to help them recover and rebuild hazardous material clean-up. BELOW: adjutant general. as soon as possible,” Taft said. “I also want Soldiers retrieve bags of mulch after a Port Clinton Mayor Tom Brown said he ap- to commend the people in the hard-hit com- tornado leveled the engineer maint- preciated the help of the Ohio National Guard. munities for coming together to help each enance building in Van Wert County. “The men of Troop C gave our law enforce- other in this tragic time.”

Lori King / The Toledo Blade

12 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 DualDual MissionMission

As the nation continues to fight the global war on terrorism both at home and abroad, the Ohio National Guard remains committed to both its federal and state missions. Even with many units de- ployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle MSG Bob Mullins / 196th MPAD and Enduring Freedom, Members of the 216th Engineer Battalion cleared roadways in Scioto County after winter storms downed or damaged about 40 percent of the trees in the area. Buckeye guardmembers more than 15,000 people were without utili- responded to the state’s Winter Storms ties. Advance recon teams from the Guard In February, more than 200 members of the surveyed the damage and had a plan in call for help, providing Ohio National Guard were mobilized to assist place when the main Guard elements ar- in recovery efforts in southern and eastern Ohio rived. After initial safety briefings, each much-needed assistance counties as a result of winter storms that struck battalion increment split into several the state over the President’s Day weekend. teams, each focusing on priority areas during weather emer- Elements of two engineer battalions from the first. Each team was accompanied by a gencies in November Ohio Army National Guard responded to a call medic in case of injury. for help from southern Ohio. During a mid-Feb- “We basically had to go in with chain and February. ruary storm, Lawrence and Scioto Counties re- saws and MW24C front-end loaders and ceived freezing rain which coated the trees in cut a path through the trees that had the area with up to an inch and a half of ice. blocked the roadways so that emergency Rural roads in the area—mostly narrow and and power company vehicles could move hilly—were impassable because of trees which around,” said 1st Lt. Eric Norton, execu- had snapped or been uprooted by the weight tive officer for B Company, 612th Engineers. of the ice. Local township trustees surveyed Officials in hard-hit areas of southern the damage and put out the call to county offi- Ohio estimated that at least 40 percent of cials for help. Soldiers from A, B and HHC of all trees were either down or had been dam- the 216th Engineer Battalion began recovery aged. Complicating the matter were sev- efforts in Scioto County Feb. 20, fewer than 24 eral miles of power lines that had been hours after receiving tasking from the Ohio knocked down by trees. Emergency Management Agency. A second “All troops showed perseverance, dedi- request from emergency management officials cation and a ‘can-do’ attitude throughout brought 62 soldiers from Companies A, B and this clean-up mission,” said 1st Lt. Dan C of the 612th Engineer Battalion to Lawrence Courtemanche, B Company commander, County on Feb. 22. 216th Engineers. The 216th cleared a total “We saw what had happened and knew it of 80 miles of township roadways in Scioto MSG Bob Mullins / 196th MPAD would be too big an undertaking,” Symmes County and also aided Jackson County. Guard engineers cleared rural Township Trustee Donnie Myers said. “We The 612th cleared more than 18 miles of roadways by cutting and had just begun to clear a few roads when the township roadways before mission’s end. removing fallen trees. Guard arrived.” Temperatures hovered below freezing and Continued 8

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 13 Dual Mission

7 Continued from page 13

In Eastern Ohio, the Air National Guard’s 200th RED HORSE Squadron, Port Clinton, joined forces with several emergency teams af- ter a severe winter storm dumped about 27 inches of snow in the Ohio River ba- sin. Fear of flooding due to ice-jams and an overwhelm- ing number of impassable roads resulted in a desperate need for manpower and equipment in several coun- ties. The storm began the morning of Feb. 16, and Belmont County Commis- sioners declared a state of emergency two days later. The governor’s office re- sponded quickly to the call of emergency and nearly 70 airmen were immediately activated. The squadron’s main task was to remove snow so that local residents could get out of their homes. “There are a lot of rural areas in need of assistance,” said Tech. Sgt. Steve Lindo, 200th Red Horse crew leader. “We have a big job to do...helping the com- munities is what we do.” The large deposits of snow left thou- sands of residents stranded. “Their effort is greatly appreciated,” said Nancy Lofton, Blaine Township resi- dent. “Going anywhere in this snow has been a nightmare, I am so happy to see these guys making such an improve- SGT Jessica McMillen / 196th MPAD ment.” TOP: Members of the 200th RHS remove According to Deployment Liaison Of- snow from rural areas to prevent ficer Lt. Col. Edgar Thompson, without flooding. ABOVE: Heavy equipment the squadron’s assistance, it could have operators clear snow from roadways. taken local officials up to 10 times as long RIGHT: SrA Chris Waynar, along with to clear the roads and prevent any pos- other unit members, worked 12-hour sible flooding. The unit cleared nearly days to get the job done. 600 miles of roadway during their week- long deployment, working 12-hour days get back home to their families. Ohio National Guard forces are perform- for several days. “The faster we get done, the sooner ing federal missions in support of Opera- “We’ve been out here since 7 o’clock we can get home,” said Senior Airman tions Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom, this morning shoveling snow and load- Chris Waynar, heavy-equipment opera- when called for this state emergency, we ing it into a dump-truck and then trans- tor. “Luckily we recently obtained new are equally prepared and responding with porting it to a location that wouldn’t equipment, which is making this job a lot ready units,” said Maj. Gen. John Smith, cause a flood,” said Senior Airman James easier.” Ohio adjutant general. Matzek, heavy equipment operator. Guard officials take pride in Ohio sol- The squadron’s days were long and diers and airmen responding to the needs EDITOR’S NOTE: Master Sgt. Bob cold, but they stayed focused on get- of the state. Mullins and Sgt. Jessica McMillen of the ting the task completed so they could “Although more than 15 percent of our 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment contributed to this article.

14 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Grayling a constant in Army Guard ATs

Story by Master Sgt. Bob Mullins and Spc. Chad Menegay 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

hether it’s the first experience for someone fresh out of boot camp W or the last annual training exer- cise of a soon-to-retire guardmember, many soldiers of the Ohio Army National Guard equate “AT” to spending two weeks at Camp Grayling, Mich. Located in central northern Michigan, just outside the town of Grayling, the train- ing site is the largest military installation east of the Mississippi River and the nation’s largest National Guard training site. More than 20,000 soldiers from Michi- gan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois train each year at the site, to include regular Army and reserve units. Deeded to the state of Michigan in 1913, Camp Grayling has seen soldiers train and march off to war for all of the nation’s major engagements in the last 83 years. Many of SPC Chad Menegay / 196th MPAD these troops have been National Guard A member of the 1484th Transportation Company mans a defensive position members. during annual training at Camp Grayling, Mich. During his 42 years of service to the Ohio National Guard, retired 1st Sgt. Barry Galvin at Grayling, others posture in the otherwise cation and deployments. said he spent “many, many” camps at Gray- vacant buildings on post in order to pro- “I like to visit with soldiers and see how ling. vide support as well as command and con- units are improving,” said Bill Willoughby, “Training at Grayling in the early sixties trol. who serves as a civilian aide to the secre- was a test,” he said. “There were no build- “Camp Grayling is a distinct advantage tary of the Army. “The Ohio National Guard ings, just tents, and it was very difficult to to the National Guard,” said Command Sgt. is at such a high level of proficiency, that keep warm during the winter months.” Re- Maj. Robert Jennings, 237th Personnel Ser- it’s being asked to take on the role of ac- gardless of the circumstances, though, vices Battalion. “It’s a training area where tive-duty units.” Galvin said he always loved the training. character and morale come together when According to Brig. Gen. Ronald G. “(Camp Grayling) has been essential to the whole units can be together performing Young, assistant adjutant general for Army, efforts of the National Guard, with its var- their mission. The role of each soldier be- more than 1,300 Ohio National ied environment, to help train and prepare comes defined and each unit also becomes Guardmembers have been mobilized to ac- troops for the future.” an active partner in the success of the tive-duty status since the war on terrorism The terrain features, climate and varied greater picture.” began. facilities that characterize the reservation’s Since 9-11, “homeland security” and Through COI visits, attendees experience 230-square miles provide for every conceiv- “homeland defense” have been added what military life “in the field” is all about. able type of training including artillery and to the military vocabulary, and Last summer, they flew in UH-1 “Huey” he- aviation. servicemembers of all branches were given licopters, ate MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) “Training opportunities are limited only a new reason to exceed training standards. for lunch, rode in humvees and drove bull- by the imagination,” said Col. Greg Wayt, With many of its units activated in the dozers at the engineering sites. They also chief of staff for the Ohio Army National last 18 months, the Ohio National Guard watched demonstrations of advanced Guard. He noted that Camp Grayling is es- has become more aware of its role in world weapons systems such as engineers’ pecially suited for lanes training, combined peace, and training has become more in- cratering charges and the Avenger air de- arms training, gunnery field crafts and ba- tense. Political and civic leaders, too, have fense artillery system. sic soldier skills training. “Collective train- taken more of an interest in learning about “I have more respect for the National ing can be accomplished by any organiza- what Ohio soldiers do. Guard after being here today,” said Valarie tion within the OHARNG at Grayling.” During AT-2002, dozens of “VIPs” vis- Johnson, legislative aide for state Rep. The timeline for each training mission is ited Camp Grayling under the Ohio Guard’s Christopher Redfern and first-time visitor critical because units are limited to a two- Center of Influence (COI) program. These to Camp Grayling. “I got to see what differ- week cycle and many exercises are inter- visits foster awareness of issues unique to ent units do. The experience was locked with other units. While many units the Guard—such as recruiting and reten- wonderful.”n set up in the field immediately upon arrival tion, budget analysis, training needs, edu-

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 15 Battling missions on

Story by 2nd Lt. T. Douglas Kin and Capt. Nicole Gabriel 237th Personel Services Battalion Soldiers from 237th PSB appreciate the value of chemical protective wear after going through the t has long been military doctrine gas chamber during annual training. to train to fight on two fronts simultaneously. The 237th Personnel Services Battalion proved this is, in fact, possible, performing a highly successful Itwo-front annual training at Fort Dix, N.J., last August. Soldiers from the battalion headquarters and the 337th and 437th Personnel Services detachments flew on a C-130 to Fort Dix Aug. 10. The battalion mission was twofold: support the 1079th Garrison Support Unit’s Soldier Readiness Process- ing (SRP) Center operations and simulta- neously conduct a 10-day field training services detachments reviewed soldiers’ exercise. Military Personnel Record Jackets The 237th soldiers provided administra- (MPRJ) for correctness and made needed tive support for the 1079th GSU, which was changes to the DD 93s and SGLVs. They activated last year as a result of the Sept. also inspected identification and medical 11 attacks, processing Servicemember’s alert tags, and created new ones when Group Life Insurance Election and Certifi- necessary. cate forms (SGLV-8286), Emergency Data Over the course of 10 days, detachment cards (DD Form 93), identification tags and personnel processed more than 700 medical alert tags. records for soldiers deploying to Saudi “These forms are extremely important to Arabia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and other deploying soldiers,” battalion commander theaters. One soldier, Sgt. Duane En- Lt. Col. Jane Lengel said. “The SGLVs gland, of the 337th PSD, assisted at the indicate a soldier’s beneficiaries and how Mobilized Unit In-processing Center much those beneficiaries will receive in the (MUIC), the first stop for all deploying event the soldier dies in the line of duty. units leaving from Fort Dix. A select The DD Form 93 indicates whom to contact group of soldiers also performed a special in case of an emergency and who will mission inputting the battalion personnel SPC Harris L. Jenkins / 437th PSD receive a soldier’s unpaid benefits and medical records into the Army’s Medical SPC Darin Hobson, 237th PSB, prepares allowances. If this information is not Readiness Processing System to man a defensive position during a field accurate or up-to-date, it could have (MEDPROS). training exercise. devastating results for a soldier’s family if The detachments rotated between the something would happen to the soldier SRP and a field site, where they con- quartering party operations, setting up a unit while deployed.” ducted collective and individual training. area and establishing a unit defense. The Soldiers from the battalion’s personnel The training included advance and soldiers set up tents and camouflage,

16 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 ONG PSB first to use medical records software The words “missing shot record” have struck fear into the hearts of many a soldier. We’ve all had it happen, either to ourselves or a fellow soldier: You’re in the midst of an annual medical screening or physical, and your coveted shot record comes up “miss- ing in action.” You wince because you know what’s coming next—several painful vacci- nations. Thanks to the Army’s new Medical Readi- two fronts ness Processing System (MEDPROS), that will soon change. In the near future, unit established a battalion operations hardest challenge I have faced in my commanders will have access to their sol- center, ran mess operations from the military experience,” Hoh said. “I diers’ medical readiness status from a cen- unit’s Mobile Kitchen Trailer and dug learned what I didn’t know about what tralized database. two-person fighting positions. In my sergeant did for us.” Soldiers of the 237th Personnel Services addition, soldiers donned their The field exercise also gave the Battalion played a critical role in the future protective masks and tested their NBC new battalion staff an opportunity to of MEDPROS for the Ohio Army National skills in the gas chamber. work together and train on the Guard during their annual training at Fort “The field training was a great Military Decision-Making Process, Dix, N.J,. in August. The 237th PSB served motivator and morale booster,” also known as MDMP. Each evening, as the Army Guard’s test battalion to mea- battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Robert the staff briefed the commander on sure the feasibility of having units input the Jennings said. “Our soldiers performed the day’s training and the SRP’s critical medical information into the data- exceptionally. They really responded administrative and logistical opera- base. positively to the challenging train- tions. In addition to supporting the Soldier ing—despite the intense heat, which The battalion staff briefed its higher Readiness Processing Center operations reached Category V almost every day headquarters’ commanders, 371st and conducting a 10-day field training exer- we were in the field. I couldn’t have Corps Support Group commander Col. cise, the 237th Personnel Services Battalion been more impressed by their perfor- Rufus Smith and then-commander of became one of the first units in Ohio to suc- mance.” 73rd Troop Command, Brig. Gen. cessfully use MEDPROS. Soldiers trained on critical war- Robin Timmons, during two VIP visits. “It’s a big advantage for the soldiers,” fighting skills such as building “Overall, it was just a great AT,” Spc. Mary Cornell of HHD, 237th PSB said. fighting positions, camouflaging Lengel said. “It was an operational and Cornell was one of seven soldiers who en- their self and their equipment, a logistical challenge, but our soldiers tered information from the battalion medical establishing listening and observa- did a super job supporting the real- records into the database. tion posts, processing enemy world mission at the SRP and MUIC, Spc. Bonnie Hoh of the 437th Personnel prisoners of war and communicating completing the MEDPROS mission Services Detachment attended a train-the- via tactical radios. Essential military and conducting a 10-day FTX. And, trainer workshop conducted prior to annual occupational skills were also a training most of all, it was a safe AT. I couldn’t training by Detachment 6. Hoh trained five priority. ask for a better collective training as a 237th soldiers on the system. Junior noncommissioned officers battalion commander.”n The team reviewed the battalion’s medi- and future NCOs trained and devel- cal records to determine which data it could oped leadership skills that will be enter, entered the data and performed a self- critical during wartime. audit to check the accuracy of their work. Spc. Bonnie Hoh was The team processed approximately 200 one of those put into a medical records in less than a week. leadership position during “The MEDPROS mission was challenging annual training. and meaningful training for our soldiers,” “This annual training battalion commander Lt. Col. Jane Lengel was the biggest and said. “It will improve the readiness of our battalion and, ultimately, the state’s readi- ness.” RIGHT: SGT Shelley M. “It was a good experience,” Cornell said. “I Stebbinskolb, 337th learned how to read shot records, and I felt PSD, updates the per- like I did something valuable for my unit and sonnel records of a the state.” CPT NICOLE GABRIEL / 237TH soldier preparing to PERSONNEL SERVICES BATTALION deploy overseas. SPC Harris L. Jenkins / 437th PSD

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 17 PRIORITY #1 FOR S A F E T Y : ALL UNITS DURING ANNUAL TRAINING 237th PSB Soldiers S.E.T. Safety Standard emembering the acronym S.E.T. ends–you must also remove the slack by R(Snap-Extend-Tighten) just may extending the belt and tightening it across save your life, say soldiers of the Ohio the lap. Thus the acronym S.E.T.–Snap, Army National Guard’s 237th Person- Extend, Tighten. nel Services Battalion. During AT, the battalion’s simultaneous “Safety was our top priority during training challenge was to conduct extended annual training,” said Lt. Col. Jane field operations, process mobilizing sol- Lengel, the battalion’s commander and diers’ records and bring soldiers home the person credited with coining the safely. “We were testing the limits of our phrase. “We wanted to make sure each soldiers’ capabilities, but safety was not soldier understood the importance of something we were willing to compromise,” buckling up properly.” Lengel said. Master Sgt. Fred Swartz, the battalion’s “The S.E.T. acronym was something that maintenance NCO, was tasked with edu- could be easily remembered,” Lengel said. cating soldiers on the proper fit of the “And the soldiers had fun with it which lost a soldier this past summer in a humvee belt. “It was surprising how reinforces learning.” humvee accident at Camp Grayling. Ev- many of our soldiers didn’t know how The unit designed a S.E.T. poster and ery indication points to the lack of proper to correctly fit the belt,” he said. plans to put together an entire statewide wearing of the seatbelt as a major reason The belts currently installed in many safety program around the concept, to in- for the soldier’s death. of the humvees don’t perform like those clude vehicle magnets and wallet-size cards. “My goal is to never lose another sol- in civilian vehicles, he explained. There Brig. Gen. Ronald Young, assistant adju- dier, especially in situations that are pre- is no shoulder harness and the belt tant general for Army, was briefed on the ventable. Seatbelt safety, S.E.T., leader- doesn’t automatically tighten across concept and sees a definite benefit. ship and individual soldiers will help keep the wearer. Swartz said that it’s not “It is a proven fact that wearing seatbelts us safe and secure in the future.” CSM enough to just snap together the two saves lives. The Ohio Army Guard family Robert Jennings / 237th PSB Safety Glasses Prevent Tragedy for 2-174th ADA Guardsman

nstead of a surprise party, Sgt. Randy Hebb got the sur- his head. He was also wearing his Army-issued safety glasses. I prise of his life on his 33rd birthday, when a .50-caliber ma- The shaded lenses are not currently an Army-regulated require- chine gun round exploded in his face during annual training at ment for repairmen on the range. Camp Grayling last summer. “Nobody ever made us wear them—I just wore them because Hebb, an Avenger system repairman with the 2-174th Air I like them,” Hebb said. “The directions say they’ll take a .50- Defense Artillery Battalion, was participating in weapons quali- caliber round at 450 feet-per-second. fications training when the explosion took place. “We (Avenger “Those glasses saved my eyes. I’m lucky I had them on,” Hebb repairmen) go out on the line when they’re firing, and if any- said. “I was cut up on top, at the end of my nose, and down below thing goes wrong, we go up there and work on it. Our job (the glasses). Now, we’re all wearing them on the range. I’d say requires us to fix problems as they occur on the range,” he it’s the most important thing now—that, and your Kevlar.” explained. Two days after the accident, Brig. Gen. Kenneth Robinson, According to Hebb, a round was jammed, and they were then-commander of the 16th Engineer Brigade, met with Hebb. using a device to pull the bolt back. “I’ve dealt with the same “We had a very serious incident that could have been life- problem a hundred times before and never had anything like threatening,” Robinson said. “However, due to Sergeant Hebb’s this happen,” he said. “I had one of my guys helping me. He ability to safely perform his mission, he sustained only minor was actually screwing the bolt back. As the bolt was going injuries. That is what I call ‘doing right things right,’ and earned back, it cocked the bolt. Then, with the sear broken, it wouldn’t him both a State Safety Impact Coin and my personal General hold the firing pin back. So the firing pin struck the primer on Officer Flag Coin.” the round while it was not in the chamber. I just happened to Hebb also received a minor lesion on his index finger from the look under, to see if the round was extracting, and that’s when hot round. The medics responded quickly and treated him at the it blew up.” range. “We went right back out there on the line, after they let us Hebb sustained only mild injuries as the round detonated. start firing again,” Hebb said. “I never left the range.” SPC Chad He had his Kevlar helmet on, which provided protection for Menegay / 196th MPAD

18 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 thick cloud of acrid smoke. The smell of burnt powder fills my nostrils and makes my eyes water. I stand and peer over the edge of the foxhole. Someone sends up a green flare and the night is once again illuminated. Smoke is drifting over the battlefield. The report of gunfire in the distance ech- oes through the trees. Through the smoke I can barely make out the dark forms of two advancing fig- ures—their approaching shapes visible only by the light from the flares and the sporadic star clusters being fired into the night sky. I bring my weapon to bear, pressing my cheek against the stock. The advanc- ing soldiers move closer and I can see

CPL Bryan Hockensmith / 1-134th Field Artillery Battalion them clearly now. Twenty yards, now 10, the distance between us lessens with A soldier from the 1-134th Field Artillery Battalion gives a ‘thumbs up’ as he every passing second. rides an M109 howitzer tracked vehicle into the field at Camp Grayling, Mich. I hold my breath; sweat drips from the end of my nose and onto my rifle. They are close now; I can clearly make In the Battle Zone out their facial features and read the writ- ing on their uniforms. I tighten my grip and slowly squeeze the trigger. ‘Reality of war’ experienced during training mission Fire and smoke leap from my weapon. The two soldiers jump, realizing sit in the darkness, the forest surrounds I bury my head into the sand, the night they’ve just been hit. One falls to his me like a fog. Broken moonlight erupts into a torrent of fire and smoke. knees, dead instantly. His body falls to Istreams through the trees. A light mist I look up and see flashes from the two the wet forest floor in a pile. The other hangs just above the ground. squad automatic weapons manning the soldier takes off toward his fighting po- I glance down at my watch and push the bunker. The roar from these belt-fed guns sition. I jump up and take careful aim. I illumination button; it reads 2300 hours. is deafening. Sporadic M-16 fire sparks squeeze off another burst from my M-16, It is my time to move. out from the darkness, briefly lighting up and the fleeing enemy doubles over and I grip my weapon firmly and slowly rise pockets of the darkened woods. Two grinds to a sliding stop. from my position. As I creep forward, I flares explode overhead, turning the night Everything is quiet, hell has come and can see the other members of the team on into day. gone, and the forest has returned to its either side of me. Their silhouettes I pop a purple smoke and heave it to- peaceful serenity. Suddenly in the dis- against the moonlight make them look like wards the bunker. It explodes and spews tance a shout goes out: “CEASE FIRE!” ghostly figures floating through the forth a cloud of cover. I jump up and take It’s over. The dead soldier at my feet woods. off into the darkness. The limbs and stands and heads back toward the source Every step I take is with caution. Avoid- branches tear at my face and clothes. of the cease fire command. I follow close ing limbs and twigs, I try to keep the That’s when I hear it—a high-pitched behind. The troops assemble in front of noise to a minimum. The crunching of the scream that can only mean one thing: artil- the command post tent and our after ac- leaves under my feet sound deafening to lery. tion review begins. me, shattering the serine stillness of the I turn and hear someone in the distance The soldiers I shot were my friends; night. shout, “INCOMING!” I look to my left the ammunition we fired were blanks; The darkness of the forest stretches and see an abandoned foxhole. I drop to and the artillery was done with simula- out in front of me. the forest floor and roll into it. tors. The knowledge gained, however, Suddenly, from nowhere, a light illumi- It is deeper than I thought, and I fall was very real. nates everything and a high-pitched about four feet to the sandy bottom. I whistle pierces my ears. land with a thud and the air previously EDITOR’S NOTE: Cpl. Bryan In a moment of terror I realize that I inhabiting my lungs takes an instant va- Hockensmith, public affairs representa- have sealed the fate of the entire team. I cation. tive for 1-134th Field Artillery Battal- have hit a trip flare and completely given Overhead the whistling stops and for ion, wrote this article based on one away our position. a split second I think it’s a dud. Then the training mission that took place during I look up and can see clearly now from compression hits me, followed by the Operation Vigilant Dragon, the the light of the flare. Fifty yards in front deafening sound of the explosion. battalion’s annual training period at of me is a bunker. I hit the dirt and, just as Sparks fly everywhere followed by a Camp Grayling, Mich., in July 2002.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 19 371st Corps Support Group readies soldiers for battle in the desert AATTACK ON MOHAVIA By Master Sgt. Bob Mullins 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

oldiers from the Ohio National Guard deployed last sum- mer to the country of Mohavia, where hostile forces of a Sneighboring country presented a serious threat to U.S. al- lies. Tennessee’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment was called to fight the enemy forces, and Ohio’s 371st Support Group was tasked with providing logistical support. Though “Mohavia” exists only on paper and the scenario was completely staged, the training that took place at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, Calif., was for keeps. Four major battles took place between the 278th ACR and the opposing forces during the two-week exercise. The challenge for the 371st, however, started well before and lasted long after the hostilities took place. Support of the combat forces only can be Rigorous inspections took place on all pieces of equipment accomplished with a successful pre-deployment plan, the actual before being sent to the staging area. deployment of assets and re-deployment to home station upon completion of the mission. Unlike past operations, the 371st CSG Headquarters was lo- The 371st, headquartered in Kettering, was responsible for pro- cated many miles from Fort Irwin, making the training experience viding the friendly forces with all the necessary equipment, ra- even more realistic. tions, maintenance, fuel, water, ammunition, medical and person- Each base of operations was secure, and a tactical environment nel support. existed during the entire rotation. Simulated casualties were a daily Support group personnel supervised the arrival of 278th ACR reality, making it necessary to replace lost soldiers. Demonstra- equipment, which was delivered by railcar and flatbed trailer. This tors, suspicious packages and frequent irregularities provided a was offloaded and transported 41 miles to the staging area, where constant requirement for the attention to detail from all soldiers. inspections were performed to ensure that all equipment was mis- Late night and early morning meetings were a necessity for up- sion-ready. The list of necessary vehicles—some drawn from pre- dates and assignments to ensure that support was sustained and positioned assets at Fort Irwin—included 1,968 wheeled and 433 adequate. tracked vehicles. Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System “This training experience has made each and every soldier more (MILES) and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) transmitters and technically and tactically proficient in the conduct of our duties,” radios were installed on the entire inventory in order to track and McHenry said. “It is essential that we continue to participate in monitor every soldier and each piece of equipment. future CTC exercises.” “Soldiers who have never had the opportunity to deploy to Operation Cardinal Strike, as it was dubbed, involved more than another theater of operations now have a better idea about the 5,800 National Guard soldiers from Ohio and Tennessee, as well as roles and responsibilities of a corps support group,” said Col. California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Maryland, Iowa and Alabama. In Michael McHenry, then-commander of the 371 Corps Support addition to the 371st, other Ohio units included the 737th Mainte- Group. A total of 305,380 pounds of ice was distributed, 26,550 A nance Battalion, 372nd Maintenance Company and the 1485th meals, 7,200 Heat-and-Serve meals and 239,448 Meals-Ready to Transportation Company—all of which have since deployed in Eat (MRE) were served during the operation. support of Operation Enduring Freedom.n

20 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Mission of mercy becomes benchmark for Guard

By 1st Lt. Shannon Scherer “We saw 100 people within the first 179th Airlift Wing hour,” said Tech. Sgt. Shane Sterner, labo- ratory technician. They treated almost 300 hile the Central American country children a day and radio announcements of Belize may be praised for provid- helped spread the word that help was avail- Wing free healthcare to its 250,000 resi- able. dents, a tight $9.2 million health budget “This is a good thing; it feels good,” and poor economic conditions makes it Sterner added. tough for most nationals to obtain proper A few problems did arise during the de- medical care. ployment to include low amounts of ecoli Last summer, members of the 179th Air- in the local water supply, but the language lift Wing Medical Squadron tried to close barrier proved to be the most frustrating. the gap by deploying 47 medical person- Though five squadron members spoke nel who were prepared to conduct basic Spanish fluently, a few locals offered to triage, medical examinations, dental, optom- help translate for them. etry and audiological care, and provide Antonio Perez came for treatment on the health and wellness services as well as dis- first day and came back as a translator af- pense medications as necessary. ter that. “I like to help and like to be able to “We are limited in our knowledge and help my people,” he said. our medications,” said Majorie Parks, Providing assistance in a real-world situ- from the Belize Ministry of Health. “This ation seemed to appeal to most, if not all, exercise allows people the chance to see members of the squadron. doctors and get medications (when they) “I’m glad this was my first deployment,” otherwise might not have had that op- said Senior Airman Marianne Wilson, medi- portunity.” cal technician. “I’ve heard the other de- While the Guard has supported ployments are just training...I’m glad we MEDRETEs (medical readiness training ex- came here so I can actually provide medi- ercises) in impoverished nations for years, cal care.” this was the first time for the medical pro- For the most part, the treatments were fessionals from the 179th. And they did so nothing out of the ordinary dental extrac- with flair, taking it upon themselves to ar- tions, vision problems, and treatment for rive better-equipped than any unit has in lice and worms. However, the unit’s dental the past. TOP: LtCol Richard Byrom conducts a professionals did perform a procedure be- “Most units deploy with $30,000 in medi- dental exam with the assistance of SrA lieved to be a “first” for the National Guard: cations and supplies,” said Senior Master Chris Varney. ABOVE: The 179th treated the application of temporary sealants to Sgt. George Velez, MEDRETE team chief. nearly 300 children each day during help limit future tooth decay. “We brought $300,000 worth.” their deploment to Belize. “Other Guard units wrote in their after The impressive fact is the 179th received action reports (that) they wished they only $33,000 from 12th Air Force, the com- More than 8,000 eyeglasses were do- could have done this treatment,” said Col. mand and control headquarters for all medi- nated as part of Operation Cyclops and Ronald Stanich, squadron commander and cal squadron readiness exercises. The rest from VOSH Ohio, Volunteers in Optometry dentist. “So Lt. Col. Richard Byrom (den- of the supplies and medications were added to Serve Humanity and more than 5,000 tist) came prepared with a plastic bonding through donations and the work of Tech. toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste material. This is the first time we know of Sgt. Tom Koehler. were donated as well. The unit deployed that a Guard unit has been able to do this.” Koehler prepared for the deployment for all this along with vitamins, combs, hear- Byrom brought enough material to treat three months, working with local Mansfield ing aides, a 450-pound dental chair and at least 100 children. He also brought items companies, churches, national pharmaceu- nearly 1,000 toys and books to give to the donated by Med Central as well as equip- tical companies and non-profit organiza- local children. ment loaned to the unit by Ashland Dental tions to raise the additional materials. The 179th Medical Squadron Logistics Clinic. According to Byrom, most units are “I called Heart-to-Heart and Interchurch Flight—otherwise known as the Med-Log not equipped to deploy drills, suctions, Group, along with Med Central Health Sys- Dogs—prepared, packed and palletized 15 compressors and other needed materials. tems, Riverside Hospital, Benco Dental and tons of equipment for shipment to Belize Through the outpouring of community Toytime to donate items,” Koehler said. “I on a C-130 Hercules. Two aircraft delivered support, the 179th was able to exceed the could have gotten more, but I just wasn’t the equipment and personnel on July 26 amount of aid normally provided during sure what to bring.” and brought them home on Aug. 10. humanitarian missions. Members of the 179th tried to determine The number of patients treated and pro- “I hope we are setting the standard for what was needed based on the after action cedures performed totaled more than 6,000 other units that follow us,” Stanich said.n reports of units who participated in past for the squadron during the two-week MEDRETE exercises. stretch—well above expectations.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 21 LTG Gen. Roger C. Schultz As director of the Army National Guard, Schultz guides the formulation, What is the condition of Army National Guard end- development and implementation of all Qstrength (personnel manning) and readiness, today? What are programs and policies affecting the Army National Guard. He assumed this the main challenges the ARNG faces in terms of retention and im- position on June 1, 1998. Prior to this proving readiness, especially with the increased likelihood of more assignment, Schultz served as the units being deployed stateside and overseas? Deputy Director for Military Support on We are right at 348,500, so we are very close to the target that we the Department of Army staff and A need to be by the end of the year. The target is 350,000. Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa An ongoing challenge is to schedule the predictability of master re- National Guard. quirements. When will units deploy? When will they come back? How long are they going to be home before perhaps being asked to serve again in a deployment mission? So I think that is the challenge— outline enough predictability in the schedule so that soldiers, families An Interview with and employers today understand the requirements. What are the main roles of the National Guard in today’s na- Qtional and global defense strategy? How has 9-11 and the subse- LTG Roger C. Schultz quent War on Terrorism affected those roles? Do you see the National Guard’s role expanding over the next few years? Will today’s Na- tional Guard force be able to handle additional areas of responsibil- What are your expectations and goals for today’s Army ity and duties? QNational Guard members, and how well do you think soldiers are meeting them? The Sept. 11 attacks have altered our nation’s focus...our A nation’s security focus...our nation’s military focus. And, accord- Expectations and goals for the Army National Guard ingly, the attacks have altered our National Guard focus. By that I A today are to meet, satisfy and accomplish our nation’s mean we are looking more closely at defense of the homeland. What military defense requirements. The Army National Guard is does that mean? Well, we have thousands of units around the Guard accomplishing every one of the tasks that we have been as- today, many are on active duty. We have thousands of soldiers around signed. the Guard today, many of whom are on active duty. So the message in terms of the September 2001 attacks, as it translates to what we are What are the main things that National Guard leaders doing today, we are still carrying on that mission. It has altered our Qat the state and national level must do for their sol- nation and our focus in this journey. So the Guard responds to our diers? Have you noticed things that leaders need to be do- nation’s military defense needs by serving at home and by serving in ing that aren’t being done currently, or areas for improve- deployed theaters. ment? I think the Guard is ready for expanding roles—new missions. Emerg- Leaders at the state level and national level need to look ing requirements that perhaps haven’t even been fully described yet. A after soldiers—need to care for soldiers; need to look So the Guard is fully prepared to adjust, to change, to begin anticipat- after our families—need to care for families. It is kind of a ing requirements of the future. So far we have satisfied the mission special way today with the deployment schedules that we all demands that we have been assigned—we the soldiers, the units across have. We also need to look after our employers—I am talking the Guard—now deployed around the world. about those that employ our members of the Guard. As you For example, the Army National Guard had soldiers and units in 84 know, most of our soldiers don’t serve full-time on active countries around the world last year—some on contingency opera- duty. tions, some for forward-deployed missions and some for combat mis- So the essence of my message to the leadership has al- ways been and will continue to be to care for soldiers. Look after them. Challenge them. Prepare them for their mission and, in a significant way, that means preparing them for war. My sense is that leadership across the Guard is really do- ing very well. Are there areas that we can improve? As far as I am concerned there are always areas we can improve. Com- munication is one. What is going on? What do we expect? What are the standards? What are the tasks? What are the areas that need some attention before a unit would deploy, for example, on short notice? So with or without significant—meaning extended—prepa- ration time, the question for the leadership in the Guard today is “How ready are we?” And that is the challenge we have.

My focus for the leadership is: Get your units ready. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

BY SPC HARAZ N. GHANBARI ✦ HQ STARC (-) MajGen John Smith and LTG Roger Shultz ‘talk shop’ over dinner.

22 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 sions as well. So my sense is the Guard is prepared to respond to the emerging missions. Without a doubt, soldiers are very, very capable in the Guard today—extremely qualified. ENGINEERS HAVE A BALL On Jan. 11, an active-duty officer took charge of the Ohio Army QNational Guard’s 2-174th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, lo- cated in McConnelsville. What are your views on integration and what it can do as part of the Total Army concept? Well, today we refer to the Army as an organization that is fully A integrated. When I talk about Lieutenant Colonel (Lorenzo) Mack, he has now joined the Ohio Guard. So while he was an active compo- nent soldier prior to his arrival in Ohio, he is now a member of the Ohio Guard and will serve as the commander of that battalion during his tour here. The significance of what went on there...at that change of com- mand ceremony, is it (was) history in the making in Southeast Ohio. It has to do with a soldier coming off active duty with a career of air defense related experience assignments. He is now arriving at that battalion, without a doubt, qualified to lead that battalion. LTC Joe Knott presents an Ohio flag to LTG Roger Not a thing (will change) in terms of the battalion’s priorities. So Schultz at the 216th Engineer Battalion Military Ball. integration is another step in the journey—this is soldiers across the components of the Army getting to know one another—developing a sense of trust and confidence in one another and our skill and irector of the Army National Guard Lt. Gen. Roger C. Schultz ability to perform against all kinds of odds and adversity. In peace- took time out of his schedule to attend the 216th Engineer D Battalion’s first military ball, held Jan. 11 in Columbus. time and in war, have the battalion ready. Hosted by Lt. Col. Joseph L. Knott, commander, 216th Engineer What has been the best part/most memorable aspect of your Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Verna Henderson, battalion Qtenure in the Guard and/or as director? command sergeant major, the group gathered to reflect on past accomplishments while looking to future mission possibilities. Most memorable is noncommissioned officers looking after me The battalion’s lineage dates back to March 24, 1942, during Awhen I was young. I will complete 40 years here (in February), World War II when the 216th’s parent unit, the 14th Ordinance but that is not the point. It is not about me. What is significant about Battalion was constituted. The unit was awarded the Meritori- it is I finished my first three years. That is NCOs looking after a ous Unit Commendation for their efforts in the European The- young soldier who needed some help—needed a little counsel, needed ater including campaigns in Normandy, North France, Rhineland, a mentor, needed to be guided some. Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe, New Guinea, Air Offensive- That is the strength of the Guard. Soldiers in the ranks, well led. Japan, Guadalcanal, North Solomons and Luzon. That is what makes the Army special today. The theme “Soldiers on The battalion was redesignated as the 38th Ordinance and point for the nation.” Every person makes a difference is what I am allotted to the Ohio Army National Guard on Aug. 14, 1946. The talking about. That is the essence of the message, serving this na- unit was redesignated on Sept. 1, 1959, as the 216th Engineer tion after all. And those citizens who we serve expect nothing less. Battalion. Regardless of rank, what can each individual guardmember Having the mission of providing general engineering, with Qdo to help the National Guard prosper and successfully per- limited mobility, counter mobility and survivability tasks, the unit form its ever-expanding missions? If you could leave today’s deployed earlier this year to the Republic of Panama. While in- guardmembers with one piece of advice, what would it be? country, the unit’s mission was to assist in the construction of three schools and three clinics, while providing medical and dental Perform your job. Prepare yourself to do the best that you can. services to Panamanians located in remote mountain regions. AServe with pride. Help others that are less fortunate. Help those Schultz reaffirmed to the battalion that he is keeping his eye around you that perhaps don’t have the skill that you do or perhaps on them. look after a soldier in a new and special way. “What I encourage units to do is to be prepared. Get the team Now as far as my advice for soldiers across the Guard, it would be ready. Know what the mission is. Live the purpose of the unit— to simply prepare themselves for their duty. And when I say that, live the sense of purpose. Families are part of our team, em- what I am really asking them to do is join the team. Be part of the team ployers are part of our team,” Schultz said. “We are rallying to and focus on the mission. Look for ways to make the unit better, the the cause, rallying to the mission, rallying to what we have battalion better, the battery better. It all comes by living the Army before us today—and it is for the Guard to help with our nation values. A piece of counsel from me to soldiers across the Guard— which is at war.” live the values. It starts with loyalty and you walk down that set of After Schultz concluded his remarks, Knott, on behalf of the disciplines. One of the strengths of our organization today—sol- battalion and the Ohio Army National Guard, presented Schultz diers in the ranks. They are the heart and soul of who we are, and they with a framed flag of the State of Ohio. are the reason we get things done and are able to accomplish the mission Knott and Henderson presented several awards to unit mem- we have been assigned. In every case, soldiers in our units have to meet bers, as Schultz participated in personally awarding some of the mission set. What is my message to soldiers? It all starts with you.n them. SPC HARAZ N. GHANBARI / HQ STARC (-)

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 23 Taking it to the Streets

By Spc. Michelle Morgan tank maneuver in combined arms operations, HQ STARC (-) provided these Ohio soldiers with their first op- portunity to perform civil disturbance training he steady thump of batons strik- using force-on-force in a city-like environment Ting shields marked each measured instead of wide-open spaces. step of the formation as it steadily Before the soldiers could take to the streets, advanced toward barricades of broken tri- they spent the morning learning different facets cycles, jagged boards and battered furni- of riot control. Though most of it was consid- ture. Jeering taunts hissed from doorways ered refresher training, the classes included use accompanied by rocks and bottles thrown of a riot baton; correct formations to penetrate over shields. But nothing could stop the or move a crowd; isolating and securing an area; advance of the Ohio Army National Guard. extracting casualties; use of force; use of chemi- Though the rocks were actually large cal agents and gear; and laws about citizen ar- balls of tape and the bottles were empty rest. and plastic, civil disturbance training took Afterward, the rules of engagement were ex- on an entirely new perspective for the sol- plained and the soldiers split into the “good diers of the 1-147th Armor Battalion after guys” and “bad guys.” Only then were they spending a drill weekend at Fort Knox’s ready to put their training to the test. Zussman MOUT (Military Operations in Companies of ‘rioters’ took over two key in- Urban Training) Complex last October. tersections in the city and ransacked the already Civil disturbance training is an annual ravaged buildings, dragging everything from requirement for units with a “street mis- broken refrigerators to battered desks into the sion” in their operations plan, according Soldiers donned in riot gear attempt to streets to create barricades to stop the ‘Guard’ to Maj. Lance Armbruster, battalion opera- penetrate barricades and detain mock from successfully completing its mission. tions officer. “We can’t close down city rioters in a recent civil disturbance While the rioters looted, two civil disturbance streets to train, so this is the first time these exercise at Fort Knox, Ky. teams received last-minute safety reminders be- soldiers have trained in such a realistic en- fore picking up their batons then donning pro- vironment.” citizens would leave behind—battered tective headgear and shields. The situation they Zussman MOUT, a Mounted Urban books and desks in the classrooms; old, were entering was explained and the march be- Combat Training Site (MUCTS), closely torn clothing in the closets; broken toys; gan. resembles a deserted, walled city in a war refrigerators in the kitchens; and cars on The thump of baton against shield and the zone with ravaged houses, an embassy, the roads and in driveways. The walled steady chant of “back, back, back” got the school, soccer arena and various other city, specifically designed to withstand structures, each filled with remnants that

24 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 adrenaline of the crowd pumping before the formation appeared. The mob hurled their rocks, empty plastic bottles and insults in re- taliation. When the Guard formation reached the block- ade, the real training began. Rioters shoved against shields and tried to grab batons when the Guard began clearing a path to advance. Forcing themselves between the soldiers, the protestors did anything they could think of to break the formation. Tension was high even though there was no real fear of physical threat. The Guard had to get the streets cleared, and the mob resisted enough to make the task daunting. “It was hard to hold the line, hard to see what was going on around me, hard to hear commands and follow orders,” Spc. Nicholas Wilcher said. “I know my own guys aren’t go- ing to hurt me (like a real rioter could), but it was still easier said than done.” The first scenario was the simplest: disperse the crowd and detain anyone who was able to Soldiers from the 1-147th Armor Battalion take turns playing good guys and bad break through their ranks. However, to do that, guys in an urban warfare scenario as part of civil disturbance taining. the team had to go through barricades, get past angry rioters and listen for commands through gressed, the missions became more com- the first group’s mistakes,” said Sgt. Rick all of the noise and distractions—all the while plex and the skill of the teams improved. Lee after his company’s first attempt to dis- maintaining formation or switching formations The first civil disturbance teams were perse the crowd. to try to force the crowd to disperse. ready for the toughest scenario yet, se- By the end of the day, the soldiers were “The first time training force-on-force like curing a building where the mayor, his wife exhausted, but confident in their ability. this was harder than it seemed. It gave us a and staff were being held hostage, then “They commented on how intimidating more real-world perspective,” said Sgt. Sean extracting them from an angry mob that it was initially to encounter a group of Daniel. “The next run through we are going to had overrun the city. During the extrac- screaming people who were throwing ob- take more seriously. Not that we weren’t tak- tion, they also had to rescue fellow sol- jects and resisting authority and that ing the training seriously, it just wasn’t as easy diers who had been captured. By the time there was so much noise that they could as I thought it would be.” the mayor and his wife were taken to not hear their squad leaders,” Armbruster Once the crowd dispersed, the civil dis- safety, the Guard had gained confidence said. turbance teams regrouped for a quick After in their leaders and their own ability to “Eventually, the confidence gained from Action Review before they faced the next accomplish the mission. repeated exposure to these high-stress situ- riot scenario. Then it was time to switch. The good ations improved command and control “Initial training needs to be followed up with guys became the angry mob, and the an- (and) enhanced cohesion which allowed subsequent training immediately to correct gry mob suited up as soldiers. the friendly forces to succeed.”n obvious deficiencies,” said Sgt. Trevor Wil- “Being a member of the angry mob be- son. fore they were the good guys helped the That theory was proven as the day pro- second team. We had a good idea of what the mob would do, and we learned from

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 25 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team

TTrainingraining exexerercisescises incorporateincorporate rrealism,ealism, interaginteragencyency cooperationcooperation

Story by James A. Sims II Adj. Gen. Dept. Public Affairs Office

n a sunny, 85-degree day, more than 40,000 patrons including thrill-seekers, families and children have come to Cedar Point, one of America’s premier amuse- ment parks. Many of them plan to get a scare from OOriding “Demon Drop,” one of the park’s main ride attractions. However, lurking just off the northern Ohio shore of Lake Erie are terrorists who have seized control of a ship transporting chlo- rine. Their plan is simple—run the ship aground and detonate it, releasing deadly gas throughout the crowded park. Those who were simply looking for a quick thrill soon find themselves scrambling for their lives. Within minutes of the ex- plosion, more than 5,000 people lay dead on the park’s grounds and several thousand more are experiencing life-threatening pul- monary edema and distress. Nearly 20,000 others would be affected but were able to Photo illustration by Steve Toth / AGOH-PA scramble to safety in the maelstrom, as legions of agencies in- The Coast Guard coordinated the three-day training session, cluding the U.S. Coast Guard, local fire and police and the Ohio the result of a year of planning with the Ohio National Guard, FBI, National Guard’s 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Sup- Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Cedar Point officials. port Team (WMD-CST) team move in to provide assistance. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, disaster training has Fortunately, the scenario that unfolded was not real. It was become increasingly more common among emergency response actually a tabletop exercise to test and evaluate various emer- agencies. gency response components within the Ohio National Guard, the “Two years ago this type of interagency training would have Coast Guard’s Ninth District, National Guard Bureau, FBI, Ameri- never occurred, but since 9-11, no scenario is out of bounds,” can Red Cross, Ohio Emergency Management Agency and the said Col. Jack Lee, deputy chief for military support, Ohio Na- key stakeholder, Cedar Point. “Operation Demon Drop,” aptly tional Guard. named for one of the park’s most popular rides, was conducted Prior to the exercise, the Coast Guard’s Atlantic Strike Team last summer in Sandusky. It was the first time a broad-based provided Incident Command System (ICS) training courses lead- response community from the United States and Canada was ing to certification of more than 50 participants. In addition, the assembled to address the complexities of a WMD attack in the Coast Guard’s Public Information Assist Team (PIAT) provided Great Lakes region. Joint Information Center (JIC) training which conveyed the criti- “This was an excellent opportunity for us to review how local, cal need for providing accurate and timely public information and regional and national resources, in conjunction with the Ohio techniques for efficient media management. National Guard, would respond to a WMD attack,” said Brig. “The level of cooperation and attention to detail needed in a Gen. Ronald G. Young, assistant adjutant general for the Ohio situation like this is incredible. This training has really shown us Army National Guard. where we need to focus our energies,” said Robin Innes, public The goals of the exercise were to discuss federal, state and relations director for Cedar Point. local agencies’ ability to respond to an emergency of such mag- On the day of the exercise, participants were issued either a nitude. Groups looked to identify opportunities to share resources, player or facilitator packet and broke out into their assigned sec- establish communication protocol during emergency events and tions to focus on addressing various critical issues. The facilita- identify jurisdictional boundaries. tors began the exercise by reviewing the scenario and introduc-

26 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Courtesy photo LEFT: An illustration portrays the destruction simulated during “Operation Demon Drop.” ABOVE: A mock disaster at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati requires efforts from local fire departments. RIGHT: The American Red Cross trains to respond to mass casualty incidents. ing questions created to orient the group toward the issues asso- ciated with their respective section. “They have raised some good questions today, now we just have to find some creative solu- tions,” said Benny Higgenbotham, battalion chief with the Sandusky Fire Department, who met with a group in the unified command room where aerial maps of the park and lists of poten- tial resources were displayed. To develop a greater appreciation for the type of direction and support that may be required as regional incident commanders, senior state and federal officials observed the exercise. “It is criti- cal that we work together,” said Maj. Gen. John H. Smith, Ohio Courtesy photo adjutant general. “No one single agency has the resources nec- “Operation Demon Drop was developed to identify issues essary to meet every need.” and address the prospect of responding as one force,” said After the exercise, participants discussed issues that surfaced Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, then-acting chief, National Guard during the event and identified shortfalls. This was an important Bureau, who was on-hand to witness the exercise. first step toward improving the agencies’ collective response ca- “Have we thought of everything? Probably not but we are pabilities. a lot more prepared than before this exercise began.” n

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 27 ChemicalChemical collection,collection, analysisanalysis heartheart ofof WMD-CSTWMD-CST missionmission By Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. HQ STARC (-)

ore than 200 law enforcement, fire, medical and emergency management personnel watched as a convoy of eight Mdark blue vehicles pulled into the parking lot of Victory Research and Development Center, a chemical company with a num- ber of Department of Defense contracts. Camouflage-clad drivers and passengers dismounted, quickly moving into place like the parts of a well-oiled machine. More than one onlooker wondered aloud, “Who the heck are these guys?” “These guys” were team members of the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, who were called on to deal with unknown chemical agents that had been released by terrorists who had broken into the usu- president also were introduced into the sce- ABOVE: A survey team member is ally quiet compound. nario. He noted that these “unknowns” and checked for contamination. TOP RIGHT: Mahoning and Columbiana County their potential adverse reactions with other Chemical agents are analyzed for Emergency Management Agencies deter- chemicals stored at the site made the sce- identification. RIGHT: SGT Noah Bellamy mined the situation had deteriorated be- nario even more realistic. is responsible for setting up internal yond the point of negotiation when the According to unit standards, the 52nd’s and external communications. terrorists killed a hostage and attacked the first entry down range should occur no EMA command post. EMA officials or- more than one and a half hours after the plies the unit’s on-site power with a 15-kilo- dered the county Crisis Response Team edge of the “hot zone” or the area of con- watt generator, enabling bright halogen (CRT)—made up of various local law en- tamination is determined. The first priori- lamps to light a path between the van and forcement departments and the FBI—to ties include setting up both the communi- the team’s operations center. storm the complex. After the CRT secured cations and operations centers. According to Senior Master Sgt. Kelly the building it was further determined that “It’s our objective to be (operational) Ruff, 52nd first sergeant, the ops center the county Hazardous Materials within 30 minutes of site selection,” said keeps a chronological record of the unit’s (HAZMAT) team was not equipped to deal Sgt. Noah Bellamy, the 52nd’s commo NCO. activities, can track weather patterns and with the unknown chemical agents that He worked feverishly to get the Unified project chemical plumes as well as research had been set loose at the scene. Command Suite (UCS) communications van the agents that the unit may encounter in It was the 52nd’s job to collect and ana- up and running in 24 minutes, setting a new order to aid in analysis. lyze samples of the unknown substances unit record. Bellamy explained the van had The ops center stays in constant contact and report their findings to the local au- the capability of maintaining contact with with the survey teams while they’re down thorities. the down-range teams and other groups range via two-way radio, carefully keeping This training exercise, dubbed “Opera- working at the site, and that it also pro- track of the chemical specialists that are the tion Homeland Warrior,” was designed to vided telephone, Internet, e-mail and any heart of the 52nd’s mission. allow the 52nd, the county HAZMAT type of radio communication via satellite Each member of a survey team receives a teams, the CRT and the fire departments uplink. pre-entry physical that determines if they to respond to a situation in a chemical en- “We also have constant commo with are fit enough to don the 50-plus pounds of vironment. Fire Chief James Dorman, inci- Beightler (the state headquarters),” Bellamy equipment that make up the Level A pro- dent commander for the exercise, said said. tective suits worn into the hot zone. The “trade secrets” hidden by the company’s The UCS communications van also sup- equipment includes an air tank, and the suit

28 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 52nd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team

located near the after the samples are collected and ana- building and examin- lyzed hinges on the lab’s findings, White ing the chemical stor- said. age room inside the “We give advice to the incident com- building. mander based on that information. For in- After the briefing, stance, if it’s Sarin, a chemical agent, then the “Homeland War- it becomes an FBI issue because it’s a ter- rior” survey team rorist incident and you’re dealing with a heads into the hot weapon of mass destruction,” White said. zone. Made up of The team works under the incident com- members of the 52nd mander whether it’s a local, state or fed- as well as local eral agency. firefighters, the team “The incident commander on the local looked like they level can call the team directly and either stepped right out of talk to myself or my deputy. We’re the only science fiction movie two that can actually release the team to with their gas moni- respond,” White said. tors, radiation meters, digital cameras and White’s deputy is Maj. David E. Seitz, chemical detection kits. A back-up team who also served as incident liaison dur- stands by in case a survey team member is ing this exercise. “This is a lot more realis- injured or cannot complete the mission for tic than (local law enforcement and fire some reason. personnel) are used to. We try not to take “The initial survey into the hot zone gives any short cuts by training to time, versus the 52nd an idea of what they’re dealing training to standard. It puts a lot of faith with,” said Lt. Col. Scott A. White, unit in the team; (first responders) see how we commander. After the first sweep, the team operate and that is what’s important,” Seitz returns, goes through the decon line, medi- said. cal exam and a back-brief to prepare the next “We do this 24-7 and it pays off. CST’s team traveling into the hot zone, White ex- in general are the only full-time units in plained. Samples would be collected on a the National Guard. It’s one of our second trip, he added. strengths that we don’t have a wartime Sixty minutes passed quickly and the sur- mission,” Seitz said. “It’s good to come vey team soon moved towards the decon out and work with these guys, to work line. with everyone on an exercise before an “Typically you see a wet decon, but we actual incident.” are using a dry decon because the hazard Dorman strongly agreed. was initially identified as water reactive. If “A really good thing about this (exer- you’d spray somebody down and they had cise) is we haven’t worked with our CRT chemicals on their suit, it would burn the before and we haven’t worked with the is completely sealed to protect the wearer suit,” White explained. 52nd before,” he said. “We’re seeing each from the unknown hazards. Once the back brief was completed, a sec- other’s faces for the first time so if this Before the team suits up and enters the ond entry into the hot zone was initiated. really happens, we...won’t be strangers to hot zone, however, they are given a mis- Within an hour, the second survey team each other.”n sion briefing by Army National Guard Sgt. returns with liquid samples of the chemical 1st Class James G. Dyer, the unit’s recon hazard, bringing it to the unit’s Dismounted NCO. Dyer gives the survey team instruc- Analytical Laboratory Platform. This state- The 52nd Weapon’s of Mass Destruction- tions pertaining to general safety in the of-the-art mobile lab contains a database Civil Support Team, one of 32 teams na- hot zone as well as the specific objectives capable of identifying in excess of 200,000 tionwide, is made up of four Air National of this mission. chemicals. The database is pre-set up to Guard and 18 Army National Guard per- “Don’t change the position of the room. identify chemical warfare agents. sonnel. Each member completes more Leave the lights on or off, doors open, etc., “In approximately 20 minutes, it will tell than 850 hours of training and is required and watch out for shock hazards,” Dyer us what we are dealing with,” said White, to stay with the 52nd for three years. Army cautioned. He also gave the survey team who noted lab technicians also wore Level Guard soldiers deny eligibility for promo- four tasks to accomplish during their en- A suits and they would remain at the high- tion through SATP during their tenure with try: setting up an M-22 Chemical Agent est protective level until the hazard could the unit. For more information, call (614) Detector, identifying labels on barrels lo- be identified. 336-6499. cated in the hot zone, checking out a truck The manner in which the 52nd proceeds

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 29 ABOVE: Battery I, 1st Light Artillery, sets up a Civil War encampment at the Veterans Meet. RIGHT: Local Boy Scouts dispose of unserviceable flags at a flag retirement ceremony. Soldiers honored by Newark, weekend-long veterans meet By Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. HQ STARC (-)

he veterans of Licking County were honored last fall when the Newark Bicentennial Commission dubbed the community’s 200th birthday, Sept. T20, “Veterans Appreciation Day.” “If it weren’t for the veterans providing the freedoms for our country and our people, we wouldn’t be 200 years old today,” said then-Newark Mayor Frank Stare during opening ceremonies at Sixth Street Park. Stare gave credit to veter- ans who got involved with community projects and civil organizations after completing their military obligations. “They helped build Newark to what it is today.” The Ohio Army National Guard supported the event by providing a color guard from the 211th Maintenance Company, a performance by the 122nd Army National Guard Band and the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Assistant Adjutant General for Army Brig. Gen. Ronald G. Young. Like the veterans being honored, Young noted that today’s servicemembers are serving in a war to defend the freedoms of our nation. “The events of 9-11 have given rise to a fresh appreciation to those in uni- form,” Young said. “Since September (2001), both young and old have instinc- tively turned to our military as the symbolic, yet very real source of national larger voice under one umbrella to increase the power strength. But sometimes, even in times of national crisis, we overlook the sac- (of veterans) to lobby government.” rifices of those who came before us. Battery I, 1st Ohio Light Artillery, a Civil War reenact- “So, even in the midst of war, we stop to say thank you. Thank you to all ment unit, set up an encampment and cannon emplace- those veterans who have gone before us. Your determination, your readiness, ments at the park, and the 211th helped out once again your willingness to go where you were needed, when you were needed, and by providing tents and a water buffalo for the event. serve, are potent symbols of liberty, justice and hope for freedom-loving people Local points of interest including the Sherwood- worldwide.” Davidson House, Heisey Museum and Webb House Mu- With “Veterans Appreciation Day” serving as a springboard, retired Army seum displayed exhibits that tied into the meet. Buses Master Sgt. Edward L. McDonald rallied many veterans organizations together took participants to the Veterans Appreciation Day cer- for a weekend-long Veterans Meet. Set up at Newark’s T.J. Evans Park, the meet emony Saturday morning, and additional speakers, in- began Friday night and lasted through Sunday. cluding state Sen. Jay Hottinger, addressed the meet’s “This meet was for all veterans living in the state of Ohio and served to unite participants in the afternoon, after they returned to the all of us in a common bond, regarding veterans issues,” McDonald said. “There park. are groups like the Navy Mothers—they have very few members and their “We’ve a had a lot of men and women who have been voice is small—but, if you put them together in a large organization, it will be a willing to sacrifice, put their lives in harm’s way and go

30 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 ABOVE, LEFT: Guardmembers observe presentations during Newark’s “Veterans Appreciation Day,” sponsored by the community’s Bicentennial Commission. ABOVE, RIGHT: Stephen Jett reels in a in large catfish during the Veterans Meet. ABOVE: Veterans attend “Veterans Appreciation Day” activities at the Heisey Museum in Newark. private to the highest general—to join us, because they’re all veterans to us,” he said. Attendees such as Jack Alvis, an 80-year-old World War II veteran, seemed grateful for the recognition and the assistance available to former members of the armed forces. “Thank goodness I never had to kill anybody; it still took me two or three years to get back to (living) something like normal,” said Alvis, who was a machine gunner during the invasion of Normandy. overseas to defend this great country of ours,” McDonald was happy with the turnout, estimating about 200 participants, in- Hottinger said. “In spite of all our problems and cluding many residents from the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. He also was mistakes that we’ve made, we are, absolutely with- pleased with the interaction that took place between all the organizations that out a doubt, the greatest and best country in the attended. “Veterans have a powerful voice, especially when we get everyone to- world. I know all of you have proudly worn our gether,” McDonald said. nation’s colors and defended our flag and for that, I “Our ultimate goal is to combine all of the veterans groups,” said George Healy, say thank you very much.” a Red Cross volunteer and a Korean War veteran. He said the Veterans Crisis and In addition to local and state dignitaries express- Outreach Center of Licking County was also supporting the event. ing appreciation to the veterans, Rocky Rollison, a Troops 2 and 11 of the Boy Scouts of America prepared meals throughout the representative from TRICARE, was on-hand to in- weekend and conducted a flag retirement ceremony Saturday evening. Battery I fired form the group about services available to them. their cannons both evenings, and a POW-MIA remembrance ceremony took place According to Rollison, TRICARE helps veterans Friday night. Recreational activities included observing the various displays, socializ- pay their medical bills—including prescriptions— ing with other attendees and fishing at a nearby pond—all of which helped McDonald and assists with administrative issues related to accomplish his second goal of the meet, “getting to know each other.” social security, Medicare and Medicaid. “We invite “I feel it’s excellent for the first event,” he said, adding that plans have already all current soldiers and veterans—from a no-stripe begun for 2003, scheduled for Sept. 18-21.n

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 31 Buckeye briefs

The Ohio Army National blades and, within moments, the children Guard’s submission was se- could see it flying toward their school. lected as the top entry from 21 “Are they going to land here?” was a ques- other Guard/Reserve applica- tion asked by many of the children as the tions and received $500,000 in UH-1 “Huey” began to circle the field. After May at the ACOE Awards Cer- the copter touched down and the blades emony in Washington D.C. The stopped turning, four soldiers climbed from OHARNG submitted its first the helicopter and were quickly enveloped packet for this competition in in a sea of children. FY02, earning a trophy for 12th Small hands rose into the air to ask ques- place, the title “Rookie of the tions about the inner workings of the Huey. Year” and a $25,000 cash award. Meanwhile, the humvee was guided on to The FY03 win allowed the the field and soldiers led a parade of stu- Ohio Guard to participate in the dents through the vehicle. The students Courtesy photo “Top 10” International, Depart- climbed through doors and stuck their heads Members of the 269th Combat Communications ment of the Army (DA) Compe- out of the turret and rear hatch, getting a Squadron, Springfield, recently celebrated the tition for the same reporting pe- first-hand feel for the military workhorse. unit’s 12th year in partnership with Horace Mann riod. As the national representa- “I want to be a soldier when I get big,” Elementary School. tive of the Guard/Reserve, the was the remark made by more than one stu- OHARNG received a “site visit” Jan. 11-16 dent as they inspected the vehicle. 269th CCS completes 12th year from a team of DA ACOE examiners to “vali- The team, led by Chief Warrant Officer 3 in Adopt-A-School program date and verify” information, facts and data Mickey Cales, distributed the coveted Red Springfield’s 269th Combat Communica- contained in the packet. Ribbons. In a scene tions Squadron recently celebrated its 12th Winners of the DA compe- more akin to a concert year in partnership with Horace Mann Elemen- tition were announced in or a sporting event, the tary School. late March 2003, with the students began to ask During the 2001-2002 school year, eight unit first-place winner earning the team members to members tutored 16 students in reading, spell- $3.5 million, awarded at the sign their ribbons, ing and math. They spent two hours a week Pentagon in May. ACOE pieces of paper and with the students, and concluded the year dollars are predominately even their hands. One with a “Shadow Day” which allowed the stu- expended for soldier “qual- of the young students dents to visit the base and observe their tu- ity of life” programs within remarked he would tors on the job. the organization. have their ribbon lami- Over the last 12 years, unit members have Under the leadership and nated. The soldiers re- participated in various activities to support guidance of Assistant Ad- Courtesy photo minded the youngsters the school. In addition to supporting the jutant General for Army MajGen John Smith (right) to be sure to remember school’s OhioReads tutoring program, unit Brig. Gen. Ronald Young receives the ACOE Award from what the ribbons stood members installed TV brackets, worked the and Chief of Staff Col. Gre- Director of the ARNG LTG Roger for and not to do drugs. Spring Festival, assisted in Olympic Day ac- gory Wayt, the planning Schultz in Washington D.C. SGT BOB BARKO JR. / tivities and set up shelving. and preparation of these HQ STARC (-) The school maintains a bulletin board at packets have been critical to the Ohio Army the unit and hosts “Appreciation Lun- National Guard’s continuous improvement Ohio National Guard leads cheons” for unit members. The partnership program, organizational alignment, and its journey to performance excellence and mission in Panama continues this year, with the time invested National Guard soldiers from across “World Class” status. considered “time well spent.” CMSGT DANIEL MSG LARRY J. HALE / America shed their winter clothes and trav- SCHETTER / 269TH COMBAT COMMUNICA- STATE QUALITY ADVISOR eled south to Panama to participate in New TIONS SQUADRON Horizons ’03 in the western highlands of ONG continues support Chiriqui province. Ohio tops in National Guard, of Red Ribbon Campaign Spearheaded by the Ohio National Guard, A team from the Ohio National Guard’s Joint Task Force Chiriqui constructed schools wins 2003 ACOE award and clinics and conducted medical exercises The Ohio Army National Guard was hon- Counterdrug Task Force visited 12 schools for the rural villagers in the remote mountain ored as the overall winner of the fiscal year throughout the state to distribute Red Rib- area along the Costa Rican border. 2003 (FY03) Joint Guard/Reserve Components bons and deliver the “Freedom is Drug Free” “I’m looking forward to getting the equip- Army Community of Excellence (ACOE) Pro- message to school children. ment out to Chiriqui and getting to work,” gram held in Orlando, Fla. last September. The The Oct. 23 visit to Buckeye Valley West said Capt. Dave Lambert, Joint Task Force ACOE Award is the military equivalent of the Elementary in Ostrander was typical of such Chiriqui logistics officer and member of the Malcom Baldrige Award in the business, edu- visits. Principal Andy Miller and his stu- Ohio National Guard, prior to the deployment cation and healthcare communities, and was dents were treated to an impressive show kick-off. Lambert ensured that all necessary created in 1988 to recognize achievements in as a humvee led the group to the fence sur- equipment, material and supplies to support overall performance improvement within the rounding the school’s athletic field. They more than 500 soldiers for the four-month project federal sector. soon heard the heavy thump of helicopter all arrived at the right place at the right time.

32 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Army National Guard soldiers from 21 Command Chief Conference states deployed to Panama to conduct the held at Lackland last year. exercise. A full-time contingent of soldiers MAJ THOMAS GEE / 180TH stayed for the duration of the exercise, pro- FIGHTER WING viding continuity for others who cycle through. Members of JTF Chiriqui worked Mansfield-based with their Panamanian civilian counterparts to accomplish the projects. company helps 179th For the people of this remote region, Imagine being deployed half- the “thunder” of heavy machinery was way around the globe, support- heard as National Guard troops provided ing wartime operations around educational and medical benefits that will the clock, and the sewer sys- last for years. SFC TOM ROBERTS / tem provided by the host coun- ARMY NEWS SERVICE try backs up. Suddenly, about half the restrooms in your com- Courtesy photo pound can’t be used and raw CCMSgt Roy Swanson (left), 180th Fighter Wing, Family Readiness prepares sewage floods the place, bak- presents a unit F-16 tail to USAF Reserve Liaison workshops, state conference ing in the 130-degree tempera- CMSgt David Morris (center) at the 2002 Worldwide The Family Readiness Office is spon- tures and adding an entirely Command Chief Conference at Lackland AFB, Texas soring regional training workshops for new fragrance to the desert air. as State CCMSgt. Richard A. Smith looks on. Family Readiness Group (FRG) leaders and Thirty-two members of the assigned military liaisons. These work- 179th’s Civil Engineering Squadron didn’t shops are designed to train the leaders of have to imagine this unpleasant scenario, Ohio nets big wins in ANG ‘02 the FRGs in roles and responsibilities of they lived it. Softball Tourney, preps for ‘03 FRGs, organizing a FRG, managing a FRG, “We were literally drowning in sewage,” Hosting the 37th Annual Air National communications and fund-raising. Two said Maj. Denise Boyer, commander of the Guard National Softball Tournament is one workshops remain this year, one is in team’s deployment in Al Dhafra, United thing, winning three out of five divisions Mansfield on June 28 and the other is in Arab Emirates, in support of Operations and coming in second in the other two— Lima on Aug. 10. Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. that’s altogether amazing! The State Family Readiness Conference “Something had to be done.” Sixty-four teams from across the coun- was May 2-4 this year. There were educa- After numerous attempts by host nation try descended on Gator Alley Softball com- tional classes on youth coping skills, re- contractors to repair the system’s sub- plex just outside the city of Dayton to com- unions, deployments and household bud- merged pumps led nowhere, Boyer and pete in the ANG Nationals Aug. 7-11, 2002. gets. The weekend was not limited to Chief Master Sgt. Ken Wolf, the deployed Teams competed in five divisions of play: adults; there were activities for the chil- team’s facility chief, came up with an idea Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Men’s 35- dren of soldiers during the weekend as that involved Gorman-Rupp Pumps, which and-over, Co-Ed and Men’s 45-and-over. well. This was truly a family event. is headquartered in Mansfield. Ohio Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John For more information on the regional Rather than replace the submerged H. Smith addressed the coaches meeting training workshops, contact the State Fam- pumps, Wolf designed a “lift station” con- and wished all the teams “good luck.” Col. ily Readiness Office at (800) 589-9914. figuration which placed the pumps above Richard Lohnes, vice commander of 178th CHAPLAIN (1LT) JIM SIZEMORE / STATE ground, posing much less of a risk to main- Fighter Wing, threw out the ceremonial first FAMILY READINESS OFFICE tenance personnel during repair work. After pitch, while F-16s from the 178th gave a contacting the company’s headquarters, great Opening Day fly-by. With that, the “Tail” of Toledo on display Boyer and Wolf learned there was a Gorman- games began and ran for three straight days. “A copy of an official F-16 tail will be Rupp distributor about two hours away from Here’s how Ohio fared: second place in on display for all future 180th Basic Mili- them and that it had the components that the Men’s 45-and-over division; second tary Training (BMT) trainees to see in Wolf specified. Air Force funding was ar- place in Women’s Open; first place in Co- the future,” said Command Chief Master ranged and, in a few days, new pumps were Ed, keeping the team’s National Champion- Sgt. Roy Swanson, 180th Fighter Wing, on-hand. Working with the host nation, the ship title; first place in Men’s 35-and-over, Toledo. 179th’s CE team went to work, completing going undefeated to win this division for Air National Guard Command Chief Val the new lift station in short order. the first time since 1994; and first place in Benton requested that all Guard and Re- “We weren’t worried about problems in Men’s Open, the “Grand Daddy” of the serve units provide mission-essential the future,” Wolf said. “Gorman-Rupp ANG Nationals. equipment, that best represented the pumps are the Cadillac of the industry.” The tournament returns to Dayton Aug. unit, to display at Lackland Air Force “This is just another example of what the 6-10, 2003, which will coincide with the Base, Texas, where all airmen begin their Air National Guard brings to the fight,” said 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight military career. Lt. Col. Jay Williams, 179th Civil Engineer- and Ohio’s Bicentennial. For more infor- The 180th’s F-16 tail, a scale replica, will ing Squadron commander. “We have mation, visit the event website at now be on permanent display in a BMT branches and roots in our communities that www.geocities.com/angsoftball02. classroom. Swanson presented the F-16 tail enable us to be innovative in ways that CMSGT CHRIS MUNCY / 251ST COMBAT to Chief Master Sgt. David Morris, Air many active-duty units can’t.” SSGT BETH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Force Reserve Liaison, at the Worldwide DUBINA / 179TH AIRLIFT WING

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 33 all about People ance their commitments. “All Scouts together,” Smith explained. of our people maintain busy According to Smith, selection for the acad- schedules; for now we’re try- emy can be accomplished through political ing not to overbook,” means, with a congressional appointment, Waldron said. or through the LEADs program, in which Senior Master Sgt. Richard commanders recommend qualified candi- Schuller, Security Forces dates. Squadron first sergeant, is “The political method takes more than a one of those busy vocalists. year,” Smith said. “The competition is harder Although he is responsible because many high school students within for the morale and welfare of 11 counties are seeking appointment for only more than 80 troops, he makes one spot.” Smith further explained that the time for the choir. “I think it is LEADS program eliminates the political pro- important to represent our cess. “The competitors are all military mem- base in a positive way. I feel bers and selections is based upon their like I’m giving something commander’s recommendation.” SMSgt Larry Wilson / 179th Airlift Wing back,” he said. “The process required many steps, and I The 179th Airlift Wing Choir performs at the Like Schuller, Master Sgt. had many people helping me,” Wolf said. “I Renaissance Theater in downtown Mansfield. April Roberts, recruiter, did not share my intent with my parents until juggles a busy schedule but I was certain of my potential selection to the is committed to promoting the Ohio Air Na- academy.” Guard choir brings sound tional Guard through song. “I am so proud “It was my extreme pleasure to recommend of music to Mansfield area when I go out there and sing in that uni- Senior Airman Karlton Wolf for acceptance Over the roar of the C-130 engines their form,” she said. Roberts looks forward to into the United States Air Force Academy,” voices sing the songs of freedom. Their future engagements and found the Air said Col. Ronald Stanich, Wolf’s squadron songs commemorate fallen heroes, ring true Force choir that sang at the championship commander. “Senior Airman Wolf was an with American pride and move audiences Fiesta Bowl inspirational. “I thought to my- outstanding member of the 179th Medical throughout the state. They are the mem- self ‘we could do that.’” And with the Squadron. He displayed unsurpassed integ- bers of the 179th Airlift Wing Choir. choir’s “stratospheric” goals, one day, they rity, maturity and leadership qualities. I feel Their jobs vary in scope and skill, but just may. SSGT SHANNON PARKS / 179TH that Senior Airman Wolf will make an out- they share a common voice led by Col. AIRLIFT WING standing officer and leader Willis Waldron, support group com- for our country in the mander. Waldron, with more than 15 years Wolf paves way to USAFA United States Air Force.” of experience with the Mansfield Sym- One of the most prestigious ways “I was excited to learn phony Chorus, organized the choir in Oc- to earn a commission in the Ohio Air about my potential selec- tober 2001 with a mere seven choristers. National Guard is attending the Air tion,” Wolf said. “I’m glad The choir now consists of more than 18 Force Academy. And that is the goal for the prep school. I’m choristers from various areas in the wing. for Senior Airman Karlton J. Wolf of getting a free education for “We are a mix of full-time and traditional the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, who one year while preparing members. What a great way to come to- is currently a student at the United for the academy and earn- gether as a diverse team,” Waldron said. States Air Force Academy Preparatory ing an income.” The choir has increased in popularity School. Wolf The prep school enrolls since its inception in late 2001 and is cur- “I’m at the top 15 percent of my class 225 students. Those who rently the only known formalized Air Na- and I’m a tutor,” Wolf said. “(I was) look- successfully complete the course require- tional Guard choir in the country. Some of ing forward to May when my admission to ments are selected for the academy. MSGT their major performances include the “Let the Air Force Academy was confirmed.” EALNOR GREY / 178TH FIGHTER WING Freedom Reign” ceremony at the Renais- Wolf, who wanted a military career and a sance Theater in downtown Mansfield on college education, joined the Air National JOG can turn lives around Sept. 11, 2002, the Governor’s Annual Me- Guard for the scholarship program even During a speech given at a Jobs for morial Day Wreath-Laying event at the before he graduated from high school. He America’s Graduates (JAG) National Student Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Veteran’s Hall nearly completed his first year in college Leadership Conference in Washington D.C., of Fame Class of 2002 Induction ceremony when he learned about the Air Force Ashley Davoli, then a Teays Valley High and the unit annual awards banquet. Academy’s “Leaders Encouraging Airman School senior, explained how the Jobs for “Our hopes for the group are high— Development” program during his Ohio Graduates (JOG) program transformed stratospheric,” Waldron said. Waldron squadron’s commander’s call. her life and gave her the impetus to join the wants to see the choir perform at Air Na- The LEADs program is one of two meth- military. tional Guard conventions and work closely ods to be selected for the AF Academy, “JOG has shown me that coming from a with the color and honor guards. according to Command Chief Master Sgt. broken home and troubled environment can- Members of the choir enjoy performing Richard A. Smith, who has known Wolf not keep me from accomplishing anything I and are called upon often to volunteer their most of his life and encouraged him to pur- set my mind to,” said Davoli, member of A talents, however they are careful to bal- sue a commission. “Karlton and my son, Company, 216 Engineer Battalion, Chilicothe. Richie, are best friends; they were Eagle The No. 1 mission of JOG is graduation.

34 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Davoli, once a prime candidate to become a high school drop-out and member of the ONG celebrates first Juvenile Corrections system, instead be- with Berio promotion came a JOG success. The first Hispanic believed Abandoned by her mother to her to achieve the title of sergeant stepfather’s family, Davoli said she major in the Ohio National hated her fellow students for daring to Guard was promoted to that have parents and security, didn’t trust rank last October. anyone, hated everyone and hated be- Edwin Berio was promoted ing alive. When she heard about the JOG to sergeant major during a program offered in her high school, she promotion ceremony Oct. 1, decided to give it a try. 2002, at Beightler Armory in The program targets at-risk kids and Columbus, where he is as- teaches basic life skills or “competencies” signed as the operations ser- needed to get, then keep, a job. geant major to the Ohio Army “We do exercises to build their confi- National Gaurd Deputy Chief dence,” said Randy Darst, JOG Specialist of Staff for Operations and Todd Cramer / AGOH-Photo Lab at Teays Valley High School. “We teach Plans Col. Matt Kambic. On the day of his promotion, SGM Edwin Berio them leadership skills, teamwork, public Kambic said he chose Berio (center) proudly wears his new rank while flanked speaking, human relations and much for the position because he is by daughter Mariel and son Edwin Jr. more.” technically proficient and fo- These same basic skills and competen- cused on mission accomplishment. “Ser- mand sergeant major. Before being selected cies are highly valued by the military. geant Major Berio will do outstanding as the operations sergeant major on July “JOG was instrumental in her decision work in helping the Ohio Army National 14, 2002, he was the mobilization readi- to join the military. The Guard was a way Guard continue its commitment to excel- ness noncommissioned officer for the op- for her to replace emptiness with struc- lence,” Kambic said. erations and training section of HQ ture and security,” said Harold Callum, The promotion coincided with His- STARC (-). district JOG supervisor. panic Heritage Month, which honors the “The biggest thing for me is just the Davoli’s transformation was so com- diverse peoples of Spanish-speaking pride,” Berio said. “There is a certain pres- plete that by her senior year she had gone backgrounds who have come to the tige of being called a sergeant major. from feeling like an outsider to the presi- United States from more than 20 coun- “When I came to Ohio 20 years ago, it dent of her school JOG chapter, then she tries. seemed like I was the only Latino in the joined another organization that would Berio began his military career by en- community,” he said. “Now there is a great value her hard-won basic life skills—the listing in the Puerto Rico National Guard Latino population on the west side of Co- Ohio Army National Guard. SPC on Aug. 4, 1978. He served with Com- lumbus. MICHELLE MORGAN / HQ STARC (-) pany B, 2nd Battalion, 65th Infantry for “I hope that my accomplishment shows one year before re- them that everyone has the same oppor- locating to Ohio tunities, regardless of ethnicity.” Make ’em laugh and joining the A 2002 graduate of the U. S. Army Ser- Ohio Army National geant Majors Academy at Fort Bliss, Guard. Texas, Berio has earned several awards In 1984 Berio and decorations during his military career was selected for an including the Army Meritorious Service Active Guard/Re- Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army serve (AGR) posi- Commendation Medal with three oak leaf tion as the opera- clusters, the Ohio Award for Merit with tions assistant for the number three device, the Ohio Com- 166th Infantry, mendation Medal and the Ohio Special Headquarters Bat- Service Ribbon. talion in Columbus. When not at work, Berio enjoys spend- During the next 20 ing time with his family. He has two sons years, Berio took on that are in the military. Cpl. Edwin Berio several responsi- Jr., is a supply sergeant assigned to the bilities throughout 16th Engineer Brigade of the Ohio Army various units in National Guard; he also is an AGR soldier. Ohio, including Pvt. Matthew Berio is an active-duty sol- US Air Force photo first sergeant with dier who specializes in automated logistic TSgt Chuck Juhasz, of Toledo’s 180th Fighter Wing, HHD, 1-134th Field computer operation. Berio’s daughter, enjoys a visit from Robin Williams while recovering Artillery, HHD Mariel, is a dermatologist assistant. SPC from surgery in Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. The STARC operations HARAZ GHANBARI / HQ STARC (-) comedian visited troops on a USO-sponsored visit. NCO and assistant to the state com-

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 35 guardmember Benefits Reserve Pay for 4 Drill Periods National Defense Service Unofficial Copy (Effective Jan. 1, 2003) Act impacts National Guard YEARS OF SERVICE President Bush signed the National <2 216346 8 10 12 14 18 20 22 24 26 Defense Authorization Act for 2003 into Grade law Dec. 2 during a ceremony at the Pen- O-10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1610.36 1618.28 1651.92 1710.56 O-9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1408.48 1428.76 1458.08 1509.28 tagon. The act actually allows DoD to O-8 996.60 1029.24 1050.88 1056.96 1083.92 1129.16 1139.64 1182.52 1194.84 1231.76 1285.20 1334.52 1367.44 1367.44 1367.44 spend money released under the 2003 O-7 828.12 866.56 884.40 898.56 924.12 949.44 978.72 1007.92 1037.20 1129.16 1206.84 1206.84 1206.84 1206.84 1212.92 National Defense Appropriations Act, O-6 613.76 674.28 718.52 718.52 721.28 752.16 756.28 756.28 799.28 875.24 919.84 964.44 989.80 1015.48 1065.32 which Bush signed Oct. 23. O-5 511.68 576.40 616.32 623.80 648.64 663.60 696.36 720.40 751.40 798.92 821.56 843.88 869.28 869.28 869.28 Under the two bills, servicemembers O-4 441.48 511.04 545.16 552.76 584.40 618.36 660.60 693.52 716.36 729.48 737.12 737.12 737.12 737.12 737.12 O-3 388.16 440.04 474.96 517.80 542.60 569.80 587.44 616.44 631.48 631.48 631.48 631.48 631.48 631.48 631.48 received at least a 4.1 percent pay raise O-2 335.36 381.96 439.92 454.76 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 464.16 which began Jan. 1, 2003. Many mid- O-1 291.16 303.00 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 366.24 level NCOs and officers received a pay O-3E 0.00 0.00 0.00 517.80 542.60 569.80 587.44 616.44 640.84 654.80 673.92 673.92 673.92 673.92 673.92 jump of between 5.5 percent to 6.5 per- O-2E 0.00 0.00 0.00 454.76 464.16 478.92 503.84 523.12 537.48 537.48 537.48 537.48 537.48 537.48 537.48 O-1E 0.00 0.00 0.00 366.24 391.16 405.60 420.36 434.88 454.76 454.76 454.76 454.76 454.76 454.76 454.76 cent. The act continues special pays and W-5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 689.24 712.88 736.60 760.44 bonuses for active-duty and reserve W-4 401.08 431.48 443.88 456.08 477.08 497.80 518.80 539.28 560.48 580.80 601.60 621.92 643.00 663.76 685.00 personnel and expands special pays W-3 366.28 381.60 397.24 402.36 418.80 437.56 462.32 477.40 502.92 522.08 541.12 560.20 568.84 587.60 606.40 given to high-demand military special- W-2 322.20 340.60 356.68 368.40 378.44 399.08 419.80 435.20 450.20 460.52 477.32 494.12 510.80 527.64 527.64 ties. It also increases the bonus awarded W-1 284.52 307.80 323.40 333.48 355.00 370.96 385.12 400.92 411.36 427.12 442.76 454.60 454.60 454.60 454.60 E-9 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 475.24 486.00 499.60 515.60 531.64 557.44 579.24 600.84 634.32 to prior-service personnel. E-8 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 396.72 408.16 418.84 431.68 445.60 470.68 483.40 505.00 517.00 546.56 The budget supports an active-duty E-7 275.80 301.04 312.52 323.76 335.52 355.72 367.12 378.44 398.72 408.84 418.48 424.36 444.20 457.04 489.52 end strength of 1,389,700 with the Army E-6 236.08 259.68 271.16 282.28 293.88 320.12 330.32 341.64 351.56 355.08 361.28 361.28 361.28 361.28 361.28 set at 480,000, the Navy at 375,700, the E-5 216.72 231.16 242.32 253.80 271.60 286.92 298.24 304.44 304.44 304.44 304.44 304.44 304.44 304.44 304.44 E-4 200.36 210.64 222.04 233.24 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 243.20 Marines up slightly to 175,000 and the E-3 180.92 192.28 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 203.84 Air Force pegged at 359,000. The over- E-2 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 172.00 all strength of the reserve components E-1>4 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 153.44 is unchanged from fiscal 2002 at 864,558. E-1<4 141.96 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 The act authorizes $7.3 billion for counter-terrorism programs throughout In turn, these dollars grow tax-deferred. The TRICARE benefits improve for RC the services and directs DoD to set up funds can then be withdrawn at age 59 1/2, in Members of the reserve component who National Guard civil support teams in the form of a lump sum or as a retirement in- are called to active duty for more than 30 all states and territories. The teams pro- come. days are now eligible for TRICARE, the vide medical and technical advice in the It is important to understand “open season,” same as any active-duty servicemember. event of a terrorist attack involving which is the period of time in which members Families of these individuals are also eligible, weapons of mass destruction. AMERI- may sign up for the TSP deductions from their but sponsors need to register their family CAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE paycheck. The open seasons are from May 15 members in the Defense Enrollment Eligibil- to July 31, and from Oct. 15 to Dec. 31. To en- ity Reporting System. For more information Thrift Savings Plan earns roll, one needs to complete a form TSP-1 (elec- about medical care, dental care and other ben- tion form) and it is also suggested that one efits for reserve component members and their money for guardmembers completes a TSP-3 (designation of beneficiary). The National Defense Authorization families, interested parties may visit the These may be obtained from unit orderly rooms TRICARE website at www.tricare.osd.mil/ Act for fiscal year 2001 extended Thrift or through the TSP website at www.tsp.gov. Savings Plan (TSP) participation rights reserve. The website for the TRICARE Den- There are five TSP investment choices: G tal Program is www.ucci.com/tdp/tdp.html. to members of the uniformed services, Fund-Government Securities Investment Fund; including those serving in the National F Fund- Fixed Income Index Investment Fund; ONGSP APPLICATION DEADLINES Guard. C Fund-Common Stock Index Investment Fund; The TSP is a defined contribution tax S Fund-Small Capitalization Investment Fund; Fall term, July 1 deferred savings plan sponsored by the and I Fund-International Stock Investment Spring semester/Winter quarter, Nov. 1 federal government. It is very similar to Fund. Spring quarter, Feb. 1 a 401K plan available in the private sec- To get a better understanding of the differ- Summer term, April 1 tor. It allows members to contribute up ent investment funds, it is suggested to visit It is the sole responsibility of a student/ to 7 percent of base pay and up to 100 the TSP website at www.tsp.gov.. The more put guardmember to turn in a completed percent of any special pay or incentive application to the Ohio National Guard into the TSP, the more one will get out of it. Scholarship Program office, located at pay. These amounts are subject to cer- Likewise, the sooner one starts the better it will tain limits. the Adjutant General’s Department, 2825 be for them. Starting with a small deduction is West Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio TSP is an excellent way for any eli- fine, because a contribution always can be in- 43235-2789, by the deadlines listed above. gible servicemember to save money for creased at a later date. This must be done prior to each term a retirement. It is very tax efficient because For more information, contact James Flynn, student attends school. it allows members to save pre-tax dol- regional director of the Armed Forces Benefit For more information, call (614) 336-7032 or lars direct from their pay, automatically. Association, by phone at (877) 965-8886 or via toll-free (888) 400-6484. e-mail at [email protected].

36 B U C K E Y E G U A R D W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 Ohio Guard one step closer to being true ‘Army of One’

Story by Sgt. Jessica M. McMillen 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

he soldiers of the 2-174th Air Defense Artillery (Avenger) Battalion said farewell Jan. 11 to Lt. Col. Michael Bish Tafter four years of dedicated leadership, and participated in a history-making ceremony, welcoming Lt. Col. Lorenzo Mack as their new commanding officer. It marked the first time an active-duty officer assumed command of an Ohio Army National Guard unit, as part of the Army’s Command and Staff Integration Program (CSIP). The CSIP offers a unique opportunity for reserve component officers to command active-duty units, and likewise, active-duty officers to command Army Reserve and National Guard units. “I realize I have been blessed with an opportunity, and I am aware I have large ABOVE: LTC Michael Bish shoes to fill,” Mack said. “I stand by you (center) relinquishes the duty today as a soldier and the luckiest lieutenant of commander of the 2-174th colonel in the Army.” ADA to active-duty LTC Lorenzo As Bish’s replacement, and the Mack (right). RIGHT: First U.S. cornerstone of a monumental occasion, Mack Army Commander LTG Paul Inge was introduced by Bish as “the perfect person offers his advice to incoming to lead this unit to the next level.” commander Mack. And that’s just what Mack intends to do. He recently returned from a seven-month administration, and later earned a deployment to Afghanistan, where he served master’s degree in business as the chief air defense officer for Coalition management from Webster Joint Task Force-180. There, his principal University. duties included coordinating air defense Though Mack has a distin- assets and providing an Air Missile Defense guished military background, he Warning System (AMDWS) air picture for said this assignment would be SPC A. Weber / 196th MPAD component commands and 19 coalition challenging due to current world events. onents, National Guard and Reserves, all partners throughout the area of operations. “I am very humbled and thankful to be understand each other and are comfortable During Operations Desert Shield/Storm, part of such an illustrious unit,” Mack said. working together because we are all serving Mack served as a battery commander with “It is a great and wonderful experience, the same country.” the 3rd Armored Division. Other assignments however, it’s not about me. It’s about the 435 Before Mack officially took command, include battery commands and staff positions soldiers in the unit and I am glad to be here. Bish said good-bye to the Avengers on a in Wachernheim, Germany, as well as with “The (officer integration program) is positive note after he was awarded a the 82nd Airborne Division and XVII important to Ohio because during these Meritorious Service Medal and an Ohio Airborne Corps in Fort Bragg, N.C. days and times, all we have to do is watch Distinguished Service Medal. Under his A Sumterville, Ala., native, Mack was CNN to see soldiers from all branches of watch, the Avenger Battalion went from 80 commissioned through Tuskegee Institute service moving around the world,” said Lt. to 100 percent assigned personnel strength. with a bachelor’s degree in business Gen. Paul Inge, First U.S. Army commander, “We are greatly indebted to Lieutenant in attendance at the ceremony. Colonel Bish for his contributions “The active component of the throughout the last four years,” said Maj. Army cannot complete the mission Gen. John H. Smith, state adjutant general. themselves, it requires reserve “A good commander like this one lives and component participation and dies for the men and women of his unit.” support. It is most important that The commitment and loyalty Bish felt the active and reserve comp- toward the unit was evident as he thanked the troops repeatedly and left them saying, LEFT: LTC Michael Bish relays “when the 2-174th is in the area, I guarantee a heartfelt farewell to the ‘clear and friendly skies.’” Bish left his post troops of 2-174th Air Defense in McConnelsville to assume the position Artillery, his command for the as director of information management for last four years. the Ohio Army National Guard. n SPC A. Weber / 196th MPAD W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 0 3 B U C K E Y E G U A R D 37 AfterAfter thethe StormsStorms PAGES 12-14

SrA Elizabeth Slater / 180th Fighter Wing

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Columbus, OH Permit #3754 The Ohio National Guard 2825 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43235-2789 OFFICIAL BUSINESS