2009 September Indiana Guardsman

Guardsman Indiana

Volume 5, Issue 3

www.in.ng.mil

September 2009

Patriot Academy in Indiana Strong hearts, strong minds Feature Story page 8

181st Intelligence Wing earns its fourth Outstanding Unit Award Story page 12

www.in.ng.mil

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In this Issue Message from the Adjutant General

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Indiana

Guardsman The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson

Patriot Academy in Indiana ............... 8

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amily Programs ........................ 10 and Health Focus

181st Intelligence Win ...................... 12 4th AF Outstanding Unit Award earned!

122nd Fighter Wing ..................... 15

38th Infantry division ..................... 16

219th BfSB ................................. 20 Looking for Airborne ? Read on.

81st Troop command .................... 22

Layout and Design Mrs. Susan Hawver Photographers Staff Sgt. Les Newport Staff Sgt. Tina Griffin Spc. Austen Hurt Mr. Michael B. Krieg Contributing Writers and Staff State Public Affairs Office 120th Public Affairs Detachment Public Affairs Office, Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center Public Affairs Office, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Public Affairs Office, 122nd Air Wing Public Affairs Office, 181st Air Wing Public Affairs Office, 38th Infantry Division The Indiana Guardsman is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-81, and is published by the Joint Forces Headquarters, Indiana National Guard. It is distributed without charge to the members of the Indiana Army and Air National Guard. All material submitted for publication should be addressed to: Joint Forces Headquarters Indiana Public Affairs Office ATTN: Guardsman Magazine 2002 South Holt Road Indianapolis, IN 46241-4839

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Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Joint Forces Headquarters of Indiana or those of the Department of the Army and Air Force.

ast acts.. .......................................... 26

Have a suggestion for the Guardsman?

If you have information to contribute to the Indiana Guardsman, please contact the JFHQ Public Affairs Office by calling 1-800-237-2850 ext 3220 or emailing to Mrs. Susan Hawver at susan.hawver@us.army.mil.

Camp Atterbury, MUTC News

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On the front cover: Pvt. Ismael Ramirez stands outside the National Guard Patriot Academy Aug. 26, 2009, at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Ind. A native of Texas, Ramirez is scheduled to graduate from the nine-month program at the Academy with a high school diploma later this year. Photo by Sgt. Robert G. Cooper III, Indiana National Guard

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Print Officer William R. Grider

Guardsman

September 2009

On the back cover: The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors has become an annual event in Indiana. The families of our fallen Guardsmen come together for a weekend of workshops and socializing, helping one another through transitional times. Photos for array taken by Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson and Staff Sgt. Les Newport, Indiana National Guard

Message from the Adjutant General Though we have a few months left on the calendar, the Indiana National Guard closes its fiscal year on September 30. There is always a flurry of activity as budgets are analyzed, operations are assessed and plans for the next year are finalized. It is also a natural time for review and reflection of the past 12 months.

We have seen many wonderful events come to fruition - the opening of the Gary LAASF, the 76th Brigade Combat Team’s redeployment just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2008, and the big welcome home ceremony held in January of ‘09 for all units which we brought back home last year. What a terrific time we’ve had.

We are so proud of the young men and women who have completed the course of studies and self-discipline at the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy. The two classes, graduating in December ‘08 and this past June, have been filled with remarkable teens who have accomplished the task of turning their lives around. What a tremendous addition to our Hoosier society they make.

Through June, July and August, we saw the return of the 1538th Transportation Company, the 215th Area Support Medical Company, and the Embedded Training Team 55.

Other units in the news were on their way to missions fighting the Global War on Terror. We sent them off with prayers and “God Speed,” and await their safe return this year and next. Those units include the 38th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade (Task Force 38); the 38th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Task Force Cyclone); the 384th Military Police Company; the 122nd Fighter Wing; Company F, 3-238th Aviation Battalion Air Traffic System; Companies A and B, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, with members of the 319th Forward Support Company; the 177th Financial Detachment; the 1313th Engineer Company; the 2-150th Fires Team; the 1613th Engineer Company; and the 939th Military Police Detachment.

Our very first Agribusiness Development Team, the 1-19th, under the command of former Chief of Staff, Col. Brain Copes, departed for Afghanistan. They have done terrific work while in theater, accomplishing their missions with expertise and diplomacy.

Two additional agricultural teams, the 2-19th and 3-19th, have been formed to follow the footsteps of this first unit.

The 53rd Civil Support Team, a 22-person, 24/7 response unit, has quietly and efficiently completed more than 119 missions year-to-date. Their calls to service came from around the state and focused on incidents of hazardous materials, and potentially harmful radiological or biological scenarios. Protecting the citizens of Indiana is their primary mission.

Our state Guard facilities have continued to evolve over the past few years, some closing, others just opening their doors.

The Lafayette Armed Forces Reserve Center is underway, and should be completed mid-summer 2010. Paired with the Gary LAASF, the Gary Readiness Center has been under construction, and will officially open in October. Camp Atterbury has opened its new Live Fire Shoot House, a new Urban Assault Course, and an Improvised Explosive Device Lane training facility, all of which enhance its claim as a premier training location and Power Generation Platform.

Muscatatuck Urban Training Center held an open house on October 10, inviting the public to view additions and changes

to the center. The facility has seen several force protection upgrades completed, and of course, the renovation and grand opening of the Patriot Academy facility, featured in this issue.

In May, the Mayor of Lawrence, Ind., and other city officials formally welcomed the Indiana National Guard at a ground-breaking ceremony for a new armory being built there.

On September 25, we held another ground-breaking, this time in Johnson County, also for a new armory. These two new facilities will provide much-needed growth and expansion capabilities to our Guard units and the citizens of Indiana.

May is always a busy month in Indiana, but none more so than this year, when we had the privilege of welcoming the newly appointed Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Craig R. McKinley. Not only did he receive an overview of the Indiana Guard in its entirety, but he also presided over many of the May activities surrounding the running of the Indianapolis 500 and the Memorial Day weekend. It was an honor to have him here with us.

The 181st Intelligence Wing ramped up for its new mission after the 2008 transition from a fighter wing. The members of this Air Guard Wing can be very proud of all they have done to make themselves a recognizable force in the intelligence community. Featured in this issue is a story of the fourth Outstanding Unit Award the 181st has earned - a remarkable and noteworthy accomplishment.

The 122nd Fighter Wing received the Unit Safety Award in January from Lockheed Martin, marking more than 60,000 hours of accident-free flight in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. On February 25, the Wing’s Heritage Jet took its final flight. This particular aircraft had served at the 122nd Fighter Wing since July, 1991, but first saw combat during the Gulf War when it was assigned to Hahn Air Base, Germany. Since becoming part of the Fort Wayne Air National Guard, it served with distinction in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying 124 combat sorties, accumulating over 580 hours of combat flight time, and expending over 10 tons of munitions during hostile action. What history and pride to carry forward.

Under the auspices of the National Guard Bureau Yellow Ribbon Program, our Family Programs Office continues the support and care of Guard members and their families through the completion of their deployment cycle. This year was scattered with dates for Freedom Salutes, celebrations of honor and respect for our units. Also handled with kindness and deep sensitivity by the Family Programs Office was our annual TAPS program. This weekend of workshops and social activities brings together the families of our fallen heroes, allowing them to find the compassion and understanding they need to move on with their lives after the loss of their loved one. A photo array is shown on the back cover.

There is so much more to think back on, but this is also the time to look forward. By the end of the calendar year we will have welcomed home some more of our units, and will have, no doubt, received notification that more will be deploying. But we continue to serve the citizens of Indiana first and foremost, as we reach out to the communities across the state in time of need.

We thank every Soldier and Airman who serves with us, and the families, friends, state and local officials, services and businesses who support us, day in and day out.

Rowana and I look back on this year with pride and awe for what every member of this Indiana National Guard has accomplished. We are very proud to serve our Guard members and the State of Indiana. God bless you all. www.in.ng.mil

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JFHQ NEWS New NGB Chief visits

Story by Spc. William E. Henry Indiana National Guard INDIANAPOLIS —--National Guard Bureau chief, Gen. Craig McKinley, came to Indiana to visit Indiana National Guard military installations and to participate in the 500 Festival annual celebrations.

On his first stop, May 21, the general visited the Joint Forces Headquarters at Stout Field and spoke encouraging words which addressed concerns of Indiana servicemembers.

“Money is going to drive decision making, as it does in our families, for the next several years,” said Gen. McKinley on the topic of recruiting concerns.

The general spoke confidently on the strength Photo by Staff Sgt. Les Newport, Indiana National Guard and training of the National In front of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in Indianapolis, Friday, May 22, 2009, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger Guard as a whole. turns the 500 Festival Memorial Service over to Gen. Craig R. McKinley, newly selected National Guard Bureau chief.

“We are going to be During the Panther Racing party at operations, plans and projects that are the most ready Army National Guard in ongoing at the facilities and elsewhere in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gen. the history of this great organization,” he McKinley, Maj. Gen. Umbarger and the the state. said.

The next day, the general joined the Kansas adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Tod Later the general went on to visit Adjutant General of Indiana, Maj. Gen. R. Bunting, joined John Barnes, CEO of Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and Martin Umbarger, in honoring Gold Star Panther Racing, in the garage area to apply Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training families at the Columbia Club downtown a National Guard logo to the racecar.

Center. and was a keynote speaker at the 500 Festival On race day, Gen. McKinley was He was given an aerial and ground Memorial Service at Monument Circle, joined by his wife, Cheryl, to take a lap tour at both posts and given briefs on military May 22. around the Speedway to greet the “I can feel the pride and feel the spirit thousands of race fans attending. in this audience for the great commitment The general was also a speaker at that all our servicemembers make. And no pre-race ceremonies on behalf of all other city, no other state in America does servicemembers at home and abroad. it better,” said Gen. McKinley, while “I’m here representing the thousands thanking the governor for welcoming him. of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Both Maj. Gen. Umbarger and Gen. Coast Guardsmen, the members of the McKinley participated in the festival National Guard who gladly serve this parade in downtown Indianapolis and nation,” said Gen. McKinley. attended the Panther Racing party at the “We stand here on Memorial Day Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 23. thanking those who went before us, giving the last full measure. For the men Left: General Craig McKinley, National Guard Bureau chief, (left), Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, and women serving overseas today, I know adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, the citizens of Indiana and the city of and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, adjutant general Indianapolis are proud of that service and of the Kansas National Guard apply a Panther Racing decal on the digital camouflage-painted we’re grateful for your support,” he added.

Photo by Spc. William E. Henry National Guard sponsored IRL car.

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Guardsman

September 2009

Indiana Guard Receives Katrina Recognition Story and photo by Spc. Austen Hurt Indiana National Guard INDIANAPOLIS - In 2005, the largest storm in recent memory devastated large swathes of the Gulf Coast, destroying homes and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Mississippi took the brunt of the storm, when the eye of the now-infamous Hurricane Katrina landed on her shores, wreaking havoc hundreds of miles inland.

Among the first federal responders to the disaster stricken state were members of the Indiana National Guard, rendering aid only days after the storm subsided.

Thursday, July 30, representatives of the Mississippi Department of the American Legion expressed their thanks by presenting an engraved glass bowl to members of the Indiana National Guard

here at the American Legion Headquarters.

“It’s very heartening to know the people in Mississippi are still appreciative of our efforts during Hurricane Katrina,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Greg Rhoades, sergeant major of the Indiana National Guard.

“When they walk through where (the bowl) is placed, they’ll know that Mississippi appreciates what they did,” said Sweet. While the American Legion presented the bowl, Col. Michael Osburn, commander of the 2-19th Agribusiness Sweet explained that it was Development Team, accepts an engraved glass bowl from from all the citizens of Missis- Steve Sweet, past department commander of the Mississippi American Legion. July 30, 2009. sippi, not just the Legion.

During Katrina, the Indiana National damaged and flooded to the point that Guard provided medical aid, security only military Humvees and helicopters resources and helped to deliver tons of were capable of accessing them. “(The Indiana Guard) touched so water and food to evacuees who had left their homes behind. Many areas were many people,” Sweet said.

Recruiters educating the educators Story and photo by Spc. Brian Weitzeil Indiana National Guard CHICAGO - Recruiters from the Indiana Army National Guard invited college and high school educators to attend a Chicago Cubs game here at Wrigley Field and learn about the National Guard Thursday, July 30, 2009.

Approximately 30 educators from Northwest and Central Indiana arrived at Wrigley Field before the game, where the recruiters provided lunch and taught them about the different programs the National Guard offers their students.

“The food was fun and setting luxurious,” said Mindy Dalgarn, vice chancellor of

High school and college educators enjoy the Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field with Indiana Army National Guard recruiters, Thursday July 30, 2009.

student affairs at Purdue University Calumet. “It was a tremendous opportunity to

National Guard drivers meet Story and photo by Spc. Austen Hurt Indiana National Guard INDIANAPOLIS - IRL racer Dan Wheldon and NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., both sponsored by the National Guard, met Thursday, July 9, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to talk shop and meet assembled members of the press and the National Guard.

Dan Wheldon, driver for National Guard sponsored Earnhardt took a seat in the Panther team Panther Racing and 2nd place finisher in the 2009 Indy 500, coaches Dale Earnhardt Jr., on the Racing Indy Car to get a feel for the much different style of race car while Wheldon function of an IRL race car. walked him through the operation of the car.

July 9, 2009.

Both drivers met with Maj. Gen. R.

talk with the National Guard. I learned a lot and recommend each of my students consider the Guard as an option.”

Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Romero, a recruiter out of Gary, Ind., said the purpose of the event was to help open the doors for recruiters to meet and talk with students at school.

“It was fabulous,” said Romero.

“Because of today's event, many of the educators gave us permission to come into their schools, give presentations and set up displays in order to put the word out about the National Guard. A few of the educators themselves even expressed an interest in joining.”

Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of Indiana, and spoke about their connection to the National Guard.

“I’m very emotionally attached to being a part of the National Guard,” said Wheldon. “It’s very touching.”

Wheldon placed 2nd in the 2009 Indy 500 and spoke about how honored he was to run the race in the camo-colored car.

Earnhardt thanked all of the present guard members for attending and for their service.

“Nothing more gives us both more satisfaction than putting a smile on these troops’ faces and representing the Guard the way they deserve to be represented,” said Wheldon. www.in.ng.mil

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JFHQ

Indiana National Guard and Army community gather to break ground Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Les Newport Indiana National Guard

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LAWRENCE, Ind. – Mayor Paul Ricketts officially welcomed the Indiana National Guard and the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team to the City of Lawrence during a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger at the site of the unit’s new armory.

“You can close a fort in the City of Lawrence, but you can’t take our admiration, our respect, for the armed services from the citizens of Lawrence” said Mayor Ricketts. “We are very pleased that you are here today, that you selected this site.”

The Indiana National Guard will build the armory on land formerly part of Ft. Benjamin Harrison, an Army installation designated for closure through the Base Closure and Realignment Commission in 1991.

The 96,000 square foot facility will be home to four companies of the 76th IBCT: HHC, 76th IBCT; HHC, 76th Special Troops Bn.; and C and B Companies, 76th Special Troops Bn. Approximately 450 Citizen-Soldiers will attend monthly drills at the $15 million facility to include some 70 full-time employees.

Maj. Gen. Umbarger noted the armory will join several other Indiana National Guard organizations already located on the site of the former Army installation including elements of the recruiting and retention command and finance section.

“We’re very blessed to have a wonderful Indiana National Guard, and we wanted to place a unit here that sent a message about how much we appreciate this by sending the 76th Brigade,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

The 76th IBCT will move from the unit’s present location in the historic Tyndall-Moorehead Armory in downtown Indianapolis in 2010, but the armory will continue to house other Indiana National Guard units according to Lt. Col. Steve Hines, deputy construction and facility management officer. “Tyndall Armory still has a lot to offer a National Guard headquarters element, but just as important it has remained a vital landmark in a vibrant downtown Indianapolis,” said Lt. Col. Hines.

Maj. Gen. Umbarger said the state is excited to relocate the 76th IBCT to Lawrence because of the long history the city has with the military. Despite the closing of Ft. Harrison, the Department of Defense continues to maintain the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, an Army Reserve Center as well as a new exchange and commissary.

“Many cities that go through (BRAC) don’t have a plan. They begin to deteriorate… but this city is much, much different,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger. “You are the poster child for what ‘right’ looks like.”

The City of Lawrence established the Fort Harrison Reuse authority to redevelop the former installation for civilian use and has been recognized for the successful transition and as a model for public and government collaboration.

Col. Courtney Carr, commander of the 76th IBCT, joined the adjutant general in his enthusiasm for the move. Col. Carr returned from a successful mission in 2008 as leader of the largest deployment of Indiana National Guard Soldiers since World War II and will guide the combat team as it assumes a role as a primary national response element in 2010.

“There is no question that this new facility will be more functional and will better facilitate our brigade’s training and our readiness to serve our state and nation,” said Col. Carr. “But even more fortunate is our opportunity to join the community of Lawrence. As citizenSoldiers being part of a community is important to us.”

Guardsman

September 2009

The Changing Face of the American Soldier

Each Soldier underwent driver’s training and qualification. This includes a session in the HMMWV Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT), a mockup of a HMMWV that rolls completely over. Col. Michael J. Osburn of Martinsville, Ind., said, “It really makes you believe in seat belts, after flipping 2 times and staying in the seat, even when you are hanging 8 feet above the other side of the vehicle. It also makes you slow down.” The unit also completed classes in land navigation.

In the following week, unit medics would train the unit on combat Photo by Spc. Jon Donohue, Indiana National Guard lifesaver skills. Members completed a series of classes based on Afghan Force Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacGregor culture, politics and history, from (right) of Daleville, Ind., prepares to fire his M203 Grenade the Naval Post Graduate School.

Launcher, while the team’s Signal non-commissioned officer, Staff Sgt. Stephen Johnson of Indianapolis, looks on. Future training will include language training on the Pashto Story by Lt. Col. Daniel McMillen and language from Indiana University and 1st Lt. Steven Dalcher agricultural training from Purdue University.

Following Department of Defense Fort Campbell, Ky. - The 2-19th directive and National Guard Bureau Agribusiness Development Team, stationed tasking, the Indiana National Guard has at Camp Atterbury, Ind., was at Ft. Campbell developed and staffed a new unit type for from June 6-27, completing its first use in the war on terror. This new unit plays a crucial role and works hand in pre-mobilization training.

Junior leaders in the unit cross-trained hand with the Provincial Reconstruction other Soldiers in the unit on army weapons Teams currently at work in Afghanistan, systems such as the M203 grenade launcher, addressing quality of life and sustainment M249 light sub machine gun, M240B activities for the rural Afghans.

Currently Indiana has staffed two medium sub machine gun, M2 heavy machine gun, M4 Carbine, M9 pistol, AT4 such teams: the 1-19th ADT currently in Khowst Province of Afghanistan, and the anti-tank round, and the M24 sniper rifle.

Unexpected gift from motorists Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Tina R. Griffin Indiana Army National Guard INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Toll Road presented a check for $10,400 to the Indiana National Guard at the Ahner Auditorium, located at the Joint Forces Headquarters in Indianapolis, August 10, 2009.

During the Fourth of July holiday this year, the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company decided to donate to the Indiana National Guard a portion of the tolls collected.

“Celebrating, of course, an important holiday, the July Fourth holiday, where we as Americans and as Hoosiers celebrate our freedom,” said Matt Pierce, the Director of Communications and Government Relations for the Indiana Toll Road, “We thought what better chance to give back to those that ensure our freedom and also help out their family and the citizens of the communities they represent.”

The ITR stretches 157 miles across

the northern-most border of Indiana. The toll road spans Indiana from the Ohio state line to the Illinois state line. The company has over 400 employees in the northern Indiana area.

“This is a special organization (IRT),” stated Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, the Adjutant General for the Indiana National Guard. “Last year over July Fourth, the Indiana Toll Road in northern Indiana said, ‘We want to give something back to the citizen Soldiers of the state of Indiana for all the different programs we are offering.’”

This is the second year that the ITR has decided to donate. Last year the toll road raised $20,000 for the Soldiers, Airmen and their families.

“Again this year the toll road has contacted us and said again that we would like to be there for you,” said Umbarger.

“We felt it was very important that we keep this program on-going, and do it every year,” said Pierce.

The ITR donated $10,400 to support various Family and Civic Programs for the Indiana National Guard. For every toll paid

2-19th ADT, conducting pre-mobilization training, in preparation to take over the mission in Khowst Province later this year.

The ADT focus is on developing sustainable resources of an agricultural nature to give Afghans options that do not support the illicit drug trade.

The ADT pulls Guardsmen with agricultural and business degrees and experience, that focus on 9 different venues to accomplish this: Ag Education, Hydrology, Animal Husbandry, Rangeland Management, Horticulture, Pest Management, Soils Analysis, Engineering and Forestry.

These specialists have been recruited and staffed from many different units within the state of Indiana. Members range in rank from Colonel to 2nd Lieutenant, Chief Warrant Officer 4 on the officer side of the house and from Command Sergeant Major to Specialist.

According to the unit’s top Enlisted Soldier, CSM Patrick Fromme, a turkey farmer from Ferdinand, Ind., “A great strength of the Army National Guard is the diversity of its members in background and personal life experiences. A deployed National Guard unit has a wealth of knowledge from its members. An average unit may have a member who is an electrician or a plumber, or even a turkey farmer as their civilian career and are able to bring these special areas of knowledge to bear in times of need during deployment.”

Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, right, and Matt Pierce, Director of Communications and Government Relations for the Indiana Toll Road.

on July 4, 15 cents was designated for the donation.

“We felt this money is going to a lot of different programs from civic programs, to family services, to the at-risk high school youth,” said Pierce. “We just feel that it is just a privilege to honor such an exemplary organization such as the Indiana National Guard.” www.in.ng.mil

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Patriot

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GuardsmanGuardsman SeptemberOctober 2009 2009

Academy

New Beginnings Story by Sgt. Robert G. Cooper III Camp Atterbury Public Affairs MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – Army National Guard leaders from around the country converged onto the remote Muscatatuck Urban Training Center today for the dedication of the National Guard’s first and only academy designed to help Soldiers receive their high school diplomas.

The Patriot Academy, which is the first of its kind, is a National Guard Bureau initiative allowing high school dropouts ages 17 through 20 a second opportunity to earn their diploma. Currently, 47 students from 16 states are attending the Academy, which is staffed by a full-time cadre of active duty National Guardsmen.

“The Patriot Academy

can be described in two words: second chance.”

- Colonel Perry Sarver Jr., Patriot Academy commandant

“These Soldiers are here because they have unfinished business, and they are getting a second chance to right a wrong. These young men have started down a path that will change their lives forever,” Sarver continued.

The academy, which is a nine-month program, was launched last June under the guidance of former Army National Guard Director retired Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, for high school dropouts who weren’t able to finish high school for reasons other than disciplinary or legal.

Students attending the academy first attend basic training prior to arriving here, and then move on to their Advanced Individual Training after receiving their diploma.

Although the first class consists of all males, the academy will be tailored to accommodate co-ed students in the future.

“Our mission is, very simply, to educate and train these young men to become the best citizen-Soldiers in the Army National Guard,” Sarver said.

While at the academy, the student-Soldiers receive a nationally-accredited diploma through online courses offered through Liberty University. While there are current Army initiatives out there designed to award GED certificates to its students, the Patriot Academy is the only program that offers a diploma.

Vaughn, the former Army National Guard Director, said Patriot Academy is an investment in the Army’s most precious asset.

“It’s a workforce that’s not going to be available if we don’t get it right. It’s someone that’s not going to reach their full potential if we don’t get that diploma

early enough. We depend on this organization right here in this state to get it right.”

In addition to academics, the students are required to attend Army training and accomplish community service projects around Jennings County in Indiana.

“The Academy will be strengthening the connection of each student-Soldier with that community service they provide,” said Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman. “The culture of service has never been more important to our state and our nation. It’s my hope that the graduates of this program return home with a real understanding of what it means to be a good neighbor as well as what it means to be a good Soldier.”

One student-Soldier currently attending the academy, Pvt. Ismael Ramirez Jr., said that the academy has given him a chance at both serving and accomplishing something he never thought he could. A native of Roanoke, Texas, Ramirez was unable to receive his diploma because Texas law requires high school students to pass a qualifications exam.

“I had the credits I needed, but I didn’t pass the final exam, so I wasn’t issued a diploma,” he said.

After speaking with a recruiter and learning about the Academy, Ramirez said that he wanted to enroll just because of the diploma program.

“Just the fact that I could get a high school diploma rather than a GED sounded better to me,” Ramirez said. “It just makes me feel and sound like I’ve completed my school.

Like our sergeant major once told us, we’re not going to get this chance again. If you get the opportunity to come to the Patriot Academy to have your second chance, you actually get paid to go to school and learn new things.”

“When it’s all said and done,

you walk out of here with extra knowledge, you walk out of here stronger...”

- Private Ismael Ramirez, Jr. Patriot Academy student-Soldier

Indiana National Guard photographers contributing to matrix on facing page: T.D. Jackson, Sgt. David Bruce, Sgt. Bradley Staggs, and Sgt. Robert Cooper, III. Background photograph by Sgt. Robert Cooper, III

www.in.ng.mil www.in.ng.mil

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amily Programs News FREE -- SAT/PSAT/ACT Prep for Military Kids

Dear State Youth Coordinator:

NFL donates so Military Kids can receive valuable help in preparing for SAT, PSAT and ACT. MilitaryHOMEFRONT is pleased to announce “NEW INFORMATION” about the NFL Players Donation that is available to all Armed Forces personnel, including members of the Reserves, Active Duty, and their families.

The program has been extended to military families and veterans for a fourth consecutive year. Through the Victory Sports Group (VSG) sponsorship, and NFL players associated with VSG, military personnel can obtain SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep program(s) for only shipping and handling costs.

The SAT/ACT Standard Power Prep programs normally cost $199.00. The SAT/ACT Power programs are available as a DVD ROM set. Families may now use the program for an entire year even if the program is requested the last day of the sponsorship.

For more information you can go straight to the Military Homefront (DOD) website by pasting this address into your browser line: http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/ mhf/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_0?current_id=20.20.100.30.0.0.0.0.0 If you have trouble with this address, go to: www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil, then type “Victory Sports Group” into the “Search” box in the upper right-hand corner.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Check it out today.

Be sure to visit our Web pages at the Indiana National Guard Web site: www.in.ng.mil. Family Programs is accessed by a button on the left navigation bar. Visit us soon to find out information on our Youth Programs, Marriage enrichment weekends, and our Family Readiness and Assistance programs.

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Crisis assistance can be found at the Joint Operation Center at Stout Field 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number there is 1-317-247-3320 or 1-800-2372850 x 3320.

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The Crisis Intervention Team also has a 24-hour hotline: 1-317-247-3300 x 85474. The Team is available during normal business hours at 1-317-2473300 x 85475.

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Our last Strong Bonds weekend for 2009 was held September 2527. Watch for information on 2010 seminars.

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Guardsman

September 2009

Sending a BIG Bear Hug to you all!!

Faith Killian-Fassnacht 165 Wise Dr, Lafayette, IN 47909 (765) 474-5497 littleballerina1@comcast.net This note came into our Family Programs Office recently. We wanted to make certain as many people as possible were aware of the program. If you would like to donate a bear or make a donation to Faith’s cause, you may do so by emailing or mailing her. Thank you.

ealth Focus

otes •

I visit different Military links online to see how I can help our troops! I noticed you have a youth program and you share stories from youth on how they are doing their part for our military. Let me share with you how I have been helping our soldiers.

In August 2007, I started a program called “Bear Hugs for Troops.” I wanted to give comfort to our troops. To date, I have sent 3,500 bears overseas to our troops.

I’m looking for ideas on how to get my bears into the hands of more soldiers. Maybe your organization can give a helping hand!

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We still need to be aware of H1N1 Flu. Especially vulnerable are our elderly, and our young children. Remember these few simple tips to help keep your family safe: 1. Personal Hygiene • Do not go to work sick or until all symptoms have resolved.

• Be aware of flu symptoms - fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, possible nausea and vomiting. Seek care and get evaluated by a health care professional.

• Cough or sneeze into crook of elbow or use a tissue (discard tissue).

• Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.

• Limit personal contact (such as shaking hands).

• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands.

2. Care of Family Members • If caring for a family member with H1N1 flu, discuss issues with health care provider.

• Try to keep sick person in separate room and keep door closed as much as possible.

• Caregivers use mask when providing care within 6 feet of sick person.

• Wear gloves if available when providing care (wash hands before/after).

3. Use an N95 mask (or surgical mask) if required to be in direct contact (within 6 feet) of people with flu symptoms 4. Review requirements for interstate or foreign travel.

5. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or www.flu.gov/ for up-to-date information.

ids AT

009

Ruczynski gets taste of soldier training Christian Ruczynski

Story by Staff Sgt. Les Newport Indiana National Guard EDINBURGH, Ind. – Christian Ruczynski is learning what his mother has known some time, that Army life can be challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun.

Christian, a Greenfield eighth-grader, attended Kids Annual Training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center near Edinburgh, Ind. The weeklong program for children of Indiana National Guard Soldiers is structured to give kids like Christian a close up look at his mother’s chosen career, Soldiering.

“We do the confidence course, training like soldiers. Sometimes they drop us and make us do pushups,” Christian said. “I think it’s fun.”

Christian’s mother, Sgt. 1st Class Kara Sheets, works in the state Judge Advocates Office and is a veteran of Afghanistan. One Saturday in June, she dropped Christian off at Camp Atterbury where he reported to Carly Glorioso, State Family Programs youth coordinator, for a week of living the life.

Glorioso has run the camp for the last two years, but has a volunteer staff, many who have been involved since the first Kid’s AT in 1993.

“Every summer this program takes on a life of its own,” Glorioso said. “The volunteers, dozens of them, are really the ones that make this work.”

Glorioso said much of the staff is National Guard Soldiers who use a week of vacation to serve. Col. Ken Newlin, a Greensburg native, has a long association with Kids AT. Newlin returned from Iraq this fall after a tour as deputy commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “If I’m in the state, in the country, then I try to make it here,” said Newlin.

Christian agrees that learning about serving in the National Guard is a good thing.

“It’s exciting and fun and I get to meet all kinds of new people, other kids of soldiers and the staff,” Christian said. “They’re great; they’re the people my mom works with.”

Visit the Indiana National Guard Web site at www. in.ng.mil for more Family Programs information.

A “Kids AT 2009” photo essay is currently posted on the site.

Information concerning Kids AT 2010 will be posted in February.

Photos contributed by Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson, Staff Sgt. Les Newport, and Mrs. Vicki Harris.

www.in.ng.mil

11

181st Intelligence Wing 181st earns fourth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Story by SSgt Chris Jennings, 181st IW/Public Affairs

this entire transition period and literally held the 181st flag high.

They have been deployed and kept the local mission on track.”

John F. Kennedy once stated that, “Change is the law of life. And The Distributive Ground Station mission is now operational, those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the and the integration into an Intelligence Wing is complete. The Air future.”

Support Operations Squadron is continuing to accomplish training requirements and is scheduled to be at initial operational capability TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - This statement rings true throughout by June 2010. The surprise of earning an outstanding achievement Hulman Field, Terre Haute, Ind., where the 181st Intelligence award during this transition time can be heard from several 181st Wing has spent the last few years in a constant state of change. As members, but the tough times working through the in-between jets disappeared, leaving the flight line quiet missions is explanation enough for many. and the hangars empty, 181st members rose “I was definitely surprised to hear about to the challenges brought on by this change the award,” said TSgt Mary Galloway. “But and became one of the most sophisticated it has been rough. We’ve seen people come and highly-trained Air National Guard wings and go and even our job here in LRS has in the U.S. Armed Forces – and earned an Air changed drastically. Everyone out here Force Outstanding Unit Award in the process. should be proud of what we’ve accom “The transition period into new missions plished and the award will do just that.” can be tough for any unit,” said Col. Jeff Some Wing members who are new to Hauser, commander, 181st Intelligence Wing. the unit were surprised to learn the unit had “Yet, 181st members managed to maintain earned its fourth Outstanding Unit award, a high deployment tempo, stay focused on but also felt that the award signifies a their training and continue to fulfill state and successful transition. national missions. This vigilance was recog “The recognition is a good thing,” said nized and the unit has earned an Air Force A1C Chris Weatherford, 181st Security Outstanding Unit Award for their efforts from Forces. “It really shows that we did an Nov. 2006 to Oct. 2008.” outstanding job of ramping up for the new

After the end of the unit’s fifty-three year missions.” old flying mission, resulting from the Base The 181st Intelligence Wing is currently Realignment Closure and Total Force Initiasetting the example for other Guard units tives process, more than 300 base personnel Col. Jeff Hauser, commander, 181st Intelligence Wing who could be transitioning in the future. were prepared for cross training into support, intelligence and air For the unit’s exceptional performance under abnormal conditions, support operations missions. Personnel were scattered throughout all unit members will be authorized to wear the Outstanding Unit the country and into technical schools, many of which lasted several Award ribbon. Considered the award for the best of the best in the months to a year. During schools, many members were separated Air National Guard, 181st members should be proud to wear the from their family, sometimes missing holidays and birthdays, all for ribbon that represents yet another successful piece in the unit’s the opportunity to stay involved within the base’s new missions. history of excellence.

“It was tough for many of our members who had to go to long schools for retraining,” Hauser explained. “But we managed to stay focused and we have the Distributive Ground Station up and running.

It really goes to show we have outstanding Airmen. Their dedication to the unit, community and their country has been displayed over 181st IW Commander new NGAI President and over again.”

The award acknowledges a two-year period when the 181st Story by SSgt Chris Jennings, 181st IW/Public Affairs participated in high-visibility contingency operations in more than 16 worldwide locations, including; Operation Jump Start, Combat TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The National Guard Association of Indiana Hammer, Vigilant Guard, Operation Snowbird and Operation Iraqi has been helping Indiana Guardsmen for years and now Col. Jeff Freedom.

Hauser, commander, 181st Intelligence Wing has been nominated In true Racer fashion, 181st members who were not deployed and voted in as the new president of NGAI. With this comes the or at school volunteered to build and distribute more than 15,000 responsibility of increasing membership all across the state. sandbags, and receive and distribute more than 30,000 gallons of “Many guard members don’t realize what the NGAI has done drinking water during the June 2008 floods that devastated many for them,” Hauser explained. “...The reasons why traditional guardsareas in and around the Wabash Valley. All of this was accomplished men get paid for four days of work during every drill weekend, the while the unit was in transition.

G.I. Bill, and several other major benefits have come directly from

“While we have put major emphasis on our new missions, our the NGAI.” Support and Medical Groups here are second to none,” said Col. NGAI is the state organization that promotes legislation to aid Chris Colbert, vice commander, 181st Intelligence Wing. “We have the National Guard at the federal and state level. It promotes welfare base security, engineers, communciations, services, logistics and and efficiency to the National Guard of the State of Indiana. other support personnel who have maintained their focus through Continued next page, bottom

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181st Airman earns ALS’s most prestigious award Story by SSgt Chris Jennings 181st IW/Public Affairs TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Standing out while attending any Air Force leadership school is considered an honor, but standing out while attending Airman Leadership School is considered an excellent example of future leadership. One of the highest honors an Airman can SrA Branden Criss receive is the John Levitow Award, given to an Airman who displays excellent leadership and academic qualities. This award is not given in every class and holds quite the prestige. SrA Branden Criss, 181st Security Forces Squadron received this award while attending ALS at Charleston AFB, S.C.

“It is really an honor and very humbling,” said Criss, who is from New Albany, Ind., and has been in the unit for five and half years. “I was also pretty surprised.”

John Levitow was an Airman first-class on Feb. 24, 1969 when he was asked to fill in for the regular loadmaster on an armed AC-47 named “Spooky 71” serving in Vietnam. It was his job to set the ejection and ignition controls on Mark 24 magnesium flares and pass them to the gunner who used them to illuminate the dark night skies for troops on the ground.

As the gunner pulled the pin and tossed the flare toward an open cargo door, “Spooky 71” was hit by an 82-millimeter North Vietnamese mortar shell and the three-foot, 27-pound flare which burns at 4,000 degrees was rolling across more that 19,000 rounds of ammunition.

Everyone in the plane was injured, yet, without hesitation, young Airman Levitow leapt onto the flare, covering it with his body and tossed it out the cargo door. He had received more than 40 shrapnel wounds from the initial mortar shell, but his selfless heroic actions saved the entire aircraft and its crew from certain death.

For this, Levitow became the lowest ranking Airman to receive the Medal of Honor for exceptional heroism during wartime.

“This is an award that not very many Airmen receive and is an excellent example of how Criss has developed as an Airman,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Ennen, Chief of Security. “This says a lot for Criss, Security Forces Squadron and the Wing.”

Continued from previous page

“It’s our voice on Capital Hill for state issues,” said TSgt Kim Wade, who works in Finance for the 181st and serves as the second vice president of NGAI. Low cost life insurance is available via NGAI. If death occurs it pays within 24-48 hours, much quicker than Veteran’s Group Life Insurance or Servicemembers Group Life Insurance. The more members the state and national organizations have, the louder the voice is on Capital Hill, especially for Tricare and Montgomery GI bill issues.”

The NGAI promotes readiness of units through construction of facilities, increased manning and modernization of equipment for the state.

Hauser explained that while Indiana ranks fifth among all states in total number of guard members, the actual NGAI membership ranks number 45. Getting members involved in the organization is Hauser’s goal.

The 181st commander became the organization’s president recently when he was nominated for the presidential vote. As a

Criss distinguished himself at ALS and explained that he felt his ability to interact with people is what earned him the award. Being able to effectively communicate across several different levels and work through conflicts relating to different Air Force Speciality Codes and bases. There were 23 Airmen enrolled in the course and 21 of them were active duty.

“I felt it was great to show some of the active duty Airmen that Guard members don’t just read books; we are fully capable,” he said.

“It proved to many of the active duty Airmen that we carry quite a bit of knowledge.”

The course is a mixture of leadership training, including briefings, marching and interpersonal evaluations. Criss excelled in every aspect and felt it was a great experience. Criss highly recommends going in-residence to any Airmen weighing his options.

“This course offers so much more than any book could possibly provide,” Criss said convincingly. “You just have to go in there with an open mind as far as expectations.”

Representing the 181st Intelligence Wing, Criss earned ALS’s highest honor and followed in the footsteps of a great Airmen like John Levitow. He has proven he is ready for the next step to be a non-commissioned officer.

“We are proud to see our

Airmen develop into future leaders. This puts a spotlight on Criss, but for a base that has recently transitioned – our ability to reinforce our Air Force Core Values and properly train young Airmen is of the utmost importance.”

- Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Ennen Chief of Security This proves that the steps we have been taking to mold our young Airmen into leaders is extremely effective and we are proud to have Criss be that example,” continued Ennen. senior air officer, the NGAI board of directors felt that Hauser was a perfect fit for the job and he was elected as the new president.

Wade also explained how NGAI benefits all Airmen and everyone at the 181st should get involved with the organization. She feels that Indiana Guard members will see some great improvements having Hauser as the new president.

“I believe you will see many changes to this organization through the leadership of Col. Hauser,” Wade mentioned. “I believe members of the 181st Intelligence Wing and Indiana National Guard will see more information sent out as to what the organization has accomplished and how they are working for guard members.”

Being involved with NGAI should be a priority for all Guard members throughout the state and Hauser is going to push for more members and boost the organization’s operational capacity.

“We will have a major membership drive in the near future,” Hauser said. “We recommend everyone on base and in the state to get involved. There are so many excellent benefits to having a strong membership in NGAI.” www.in.ng.mil

13

113th ASOS Airmen excel in training

Story by SSgt Chris Jennings, 181st IW/Public Affairs

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - The 113th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) has been deeply entrenched in their training since transitioning from a fighter squadron to a ground combat unit, and this won’t ever change.

ASOS Airmen have a peculiar Air Force occupation that places them deep in the fight, usually as the lone Airmen supporting Army maneuver units, directing and coordinating air strikes and intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance support.

A majority of the skills required to become an effective Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) are developed at Army run schools and not unlike their roles in combat, these Airmen tend to stand out as the only Air Force personnel in site. The Airmen from the 113th ASOS have Photo by TSgt Michael Kellams, 181IW/PA excelled in all of these unique schools, many of which are firsts for 181st.

“We have to stay focused on our training right now so we are sending our Airmen to as many courses as we can including Air Assault, Pathfinder, SFAUCC (Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course) and JTACQC (Joint Tactical Air Controller Qualification Course),” said MSgt, Ed Shulman, 113th ASOS TACP Operations NCO. “These courses develop the skills that ASOS Airmen need to become efficient, effective and lethal in combat.”

The first 181st member to attend Air Assault School was SrA Zachary Eason, 113th ASOS, and while he wasn’t the first Air Force member to attend, he was definitely the first member from Hulman Field to complete the course. “ Of the 127 who completed the 11-day school, only two of us were Airmen” the 26-year-old Eason explained. “The school was excellent training. We were taught to conduct sling load operations, rappel from structures and helicopters and also to set up and control landing zones for helicopters.”

The Air Assault School was held at Camp Atterbury’s Warrior Training Center by a mobile training unit out of Ft. Benning, Ga. “It was tough, but very useful training,” Eason said. “I had a greater learning curve than some of my Army peers because they were more familiar with the equipment than I was so I had to play catch up at first. It didn’t take long for me to catch up though and after a few days, you’re not just the Air Force guy to them anymore and you’re accepted as part of the group.”

While jumping from helicopters and rappelling from buildings are necessary skill for all TACPs, controlling air strikes and delivering weapons on target is the main focus of the 113th ASOS. The JTACQC provided that certification. MSgt John Mehringer and TSgt Damon Girton attended this 28-day school, which certifies them to coordinate air strikes.

“This school is a major building block for what we do and a mandatory part of our skill level progression,” Mehringer explained.

“Every TACP in the unit will have to complete this school to become a certified JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller). It’s a

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September 2009

tough school with a lot of classroom academics as well as practical exercise in the field .”

The two 181st Airmen began the school at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas, Nev., and for their field exercises moved to Ft. Drum, N.Y. The JTACQC School is another key step for these Airmen who are working diligently to get the ASOS fully mission capable.

“This school teaches us not only about joint planning and doctrine but also about the complete aircraft and weapons capabilities of US and coalition Air Forces,” said Girton. “We were put through detailed simulations that taught us how to seemlessly integrate completely into Army field operations. It was a challenging but rewarding course.”

SSgt Anthony Hobson, 113th ASOS, was afforded the opportunity to attend US Army Pathfinder School. Pathfinder School, also offered at Camp Atterbury’s Warrior Training Center through the mobile training command from Ft. Benning, Ga., prepared Hobson for a unique war fighting situation.

“This course taught troops how to operate behind enemy lines, recon the area and set up secure landing zones for helicopters, as well as drop zones to bring in troops and supplies,” the 26-year-old Hobson said. “This was an intense course that focused on the mental aspects of our jobs just as much as the physical.”

Hobson explained that Pathfinder School had a 33 percent failure rate and spending eight to 12 hours in a classroom a day was still not enough time to soak up all the information.

“Taking what was learned in the classroom and translating it into a live operation was the goal,” he said. “Everyone was evaluated as the team leader and the assistant team leader so the course was extremely stressful since your grade depended on the performance of the entire team. It also increases our capabilities as a JTAC, to go out with an Army unit and control complex air movement operations as well as by acting as a limited air traffic controller.”

All ASOS members are focused on becoming qualified in every aspect of their mission and full time operational status is still yet to come, but as they continue to train the operational status improves. The unit is scheduled to be at initial operational capability in the spring of 2010. These schools, while completely different from anything 181st members have attended in the past, will play right into their duties as TACPs. “I think what some people don’t understand is the mental aspect of our jobs,” Hobson said. “While the physical aspect plays into it, mentally we have to be very prepared to perform in a variety of challenging and unforgiving circumstances.”

As the transition continues for the 113th ASOS, Airmen will contantly be sent around the country, working with their Army counterparts to train. It’s a non-stop training regiment and Airmen who attend specialty schools now will return to the 181st to help their peers prepare for the next training opportunity.

“We can bring this information back here to help others prepare and know what to expect for their upcoming school,” Mehringer explained. “All of these schools are getting us one-step closer to becoming operational. It’s important for all of us to complete this training and that’s exactly what we’re doing. And our guys are doing a great job in every school they attend.”

“The bottom line is that we need to train our Airmen to be ready to execute their missions regardless of the tactical situations they may be forced to do it in.” said Lt. Col. Patrick Renwick, 113th ASOS commander. “There’s no room in this job for mistakes so we don’t just train until we get it right, we train until we can’t get it wrong.”

122nd Fighter Wing Story by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Metzger 122nd FW, PAO FORT WAYNE, Ind.- Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gregory S. Clapper, former 122nd Fighter Wing, Wing Chaplain, began a new chapter in his military career on July 1, 2009.

Clapper was selected as the National Guard Chaplain Assistant to AFRICOM. This is the first joint position to a combatant command for the National Guard Chaplains.

Clapper represents both Air and Army chaplains for the National Guard. After serving in the Air National Guard for 20 years as a chaplain, Clapper thought that he could apply some of the experience at another level.

His experience includes dealing with a civilian plane crash in 1989 in Souix City, deploying to Turkey after the first Gulf War, helping with a military plane crash in Indiana, deploying three times to a hospital in Germany and one deployment to Guam.

In this position, Clapper will act as a liaison officer between National Guard Chaplains and AFRICOM. He will advise the Command Chaplain and the Command Chaplain’s staff on all National Guard matters. Although the headquarters for AFRICOM is in Germany, Clapper will be traveling to other places on behalf of AFRICOM. “The goal is for me to relate to think-tanks in the Washington, D.C., area that are devoted to dealing with African issues,” said Clapper. Another aspect of the job is to assist nations without existing military chaplaincies in a needs assessment that might lead to the establishment of new chaplaincies on the continent.

Clapper will also be assisting in the development of programs for AFRICOM such as the HIV/AIDS education program where chaplains will be involved in morale decision-making training in AIDS education.

As his last official function with the 122nd Fighter Wing, Clapper provided the message for a community breakfast held at the Dining Facility on May 7, 2009, for the National Day of Prayer.

“I will certainly miss unit ministry,” said Clapper. “Whether I was leading worship services, counseling or visiting with the troops, that is what I had felt called to do the last 20 years I’ve served as a military chaplain.” He also said that this position will be a challenge, but that he hopes others will benefit from the experiences he will bring to the table.

Major Accident R e s p o n s e E x e rc i s e , M.A.R.E. Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Darin Hubble 122nd FW

Photo Fire and Rescue members decontaminate An Emergency Management Team member assists their fire suits, called turn-out gear, after assisting in 53rd Civil Support Team members from Stout Field, clearing the building and removing survivors Joint Forces Headquarters, Indianapolis, during the simulated Radiological Dispersal Fort Wayne Fire Dept. engines respond to joint MARE Ind., in a perimeter sweep of a building exercise at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind., before entry, in order to find and remove the Device explosion.

Indiana Air National Guard. Several Stations responded to source of the simulated Radiological Dispersal assist in clearing the building and decontamination during Device explosion.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The 122nd Fighter the simulated Radiological Dispersal Device explosion.

Wing hosted a joint Major Accident Response Exercise, (M.A.R.E.), on May 12, 2009, which entailed a simulated Radiological Dispersal Device explosion. “[The exercise] provides an opportunity for Department of Defense agencies to work with civilian agencies,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth Stanley, 122nd Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander. He also said that the exercise helps to enhance one of our core competencies, Defense Support to Civil Authorities, and gives the base an opportunity to exercise Mutual Aid Agreements with the local community.

Members of the 122FW worked with local civil authorities such as, Fort Wayne Fire Department and HAZMAT, as well as the 53rd Civil Support Team from Stout Field, Joint Forces Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Senior Master Sergeant William Finch, 122FW Fire Chief stated, “The real value of the exercise is in honing our skills, seeing

if our contingency plans work or don’t work and changing them when necessary. It also allows us to enhance our capabilities of working with other local agencies and state resources.”

122FW support to this exercise came from several shops on the base and included Fire and Rescue, Emergency Management, Safety, Bio Environmental, Vehicle Operations, and Command Post.

Command involvement included Colonel Jeffrey Soldner, 122nd Fighter Wing Commander; Colonel Chris Luithly, 122nd Fighter Wing Vice Commander; Colonel David Harmon, 122nd Fighter Wing Mission Support Group Commander; and Lt Col. Kenneth Stanley, 122nd Fighter Wing Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander.

The M.A.R.E. exercises are a yearly requirement by the Department of the Air Force. www.in.ng.mil

15

38th Infantry Division Transfer of authority from Warrior to Cyclone Story by Spc. William E. Henry, Task Force Cyclone Task Force Cyclone, 38th Infantry Division

Spellmon spoke in remembrance of the servicemembers who died during the deployment, of the cooperation and teamwork of the governors, civilians and coalition forces, and thanked all who helped their mission become a success.

Spellmon also spoke of the fresh outlook that Task Force Cyclone members will bring to the fight against anti-Afghan forces.

“Task Force Cyclone will bring new energy, new ideas, and new talent to the challenges of this region.”

“Today is a historic day

for us as we uncased our 38th Infantry Division colors in a combat zone for the first time since World War II.” - Brigadier General Lonnie Culver Task Force Cyclone commander Culver went on to thank Task Force Warrior members for their support throughout Task Force Cyclone’s training and transition, “We did not travel this journey alone; Scott and Task Force Warrior supported us at every turn.”

The mission of Task Force Cyclone will be to assist the Afghan government with security, construction, economic, and agricultural support in Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces and other outlying bases, as well as facilitate the reception, training, housing, and sustainment of U.S. troops entering the country.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A transfer of authority ceremony was held here August 31, 2009, with Task Force Warrior Soldiers, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based in Fort Polk, La., relinquishing its command to Task Force Cyclone Soldiers of the 38th Infantry Division based in Indianapolis.

Many attended the ceremony, including governors from Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces, to witness Task Force Warrior commander, Col. Scott Spellmon, transition the command element over to Task Force Cyclone commander Brig.

Gen. Lonnie Culver.

Task Force Warrior had been in place for about 15 months.

During their time of deployment, they had commanded over 3,900 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and support agencies from six battalion level commands and coalition partners from France, New Zealand and Singapore, three provincial reconstruction teams and five separate companies all within Bamyan, Kapisa, Panjshir and Parwan provinces.

“You have demonstrated great expertise, valor and sacrifice throughout this challenging 15-month tour. With your partnership with the people of Afghanistan, you have taken the fight to our common enemy and have improved the life of thousands of Afghan citizens,” said Maj Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, 82nd Airborne Division Commander. He went on to welcome Task Force Cyclone. “You have trained hard, you’ve studied this country and region and you’ve come prepared to make a difference.”

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Photo left: Task Force Cyclone’s senior enlisted Soldier Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Lucas (left) and Commander Brig. Gen. Lonnie Culver unfurl the38th Infantry Division task force flag during a transfer of authority ceremony from Task Force warrior to Task Force Cyclone held at Bagram Airfield Aug. 31, 2009. New Zealand Defense Force photo by Sgt. Chris Weissenborn, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Provincial Reconstruction Team Bamiyan.

Photo by Spc. William E. Henry, Task Force Cyclone Public Affairs

TF Cyclone staff judge advocate, Lt. Col. James Zieba, of Carmel, Ind., listens to the chief judge of Kapisa province, Abdul Manan Atazada, discuss building plans of a jail in the Tagab valley District Center area in Kapisa province, Afghanistan, August 25, 2009. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the status of the judges in the area, the plans for construction of a new courthouse and jail and for incoming Task Force Cyclone staff judge advocate members to meet local lawmen in the area. Boxes of Afghan law books were also delivered to Tagab valley District Center by Task Force Warrior and Task Force Cyclone troops.

Task Force 38 Soldiers train for water survival Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry Task Force 38 Public Affairs 38th Infantry Division FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- “I feel fine” was the refrain of many Task Force 38 Soldiers who underwent Helicopter Overwater Survival Training, aka dunker training, at the southern Alabama Army post on Thursday, July 23, 2009, part of their pre-mob training.

Approximately 20 Indiana National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade took part of the water-borne training that taught Soldiers how to react if a helicopter crash lands in water.

“What we’re doing is preparing for a worst-case scenario,” said Col. David Wood, the brigade’s commander who knew the training would be beneficial to the mobilizing Soldiers.

Brigade Soldiers who participated were chosen because they are expected to fly extensively while deployed to Iraq as part of Task Force 38.

To many it might seem incongruous that a unit heading to a desert environment like Iraq would train for a crash landing in water, but according to Duane Wellenkamp, a HOST instructor and assistant diving and safety officer, it’s not.

“The big thing is there’s more water than people think with the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers,” said Wellenkamp. “There are also many canals the Iraqis use for irrigation.”

According to the Marine Corps Times, since the war on terror started in 2001, 29 Marines and at least one corpsman have drowned after their vehicles submerged in a body of water; all those happened in Iraq.

However, the Marine Corps made HOST-like training mandatory to mitigate those risks. The training has been successful across all U.S. military branches.

“The Navy had a huge increase with survivability when this training was implemented,” said Wellenkamp.

Task Force 38 Soldiers saw the training as a valuable tool that will help them if they’re submerged.

After each training task - swimming, treading water, learning how to breathe using an underwater breathing apparatus or being dunked upside down into the water - the instructors asked the Soldiers, “How do you feel?” The correct response was, “I feel fine,” which was chosen because F’s are harder to pronounce and would be easier to detect if something was not fine.

“The training helps you maintain your focus and get out of a situation that would normally be inescapable,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dexter Lawless, an Army aviator and the brigade’s tactical operations officer. “It gives a better perspective if there’s ever an emergency landing in water.”

The final task to pass the dunker course included escaping from a mock downed helicopter that the instructors plunged, using a crane, cables and wires, into a 12-foot pool, and then inverted it.

The Soldiers had to escape using a breathing apparatus in day and simulated night, with darkened goggles.

Lawless, a Soldier with more than 18 years of experience also explained that the training will be valuable in all facets of the task force’s deployment.

“That kind of training is going to help; it could save lives” said Lawless, a Fishers, Ind., resident. “It teaches you that you’re not powerless, that you got to keep your head together, and do what is necessary to survive.”

If Task Force 38 Soldiers remember the skills learned during dunker training and maintain that competent mindset, they should feel fine.

Going...

Going...

Gone !

Photo, top: Indiana National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Watson, Indianapolis, and the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade’s top enlisted Soldier, takes a breath before being turned upside-down in the shallow-water egress trainer, on Thursday, July 23, 2009, at Fort Rucker, Ala. Photo, middle: Indiana National Guard Maj. Barry Hon, Florence, Ind., and the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade’s operations officer, splashes into a pool while in the underwater problem solving egress trainer chair.

Photo, bottom: Indiana National Guard 1st Lt. Francis Johnson, Indianapolis, and the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade’s assistant intelligence officer, splashes into a pool while in the underwater problem solving egress trainer chair.

www.in.ng.mil

17

TF 38 assumes authority from outgoing unit

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Task Force 38 Public Affairs 38th Infantry Division BALAD, Iraq -- Task Force 38 took control of the Multi-National Corps - Iraq aviation brigade from Task Force 449 in a transfer of authority ceremony at Joint Base Balad, which is about 40 miles north of Baghdad, Iraq’s capital.

The incoming task force is charged with conducting fullspectrum combat aviation operations throughout Iraq. The unit will support MNC-I with mission emphasis on air movement, air assault, medevac, and reconnaissance and security missions.

“We will do our best to mitigate risks and provide the best air-to-ground integration for ground commanders, which help improve the security and stability of Iraq,” said Col. David Wood, TF 38 commander.

The unit took over for Task Force 449, which will return home to North Carolina. The 449th Theater Aviation Brigade supported three different commands in three different locations throughout Iraq during its nearly year-long deployment.

As the North Carolina-headquartered unit gets ready to head home, the commander signified the beginning of the end of the unit’s mobilization.

“To the Soldiers of the 449th Aviation Brigade, it’s time to go home,” said Col. Paul D. Barbee, TF 449 commander.

He also expressed his gratitude to the incoming unit and wished the 38th Soldiers well in their deployment. “Task Force 38, Col. Wood, it’s good to see you buddy,” said Barbee.

“You guys are ready to take the lead.”

Wood echoed that sentiment in his address to the troops and ended his speech with the task force’s motto.

The 38th ID held departure ceremonies for its Combat Aviation Brigade,

the 2-150 Fires Team,

“Task Force 38 stands ready. ‘Above the best!’”

Task Force Cyclone,

and the 939th MP Detachment

The color guard for the transfer of authority ceremony between Task Force 449 and Task Force 38 marches down the aisle signifying the end of the ceremony at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Friday, August 28, 2009.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Task Force 38 Public Affairs

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September 2009

Photos, pages 18 and 19 contributed by Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson, Staff Sgt. Les Newport, Sgt. David Bruce and Spc. Austen Hurt, Indiana National Guard

The 38th ID also celebrated homecomings for the 1538th Transportation Company,

and the 215th Area Support Medical Company

Other units celebrated homecomings and departures as well.

The Embedded Training Team 55 was welcomed

home in August,

and OSACOM in September

Co A, 2-151 departed in June

Co B, 2-151 also departed in June

www.in.ng.mil

19

19 th B f S B Looking for something a little different?

Airborne Company seeks very special volunteers

Story by 1st. Lt. Charles Benson, Indiana National Guard SEYMOUR, Ind.– C CO (LRS) 2-152 R & S is seeking volunteers in the MOS’s 11B, 25C, and 88M. Candidates should be E4 or below or willing to accept a reduction. Candidates must also be willing to attend airborne training if not already qualified.

Being part of the only unit to wear the maroon beret in Indiana is both a privilege and a responsibility.

“You get to feel the rush of jumping out of a plane, an exhilarating experience that you don’t get anywhere else in your life,” reflects Spc. John Bennett.

“A lot of traditional Guard guys, not only in our state but across the nation, never have that opportunity.” Charlie Company Soldiers have jumped from a variety of aircraft to include the C17, C130, C23, CH47, UH60, and UH1. In January they even earned Australian jump wings when a jumpmaster from that country visited Seymour.

Though only required to conduct four airborne operations each year in order to maintain proficiency, the unit schedules jumps as often as possible. “For the Primary Jumpmaster it’s very labor intensive. It takes 20-30 hours of planning to make each jump happen and you have to keep up your own proficiency as a jumpmaster in addition to that,” notes Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Farrington, a Charlie Company jumpmaster.

But the extra time commitment is not all. “Being a jumpmaster also entails an extra level of responsibility as a leader because of the risk involved for the Soldiers.”

Jumping from a perfectly good airplane is not Charlie Company’s sole training focus, however. “There are many reasons why airborne operations are an important training tool, but as an insertion method, it is a small facet of what we do.

As members of a Long Range Surveillance unit we are charged to be experts in the science of HF and SATCOM radio communication, the art of deep R&S, and masters of MDMP, with the 11B MOS as our backbone. Traditionally, LRSUs operate in teams of 6 to 12 men, 50-250 km behind enemy lines, with the intent of observing a named area of interest and reporting specified information requirements. This intelligence is then used to ..... weaken the enemy,” explains the Company Commander, Capt. Nicholas Roukas. In fact, the airdrop is only one of the insertion methods LRS teams practice to reach their objective.

They also train to infiltrate enemy territory by land and water.

Though in their current form since only the early 1980s, LRS units draw much of their doctrine from the LRRP and Ranger companies of Vietnam. Then designated as D CO 151 (Ranger), the “Indiana Rangers” are renowned for earning more decorations in a single year for their deeds during that conflict than any other Army infantry company. “They were the only National Guard unit in the nation to perform a combat arms role in Vietnam and they set the standard for the Army,” says Bennett. Charlie Company’s lineage to D CO is recognized by

20

Guardsman

September 2009

the Ranger Association of which it will soon be a chapter. “They set the standard for what a Soldier should be and I consider myself lucky to carry on that tradition.”

Originally organized as a detachment, Charlie Company was recently expanded to a company sized element in 2008 with the Army’s adoption of the Battle Field Surveillance Brigade structure and the creation in Indiana of the 219th BFSB. “Under the newly formed BFSB falls a 134 man LRS Company, of which there are only a few in the National Guard. Charlie Company had the honor of being selected as one of these. We have tripled in size and are actively searching for high caliber Soldiers to fill the ranks, says Roukas. The unit now includes three surveillance platoons, a communications platoon, a sniper section, and a transportation section.

Charlie Company recruits most of its Soldiers from within the ranks of the Indiana National Guard, though it also has many active members who travel across state lines. Candidates are evaluated according to several measures and selected by the Commander and First Sergeant. Once selected, the new member undergoes several drill weekends of assessment and selection training at the unit before receiving an assignment within the Company.

“There is no single quality that we are looking for in a Soldier. We need the package deal. Physical fitness, values, decision making, tactical proficiency, and professional development are all paramount in this organization,” says Roukas. “As a small unit commander I need to be confident in the abilities of all Soldiers and know that they can operate anywhere successfully, independent of the Company, and with little oversight from higher. This in mind, recruiting and selection of personnel is extremely important. This unit is a great brotherhood, and I am proud and honored to have a part in it.”

If interested in learning more about joining Charlie Company, contact the Operations NCO, Staff Sgt. Nick Barlow at 812-522-4015 ext. 12, or nicholas.a.barlow@us.army.mil.

All photos courtesy of Charlie Company archives.

lovak mi lit a r y p a r t ne r s wit h 219 t h

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Les Newport, Indiana National Guard

Butlerville, Ind. - Indiana National Guard Soldiers provided support to twenty-five Soldiers of the Slovak Army training at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. The exercise is part of the National Guard’s ongoing State Partnership Program between state National Guard headquarters and foreign military forces.

The Slovak Army is roughly the same size as the Indiana National Guard and has been recognized as an exceptional ally in counterinsurgency and stabilization operations around the globe.

With a strength of approximately 14,000, the Slovak military is a volunteer professional force and member of NATO, providing counterinsurgency support in Iraq, Afghanistan and strategic command support in the Balkans in addition to United Nations’ missions.

The fifteen year partnership between Slovakia and Indiana has made the joint training exercises a favored duty for both forces.

As a member of the 219th Battle Field Surveillance Brigade, st Pvt.1 Class Ron Craft, a 2008 graduate of Avon High School, was tasked to support the current training exercise.

“I thought it would be an interesting experience, this is the first time I’ve gotten to work with foreign troops,” said Craft. “It definitely makes it exciting.”

Craft said he was glad to learn many of the Slovaks speak English and even more understand it.

“We took a couple of the guys to Greenwood Mall to buy a watch. We talked about the music on the radio, police cars, road signs… gas prices,” said Craft.

The Slovakians training here are scheduled to soon deploy to Afghanistan. Craft said he is training with the thought that he could also be deployed.

First Lieutenant Michael Brandt, ranking officer of the Indiana side of the operation, said those two scenarios are what make the joint training so important.

“This is a great opportunity to learn to deal with the multi-national force, great exposure to another culture, learning to operate with a language barrier,” said Brandt.

Brandt’s counterpart, 1st Lt. Maros

Zoffack, agreed, saying the partnership program has been good for his Soldiers and their readiness.

“This is a good opportunity, training in the United States, and with other countries,” said Zoffack.” This is good for (all of) us and leads to peace.”

Craft later contemplated a time when he may actually deploy and work side-by-side with the Slovakians and appreciated the insight this training exercise has given him.

“I thought that I wouldn’t have anything in common, that we would be separate,” said Craft. “But it’s the little things that you wouldn’t think about (that) turn out to be the biggest things we have in common.”

allen Soldier honore d

Rigger shed dedicated

Story and photo by Sgt. William Hill, Indiana National Guard CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – The 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade dedicated a Rigger Shed on July 10, 2009, to Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. McLochlin, a fallen Soldier who was deployed as a member of the Indiana National Guard’s 2nd Battalion 152nd Infantry Regiment.

The 2-152nd, which is now under the 219th BfSB, dedicated the 165th Quartermaster Company Rigger Platoon’s operating building at the Seymour Freeman Field Municipal Airport to the memory of McLochlin who served his community, state and nation with great honor.

McLochlin, a police officer in his hometown of Rochester, Ind., was killed in small arms fire July 5, 2006, while deployed to Afghanistan.

Before McLochlin paid the ultimate price for freedom he parachuted into the Panama Canal Zone during Operation Just Cause in 1989. He was then deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Storm in 1991 and then to Bosnia/Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in 2004.

Among the guests at the dedication ceremony were the Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger; Emmy Huffman, spokesperson for Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar; and Indiana State Command Sgt. Maj. James Brown, along with other special guest speakers.

Umbarger closed the ceremony with a poem, ‘In the Arena” by Teddy Roosevelt.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them Maj. Gen R. Martin Umbarger, right, better. The credit belongs Adjutant General for the Indiana National to the man who is actually Guard, unveils a plaque for the family of in the arena,” Umbarger Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey A. McLochlin. Shown are his children, Darby, Connor, Kennedy and read. “Jeff lived in the his wife, Nicholle. arena.”

A plaque was then unveiled in McLochlin’s honor and his family performed the ribbon cutting to symbolize the building’s grand opening.

Inside the Rigger Shed are a shake tower – used to shake the parachutes of debris – and also a space for the riggers to pack the parachutes.

Staff Sgt. James Gibson, a Soldier with the 165th, said the building meant a lot of different things to him.

“It is the first in Indiana where riggers have their own building to work out of…” he said. “And it will be a constant reminder of my friend Jeffrey McLochlin.” www.in.ng.mil

21

81st Troop Command Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration

medical assistance and security within the first few days of the disaster.

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Patrick Cloward “We are monitoring the state emergency, giving us a command Indiana National Guard and control piece in a joint operations center,” said Issac. “We’re When a disaster strikes, we trust the authorities to come to our aid flexible enough to bring other state emergency organizations into with everything from bottles of water to tanks and attack helicopters, our operations or work with them side by side.” but despite the speed of the military in the latest fictional Then the Joint Operations Center received an intelligence end-of-the-world movie, organizing report that a terrorist organization such an effort is a feat within itself. was targeting a British Petroleum Any rescue operations could facility near Gary, Ind. A total of include a number of different five explosions detonated there. resources available, so coordinating “ We s t i l l h a d f l o o d those takes practice. It’s an exercise operations to deal with. We stood members of the Indiana Army up Joint Task Force 38 to control National Guard 81st Troop Command what was going on in Gary,” said demonstrated during their Annual Lt. Col. Lance Langsford, Joint Training as part of the Coalition Operations Center plans team Warrior Interoperability Demonstration. leader. “This headquarters had to “This is a global exercise, a think through the process to staff huge communications demonstration another command and control elethat involves Mexico, Canada, ment. It makes you think through Australia, including 30 communicait. Thus the saying goes ‘you train tions systems,” said Lt. Col. Jon Rushow you fight.’” sell Joint Task Force 38. “Indiana is Working from the 38th running three of those 30. There are Infantry Division, JTF 38 attended all kinds of stuff going on.”

JTF 81 Commander Brig. Gen. David Harris briefs the staff during the to the needs coming from the Gary The exercise for Indiana included Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration, which included the scenario.

Army National Guard during their Annual Training. Working in heavy rainfall, causing the Wabash Indiana “The bomb goes off. The different emergency scenarios 81st Troop Command members test and Mississinewa Rivers to flood. their organization and communications capabilities. Task force command needs there exceeded the span of The regional response groups and the centers at Grissom Air Force Base, Indianapolis Division Headquarters, Joint Task Force 81 so the Joint Indiana Department of Homeland and Camp Atterbury responded to natural and man-made disasters, Task Force 38 was stood up and coordinating manpower and military resources to respond to a flood, a Security required security and tornado and an attack on a petroleum plant. moved into the Gary Armory,” said depleted their resources. So, Joint Russell. “There, we are starting to Task Force 81 was stood up to be the command and control for be able to help the incident commander and provide what he needs.” that area.

Like Harris, with the JTF 81, all requests, like for additional Working from a moderately-sized tent “complex” inside and security, go the JTF 38 Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Miller. This outside the U.S. Marine Corps building at Grissom Air Force Base gives them the opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of the units near Peru, Ind., JTF 81 functions as an on-site operations center. available for various things like medical evacuations and casualty JTF 81 Commander Brig. Gen. David Harris said, “If there’s evacuations. The whole time, the Army National Guard works along no facility at all and no infrastructure at all, we can provide it to side civilian authorities, letting the civilian authorities take care of conduct operations.” their side and JTF 38 take care of the soldiers.

“The tent is designed to add sections for other civilian agencies to keep closer to what’s going on,” said Operations Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Issac, for JTF 81. “It’s a command and In the end, control cell at the site. Some of the benefits might include our ability to have relative close proximity to what’s going on. It gives the whole test for us the ability to react a lot quicker. During emergencies you can the Joint Operations Center stay ahead easier.” is to command and control A mobile unit also helps them monitor various operations two Joint Task Forces like sandbagging, civil assistance patrols and ensuring we open up armories for those who need shelter, but it still has its challenges. simultaneously, which has “There’s always continuing problems. In the armory, everynever really happened, .. but thing is locked in. We must create all of that with a portable unit. that’s why we’re doing this In an exercise like this we work out the kinks and work out what exercise.” we need from what we don’t need,” he said.

From a task force to a national emergency, the CWID enabled -Lieutnenant Colonel Jon Russell the 81st Troop Command to adapt to changing needs depending on Joint Task Force 38 the scenario. One included a tornado in Butlerville, Ind., turning a small community from law and order to desperation, enabling JTF 81 to coordinate resources with local agencies to provide aid,

“

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Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) Story and photos by Sgt. David G. Bruce, Indiana National Guard BUTLERVILLE, Ind.—They were arrayed in a small, staggered cluster. Five box-like modules mounted in the back of HMMWVs draped with camouflage netting. These unassuming vehicles are the Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) used by the Army for the detection of biological agents.

The Indiana Army National Guard’s 438th Chemical Company recently added BIDS to i t s organizational structure.

During their Annual Training at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, here, they honed their skills in using this state of the art equipment.

BIDS is a system that detects biological agents in aerosol form, said Spec. Jason L. Kephart, a BIDS operator. It is set up to monitor an area and weather conditions that effect dispersal of biological agents such as wind speed and direction, temperature, and humidity, Kephart added.

“A system called the Biological Agent Warning System pulls in air and a laser searches for organic material. If it detects something, it activates a collector, which is going to infuse it into a solution and put it in a vial for determination of a positive or negative sample,” said Kephart.

Samples are meticulously tracked using 19 digit control numbers and signed for as they make their way to a laboratory for identification of the biological agents, said Kephart. “The work we do could become part of a prosecution, so we practice OSHA guidelines for evidence collection.”

BIDS can operate in multiple modes, said Kephart. In standard mode the BAWS is actively running and activates the collector when airborne matter is detected. A single or command sample mode allows the operators to obtain a background sample.

The system can be set to take a sample periodically at a regular interval.

The BIDS is platoon-sized element with four units stationed in Indianapolis and three in Terre Haute, Ind. The cost of one BIDS unit is approximately 3 million dollars, said 2nd Lt. Ryan D. Snider, BIDS platoon leader with the 438th Chemical Company.

“Right now we have a major push to get personnel BIDS qualified,” said Snider. “Our force structure changed from decon, recon, and smoke to decon, recon and BIDS. As a result we are better set on equipment than personnel.” BIDS is a skill identifier for additional certification, which is a two and a half week course of instruction, he added.

Formerly, the 438th was attached to the 38th Infantry Division, which was a heavy division, the focus on decontamination and smoke or obscurance. With the restructuring of the Indiana Army National Guard, the 438th came under the command of the 81st Troop Command.

Photos: Top - Spc. Jason L. Kephart of the 438th Chemical Company takes weather readings with the Biological Integrated Detection System at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Tuesday June 23. Weather can greatly affect the dispersal of a biological agent which requires the system to track wind velocity, temperature, and humidity. At photo bottom, left, Kephart holds a BIDS sample card. The sample cards indicate a positive or negative reading when biological matter is detected in the air.

Disaster response exercises were coordinated as part of the annual training for the 113th Engineer Battalion, 713th Engineer Company (Sapper), 738th Area Support Medical Company, 381st Military Police Company, 384th Military Police Company, 387th Military Police Company, 938th Military Police Detachment, and 120th Public Affairs Detachment at Camp Atterbury. The 438th Chemical Company, which was on annual training at Muscatatuck, also participated in the exercise as citizens in the disaster area. June 2009.

Captain Brandon T. Lee, 35, of the Indiana Medical Detachment pauses activities at Muskatatuck Training Center to instruct evacuation personnel on how to manage a suspected spinal injury. Capt.

Lee, a nurse practitioner, was the operational cont r o l l e r f o r the medical training in the simulated tornado aftermath.

Photos by Sgt. David G. Bruce, Indiana National Guard

MPs with the 81st Troop Command detain a role-playing rioter during training at the Muskatatuck Training Center. Elements of the 81st Troop Command responded to a simulated tornado aftermath.

Sergeant Jon Fearnow, Spc. Timothy Watts, and Spc. James Buescher of the 713th Engineer Company evacuate a role-play casualty from the hospital at Muskatatuck Training Center on June 21. The casualty presented the rescuers with the difficulties of transporting a pregnant casualty.

www.in.ng.mil

23

Collaborative signing ceremony first of its kind Story by T.D. Jackson, Camp Atterbury Public Affairs

to providing troops with better employment.

Roger Peterman of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve said this collaboration between the Guard and Reserve enables employers to go to both components with job leads.

“We’re ensuring that Warrior-Citizens are taken care of too,” Peterman said. “We’re very proud to join with the Army Reserve to best provide meaningful employment to servicemen and women.”

The Adjutant General expressed his excitement about the milestone the state was setting.

“Indiana is the first state to sign this kind of agreement for the Guard,” Umbarger said.

“

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Adam W. Jackson, 310th Expeditionary Sustainment Command

Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz, left, Chief of the Army Reserve, and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana Adjutant General, signed Employer Partnership Initiatives Monday and Tuesday, August 3 and 4, 2009, which stated that the two components would work together with civilian employers to acquire better job resources for troops.

CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANUEVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind. – In a move that would be the first of its kind, the Army Reserve struck a partnership with the National Guard to better provide employment opportunities for Soldiers returning home from deployment.

Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve, and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana Adjutant General, signed an agreement that the two components would work together with employers to acquire better job resources for troops. Also signing the Employer Partnership agreement were several Indianapolis employers, which included the Indianapolis Fire Department, UPS and ITT Educational Services.

In a separate signing Monday were Columbus, Ind., Mayor Fred Armstrong and Steven Chancellor, chairman of AmeriQual Group LLC., one of the producers of the Army’s Meals Readyto-Eat. Stultz said often when Soldiers return from a deployment they are going back to jobs where they are underpaid and some, he said, don’t have jobs at all.

“Everybody can benefit from this pact,” said Stultz. “We’re all one Army.”

What the agreement states is that the Army Reserve, Guard and the employer partner agree to explore mutually beneficial initiatives that support the missions of each organization. The agreement encourages employers to post their job leads on a specific site – www.armyreserve.army.mil – which has a section dedicated

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What this means is our very own Soldiers will now have access to this wonderful partnership which will pair them up with an employer who needs their specific skills.”

- Major General R. Martin Umbarger Adjutant General, Indiana National Guard

The Army Reserve Chief said that in his talks with various employers he found that the qualities they were looking for in a worker were the qualities that every Soldier already has.

“The military is a great pool of talent that people are looking for,” Stultz said. “Loyalty, dedication, responsibility… These are all the qualities that our Soldiers possess.”

Stultz later explained that as a national strategy of how to maintain the force, you match a Soldier’s civilian skills with a similar job in the military, that way the Soldiers are never lacking in training.

“For example you can build a force of nurses who already work in civilian hospitals, and as Reserve Soldiers they’ll work in military hospitals,” he said. “Or like the Reserve Soldiers who, as civilians, are truck drivers for Conway. They’re doing it every day!”

Connecting Citizen-Soldiers with jobs that match their military skill sets is one of the goals that the Employer Partnership Initiative aims for, in addition to providing resources in a time when many are drying up.

Col. Todd Townsend, Camp Atterbury commander, said he’s excited about the three-fold agreement.

“It’s great that the National Guard, Army Reserve and the civilian employers are coming together to support deploying Soldiers,” he said. “It’s all about opening up the eyes of the civilian work force and letting them know what Soldiers can bring to the table.”

Story by Staff Sgt. Patrick Cloward Indiana National Guard CAMP ATTERBURY JOINT MANUEVER TRAINING CENTER, Ind.- Visiting on a two-week tour, a German Army officer and a British Army Soldier were introduced to differences and similarities in the U.S. Army way of life at Camp Atterbury, Ind., a week in June, 2009.

Capt. Christian Pellengahr from Erfrut, Germany with the Wehr Bereichs Kommande III and Cpl. Kevin Johnson from Leeds, Britain, with the 150th Reg., 207th Squadron, British Territorial Army Volunteers visited with the 713th Engineer Company from Valparaiso, Ind., for demolition demonstrations after some familiarization with the M16 rifle at the firing range. Both soldiers are participants with the International Military Officer program, gaining contacts with officers and enlisted alike from allied host nations with the United States.

“The idea is to make additional contacts with foreign military,” said 1st Lt. Eric Holtzleiter from Anderson and Commander for the 938th Military Police Detachment in Gary, Ind. “There is a large need for host nation support and MPs to work with many different groups.” Holtzleiter, an Officer with the Anderson City Police Department, is scheduled to tour with foreign military hosts overseas in August. He added that each soldier in the program is mobilized and

Warrant Officer Class Graduates Story and photo by Spc. Austen Hurt Indiana National Guard INDIANAPOLIS - Reserve Component Warrant Office Candidate School Class 09001, Rising Eagles, held their graduation ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial Auditorium here Saturday.

More than 100 non-commissioned officers from over 18 states graduated from the program at Camp Atterbury to become the Army’s newest warrant officers.

Major General R. Martin Umbarger, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, spoke as part of the official party for the ceremony.

“Almost 90 percent of you are combat veterans,” said Umbarger, speaking to the graduating class. “You’ve already had a great, great career (as NCOs). Now you’re embarking on something very few people can do.”

“It’s an opportunity to train and see our counterparts and learn from each other.”

- 1st Lieutenant Eric Holtzleiter Commander, 938th MP Detachment

tasked with escorts from their host nation, and then paired with someone of equal position and rank.

“I think I did pretty good,” said Johnson after returning from firing the M16. “It’s quite a bit different from our own rifle. It gives me some good experiences for understanding a different country’s military.”

He said that one difference was how the U.S. Soldiers’ battle update brief was different here and how the assembly of certain weapons were more complicated.

Pellengahr was impressed with the availability of resources. “It is interesting to me how it works in your army,” he said.

“Compared with our military, everything is bigger and larger. In Germany there are more restrictions on use of land and our camps are smaller because local cities are so much closer. We have to contact civilian authorities and schedule our exercises within certain times.”

The warrant officer is a designation between an NCO and a fully commissioned officer. Warrant officers are selected for their dedication and expertise in their particular field in the military, often working in fields like supply, administration and aviation.

“We want somebody that spends their entire lives living and breathing regulations and being experts in their field,” Umbarger said.

WO1 Michael Amick, a food service warrant officer for the 38th STB and one of five graduates from Indiana, stressed how honored he was to become a warrant officer, noting that of the 13,000 Soldiers in the Indiana National Guard, only 134 are warrant officers.

Amick was, before attending the school, an E-5 sergeant. “I wanted to have more influence in the decision making,” said Amick.

The class graduated with an average academic score of 88.24 % and an average

“Joint Forces Headquarters picked several positions but they’re only picking 12 for this year for Indiana.”

Photos by Spec. Ally Hall, Indiana National Guard Background photo: A 30 lb. heavy demolition “Shape Charge” is detonated at Camp Atterbury, Ind., during Annual Training exercises by members of the 713th Engineer Company out of Valparaiso, Ind. Members trained on various levels of explosives used by the military from field expedient (homemade) anti-personnel mines, donut charges for entering doorways in buildings to C4 and larger explosives used in clearing areas that can leave craters six feet deep or more.

Photo left: (from left to right) Army Staff Sgt. Steven Keifer, Indianapolis, Ind.; British Cpl. Kevin Johnson of the 150th Regiment, 207th Squadron British Territorial Army Volunteers, Leeds, Britain; German Capt. Christian Pellengahr of the Wehr Bereichs Kommande III, Erfrut, Germany; and Army 1st Lt. Eric Holtzeiter of Anderson, Ind., meet during a demolition demonstration with the 713th Engineers Company at Camp Atterbury, Ind., as participants with the International Officer Exchange program. Members in the program gain contacts with officers and enlisted alike, from allied host nations with the United States.

Warrant Officer 1 Casey R. Hill is pinned with his new rank following the acceptance of his diploma during the graduation ceremony of the latest Warrant Officer Candidate School class.

physical fitness test score of 237 out 300.

Throughout the Army, there are approximately 12,000 warrant officers on active duty and another 12,000 in the National Guard and Reserves. They serve in 15 branches and 62 occupational specialties. Warrant officers most often serve as advisors and specialists in their field. www.in.ng.mil

25

ast acts General items of interest

Web sites Visit the Indiana National Guard Web sites to find the latest news, stories, and videos from our units. Important announcements, press releases and crisis assistance is available there as well.

Bookmark them today.

Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a community based, residential program for at-risk youth of Indiana between the ages of 16-19, who are struggling academically.

For more information and to see if your child qualifies, please visit the Academy Web site at: http://www.ngycp.org/in or call 1-866-477-0156 The academy is a seventeen month program and consists of three phases: a two-week residential pre-challenge phase, a five month residential challenge phase and a twelve month post graduation, non-residential phase.

www.in.ng.mil

Applicants must not be in trouble with the law, be drug free, unemployed and high school drop outs.

Prospective applicants must demonstrate a desire to improve themselves to become a successful and productive citizen of Indiana.

Morale, Welfare, and Recreation

www.campatterbury.in.ng.mil

MWR offers a wide range of activities and assistance to improve the lives of Guardsmen, families and civilians.

For discount opportunities at restaurants and hotels, tickets to sporting events and amusement parks, and much more, stop by the MWR office at Camp Atterbury, located in Building 230, 2nd floor, Room 210 or call Sgt. Vickie Harper 812-526-1499 Ext. 2307.

For information on discounts to Disney and other national attractions, call the ITR at Ft. Knox: 502-624-5030 or 502-624-1081

www.mutc.in.ng.mil INNG Human Resources: www.in.ng.mil/hr Mobilization Volunteer: www.in.ng.mil/mobvolunteer An electronic version of the Guardsman is available on the Public Affairs page of the www.in.ng.mil Web site

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Guardsman

September 2009

We have received a few updates to the DEERS matrix published in the last Guardsman. See below for the updated version.

SITE NAME

ADDRESS

SITE TELEPHONE

HOURS OF OPERATION

JFHQ-IN-J1

9301 E. 59th Street LAWRENCE

317-964-7057

Mon-Wed-Fri 0800-1500 Tue-Thur 0800-1600

AFRC South Bend

1901 S. Kemble Ave. SOUTH BEND

574-287-0835 x 129

Monday - Friday 0900-1600

713th ENG CO

1502 Linwood Avenue VALPARAISO

219-464-2070 x 13

By Appointment ONLY Wed & Fri 0800-1200

2-150 FA BN

3380 S. Walnut Street BLOOMINGTON

812-332-4491 x 5

Monday - Friday 0800-1500

38TH INF DIV

3912 W. Minnesota Street INDIANAPOLIS

317-247-4508

Monday - Friday 0800-1430

Btry B, 1-163rd FA BN, 76th BCT

3300 Division Street EVANSVILLE

812-469-4025

Monday-Thursday 0800-1100 & 1400-1500 Friday 0800-1100

765-447-0759 x 85478

Monday - Friday 0800-1600

5218 E 200 SOUTH LAFAYETTE 2900 East Division St. EVANSVILLE 3556 N. Michigan Road SHELBYVILLE

Co A 638th ASB 380th QM Company 38th Combat Avn Bde

812-469-4025 317- 392-8250

3912 W. Minnesota Street 317-247-3300 Ext 4058 INDIANAPOLIS

38th STB

PO Box 5000 BLDG 4 EDINBURGH

219th BFSB

812-526-1671

Monday - Friday 0800-1430 Monday-Friday 0800-1600 Saturday & Sunday 0800 to 1200

OTHER DEERS/RAPIDS SITES AROUND THE STATE OF INDIANA Camp Atterbury

PO Box 5000 Bldg 345 EDINBURGH

812-526-1671

Monday-Friday 0800-1600 Saturday & Sunday 0800-1200 or by appointment

122d FW MSF DPMPS

3005 Ferguson Rd Bldg 780, room 131 FORT WAYNE

260-478-3231

Wednesday & Friday 0800-1400 Walk-ins only

181ST FW MSF/DPMPS

800 S. Petercheff St. TERRE HAUTE

812-877-5610

384TH Military Police Battalion

2233 Nuttman Ave. FORT WAYNE

Tuesday & Thursday 0900-1100 (Lunch) 1300-1500 (open on HER drill Weekends)

260-478-3231

Tuesday & Thursday 0800-1400

ARTC Terre Haute

401 East Davis Drive TERRE HAUTE

866-798-2032 x 230

Monday - Friday 0730-1630

DFAS Indianapolis

8899 E. 56th St. INDIANAPOLIS

317-227-7052

Monday- Friday 0700-1545 open 2nd Saturday of every month 0800-1600

NMCRC Indianapolis NSWC, Crane Division

3010 White River Pkwy, East Dr. INDIANAPOLIS 300 Highway 361 CRANE

Monday - Friday 0800-1600 (Appointmen required) Friday 0800-1400

Please send updated information to susan.hawver@ng.army.mil.

Remember, schedules can slip; call to verify before traveling to one of these sites.

www.in.ng.mil

27

TAPS 2009 Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors “ Remember the love. Celebrate the Life.

Share the Journey �

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Guardsman

September 2009