The Hornet

October

The Hornet North Carolina National Guard

2014

505th Eng. Battalion Builds at Camp Butner Man’s Best Friend helps Soldier with PTSD

Best Warrior Competition Tests Soldiers and Airmen

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Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Robert Bumgardner robert.h.bungardner.mil@mail. mil

Deputy Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo matthew.r.devivo.mil@mail.mil

Visual Information Branch Chief

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Rey joseph.e.rey.mil@mail.mil

Media Relations

Capt. Matthew Boyle matthew.i.boyle.mil@mail.mil

Community Relations

Capt. Richard Scoggins richard.s.scoggins.mil@mail.mil

Writers/Photographers Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan robert.b.jordan2.mil@mail.mil Staff Sgt. Mary Junell mary.e.junell.mil@mail.mil Sgt. Leticia Samuels Leticia.a.samules.mil@mail.mil The Hornet magazine is an authorized publication for members of the North Carolina National Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the NCNG, United States Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the NCNG. General comments and suggestions should be addressed to NCNGPAO@gmail.com or call 919-664-6590. Layout and design by

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Content 505th Engineer Battalion Pg. 6 Photos from the 505th Engineer Battalion during Annual Training at Camp Butner, N.C.

Best Warrior Competition Pg. 16 Soldiers and Airmen from across North Carolina compete to be named Best Warrior at the State Best Warrior Competition at Camp Butner.

First in Flight Pg. 20 2nd Lt. Lindsey Jefferies is the first feamle, African-American helicopter pilot in the North Carolina National Guard.

NCHART Trains for Ten Years Pg. 22 The North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team celebrates 10 years of joint training with local agencies and the North Carolina National Guard.

Ready and Decisive Pg. 24 North Carolina Army National Guard Combined Arms Exercise

PTSD Dog is Man’s Best Friend Pg. 28 Sgt. 1st Class Jason Syriac brings his post-traumatic stress disorder companion animal, a dog named Rosco, to drill at the 130th MEB.

Old Hickory WWII Veteran Honored Pg. 32 Ed Middleton, a 30th Infantry Division veteran of World War II, was honored for his military and volunteer service during a ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Fayetville, N.C.

On the Cover

Spc. Lewis Rolband, with the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, uses a compass and map to locate points during the land navigation event at North Carolina’s Best Warrior Competition at Camp Butner, N.C., March 4, 2014. Rolband was the first runner-up in the enlisted category and represented the North Carolina National Guard at the Region III completion in April.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs)

Greetings and welcome to The Hornet magazine.

I’m Army Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo, editor of The Hornet and Deputy Director of the Public Affairs office for the North Carolina National Guard. I am extremely proud of what our team has produced in this inaugural issue of The Hornet. Our objective is to deliver, on a quarterly basis, N.C. Guard stories and information directly to you, your family, friends and supporters of the NCNG. The Hornet will be distributed to all major commands via email with a web-link that directs readers to a web version. It will also be available to download on our public webpage at www.nc.ng.mil starting in December.

We welcome your ideas for stories, Guard topics, etc to make this publication even more informative and enjoyable to read. Send your ideas to: NCNGPAO@gmail.com Another way we communicate NCNG news, events and interesting Guard topics from around the nation is through NCNG’s three social media sites: facebook.com/NCNationalGuard, flickr.com/ photos/ncngpao, youtube.com/NCNationalGuard and twitter.com/NCNationalGuard. These sites are fantastic ways for you and your family to stay informed, download great photos of the N.C. Guard and communicate to us.

I ask that you visit all of our N.C. Guard websites, “like us” and invite your family, friends and employers to checkout them out as well.

Enjoy your magazine: The Hornet Always Ready, Ready Team – Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo

We Want Your Submissions!

Are you an artist, writer, photographer or comic creator? We want you to send us your work for consideration in our future issues. Send submissions to NCNGPAO@gmail.com with “Magazine Submission” in the subject line. Make sure to include your contact information with name and unit.

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News From Around T Welcome home to all our units returning from deployment

“We have been together for a long time.”

211th MP Co. 210th MP Co. HHC, 630th CSSB 1131st EN Det. 1132nd EN Det. 430th EOD 112th Finance 2-130th AOB 118th ASOS 156th AS 145th MXG

As of October 1, 2014, all Soldiers must wear the new Army Service Uniform for any Department of the Army official photo.

Tank Commander, Staff Sgt. Scott Bang, from Hope Mills, North Carolina, described his team from C Co., 1-252 AR, 30th ABCT and their preparation to get to this year’s Sullivan Cup.

The Education and Employment Office helped over 700 Soldiers and Family member find jobs since opening thier doors in July of 2013.

Follow the NCNG on Twitter! @NCNationalGuard

www.facebook.com/ NCNationalGuard 4

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Follow our journalist! @SSGRJ @PhotosInGreen @CaptRS2 @MilSamuels

The Hornet’s Nest 114,000 lbs of Food 35,000 lbs of Water Visit the fair for free on Military Apreciation Day, Oct. 22. Stop by and visit the NCNG booth! $5 tickets every other day with your Military ID.

The amount of aid dropped to refugees trapped

by Islamist extreamists in northwest Iraq.

145th Air Wing was among the units that provided support in the massive relief effort.

Your Best PT Test!

Use these tips from Sgt. 1st Class Robert Wheeler to make sure you put your best foot foward the day of your test.

Food Service: Best in State

Rest Get consistent sleep 3 days prior to the test

Hydrate Drink 8 to 10 glasses daily for water 3 days prior to your test

Food

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers, from back left, Staff Sgt. Jason Pattison, Sgt. Christopher Hirschbolz, Pvt. Latonya Green, Pvt. Sarah Moore, Staff Sgt. Dantae Lawson, Connelly Evaluators Dave Mitchell, William Nickels, Ronald Correira, bottom row, Sgt. 1st Class Taneisha Griffith, Sgt. Rena Wilkins, Capt. Sarah Day pose with Certificate of Achievement, “BEST IN THE STATE” during field operations for the 47th Annual Philip A. Connelly Competition, July 21, at Fort Pickett, Va.

Eat fruits, vegetables and other non processed food.

There is no need to carbo load just eat normal meals with appropriate servings of carbs, protein and fats at each meal.

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505th Engineer Battalion Battles Building at Butner Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

Soldiers with the 505th Engineer Battalion spent their two-week long annual training at Camp Butner, N.C. working on various construction projects.

The engineers built sun-shades, a new obstacle on the obstacle course, re-built most of the existing porch and ramp at the medical detachment, worked on the repel tower and made other improvements throughout the camp.

The improvements made by the Soldiers of the 505th will ensure that North Carolina Soldiers will get the training the need while using the facilities at Camp Butner in the future.

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Sgt. Chadwick Stephens holds onto a bolt while building

new stairs for the rappel tower.

Spc. Brittany Morales cuts a piece of timber for the new sun shade.

Pfc. Jackson hold a level in place while working on the MOUNT sight.

Spc. Justin Roddey and Spc. Stephen Duncan cut plywood.

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Iraq A teddy bear donated by an American child remains tied to a C-130 Hercules assigned to the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, prior to takeoff during a humanitarian airdrop over Iraq, Aug. 14, 2014, at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

The humanitarian aid includes bottled water and food which was delivered to displaced citizens in the vicinity of Sinjar, Iraq. The teddy bear was donated to pass along gratitude to children trapped in the Iraq conflict.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Vernon Young Jr.) The Hornet

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Fort Pickett Service members with the North Carolina and West Virginia National Guard prepare a C-130 cargo plane for take-off at Fort Pickett, Va. on Aug. 8, 2014 during an air drop training mission. This was the first time North Carolina completed an air drop training mission from rigging the bundles all the way through collecting the dropped bundles.

(U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell) The Hornet

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Cyber Security Story by Lt. Col. Matt Devivo What do major online and storefront retail giants, federal and state government agencies and national banks/financial institutions have in common? They all have suffered malicious cyber attacks over the past several years. Cyber intrusions and attacks expose sensitive personal and business information and disrupt essential operations negatively affecting business and the economy.

Contrasting many government programs, cyber defense is growing in its budget and personnel. The North Carolina National Guard stands poised, ready and capable to support the National Guard Bureau`s intent to stand up multiple Cyber Protection Teams (CPT) in support of US Cyber Command’s Cyber Mission Forces.

Over the past five years, the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has built an impressive group of information technology (IT) professionals that make up its Joint Cyber Defense Team.

“We have over 30 soldiers and airmen with a unique blend of private industry and military IT experience and training,” said North Carolina Air Guard’s Lt. Col. Anthony Sullins, officer in charge of the Joint Cyber Defense Team. “We have a seasoned team with the skills and experience required to quickly stand up operational units that will effectively assess and protect networks from malicious actors.”

Across the country, states are augmenting their computer network defense teams with other personnel to build more robust cyber teams. In most cases these additional personnel and resources are from other departments within the state, or as many call it “taking it out of hide,” which is one of the main reasons many states are vying for CPT selection.

Sullins stated that the vast majority of N.C. Guard’s cyber team members work as IT specialists in a wide range of state, national and international industries and corporations. Many of these

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How to Stay Safe at home Geotagging is a feature that reveals your location to other people within your network. Consider turning off the GPS function of your smart-phone and digital camera.

Do not reveal sensitive information about yourself such as schedules and event locations.

Photos and videos can go viral quickly.

Closely review them before posting to ensure they don’t give away sensitive information which could be dangerous or harmful if released.

members also have advanced network security certifications including Certified Penetration Tester, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Auditor, as well as relevant training in incident response and intrusion analysis.

“A distinct characteristic of N.C. Guard’s cyber team is its deep bench of experienced industry professionals,” said Capt. Robert Felicio, a 15-year cyber defense expert and North Carolina National Guard cyber team member. “North Carolina’s robust financial sector in Charlotte, our university system’s research and development programs and Raleigh-Durham’s Research Triangle Park, with its cutting edge bio-medical, engineering, software, data systems and networking firms, breeds a quality of IT professional rarely seen in other locations in the U.S. We regularly recruit from, train and collaborate with this remarkable local talent pool.”

The results of this local talent pool are evident in the team’s exceptional performance in recent cyber training events.

N.C. Guard’s Joint Cyber Defense Team along with 300 soldiers, airmen and civilians from 35 states and territories participated in Cyber Shield this spring.

The exercise was designed to challenge teams with real-world scenarios where their networks were maliciously attacked again and again.

In July the team participated in US Cyber Command’s Cyber Guard exercise at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. Cyber Guard was the largest exercise of its kind composed of international partners, active duty, National Guard, reserves, National Security Agency, and U.S. Cyber Command teams performed their cyber missions in support of the Department of Homeland Security and FBI. The scenarios revolved around response to foreign-based attacks on government and privately owned critical infrastructure networks while promoting collaboration and information

sharing across all levels of government. In both exercises, evaluators ranked the North Carolina in the top tier of participating teams.

The same way governors may call their guard force to respond to natural disasters, National Guard cyber teams will stand ready to answer the call for a cyberemergency. Teams will support federal, state, and critical infrastructure networks by providing proactive network security assessments, and if necessary, actively protect those networks when requested during a time of emergency.

“The Joint Cyber Defense Team assembled in the NCNG is a highly trained, dedicated and motivated group of quiet professionals,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, adjutant general of North Carolina.

“They protect and defend our information networks and communications systems across the state, every hour of every day, and stand ready to assist other state and federal agencies and others that are part of our critical infrastructure.”

What to do if you suspect a cyber attack Go to www.ic3.gov to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center

Report anything suspicious to your chain of command

NCNG’s cyber team supported the National Democratic Convention in Charlotte, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration, and has travelled to Moldova and Romania on several occasions providing to network security information sharing with former eastern-bloc countries as part of European Command’s efforts to increase cyber security awareness with these potential partners. The team also has a strong relationship with North Carolina’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and other state agencies.

“The Cyber Shield and Cyber Guard exercises validated our team’s capabilities and expertise as network defenders,” said Sullins. “Every time we work with other Guard, civilian, state and federal cyber organizations we become better at our jobs, thereby keeping us ready and responsive to future cyber incidents. Without a doubt, the NCNG is poised and ready to become a formally recognized member of the Cyber Protection enterprise.”

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Gov. McCrory signs legislation to help Guard, Reserve, Active Duty members and veterans Story courtesy of Governor’s Press Office

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ctive duty members, veterans and military spouses can have selected military training and past experience converted into college credit and/or professional licenses in North Carolina under legislation signed into law today by Gov. Pat McCrory.

“Service members and veterans receive some of the best training in the world. This law gives them the opportunity to turn that training and experience into certifications and college credits that will help them get good-paying jobs in the civilian world,” said McCrory, who signed the bill into law at the Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh. “This law will also provide North Carolina employers with welldisciplined and high-skilled workers who know a thing or two about how to get a job done and done well.”

SB 761, which received strong bipartisan support and not one “no” vote in either the House or the Senate, instructs the University of North Carolina and North Carolina Community College systems to develop programs that will convert military training into college credits and the state’s licensure boards into professional certifications and licenses.

Already, a few programs have been developed to

convert military training.

They include: • Commercial Driver’s License for truck drivers • Information Technology Specialists’ Certification • ASE Certification for Vehicle Mechanics • Conversion programs for military trained law enforcement officers and paramedics are expected to be announced soon.

This new law also instructs the UNC and NC Community College systems as well as the state’s licensure boards to work with the military to develop programs to fill any knowledge or skills gaps between military occupational training and civilian license requirements. The law applies to active military, military spouses and veterans.

“This bill is a win-win,” said Sen. Ron Rabin. “It enriches our workforce, which attracts businesses to come into the state, while also helping the economy.

Conservatives in the General Assembly have been trying to make the economy better in the state, and this bill aims to do just that. It also helps military personnel by creating an environment of appreciation.

This is a military-friendly and economy-oriented bill.”

Gov. Pat McCrory, North Carolina National Guard’s commander in chief, signed the Senate Bill 761 at the NCNG Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., July 10, 2014. The bill is an act to enhance the effectiveness of the occupational licensing of military service members and veterans and direct the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina and the State Board of Community Colleges to submit a plan that will ensure that college credits are uniformly granted to students with military training. (Photo by Sgt. Leticia Samuels)

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ASE: The right tool to certify military skills Story and photo by Sgt. Leticia Samuels Army Staff Sgt. David Robertson shared years of military training and experience as a mechanic with the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade and his Automotive Service Excellence knowledge, as he led a class of soldiers through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification process and testing July 25, 2014, at North Carolina Guard’s Regional Training Site for Maintenance, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“The class is geared to bring army mechanics up to speed with their civilian counterparts. ASE helps us when we retire by using the Army skills and experience gained over a career to help secure a civilian job in the automotive industry,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Simonson, surface maintenance inspector, with NCNG’s 630th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

ASE is a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies automotive professionals and provides methods that help improve the quality of vehicle maintenance. The program will provide soldiers with employment opportunities, qualifying them to work in the automotive industry. ASE Certified Technicians work in every part of the automotive service industry.

The 11 students attending the ASE course at North Carolina Guard’s Regional Training Site for Maintenance, at Fort Bragg (RTS-M) are wheeled vehicle mechanics who have completed their advanced leader courses or higher proving their leadership and knowledge

Soldiers from the North Carolina National Guard hold their certificates of completion for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification test on July 25, 2014, at the Regional Training Site for Maintenance at Fort Bragg, N.C.

base determined by their Military Occupation Specialty. Wheeled vehicle mechanics are primarily responsible for supervising and performing maintenance and recovery operations on wheeled vehicles and associated items, as well as heavywheeled vehicles and select armored vehicles.

This ASE class was focusing on taking the Diesel Engine Certification Test (T2). This exam tests the knowledge of critical concepts and mechanical procedures of diesel engines. Soldiers are required to identify and recognize systems and mechanics and must know how to effectively diagnose, service, and repair different diesel engine systems.

The ASE exam is difficult with a low success rate across the Army during its initial rollout a few years ago. Once students pass this exam and provide two years of prior work experience, they will have higher paying employment opportunities in the automotive industry.

In attempts to get more Guardsmen ASE certified, Chief Warrant Officer 3, William Horne, officer in charge of RTS-M and Master Sgt. James Alexander, RTS-M’s noncommissioned officer in charge, took a new approach by bringing in some of the most experienced, senior full-time mechanic technicians to take the ASE course and exam and really gauge if the certification correlates to Army standards and practices.

“It’s very humbling and really a tough test. It is particular, very specific with a lot of detail and you have to have the experience and the knowledge to pass it,” said Sgt 1st Class Michael Applebee, 1452nd Field Maintenance Shop Inspector.

After being the first NCNG members to pass the ASE exam, Robertson was asked to teach the first class.

“This was great. It was my first time teaching a full sized course like this,” said Robertson.

Eight out of eleven students passed the ASE exam administered at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

“The ASE program will help with my full time job as a maintenance inspector. I now have more credentials and it validates my skills and position as an inspector,” said Applebee.

Horne and his staff are working tirelessly to keep students wanting to come back through the ASE program to not only achieve their master certification but to mentor them as future leaders of the National Guard.

“It helped rekindle a flame in all of us. We all are competitive by nature.

It makes us want to go back and do better at our units, keep pressing forward and learn more and to be better leaders and mentors,” said Simonson.

“The Army’s ASE program can go a long way in helping a Soldier get a civilian job right now or later down the road,” said Robertson.

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Sgt. 1st Class Juan Rojas, with the North Carolina National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, 60th Troop Command, nears the finish of a six-mile road march in Butner, N.C., March 5, 2014. Rojas is one of 12 Guardsmen who competed in this year’s North Carolina Best Warrior Competition.

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Competing for the Title:

Best Warrior Photos and Story

by Staff. Sgt. Mary Junell

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Tech. Sgt. Richard Player, with the North Carolina National Guard’s 118th Air Support Operations Squadron, 145th Air Wing, clears an M249 machine gun to make sure it is free of ammunition during an event at the North Carolina National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition, March 4, 2014.

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he Best Warrior Competition is an annual, Army-wide event designed to test the mental and physical strength of its competitors and name one soldier and one non-commissioned officer the Best Warrior for that year.

That is why many soldiers in North Carolina were surprised to learn that there would also be two airmen competing alongside them at this year’s state level of the competition.

Tech. Sgt. Richard Player, competing in the NCO category and Sr. Airman Joshua Garrison, competing in the enlisted category, are both with the North Carolina National Guard’s 145th Air Wing. They are also the first Air Guardsmen to compete in the Best Warrior Competition in North Carolina.

Sgt. Thiahy Hong said it’s only natural that the Air Guard participates in the competition.

“I think it’s great that they are competing with us,” said Hong, who is presenting the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in the NCO category. “We are always going to be working together. The Air Force used to be part of the Army and we’re always going to need their support. I would like to see them be able to go higher in the competition than just the state level.”

The airmen will not be able to continue past the 18

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state level because it is an Army Competition. If one of the airmen wins, the runner up will represent North Carolina at the Regional Best Warrior Competition in April.

Command Sgt. Maj. John Swart, the senior enlisted leader for the North Carolina National Guard offered to let the 145th Air Wing compete this year and Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, the 145th Air Wing Command Chief, accepted.

“I was willing to accept their invitation and get two airmen into the competition to build some camaraderie,” Williams said. “It will get them experience and exposure to the way [the Army Guard] does things and help build cohesion between the branches.”

Both the airmen and soldiers in the competition will complete the same events and stay in the same barracks, giving the service members time to get to know each other. Hong said competing with the airmen is a great opportunity to build camaraderie.

“It gives us a chance to learn from them,” Hong said. “They use different weapons systems than us and we train differently than them and the competition helps us build camaraderie. It makes us a better team.”

“It makes us a better team.”

Senior Airman Joshua Garrison, with North Carolina National Guard’s 118th Air Support Operation Squadron, 145th Air Wing, swings across the monkey bars on the obstacle course at Camp Butner, N.C., March 5, 2014.

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Lt. Jefferies is First in Flight Story by Staff. Sgt. Mary Junell

W

hen 2nd Lt. Lindsey Jefferies enlisted more than eight years ago, she did not know she would one day become a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot, much less the first female AfricanAmerican helicopter pilot in the North Carolina National Guard.

Jefferies, who originally enlisted as an aviation operations specialist, said it was a “no-brainer” for her to stay in the aviation field, when faced with a career change upon commissioning as an officer in May 2012.

“When I enlisted in 2005, I had no idea that I would become a [Black Hawk] pilot eight years later,” Jefferies said. “Initially becoming a pilot was an idea that seemed so far out of reach and unattainable. But, after praying, putting my faith in God and seeking guidance from mentors, I made the decision to go for it, a decision forever cherished.”

Jefferies was first exposed to aviation while participating in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program at Needham B. Broughton High School in Raleigh.

“I had the opportunity to fly a small fixed-wing plane,” Jefferies said. “After that, the desire to fly was planted. After joining the North Carolina National Guard for the education benefits, I became further exposed to the aviation community through my job as an aviation operations specialist.”

Women have only been allowed to serve in the N.C. Guard for more than 50 years. On top of that, state National Guard organizations have only been desegregated for a little more than 35 years, so the fact that Jefferies is a pilot is significant.

“Being African-American and

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female does make me a double minority in the field of aviation, however I can honestly say that I am and have been evaluated based on my performance and ability to meet the qualification standards," said Jefferies.

After earning her degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jeffries said she has become more aware of the role diversity plays in the workplace.

“One of the great things about the Army is that there are programs established and designed to increase education and promote criteria-based evaluations within the ranks,” said Jeffries.

Jefferies’ hard work and dedication has not only helped her break through a barrier, it has also earned her recognition among her peers; an award was recently named in her honor.

When Jefferies first enlisted in the N.C. Guard she spent her monthly weekend training in the Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP), where newly enlisted soldiers become better prepared for attending Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training.

After showing much promise and dedication to duty, the RSP unit she attended created the Lt. Lindsey Jefferies Award.

The award is given to the RSP soldier who most exemplifies leadership, selfless-service and dedication to duty. The award plaque also states the soldiers who receive the award have raised the standards by which all other RSP soldiers are to be evaluated.

In addition, the worthy recipients also must have the characteristics to motivate and inspire the cadre and incumbent warriors to do more, go further, work harder and achieve success.

First Sgt. Robert Cook, a senior

noncommissioned officer with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, 60th Troop Command, was part of the cadre at Jefferies’ RSP unit when she first joined the Guard and helped create the award named in her honor.

“The award is simply to recognize those few individuals who have made the RSP more successful than expected,” Cook said. “Lt. Jefferies is the epitome of what someone who has the determination to be successful can achieve.”

When Jefferies joined the program, it was still new; serving as the student platoon leader, Cook said her participation in that role helped to shape the program.

“She was the first student platoon leader that embraced the role,” Cook said. “She used it to develop her own attributes.”

Jefferies used the lessons and character developed in RSP to shape her career and become an officer in the NCNG in order to earn the title of “First Female African-American Helicopter Pilot,” in the North Carolina National Guard; a title she is proud of.

“It is such an honor to be the first female African-American pilot in the North Carolina National Guard,” Jefferies said. “In every profession there has been and will continue to be firsts in some form or fashion and I am simply blessed to hold this title.”

Cook said it is great to see that Jefferies has accomplished such a historic benchmark in the NCNG. “I think that Lt. Jefferies’ success serves as inspiration to hundreds of young soldiers who are exploring their own future,” Cook said. “Lt. Jefferies earned this distinction through hard work and dedication to her goals. I feel that her achievement proves she is simply an extraordinary soldier and officer.”

Army 2nd Lt. Lindsey Jefferies, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot with C Company, 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, stands on her assigned helicopter, in Fort Rucker, Ala., in October 2013. (Photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Leon Hammett)

“In every profession there has been and will continue to be firsts in some form or fashion and I am simply blessed to hold this title.�

- 2nd Lt. Lindsey Jefferies

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Celebrating 10 Years of Joint Training UH-60 Blackhawk - provided by the N.C. National Guard

UH-72 Lakota airframe provided by the N.C. National Guard

Bell-407 airframe - provided by the N.C. State Highway Patrol

Training locations across N.C. for the last 2 years 

 



The number of missions NCHART has participated in

North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team 22

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→



70

→

The number of people rescued by NCHART missions

What does it take to join NCHART? Here are some facts about being a member • There are currently 47 rescuers assigned NCHART • New Rescuers must score a 50 on the NCHART physical evaluation • Once on the team, rescuers must score a 45 every 2 years • Team members must have access to their gear at all times • A rescuers bag can weigh as little at 45lbs and as much as 70lbs • Rescuers train regularly with the North Carolina National Guard • Being a member of NCHART is an additional duty to their regular jobs and team members include police officers, fire fighters, search and rescue workers and emergency medical technicians

“If it was my family on top of that cliff or stuck in a car, I

would want this asset to help them. Sometimes you can’t get to those areas except from the air.”

- Staff Sgt. Edgar Bowers, C Company, 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment

A UH-72 Lakota airframe is provided by the N.C. National Guard for both training and rescues. Soldiers are also provided as crews

A N.C. National Guard Soldier helps guide the cable holding the victim and rescuer The victim is strapped into a harness then instructed to keep his legs straight and remain as still as possible

A cable attached to a wench pulls the rescuer and victim to the helicopter

Rescuer: wraps himself around the victim to keep the pair from spinning NCHART has rescued people from cars or buildings during floods, hikers stuck on cliffs or in ravines and people stranded in rivers

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Ready and Decisive North Carolina Army National Guard Combined Arms Exercise Story and photo by Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo

North Carolina Army National Guard Citizen-Soldiers of the 1-252nd Combined Arms Battalion prepare to defend against an enemy counterattack with their M1A1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles during a combined arms exercise here Feb. 7 to 9. This exercise prepares NCNG forces for future deployments and ensures unit readiness and relevancy as an operational force.

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More than 540 North Carolina Army National Guard citizensoldiers of the 1-252nd Combined Arms Battalion and the 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion participated in a combined arms exercise here, Feb. 7 to 9.

This combined arms training using Apache Attack Helicopters in support of M1A1-Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles prepares both forces for future deployments and ensures unit readiness and relevancy as an operational force.

The 1-252 CAB executed 24hour operations throughout the training. Radios buzzed as leaders planned missions and controlled operations on the ground and in the air.

During a mid-day after action brief to 1-252 leaders, Lt. Col. James Yount, officer in charge of a contingent of active duty cadre from the 188th Infantry Brigade who observed and critiqued 1-252’s actions during their training had

good things to say about 252's efforts.

“This exercise helps train leaders to understand the basics of combined arms maneuver and how to use available elements of combat power in a unified action to defeat the enemy on the ground,” said Yount. “This command and its front line leaders performed well and they were receptive to our observations and recommendations.”

Yount concluded, “It is amazing to see how these soldiers, who have civilian jobs during the week, can come out here and execute this type of training and be very good at it – training that the regular army does full-time all month long.”

The 1-252 CAB deployed with the N.C. Army National Guard’s 30th Brigade to Iraq in 2004 and again with the 30th to Iraq in 2009.

The 1-130 ARB deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 and to Iraq in 2009.

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1-130th ARB perfom Army vs. Navy game Flyover Story and Photo by Sgt. Leticia Samules

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orth Carolina National Guard AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopter pilots battled severe snow fall and gusty wind conditions to perform a flyover as part of the pre-game festivities at the 114th annual Army vs.

Navy football game at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Dec. 14.

The experienced Apache pilots were members the 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, headquartered in Morrisville. The unit was selected by the National Guard Bureau to represent the state of North Carolina and their aviation unit with this honor.

“It was close, we almost didn’t make it,” said Maj. Fredrick Keller, a NCNG supervisory instructor pilot, who was the officer in charge of the operation.

Due to the adverse conditions and effects on the aircraft, the flight was almost scrubbed.

Due to the weather conditions last year, these crews could not execute this task, but being selected for the second time by the director of the Army Aviation at the Pentagon Headquarters for the Department of the Army, gave the 1-130th ARB another opportunity to show their flying skills during one of the nation’s most esteemed sporting events.

In preparation for this

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special mission, the pilots practiced a week before the game in North Carolina, in order to work out all of the kinks with their formation flying and to become familiar with flying in unfavorable weather that may affect the helicopters’ performance.

The maintenance crews from the 1-130th successfully serviced the aircraft throughout the training, air movement to Philadelphia and the execution of the flyover.

Being selected gave the crews the ability to finish what they started from last year, which was a big motivator to all involved.

“It was a terrific honor to be a part of the flyover,” said Keller. “It is certainly one of the highlights of my flying career.”

The meaning of this mission was made even more significant when you consider that Army aviation can only be granted flyover permission at the highest levels of Department of Defense.

The Army and Navy pilots that shared the skies this year were also recognized on the field and thanked individually by name in the second half for their hard work and efforts that were necessary to make this event a success.

“Working with the Blue Angels was also an added amazing experience and representing the North Carolina National Guard

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North Carolina National Guard AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters enter the air space over Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia during the 114th annual Army vs. Navy football game as cadets look on at field level, Dec. 14.

in support of USMA [U.S. Military Academy], USNA [U.S. Naval Academy], and the U.S. military for an event such as this is something I will never forget,” said Keller.

“It’s a feeling of pride for this state and for our guys because their flyover was an international event,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jimmy Suggs, state aviation operations and training officer for the NCNG. Suggs assisted the 1-130th ARB with ensuring all of the proper guidance was followed and that the mission received

appropriate approval from various agencies.

“You have the president and the vice president watching this event, and our birds are flying over, not active duty aircraft; you're NCNG flying over,” said Suggs. “It makes me proud and honored to have even touched just that small part of this mission.”

“It took a lot of work from over 20 pilots, maintainers and support personnel to ensure that the mission was accomplished safely and precisely,” said Keller.

Education and Employment Center The North Carolina National Guard Education and Employment Center: WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU! -Network with Employers and Hiring Events.

-Locate jobs in the North Carolina area.

-Resume Writing.

-Translate Military Skills to Civilian Skills.

-Mock Interview Prep.

-Information about Apprenticeships.

-Access to Employer Databases.

-Personal photos for social media.

-MOST IMPORTANTLY SERVICES ARE FREE! WE ARE OPEN TO HELP YOU, YOUR SPOUSE AND DEPENDENTS!

To sign up for services:

The North Carolina National Guardsman, Veteran, and Dependant Employment Seeker: WHAT YOU CAN DO – TO HELP US HELP YOU! -Step one: Register with us online, www.nc.ngb.army.mil/Careers/Pages/ER.aspx -Step Two: Send us an email. ng.nc.ncarng.mbx.eec@mail.mil -Step Three: Contact us: (919) 664-6463 Hours of operation 0800-1630 -Step Four: Communicate with your assigned employment specialist on a regular basis.

-Step Five: Be MOTIVATED to work, finding employment is a full time job, be energetic for successful progression.

Are You Looking For A Civilian Career?

The NCNG Education & Employment Center can Help.

Where are we located?

Joint Force Headquarters 2nd Floor, Room 2014 1636 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh 919-664-6463 or 1-800-621-4136 (option 3)

Visit/Like us on Facebook:

The NCNG Museum Needs Your Artifact Donations!

The North Carolina National Guard Museum needs your artifact donations in order to tell the story of your service with the proud history and traditions of the North Carolina National Guard.

The new museum is seeking artifacts from all eras, including: uniforms, insignia and awards, weapons,

accoutrements, gear, photographs, and even captured enemy relics. The museum already has a very small collection, much of which is currently on display in the atrium at Joint Force Headquarters, but much more is needed in order to tell the story of Our North Carolina National Guard.

To donate artifacts of any kind, please contact: 1st Lt. Sean Daily, Deputy Command Historian Office Phone: 919-664-6199 Email: sean.r.daily.mil@ mail.mil

Sgt. Gary Spencer Office Phone: 919-664-6214 Email:gary.c.spencer2. mil@mail The Hornet

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Rosco, a post-traumatic stress disorder companion animal stands ready to be petted while his owner Sgt. 1st Class Jason Syriac, a military police officer with the North Carolina National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, talks to soldiers about the benefits of companion animals for soldier’s like him who have PTSD.

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Man’s Best Friend Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

When Rosco walked into the North Carolina Army National Guard Armory in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 11, 2013, everyone noticed.

Every soldier, male and female, turned their heads as he entered the room; his golden hair flowing, his tail wagging and a great big smile on his face.

Rosco is not just any ordinary dog though;

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he is a post-traumatic stress disorder companion animal.

The dog belongs to Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Syriac, a military police officer with the NCNG’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

“Rosco is a companion animal,” said Syriac, who copes with from PTSD. “He is certified to go into buildings but he has no specific job but to be a therapeutic dog.”

Training for a companion animal varies depending on where it is trained, but most dogs require one to three weeks or more of training based on the skills they are required to perform.

Dogs like Rosco, who are strictly there for companionship and emotional support, do not require as much training. However, some dogs may learn how to turn on lights in a house if the service member is afraid of going into a dark house or to alert their owner if there is a situation that may trigger their PTSD. “A companion animal has to qualify as a good-citizen dog,” said Syriac.

“It has to go through a series of tests and training to make sure the dog is qualified as a good-citizen; that he won’t be aggressive or be nervous or bite anybody.”

Several organizations across the country train companion animals and bring dogs and service members with PTSD together.

Triumphant Tails, Inc., an organization based out of Raleigh N.C., trains service dogs for people with disabilities, including PTSD. “Training a service dog for a service member with PTSD can take from 6-12 months depending on what tasks the service dog needs to perform for the handler,” said Megan Standish, founder and head trainer at Triumphant Tails.

Standish, a former Army captain, suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq, which causes her to suffer seizures. She started Triumphant

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Sgt. 1st Class Jason Syriac, a military police officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, plays with his dog, Rosco, in the motor pool behind his unit’s armory in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 11.

Tails after being introduced to therapy and service dogs during her recovery.

She said her personal service dog alerts her when she is about to have a seizure so she can take her medication.

The dogs she trains can also perform a variety of tasks to help their handlers.

“Some of the tasks these dogs can perform are blocking, waking a handler during a nightmare and retrieving medications so the handler doesn't forget to take them,” Standish said. “Dogs can also retrieve items on command, call 911 in an emergency and turn on lights. We can tailor each dog to the specific need of each handler.”

In addition to being helpful, there are many benefits to the relationship formed between the service members and their dog.

“Some people, all they need is a buddy to be there for them between their ups and downs and not judge,” Syriac said. “Dogs are always happy to see you. They are not going to betray you or leave you for another owner.”

Service members with PTSD can sometimes be tense and worried.

Syriac said having a companion animal like Rosco around could

distract from those feelings and helps service members deal with their surroundings.

“Everyone flocks over Rosco,” Syriac said. “People ask to pet him and they love on him and they get down on the floor with him. He brings happiness to everyone.”

“That’s another benefit of companion animals,” he said. “If other people are happy and you see other people being happy, your tendency is to become happy as well. It’s contagious.”

Standish said this interaction can be a benefit and help start the recovery process for service members with PTSD. “A dog forces you to get out and interact with society,” Standish said.

“Even just taking your dog for a walk two times a day and acknowledging and answering questions and comments like ‘Your dog is so pretty’ or ‘What is his name,’ is a great start to learning how to function in society again.”

Dogs need exercise, as do service members recovering from PTSD. “You know your dog needs exercise so you are definitely going to bring the dog out and exercise it,” Syriac said.

Rosco lays next to his owner Sgt. 1st lass Jason Syriac during drill on Jan. 11, 2013.

Rosco, a PTSD companion animal owned by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Syriac with HHC, 130th MEB who said having Rosco has made him feel calmer and less anxious.

Syriac, plays with his dog, Rosco, in the motor pool behind his unit’s armory Jan. 11

“Exercise benefits those suffering with PTSD.” And that is what Syriac said works for him, exercise and a companion animal. He said those two things keep him centered and relaxed.

Syriac, a two-time Iraq veteran, spends his free time rescuing dogs from kill shelters in the Raleigh area; training them and familiarizing them with domestic environments (or “rehoming” them) to civilians and service

companion animals, and Syriac has no problem traveling to get K-9s to their new homes. He has driven as far north as Boston and as far south as Florida to bring dogs to their new owners.

Syriac hopes that others will get to experience the joy and benefits of having a dog as a companion.

“Rosco is always there for me,” he said. “Even if I’m having a miserable day, I can just look at Rosco and he makes me happy.”

members so that they too can enjoy the benefits he said he gets from Rosco.

“There are a lot of high-kill shelters in the area where a lot of dogs just need a home,” he said. “So I scoop them up and re-home; I train them and integrate them into society and introduce them to other dogs. Rosco has seen 18 dogs come through my home in the past year and he welcomed them all with open paws.”

Of those 18 dogs, four became

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(From left) George Blanc, Daniel Jutson, Ed Middleton, and Don Bertino stand together following a surprise ceremony in honor of Middleton at the North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, N.C., Jan. 11, 2014.

Old Hickory WWII veteran honored for service, past and present Story and Photos by Staff. Sgt. Kelly LeCompte

Ed Middleton honorably served his country during World War II as an officer in the 30th Infantry Division (currently restructured as the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team), but his service to the military community did not end with the war. Today, at the age of 92, he is an active member of the 30th Infantry Division Association, the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry, and volunteers weekly at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, here.

He can usually be found standing near the glider in the World War II section of the museum, clad in his dress uniform, ready to share stories of the 30th’s deep history, and the experiences of his fellow soldiers.

Friend and fellow museum volunteer, Ann Feinstein, asked Middleton to appear at the nearby Veterans 32

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Memorial Park for what he was ambiguously told would be a dedication ceremony by the 30th today.

In actuality, through a service network known as Soldiers Angels, Feinstein had collected more than 60 postcards, mailed from across the globe, showcasing thankful sentiments toward Middleton. Ann carefully had compiled them into a scrapbook and planned to present them to him during a surprise ceremony involving a few of Middleton’s peers, as well as soldiers currently serving in the 30th ABCT, North Carolina National Guard.

“They called me and asked me to make sure I came in class A’s,” Middleton said of the guise. “I had an inkling. Yeah, I had an inkling.” he said with a chuckle.

Feinstein had the idea to begin the project during a recent conversation with Middleton’s son, Kirk Richardson, who also volunteers at the museum. She said they were talking about the missed opportunities to thank veterans who have passed, and she wanted to

The 30th Infantry Division The 30th Division was created on July 18, 1917, and was formally activated into Federal service in August 1917 at Camp Sevier, South Carolina, and was composed of National Guard units from North and South Carolina and Tennessee.

Ed Middleton, a 30th Infantry Division veteran of World War II, holds a scrapbook collection of more than 60 postcards mailed to him from across the globe. The cards were sent to thank Middleton for his service, and the album was presented to him during a brief surprise ceremony in his honor at the North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, N.C., Jan. 11, 2014.

find a way thank Middleton today.

“We started talking about honoring Ed and I wanted to get him the book, for all of his selfless service to his community and country,” she said.

“I put the call out through the [online] forums, and within five days the first card started coming in. Then there were as many as 10-a-day sometimes.”

Cards came in from nearly 40 states, as well as foreign countries such as Australia, Denmark, Holland, and Canada.

“There’s even a card from a 9-year-old,” She said.

“Every one has a message thanking Ed for his service.

Every. Single. One.” Middleton said he appreciated the gift and was looking forward to reading his postcards as soon as he was home.

The Division was named after the famed and illustrious soldier and President, Andrew “Old Hickory” Jackson, who was born near the North/South Carolina border, and rising to fame in Tennessee, where he provided some regional flavor to the tightly knit group of soldiers that he led there during the Indian Wars.

The Division’s logo is an obvious link to this heritage, being represented by an “O” and “H” with the Roman Numeral “XXX” in Royal Blue on a background of Scarlet Red in the center. During World War I, the shoulder patch (logo) was worn horizontally; the incorrect orientation, which was not discovered and corrected until the mid 1920’s. www.30thinfantry.org The Hornet Hornet The

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