The Hornet - April 2016 edition

N.C. Guard Soldiers return home from Kosovo North Carolina National Guard Quartely Issue

April 2016 http://nc.ng.mil

The Hornet

1

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

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

Community Relations

Content NC Guard Tests Storm Response Pg. 12

NCNG Soldiers honed their state active duty response with a simulated winter storm deployment.

NCNG Military Police Support Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point Pg. 16

Capt. Michael Wilber michael.j.wilber2.mil@mail.mil

211th Military Police support the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, Provost Mashall Office by providing security and law and order operations at the installation.

Visual Information

235th ATCS Airmen Named ANG Air Traffic Controller Of The Year Pg. 20

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

145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Master Sgt. Patti Moran patricia.moran@ang.af.mil

382nd Public Affairs Detachment Sgt. 1st Class Alvin Norton alvin.c.norton.mil@mail.mil

Writers/Photographers Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan robert.b.jordan2.mil@mail.mil Sgt. Leticia Samuels leticia.m.samuels.mil@mail.mil Sgt. Lisa Vines lisa.w.vines.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 984-664-6847. Layout and

design by Odaliska Almonte.

2

The Hornet

Staff Sft. Jacob A. Burkhalter was selected as Air Traffic Controller of Year by the National Guard Bureau.

NCNG Best Warrion Competition Pg. 22

Fourteen Soldiers and Airmen from across the state represente each of our Major Subordinate Commands and competed to be named Best Warrior.

Strenghthening The Bond With Partners Pg. 26

Moldovan army officers embedded with the 1-113th FA during their annual training observed different aspects of the field artillery training.

171st Engineer Sapper Company Conducts Demolition Training Pg. 30 Combat engineers practice making explosives and setting different charges to ensure soldiers are prepared and proficient in combat zone operations.

Drafting Talent Pg. 32

NCNG and Fayetteville Technical Community College work together to host the 2016 FTCC draft day.

Winter Storm Jonas: NCNG Responds Pg. 34 882nd Engineer Company and 823rd Quary Team provide support to first responders.

NCNG Expert Maintainers in Casablanca Pg. 36

NCARNG and U.S. Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization travel to Casablaca to conduct a two-week operator and maintainer couse.

On the Cover Family and friends welcome home with open arms soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, at Pope Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 22, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Leticia Samuels/Released)

Greetings from North Carolina National Guard’s Public Affairs Office.

Annual training for NCNG Army and Air formations is in full swing across the state. This issue covers many events and accomplishments from around the North Carolina National Guard force from January through March of this year and also has one or two April Fools columns / images.

We have started a “Where’s Sgt. 1st Class Jordan” picture hunt inside the pages of this and all future issues of the Hornet Magazine. See if you can find one of NCNG’s most beloved and passionate photojournalists as he covers the Always Ready, Ready Team of Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen.

The Hornet is distributed to all NCNG major commands via e-mail with a web-link that directs readers to a web version. It is also available for download on our public web page, at http://www. nc.ng.mil.

JOIN, FOLLOW, READ, AND WATCH YOUR NC NATIONAL GUARD AT:

www.facebook.com/ NCNationalGuard

https://twitter.com/ NCNationalGuard

www.youtube.com/user/ NorthCarolinaGuard

http://nc.ng.mil https://www.flickr.com/ photos/ncngpao

www.dvidshub.net /unit/NCNG

We welcome your ideas for stories and Guard topics to make this publication even more informative and enjoyable to read. Send your ideas to: NCNGPAO@gmail.com.

I encourage you to visit NCNG’s social media sites listed here to see videos, photos, and more stories about YOUR Guard. Our Flickr site alone has over 33,000 NCNG images!!

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

We Want Your Submissions!

?? n a d r o J e’s SFC

Wher

hidden n a d r o J SFC il image of res in this Apr e h t d n i F ctu f our pi o e n o n i edition.

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.

Thee H Th Ho Hornet orrn net et

3

News From Around T @NCNationalGuard

North Carolina National Guard celebrates 353 years of history

The North Carolina National Guard, or militia as it was then called, was born from the Carolina Charter issued on March 24, 1663.

The charter allowed the eight lord proprietors the rights to “levy, train and muster men of all sorts.� to protect the lives and property of the peoples living in the Carolinas.

The 30th Special Troops Battalion is reorganized into the 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion

The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team had a history making day, on Jan. 10, 2016. Old Hickory soldiers were part of a ceremony for the creation/ reorganization of the 30th Special Troops Battalion into a brigade engineer battalion; the 236th Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB).

On Feb. 7, 2016, nine C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 145th Airlift Wing taxied and departed together from the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport. To maintain proficiency in tactical airlift missions, the MAX Flight was executed dropping twelve pallets on the Palestine drop zone located at Stanly County Airport.

MAX Flight is a term used to describe a mission where the entire fleet of aircraft and all pallets are utilized in a single event.

145th Airlift Wing Max Flight www.facebook.com/ NCNationalGuard

The Hornet’s Nest CONNECT NC Bond passes, helping NCNG remain ready, reliable and relevant

North Carolina voters rs approved the $2 billion CONNECT NC bond referendum, allowing the North Carolina National Guard to move forward with a $70 million infrastructure improvement plan, involving three sites across the state. A NCNG Regional Readiness Center will be built in McLeansville.

In Morganton, the former Western Youth Institution will be renovated and become a NCNG Regional Readiness Center and in North Wilkesboro, a new consolidated armory will be constructed.

The 145th Airlift Wing, in Charlotte, is one step closer to receiving eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, after President Obama’s proposed budget was released on February 9, 2016.With the Air Force’s selection of Charlotte, the proposal will replace the unit’s 10 C-130 Hercules aircraft if the President’s budget is approved, beginning in federal fiscal year 2018. The move comes as the Air Force restructures C-17 basing, which will allow for strategically locating these s se aircraft in Charlotte. te.

C-17s, One Step Closer for Charlotte based NC Air National Guard

Check us out on:

www.youtube.com/user/ NorthCarolinaGuard

NC Guard Leader Sgt. Maj. Matthew Battle Retires After 36 Years Service

With la laughter, tears, applause, ovation and cheers, friends, family, peers, Soldiers, Airmen and staff thank Army Sgt. Maj. Matthew B. Battle for his 36-years of North Carolina National Guard service to state and nation at a ceremony held at NCNG headquarters in Raleigh, Feb. 11, 2016.

Visit our

collection https://www.flickr.com/ photos/ncngpao

6

The Hornet

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Effective immediately Soldiers and Airmen in the North Carolina National Guard will be required to tattoo the N.C. National Guard logo on their arm as a sign of pride and belonging to the Always Ready, Ready Team.

"Leaders at all levels have the responsibility to enforce these new standards, this begins by setting the example." said Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo, Public Affairs Director.

To find out more about the tattoo standard go to: www.AprilFools2016.fool

The Hornet

7

NGB Senior Enlisted Advisor Tours JFHQ (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lisa Vines) Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mitchell O. Brush, the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, visits Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C. to tour the facility and speak to Soldiers and Airmen about the state of the National Guard. Following visits to several key offices of the North Carolina National Guard, Brush held a town hallstyle presentation to discuss the needs and concerns of his fellow service members.

AFRICOM and National Guard leaders gather to discuss State Partnership Program (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lisa Vines)

RALEIGH, N.C. - Senior leaders from United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and subordinate command United States Army Africa (USARAF) joined the National Guard, hosted by the North Carolina National Guard, to discuss the future of the State Partnership Program in Raleigh, North Carolina, Jan. 26-28, 2016.

Out of 54 countries in Africa, USARAF’s area of responsibility covers 53. The partnerships with African countries are focusing on cultivating long-term relationships and goals.

Through the state partnership program, the National Guard’s mission is to conduct military-to-military and civilian-to-military activities and build relationships to maintain international defense security while building partnerships across all levels of society. There are currently 12 State Partnerships between the United States and African nations: California is partnered with Nigeria; New York with South Africa; North Carolina with Botswana; the North Dakota Guard is partnered with three countries, Ghana, Togo and Benin; Michigan with Liberia; Utah with Morocco; Vermont with Senegal; Wyoming with Tunisia; Kentucky with Djibouti; Massachusetts with Kenya.

8

The Hornet

The Hornet

9

10

The Hornet

Family and friends welcome home soldiers assigned to 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team home after redeploying to Pope Airfield at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, March 22 and RaleighDurham Airport, March 22 - 23, 2016. The Soldiers deployed to Kosovo in support of NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

The Hornet

11

NC Guard Tests Storm Response Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan 12

The Hornet

ty tive du c a e t a t s in heir s oned t rom armorie ve h s r e i Sold s dro ent f Guard rm deploym 016. Soldier ting their l a n o i Nat s tes . 9, 2 r sto arolina ulated winte on N.C., Jan ctical vehicle C h t r No ens r ta sim with a Dunn, and B uck and othe ter storm. e s n o resp el tr ton, a win o, Kins lance and fu rs in case of r o b s d Gol onde ambu ees, an ocal first resp v m u H tl to assis y t i l i b a

The Hornet

13

14

The Hornet

GOLDSBORO, N.C. -- Snow, sleet and ice cover central North Carolina as local authorities call for support. NC Guard leaders in Goldsboro task Soldiers for an early morning mission.

A carpenter, several students and medical technicians leave home, put on their uniform and reported for duty. This is a drill, a North Carolina National Guard domestic response drill.

and coordinated with headquarters. In less than an hour from notification, the convoy of Humvees, an ambulance and medium tactical vehicle rolled out of the armory.

The NCNG’s 230th Brigade Support Battalion, based in Goldsboro, tested their readiness with a State Active Duty exercise at armories in Goldsboro, Kinston, Dunn and Benson on Jan. 9, 2015.

Brigade leaders assigned several force packages, preselected teams of Soldiers and equipment designed to support civil authorities during a disaster. In total four Force Packages deploy, two from Goldsboro with vehicle recovery and medical missions, one from Dunn with a commodities distribution mission and one from Benson with a refueling mission.

After the unit’s formation in Goldsboro for their weekend drill, 25-year-old Army Sgt. Trinidad Escobedo, a mechanic with B Co., 230th BSB, headquartered in Dunn, learned he will be a convoy commander for the exercise.

“Being commander was something new but I took what I have learned from previous convoys I was on,” said Escobedo.

Brigade leaders designed the mission the night before after receiving the order from Guard headquarters. Escobedo briefed the convoy’s soldiers on their mission, supporting state emergency management.

“Got an order, get the Soldiers and go,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Montague, readiness noncommissioned officer with headquarters, 230th BSB. There is a flurry of activity. Medics inspected and packed lifesaving gear into large trunks.

Mechanics and drivers fueled and inspected vehicles. Snow chains, radios, tow straps and other vehicle recovery gear are checked and rechecked. Escobedo tracked the team’s progress

“I am a roofer in the civilian world, the guys at work never believe what I get to do here, it is fun,” said Escobedo.

This is no paper exercise but valuable practice supporting local first responders and North Carolina Department of Public Safety for a storm that someday will threaten lives and property in the state like so many others in the past.

“It is a confidence builder, it makes Soldiers understand how our Force Packages work so when they are called out it takes the mystery away,” said Army Master Sgt. Timothy Bowden, 230th BSB senior maintenance noncommissioned officer.

“I am a roofer in the civilian world, the guys at work never believe what I get to do here, it is fun,” said Sgt. Trinidad Escobedo.

The Hornet

15

Story by Capt. Matthew Boyle

SUNNY POINT, N.C. - Sixty members of the North Carolina Army National Guard’s 211th Military Police Company supported the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU), Provost Marshall Office by providing physical security and law and order operations at the installation here, Feb. 18 - March 5, 2016.

Army Capt. Ruben Velez, a guard supervisor with the MOTSU, Provost Marshall Office has served at the installation since 2003. “This is the first year that the National Guard has assisted us with our training requirement and they have done a great job, very professional operators,” said Velez.

The opportunity to work at MOTSU allows the soldiers of the 211th to gain valuable real-world training and meets their annual training requirements. In addition to perimeter patrols, physical security, crew security and other law enforcement operations, soldiers were trained on boat safety and conducted water patrols in MOTSU’s harbor.

Army Capt. Greg Lewis, commander of the 211th explained the unique mission at MOTSU. “Having the boat patrols in addition to our regular operations has been great for our team, overall this has been real-world exposure and it has given our junior leaders a chance to problem solve, work 12-hour shifts, the young guys have really stepped up,” said Lewis.

Many of the members for the 211th Military Police Company are full time law enforcement officers from around North Carolina. As part of the mission at MOTSU these law enforcement and radar gun certified soldiers were delegated the authority to stop speeding on post and issued citations during their time at MOTSU. The tickets did not include fines but those caught speeding did have messages sent to a supervisor.

16

The Hornet

The Hornet

17

18

The Hornet

Friends and Family welcomed home Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 1450th Transportation Company from their deployment to Southwest Asia. The Soldiers flew into the North Carolina Air National Guard Base and were driven to their waiting families at the NCARNG Charlotte Armory, Jan. 12, 2016.

Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan

The Hornet

19

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jacob Burkhalter, Tower Watch Supervisor for the 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron, watches the skies for incoming aircraft as part of daily operations at Stanly County Airport, New London, N.C., Feb. 10, 2016.

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Alex McCorkle/Released) 20

The Hornet

235th ATCS Airmen named ANG Air Traffic Controller of the Year Story by Master Sgt. Patricia F.Moran, 145th Public Affairs NEW LONDON, N.C. -- When Staff Sgt. Jacob A. Burkhalter responded to an impromptu meeting called by his commander, Maj. Jeffrey Kipp, 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron, he was humbly surprised when the commander announced that he had been selected as Air Traffic Controller of the Year by the National Guard Bureau.

"Jake is the standard we strive for," said Kipp as he told Burkhalter about his win.

many great achievements, which culminated in his selection as 145th Airlift Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter.

As an air traffic controller for the NCANG, Burkhalter plays a key role in ensuring safety is not compromised both in the air and on the ground. Being in charge of an airfield's takeoffs and landings can often involve making real-time decisions that have the potential to effect life or death. In this job, "I feel a sense of pride and there is no room for accomplishment to be in a error.

position where I can not only support military operations but also have an opportunity to help out the community, and maybe even help save a life," said Burkhalter.

Burkhalter was selected number one for this prestigious award out of 395 possible candidates. This award is given to a controller whose primary duty is operating as an air traffic controller in an ATC facility.

Individuals selected for this award must have contributed greatly to the facility's success through their services, ideas, developments and accomplishments.

Burkhalter is a dynamic leader and facility supervisor who oversees operations from the control tower located at the Stanly County Airport, New London, N.C. During 2015, he was personally responsible for

Stanly County Airport supports not only military air traffic but civilian aircraft as well. They provide support for the Pressley Aviation flight school located at the airport, along with other civilian aircraft based there and transitioning through.

Burkhalter specifically contributed to critical lifesaving efforts when he redirected air traffic in and around the local airspace over Albemarle and New London, N.C. His actions provided direct access to Stanly Regional Hospital for a medivac helicopter that was airlifting a critical patient.

The Hornet

21

22

The Hornet

F

ourteen Soldiers and Airmen from across the state represented each of our Major Subordinate Command and competed to be named Best Warrior in the North Carolina National Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Butner National Guard Training Center, March 7-11, 2016.

The competition put the Service Members to the test mentally and physically. Upon arrival on day one competitors completed registration and started off the competition with writing an essay. The start of day two began immediately with a test of physical endurance; the Army Physical Fitness Test, followed by the obstacles course, various weapons maintenance tasks, a mystery event, and a day and night land navigation course.

Soldiers and Airmen were further tested the next morning with a six-mile road march where comradery during a grueling time was at its best. Guardsmen kept each other motivated to complete the road march. After some well deserved nourishment, day three continued with individual weapons qualification, M9 Pistol qualification, a stress shoot course, Urban Operations that included evacuation of a casualty, and a call for fire.

With their minds stressed and the body exhausted, a much different test ended the competition on day four. The Soldiers and Airmen faced a board of senior NCNG leaders with more than a hundred years of combined military experience as part of their final tasks in hopes of being named the Best Warrior.

An award ceremony was held in the evening of the fourth day to announce the winners. The two categories consisted of the non-commissioned officer category and the Soldier/Airmen enlisted category. After enjoying a dinner with their peers, sponsors and supporters, the Soldiers and Airmen found out their final score. In the many years of the Best Warrior Competition, the results had never been so tight with only a five points difference deciding the winners.

(Army National Guard Photos by SGT Odaliska Almonte)

The Hornet

23

SGT Jaime Bueno, representing Joint Force Headquarters and PFC Randal Lamb representing the 130th Maneuver Enhancement, are the runner-ups.

Sgt. Joshua Clark, representing the 113th Sustainment Brigade placed 1st in the NCO category and Spc. Joseph Colson, representing the 60th Troop Command placed 1st in the Soldier/Airmen enlisted category.

24

The Hornet

The Hornet

25

NCNG:

Strengthening The Bond With Partners

Story and photos by Sgt. Leticia Samuels

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. 155 millimeter high explosive rounds rain from the sky, while the sonic boom of the impact follows and the smoke clears from the barrel of a M109A6 howitzer paladin at Fort Bragg, N.C., from March 10 to 11, 2016.

2266

North Carolina National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment are the first Army component in the U.S. to receive new fully chromed barrels to be seated onto howitzer paladins during their annual training.

The 30th Brigade is one of the top tier National Guard brigades, so as such we tend to be on the top of the list for a number of new fieldings, so we can be ready to fight whenever we need Thee Hornet Th Ho orrne rne n t

to be, said Lt. Col. David Walker, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment.

Howitzer Paladins require a nine-man crew in order to safely operate and fire these machines. They are used to support infantry and armor units using various types of ammunition.

Master Sgt. Montez McLean, an intelligence noncommissioned officer assigned to the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment said with normal wear and tear, the elements and age all contribute to the replacement of these barrels.

“We have to fire two rounds per gun because the tubes are new,” said McLean.

“We want to make sure that the tubes are properly seated so they won’t come out of battery.”

Moold ldov ovan an Nat ati tio ionaal iona Arrm A my y Maj aj.. Du Dum miittrru ru Parf Pa Parf rfen ni, i com mma mand nder eerr of tth he Ar Artill tillller ti ery Ba Batt Bat ttal ttal alio alio ion, n, 2nd M 2n Mooto tori rize izeed In Infa Infa fantry ntryy nt B ig Br igad ad de lo look okks ddoow wnn range rang ra nge at ng at a high igh ex ig expl p os pl osiv ive r un ro und hitt hitti hi ttin tt ing an n imp mpac actt are rea du rea during ring ri ng the he sea eati ati ting ingg off chr hrom om ome me ba barr arreelllss on o the h M1009A 9A6 Ho H wiitzzerr Paala ladi ladi dinn duri dduuri ring n thee 1stt ng Batt Ba tttal alio ion, io n, 113 n, 13th t Field ield l Arti Ar till ti ller ll erry R Reegi gime m nt me nt’s ’ss annu nnua nn ual al trrai aini ini ning n at ng Ft.. Brraagg g ,N N..C. .C. C, Mar. Ma r 10 to 11, 1 20116.

6

The Hornet

27

A M109A6 howitzer paladin makes its way to the range in preparation for North Carolina National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, to fire two rounds through new chrome barrels during their annual training at Fort Bragg, N.C., March 10 to 11, 2016. The 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment are the first Army component in the U.S. to receive new fully chromed barrels.

The Battalion Tactical Operating Center controls the scenario that Bravo Battery is participating in, creating a situation that has happened in a simulated location. Forward observers are stationed a distance away to observe the enemy.

To make the simulation more realistic, intelligence analysts play the enemy to throw different scenarios into the mix of training. This type of training allows soldiers to learn from their mistakes, but also helps them to learn to anticipate what the enemy might do during a combat situation.

“I think like the enemy,” said Staff Sgt. Taylor Sword, 28

The Hornet

an intelligence analyst noncommissioned officer assigned to the 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment. “I know what the enemy is going to do, how they are going to do it and when they are going to do it. The staff plan the operation how they want to, and I let them know what the enemy is going to do. That way we can better plan and have successful missions.”

Sword also had the opportunity to train Moldovan army officers embedded with the 1-113th FA during their annual training.

The Moldovans also observed different aspects of the field artillery training including the seating of the chrome tubes.

“We tried to understand how to do better in the planning process and want to implement that into our army,” said Moldovan National army 1st Lt. Ivanov Dumitru, battery commander, Artillery Battalion, Land Forces Command. “The guys are very experienced.

They know their work.”

Moldova has worked with the NCNG through the State Partnership Program since 1995. The program was formed to create a bond between the two organizations while conducting military-to-military and civilian-to-military activities to maintain international defensive security and will continue strengthening our partnership.

The Hornet

29

r e e n i g

n e t s 1 7

1

y n a p m o

s

c r e p ap

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Soldiers with the 171st Engineer Sapper Company, 105th Engineer Battalion, 130th Maneuver Enhanced Brigade, conducted demolition training for their drill weekend here, Feb. 7, 2015. The demolition training was conducted to ensure soldiers are prepared and proficient in combat zone operations.

The combat engineers practiced making explosives and setting different charges, such as the cratering charge that is used to crater roads so that the enemy can't move tanks or personnel through easily.

"We want to keep ourselves mobile and the enemy immobile" said Staff Sgt. Christopher Dunshee, range safety officer for the 171st.

30

The Hornet

e D s t uc

d

Con

n

tio i l o m

tos d Pho r a u al G ation N y (Arm

g n i n i Tra

te) lmon A a k alis T Od G S y b

Training also included Bangalore charges, which are used to push obstacles out of the way so forces can get through to their target objectives. Soldiers trained on detonating Napalm or "Fugas" which is used as a defensive perimeter shot and sends a rolling flame out towards the enemy incinerating anything in its path.

"This is one of my favorites things to do every year. We get out here and we train our soldiers how to do this right and safely so that we can be effective

in our job." said Dunshee. "As range safety officer, my job is to make sure that everything is done properly and safely so that the soldiers get the best value training and they know how to conduct their missions the proper way when they go down range."

Many of the soldiers said they look forward to this training because blowing stuff up is one of the reasons they chose to be combat engineers.

The Hornet

31

North Carolina Army National Guard Pfc. Tia Early, a chemical operations specialist assigned to the 690th Brigade Support Battalion, estimates the damage of a vehicle during the 2016 Draft Day hosted at Fayetteville Technical Community College’s the Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Center in Fayetteville, N.C., on March 8, 2016.

Drafting 32

The Hornet

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. The buzzing of hand saws, drills and chatter can be heard at the Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology Center where the North Carolina National Guard and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) worked together to host the 2016 FTCC Draft Day here, March 8, 2016.

Draft Day is a two-day event where students enrolled in the Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology associate’s degree program culminate their talents in an exhibition for perspective employers.

“I feel like I am part of something greater,” said former NCNG Spc. Lonnie Brown, a welder who was assigned to Bravo Company, 690th Brigade Support Battalion, who was recently hired by Caliber Collision. “It’s a big benefit for kids that don’t know what they want to do and show an interest in vehicles. It takes you from what you dream about to basically getting what you want.”

FTCC’s program allows service members to use their military skills and training as college credits toward their degree. Gage teamed up with Senior Vice President Dr. David Brand, who is retired military, to coordinate what military training was compatible with the program.

The program is set up to expose students to the Inter-Industry Conference on Automotive Collision Repair curriculum mirroring the head training organization for collision repair. Students also receive real world certifications, and training in all aspects of the industry empowering them to gain better job opportunities and an edge against the competition.

“It’s a big benefit for kids that don’t know what they want to do and show an interest in vehicles. It takes you from what you dream about to basically getting what you want.”

Story and photos by Sgt. Leticia Samuels

Talent The Hornet

33

NCNG responds in dynamic ways Story by Brian Godette, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment

Story and pictures by Sgt. Brian Godette

Soldiers with 882nd Eng. Co. and 823rd Quary Team provide support to first responders during several road accidents, assisted motorists, and transported patients to their treatments during Winter Storm Jonas. (Field photos provided by SSG Alan Litehizer, NCNG)

34

The Hornet

RALEIGH, N.C. – In January, Soldiers with the NCNG were alerted on short notice to prepare for state active duty, a tasking not unfamiliar to Citizen Soldiers who provide forces for domestic operations and emergencies at the call of the governor. The 100 mobilized Guardsmen were divided up into Winter Storm Catch Team Force Packages and Armory Support Packages, deployed and staged in Asheville, Goldsboro, Greensboro, Hickory, Marion, Mocksville, Mount Airy, Raleigh and Statesville. Collectively the teams aided North Carolina Citizens and local authorities throughout the day and night, rescuing stranded motorist, doing health and wellness checks, shelter support, communications support and transport.

“We pretty much got out here in a hurry with all our stuff,” said Capt. Michael Carpenter, team leader, West North Carolina State Emergency Branch. “That’s why they call us minutemen I guess, because we can respond rather quickly.”

The brunt of the winter storm effected the Western region of the state, where significant snowfall and icy conditions caused hazards for citizens and added to local authorities becoming overwhelmed with recovery responses.

“We knew there were going to be transportation issues and we rely very heavily on the National Guard to help us with those high clearance vehicles with all-wheel drive in order to get access to those remote areas,” said Greg Atcheley, planning section chief, Regional Coordination Center West.

“It’s the best part about being in the Guard,” said Carpenter. “Serving your hometown, serving locally, doing things humanitarian wise, whether it’s home or abroad.”

The Hornet

35

Here's Looking at You...M1000 Trailer: NCNG Expert Maintainers in Casablanca NC Army National Guard and U.S. Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization (USA-SATMO) travelled to Casablanca, Morocco, in January, to conduct a two-week operator and maintainer course on the M1000 Trailer and M1070 Heavy Equipment Transporter with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (MRAF). The course focused on operating, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance checks and services, fundamental maintenance practices, recovery techniques and load and unloading procedures. This engagement was valuable in building the capacities of the MRAF to support their current mission tasks, along with the MRAF's future missions of transporting and recovering the M1A1 Battle Tank.

36

The Hornet

From left: NCNG maintainers/ Instructors Master Sgt. Terrill Huggins, a SATMO representative, and Sgt. 1st Class Walter Brewer

The N.C. National Guard 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:

Sgt. Gary Spencer Acting Command Historian Office Phone: 984-664-6199 E-mail: gary.c.spencer2.mil@mail

The Hornet

37

th

4 Annual Easter EGGstravaganza

North Carolina National Guard Family Programs, the USO of North Carolina, several volunteers and sponsors hosted the 4th Annual Easter EGGstravaganza at NCNG Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, March 26, 2016.

The day’s events included an Easter Egg hunt games, face painting, a climbing wall and other entertainments for military families.

(U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan / Released)

3388

Thee Hornet Th Hor orn rne net

The Hornet

39

40

The Hornet