The Hornet - October edition

“The forecast calls for Carolina Thunder�

North Carolina National Guard Quartely Issue

October 2015 www.nc.ngb.army.mil

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

Content N.C. Guard: Protects Our Own Pg. 14

Media Relations

Gov. Pat McCrory authorizes the NCNG to increase security measures at all Guard recruiting centers, armories, and readiness centers.

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

5-113th FAR: Blowing Through Barriers Pg. 18

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

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

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

382nd Public Affairs Detachment SFC Alvin Norton alvin.c.norton.mil@mail.mil

Writers/Photographers Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan robert.b.jordan2.mil@mail.mil

Soldiers graduate Officer Candidate School, among them the first female field artillery officer.

NCNG and NCEM Conduct HURREX Pg. 22 Operation Patriot Bandoleer brings teams of Reserve, National Guard, and Active Duty logistics experts together for real-world mission training.

Carolina Thunder 2015: Multi-State, MultiComponent, Multi-Force Pg. 24 Active-duty Airmen and Soldiers conducted joint operations during the Carolina Thunder 2015 aviation training exercise.

145th AW: In The Fight To Save Lives From The Air Pg. 28 The 145th Airlift Wing crew and aircraft join in the battle against wildland forest fires raging in California, Oregon, and surrounding areas.

Citizen Soldier: The Right Place At The Right Time Pg. 30 The personal account of Pfc. David Earp, who rescued two children from drowning in his community.

Second NCNG Tarhell Challenge Academy Opens Pg. 32 NCNG and local leaders gather to commemorate the ribbon-cutting of the second Tarheel Challenge Academy and groundbreaking of new female dormitory.

Sgt. Leticia Samuels leticia.m.samuels.mil@mail.mil

145th Civil Engineer Firefighter named Air Guard’s Best Pg. 38

Sgt. Lisa Vines lisa.w.vines.mil@mail.mil

N.C. Guard Veteran Career Days Pg. 42

Staff SGT. Jeret E. Kinnaird is recognized by the Air National Guard’s Fire chief Association as Military Fire Fighter fo the year.

N.C. National Guard Education and Employment Center partners with Central Piedmont Community College for Veterans Career Days.

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

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Cyber Guard 2015 Pg. 48

Soldiers and Airmen from the N.C. National Guard Cyber Defense Team participate in the 4th annual Cyber Guard exercise.

On the Cover U.S. Army Soldiers rappel from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the N.C. Army National Guard, at the Stanly County Airport during the N.C. National Guard’s Carolina Thunder 2015 aviation training exercise Aug. 1, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Brian Godette, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

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

We are very excited about our fifth edition issue of The Hornet, over the last year we have highlighted the stories and accomplishments about you from across the North Carolina National Guard. Now that The Hornet has been in circulation for one year we are confident that we have met our objective of delivering, on a quarterly basis, N.C. Guard stories and information directly to you, your family, friends and supporters of the NCNG. In this edition we covered great events like Carolina Thunder, Sapper Stakes and the deployment of the 145th AW MAFFS to the western part of the country. We also are privileged to bring you the personal account of a water rescue by one of our Citizen Soldiers.

Please continue to make this publication great and submit your stories, ideas and suggestions to the Public Affairs Office at ncngpao@gmail.com.

Enjoy your magazine: The Hornet Always Ready, Ready Team – Capt. Matthew Boyle

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http://nc.ng.mil www.youtube.com/user/ NorthCarolinaGuard

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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 @NCNationalGuard

NG Guard Welcomes Veteran Service Providers at 2015 Bull City Stand Down

NCNG joined d with multiple local and state agencies for the 2015 Bull City Stand Down in Durham, N.C., Sept. 18, 2015. The event welcomed homeless and undeserved veterans providing donations of clothing, food, basic medical and legal assistance, job counseling, housing benefits, a haircut and a hot shower.

Guardsmen & Local Responders Validate Rapid Reaction Force

NCNG C Service Members, conducted Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) training and evaluation exercise at the Colonial Pipeline tank farm in July 2015. The exercise’s purpose is to validate the skill sets of RRF soldiers and civilian agencies while providing an opportunity for them to demonstrate command and control and to develop relationships with local and state civilian emergency services.

NCNG small arms repair specialists from the 626th Maint. Co. provided armament support to the United States Military Academy on Aug. 17 to 30, 2015. The team was visited by Maj. Gen. Beth Austin, the assistant deputy commanding general, Army National Guard, Army Material Command who facilitated the coordination between the North Carolina National Guard and the United States Military Academy.

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North Carolina Army National Guard supports West Point training www.facebook.com/ NCNationalGuard

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Youth gaining independence

Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H H Educational Youth Center hosted 65 children between the ages of 8 and 13 through their third annual youth camp. The camp is free to children of NCNG members free of charge. The experience allows children to build ties with other children that battle similar problems concerning deployments, extended periods of time away from home and excessive moving.

The 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team receives the Citizen Patriot Unit Award from the Reserve Forces Policy Board at the Army-Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2015. The Citizen Patriot Unit Award is intended for units that have made substantial contributions to the security and defense posture of the United States of America in a recognizable style of excellence.

30th ABCT Receives Citizen Patriot Unit Award

www.youtube.com/user/ NorthCarolinaGuard

Belmont N.C. Hosts 1st Stop Soldier Suicide 10K Run

Hundreds Hu off runners gathered for the 1st Stop Soldier Suicide 10K run supporting stopsoldiersuicide.org, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to veterans and active duty in need, on Sept., 2015. Local vendors, non-profits, public safety agencies, and NCNG supported the community event.

Visit our

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

“The Spearhead of Logistics�

Inside look at our history

The three bendlets represent Ordnance, Quartermaster , and Transportation.

These three branches together form the logistics branch .

Buff and red are the colors traditionally used for Sustainment and Support.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on Oct. 22, 2010.

The sword highlights the Warrior Ethos.

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The 113th Sustainment Brigade is composed of units from the North Carolina Army National Guard. Its brigade headquarters is located in Greensboro, N.C. Originally formed in 1974 as the 113th Field Artillery Brigade, the brigade was reorganized to a Sustainment Brigade on Oct. 5, 2008, as part of the early 21st century transformation of the United States Army from a division-based structure to a brigade-based army.

The 113th Sustainment Brigade has been a key contributor to mobilization units within the North Carolina Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn by providing personnel, transportation and equipment support. On Oct. 28, 2011, the 113th Sustainment Brigade Headquarters, Special Troops Battalion and associated companies were federalized and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

From December 2001 - October 2012, the 113th Sustainment Brigade executed operational and tactical level land, air, and water logistic and sustainment operations in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 113h SB was also tasked with the completion of the responsible drawdown mission for the Iraq theater while simultaneously sustaining war-fighter units in Afghanistan and supporting forces in Kuwait and across Central Command’s area of responsibility.

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“First in flight” Inside look at our history

The wings represent flight; the sword refers to the numeral “one,” recalling the organization’s ties to the birthplace of powered flight in North Carolina and the unit motto, “First In Flight.”

Together, the lightning flashes form an aerial axis of advance and with the sword, represent the bold, dynamic strike capabilities of the Assault Theater Aviation Brigade.

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The lightning flashes refer also to the dual nature of the organization, whose focus includes combat capabilities and defense support to the homeland. The golden orange border signifies strength and unity.

Ultramarine blue and golden orange are traditionally associated with the Aviation Branch. White denotes integrity and purpose.

The 449th TAB began in 1986 as an Aviation Group Headquarters in Kinston associated with the 18th Airborne Corps, then the 11th Aviation Regiment under 5th Corps. The aviators served in Bosnia and completed three National Training Center rotations from 1999 to 2003. Domestic service includes hurricanes Fran, Floyd, and Katrina. Additionally the 449th provided both personnel and equipment to Operation Jump Start on the southwest border.

In 2000, the 449th Aviation Group reintegrated into the 18th Airborne Corps as the 18th Aviation Brigade’s lift and assault group headquarters. The 449th became a Theater Aviation Brigade Headquarters in September of 2005 providing command and control of assault assets for the 66th Theater Aviation Command.

The 449th TAB deployed to Iraq in November 2008 and assumed the role of Multi-National Division – Central Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) at Baghdad International Airport. In March of 2009, they gained additional battle space and controlled the largest battle space for any CAB in theater.

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Command Chief Warrant Officer Change of Responsibility Story and photos by Sgt Leticia Samuels

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RALEIGH, N.C. – Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rick Comer, outgoing command chief warrant officer of the North Carolina National Guard, turned over the reins of command to Chief Warrant Officer 5 James Herring, during the change of responsibility ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters here July 10, 2015.

The command chief warrant officers’ mission is to serve as a key member of the N.C. National Guard Command Team and assist in implementing programs and policies as they relate to the warrant officer corps.

“Several different assignments throughout my career and the time I spent as a detachment commander gave me the opportunity to train and lead soldiers,” said Comer. “It helped me to create the ability to identify people to become potential warrant officers to be able to serve in the warrant officer corps later in their career.”

Herring will continue the programs that Comer initiated and provide counsel to leaders at all levels in the North Carolina National Guard.

“Thirty-six years ago I was standing in basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama, as a private and now here I am the command warrant officer of the North Carolina National Guard,” said Herring.

While serving as an adviser to the director of the National Guard, Herring will take the lead on multiple endeavors to include issues pertaining to policies, programs and actions impacting the warrant officer corps such as professional development, promotions, assignments, incentives, morale, discipline, performance, strength and recruiting programs.

“My predecessor has done a great job in building the strength of the NCNG warrant officer cohort. We are number one in the National Guard right now in terms of assignments to authorizations,” said Herring.

“I plan to maintain that at a minimum and hope to increase our strength even more.”

A sword was used in the change of responsibility ceremony. The tradition of the sword began with the noncommissioned officer corps that started in 1840 with the selection of it not only intended for its functional use, but also symbolizing hard work and dedication.

In the case of officers, the war department adopted the officer sword as a rapid way for soldiers on the battlefield to identify those officers assigned over them.

The tradition of the ceremony itself serves a dual function of rendering honors to the departing command chief warrant officer while providing official recognition of the transfer of responsibility as the senior warrant officer to the incoming command chief warrant officer. The symbolism and history of the ceremony exemplifies the heart of the organization and stands as a reminder of past glories and traditions, as an inspiration for the present, and a guide for the future.

“I think we have built up the strength of the warrant officer program in North Carolina,” said Comer. “I think that Chief Herring will be able to, now that we have a large corps, help develop a mentorship and training program and develop our junior warrant officers to build the future of the current warrant officer program.”

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N.C. Guard Engineers Compete at Sapper Stakes

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The best North Carolina National Guard engineers compete at the 105th Engineer Battalion Sapper States Invitational, held at Fort Bragg, N.C., Sept. 12 - 13. Six trials of brain and brawn hide in a one-kilometer circle in the woods and hills of the fort. Competitors do not know what the tasks are until they navigate to each station using map and compass. “It fits the Sapper mentality, you do not know what you have to do in combat so it keeps you always ready,” said 2nd Lt. Christopher Shannon, a platoon leader with the NCNG’s 151st Mobility Augmentation Company.

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N.C. Guard: Protects our own Story and Picture by: Sgt. Leticia Samuels

Pfc. Kenneth Semien, 1132nd Military Police Company, stands guard at the North Carolina National Guard Recruiting Center, in Cary, N.C. Military Police are located at NCNG’s three public/store-front recruiting centers.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Leticia Samuels, Public Affairs/Released)

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Raleigh, N.C. Over 300 North Carolina Army National from Headquarters CARY, N.C.Guard – The soldiers recent shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which Company 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Headquarters Company, killed five military service members is a1st somber reminder of real Combined Arms Battalion, 252nd Armored Regiment and Alpha threats to our active duty, GuardCompany, and reserve forces. The incident 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 252nd Armored prepare triggered an Regiment, increase ingather North to Carolina National Guard security for mobilization and deployment to Kosovo in support of the Kosovo Force, measures.

April 30, 2015. As the 20th rotation of soldiers in support of Kosovo Force, the service members will ensure safety and order by coordinating international The Governor of North Carolina, Patthe McCrory, authorized the NCNG to humanitarian effort. increase security measures at all Guard recruiting centers, armories and readiness centers. Trained and qualified NCNG military police (U.S. Army National Guard photo Spc. Lisa Vines/Released) (MP)by provided security for these facilities from July to October 2015.

“We must fulfill our obligation to protect those who protect us,” McCrory said.

The horrific shooting, in Tennessee, only reminds service members of the oath taken upon first enlisting; swearing to protect our country from enemies foreign and domestic.

“To me,, th his means I’m prrotecting my family,” said Sgt. Jen nnifer Morrison, a NCNG military police officer assiggned to protect thee Guard’s Cary recru uiting center. “I’m protecting my friends and my co-workers. I’m serving the people. Beingg able to perform my MP duties is amazing and I love it.”

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In Other State News Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Pat McCrory signed House Bill 371 which will allow Governor McCrory instructed Adjutant designated members of the National General Gregory A. Lusk to station Guard to carry concealed weapons military police at some of the most public in public facilities such as recruiting National Guard recruiting offices, which centers and armories. are located strip malls.

“We must fulfill our obligation to protect those who protect us,” Governor Under HB 371, General Lusk can now designate National Guard members, who McCrory said. “This law will give the have a concealed weapon carry permit, National Guard the to carry concealed tools they need to “We must fufill our obligation weapons while on duty keep themselves, to protect those who protect in state buildings like and the public, safe.” us,” said McCrory. “This law recruiting offices and The law is in will give the National Guard armories. response to Governor the tools they need to keep Additionally, HB McCrory’s call for themselves and the public safe.” 371 provides North more protection for Carolina citizens legal Guard personnel in the aftermath of the remedies should they be victims of a Chattanooga shootings in July. During terrorist attack or harmed from someone that rampage, a lone gunman shot and who materially supports terrorism. killed four unarmed U.S. Marines and The new law allows a victim to sue for one Navy sailor during attacks on a recruiting office and a Naval Operations perpetrators for up to three times the amount of actual damages or $50,000 Support Center.

The day after the Chattanooga shooting, whichever is greater.

Soldiers and citizens witnessed Gov. Pat McCrory sign House Bill 371 at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, Aug 18, 2015.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Leticia Samuels, Public Affairs / Released)

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5-113th Field Artillery Regiment: Blowing through barriers Story and Pictures by: Sgt. Leticia Samuels

FORT BRAGG. N.C. – The drumming of the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantr y (FILI), the oldest color guard regiment known in Fayetteville, silenced the crowd as they marched through the auditorium, to post the colors during the 139th Regional Training Institute (139th RTI), North Carolina Army National Guard’s Officer Candidate School Class 57 graduation ceremony at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Forces Warfare Center and School on Aug. 22, 2015.

The 139th RTI has a strong reputation for training successful junior, field grade and general officers for ser vice in the Army National Guard and U.S. Army.

“Take the principles and lessons you have learned here to your first duty assignments and use them to develop and inspire your Soldiers to achieve excellence always,” said Brig. Gen. John Byrd, the North Carolina National Guard assistant adjutant general for domestic operations.

“Right face” was shouted out by the FILI during the rendering of the colors at the ceremony, as the 12 candidates of Class 57 filed in behind the colors. Family members smiled, applauded 18

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U.S. Army Col. Zeb Williams, staff judge advocate, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, poses with his daughter, 2nd Lt. Victoria Parsells, assigned to Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment, after she was appointed a military officer during the North Carolina National Guard’s Officer Candidate School’s Class 57 graduation ceremony at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s auditorium, Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 22, 2015.

and cheered for their loved ones who will be begin a new chapter in their military careers as commissioned officers.

Every year the 139th RTI hosts a rigorous training curriculum for Soldiers wanting to transition from being enlisted, noncommissioned officers (NCO) and warrant officers into commissioned officers. For Class 57, 2nd Lt. Victoria Parsells, a former NCO, achieved a historic milestone for the NCARNG, becoming the first female field artillery officer.

“I wanted to challenge myself, do something few have done before and be a part of the transition to allow females into field artillery,” said Parsells. “I wish to be a role model for other female Soldiers.”

Parsells was unsure of the direction she wanted to go in life, and after graduating high school she decided to join the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG).

“I joined the military to become a part of something bigger than myself,” said Parsells. “At that time, I was young and unsure of what the next five years had in store for me. I knew that I wanted to do something to make my family and, most importantly, my mother proud.”

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Now a combat veteran with 12 years of experience and a Bachelor of Science degree from Lander University, Parsells has completed one of the biggest milestones in her life.

“This is the completion of a promise I made to my late mother, to complete Officer Candidate School and lead soldiers,” said Parsells. “She was a stern but fair woman with high expectations of me. She guided and molded me into the woman that I am today, and for that I am thankful.”

Soldiers endured an arduous training regimen that is broken up into three phases.

The first phase consisted of applied map reading, day and night land navigation, field leadership, Kure Beach Army training management and a 5 mile foot march.

N.C. The next phase consisted of a field leadership exercise, 7 and 10 mile foot marches, a 3 mile formation run and classroom studies such as operations, leadership, military justice, military intelligence, supply activities, military heritage and history, tactics and call for fire.

The final phase, ensured the soldiers learned troop leading procedures, experience the challenges of a leadership reaction course, infantry squad tactics and combat water survival training.

“We spent many months training to quickly and effectively plan and create an operations order following the troop leading procedures, then implement that plan leading our fellow candidates,” said Parsells.

Now that the candidate portion of her officer career is complete, the next challenge will be to integrate herself into a unit. Parsells will be assigned to Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment.

“Over the past year, I have spent time with my new battery. We have open communication and professionalism on every level. They have been welcoming and guided me through my transition into the unit,” said Parsells. “The expectations I have are of me to be a competent leader of which my soldiers are proud to follow.”

The next step for newly-commissioned officers after joining their units is to attend Basic Officer Leaders Course (BOLC), which provides instruction in small unit tactics, leadership and the officer’s area of expertise.

“My first goal is to graduate from FA (Field Artillery) BOLC and bring that experience, as well as my experience as a NCO, to my role as a platoon leader,” said Parsells. “While I am looking forward to my time as a platoon leader, I will strive to become a battery commander.”

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NCNG an

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HURREX KURE BEACH, N.C. – North Carolina National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team conducted a training exercise at one of the Wilmington area beaches this weekend, but not for relaxation.

The Soldiers trained alongside civilian counterparts with the North Carolina Emergency Management department during a hurricane emergency response scenario at the NCNG’s Fort Fisher Training Center, here, Sept. 11-13, 2015.

“This is a hurricane exercise based off real-world events and training exercises we have done with emergency management,” said Sgt. Maj. Brian Webb, the operations sergeant major of the 30th ABCT. “This is the first time we’ve been able to incorporate them (NCEM) and the brigade staff to see how the events unfold when we are activated.”

The notional training exercise prepped and tested the Soldiers from the beginning to end, going through every step as if it was a real-world event.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Michael Lytton, a master gunner assigned to the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, updates a status tracker for completed and forecasted missions during implementing different scenarios for Soldiers during a simulated hurricane emergency response training exercises at the Fort Fisher National Guard Training Center, Kure Beach, North Carolina, Sept. 12, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. Brian Godette, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment)

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Multi-State, Multi-Component, Multi-Force Story by: Sgt. Brian Godette Photos by: Sgt. Lisa Vines

NEW LO LONDON, N.C. - The air tr traffic control tower received the transmission. tra The Th choppers are inbound, and i can be seen see hovering overhead in the distance.

Air traffic controllers guided the “birds” in safely at the Stanly County Airport, as they tactically flew in, unleashing a barrage of Soldiers rappelling from its belly.

North Carolina Army National Guard aviators and artillery, North Carolina Air Guardsmen, South Carolina Army Guard aviators, Alabama Army Guard aviators, activeduty Airmen and Soldiers conducted joint operations during the Carolina Thunder 2015 aviation training exercise here Aug. 1, 2015.

The air assault operations, interdiction attacks, and tactical aerial egress and regress movements performed at the airport were part of a larger series of multi-force, multi-state, 24

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multi-component training, going on throughout the state.

Nevertheless, the intimate public airport within the Charlotte region, is operated with the assistance from the North Carolina Air Guard, provided a unique training opportunity for the aviators and Soldiers, many of which were cavalry, paratroopers and Special Forces personnel.

“What this airport does is prepare us for any situation,” said Tech Sgt. Jacqueline Plumley, air traffic control technician assigned to the 235th Air Traffic Control Squadron, 145th Air Wing. “Here we get civilian pilots from different states, mixed with military, and it prepares us for any unusual situation that might happen.”

In conjunction with the military aircraft performing their tactical

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, discuss the loading procedures before boarding UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, assigned to the North Carolina Army National Guard, during the NCARNG’s Carolina Thunder 2015 aviation training exercise at the Stanly County Airport in New London, N.C., Aug. 1, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lisa Vines, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

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exercises, civilian aircraft were taking off and landing, adding to the maneuvering tasks of the pilots, and especially the air traffic controllers.

“In Iraq, we worked with a lot of foreign pilots and would run into a lot of different challenges, similar to what we would see here,” Plumley said.

The control tower provided a bird’s eye view of the action happening on and around the airfield.

Special Forces Soldiers rappelled from the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, assigned to the North Carolina National Guard and South Carolina National Guard, while CH-47 Chinook helicopters provided by the Alabama National Guard unloaded paratroopers and cavalry Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.

“With the assault strip it’s really good training, because most runways are bigger than this,” said Plumley.

As the Soldiers seized tactical positions on the ground, and went through several combat training scenarios [room clearing, zone security, medical triage], the interoperability between all the forces was highlighted.

“Everything went so smooth! From observation of the operation, everything seemed to go like clockwork,” said Bryce Raybon, the chief controller at the Stanly County Airport control tower.

Raybon, a Department of Defense civilian employee, added to the overall interoperability aspect by supervising the Airmen in the traffic control tower.

“Our job for this mission was traffic advisory, letting everyone know where everyone else is, getting visual contact, and separating the military aircrafts from the civilian aircrafts we had coming in and out,” said Raybon.

Carolina Thunder 2015 continued after the “birds” retrieved the Soldiers from the Stanly County Airport and continued the training exercise displaying the joint capabilities of the guard’s aviation community.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, maneuver into position after disembarking a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, assigned to the Alabama Army National Guard, during the North Carolina Army National Guard’s Carolina Thunder 2015 aviation training exercise at the Stanly County Airport in New London, N.C., Aug. 1, 2015.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo

by Spc. Lisa Vines, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

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The 145th Airlift Wing, NCANG, C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) and aircrew began aerial ϐireϐighting Aug 13, 2015 and are operating out of McClellan Air Tanker Base near Sacramento, Calif.

The crew and aircraft joined others from the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve, in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the 153rd Airlift Wing of the Wyoming Air National Guard based in Cheyenne, Wyo., in the battle against wildland forest ϐires raging in California, Oregon and surrounding states.

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MAFFS 1, 2, 5, and 9 are based at McClellan Air Tanker Base, CA while MAFFS 4 and 6 will be based in Channel Islands, CA. All 6 aircraft launched on ϐires yesterday Aug 23, 2015.

145th Airlift Wing’s, MAFFS 9 and crew, so far have completed three sorties dropping 8,659 gallons, (78,796.9 pounds) of ϐire retardant on ϐires in the area of Mad River, CA. There are currently 19 active wildϐires and 13,000 ϐireϐighters taking a stand in protecting people, their homes and land.

In the ϐight to save lives from the air.

U.S. Air National Guard story and photos by: Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran, 145th Public Affairs

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial ϐireϐighting system owned by the US Forest Service (USFS).

The unit is loaded into the cargo bay of military C-130 aircraft. Following the lead of USFS plane, military aircrews can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or ϐire retardant from the MAFFS modules along the leading edge of a forest ϐire in less than ϐive seconds and cover an area a quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged ground crews at a MAFFS tanker base can reϐill the modules in less than 12 minutes.

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NCNG CITIZEN-SOLDIER: The right place at the right time Story and Picture by: Sgt. Leticia Samuels

NCNG’s 677th Fire Fighting Team from Morrisville, N.C. and the 430th Fire Fighting Team from Salisbury come together to train as one force to combat a simulated aircraft fire. This training took place at North Carolina Air National Guard’s burn pit in Charlotte, Feb. 7, 2015. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens 382nd Public Affairs Detachment) 30

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DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham County Sheriff ’s Office and the North Carolina National Guard both have important roles in public safety within the state of North Carolina.

What they share in this case, is Pfc. David Earp, B Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment who plays dual roles as an infantryman and a deputy sheriff.

Earp is a Durham native and five year veteran for the Sheriff ’s office in Durham who rescued two young female children from being drowned by their father, the accused, the night of Sept 20, 2015, at the Audubon Lake apartments.

“I am a school resource officer, assigned to Jordan high school,” said Earp. “It’s something I have wanted to do since I was a small kid, I have always been one to try to help people.”

Sylvia Scott, Audubon Lake apartment property manager, notified Earp who was off duty at the time about the situation occurring nearby. Scott already called 911 but realized Earp was nearby.

“I put my clothes on, a sheriff shirt, grabbed my gun, badge, radio and flashlight,” said Earp. “I got in my car and went down to the location.”

Upon arrival to the lake, cries were heard, and Earp discovered the older

of the two children above water crying and the younger child was submerged completely under water.

“I thought to myself what in the world is going on here,” said Earp. “I shined my flashlight to the area, dropped some of my equipment, ran out there and grabbed both of them.”

He quickly scooped up both children out of the lake and guided them to dry land where he directed Scott and her son to stay with the older daughter, not wanting her to witness her younger sister who was unconscious at the time.

“I took the other girl away so she wouldn’t have to see her sister, I took her to the gazebo,” said Earp. He then told Scott, “Make sure she is breathing and talk to her, try to keep her calm.”

While Scott kept the older daughter calm, Earp and other responding officers began CPR on the younger child and took turns performing CPR for about 15 minutes until emergency responders and medical personnel arrived.

“It made me feel really good and it made me realize how blessed I am to be in the right spot at the right time, to get there within a few moments and save them,” said Earp.

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NC Guard supports

A Shelter from the Storm: Second NCNG Tarheel Challenge Academy opens Story and photos by Sgt. Lisa Vines

NEW LONDON, N.C. -- North Carolina National Guard and local government leaders gathered Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, on the lawn of 215 N. Main Street here, to commemorate the ribbon-cutting of the second Tarheel Challenge Academy (TCA) and groundbreaking for construction of new female dormitories.

This 26 acre campus will operate alongside its Salemburg, N.C. counterpart. A renovated elementary and middle school, the piedmont academy will begin accepting students this November.

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“Much like moving into a new neighborhood and a new house, you want to invite your neighbors, families and friends to a housewarming party. We’re now part of the community. TCA West is here,” said Dr. Anthony Dalesandro, the campus director the New London TCA. North Carolina is one of eight states to house at least two of these programs.

NCNG’s Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. John Byrd said, “This is the single most value-added program that the North Carolina provides to the community and our state.”

Representatives from the North Carolina National Guard, the Department of Public Safety and state government officials attend the ribbon-cutting and ground breaking ceremony for the second Tarheel Challenge Academy in New London, N.C., Sept. 14, 2015.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the crowd was ushered through a renovated hallway with clean, fresh classrooms to the rear of the campus where a dormitory for female cadets is scheduled to begin construction.

State Employee’s Credit Union (SECU) and SECU Foundation representatives provided a $500,000 grant for the construction of the 60-bed facility.

After the scheduled events, attendees, several of whom were former students of the school before it was repurposed for TCA, were free to tour the hallways and classrooms.

The Tarheel Challenge Academy is a voluntary, quasi-military program for youths aged 16 to 18, with a curriculum focusing on providing young adults with

the discipline and life skills necessary to be productive members of society, said Byrd.

North Carolina’s Tarheel Challenge Academy began in 1994 in Sampson County. 72 percent of cadets receive their GED. When the New London campus opens, NCNG’s Tarheel Challenge Academy graduation rate will increase from approximately 270 graduates per year to over 500.

“We’re ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sister campus in Salemburg and accept our role in reclaiming the lives of the 16-18 year old youths in the state of North Carolina,” said Dalesandro, “These youths have a new shelter from the storm and that shelter is 215 North Main Street.”

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North Carolina National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, Veterans and staff observed the 14th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony with song, prayers and a moment of silence at the NCNG Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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145th Civil Engineer Fire Fighter named Air Guard's best Story and pictures by: Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran - 145th Public Affairs

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U S. Air For U. orce rce ce Sta taff ff Sgt g . Jeereet Kinn Ki n ai nn aird rd d, fireefi figh ghte gh terr fo te f r th thee No Nort rth rt h Caro Ca roli lina na Air i Nat atio iona io nall Gu na Guar a d, ar 145t 14 5th h Ci Civi v l En vi Engi gine neer ne err Squ q ad dro ron, n, ssttan ands ds in fr f on o to off an ai airp rpor rp orrt Re Resc scue sc ue Firreefigh Fi Fire ghtiing ng tru uck ck aft fter er bei eing ngg i teerv in rvie ieeweed d,, Augg. 4, 4, 201 0 5, at Fir Fiire re S attion St ion 41, Char io arlo lo otte tte Do tt Doug Doug ugllaas as In nteern r at a io ona nall Aiirport. On July, 22 22, 2200155, K Kiinn naaiird d was recognizeed aass Miili M lita lit tary r y Fire Fighter of the Yea ear and an d pr p esseen ntteed "The Chieff Allb bert Fitzpa Fi Fitz tzpa tz patri trick tr ick Aw ic A ard ard." ar d." (U (U.S S. Ai Air Air National Guard rd d ph ho oto by Ma M ster Sgt. Sgt Sg t. Pat atri ricia F. Morraan n, 1445tth P Pu ubl bliicc Affair Aff irs/Re R leassed) ed d)

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MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. -- During a banquet held July 22, 2015, at McGee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Alcoa, Tenn., Staff Sgt. Jeret E. Kinnaird humbly accepted the "Chief Albert Fitzpatrick Award" after being recognized by the Air National Guard's Fire Chief Association as Military Fire Fighter of the Year for 2014.

Kinnaird is the lead instructor for the Air National Guard's Urban Search and Rescue Technician Course taught at the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Regional Training Site in New London, N.C. Recognized as the best in the country, Kinnaird stays extremely busy teaching classes, many times back to back with no days off.

To date, Kinnaird has successfully taught over 900 Air National Guard and Active Duty firefighters in the Rescue I and II Course. In 2014 alone, Kinnaird instructed 12 Rescue Tech I & II courses resulting in over 360 certifications being achieved by units representing 42 states.

145th Regional Training Site in Stanly County is the only location in the United States that provides the Urban Search and Rescue I and II Course. There are two other instructors besides Kinnaird who teach up to 30 members per class with each class running 12 days straight.

The dedication that is seen every day by those who work with Kinnaird is evident by the high regard his supervisors and peers have of him.

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"His willingness to succeed in the class room by continually looking for ways to improve and hone in on teaching and mentoring skills, is just one reason why his student critiques are so high." said Chief Master Sgt. Daryl Cook, Chief of Fire Emergency Services for the NCANG. "He has a genuine gift for instructing and connecting with each and every student, which makes him highly effective at making material stick months and years after the student leaves.

"He is a remarkable firefighter trainer," added Master Sgt. Donald D. Willis, Jr., Assistant Chief of Operations for the NCANG and Kinnaird's supervisor. "He never asks any of his guys to do what he wouldn't do himself. He consistently leads from the front, approaches all issues and challenges with a level-head and always takes care of his troops."

In addition to being a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard Fire Department and having a dual-role with the unit as a rescue instructor, Kinnaird also serves the NCANG base and community as a North Carolina State MCA Firefighter.

"His ability to "change gears" is truly admirable." said Cook, "He has an unmatched ability to situationally lead or follow; watching him is fun but at the same time, a learning experience for many who pay attention."

"I feel honored to have received this award," said Kinnaird, "but I feel it was earned by the entire team. We all work extremely hard. As a team, we are dedicated and focused to the mission and to our people. It's more than a job to us and we do it the best way we can."

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeret Kinnaird, firefighter for the North Carolina Air National Guard, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron, gives instructions to other firefighters as they extinguish a fire on the wing of a simulated aircraft during Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Burns training held at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Pamela Robbins, 145th Public Affairs/Released)

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N.C. Guard Veteran Career Days Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Soldiers moved with purpose and care. Their next mission would require training, experience and quick thinking.

They leaned forward, made eye contact, extended an arm and handed one of many recruiters a résumé.

“It is different, I usually ask if I can work for them [employers], now they ask if I can work for them,” said Spc. Darian Hayes, a nine-year NCNG s. veteran with two combat deployments.

The North Carolina National Guard Education and Employment Center (EEC) partnered with Central Piedmont Community College for a Veteran Career Days, Sept. 8–9, 2015, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

There is a constant murmur of greetings, questions on experience and skills, scheduling interviews and questions from employer and future employee.

Corporate leaders try to match the Military credentials the veterans bring to the needs of the workplace.

“We [ECC] average three job placements every two days, that is what I am proud of,” said Army Maj. Frank Poovey, North Carolina National Guard director of education and employment services.

“[Credentials] are very important, one Soldier already has the medical certifications and he wants to enhance those skills by going back to CPCC,” said Connie Roseborough, Novant corporate recruiter.

Workshops, held Sept. 8, on job searches, cover letter and résumé writing, prepared the veterans for job interviews and successful job networking.

The event is not only for the benefit of the employers and veterans but performs a mission critical function keeping the Guard ready to deploy for state and nation.

“It is a great thing for me,” said Pfc. Darrell Hopkins, a medic with the NCNG 30th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

“It helps overall health of my unit, you want Soldiers concentrating on training not financial stress,” said Poovey.

The lessons would be put to the test as the veterans mingle in a room of more than 50 employers.

Since the center began in 2013, more than 1,400 Military members have been placed in a civilian job.

Veterans and employers meet at the North Carolina National Guard’s Employment and Education Center Veterans Career Days event at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 8 – 9. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan / Released)

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2015 Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund Fairway to Honor Golf Tournament.

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. - The Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund of North Carolina (SAAF) hosted its fourth annual "Fairway to Honor" Charity Golf Tournament on September 17, at Bentwinds Golf and Country Club.

Over 100 players participated in the event and competed all in an effort to support Service Members of the North Carolina National Guard, raising a total amount of fifteen thousand dollars.

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In the shadow of the Austerlitz Bridge: NATO troops promote tolerance and equality in Mitrovica Story and photo by Sgt. Erick Yates, Multinational Battle Group-East

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – U.S. and Hungarian soldiers serving on NATO’s Kosovo Force peace support mission joined local leaders and organizers to promote tolerance and equality during a Sept. 2015 Violence Free Future youth event at the Diakonie Youth Center in Mitrovica, Kosovo.

Several KFOR soldiers, who serve as an impartial third-response force in order to ensure safety, security and freedom of movement in Kosovo, attended the day’s Violence Free Future and Play2Educate events as volunteers and mentors in order to demonstrate the importance of impartial, consistent values in building cooperation and respect within communities.

Volunteers and attendees kicked off the day’s workshop with an open forum discussing tolerance and community connections. After the morning discussions, the students, volunteers, and KFOR soldiers came together for a series of Play2Educate sessions—interactive, high-energy events where small groups use communication and patience to solve problems. In doing so, the groups practice and discuss their abilities to overcome barriers to cooperation, such as ethnic or gender intolerance.

“Volunteering for this type of workshop in the community gives citizens of Kosovo a chance to see soldiers as people and not just a military force,” said N.C. National Guard Chief Warrant 2 Jason Boyd, a member of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team and Multinational Battle Group-East headquarters.

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U.S. Army Spc. Lindon Watkins III, a North Carolina National Guard maintenance soldier assigned to 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 252nd Armor Regiment, smiles as he and a group of Kosovo teenagers attempt to untangle themselves out of a “human knot” during a Play2Educate youth tolerance event Sept. 19, 2015, in Mitrovica, Kosovo. Watkins, who is currently deployed to Kosovo as part of NATO’s Kosovo Force peace support mission, attended the event alongside other U.S. and Hungarian soldiers in order to demonstrate the importance of impartial, consistent values in building cooperation and respect within communities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Erick Yates, Multinational Battle Group-East)

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N.C. Guard’s

HIMARS Battalion supports Carolina Thunder 2015 Story and picture by: Sgt. Jonathan Shaw 382nd Public Affairs Detatchment

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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems crews with 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), conducted a live fire exercise in support of Carolina Thunder 2015 at Sicily Drop Zone here Aug. 1, 2015.

Carolina Thunder is an annual aviation training exercise conducted by the North Carolina Army National Guard’s AH-64 Apache battalion, the 1st Battalion, 130th Attack Reconnaissance Regiment. This year’s training exercise is different than previous years by involving aviation assets from the Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina National Guards as well as active-duty Airmen and Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.

The 5-113th had a critical support role during the joint training exercise.

“We are going to notionally knock out enemy air defense assets,” said U.S. Army Capt. Michael

Amoroso, the commander of B Battery, 5-113th FAR. “That will allow attack aviation to move through and attack any targets in support of ground movement.”

The battalion has been in the business of rockets since 1999 and has been using the HIMARS, a wheeled vehicle capable of firing up to six rockets at targets nearly 200 miles away, since 2010. But, it’s been approximately four years since they’ve been able and available to live fire their primary weapon systems.

“Live fire exercises, like this, are important,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Timothy Geldner, a fire crew chief assigned to B Battery, 5-113th FAR. “You can’t do your job well, even with the proper training, without being able to see exactly how these weapon systems operate.”

Since their last live fire exercise in 2011, the battalion has deployed to the Sinai Peninsula in support of the Multinational Force and Observers mission, which was the result of the Camp David Peace Accord of 1979. The battalion returned from the mission in September 2013.

“Coming together today is ultimately getting back to that field artillery proficiency and being able to demonstrate that,” said Amoroso.

For the past year the soldiers of the battalion have been training hard to get back to their field artillery roots, and the live fire exercise was the culmination of that training and a symbol of their return to artillery.

"Simulations are great, but nothing beats a real world live-fire."

An M28 training rocket is released from an M142 High Mobility Rocket Artillery System by Soldiers assigned to the 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), during a live fire training exercise at Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 1, 2015. The HIMARS is capable of firing as many as six rockets at targets nearly 200 miles away.

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shaw, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)

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Army and Air Guard Cyber Guard 2015 Story by Capt. Michael Wilber, Public Affairs Office, North Carolina Air Guard Photo by Maj. Robert Felicio, Army National Guard

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SUFFOLK, VA. –A team of Soldiers and Airmen from the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard Cyber Defense Team joined cyberspace and critical infrastructure operators from over 100 organizations, to participate in the fourth annual Cyber Guard exercise here, June 8 to 12, 2015. The exercise was led by U.S. Cyber Command, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. The Cyber Guard trains service members to rapidly detect and effectively respond to a destructive or disruptive cyber-attack impacting U.S. critical infrastructure.

As a joint effort the exercise strengthens partnerships with government, allies and the private sector organizations, improving shared cooperation and situational awareness between these entities.

“NCNG maintains a Joint Cyber Defense Team, comprised of Army and Air National Guard personnel, which is available, on order, to support cyber emergencies within the state of North Carolina including the cyber defense of Critical Infrastructure within the state,” said Capt Joshua McDermott, Network Defense Flight Commander, 145th Combat Operations Group.

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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: 919-664-6214 E-mail: gary.c.spencer2.mil@mail

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