Contents Departments From the Commander ............................................ 3 Guard News......................................................... 6-9 ►Best Warrior Competition.............................. 6 ►Guardsman receives scholarship ................. 7 ►NGB validates GPJTC ................................. 8 ►New commander takes over OCS ................ 9 Soldier Spotlight .............................................. 10-11 ►Guard couple deploys together ►First female chief warrant officer 5 retires
he Kansas Sentinel is an authorized, official publication of the Kansas Army National Guard (KSARNG). It is published to provide command and public information about the KSARNG and its Soldiers, at home and deployed. It is published by the 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD), out of Topeka, Kan. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and subjects, and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Army. This publication does not supersede information presented in any other official Army or Department of Defense publication. The Kansas Sentinel reserves edited rights to all material. Published works may be reprinted, except where copyrighted, provided credit is given to the Kansas Sentinel and the authors. Distribution of the Kansas Sentinel is electronic. The submission of articles, photos, artwork, and letters is encouraged. Please address to:
Features Guard hosts annual shooting match ....................... 4 NAGUS conference .............................................. 12 161 returns home from Africa ............................... 14 170th Maintenance Co. ready for deployment...... 16 Governor’s Easter egg hunt ................................. 18 Armenia delegation visits Kansas......................... 19 CST trains for multiple threats .............................. 20 Kansas Guard at STP 400.................................... 22 Fishing Tournament .............................................. 25 On the Cover Dakota Waters, a youth attending the 2012 STP 400 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., sits in an M-1 Abrams fighting vehicle and talks with Spc. Jason Mosqueda, a loader with Company C, 2nd Combined Army Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, April 22. Youth attending the race were allowed to see the insides of the military fighting vehicles. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
2 KANSAS SENTINEL
T
July 2012
Editor, Kansas Sentinel, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 2722 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66611. Telephone: 785-274-1896, or by e-mail at: phillip.witzke@ng.army.mil Assistant Adjutant General-Land Component: Brig. Gen. Eric Peck Publisher: Maj. D. Matt Keane, 105th MPAD Commander Editors: Capt. Michael Sullivan Capt. Benjamin Gruver Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Witzke Sgt. 1st Class Bill McGinnis Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Spc. Jessica Haney Graphic Design and Layout: Capt. Michael Sullivan Capt. Benjamin Gruver Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Spc. Jessica Haney Spc. Robert Havens Pfc. Brandon Jacobs
FROMTHE COMMANDER I have been out visiting many of you at Annual Training, first with Command Sgt. Maj. John Ryan who is enjoying his retirement as of 30 June, most recently with our new Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly and really appreciate the conversations I have had with each of you. As we visited we noted with respect all of the hard, professional training being conducted from the individual Soldier level through the brigade staff level, and we are very impressed by the dedication and participation by all of our troopers. While talking with many of our Soldiers we asked about full-time employment and education opportunities. While many of you knew that we have a couple of people in our Family Programs who can assist you with finding employment many were unaware that our Transition Assistance Advisors are only a phone call or email away. So here are their names and numbers: Transition Assistance Advisors Howard Steanson
785-274-1188
785-806-4179
Beth Visocsky
785-274-1129
785-817-2960
Moberly and I continue to encourage each of you to pursue more education and training. As we discussed with many of you these skill sets help you compete in a tough job market, and they help us by building up your skill sets to enhance our mission capabilities. Many of you are qualified for the GI Bill benefits, and others are qualified for tuition assistance, so make sure you take advantage of all the benefits offered to you as Soldiers in the KSARNG. Capt. Matt Hapke is our state education officer and he can be reached at 785-274-1081, if you need more information on education programs or your eligibility. I noticed also on our visits that there were many good non-commissioned officers, lieutenants and captains looking out for their Soldiers, particularly in the hot, dry conditions you have been training in at AT. So we have not had any serious heat injuries. Make sure that you, like my battle buddy, Moberly does for me, are looking out for your battle buddy in your unit. I am not just talking about during AT, but also between drills and for everything from the weather conditions to their physical and mental well being. We have had several Soldiers injured this summer in POV accidents, and most of the injuries could have been prevented by a battle buddy reminding someone to wear a seat belt or to offer some assistance in moving a heavy object. We really are our “brothers� keeper, and I continue to see us as looking out for each other like a family. Take care of yourself, your families and your communities. Moberly and I look forward to talking to you about our challenges and your potential solutions as we continue to visit you during Annual Training, drill or other mission activities.
Very Respectfully,
Eric Peck Brig. Gen. Eric Peck Kansas Army National Guard Commander Assistant Adjutant General-Army
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 3
Kansas National Guard hosts annual shooti
Shooters rush their targets with range safeties close behind during the 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Champion Match. The TAG Shooting Match was held at the Kansas Regional Training Center in Salina, Kan., March 31 through April 1, as a competition between the best shooters in the Kansas National Guard to show their talents. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
By Spc. Robert Havens 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The sights and sounds of basic weapons qualification courses are nearly the same throughout the military. Shooters are allowed to get into a comfortable shooting position, face toward the general area of brightly colored targets and are given relatively lax scoring rules. While this shooting style allows you to learn the basic fundamentals of marksmanship, it is not really applicable outside of neon orange combatants standing up like “whack-a-moles” behind their shooting position. Sometimes, however, a better opportunity presents itself. The 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Champion Match was held March 31 through April 1 at
4 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
the Kansas Regional Training Center in exposure targets, camouflaged targets and Salina, Kan., to determine the best shootshooting while tired. ers in the Kansas Guard. The top twenty shooters in the competiThe shooting match A soldier’s weapon is only as good was held amongst teams as their ability to hit a target of Kansas National guard with it. - Maj. Gleb Gluhovsky Soldiers and Airmen to give participants a chance to show their warrior skills amongst some tion will earn a “Governors Twenty” tab to of the best in the Kansas Guard. wear on their uniform. In the last couple of years, the imporIt’s very prestigious, said Gluhovsky. tance of marksmanship has increased with The event continues to grow in poputhe wars, said Maj. Gleb Gluhovsky, a larity inside of the Kansas Guard. Kansas National Guard State MarksmanOver the three years I have particiship coordinator. A Soldier’s weapon is pated, I have seen a large increase in the only as good as their ability to hit a target people attending this event, said Tag Match with it. competitor Sgt. Nate Carnahan. Every year We teach shooters to fire their rifles, they are adding more matches and different pistols and machine guns the same way skills, such as the machine gun event. they would in combat as opposed to The event teaches more precision the traditional static targets, Gluhovsky shooting, by forcing shooters into more continued. They learn to shoot at limited realistic shooting scenarios, said fellow
ing match
Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper (right), a member of Headquarters Company, 235th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), receives his award as top overall shooter in the 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Championship Match from Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli (left), adjutant general, during the awards ceremony following the shooting match. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
competitor Staff Sgt. Matt Howard. With static qualifications there is not as much emphasis on precision shooting. When you knock down a target on a qualification range, you could simply be grazing the target, Howard continued. Learning to shoot at a precision point will better allow you to utilize your weapon. Carnahan and Howard were the first two Kansas National Guard Soldiers to graduate from Sniper School. Events like this also allow for you to meet other members in the Guard. Meeting people outside your unit and feeling like a part of a family is valuable for retention, said Carnahan. The most valuable thing people can take away from this event is better shooting, said Gluhovsky. While the Governor’s Twenty is a prestigious award, the real lesson here is better shooting. Better shooting saves lives.
Shooters engage their targets during a simulated limited exposure drill at the 2012 Adjutant General’s Combat Marksmanship Champion Match. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 5
Guard news
Best Warriors come out on top The Best Warrior Competition for the Kansas Army National Guard was held in Salina, Kan., at the Great Plains Regional Training Site from November 3-5, 2011. The competition had two categories, the best Noncommissioned Officer and the best Soldier (E-4 and below) competition. Five NCOs competed for NCO of the year and four Soldiers competed for Soldier of the year. The NCO’s and Soldiers competed in three days of events starting with the Army Physical Fitness Test, day and night land navigation, a written essay, a written test, a six-mile road march carrying a 35-pound ruck and M16, 10 warrior tasks, M16 qualification, a uniform test, a mystery event and appearance board. The competition was both physically and mentally challenging. The Soldier of the year is: Pfc. Christopher Pulaski, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, Olathe, Kan.; Pfc. Pulaski represented the 69th Troop Command. NCO of the Year is: Staff Sgt. Eric Cooper, 235th Regiment, Salina, Kan.; Staff Sgt. Cooper represented the 235th Regional Training Institute.
Topeka Military Relations Committee presents award By Sgt. Michael Mathewson, Joint Forces Headquarters UPAR
A Kansas National Guard Soldier was among six local military personnel who were honored by the Topeka Military Relations Committee, Feb. 28, 2012. The ceremony took place during the scheduled meeting of the Topeka City Council. Pfc. Kenneth Nichols of Topeka, Kansas Army National Guard, was selected by his respective military services to receive the Topeka Military Relations Committee Military Person of the Year Award. Nichols is a military policeman with the 35th Military Police Company based in Topeka. He is currently attending Washburn University with the goal of a bachelors degree. “I want to thank the (KSARNG) and the citizens of Topeka,” said Nichols.
New law designed to assist military spouses to get jobs Flanked by members of the United States military, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill March 1, 2012, designed to assist military spouses to get jobs when their spouses are transferred to the state. Sub. for HB 2178 requires a state licensing agency to issue a license to a nonresident military spouse in order for the spouse to lawfully practice a regulated profession in Kansas. “So many times a military spouse struggles to get a job because of the paperwork and application process involved in getting a professional license. This new law tears down that barrier - and helps our businesses find quality, well-trained professionals,” said Brownback. The new law requires state licensing agencies to issue the license under two circumstances: * If the military spouse is seeking a license in a profession that has an endorsement or reciprocity statutes in another state. * If the military spouse meets several qualifiers, including: holds a current license in another state with equal licensing requirements; has not had her/his licensed 6 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
limited, suspended, revoked nor has been censured nor had her/his application to practice denied; has not been disciplined by a licensing entity or isn’t subject to an unresolved complaint; submits a signed affidavit stating all information on application is true and accurate. A state agency may require a military spouse to complete additional steps if that person hasn’t actively practice her/his occupation during the previous two years. The person is entitled to all rights provided and subject to all obligations required under state law, except if her/his license is revoked or suspended in another state, it then is automatically revoked or suspended in Kansas, with no right to a hearing. The governor also signed a proclamation declaring Thursday “Armed Forces Appreciation Day” at the Statehouse as well as a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve. Members of the Governor’s Military Council as well as leadership of Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth, Forbes Field and McConnell Air Force Base joined the governor for the signings. “There are Kansans serving our great country here at home and overseas, in all
services and components. Today is an opportunity for us to show our deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice - and the sacrifices made by their families and to pledge our support for them in peace, in crisis and in war,” said Brownback. Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, echoed the governor’s support and appreciation for our country’s military. “The men and women in uniform who serve our country often do so at great sacrifice to themselves and their families,” said Tafanelli. “Many have given their lives to protect our freedoms.”
Lindsborg Guardsman receives national scholarship The Council of College and Military Educators has announced that Kansas National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Chris Foster is one of five awardees of the 2012 CCME Joe King Scholarship. The CCME Joe King Scholarship is a $1,000 national award presented annually to five servicemembers across all branches and components of military service. Foster is one of five servicemembers in the entire U.S. Armed Forces to win this prestigious scholarship. The Joe King scholarship is offered each year to servicemembers who exhibit superior levels of motivation, character and integrity in pursuing higher education. Criteria for consideration for the Joe King Scholarship includes student grade point average, letters of recommendation attesting to the motivation, character and integrity of the servicemember, and the quality of an essay written by the servicemember. “It is a tremendous honor to receive this award and to be recognized for my academic work,” said Foster. “The CCME
is an outstanding organization filled with educators and veterans who are dedicated to innovation and improvement in the area of adult education for military members and their spouses. I would encourage any Soldier or spouse who is seeking a degree to apply for the CCME Joe King scholarship. This scholarship is not just for active duty Soldiers; it is for National Guard Soldiers as well.” Foster, 37, is attending graduate school at Kansas State University in Manhattan. He is scheduled to graduate with a Master of Science degree from Kansas State College of Education in May 2012. Foster hopes to use his graduate degree to serve the Kansas National Guard in positions of greater responsibility and to secure a beneficial second career after his retirement from military service. Foster completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Kansas State University in 2008. He has served in the Kansas Army National Guard for more than 18 years, including eight years as a platoon sergeant and readiness noncommissioned officer, and is currently assigned as an operations noncommissioned officer with the 235th Regiment in Salina, Kan. Foster lives in Lindsborg, Kan., with his wife Carrie and their 5 year-old son, Clayton.
Gregory, Rolf exchange company command By 1st Lt. Barry Gomes, A Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137 Infanty Regiment
Capt. Bryan Gregory took command of Company A, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment during a change of command ceremony Feb. 3, 2012, at the company armory in Lawrence, Kan. During the ceremony, Capt. Zachary Rolf turned over command to Gregory. Rolf completed a successful two year command, including a deployment to the Horn of Africa, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Rolf will now assume the duties and responsibilities as the Assistant Operations Officer for 2nd CAB, 137th Infantry Regiment. “For the past two years under my command you have worked as a team to make this unit what it is” said Rolf, as he addressed the company for the last time as the commander. “Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have displayed in your leadership, I only ask that you continue to do the same.” Gregory is no stranger to the battalion. He served in several positions as a platoon leader and company executive officer. Recently Gregory served as the battalion logistics officer and battle captain during the battalion’s recent deployment to the Horn of Africa.
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 7
Guard news
NGB validates Great Plains Joint Training Center By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett Public Affairs Office
A National Guard Bureau training validation team visited the Great Plains Joint Training Center as part of the collective Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enterprise training site validation program, March 5. “For about two to three years now, we have been working towards being a validated site under the joint training auspices of the National Guard Bureau,” said Lt. Col. Greg Platt, operations officer for the Great Plains Joint Training Center, Detachment 1, Joint Forces Headquarters. About 19 months ago, NGB asked sites across the country to submit a validation packet for validation as one of the collective sites recognized by NGB for CBRN training. They had a more than 40 applicants and the GPJTC has made it to the final round. Therefore, NGB sent out their joint training validation team to validate the information GPJTC provided, visiting and viewing the sites and asking questions about past training held at the GPJTC. “We are looking to train a multiechelon interagency where we would have a major catastrophe and bring in all the national and regional assets to one large collective training event,” said Maj. Pirom
Srinual, joint collective training branch, National Guard Bureau. “We are looking for sites that already have the infrastructure in place to host a large scale exercise and that have already hosted such exercises previously where a lot of the infrastructure is already in place,” said Srinual. “We don’t want to have to come in and build new infrastructure. We want to go in and tap into and leverage existing capabilities that are already being built for others, but can be leveraged for our urban training venues.” The GPJTC held a couple of large combined CBRN training operations before the validation proves even began. Joint training personnel from NGB visited the GPJTC during both exercises, so they were already familiar with GPJTC capabilities. “We had hosted Vigilant Guard 2009 in Kansas. We ran a foreign animal disease, continuing operations, Joint Task Force command and a domestic terrorist response out here at Crisis City,” said Platt. “The National Guard Bureau’s J7 joint training element came out as part of a hosting element to watch that operation. They were very impressed with that. It was after that that they asked us to submit a packet for validation.” During their validation, the team
visited multiple sites including the Smoky Hill Weapons Range, Crisis City, Army shooting ranges, Nickell barracks facilities, the Salina Airport Authority, Kansas State University’s unmanned aircrafts systems, the Bicentennial Center and the Salina County Emergency Management facilities. Many nonmilitary partners are also involved in and very supportive of this process, as they will be engaged in the training if the GPJTC becomes a validated NGB training site. These include Kansas Search and Rescue Task Force, Kansas Incident Management Team, Kansas Response – Hazmat, Salina Municipal Airport, Salina County Emergency Management, Salina Fire Department, Salina Police Department and Salina’s Bicentennial Center. “If we are one of the 10 validated sites, we will receive training and sustainment funding, additional assistance in preparing for larger exercises, and that we will be one of 10 recognized sites throughout the country to train the Homeland Response Forces, the Chemical - Enhanced Response Force Package and the Civil Support Teams ...” said Platt. “As part of that validation process, National Guard Bureau funds will be coming into the state to help us prepare for that training, which is very important.”
Recruiting and Retention changes command Lt. Col. Barry Thomas relinquished command of the Kansas Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion to Maj. Kenneth Weishaar during a ceremony at the Unit Training Equipment Site armory in Salina, April 16. “This is a bittersweet moment for my family and me after 32 months of command,” said Thomas. “Recruiting is the tip of the spear for the Kansas Army National Guard as citizens are brought in and transformed into Soldiers who will lead the National Guard and the U.S. Army into the next decade. A recruiter touches and changes many lives and is never forgotten. It has been a privilege for me to learn from and lead such outstanding noncommissioned officers.” “Gen. George S. Patton Jr. once said ‘Do everything you ask of those you command,’” said Weishaar. “I hope to leverage my prior experience in the Recruiting and Retention Battalion as a production recruiter, field sales manager, budget officer, team commander and executive officer to successfully increase the membership of the Kansas Army National Guard. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we recruit and retain Kansans to sustain our freedom for this and future generations.”
8 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
Kansas Officer Candidate School receives new commander
Col. Robert Windham, commander of the 235th Regiment; Lt. Col. John Clark, incoming commander of the 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment (Officer Candidate School); Brig. Gen. Vic Bradden, assistant commander for the 35th Infantry Division; and Lt. Col. Judith Martin, outgoing OCS commander pose for a picture after a Change of Command Ceremony for the 1st battalion, 235th Regiment held at the Kansas Regional Training Institute in Salina, Kan., March 17, 2012. By Staff Sgt. Dustin Furrey, Headquarters, 235th Regiment
The 1st Battalion, 235th Regiment (Officer and Warrant Candidate School) received a new commander, Lt. Col. John Clark, as Lt. Col. Judith Martin takes a new position as the Military Surface Maintenance Manager with Joint Forces Headquarters. For over 55 years, the Officer Candidate School program at the 235th Regiment has been transforming men and women into leaders for the Kansas Army National Guard. Four years ago, Martin was entrusted with the regiment’s “crown jewel,” when she assumed command of the Officer Candidate School. Before Martin’s influence, the program was considered to be “one of the best in the nation,” according to Col. Robert Windham, commander of the 235th Reg. In his remarks during a Change of Command Ceremony March 17, Windham explained how Martin took a great battalion and transformed it into excellence. “It did not take long to see that Lt. Col. Martin was absolutely the right person, at the right time,” said Windham. In the four years that Martin com-
manded the battalion, she accomplished a lot in a time of diminishing resources. Under Martin, the OCS program has trained close to 500 candidates from nine different states. She took the concept of a Warrant Officer Candidate School program and made it a reality. To date, the program has produced nearly 40 warrant officers for the state of Kansas and provides oversight and guidance to a seven-state region. Windham is not alone in his praise of Martin. Her accomplishments have been noticed by The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and the Army Infantry Center at Fort Benning, Ga., as they have awarded her unit their highest recognition possible, the title of “Institution of Excellence” – the first time in 55 years that such recognition has been earned. Windham added, “Her Warrant Officer Candidate School [program] is the only in the National Guard fully accredited with an overall score of 100 percent and multiple best practices recognized by the Army Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker, Ala.” Windham concluded by stating, “After her four years in command, the program is not one of the best in the nation, it is the best in the nation.”
Resiliency Center wins award for training video By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett, Public Affairs Office
The Kansas Resiliency Center, along with their collaborators Mind and Media Inc., received a Platinum MarCom Award for their 2011 training video “Resiliency: Mission Ready for Life.” The MarCom Platinum is the highest level of the MarCom awards. Of the 5,000 entries, only the best of the best earn the Platinum award. MarCom Awards is a creative competition for any individual or company involved in the concept, writing and design of print, visual, audio, web materials and programs. Entries come from corporate marketing and communications departments, advertising agencies, public relation firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. To be in such company underlined the fact that the video has an entertainment value on top of preparing Soldiers and their families for what stress military life might bring. “Resiliency, Mission Ready for Life,” was created to add to Flash Forward, a course created by the Resiliency Center in 2009. The DVD is a training tool to teach service members and their family how to be resilient in life. The skills covered are practical, can be implemented immediately and can make life better. There are tips for improving the ability to handle stress physically, as well as emotionally and for strengthening your relationships. “The antiquated definition of resiliency is ‘to bounce back,’” said Rick Selig, program developer. “But it’s evolving to not only be able to bounce back, but be able to thrive and grow as a result of having that stress.” This is not the first time the Kansas Resiliency Center has been nationally recognized. More than 23 states and other military services have taken the Flash Forward Resiliency course. Several states are using the curriculum to teach their Guardsmen the skills and practices to become more resilient. July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 9
Soldier Spotlight
Kansas National Guard couple deploys together By Spc. Bradley Wancour 13th Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - For military marriages, deployment normally means a year-long separation. This is not the case for Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale, a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance platoon sergeant, Company D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, and Staff Sgt. Danielle Burke, a human resource specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-108th Aviation. “We get to see each other every day, which is the main benefit,” said Dale. Burke agreed and went on to explain how having her husband nearby allowed her to unwind after a difficult day. The Topeka natives have been married for roughly nine months, said Burke. Soon after they were married, the unit deployed and has been in theater for more than four months. Burke and Dale have already experienced some of the advantages of being deployed together. “He’s my support system, so it’s good to have him here so I Sgt. 1st Class Brian Dale, a Black Hawk helicopter maintenance platoon sergeant, Company can talk to him if I get frustrated D, 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment, and Staff Sgt. Danielle Burke, a human resource at work or if I just had a bad day,” specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-108th Aviation, both natives of Topeka, pose for a photo, Feb. 11, 2012. They have been married for roughly nine months and have Burke stated. While they are hesitant to ad- been in Kuwait for four of those months. Photo by Spc. Bradley Wancour mit it, there are certain challenges close, but the job won’t allow us to see each other.” to being in a deployed environment with one’s spouse Both Burke and Dale understand the difficulties that many people may not realize, Dale explained. and accept them, just like the traditional military couple “We’re always in uniform, so we have to maintain deals with the challenges of spending a year apart. our professionalism all the time, which means we can’t Overall, they are optimistic about their deployment and even do simple things like hold hands,” Burke said. are happy to be able to spend time with each other. While they do get to see each other in a professionThird Army is dedicated to shaping the future by al setting, the deployed environment makes spending supporting families deployed together. quality time together difficult, Burke stated. “We know we have it better than most married soldiers,” said Dale. “So I feel bad saying there are disSoldier Spotlight Nominations advantages, because at least we get to see each other.” Other difficulties arise from the workload each spouse has to shoulder while in a deployed environment, Dale stated. Telephone: 785-274-1896, or by e-mail at: “We still have our mission, so our hours may not be the same,” said Dale. “It can be hard knowing she is so 10 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
First Kansas National Guard female chief really expect anything of it,” she said. warrant officer 5 retires When she joined, only 4.6 percent of the Army was comprised of women, compared to the 23 percent that serve today. “There were very few military occupational specialties women could do at the time,” said Morrow. Morrow worked her way up the ranks until 1978 when she transferred to the Texas Army National Guard as a staff sergeant. “I met every gate, passed my physical fitness test and did everything required of me,” said Morrow. Her hard work and dedication paid off when, in 1980, she Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kieth Rodger presents Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rosanna Morrow with a brick with only was promoted to sergeant first part of her name written on it at her retirement ceremony held at the Nickell Armory in Topeka, Kan., March 14, 2012. class and selected as a battalion Morrow and Rodgers had joked about an engraved brick to be placed outside the Museum of the Kansas National supply sergeant. During her Guard recently. He pitched in $25 which would only pay for part of the letters. Photo by Pfc. Brandon Jacobs time with the Texas National Guard she earned several service and achievement awards for efforts By Pfc. Brandon Jacobs Vasquez, command chief warrant officer, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment on behalf of the Kansas National Guard supporting local communities and unit Warrant Officer Corps. functions. “I never had to worry about budget, Morrow moved to Kansas in 1990 Chief Warrant Officer 5 Rosanna because Rosanna was always there,”said and was selected to attend warrant officer Morrow, budget officer for the United Fritz. “Everything was always correct. Ev- candidate school where she was one of States Property and Fiscal Office, Kanerything was always done. I imagine there three females in her class. She graduated sas Adjutant General’s Department, and are a few program managers out there that in 1991 from a program that had a 52 native of Topeka, Kan., retired March 14, are a little nervous about this day, too. Not percent dropout rate, with leadership and 2012, after serving the National Guard everyone out there knows it, but I know academic honors. One of Morrow’s most for more than 36 years. In that time, she memorable moments with the National served in the Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas it. Rosanna kind of took care of you guys. Guard was receiving the Distinguished National Guard in fields ranging from sup- She made it look easy.” Most notably, representatives of the Honor Graduate award for her class. ply to recruiting and retention. 235th Training Regiment presented MorAfter graduation she was assigned Morrow was joined by her friends, row with a case containing their colors and to the Kansas Military Academy as a family and comrades at a ceremony in insignia, as she will always be a part of the military personnel technician. It was for Nickell Memorial Armory in Topeka, unit. her duties there and at Headquarters, State Kan., where she received the Legion of Morrow was promoted to chief warArea Command, where she worked as a Merit Medal presented by Brig. Gen. Eric rant officer 5 in 2006 while serving as recruiting and retention specialist, that Peck, commander of the Kansas Army the military personnel technician for the she received the Distinguished PerforNational Guard. Kansas Army National Guard director of mance Award from the adjutant general of “This is one of those bittersweet Kansas. moments,” said Peck. She has made great personnel. She is the first female Soldier to attain the rank and only the third SolIn 2006, Morrow was selected as the accomplishments and great contributions dier to rise that high in the warrant officer Kansas Army National Guard Outstanding during her service, he continued. corps in the state. Warrant Officer of the Year. Presentations of awards were also In 1975, Morrow became the fifth Morrow, who mentored many made by Col. Terry Fritz, head of the female to enlist in the Oklahoma National Soldiers over the years, offered this sage United States Property and Fiscal OfGuard. advice, “Let others guide and mentor you, fice, Kansas Adjutant General’s Depart“I needed a part time job and didn’t then pass it on.” ment, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 11
NAGUS Conference 2012:
National Guard Association of Kansas president Col. Mike Erwin thanks guest speaker Air Force Surgeon Col. Brett Wyreck during the 2012 State Combined Conference in Kansas City, Kan. Photo by Staff Sgt. Mark Hanson
By Pfc. Robert Havens 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The National Guard Association of Kansas held its 58th Annual Joint State Conference April 20-22. The conference held in Kansas City, Kan., focused on a new concept in career development and training. The Joint State Conference events are a mixture of addresses from key speakers, workshops, awards presentations, memorials and social events involving the State Family Program Training, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas and the National Guard Association of Kansas. While members of the Kansas National Guard traditionally attended professional development training at the Joint State Conference, this year’s emphasis took on a new role, according to association president Col. Mike Erwin. “This convention is different because we have geared our professional development toward the rank structure of the officer, and how to deal with our elected officials in an era of reduced military budgets” Erwin said. “In the past, we would have all of the officers in one room. This 12 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
year we have field grade officers, company grade officers and warrant officers in sessions specifically geared for what they should be doing for the association at their level in the career,” he continued. While some may consider the associations role as simply a professional organization, the history and importance of the association and what it does not only for members but for the National Guard as a whole is paramount in today’s environment of budget cuts and minimized funding. Established in 1878, the National Guard Association of the United States, of which Kansas is a member, was established to provide united National Guard representation in Washington. Likewise, the National Guard association of Kansas provides the same representation at the state level. The goal then, just as now, is to better obtain equipment and standardized training by petitioning Congress for more resources. It was the National Guard Association that in years past garnered Guardsmen benefits that we take for granted today including drill pay, healthcare coverage, commissary and Post Exchange privileges and retirement benefits. Without the asso-
ciation, many of the benefits the National Guard now enjoys could be in jeopardy. The National Guard Association of Kansas is a non-profit corporation consisting of past and present officers of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, numbering over 1,300 members, with a mission to: promote and support adequate state and national security; support and improve the Army and Air National Guard of Kansas; promote and support the National Guard Association of the United States in its efforts to improve the National Guard; promote and undertake activities and programs of benefit to members and their families, insurance programs and any other activity intended to promote the well being of the membership and provide the public with pertinent information and assistance to enhance public appreciation of the purpose and value of the National Guard of Kansas and the national security program of the United States of America. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of Kansas is an organization comprised of enlisted men and women of the Army and Air National Guard and their supporters who pursue mutual goals in support of the Kansas National Guard and national defense. EANGKS is dedicated to promoting the status, welfare and professionalism of the men and women of the Army and Air National Guard. The association is nonprofit and does not engage in partisan politics, nor support any candidate for political office. “At my unit level, we have transitioned away from wartime training and have put the focus on the larger picture,” said Lt. Col. Eric Bishop, former vice president of the National Guard Association of Kansas and current member of the board of directors. “In the long run,” he continued, “it broadens us as Soldiers in our leadership. The mindset of the Army as a whole is beginning to focus on this kind of broad training. One thing that has remains a constant is that you have to have good leadership. As an association, we are still focused on building non-commissioned officers and officers in leadership. Without the recourses we get through the association, it isn’t the Guard we know today.”
Education, Philanthropy, Fun Car for heroes By Pfc. Robert Havens 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Picture yourself raising two children with no vehicle. Imagine trying to find transportation to the nearest Wal-Mart - 23 miles away. Now imagine receiving a phone call offering to give you a car. At the 2012 National Guard Association of Kansas convention, Cars4Heroes gave a vehicle to a veteran who had found himself in just this situation. Sgt. Norman Worden received that phone call and turned the offer down several times, knowing there had to be someone who needed the car more than him. “I got a phone call out of the blue and I turned it down. It took several phone calls to convince me that I needed the vehicle,” said Worden, a member of the military for 11 years, who has been deployed on two tours. “I didn’t know who had submitted me.” “Most of the times, when these service members receive a phone call for help, they
Cars 4 Heroes Founder Terry Franz (left), known as “Car Santa” to many, and Chris Shell (right) present a car to Sgt. Noerman Worden courtesy of Cars 4 Heroes April 20 during the 58th annual conference of the National Guard Association of Kansas. Photo by Pfc. Robert Havens
turn it down,” said Terry Franz, co-founder of Cars4Heroes. Cars4Heroes take older, donated vehicles and make them safe and reliable. Without getting caught up in who needs a vehicle more, they provide vehicles to service members in need of basic transportation. “They are not winning the lottery,”
said Chris Shell, Cars4Heroes co-founder. “We are getting them a vehicle to get around in and take care of their basic necessities.” Worden said the first thing he planned on doing was taking his two boys, William and Andrew, out for ice cream. “Thank you for the car,” said Worden with a smile for everyone involved.
(Left) Brig. Gen. Eric Peck, commander of the Kansas Army National Guard, eyes his shot during the EANGKS/NGAKS annual golf tournament held at Heritage Park Golf Course in Olathe, Kan., April 20. 20. (Above) Family members enjoy a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, April 21. (Right) NGAKS members participate in the President’s 5K Fun Run/Walk, April 20. These were just a few of the many activities that took place as part of the 2012 State Combined Conference in Kansas City, Kan. Photos by Pfc. Robert Havens
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 13
161 returns from Africa
Pfc. LeTicia Thompson, a military police officer with the 35th Military Police Company, and native of Topeka, Kan., hugs her 2-year-old son, Julius, at the second redeployment ceremony held at the Forbes Field Hanger 662, 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas National Guard, Feb. 20, 2012. The 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery and 35th Military Police Company returned from a year-long deployment to the Horn of Africa. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett By Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
More than 500 Soldiers of the Kansas National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery and 35th Military Police Company were welcomed home to Kansas from a year-long deployment to the Horn of Africa. The first of three groups of Soldiers from the deployment were received during a homecoming ceremony at Washburn University Lee Arena, Topeka, Kan., Feb. 9, 2012. The two groups of Soldiers that followed met their family, friends and co-workers at the Forbes Field Hanger
14 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
662, 190th Air Refueling Wing, Kansas National Guard, Feb. 20 and 25, 2012. The fanfare started with a motorcycle escort, provided by the Topeka American Legion Post 421 riders, from Highway 70 all the way to each location, letting people along the route know that heroes were on their way back home. As each group walked to their formation during their respective redeployment ceremony, family and friends waved their patriotic signs high up in the air in hopes that their loved one would see it as they cheered and applauded their arrival home. Soldiers of the 1st Bn., 161st FA and 35th MP Co. spent the last year conducting stability operations in Africa to
strengthen partner nation and regional security capacity for long-term regional stability and to prevent conflict and protect U.S. and Coalition interests. The unit deployed March 2, 2011, after training at the Kansas Regional Training Center, Salina, Kan, followed by additional training at Camp Atterbury, Ind. “Protecting freedom, making lives better and building partnerships is what the Kansas National Guard is all about,” said Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general. “These Soldiers carried out this mission in the Horn of Africa with professionalism and a can-do attitude that has become the hallmark of our troops. We thank them for a job well
Retired Master Sgt. Mike Simmons with the Topeka American Legion Post 421 Riders welcomes home Spc. Ronald George, a human resources specialist with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, as the rest of his unit and the 35th Military Police Company head to their homecoming ceremony at Washburn University Lee Arena, Topeka, Kan., Feb. 9, 2012. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett
done and say ‘Welcome home!’ ” “The 161, you carried on a great tradition of people of our state,” said Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, as he addressed the second group. “This last year we had the Sesquicentennial. The person of the Sesquicentennial, the first 150 years, was a military man, Dwight D. Eisenhower. And he was considered the greatest Kansan of the Sesquicentennial. It was in no small part because he was president, but because he was a military man. He served and he sacrificed and he gave, and he continued to give. On his shoulders and the shoulders of the World War II generation, that greatest generation we, stand, we build a great nation and we build freedom around the world and you carry that on.” During the final homecoming ceremony, Lt. Col. Thomas Burke, battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ricky Matticks, command sergeant major of the 1-161, presented a Kansas flag to Brig. Gen. Eric Peck, commander of the Kansas Army National Guard. The flag, which had flown over the unit’s headquarters at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, was
presented on behalf of the battalion. They received the flag during their deployment ceremony at the Bicentennial in Salina, Kan., from Lt. Gov. Jeffery Colyer, M.D., and Tafanelli. The flag was accompanied with a proclamation by Secretary of State Chris Biggs, State of Kansas, authenticating that the official flag of the state of Kansas was flown over the state capitol Oct. 5, 2010. “It has been my pleasure to serve with the professionals of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery,” said Burke. “Throughout this deployment, they have endured personal sacrifices to enable the safety of U.S. and Coalition personnel and equipment abroad while successfully conducting over 50 military mentoring missions in nine African countries.” The battalion is headquartered in Wichita, with subordinate units in Dodge City, Great Bend, Lenexa, Liberal, Hutchinson, Newton, Paola, Pratt and Topeka. The 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery was the second of two teams that have been sent by the Kansas National Guard to the Horn of Africa.
Spc. Michael Pearce, Battery C, 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, embraces his son, Michael Jr., after the Soldiers were dismissed by Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, from their welcome home ceremony at Forbes Field, Feb. 20, 2012. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Barnett
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 15
170th Maintenance Company ready for deployment By Sgt. Jason Lee 170th Maintenance Company UPAR
The 170th Maintenance Company, Norton, Kan., completed its pre-mobilization training in Salina, Feb. 12. The next stop for the Soldiers is Camp Shelby, Miss., for further training before they depart to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Approximately 78 members of the 170th trained with the Pre-mobilization Training Assistance and Evaluation (PTAE) team on various tasks as well as attending classes, such as cultural awareness, that helped the unit understand their mission overseas. “I am very happy with the progress and attitude of the Soldiers of the 170th,” said Capt. Scott Weber, company commander. “Every day our unit wakes up ready for what the day brings. All of the Soldiers have a strong, positive attitude. I like what I see, and I know they will continue with their positive attitude all the way through our training and mission.” Throughout the training in Salina, the
16 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
unit completed individual and crew-served weapons qualifications, land navigation, Humvee rollover training, combatives, counter intelligence training, reacted to contact, resiliency training and media engagement training among other tasks that the mobilization team and state of Kansas required for the 170th to depart to Camp Shelby, Miss. “The 170th did very well especially considering the weather they had. The unit had the least amount of make-up training that we have had in a very long time,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Moberly, PTAE noncommissioned officer in charge. “The Soldiers’ morale was very good. Friday night, the third of February, everybody was soaking wet, it was below freezing, and the Soldiers kept with the training and completed it.” During the duration of their training the 170th faced uncertainty with their mission and the deployment. The unit was determined and the training came first. “Over the last couple of months, there have been a lot of unknowns about the future of this unit, and where they
were headed and what they were going to do,” said Moberly. “Through all of that, the unit has remained very flexible and positive, and did what was asked of them. What I liked most about the 170th is that they were ready and willing to train, and they were where they were supposed to be in the proper uniform.” After the completion of the training in Salina, the Soldiers will spend a couple of months of continuation training at Camp Shelby, Miss., before departing to Kuwait. The unit will fall under the 27th Brigade, Special Troops Battalion, out of New York. “This is a small team with excellent leadership,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Bedwell, former 287th Special Troops Battalion command. “This deployment is a great opportunity for this unit. It makes me feel very good as their former battalion commander to see this unit come together and be as tight as they have become. That will keep them safe. It will keep them very disciplined and they will be able to execute their mission at a very high level.”
2nd Lt. Justin Briggs, 170th Maintenance Company, runs up a hill to assault an object with another Soldier on his heels during the squad lanes exercise at Salina, Kan. Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee
Spc. Kody Stebens, instructor, coaches Capt. Capt. Scott Weber, 170th Maintenance Company commander, as he fires the M249B squad automatic weapon with a PAS-13 thermal sight at the Fort Riley weapons range. Photo by Sgt. Jason Lee
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 17
After delay, Easter egg hunt a success By Spc. Jessica Zullig 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
On the morning of April 7, 2012, the skies shook with thunder, but children eager to attend the Governor’s Easter egg hunt were not deterred. After a slight rain delay, the egg hunt, held at Cedar Crest, was one of the best turn outs Gov. Sam Brownback had seen. “I don’t think the rain has hurt us,” said Brownback. “If anything, we have a larger attendance this year than last.” Children ages one through nine weren’t the only attendees at the hunt – Radar the Road Dog and his partner Officer Don Hughes from the Public Resource Office, Troop B in Topeka were greeted by smiling faces of children as they walked down the hill. Children were given the opportunity to get a picture with Radar and to get their very own sticker police badge. Also supporting the event was Country Legends 106.9-FM to hand out boxes of candy. At its booth, the station offered the chance to enter in a chance to win a bike and brought along child entertainer Kyler Carpenter, who performs regularly at the Topeka Public Library. Many other organizations and businesses also supported the event: Russell
Kyler Carpenter, child entertainer, holds up Tegan Sharp, 3, to sing with him while waiting for the Governor’s Easter egg hunt to start April 7, 2012, at Cedar Crest. Photo by Spc. Jessica Zullig 18 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
Participants at the Governor’s Easter egg hunt had the opportunity to sign up for a drawing with Country Legends 106.9-FM to win a bike April 7, 2012, at Cedar Crest. Photo by Spc. Jessica Zullig
Stover, Durham School Services, Capitol Police, Kansas National Guard, American Medical Response, American Heritage Girls, Sertoma Duck, the Topeka Zoo and the Topeka Road Runners. Boy Scouts of
America Troop 41 and 186 along with the Kansas National Guard Teen Council volunteered to hide the candy and eggs. For more than 25 years, the community has come together to make the hunt.
Three-year-old Max Guth shows off his full basket of candy he found at the Governor’s Easter egg hunt April 7, 2012, at Cedar Crest. Photo by Spc.
Radar the Road Dog and his partner Officer Don Hughes from the Kansas Highway Patrol greet children at the Governor’s Easter egg hunt April 7, 2012, at Cedar Crest. Photo by Spc. Jessica Zullig
Jessica Zullig
Delegation from Republic of Armenia visits Kansas By Pfc. Brandon Jacobs 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
A delegation from the Republic of Armenia, including the Minister of Defense, visited the state of Kansas March 19 through 20. During their visit Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan and several other top officials of the Armenian Ministry of Defense toured multiple National Guard facilities and the state capitol. Ohanyan met with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjunct general, to discuss the growth of the relationship between the two nations. The relationship started in 2003 when the National Guard Bureau partnered the state of Kansas with the Republic of Armenia. Even before the state partnership program began, the state of Kansas shared a special connection with Armenia. Former Kansas Senator Bob Dole had his shoulder rebuilt by an Armenian doctor after World War II and in 1994 became one of the first U.S. Senators to visit the new republic. The Republic of Armenia and the state of Kansas were joined due to other similarities, as well. “Both are landlocked and have a primarily wheat-based agriculture,” said
Armenian minister of defense Seyran Ohanyan and first deputy minister of defense Davit Tonoyan meet with Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, the adjutant general, over breakfast at the Nickell Armory in Topeka, Kan., March 20, 2012. Ohanyan and Tafanelli discussed the growing relationship between Kansas and the Republic of Armenia. Photo by Pfc. Brandon Jacobs
Lt. Col. Brent Salmans, the director of the State Partnership Program. “The program is meant to be a bilateral relationship between Kansas and Armenia,” explained Salmans. “We start with the National Guard and Ministry of Defense and branch out to other parts of society.” Earlier in March, officers of the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department visited Armenia to train in international security and narcotics law enforcement. The State Partnership Program is working with Washburn University and the University of Kansas medical schools to assist with medical Armenian minister of defense Seyran Ohanyan presents Gov. Sam Brown- education and pubback with the coat of arms of Armenia in the governor’s Cedar Crest mansion lic health programs in Topeka, Kan., March 20, 2012. Brownback and Ohanyan exchanged sev- in Armenia. The Kansas eral gifts honoring the partnership between Kansas and Armenia. Photo by National Guard Pfc. Brandon Jacobs
is assisting Armenia in several areas. The Guard is assisting in the training of the Armenian peacekeeping brigade, which has participated in both the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Medical personal are also assisting the Armenians with their Expeditionary Medical System mobile hospital to enable them to deploy with NATO forces. During their visit the Armenian delegation toured several National Guard facilities and discussed ways to mature Armenia’s ability to respond to disasters both natural and manmade. While at the state capitol building, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation declaring a state of goodwill and friendship between the people of the state of Kansas and the Republic of Armenia. The Armenian delegation was also treated to lunch at Cedar Crest, the governor’s mansion, where they were presented with several gifts to commemorate their trip. Ohanyan presented Brownback with several items, including a bottle of Armenian brandy and the Armenian coat of arms. Brownback joked that between Kansas and Armenia, diplomacy might be a better pick than his March madness bracket.
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 19
T trains to respond S C to multiple threats By Melissa Bower Fort Leavenworth Lamp
T
he first real-life incident for the Kansas National Guard’s 73rd Civil Support Team, Weapons of Mass Destruction, was in 2004 when it was called to identify and remove World War II relics -- a live grenade and a jar of mustard gas -- found in a Kansas barn. The Kansas Civil Support Team trained to handle chemical and biological threats- safely handled the incident, the result of a hazard left behind by a recently deceased World War II veteran. Since then,
After going through the decontamination process, Sgt. John Tejada, 73rd Civil Support Team, removes his hazmat suit during an exercise overseen by Army North’s Civil Support Readiness Group - West, March 27 at Wollman Park. Photo by Prudence Siebert
20 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
it has handled many more threats to the state. Recently the CST visited Fort Leavenworth, to conduct a training exercise in preparation of an annual evaluation by U.S. Army North. The team is a joint effort by the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, employing 22 full-time experts to respond to chemical and biological threats across the state. They are one of 57 such teams across the nation, with one in most states, two each in California and Florida, and several in U.S. territories. Army Master Sgt. George McMahon, noncommissioned officer for the team, said that the CST works only to support local law enforcement and first responders. As an example, when the local fire department depletes its resources handling a problem, the fire chief could contact the county emergency management officer, and he or she could request the state emergency officer to contact the team, he said. The CST is directly under the Kansas Adjutant General’s Department. “Everything we do is locked in step with our civilian partners,” McMahon said. “We act in support of them.” He said the team is always ready, 24-hours a day and 365 days a year. The team has even responded to calls on holidays. The team practiced several scenarios at Fort Leavenworth. On March 27, the scenario was a potential chemical or biological dump at a public pool. On March 29, the scenario was a vehicle spraying an unknown chemical along Fourth Street in Leavenworth, Kan., which adjoins Fort Leavenworth. Army Lt. Col. Dirk Christian, commander of the unit, said the team has to comply not only with state regulations, but also various federal agency and military regulations. They also have to be able to communicate with all of these parties.
“Every exercise has been a different scenario,” he said. “We really train the whole set of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats.” The Fort Leavenworth Fire Department also provided support to the March exercise. Leavenworth Assistant Fire Chief Mike Lingenfelser said it was helpful for firefighters to work alongside the Kansas CST. “It gives us a chance to know what our capabilities are so we can know when to contact them,” he said. “It’s also just good to network before there’s an emergency situation.” In Leavenworth, about 20 firefighters are trained to handle hazardous materials
Army Sgt. Joseph Duncan, 73rd Civil Support Team, Kansas National Guard, washes a camera used by a hazardous materials team to photograph the scene during an exercise March 27, 2012, at Wollman Park in Leavenworth, Kansas. Photo by Prudence Siebert
as well, Lingenfelser said, so the city does already have some capability to handle chemical hazards. He said the event would have to be significant for the Leavenworth Fire Department to call upon the Kansas CST. Christian said with the CST’s capabilities being statewide, and especially with air capability, they can also respond in rural Kansas areas that might not even have a full-time fire department, let alone personnel trained to handle hazardous materials. The CST has several state and federally funded tools to protect the population, in addition to software that can tell them how weather patterns and buildings can
change the path of an airborne chemical or biological agent. Those tools include: • An advance vehicle with self-contained satellite communications and radio. Christian said this vehicle could be sent in advance to help Kansas communities after a tornado or natural disaster had wiped out communications capabilities for first responders. • A unified command vehicle with satellite communications • An analytical lab to examine samples and provide a presumptive analysis of what a particular chemical might be • Medical response vehicle • Survey trailer with monitoring equipment
• A self-contained decontamination vehicle U.S. Army North evaluators were also present at the March exercise. A team from ARNORTH evaluates CSTs each year. The Kansas CST is preparing for an evaluation in May. Army Maj. Jeff Koranda, an observer/ controller for the exercise, said there was a long checklist of guidelines the team has to meet. He also said there were several experts, like a nuclear scientist with a chemical engineering degree, a physician’s assistant and an information technology specialist. The team members are required to complete thousands of hours of training, including specialized fields.
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 21
Guard breaks ground, spends time with com
A Kansas National Guard M-9 Armored Combat Earthmover scoops out parts of the Kansas Speedway track. The Kansas Speedway asked members of the Kansas National Guard to help kick off the renovations for their repaving project, April 22, 2012. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens.
By Spc. Robert Havens 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
With the smell of burnt racing fuel and rubber hanging in the air, a pack of 43 tightly-packed cars approach the starting line. Fans take in the excitement, anticipating the moment when things go from order to chaos in mere seconds. Then it happens. As if a thunderstorm had descended upon Kansas Speedway with thousands of lightning bolts striking simultaneously and continuously, the combined 20,000 horsepower of the engines deafen the crowd. A waving green flag authorizes the chaos, popularly known as a NASCAR race, to begin. Tons of steel, mere inches from each other, hurdle towards the finish line. As routine as the STP 400 was on April 22, 2012, the ceremonies that followed were anything but. The Kansas National Guard had several vehicles on display at the STP 400. Among the vehicles were a UH-60 Blackhawk, an M-142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and an M-1 Abrams tank. Families were able to have their photo taken with the Orange County Choppers’ 22 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
National Guard motorcycle, one of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s National Guard race cars and any of the military vehicles on site. “It’s really about the community seeing that their guard is here for them,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Alaniz, recruiting and retention noncommissioned officer with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “It is important that members of the community see us as their Soldiers. “It is good to get out and be visible in the community. We are their fighting force. Our Soldiers are members of the community. They work every day in the community, but are here when they are needed,” said Alaniz. Moments after the last race car left the track, a different group of beasts noisily worked their way onto the track. The Kansas Speedway invited members of the Kansas National Guard to help break ground for their latest speedway project that began mere moments after the STP 400 NASCAR race. Like elephants in a circus parade, Kansas National Guard trucks waddled down pit road. The command vehicle stopped in the middle as Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, stepped
from the Humvee. He surveyed the scene as an M-1 Abrams tank spiraled around and pointed its massive turret into a ready position keeping watch over the area. Close behind it a Caterpillar Bulldozer and an M-9 Armored Combat Earthmover lumbered into position. Tafanelli waited as guest of honor NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski climbed on board the M-1 Abrams before giving his salute for the process to begin. Keselowski enthusiastically waved the green racing flag for the machines to begin their destruction. “Well, I’ve been tearing it up for a long time, but now I get to officially do it, with approval, in a tank,” said Keselowski, smiling. The rear ripper on the dozer clawed at the asphalt, scraping and probing for a defect in the track. It was not long before they found one of the many potholes in the worn racetrack for the massive Caterpillar to exert the brute force it been prodded to do. The track gave way with huge chunks being torn from their decade old home. The scene repeated several times before the spectators were content the destruction was thorough enough.
mmunity at Kanas Speedway
Maj. Gen. (KS) Lee Tafanelli, adjutant general, and members of the Kansas National Guard pose around the National Guard racecar at the Kansas Speedway STP 400, Kansas City, Kan., April 22. The car on display is driven by Dale Ernhart Jr. Photo by Capt. Michael Sullivan
Brad Keselowski, a racecar driver in the 2012 STP 400, talks with members of the press before climbing aboard a M-1 Abrams fighting vehicle. Keselowski was the honored guest for the ground breaking of the speedway renovations. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
ThroughtheLens
Youth watching the 2012 STP 400 at the Kansas Motor Speedway enjoy their view from an M-1 Abrams fighting vehicle, April 22. Kansas Guard members were invited to attend the race in order to display military vehicles and assist with“renovating� the track. Photo by Spc. Robert Havens
A medical helicopter stands on display outside of the Kansas Speedway at the Kansas Speedway STP 400, Kansas City, Kan., April 22. This same style of helicopter is used around the nation to aid in natural disaster relief programs. Photo by Capt. Michael Sullivan
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 23
help us tell your story Is your unit’s story being told? Do you know a Soldier with a unique story? The 105th MPAD wants to give you the exposure you deserve. If you have stories that you would like to see in the Kansas Sentinel, then we want to hear from you! Editor, Kansas Sentinel, 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 2722 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66611. Telephone: 785-274-1896, or by e-mail at: phillip.witzke@ng.army.mil
24 KANSAS SENTINEL
July 2012
Guard Soldiers invade the water for memorial bass tournament
Quinton Sterling, Matt McCord and Shawn Hinkle, known as Team McCord, show off their prize-winning fish as they take first place with 15 pounds and 1 ounce at the eighth annual Kansas Veteran’s Memorial Bass Tournament at Coffey County Lake April 28. The tournament, sponsored by the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery Family Support Group, celebrates the freedom Americans have and honors the 10 Kansas Guard Soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Photo by Mason Witzke By SFC Phillip Witzke 105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Choppy water and cool conditions couldn’t keep the more than 30 teams from making an early morning launch at Coffey County Lake, April 28 as they took to the waters near the Wolf Creek Generating Station in Burlington, Kan., in the Eighth Annual Kansas Veteran’s Memorial Bass Tournament. Following a brief pre-dawn memorial service to commemorate the lives of fallen Kansas National Guard members, anglers took to the water in search of bass to fill their live wells before the noon weigh in deadline. Hosted by the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery Family Support Group, this year’s tournament saw it largest turnout to date and expects the event to continue to grow. “This tournament is all about our
fallen comrades, the Soldiers and their communities,” said battalion commander Lt. Col. Chris Burr. “Ultimately it is the fishermen who come out to this event from across Kansas to remember them and pay their respects by living a full life that is at the heart of it all. I am proud to be associated with such a tremendous event.” “This is a great way to remember our Soldiers and it is fun,” said retired Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, who volunteers at the tournament to make breakfast for the anglers before they launch to go fishing. “I always tell people; the way to honor people is to live your life to the fullest. Sergeant Major (Command Sgt. Maj. retired Steve Rodina) and I have been doing this for a long time now and it’s a way we can give back,” he said. Vice President of Wolf Creek Power Plant Steve Hodges echoed Buntings comments. “We have been hosting this event for
eight years. It is great to be the home of the Veteran’s Memorial tournament, and it is one way we here at Wolf Creek can express our gratitude to the armed forces and our fallen comrades. We appreciate the fishermen being here and we appreciate all that our servicemen and women do and have done for us.” But, as much as the tournament was about honoring those of our organization who gave the highest sacrifice, it is also still about fishing. And, fish they did, with the top-five teams landing a whopping 37plus pounds of fish combined. First Place: Team McCord with 15 lbs 1 oz Second Place: Team Lawson with 6 lbs 10 oz Third Place: Team Team with 6 lbs 7 oz Fourth Place: Team Reyes with 5 lbs 8 oz Fifth Place: Team Fish with 4lbs 15oz
July 2012
KANSAS SENTINEL 25