Mission to Afghanistan

Friday, November 30, 2012

lahontanvalleynews.com • 17

Mission to Afghanistan Nevada National Army Guard soldiers answer the call to a beautiful, yet dangerous country besieged by years of war A hand-painted sign welcomes visitors to Forward Operating Base Shank, a short flight south of Bagram Airfield and southwest of Kabul, the nation’s capital.

Since spring, aviators and helicopter flight crews from Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion have called this base home.

COVERING THE NEVADA SOLDIERS Lahontan Valley News Editor Steve Ranson could not resist the temptation to visit Afghanistan again to report on two Nevada Army National Guard units serving in that war-torn country.

A series of stories will be published in the LVN beginning today and featured for most of December.

Ranson has called Afghanistan a mysterious and unforgiving land, while its overall beauty of rugged mountain peaks and high desert landscapes — similar to that of Nevada — beckons visitors like the mythological Sirens.

During his stay in Afghanistan in November, Ranson embedded with Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion at Forward Operating Base Shank and the 593rd Transportation Company at Camp Phoenix near Kabul.

He stayed with the troops, flew on helicopter missions and rode in an armed convoy into Kabul. He also spent Thanksgiving at Camp Phoenix, writing about the feelings of both separated soldiers and their families during the holidays.

Ranson is no stranger to the military or military reporting.

He retired in 2009 after serving in the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years and has spent a good portion of his career writing about the Nevada National Guard and Naval Air Station Fallon. He was recently inducted into the Nevada Army National Guard’s Retiree Hall of Fame.

Stories from his 2011 trip to Afghanistan and the U.S.Navy’s 5th Fleet earned him national and Nevada press awards and an honorable mention from the prestigious Military Reporters and Editors Association in Washington D.C. for overseas military reporting.

18 •

AFGHANISTAN

lahontanvalleynews.com

Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday, November 30, 2012

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Deployed to the front lines

AFGHANISTAN • 19

1ST SERGEANT DUTIES

Finding a home in aviation

Nevada aviators and crew make a difference FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan — The whirling sounds of huge helicopter blades piercing the fragile Afghanistan sky emanate a certain amount of power over a land torn by war since the late 1970s when the Soviet army invaded the country.

Since late 2001 after terrorists hijacked four passenger jets — ramming two into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon, while crashing a fourth in a western Pennsylvania field after passengers overpowered the hijackers — the United States considered Afghanistan a breeding ground for terrorism.

For the past 12 years, units have deployed and left Afghanistan, some numerous times including those from the Silver State. Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion, a unit consisting of Chinook CH47D helicopters, left Reno during the late winter and arrived in country during the spring after further training in Texas.

Now three-quarters finished with its deployment, the Nevada Army National Guard company will re-deploy to the United States sometime within the next 60 days from Forward Operating Base Shank, a major staging base southwest of the capital Kabul and nearer to insurgent activity against NATO forces.

This has also been a bittersweet deployment for several pilots and crew members who served at Kandahar Air Field in 20052006. In September 2005, an insurgent rocket propelled grenade (RPG) shot down a Chinook helicopter, killing five guardsmen including two from Nevada.

Company’s second deployment Company commander Capt. Michael Bordallo has considered the deployment a success for the Nevada aviators and crew who deployed to Afghanistan, their second call-up since 2005-2006.

“The mission primarily for us has been that of general support. That’s with night vision goggles and daytime general support,” the 32-year-old Bordallo explained in his small office located in a corner of the command post building, less than 200 yards from the flight line.

Bordallo, who is married but has no children, initially enlisted in the Army and served four years active duty. He spent time with the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Ky. After leaving the service, he moved to Las Vegas, received his bachelor’s degree from Nevada State College and then began graduate studies at UNLV. The Vacaville, Calif., native also discovered he missed the military and joined the Nevada Army National Guard where he completed Officer Candidate School at the Nevada Guard’s school house at Stead and then attended flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala. In addition to conducting general support movements, Bordallo said the 50-member Bravo Company has performed missions to transport special operations soldiers from one point to another, but since the operations were classified as secret, Bordallo cannot discuss them.

Additionally, about the same number of Montana aviators and crew members

deployed with Nevada, but most of those soldiers are at another field.

No matter the mission, Bordallo said the CH47D Chinook helicopter performs magnificently in Afghanistan.

“This aircraft is so capable in this environment,” Bordallo explained, noting the helicopter and the Nevada crews can perform missions in a high-altitude environment.

FOB Shank, for example, sits in a high-desert valley of 6,600 feet surrounded by mountain peaks towering more than 10,000 feet.

The mission has expanded for Chinook companies like the Nevada Army National Guard unit.

“The Chinooks used to be a division asset.

We would move beans and bullets,” Bordallo said.

Now, the CH47Ds take a more direct role in supporting Task Force operations.

“In this war and environment, the Chinook is just it. What they got is a unit where the guys from Nevada are used to dust, dark and high altitude,” said Bordallo, who has been company commander for two years.

Bordallo praises his aviators and mechanics who keep the “birds” operational. He also praises his team because they have trained in an environment similar to that of Afghanistan. Nevada, with its lofty peaks and desert terrain, has been used by components of every service to train for duty in Afghanistan. Bordallo firmly believes the environment has given the Silver State soldiers an edge against similar aviation units from Connecticut or Pennsylvania, which have rolling hills, not jutting mountains reaching out to the sky.

“It’s not the same training environment,” Bordallo quickly points out.

Yet, what makes the playing field even may be the tired Chinooks, most of which belonged to Hawaii’s National Guard but are now entering their third rotation with a Guard aviation company. Some CH47s, though, have been in country — and specifically FOB Shank — for at least four rotations.

Eventually, the CH47Fs, which are being flown by another unit at Shank, will replace the 47Ds. Bordallo said these helicopters have a higher level of technological systems and rely on more digital components. Nevada, for example, will receive its allotment of 47Fs in 2015.

Steve Ranson / LVN photo

1st Sgt. Don Gable of Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion, talks to Chinook pilot, CW2 Casey Akins, prior to night operations.

National Guard service runs in the Gable family

Steve Ranson /LVN photos

Clockwise from top: A Chinook helicopter flies over a valley between Bagram Air Field and Forward Operating Base Shank. Tent city describes the living accommodations for hundreds of soldiers at FOB Shank. Capt. Mike Bordallo, commander of the 189th.

Successful mission Bordallo enjoys his stint as company commander and says living conditions for his soldiers have been more than adequate. Further south at Kandahar Air Field, one of the largest coalition military installations in Afghanistan, Bordallo said a detachment of Nevada and Montana soldiers must hop on the bus for a 45-minute ride each way from their living quarters to the field. Most wake up at 3 a.m. and are on the bus in an hour.

Because of Shank’s size, Nevada guardsmen do not encounter the same logistical headaches.

“We can roll out of our tents and walk five minutes to the flight line,” Bordallo said. “We have creature comforts … satellite AFN repeater dishes in some tents … for an FOB, this is not too shabby.”

The dining hall is also a five-minute walk from the 189th’s command post, but Shank’s small post exchange sits on the other side of the installation, a 10-minute drive.

As the unit begins to wind down its mission, Bordallo said morale remains high although the soldiers are tired and feel angst about returning home early next year; yet, Bordallo touts the overall mission a success.

“Given where we are and the environment we fly in, I consider this a success,” Bordallo said.

Impressing the Task Force Lt. Col. Charles “Chuck” Rambo has served in the Army for 17 years. As a young boy, Rambo, the battalion commander for Task Force Eagle Assault that is part of the 5th Battalion, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, also spent time at Ft. Campbell when his father was assigned there.

This marks Rambo’s fourth deployment to a war zone.

His praise of the 189th is as high as any he would give to an active component unit.

“They are as good as any unit I have here. I would not survive without them, and their capability provided to ground units is invaluable,” he said from the TF command building, a short walk from Bravo Company’s command post.

Since the United States became involved in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq 10 years ago, he said a major training gap existed between active Army and the National Guard units.

Because of the Guard’s multiple deployments and combat experience, Rambo said what the citizen-soldiers bring to the war zone is unmatched, and he has relied on the 189th since the unit deployed in country before the

101st arrived.

“They had been in theater for two months before us. We were the new kids on the street,” Rambo said. “They are a very professional organization, and we had no worries in making them part of our team.”

When asked if the Bravo Company had to prove itself to the 101st, Rambo thought for a minute and leaned forward at his desk. “No, we had to prove ourselves to them.”

Doing more with less The mission has been a success despite the number of soldiers being sent home early to meet drawdown requirements established by

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK — Yerington native Don Gable followed his father’s footsteps to serve in the military.

Don Gable Sr. donned the uniform for more than 40 years before he retired a decade ago as a sergeant major.

Now, 1st Sgt. Don Gable Jr. has spent almost 27 years in the Nevada Army National Guard and served a prior deployment to Afghanistan seven years ago. Despite the smaller company deployed to FOB Shank, Gable, a 1986 Yerington High School graduate, said he is responsible for the health and welfare of the enlisted soldiers and coordinates and executes the administrative duties of the staff for Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation.

“I am the voice of the enlisted to the commander,” said Gable, who is also a flight platoon sergeant on one of the CH47Ds. Additionally, he takes care of transportation and damage control and oversees how Nevada soldiers perform their daily maintenance work on helicopters.

“This helps me keep control of any situation,” he said.

Gable opted to deploy with Bravo Company and transferred back to the unit two years ago. The transition went smoothly because Gable has known many of these guardsmen for years.

Since he deployed to Kandahar in 2005, Gable said the two missions to Afghanistan are as different as “day and night.”

“We have more threats here,” he pointed out. “Last time in Kandahar was safer. Our

the Pentagon. In early October, the company trimmed a handful of aviators and mechanics, that, despite FOB Shank begin close to the war. Bordallo said the reductions have been significant and pose challenges for both the company and its higher headquarters.

“We had to send home six mechanics,” Bordallo said. “That’s substantial for our 10 helicopters. Chinooks are high maintenance, but I had no say. The decision came down in an operations order from division. The 101st came over with 800 soldiers less the 82nd Airborne, but the missions don’t lessen it.”

As company commander, though he carries out the orders of higher command.

The final countdown The countdown to leave Afghanistan,

missions are also totally different. We do a lot of general support.”

Despite the differences, Gable said the key for him and the other soldiers is to do their best and be successful. Although Gable has had prior deployment experience, he said his father is more worried about this one to FOB Shank. In 2005, the unit — then known as Company D, 113th Aviation deployed — lost a helicopter with five aboard when it was shot down by an insurgent’s rocket.

“He saw what we went through the last time in losing a crew,” Gable said.

He takes his father’s leadership style by developing effective communication and being patient with the soldiers and their duties. When something goes wrong, Gable said he takes a deep breath and then looks at the situation.

Gable, who now lives in Sparks and works full time for the Nevada Guard, has been married for 22 years and has a 21-year-old daughter. This deployment, he said, has been more difficult for the family. Eventually, though, when Gable returns home, he would like to remain with the unit until he is selected sergeant major, a goal he set years ago.

As for the deployment in Afghanistan, Gable said every soldier has excelled.

“I have had zero issues with discipline.

This is a good, cohesive family, and they communicate very well,” he said, adding he considers the 18-20 Montana guardsmen attached to Bravo Company as part of the family.

though, is on for coming home. Bordallo calls the final two months as “calm optimism” but insists his soldiers are not letting their guard down. Missions must still be executed successfully. Bordallo’s goal is for everyone to return home safe.

“We pick up soldiers from the field all the time. When we lift the landing gears up from a COB, there’s a sigh of relief from the soldiers … screams, claps, yells. … you can just feel the sense of relief. We got a job to do,” Bordallo added.

As his crews pluck soldiers up from other bases, so, too, will Nevada guardsmen face challenges when they return home. Bordallo said coming home from a war zone presents challenges for both his soldiers and their families.

20 •

AFGHANISTAN

lahontanvalleynews.com

Friday, November 30, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012 Day 12, A time for families, a time for remembrance

Steve Ranson /LVN photo

Dr. (Maj.) R. Dale Jackson, left, talks to Sgt. Robbie Mahr after a flight.

‘What’s up, doc?’

Flight surgeon supports aviation company FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK — Returning home will be no easy task for Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Nevada Army National Guard.

Capt. Mike Bordallo noted the differences in routines between deployed soldiers and their families back home.

Currently, he said aviators and their flight crews settled down in a routine at Forward Operating Base Shank, while spouses and families have accelerated their daily pace.

“Coming home from deployment is a challenge, and as leaders, we have to ensure everything is intertwined with the state support programs, the state and military leadership and the family readiness groups,” Bordallo said from his office at Forward Operating Base Shank.

The Nevada Army National Guard captain said the goal is for the soldiers to assimilate into a normal home life, but the process should develop gradually.

“When we go home, things will speed up,” Bordallo said. “For the spouses and families, things will begin to slow down. All parties involved must be vigilant and understanding knowing that these soldiers have gone through significant events.”

For the past several months, a military doctor has assisted Bravo Company’s soldiers. Bordallo said having Maj. R. Dale Jackson attached to the unit helped “put soldiers’ minds at ease.”

Furthermore, Bordallo said Jackson's experience as a Special Forces (SF) medic for 12 years benefitted both aviators and flight crews.

When Jackson leaves Afghanistan, Nevada’s flight surgeon will replace him until the unit returns home.

Jackson, who spent eight years on active duty with the Army and is now a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, now specializes in internal medicine and performs the role of a flight surgeon. He also gained additional combat experience when he deployed to Iraq.

“My role here is unique,” Jackson explained. “Normally, we deploy into a brigade or battalion staff. NGB (National Guard Bureau) decided to assign flight surgeons to a particular company within a task force.”

During his stay at Shank, Jackson was the only internal/emergency physician on base, and within Task Force Eagle Assault, he developed a relationship with the physician at the higher echelon. Jackson said after doctors deploy, they contact the other doctors at the base to discover each other’s strengths. For Jackson, having experience as an SF medic developed his combat mindset. He and other medical personnel at Shank, for example, must develop a response and mass casualty plan and help fine tune the process on a regular basis.

Jackson, though, also compares his role to that of a hometown physician.

“Whenever a doctor is attached to the unit, it is like an old-time family doctor. You know everybody, you eat with everybody, you get to know the patients and develop a relationship unique only to the military and National Guard,” Jackson said. “National Guard people are also a family. You arrive as a stranger and work yourself into the family. You need to gain their trust.”

Jackson not only gained their trust but also laughed along with the gallows humor that accompanies soldiers to the war zone. Time after time, guardsmen welcome Jackson with a quirky “What’s up, doc?” when he enters the command post.

Jackson does it all from treating injuries to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

Because of FOB Shank’s isolation, he also deals with soldiers suffering from combat stress to chronic fatigue problems.

“When the soldier doesn’t rest or sleep well, other issues compound it,” he said.

As for PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Jackson said the symptoms don’t necessarily show up until the soldier returns home.

“Here (at Shank) it is acute stress … lack of sleep, poor concentration, obsessive worry about family back home,” he said.

Jackson, who lives in the Detroit metropolitan area, tries to keep a pulse on every company soldier and has a goal of flying with every pilot and crew at least once a week.

“To be an effective military physician, that true hometown doc needs to know pilots and crew. When you are around them enough, they forget I’m a major and all walls come down,” he added.

By flying with the crews, Jackson said he can determine the stress level of each individual.

Even when individuals have a problem at 3 a.m., Jackson said he will answer their calls and help them work through a problem.

Jackson, who works for the Henry Ford Health Systems in Chesterville, Mich., said he plans to stay in the military for 30 years. As for his deployment to Afghanistan, Jackson said he developed a better appreciation of Bravo Company’s pilots and crew. For this Michigan doctor, they have been his family.

CAMP PHOENIX, AFGHANISTAN — Thursday ushered in Thanksgiving in Afghanistan. U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines sat down to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings at one of the dining facilities scattered at each base.

This holiday has become one of the most celebrated in American culture with families coming together to enjoy friendship and talk, and for some to enjoy a football game on television even though the featured teams are Dallas and Detroit.

Thanksgiving at Camp Phoenix, which is on the outskirts of Kabul near the international airport, was a regular work day with a reduced schedule for many servicemen and women. War takes no break. War does not recognize a holiday. The roar of helicopters continued to fly overhead as the did the rumbling of armored vehicles.

Capt. Curt Kolvet, commander of the Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation Company, told his platoon leaders and sergeants to ensure their soldiers called home to their loved ones. Several calling centers on base offered free calls back to the states. With an 11.5-hour time difference, many calls originated later in the day.

For many soldiers, though, they called home to wish their loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving.

Staff Sgt. Roland Cates, the Class 1 manager who ensures troops receive water and Meals Ready to Eat for the field, contacted his family in Fallon. His family, though is spread out. While two daughters and his wife remain at home, he has two sons in the Army.

1st Lt. Christopher Yell of Elko has two small children, and he calls them every Sunday. Today he called home.

“It’s hard. You call home, and the kids miss you,” Yell said.

The cook in the Terry household is thousands of miles away this holiday season.

Staff Sgt. Curtis Terry of Las Vegas said “Dad won’t be home to cook dinner this year.” He said the family gathering on Thanksgiving rivals that of Christmas.

Fernley soldier Staff Sgt. Wes Brockman, whom I have known for years and met his family after he returned from his first deployment years ago, has children away from home. Because of their different schedules, Brockman said his family celebrated Thanksgiving earlier in the week. Nevertheless, Brockman called his Fernley home later on Thanksgiving.

A guardsman for more than two years, Spc. Kyle Freitas grew up in Gardnerville, but his parents now live in Carson City. Freitas and his wife have two little girls. Freitas and other soldiers also attended a special church service.

Freitas said it has been a tough time for many people at Phoenix, and he tries to help those struggling with being away from home today.

“My purpose is to be with those in need,” Freitas said of his Thanksgiving mission.

This was also my first Thanksgiving thousands of miles away from home, but I spent part of the day with Kolvet and 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder for an early afternoon Thanksgiving meal.

With me being thousands of miles from home, I asked my daughter — my youngest child — about Thanksgiving, the first time we have not spent it together. My children were lucky because the military did not beckon my service on Thanksgiving before I retired. It did this year, though, because it was important for me to be with the troops on this special, very American holiday.

“It will be difficult knowing that you’re in a war zone instead of being here for the

Sgt. First Class John Dube, of Minden, right, and 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder, of Reno enjoy in some conversation during dinner. Sitting next to Dube are company commander Capt. Curt Kolvet of Reno and 1st Lt. Christopher Yell of Elko. Behind Schroeder are lieutenants Chris Jones of Reno and Yelena Yatskikh of Las Vegas. holidays, but I am thankful for having a great support system for helping me through these tough times of you being away to ease away the stress,” said Stephanie, my 21-year-old. “Thanksgiving isn’t the same without you, and that’s what makes it so hard for me, even though I’ll be surrounded by a bunch of family. I’d rather have you here in the states than a war zone thousands of miles away celebrating this joyous holiday with us.”

My son, 24-year-old David, celebrated his first Thanksgiving in Carson City with the love of his life and son.

“I’m thankful for the family man I have become and I owe that to you. I’m thankful for Meagan and Ayden as they are my rocks that will never break. I am thankful that I am a daddy and I would not be the dad I am if it wasn’t for you and that one saying I never forget … anything is possible. I love you big guy.”

One final thought I would like to share for the Thanksgiving holiday, and it came from my daughter-in-law, Monica. These profound words can describe anyone serving this great nation thousands of miles away from home.

“It makes me nervous how close to the action you are but I pray every single day that you are safe. My faith allows me the luxury of comfort. It is hard to find words when I read what you are seeing there and it makes me eager for you to return. Nothing I want to say seems significant enough considering the profound sacrifice you are witnessing. I know you will be home soon, though, to hug your granddaughters and that makes me smile.

“It also reminds me to be thankful to the men and women who are currently keeping you and all of us here at home safe.

They may not get to come home for the holidays, but their hearts never left their loved ones. That much I am sure of. This glimpse of what it would be like to have our Dad over there is a bit of an eye opener. The price of freedom is more than I can comprehend, and it is made up of so many stories of men and women in uniform.

“So many families missing their family members this holiday and countless others both past and future makes me proud to have a dad who has served so proudly with his family behind him 100 percent.”

As I close out this dispatch from Camp Phoenix, the men and women at both Forward Operating Base Shank and Camp Phoenix who don the Army uniform and put their lives in harm’s way on a daily basis wanted to wish their friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving.

From a grateful state, Happy Thanksgiving to our troops thousands of families from home.

This dispatch written by LVN Editor Steve Ranson in Afghanistan was posted on the LVN website on Nov. 22 but has been edited for publication in the LVN.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

lahontanvalleynews.com

• 13

MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

We have us a convoy

Nevada Army Guard’s transportation company drives the streets of Kabul STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan — hen soldiers from the Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation Company set foot on Afghanistan soil in July, this marked a historical occasion for the Silver State’s military.

Since the Bush Administration launched its Global War on Terror in late 2001 after terrorists slammed passenger jets into the World Trade Towers and Pentagon, hundreds of servicemen and women have answered the call to deploy either to Iraq or Afghanistan or both. For the 593rd TC, though, the company’s arrival in Afghanistan became symbolic as the unit became the first in Nevada to serve deployments to both countries.

The 593rd Transportation Company — with headquarters in Reno and detachments in Las Vegas, Elko and Winnemucca — accepted a mission to deliver personnel, supplies and equipment in and around Kabul, one of the world’s most dangerous cities.

W

Steve Ranson / LVN photos

Army Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles prepare to go out on a convoy. Mileage signs place Camp Phoenix at the hub of the universe.

Attention to detail on this mission Providing attention to detail on this mission, however, is characteristic of the soldiers who serve in the company.

The intensity of any threat in the capital region makes the Nevada guardsmen more determined to carry out successful trips from their base at Camp Phoenix.

The same resolve can be said about company’s commander, Capt. Curtis Kolvet of Reno, a 1997 Bishop Mangoue High School graduate who later served in the U.S.

Army and deployed to Iraq.

Kolvet, who still retains a very athletic posture, is a seasoned Army officer based on his overseas combat to the homeland missions. He lived in Minden until age 12 when his family relocated to Reno. Now married and the father of two children, Kolvet received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, was commissioned a second lieutenant and went overseas to Germany and then to Iraq.

Fast forward the clock and Kolvet finds himself at Camp Phoenix, a small post on the outskirts of Kabul, and seven miles away from the international airport.

Location makes no difference to either Kolvet or his soldiers because driving the streets of Kabul remains dangerous as long as suicidal insurgents insist on blowing up vehicles or kidnapping westerners. Kabul, indeed, does not waver from being a dangerous city of millions of people, many who have relocated there from the eastern Afghanistan villages and small towns and cities.

Despite having the Pentagon reduce the number of soldiers for most units coming to Afghanistan, Kolvet said the 593rd TC brought about 125 soldiers, down an eighth from the original number.

“Realistically, we have the same missions but with fewer people,” Kolvet explained from his second-floor office located near the edge of Camp Phoenix’s walled, barbed fence line with the city.

Continued on next page

“The bulk of our mission requirements are in an environment of 5 million people.We have had over 100 missions in four months.

We’re busy.”

— CAPT. CURTIS KOLVET 593rd TC commander

14 •

AFGHANISTAN

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

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A truly representative Nevada unit The 593rd TC represents the Silver State from every corner of Nevada. In addition to having detachments throughout the state, soldiers come from as far south as Boulder City in Clark County to as far east as McGill, a small mining town north of Ely in White Pine County. Kolvet said the company performs like one team with each platoon meshing together soldiers from the entire state.

“We’re all one company and all one team,” Kolvet emphasizes.

The 593rd TC’s mission primarily provides convoy movement throughout Regional Command-Capital (RC-C) by transporting personnel and/or equipment and supplies to other bases within the region. Some missions can take as little as one hour; others, though, may require an entire day or night, depending on the time and scope of the mission.

“The bulk of our mission operations are in an environment of 5 million people,” Kolvet pointed out. “We have had over 100 missions in four months. We’re busy.”

Compared with other units, though, the 593rd TC interacts more with the Afghan National Army because of its mission, but Kolvet said his soldiers must be prepared for any situation, even the “Green-on-blue” attacks whereas Afghanistan soldiers or policemen turn their rifles on coalition forces and murder them.

The vigilance, though, carries on for each mission, beginning with the initial operating order, planning, execution and then review. Jumping into an armored truck after checking the oil and water and kicking the tires doesn’t always lead to a successful mission.

“The battalion element here hands us our missions,” Kolvet explained. “We work with them on the mission’s routes and logistics. Our convoy commanders examine the missions by mapping them out and by keeping people safe. I put that in their laps and they make it happen.”

Once the company receives a mission, the convoy commander assembles the soldiers involved with the mission either the previous day for or in the morning of a trip into Kabul or to a base in the region. Further preparations with crew and any passengers manifested for movement occur hours before the vehicles, each with an experienced gunner, leave the Camp Phoenix compound.

“For the number of solders and missions, we have had few issues. Very few exceptions, very few execution issues of getting the mission done,” Kolvet said. “We must be aware and don’t keep our guard down.”

Kolvet, though, is amazed at the professionalism in which the 593rd soldiers complete their missions. Kolvet saw active duty soldiers conduct the same duties in Iraq and is quick to make a comparison.

“They are as good as any company I saw in the active Army,” Kolvet. “They (Nevada guardsmen) came from real jobs, needed to have skills and have the ability to manage.

Some of our soldiers have been on two, three even four deployments,” Kolvet said, smiling as he bragged about his soldiers. “Transportation? Logistics? The Guard can do just as

well ….”

The unit makeup represents a typical ground unit. Many marines who pounded the ground returned to military duty to become guardsmen; furthermore, Kolvet said all 15 women in the 593rd TC have ridden in convoys, while seven females regularly ride on missions, each holding a significant position of responsibility.

Kolvet said many units in and around the Kabul area include National Guard companies and battalions in addition to numerous coalition forces deployed to the capital.

When the 593rd doesn’t have a mission or soldiers have time off from going “out of the wire,” a phrase meaning outside the gates, Kolvet said they are training on the vehicles and updating their licenses.

Bringing a good mix 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder also brings a good mix to the company, having served in the Army for 10 years and now the National Guard for eight more.

After the Hug High School graduate received his diploma, Schroeder enlisted and then spent most of his time as a cavalry scout, stationed in Germany but deployed to Bosnia and Macedonia. When he left the Army, he returned to Reno and became the Readiness NCO for the 593rd. Schroeder earned a promotion to unit first sergeant more than four years ago.

Schroeder, though, said being a team leader in the Balkans has helped him perform his duties in a tougher wartime environment.

“The mission we have now is similar when I was a cav scout,” Schroeder said.

When Schroeder talks as the 593rd’s first sergeant, he speaks from experience due to his deployment to Iraq six years ago with the same company. This time around, though, the NCOs display their experience with sound decisions.

“The majority of our NCOs have previous deployment experience although it was different in Iraq,” he explained.

“It’s important having people in leadership positions and relate the experiences they went through. That is one of the reasons we were successful and a huge reason for us to get through the process rather easily.”

Pre-deployment training went well as the soldiers met their readiness level.

“We hit the ground hard. Everyone was prepared and knew what to do,” Schroeder said.

Despite outside influences in Nevada, Schroeder was there for his soldiers. Married and a father of four, his youngest child was born 10 days before the unit deployed.

As a true career soldier, though, Schroeder marches on to ensure his unit’s success and checks in with his family on a daily basis.

After five months of conducting convoys throughout the capital region, Schroeder said his convoy managers do a good job.

Lessons learned from Iraq make a big difference during the second overseas deployment to Afghanistan. Schroeder

said the unit deployed at full strength to Iraq and the mobilization process was much shorter. The 593rd also shared assets with 1864th Transportation Company that had drivers who came off deployment before the 593rd TC mobilized; as a result, drivers signed up again for a deployment.

Needless to say, Schroeder said a smoother system enabled the 593rd TC to deploy to Afghanistan more efficiently, and soldiers were ready quicker at the mob (mobilization station).

Both Schroeder and Kolvet have developed a relationship based on mutual respect and common goals. Their working relationship and leadership styles make the transportation company perform like a well-oiled machine.

“We work well together and have a similar thought process, but we may not agree all the time on answers,” Schroeder said.

“We both decide to work it out. He (Kolvet) is very engaged. He was commander two years before deployment.

Both of us have previously deployed. It’s up to us to ensure the unit’s success.”

Kolvet likes the saying, “The company goes as the first sergeant goes," meaning that Schroeder sets the standard for the company.

“1st Sgt. Schroeder is an accomplished professional who sets the standard for discipline, work ethic, military bearing, and overall technical and tactical proficiency and the reason we are successful is because the soldiers in this company emulate those values,” Kolvet said in describing Schroeder’s attention to detail.

Kolvet said Schroeder’s years of experience are leading to the company’s success, not only in Afghanistan but also in Nevada for two years prior to the unit’s deployment to Camp Phoenix.

“His ability to reference his experience and find the right soldiers and put them in the right positions and then ensure the whole unit was properly trained before getting to the country so they could hit the ground running is what having an experienced first sergeant does for you, he got all the hard work done before the mission ever began,” Kolvet explained.

“One of the biggest challenges we face being deployed for months at a time is complacency; in continuing to enforce the standards, first sergeant is spot checking convoys by going out on the road with them, and correcting deficiencies as they appear has been vital to the continuity of success we've seen to this point.”

From the Navy to the National Guard Elko resident 1st. Lt. Christopher Yell serves as both the operations officer and executive officer for the 593rd, two totally different jobs from that of his civilian career as an electrician for Newmont Mines.

Yell formerly served in the U.S. Navy in the Seabees. After a

break in service, he joined the Nevada Army National Guard, completed Officer Candidate School and received his commission in 2005 before attending his Officer Basic Course in transportation at Ft. Eustis, Va. Yell grew up in Shreveport, La., but moved to Nevada after his Navy days to be closer to his father, who was retiring from the military; instead, his father changed his plans about relocating to Reno after Yell accepted a job at Harrah’s. Yell eventually moved to Elko in 2002 to accept a job and also received his Associate of Arts and bachelor’s degrees from Great Basin College.

The deployment to Afghanistan has been what Yell expected.

“This first deployment has been fantastic,” he said. “I wanted to deploy with Capt. Kolvet, who’s a fantastic leader.”

Yell said every day is OJT (on-the-job-training) at Camp Phoenix.

“We’re doing what we trained to do and get to use the school books in a real-world experience,” Yell added.

His eventual goal is to become company commander after Kolvet rotates out.

Creating teams from the platoons During his Army career, 1st Lt. Chris Jones of Reno had never deployed until the 593rd Transportation Company conducted its mobilization ceremony in May to Afghanistan.

Jones, who branch transferred to the transportation company in 2010, serves as one of two platoon leaders and enjoys the challenges each day at Camp Phoenix brings.

“I like to go out on missions and work with the squad leaders,” Jones said .

Along with the command staff, Jones said he is trying to streamline how missions are coordinated, especially in the areas of maintenance and communication. Jones believes in a hands-on approach and views every convoy mission as important as the last one.

“We take the mission seriously by creating the teams and assembling a convoy,” Jones explained, adding that he was part of a convoy that traversed Kabul several nights before.

“We are maintaining a high level of operations in the mission.”

Jones, who spent eight years on active duty and then transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, drilled with a training brigade in California. The monthly drive over the snowpacked Sierra grew old, so he became a transportation officer.

The National Guard experience has been rewarding for Jones, especially with the soldiers. With the assimilation of soldiers from the entire state into two detachments and then the additional training at Ft. Hood, Texas, Jones said

the unit came together quickly.

2nd Lt. Yelena Yatskikh grew up in a Russian city of almost 1 million people south of Moscow but came to the United States to finish her undergraduate degree in New Hampshire and then graduate from UNLV with a master’s degree in international relations and political science.

While in graduate school, the 30-year-old Yatskikh enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard and eventually completed Officer Candidate School.

Before receiving her commission, Yatskikh also took the oath to become a naturalized United States citizen.

In addition to being a platoon leader, Yatskikh serves as a convoy commander twice a week, ensuring her crews meticulously receive the needed safety and threat assessment trainings and that the vehicles are ready to rumble over Kabul’s streets.

AFGHANISTAN • 15

Although she admits to having some butterflies before heading out on a convoy, she overcomes those anxieties knowing her soldiers and their expertise make the convoy run smoother.

“I am used to going out now, but I do not want to become complacent,” she said. “I need to stay focused.”

Jones’ platoon sergeant is Sgt. 1st Class Heather Harris of Truckee. Barely into her 30s, Harris deployed three times to Iraq, but this is her first assignment to Afghanistan.

Harris joined the military more than 10 years ago, two days after 9/11. Since that time she has periodically worked full time for the Nevada Army National Guard, and prior to the Afghanistan deployment, she worked with training.

As the platoon sergeant, she ensures soldiers meet their training objectives, and she sets forth additional training for the road as both an assistant convoy commander and truck commander.

“A leadership role is a lot different in a combat zone,” she pointed out. “There is more responsibility. I go out on convoys. I want to go where the fight is.”

As platoon leader, Harris said she wants to see if the soldiers are doing the right thing and if they are focused on their convoy missions and to see how they deal with situations that may crop up along the route.

Harris figures her missions in Iraq have provided an extensive wealth of knowledge in dealing with soldiers who have deployed for the first time.

Harris said she is always a little nervous when going out on a convoy.

“If you do not fear, then you may lead soldiers into more risk,” she said.

Likewise Sgt. 1st Class John Dube also ensures the soldiers receive their training the second platoon.

Dube, who grew up in Carson City but moved to Douglas County 20 years ago, is serving his second deployment, the first overseas trip to Iraq also with the 593rd.

“I was on the road there, but here, I’m on the road a little bit, but I mostly do admin (administration work).”

A full-time maintenance worker for the Nevada Army National Guard in Carson City, Dube said Iraq’s infrastructure was much better, especially with better built highways.

“These are two totally different places,” he said.

But Dube has also seen the Nevada Guard in action in Europe. Dube, a veteran of 21 years, served in the 150th Maintenance Company in Carson City as a track and lightwheel mechanic. The unit performed three annual trainings in Germany and two more in Italy.

Reflections In reflecting on their five months in Afghanistan, Schroeder said he is proud of the soldiers in the 593rd and how determined they are to be successful with a difficult mission.

“Everyone who comes over her has a purpose — our soldiers are out on the road almost every day. They are accomplishing the mission and having a purpose to it. They are doing a great job at it.”

Steve Ranson / LVN photos

Top photo, from left, 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder and Capt. Curtis Kolvet, both from Reno, and 1st Lt. Christopher Yell of Elko. Above, Sgt. 1st Class Heather Harris of Truckee, left, and 1st Platoon Leader, 1st. Lt. Chris Jones of Reno.

Left, 2nd Lt. Yelena Yatskikh of Las Vegas, 2nd platoon leader, and Sgt. 1st Class John Dube of Douglas County.

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lahontanvalleynews.com

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

ROLLING INTO KABUL Nevada Army National Guard crews face the uncertainties of convoy missions in capital city

BY STEVE RANSON sranson@lahontanvalleynews.com

KABUL — Some doubt from higher Steve Ranson / LVN photo Spc. David Iveson glances at people headquarters existed if tonight’s convoy and vehicles as convoy gunner.

(Nov. 21) would roll through Kabul from Camp Phoenix to Camp Eggers, a small NATO camp near the U.S. Embassy and the presidential palace.

After we completed two stops, the conEarlier in the day, a suicide bomber detovoy returned to Camp Phoenix to pick up nated his vest, killing two Afghanistan passengers for the run to Eggers, a trip that guards and himself before stunned onlookdepending on traffic, could take as long as ers. The embassy area was no stranger to 30 minutes each way. Kabul’s pulse poundthe danger that lurks in the nerve center of ed that night — as did ours — with grocery Kabul due to a situation in early September stores still open, people sipping tea at that produced similar deadly results. patio cafes and vendors hawking their Steve Ranson / LVN photo wares, most notably fruits and vegetables.

Since July, though, the Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation Nighttime in Kabul. Spc. Julia Rodriguez maneuvers a multi-ton vehicle on one of Each person in the MATV, including me, Company is conducting convoys through- Kabul’s narrow streets. focused on the activity outside the vehicle out Regional Command-Capital, the area during our trip to the embassy. Once we that encompasses all of Kabul and its surarrived and unloaded our passengers, we rounding villages. All told, the 593rd com- RG33 holds eight passengers and the Francisco and Frankfurt. returned to Camp Phoenix. pleted more than 100 successful convoys MAXXPRO, the taller MRAP, seats between Five minutes remained before the convoy Mission accomplished in less than four before I rode on one into Kabul with Capt. four and six passengers. The MRAP’s heavy left Phoenix. All of us climbed into the hours.

Kolvet, commander of the 593rd, a 21-year- construction is designed to withstand an MATV, snapped on the seat and harness “The drive around Kabul was a quick old driver from Boulder City and a 19-year- IED (Improvised Explosive Device). belts and prepared for departure. and efficient movement and went very old gunner from Starr Valley, a rich agriculKolvet said the run into Kabul would be a Lined up in well,” Kolvet said tural area midway between Elko and Wells in typical mission for the 593rd that his crews single file, the “It was a characnortheastern Nevada. have accomplished many times.

MRAPs idled, teristic run that Preparation for our early evening convoy “A typical mission for us is days of prep waiting for we're used to seestarted the day before with safety briefings work, intelligence and route assessments Yatskikh to ing with that type and followed up on the day of the trip with and customer unit coordination,” explained issue the comof mission. This more updated reports.

Kolvet. “Operating in an urban environment mand to roll comes through As convoy commander, 30-year-old 2nd of 5 million people in large tactical vehicles out of Phoenix good training Lt. Yelena Yatskikh reviewed reports, noting is a difficult challenge that our drivers make on onto one of and the experithe routes into Kabul to the embassy seem easy every day. They maneuver roads the major highence of doing it a appeared safe; so too did the route to two and routes that are designed for small civil- ways coming couple of hunother bases east of Kabul that required per- ian cars in unarmored vehicles the size of into Kabul. It dred times sonnel and supplies. semi trucks, and our guys and gals do it as was dusk, but and often Yatskikh initiated the final preparation well as anyone in the country.” with a moontimes at night for the convoy hours before departure time.

Departure time grew closer, and the crew less sky, the with limited visiCivilian passengers destined for one of the on every MRAP began to don their body night grew very bility.

— CAPT. CURT KOLVET bases arrived with their luggage and armor and Kevlar helmets. I slipped 30 dark, very “With that 593rd Commander comes checked in. Crews also arrived and began pounds of body armor over my head and quickly. confitheir final inspection on the MRAPs or Mine adjusted the straps before placing the helDriver Spc. dence, and in Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles distin- met on my head. I then stuffed my camera Julia Rodriguez may be one of the shortest regards to specialist Rodriguez, that’s what guished by its weight and size. gear into the passenger’s back seat area that drivers in the convoy, but the repetition of you saw, confidence in her abilities behind The lead MRAP in the convoy, the MATV, contained as much legroom as my econmy driving Kabul’s narrow streets has made her the wheel and knowing she has the aid of carries up to four passengers, while the class flight accommodations between San a conscientious, yet aggressive driver. her crew members like Spc. Iveson to assist Rodriguez said she likes being a driver in traversing difficult urban terrain and and in control of the vehicle, especially choke points.” when she is the lead vehicle. The southern Rodriguez said she was comfortable Nevada soldier likes to tell people that she with both Kolvet and me in the vehicle. enjoys driving because she is a small female “I felt confident and honored that you in control of a large MRAP. were in my vehicle,” she said. “It meant that That confidence is not wasted on Kolvet. you had some trust in my abilities as a driv“You cannot afford to be timid driving on er because you could have been in any the streets in Kabul … you have to be vehicle, and you agreed to ride with me as aggressive yet mindful of civilian traffic and the driver around Kabul.” pedestrians while maintaining control of With the night mission done, Rodriguez the roads and standoff distances to ensure said she prefers night missions because the the safety of the convoy and the Afghan trucks are more concealed and also there is drivers on the road with you,” Kolvet said. not as much traffic. She sometimes gets “What impresses me the most is how much nervous when there is excessive traffic we entrust and rely on very young soldiers because most of the local vehicles are very in their late teens and early 20s to execute small compared to the MRAPs. Also, such difficult tasks on a daily basis, and Rodriguez said she is afraid “a child may how well they do it.” run out into the street and get run over” Kolvet rode shotgun in the passenger because they seem to be fearless around all seat, advising Rodriguez of oncoming vehi- of the vehicles. cles or unusual circumstances.

“I trust each and every one of them to While Rodriguez maneuvered the multi- know their job and execute competently ton vehicle toward an outer base, Spc. and with knowledgeable deliberation, and David “Chance” Iveson clutched his they do just that time after time,” Kolvet machine gun through the roof portal and said. “They exhibit a maturity and focus Photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Wadsworth rotated from side to side, keeping a vigilant well beyond their years which I attribute A convoy crew consisting of, from left, gunner Spc. David Iveson, driver Spc. Julia eye on the people and vehicles. not just to them but the great leadership Rodriguez, Capt. Curtis Kolvet and LVN Editor Steve Ranson prepare for their “I enjoy being a gunner. I am focused they’ve received from the company’s more departure. and I have a job to do,” said Iveson. experienced noncommissioned officers.”

“You cannot be timid driving the streets of Kabul ...you have to be aggressive yet mindful of civilian traffic and pedestrians while maintaining control of the roads and standoff distances to ensure the safety of the convoy ....”

lahontanvalleynews.com • 19

Friday, December 7, 2012

MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

Come fly with me N

evada’s Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion deployed to Afghanistan earlier this year to provide combat support by ferrying passengers and equipment over rugged terrain resembling the Silver State’s desert and jagged, yet majestic mountain peaks.

Pilots maneuver their Chinook 47D helicopters over valleys and mountains to accomplish their missions.

The company, consisting of pilots and crews from both Nevada and Montana, has been conducting missions day and night from Forward Operating Base Shank south of Kabul in Logar Province. As a general support company, the 189th receives a variety of different assignments from its higher headquarters, the 101st Combat Aviation Battalion. The command assigns crews, conducts safety briefs, files flight plans and executes the missions.

Flying in any war zone is dangerous work, but the men and women flying for the Nevada Army National Guard love their work and take pride in serving both their state and country.

20 •

AFGHANISTAN

lahontanvalleynews.com

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

lahontanvalleynews.com

AFGHANISTAN • 21

THE RIGHT STUFF

The memory F of those who served in Afghanistan weighs on one Nevada pilot’s mind STORY AND PHOTOS

BY STEVE RANSON Lahonan Valley News

ORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK, Afghanistan — Every time Genoa helicopter pilot Chief Warrant Officer 5 Dan Walters flies one of the olive drab Chinooks in Afghanistan, he always carries the memory of five fallen comrades.

More than seven years ago, a Chinook crew carrying two Army guardsmen from Nevada and three from Oregon perished when insurgents shot down their CH47D south of Kandahar.

“Yes, it weighs in the back of our minds,” said Walter, the senior pilot who has deployed to Afghanistan twice. Walters joined the Nevada Army National Guard in the mid-1980s and currently works full time for the military at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Stead.

On Sept. 25, 2005, an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) brought down Mustang 22, which was assigned to Company D, 113th Aviation, now Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion. The company identifiers may be different, but the type of helicopters remain the same and so are the missions to transport personnel, supplies and equipment over hostile land.

“In the back of my mind, it could have happened to me,” Walters added.

Walters, though, took the loss of life hard as did the rest of the guardsmen. One of the pilots, CW2 John M. Flynn of Sparks, and Walters had developed a solid friendship and worked many years together. Their families were also friends.

A Fernley crew member, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, also lost his life.

Walters remembers the ramp ceremony aboard a C130 Hercules transport plane that brought the bodies home from Kandahar Air Field to Nevada. Tears filled every soldier’s eyes.

“The thought to lose them is hard, but you move on,” Walters said. “But it’s hard to forget them.”

Nevertheless, when Walters flies, he always carries a photo of his wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 10. For Walters, the photo symbolizes his good luck charm, telling him of the precious jewels that await him in Douglas County.

The harsh Afghanistan landscape wreaks with unforgiveness, and Walters and fellow pilots now deployed to FOB Shank are aware of the dangers that lurk below them during each mis-

sion; however, the 1984 Douglas High School graduate said the first deployment taught the crews much, both during their stay in Afghanistan and when they returned home to Northern Nevada in 2006.

Northern Nevada could easily be mistaken for Afghanistan with its high-desert valleys and tall mountain peaks, the perfect classroom tools for executing missions in a land 9,000 miles from Reno.

“Welcome from a region that is similar — Afghanistan has high altitudes, hot weather, desert environment, dust and changing weather,” Walters pointed out.

The Nevada Army National Guard’s AASF sits 5,000 feet above sea level, while Shank nestles itself in a valley 6,600 feet above sea level; furthermore, missions carried out in Nevada resemble those assigned to the deployed aviators.

“We have a distinct advantage,” Walters said of the training in Northern Nevada that also includes the Navy ranges near Fallon. “Units come from all over the U.S. to practice in our backyard and ask us for aviation support.”

While in Afghanistan, the pilots and their crews primarily haul equipment and supplies or sling load a heavy conex from one base to another; other times, crews ferry soldiers from one spot to another as they wage war on the Taliban or insurgents unfriendly to the Americans.

Pilots guide their Chinooks high enough to avoid any groundfire. Operations occur during any time of day, seven days a week. Pilots like Walters, however, must be prepared for any assignment under any condition.

oversee the assignments and safety of his pilots and crew.

Bordallo, who grew up in Vacaville, Calif., took a break in service, moved to Las Vegas and earned a degree from Nevada State College. Even with a stint in the Army behind him and a sheepskin in hand, Bordallo still yearned to be a pilot.

“I always wanted to fly. I went through Officer Candidate School (with the Nevada Miliary Department) and completed the program in 18 months,” Bordallo said.

Upon graduation, he earned his gold second lieutenant bars and continued his desire to become a chopper pilot. He departed for flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala., in 2007 and returned to Nevada the following year. He enrolled in a master’s program at UNLV, now needing only two courses to finish his degree. Bordallo also married the love of his life, Jessica, on June 6, 2009.

In his whirlwind career, Bordallo received a promotion to captain, and the Nevda Army National Guard awarded command of the 189th to him, a plum assignment in Nevada aviation.

As company commander, Bordallo ensured the unit trained vigorously for months and was “up to speed” for its deployment.

“We definitely have a mix of veterans who have that saltiness, and new soldiers who have that enthusiasm and high interest,” Bordallo said before deployment. “Together, it’s a great combination.” Bordallo said the company prepared 18 months for the deployment and while in Afghanistan, the Chinooks have been transporting personnel and equipment and providing combat support.

Leading the company As company commander, Capt. Michael J. Bordallo flies his share of missions in addition to taking care of unit concerns and serving as liaison to the 101st Combat Aviation Battalion.

The 32-year-old Bordallo leads by example by taking some of the most difficult missions during the unit’s nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Bordallo first entered the Army and spent the next four years on active duty with the 101st Airborne Division. He remembers a change of command when now retired Gen. David Petraeus took charge of the Screaming Eagles at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Those memories, though, are distant for Bordallo as he must

A seasoned aviator Her colleagues call this aviator one of the best pilots with whom they have flown.

Others refer to her as a pilot’s pilot, one who has flown the Chinooks and also taught others how to fly the twin-blade transport helicopter.

Flying, though, never entered Casey Akins’ mind when she attended Fernley High School. After graduating in 1997, Akins packed her suitcases and car and left for California where she attended Sierra College in Rocklin and Sacramento State University, studying kinesiology.

Akins, though, felt her life was missing excitement after finishing her university days and accepting a job as an insurance adjuster.

“I sat in front of a computer and hated life,” Akins recollected.

Akins, who is single, made a decision that would completely change her life. She joined the Army in 2002, wanting to be a pilot. She completed basic training and headed to flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala., learning to fly the Chinook. Her first duty assignment took her to Georgia and to Ft. Hunter Air Field near Savannah to expand her knowledge with the CH47s.

Akins felt part of the Chinook community.

“They (Chinook aviators) were mostly the people I associated with,” Akins said. “They’re a lot more laid back. I was really attracted to the community because they are tighter knit.”

The Fernley grad, whose mother still lives in the small community, first tasted the thrill of combat in 2006-2007 when she deployed to Iraq.

“Everyone was a little tense,” she recalled. “It was the height of the surge. Based near Tikirit, Akins and the other aircrews spent 15 months flying hundreds of general support missions.”

Little did Akins know that the experience gleaned in Iraq would follow her six years later to the same part of the world.

After her tour ended, Akins returned to the United States and then spent four years in Alabama, first as a military instructor and then later as a civilian, teaching novice aviators how to fly the Chinook.

Ironically, one of her students was Bordallo, who was nearing the end of his course and ready to assume command of an aviation company in Nevada.

“I was sitting next to him in Alabama, and he told me they needed IPs (instructor pilots). I wanted to come back to Nevada,” Akins added.

At the time, the aviation company had only one IP. She remembers the Nevada Guard being receptive to her rejoining the military since the 189th had begun preparations to deploy to Afghanistan.

The decision to deploy with the 189th has worked out for Akins. Fellow pilots come to her for advice, and crew members clamor to be on her flights, knowing she has the expertise to fly any mission to any location.

Akins said flying in Afghanistan differs somewhat from Iraq because of the landscape. For the most part, she said Iraq was flat and did not have the tall mountains; on the other hand, she said the threat remains the same.

When Akins and the other flight crews arrived at FOB Shank in the spring, she flew scores of missions. Now, Akins said, she has had more breaks and doesn’t fly every day.

As for her move to Nevada, Akins said she did the right thing.

“I am happy with the decision I made,” she said.

Role model for others Vania (pronounced Tanya) Apodaca doesn’t consider herself a role model for young Latino women, yet the Reno aviator is only a handful of female Chinook pilots ferrying soldiers and equipment in Afghanistan.

Apodaca knows about dreams and opportunities after her family moved to the United States from Mexico when she was 8 years old.

Not only did she excel with her studies in both high school and in college, but the single Apodaca has also become one of the youngest Chinook pilots for the Nevada Army National Guard.

“I had big dreams when I was younger,” said Apodaca, whose wide smile is infectious to those who meet her for the first time.

An excellent student at McQueen High School in Reno, a two-time state champion high school singles tennis player, Apodaca accepted a full-ride scholarship in the late 1990s to play her favorite sport. She eventually found herself at North Carolina State majoring in computer sciences and playing tennis.

“It was so hard, so different but I stuck with it,” she remembered about her college major.

From left, Chief Warrant Officer Dan Walters of Genoa always carries a photo of his wife and two daughters on every mission he flies. CW2 Casey Akins of Fernley has deployed twice now, the first time to Iraq and now to Afghanistan. CW2 Vania Apodaca of Reno is one of the “rookies” flying the Chinook 47D helicopter.

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AFGHANISTAN

lahontanvalleynews.com

The lure of the West beckoned Apodaca to return home in 2007, and she accepted employment with IGT as a software engineer in Reno. If the lure of western Nevada called for Apodaca, then the adventure of flying began to entice her.

“I always wanted to fly when I was younger, and it seemed so out of reach to come back to Nevada. I tried to join the military in North Carolina,” she said.

After returning to the Silver State, Apodaca saw that the Nevada Army National Guard had a shortage of pilots. She drove to the local Guard recruiter, discussed her options and signed on the dotted line. Apodaca had begun her journey to become a pilot.

“They sent me off to flight school, and IGT was so great, so supportive. Flight school lasted a year and a half. I came back and then deployed,” Apodaca recounted. “I know it’s hard on them, but my co-workers have supported me by sending me packages.”

Being deployed on her first assignment has been a good, but extremely rough experience in a combat environment with an enemy bent on killing coalition forces.

“I am training on the job as I go. Here I train on the missions, but I am learning so States toppled the Saddam Hussein regime. many things,” Apodaca pointed out. “The Never did the Rancho High School (North experienced pilots are helping me, and they Las Vegas) grad imagine he would be have deployed before. I am happy to learn involved with a war when he first enlisted. from them. We have young pilots in other Assigned to Forward Operating Base Shield, units, and we have some pretty talented Clack counted down the weeks, then days guys, but we have top-notch instructors and before returning home to southern Nevada. experienced pilots.”

“I couldn’t wait to get home,” he recalled Her colleagues have nurtured Apodaca to of his year-long mission. “I had boots on the where she has been the pilot in command ground for 12 months.” on numerous missions.

While serving in the USAR, Clack said he Before leaving Nevada, she had an opporlearned about the warrant officer program in tunity to fly out of AASF and experience the the Nevada Army National Guard and mountains and altitude. Her arrival in thought he could successfully endure the Afghanistan seemed imaginary. training. Clack, after all, had become an “At first, it didn’t seem real because it felt accomplished fixed-wing pilot at age 17, like Nevada. It was almost surreal, but there learning the skills in the Rancho High are threats. We were told which areas to School’s aviation program. Clack wanted avoid, what to do,” she said. more, though, and if he were going to serve The reality of Afghanistan, though, set in his country, he preferred to perform it from once Apodaca flew several missions and she high above the ground, looking down on had experienced other issues such as the convoys rather than riding in one. environment, high altitude, dust and fog.

After 18 months of flight school, Clack After flying a mission to Bagram Air Field earned his pilot wings in a Chinook, the only northeast of Shank in November, Apodaca helicopter he has flown in the National said the opportunity exists for more women Guard. pilots to join the military.

Clack’s second deployment has been as “I see more females in aviation, but it is busy as the first, but in a different way. He still dominated by males. The opportunity is has flown numerous missions both in the there, though,” she added. daytime and at night, moving both soldiers Apodaca said people have inspired her, but the Guard pilot feels she has the qualities and equipment. His confidence level is solid to inspire others in life. She tells others that it now.

“With my first flight, I had anxiety and did is possible to pursue their dreams like she not know what to expect,” Clack said after the did. company arrived in Afghanistan. “Moving “My mom, brothers and sisters were very people and equipment has been interesting, supportive when I joined the military, but and I have done a lot they were concerned of night and day flying. when I deployed,” ApoPersonally, I like to see daca said, then pausing the night sky — night to choose her words is more peaceful.” carefully. “They miss me, If flying has they send me care packbecome more peaceages. They can’t wait to ful for Clack, the worsee me. I flew an Ameri— CW2 VANIA APODACA ries of a family have can flag for my sister today. I like to do stuff Chinook pilot added some stress.

When he deployed to like that for them and Iraq, Clack was single even my co-workers care and care free. Now, he is married and has a and think of us here.” child who both live in Sparks.

A love for flying “We met after I returned home from flight CW2 Jared Clack vividly remembers the school,” Clack said. “We were both from Las first time he deployed overseas as a soldier.

Vegas, grew up in the same area and knew It was 2004, and Clack, a military policethe same people.” man in the U.S. Army Reserve, left for Iraq Although he worries about his family, and discovered he didn’t like the life of a mili- Clack said they are in good hands with the tary cop.

Family Readiness Support group in Reno.

“That one was harder,” Clack said of his “My wife takes part in the FRG and does first deployment. “We trained Iraqi police the newsletter,” Clack added. “The Guard has officers and did convoys.” been very helpful.”

Hot, dusty and dry … Clack also rememDespite having family half-way around bers the distinct weather of Iraq after arriving the world, Clack enjoys being behind the there more than a year after the United CH47Ds controls and leading his flight crew.

“At first,it didn’t seem real because it felt like Nevada.It was surreal, but there are threats.”

Friday, December 7, 2012

Top: Capt. Michael Bordallo, left, commander of Bravo Company, 189th GSAB, and CW2 Josh Bunker review flight plans. Above: CW2 Jared Clack began his carer as a military policeman, but he possessed a strong inclination to fly.

When he returns from Afghanistan, Clack would like to continue flying on a full-time basis.

If he can’t work full time with the Guard, he would still fly during the monthly drills; however, Clack said he would look at other options.

From engineer to pilot Like fellow Las Vegan Clack, CW2 Josh Bunker grew up in Southern Nevada, joined the military and deployed to Iraq in 2003 with the Nevada Army National Guard’s 777th Engineer Utility Team. Bunker, who graduated from Silverado High School in 2001, now has more than 11 years of military service split between the engineers and aviation.

“I joined as an engineer in 2001, attended my basic and advanced courses at the beginning of 2002 and deployed to Iraq a year later,” Bunker said.

When Bunker was growing up, he had a strong interest in flying helicopters, a lifelong dream that he would carry with him to Iraq where he was a heavy equipment operator. Bunker also discovered the long, hot days of Iraq sizzled more during the summer than those in Las Vegas. With additional training and then the deployment, Bunker spent 16 months on Iraq.

“In the beginning we did a lot of convoys

to transport equipment. We did a lot of ground work in our specific section, and we traveled all over the country,” Bunker said.

The Las Vegas resident toiled away in Iraq, still noting the dream of flying never disappeared. Bunker, though, transferred to the Regional Training Institute in 2005 where he became an instructor, and then to aviation in 2009, where attended flight school and finished June 1, 2011. That year was also important for Bunker when he married his wife, a fellow soldier in the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program in Las Vegas.

In February, though, Bunker found himself preparing for deployment to Afghanistan. After arriving in country, Bunker’s newly learned information from flight school was immediately put to the test.

“We have done a lot of awesome missions for the guys on the ground,” Bunker said.

“We take care of them. It has been a rewarding deployment in that aspect. This is basically my first assignment, and my feet were held to the fire right out of the gate.”

Although they didn’t know each other as students in Las Vegas, the paths of Bunker and Clack crossed during flight school, and in Afghanistan, they have flown together on numerous missions.

“We work well together. We are both PCs — pilot command or the person in charge.

We make decisions that affect the air crew.”

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MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

Brothers in arms

Army.mil

5 sets of siblings have each other’s back STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News The Army is a close-knit family. So are the National Guard, the Marines, the Navy, the them for the rest of their lives; it also gives them someone to lean on or provide strength Air Force, yet Americans first knew of the modern-day reference from soldiers fighting when times might get tough over here or there are issues they may be facing.” alongside each other or against each other during the Civil War and later during the first They are, in a sense, the truest band of brothers the Silver State has sent to a far and second world wars. away land to fight the war on terror.

During combat in the Civil War and all conflicts since then, soldiers rely on each Sage advice changes Fallon brothers other, confide in each other like siblings. They share their news and food from home Fate changed the lives of Fallon brothers Spc. Robert “Robby” Graves and his younger and offer advice if asked. brother Spc. Jeffrey (Graves) Fiske.

In the early days of World War II, five Fiske, who is married and adopted brothers — the Sullivans — epitomized And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by, his inlaw’s surname, said he tends to the patriotic spirit of young men wanting shelter his extended family with any to serve their nation. They all enlisted in From this day to the ending of the world, news from Afghanistan, so he confides the Navy on Jan. 3, 1942 — less than a But we in it shall be rememberedin his brother, a crew member on a month after Japanese pilots bombed Chinook 47D helicopter.

Pearl Harbor, — and with the stipulation We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; By coincidence and with the guidthat all could serve together.

For he to-day that sheds his blood with me ance of a retired Nevada Army National The Navy assigned them to the USS Guard chief of staff, the graduates of Juneau, but two Japanese torpedoes Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile, Churchill County High School, enlisted sunk the light cruiser at Guadalcanal in This day shall gentle his condition; in Bravo Company 189th GSAB at a November 1942, killing most onboard critical juncture in their lives. including the five brothers.

And gentlemen in England now-a-bed For Graves, he had been toying with The term “Band of Brothers” appeared Shall think themselves accurs’d they were not here, the idea of returning to college. Fiske, in Shakespeare’s “Henry V” when the giftthough, almost enlisted into the Navy; ed playwright illustrated men’s camaAnd hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks instead, upon the advice of retired Col. raderie and their struggles that brought That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day.

Craig Wroblewski, the two brothers them as close as any family’s sibling but joined the National Guard. without the blood tie.

William Shakespeare “I wanted to go back to school, but Yet, the term “band of brothers” also King Henry V the chief of staff pointed me in the applies to those siblings who may serve right direction,” said the 27-year-old together in the same unit, sharing the Graves. good and the bad news but also confiding their fears and concerns.

In March 2010, Graves enlisted in the Guard. His brother, who is a year younger, The Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation Company arrived in joined five months later.

Afghanistan this year with four sets of brothers from Reno, Spring Creek and Las Vegas, “I found out I could go to school for aviation maintenance,” Fiske explained, “but my while Bravo Company,189th General Support Aviation brought two brothers from Falplans to go into the Navy fell through.” lon to Forward Operating Base Shank.

Knowing that his brother’s plans had changed, Graves talked to Wroblewski, advising Capt. Curtis Kolvet, commander of the 593rd TC, explained it best, however, when him of Fiske’s situation. describing all the brothers serving in Afghanistan for their first time: “School ... couldn’t afford it, but after doing more research, this (aviation mainte“It is unique that they have the ability to deploy with a family member and to share nance) was my career path,” Fiske added. this experience with them, and I hope it serves for them a bond that they can take with

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AFGHANISTAN • 17

Steve Ranson / LVN photo

Top: Spc. Robert Graves, left, and his brother Spc. Jeffrey Fiske are serving at Forward Operating Base Shank.

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Wadsworth / 593rd PAO

Right: Four pairs of Nevada Army brothers in the 593rd Transportation Company serve together at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan. From left are Spc. Bobby Riley, Pvt. Jason Otto, Spc. James Riley, Cpl. Donald Otto, Pfcs. Matthew and Christopher Babas, Sgt. Christopher Greener and Spc. Dustin Greener.

Deploying together at Forward Operating Base Shank has been beneficial for both brothers. Fiske and Graves were close growing up, always checking on the other. Because of the periodic indirect fire aimed at Shank, the brothers keep tabs on one another.

“Yes, we worry about each other,” Graves said. “We are sharing an experience with each other for the rest of our lives, something family back home will not experience.”

Capt. Michael Bordallo, commander of the 189th said the brothers bring “a lot of muscle to the table.”

“Those guys bring a lot of motivation, smarts, creative thinking and the ability to focus on a task and complete it,” said Bordallo. “No collusion with these close brothers; they tend to bring out the best in each other.”

As for their friends and own family in Fal-

lon, Graves said everyone has been supportive because of the deployment they have experienced together.

“With the National Guard, there is a sense of pride in the communities,” Graves said.

When they return to Nevada after the deployment, Graves will return to his fulltime technician job with the Guard, and Fiske is more focused on attending school.

“I’ll get back having this training behind me. I might go to avionics school, but that is still pending,” Fiske said. “I may also put out some resumes for maintenance.”

As for their overall experience halfway around the world, both Graves and Fiske said they were surprised.

“There’s a different side to Afghanistan,” Fiske said. “What you see on the news is completely different than what goes on.”

Brothers have trust in themselves and each other Sharing stories of their families Although Bobby and James Riley are married and have their own families, they don’t visit each other as often as they wish.

The Riley brothers said they remain close during their deployment with the 593rd.

Since the unit has four sets of brothers, the command has purposely divided the siblings so that they don’t serve on the same missions in case of an incident.

“The only time that I concentrate on them being brothers is when I review every mani-

fest before every mission that rolls out the gate,” Kolvet pointed out. “If I see the name of one of the brothers on there, I make sure to double check that the other isn’t on the same manifest. It is a policy I enacted well before we ever left the states, and first sergeant has ensured through all the personnel moves we’ve made over the past six months that brothers are never in the same platoon.

“Having done this I seldom see any of the brothers together outside of mail call in the afternoons.”

James Riley said he usually sees his brother the following day after a mission and they’ll chat.

“The platoons keep us busy. When I see him I know he’s doing well, and we’ll exchange news about the families,” he said. “In Reno we live close to each other but don’t hang out that often, but more so on the holidays.”

When they first arrived in Afghanistan, Bobby Riley said they felt a little more anxiety not knowing what the mission would entail; however, he said their parents worry more.

“There’s more stress on our parents but it’s not as bad now,” Bobby Riley added.

James Riley, who is a lab technician for a minerals and metal laboratory in Reno, said his parents and both brothers’ families are handling the deployment well.

“There is always the worry,” James said.

“I’ll talk to my wife every day because the communication (from Camp Phoenix to Reno) is good.”

As with the other brothers, the Rileys have a difficult job in one of the world’s most dan-

gerous cities. They are both gunners and occasionally drive one of the big mine resistant vehicles. According to Bobby Riley, driving in Kabul may be a challenge on any mission. He said the traffic, at times, will bother him because of the number of vehicles on the road.

Kolvet, though, said he seldom thinks of the four sets of siblings as brothers outside of tactical considerations; instead he extends his appreciation to the parents for their trust in his command.

“I do think a lot about their parents,” Kolvet stressed. “They’ve invested so much in this unit by giving us two of their sons to serve their country and not a moment goes by that I don’t realize the trust and faith they have put in our leadership to make sure we meet our obligation to take care of them, provide for them and ensure their safety as much as possible while still achieving the mission.”

Older brother provides a solid rock Pvt. Jason Otto credits his older brother for

persuading him into joining the Nevada Army National Guard.

With his brother firmly established in the 593rd Transportation Company, the 21-yearold Otto wanted to do something with his life, and coming from a military family, he had an inkling as to his future.

“My brother influenced me about the Guard and let me know about the benefits,” Otto said.

Knowing that his brother was going to deploy to Afghanistan with the transportation company also became a deciding factor because of their close relationship. Sgt. Donald Otto, 24, said he knew his brother would deploy after enlisting, but he vowed to ensure his safety.

“I’m looking after him, but he is more capable of doing things here,” Donald Otto sad. “It’s good for the family that we are both over here, but it is also a two-way street in case something happens to us.”

Kolvet said the company spent a significant amount of time, paperwork and effort to get Jason Otto enlisted into the National Guard through basic and advanced training so that he could deploy in time with his brother.

“This was their goal all along when they found out about the deployment — to deploy to Afghanistan together,” Kolvet added.

Both brothers have dangerous jobs with the transportation company at Camp Phoenix, which is next to the Kabul International Airport. Jason Otto drives a convoy truck and is also a gunner. Donald Otto serves as a truck commander when convoys leave Camp Phoenix and head to one of the bases in the Kabul region.

Donald Otto, a guardsman for four years, said his advice to his brother is brief.

“Keep your head down and stay awake,” he said.

See Brothers, Page 18

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Wadsworth / 593rd PAO photos

Top right: Spc. Dustin Greener and Sgt. Christopher Greener, both from Spring Creek.

Far left: Spcs. Bobby and James Riley of Reno; center: Pfc. Jason Otto and Sgt. Don Otto of Reno; right: Pfcs. Matthew and Christopher Babas of Las Vegas.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The international flavor of camp life Day 10 – Coalition forces at Kabul KABUL, Afghanistan — The various bases in and around Kabul definitely have an international flavor with numerous coalition forces stationed here.

While the British have a large force in Helmand Province and the Czechs field a moderate force at Forward Operating Base Shank, Camp Phoenix is a mini-United Nations as is the military side of the house at Kabul International Airport (KAIA), which includes soldiers from more than two dozen countries. The Egyptians, by the way, maintain a field hospital at Bagram Air Field.

Last year while at KAIA (pronounced Key-uh), I saw soldiers from South Korea and Mongolia and most countries from Europe including many soldiers from the former Iron Curtain’s Eastern Bloc. Some of my neighbors in a tent compound came from Romania and Lithuania. This situation would not have existed 25 years ago.

Boredom took over at tent city.

Either people could roam around the installation or go to a building

Bulgarian Army members perform a traditional folk dance from their country at a special event. that had WiFi. Others, like many Eastern Europeans, played cards.

For the past few days at Camp Phoenix, I have noticed many Canadian soldiers as well as soldiers from Romania and Bulgaria.

The Nevada Army National Guard’s 593rd Transportation

Company, which arrived at Camp Phoenix in the summer, has forged a friendship with the Bulgarian army. The company’s commander and first sergeant, Capt.

Curt Kolvet and 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder, were invited to a party hosted by the Bulgarians. We were

From left, Capt. Curtis Kolvet, Bulgarian Army Capt. Kahtapeb Kantarev and 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder attend a gathering sponsored by the Bulgarian army at Camp Phoenix.

BROTHERS From Page 17 Jason Otto said the soldiers face their share of stress, but having his brother reduces the tension.

“We help each other with different things on the base. It’s nice to relate to each other through our mission, but we do worry about each other,” Jason Otto said.

Bringing Spring Creek brothers closer Dustin and Chris Greener love life but miss the wide open spaces of Spring Creek nestled below the Ruby Mountains south of Elko. Although they don’t see each other due to their different duties with the 593rd TC, they, nevertheless, worry.

“We don’t see each other that often,” said 23-year-old Sgt. Chris Greener, a truck commander. “In the beginning there was a lot of worry but not too much now. I don’t worry about him too much now because I have confidence in the command structure.”

The brothers said the time spent in Afghanistan and the experience is helping

greeted by Capt. Kahtapeb Kantarev and introduced to other soldiers including a soldier who had one of the bushiest Fu Manchu mustaches I have ever seen.

President Barack Obama recently praised the Bulgarians for

being one of the most supportive coalition nations to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the time spent with the Bulgarians, upward to six soldiers danced to Bulgarian folk music.

Capt. Atamecoba Atanasova explained folk dancing is one way for them to keep Bulgarian tradition alive.

She and her fellow soldiers were quite good, and so too was Kantarev. Kolvet, Schroeder and I thought if we had stayed another hour or two, we may have been corralled to dance.

In addition to conversation, music and dance, the Bulgarians also had enough food to literally feed an army!

As with many of the countries serving in Afghanistan, the Bulgarians are beginning to scale back the number of military personnel. The French have drastically reduced the size of their force in Afghanistan, and the Germans departed Camp Phoenix after the 593rd arrived.

As for this night, it turned out to be a very entertaining evening and meeting soldiers from another country in an informal setting was an excellent way to conclude the day.

LVN Editor Steve Ranson, right, poses with Bulgarian soldier Bbpcahob Vasanov, known as “The Legend” because of his Fu Manchu at a special event hosted by the Bulgarian army.

each other cope with the every day stress at them,” Chris Greener said.

Camp Phoenix and for going out on two to Henderson brothers light-heartedness three convoys each week. Pfc. Dustin GreenThe Babas brothers from Henderson er said performing the same types of misjoined the Nevada Army National Guard sions has brought the two brothers closer.

“We know our jobs and what we need to within six months of each other and are serving their first do,” Chris deployment Greener together with the added.

593rd.

Chris While the Greener’s brothers take experience their mission seriin the miliously, they have a tary has close bond with also helped each other and his brother. enjoy the lightChris hearted moments Greener has with their colbeen with — CAPT. CURTIS KOLVET leagues. the 593rd Pfc. Matthew for five 593rd Commander Babas is honest years, and on his reason for joining the Guard. this is their first deployment together.

“This is what my brother said. ‘The girls Their parents were also receptive of the two brothers being deployed at the same are hot,’” Matthew Babas said, chuckling.

Chris Babas, though, deflected some of time.

“They were OK about it. We talked to the laughter from nearby soldiers, saying

“I don’t think about the brothers in terms of brothers — each one is uniquely his own individual,very different from his sibling and different from most every other person in the unit.”

he told his brother about the benefits offered in the National Guard.

Both brothers said the enlistment in the Guard and the deployment to Afghanistan have brought them closer.

Because of the potential dangers involved with convoy missions outside the Camp Phoenix gates, they check on each other regularly. Both Chris and Matt are gunners, a crucial job to provide lookout on the armed vehicles.

“We’ll stop by each other’s room,” Matt Babas said, explaining his concerns.

“Once a week we’ll have a serious night, smoking cigars and talking about business or stuff back home.”

Both Matt and Chris aren’t afraid to give each other a hug or swat each other on the butt for good luck before they leave for their missions. Being in Afghanistan together has helped ease the anxiety.

They also want to ensure their deployment is successful and they return home safely to their family. They also want their 12-year-old brother to feel secure.

“I’m happy Matt and I are here to look after each other,” Chris Babas added.

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MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

My mom is a soldier Nevada Army National Guard women balance motherhood, family halfway around the world STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News

N

ot only are mothers who wear the military uniform focused on their mission in Afghanistan, but they also have an eye and ear glued to their children’s activities in Nevada.

One such soldier is Spc. Leann Hancock of Silver Springs, a mother of two young sons and a daughter, who is at Forward Operating Base Shank about 45 miles southwest of Kabul in a high desert valley. Shank is near much of the insurgent activity in Logar Province.

“I miss the daily mundane chores such as them brushing their teeth, breaking up the squabbles and helping them with homework,” she said. “I go through melancholiness, but I must focus to stay on a routine here. I am fortunate they are being taken care at home by their father.”

The sight of Chinook 47D helicopters flying over her house intrigued Hancock about serving her country.

Hancock, who said she is in her early 30s, enlisted in the Nevada Army National Guard five years ago after her children began to grow up and attend school. Her job in Afghanistan is a Chinook helicopter mechanic, a crucial job to keep the choppers flying day and night.

“As far as I am concerned, I am fixing helicopters to make them fly,” she added.

Serving in the National Guard, though, gives Hancock a sense of purpose.

“I was a stay at home mom. All I wanted to do was raise them as babies and be there for them,” she recollected. “They started going to school, and then I had time on my hands.”

Technology, though, has made deployment easier for this Silver Springs mom. She and her husband, David, email regularly, and she calls home on weekends. According to Hancock, she carries a piece of paper in her pocket, and where she thinks of items to discuss with her husband, she writes them down.

“It’s a lot easier to do it that way,” she added.

When Hancock calls home and talks to her three children ages 11, 9 and 7, she carefully chooses her words.

“It’s being on the edge and difficult for any mom,” she said. “I can’t convey to them what I am feeling, I can’t show fear, I can’t fall apart because I Steve Ranson / LVN photo need to be strong.”

Spc. Angela Palmer of Sparks is a convoy truck driver during her time at Camp Phoenix, Hancock, though, said she has no regrets in becoming a soldier and join- Afghanistan, near Kabul.

ing the aviation company. She is the only mother who deployed with the unit earlier this year.

“I am so proud to be serving my unit. This is a group of good people who all look out for each other,” Hancock explained. “I don’t feel too differently being a mother because I sense the that fathers go through the same things … anxiety, fear, missing out on special dates.”

With the Christmas season approaching and Nevada soldiers remaining in Afghanistan for at least several more months, Hancock said she will be able to cope with the distance between Shank and Silver Springs. She has been ordering presents online and sending them home.

Hancock, though, said she may be happy for one thing this Christmas, beginning to show a slight smile.

“The bright side … I don’t have to cook for 25 or more people,” Hancock said.

Difficult staying back 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder of the 593rd Transportation Company, which deployed last summer to Afghanistan, experienced “the other side” when his wife, Helena, deployed with the 137th Military Police Detachment to Northern Afghanistan from April 2010 to April 2011.

“It was difficult to be the family member left behind. I had deployed to Iraq in 2006-2007 and realized during her deployment that it is much harder to be the one left behind than it is to be the one deployed.”

As the transportation company’s senior enlisted soldier, he ensures that both male and female soldiers with children at home have access to any assistance if they need it.

Schroeder speaks from first-hand experience. He and Helena have been separated through three deployments.

“When you are the one that deploys, everything is new,” Schroeder said. “You go to a mobilization site and have training that you must focus on every day, and then when you get to the theater, you are in a new place with a mission to do so that becomes your focus.

“When you are the one left behind, you find yourself in the exact same place, dealing with the same issues, doing the same routine things that you always do at home but your partner in life isn't there anymore.

See Moms, Page 18

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AFGHANISTAN • 19

Her son always asks when his mother is returning home: “After your birthday I will be home soon.”

— SGT. SARA MARTINEZ Mechanic

Although family remains behind, these soldiers must remain focused on each and every mission “My biggest fear is something will happen to them,and I won’t be there.”

— SPC. APRIL CARR Supply clerk That is a very difficult thing to do — try and live your life the same without that person you share your life with being there.”

Convoy truck driver Spc. Angela Palmer of Sparks may have one of the most interesting, yet dangerous jobs in a war zone.

She drives one of the Mine Resistant ambush Protected Vehicles(MRAPS) when the 593rd TC runs a convoy outside the gates of Camp Phoenix and into the Kabul region. When Palmer climbs aboard one of

the heavily armored MRAPs, her focus then zeroes in on the mission to take either passengers and/or supplies to another base.

“When I am on the road, I set all other (personal life) to the other side,” Palmer said. “I am doing my mission, focused on my mission.”

The 30-year-old mother of one wanted to deploy with the 593rd TC and do her part in serving her country. Before returning to Nevada six years ago, she became used to the military life since her husband belonged to the 101st Airborne and was also deployed but to Iraq.

“I figured it was my turn since my daughter is now old enough,” said Palmer.

“My husband has been in the military, and he understands what I am going through and what he needs to do.”

Palmer said her husband is watching her 7-year-old daughter and feels comfortable with the arrangement.

“My husband is an excellent father, and they have the home taken care of,” Palmer said. “We Skype, and I call her.”

Palmer became a little misty eyed, though, in talking about her daughter.

“She knows mommy is away and knows I am in the Army,” Palmer said. “She sends me her artwork every week and I post it by my bed.”

Las Vegas mechanic Another young mom is Sgt. Sara Martinez, a mechanic from Las Vegas, who has an 8-year-old son.

While her mechanic position has kept her in the shop most of the time, Martinez has traveled on several convoys into Kabul.

Although her mission has kept the 30-yearold Martinez busy, she said the first few months of deployment were difficult.

“I was homesick, sad, missing my son,” she recounted. “The most we had gone apart from each other was three weeks. To

Steve Ranson / LVN photos

Mothers perform their missions for the Nevada Army National Guard during deployment to Afghanistan. Clockwise from top left, Spc. April Carr of Reno, a mother of two, is a supply clerk with the 593rd. Spc. Wen Wei, left, assists Spc. Leann Hancock of Silver Springs with maintenance on a Chinook helicopter at Forward Operating Base Shank. Hancock is with Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion. Sgt. Sara Martinez of Las Vegas, who works in maintenance at Camp Phoenix, always has a photo of her son nearby. Pfc. Jessica Weaver, left, considers Sgt. Rhonda Simmons of Reno one of her best friends in the 593rd.

be here this long was harder.”

As with the other mothers who are near the war’s edge, Martinez confides in other moms and friends at Camp Phoenix. Consequently, she has adjusted to the every day grind of working on vehicles and keeping an attention to detail with her work.

Martinez said she Skypes and talks to her husband and son at least two to three times each week. On this day, she had received good news.

“He’s been doing great at school. He hasn’t been acting out and is eating better that I expected to him,” she said.

Martinez said her son always asks when his mother is returning home. Her reply: “After your birthday I will be home soon.”

Confiding with one another Spc. April Carr of Reno, though she misses her two children, said her anxiety and

the thought of being hurt during the deployment have disappeared; on the contrary, Carr’s biggest concern is not being home if an accident were to occur there to her children ages 7 and 4.

“My biggest fear is something will happen to them, and I won’t be there,” Carr said.

Carr, 30, has been in the Nevada Army National Guard since 2009 and chose to deploy with the 593rd TC. She made a choice to come to Afghanistan and become a part of the mission. Her faith in the command has also helped her.

“We have a great chain of command, they help out, ask how the family is doing,” she explained. “This deployment is better than I thought it would be. They treat every soldier the same, and the Family Support Group back home is amazing. On the military side, the FSG is there, and our families can fall back on it if needed.”

Carr joined the National Guard three years ago when cutbacks occurred at her civilian job, and she saw her hours dwindle to 20 per week.

“I needed to get back on my feet, and I was told about the National Guard,” she said. “I needed to find something else.”

She attended basic and her advanced trainings and became a transport operator with the 593rd TC. When the company began preparing for its yearlong deployment, she received full-time orders and worked supply, now her current job at Camp Phoenix.

Carr, though, has been on only one convoy.

While in Afghanistan, Carr has replied on her husband and extended family to assist with the two children. Her husband has received help from his mother and sister. Carr said both are amazing women.

“My mother-in-law writes me once a week, telling me the day she spent with them and what they did,” Carr added.

The Guard specialist, though, said she has both good and bad days. She starts thinking of the day when her son lost a tooth or when he began second grade.

“It’s sad I am missing some things,” she added.

When she calls home though, her children always ask Carr when she is coming home. She tries to deflect the question.

“I tell them that we need to avoid those types of conversations because they know it hurts mommy,” Carr said.

When Carr finds herself needing a shoulder to lean on, she confides with Sgt. Rhonda Simmons of Reno, who has three children — a 21-year-old son and two adult stepchildren.

“I see a lot of soldiers the same age as my kids,” Simmons said. “The young soldiers come to see me and talk.”

Although her children are grown, Simmons said she still worries about them, but she is happy they are adults and established. Catching up on the day’s news via email has also helped.

“If they were younger, I would worry more,” Simmons added. “Younger kids don’t communicate as well.”

Consequently, soldiers like Carr and others have developed a strong friendship with Simmons and rely on her sage advice. As the oldest enlisted female in the 593rd TC, she extended her enlistment to deploy to Afghanistan. As a dispatcher, she ensures drivers have the proper licenses, but her job keeps her tied to Camp Phoenix.

“I have accomplished what I want to do ... go on a deployment and serve my country,” she said.

Staff Sgt. Pamela Commins is another mom who talks regularly with Simmons and Carr.

“We share, we definitely talk … we talk a lot,” said Commins. “Sgt. Simmons has a lot of good advice, good insight. The mothers here are about the same age and have the same interests and kids the same age. That helps for reliance.”

Commins is the electronics warfare noncommissioned officer and ensures that all of the electronics on the vehicles that are designed to defeat improvised explosive devices are fully operational. She also works in the communication section working with the radio systems for the 593rd.

Continued on page 18

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Friday, December 14, 2012

HOLIDAY CHEER

The Las Vegas soldier has an 8-year-old child living with the natural father, and a 4-year-old staying with Commins’ current husband. Despite her two children remaining home, Commins said the deployment to Afghanistan, though, always comes first.

“The mission here is to stay busy, day to day. Things go by so fast,” she added.

Commins first joined the active Army when she lived in Georgia. After leaving the Army, she moved to Las Vegas to attend culinary school, wanting to start her own pastry business. Once in Las Vegas, though, Commins wanted to return to military duty so she joined the Nevada Army National Guard almost five years ago, going first to the cavalry regiment then to a

“I am a very involved mom.Not seeing them laugh or smile,I’m missing out on their ventures.I look forward to the weekly Skype calls and letter.”

— STAFF SGT. PAMELA COMMINS Electronics warfare NCO

reception unit. She volunteered to go on the deployment with the 593rd.

Commins is not afraid of her time spent in Afghanistan. Her brother deployed to Iraq and had both a brother-in-law and sister-in-law sent to Afghanistan.

As the holidays approach, Commins said the next few weeks may be more difficult.

“My 4-year-old wondered what mom is doing for a tree.”

Commins smiled.

While describing herself as a very involved mother, Commins said living halfway around the world has been different.

“I am a very involved mom. Not seeing them laugh or smile, I’m missing out on their ventures,” she said.

“I look forward to the weekly Skype calls and letters.”

Yet, that tinge of melancholiness sets in from time to time.

“Last night I thumbed through some old photos on Facebook,” she described. “I was getting a little homesick.”

Steve Ranson / LVN photo

Staff Sgt. Pamela Commins of Las Vegas volunteered for deployment.

Sewing for a little soldier comfort Nevada’s 593rd TC will present quilt to injured serviceman While Nevada guardsmen from the 593rd Transportation Company enjoyed the rest of Thanksgiving playing games or watching a movie on DVD, two soldiers worked on individual blocks for a quilt.

Both Spc. April Carr and Sgt. Rhonda Simmons have worked on this project for weeks now with the goal of creating at least 150 blocks to be sewn into a quilt that will be presented to an injured serviceman here in the country.

“The fabric was donated to us,” Simmons explained. “We decide how to put their fabric and colors together. We then send the pat-

terns to a woman in Oklahoma who will sew them together.”

Soldiers in the 593rd, along with visitors and soldiers from other units, are contributing to this worthwhile effort by helping Carr and Simmons cut and sew at least one block. Each person who creates a block will have his or her name sewn on the particular block.

After lunch, the captain and first sergeant walked with me to the supply office where Carr works. I mentioned to them that both Carr and Simmons wanted me to stop by for a half hour or so, thinking it was to chat about their deployment. Once Capt. Curtis Kolvet and 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder escorted me inside her work area, both smiled and said they would see me later.

Simmons then described the

background of their project and how dedicated they are to make a soldier’s life better.

For an hour, I created my own block, cutting out some patterns and trying to maneuver the sewing machine like my great-grandfather pushing down the gas pedal of a Model T Ford puttering down an old, dusty road. In the end, my stitching passed the ladies’ standards. I conquered the sewing machine and finally completed my block, which Carr and Simmons both gave the thumbs up approval.

During his time spent in Afghanistan, LVN Editor Steve Ranson filed daily dispatches from both Forward Operating Base Shank and Camp Phoenix. This dispatch is part of one filed on Thanksgiving Day.

593rd Transportation Company photos

Top: Sgt. Rhonda Simmons checks out the various patterns, and below, Spc. April Carr, right, shows off LVN Editor Steve Ranson’s block, which he cut and sew on Thanksgiving Day.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

Local soldiers deployed to Afghanistan perform a critical mission for the Nevada Army Guard STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News

F

ORWARD OPERATING BASE, Afghanistan — The Nevada Army National Guard is a snapshot of the Silver State and its people.

Those who serve come from every corner of the Silver State; they are young and old; some were prior active duty but others have only been in the Guard for their entire careers; many have deployed numerous times, and some are tasting deployment for the first time.

Whether they are wearing their civilian attire or donning the uniform, National Guard members bring a community together with their service.

They are everyone’s neighbors.

Serving is a tradition Serving in the military has been a tradition in Sgt. Shawn Smith’s family.

“This is something I have always wanted to do ... it’s an obligation to serve,” said Smith, who lives in Fallon working for CC Communications as a technician troubleshooting fiber optics lines.

Smith grew up in Reno and then Sparks, graduating from Reed High School in 1996. He has lived in Fallon for more than three years.

While this is his first deployment, Smith primarily replaces or repairs the sheet metal on the Chinook CH47D helicopters that the aviation unit flies out of FOB Shank. Smith had been assigned to day shift, but in mid-November, he switched to the nights.

“In essence, I do a lot of aircraft structural work on all helicopters … the Chinooks, the Apaches and so on,” he said. “I replace panels that have been damaged,

and it definitely has been busy here.”

For Smith, though, his mission keeps him in a hangar for most of his shift and he hasn’t been able to fly too many times while in Afghanistan; nevertheless, Smith said the deployment has provided him invaluable experience.

“I have learned a lot from this deployment. There are a lot of challenges and opportunities to do what you want to do,” he said.

Smith said his wife and children had mixed feelings about him leaving on deployment, but for the most part, he said they were “all on on board.”

“That’s part of what we do, that’s part of military life,” he said about deployments.

Continued on the next page

Steve Ranson / LVN photo

Sgt. Shawn Smith inspects the sheet metal on a Chinook helicopter at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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AFGHANISTAN • 17 “This one we knew what we were getting ourselves into.We have done more deliberate types of missions, more general support here. We are supporting a unit that needs aviation.”

— SFC THOMAS ZAREMBA Bravo Company,1/189th GSAB

The aviation company is the only unit Collins has served. She said the unit is cohesive since many of the soldiers have been in aviation for many years. Her goal is to remain in the Guard and with the aviation company.

“I have no intention of getting out,” she said.

Collins, who is single, said she regularly keeps in contact with friends and family. As for returning home, though, Collins envisions taking a long shower. Soldiers at Shank must take combat showers that restrict the time the water can be on.

Second deployment to Afghanistan

training year.

Brockman first enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard’s 163rd Armor Cavalry unit n 1984 and later transferred to Nevada.

“My service has been all Guard. I got in because of the brotherhood,” Brockman said. “The guys there talked me into joining, but they are gone (retired) now.”

On the civilian side, Brockman is employed as a packaging mechanic by Ralston Foods in Sparks. He and wife have nine children, three of whom are still in school and the others, he said, have moved on and married. They have one son in the Army who is stationed in the Republic of Korea.

Brockman said his son has also deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

A well-oiled Army relies on its people Cates keeps soldiers’ palates wet During the past 10 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Roland Cates has acquired a wealth-of-knowledge from being in two companies.

He drilled with the 485th Military Police Company when it came to Fallon in 2007, and when the unit located to Reno, Cates did, too. Cates, though, then transferred to the 593rd Transportation Company and was assigned to a truck platoon.

Cates served in the active Army from 1979-1992, but after a 15-year break, he joined the National Guard. During the 15years in the Army, Cates never deployed in support of either Desert Shield or Desert Storm in 1990-91.

“I have 18 years total service and close to retirement, but I may re-enlist,” Cates said from Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan.

Cates previously lived in Winnemucca where he drove an 18-wheeler, but he said the family decided to move to Fallon in the late 1990s.

Cates is the unit’s Class 1 manager, responsible for supporting the Kabul base clusters with about 10,000 military and civilians with Meals Ready to Eats (MREs), water and Gatorade.

Because of the lack of good drinking water sources in Afghanistan, Cates said the military must fly in thousands of bottles of purified water. Soldiers use the MREs when they are in the field or away from the bases on convoys.

“It’s a good deployment, but this is not the job I thought I would have,” he said “This is a very time-consuming position with very little time off.”

Before the unit leaves the country in the spring, Cates said he would like to be a passenger on a convoy during a daytime operations so that he “can see the country.”

A father of 10, Cates said he and his wife still have two-teenagers, ages 13 and 14 respectively, living at home. Three of their children are following in their father’s footsteps. Cates said a daughter is in the process of enlisting in the Army, while one son serves in the Special Forces and the other is an engineer at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.

Collins keeps tabs on soldiers

Keeping the choppers flying Although the majority of soldiers assigned to the 189th deployed to Shank, Kevin Malone found himself at Kandahar, assigned as a maintenance platoon sergeant.

“It’s going well, we’re flying a lot,” he said, speaking in a phone interview. “The Chinooks have been here for awhile, and we’re trying to keep the old things flying.”

Malone, who lives in Washoe Valley, commutes 180 miles round trip to Naval Air Station Fallon where he is a civilian employee for Sikorsky at VFC 13.

This deployment marks the second one to Kandahar for Malone, who joined the Nevada Army National Guard in 1996. Before that, he served on active duty in the U.S. Marines

for eight years. Malone said he was surprised at the growth at Kandahar when he arrived at the sprawling installation in the spring.

“Kandahar has grown 20 times,” he said in disbelief. “This base is huge, a big installation.”

More than 30,000 military personnel and civilian contractors now call KAF their temporary home. During the first deployment, Malone’s billet was two blocks from where he worked. Now, soldiers must hop on a bus and take a 30-to 45-minute trip across the base to the airfield.

Malone said he has enjoyed the deployment but also said he is looking forward to leaving Afghanistan and returning home

early next year.

Brockman says Iraq more dangerous Staff Sgt. Wes Brockman loved the wide open highways of Iraq when he first deployed six years ago with the 593rd Transportation Company; however, he considered Iraq to be a more dangerous land before the Army implemented its surge of additional troops.

“In Iraq, we were more into long-haul transportation, sometimes going two and three days,” he said.

Now deployed to Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, the Fernley resident said the mission has changed to more short-trip

routes to provide convoy security and operations within the Kabul district. He is a convoy commander with the 1st Platoon.

“I’m not involved with logistics as much,”

said Brockman, who has 19 “good” years in the National Guard.

A good year is when a soldier accumulates a minimum number of points within the

Sgt. Robyn Collins grew up in Sparks but now considers Fernley home.

Collins has been in the Nevada Army National Guard for 10 years. She attended Reed High School and Truckee Meadows Community College before receiving a degree in geology from the University of Nevada, Reno. She would like to return to the university and pursue a degree in nursing.

For Collins, though, this is her second deployment to Afghanistan with the aviation unit. She spent 2005-06 at Kandahar Air Field as an aircraft refueler, and during the current deployment at FOB Shank. Collins deals with personnel and human resources issues.

Collins only sees a slight difference between her two deployments, that being her job; however, the physical environment remains the same.

“I like the fact it looks like Nevada,” she said of Afghanistan with its high desert valleys and tall mountain peaks. “I still see the mountains and enjoy the desert climate.”

With the 189th being deployed to FOB Shank, Collins considers the base at the fringe of the war and doesn’t fret about the company’s mission.

“It is what it is,” she said. “It’s here where we are needed. We’re all here to do a job and do it successfully. We all wear the same name tag, all here for the same purpose.”

Another Fernley resident is Staff Sgt. Thomas Zaremba, who moved to Nevada from Idaho.

It was Zaremba’s first deployment to Afghanistan in 2005 that he liked what he saw with the Nevada Army National Guard and its aviation program. When the aviation unit deployed seven years ago, the company consisted of soldiers from both Nevada and Oregon. After leaving the Army after 12 years of active duty, Zaremba, moved west and later joined the Oregon National Guard after a divorce.

“I like the people … ‘backseaters’ and pilots,” Zaremba said of the Silver State guardsmen.

Additionally, the aviation unit hired Zaremba as a full-time mechanic when the unit returned to Nevada.

Zaremba said the two deployments for him are completely different.

“The first one we came was to the unknown,” Zaremba recollects. “This one we knew what we were getting ourselves into.

We have done more deliberate types of missions, more general support here. We are supporting a unit that needs aviation.”

The 189th’s higher command is the 101st Combat Aviation Battalion from Fort Campbell, Ky. Coincidentally, during his active duty days, Zaremba spent time with the 101st Aviation Brigade.

Top row, from left — Staff Sgt. Roland Cates, left, of Fallon, and Spc. Jonathan Perry of Las Vegas operate the Class 1 supplies at Camp Phoenix. Sgt. Robyn Collins of Fernley takes care of soldiers’ personnel records and award recommendations as Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion’s human resource sergeant. Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Zaremba of Fernley prepares for a flight on a Chinook helicopter as one of the side gunners.

Steve Ranson / LVN photos

Bottom row, from left — Wes Brockman of Fernley, who has deployed twice, serves as a convoy commander at Camp Phoenix.

Steve Ranson / LVN photo

Sgt. First Class Epifanio Rodarte of Fernley is a flight engineer for the aviation company at FOB Shank.

Photo courtesy of the 189th GSAB

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As for flying, Zaremba said he loves his job as flight engineer since the flight crew conducts upward to five to six missions each week. He considers the flying safer during this deployment because the helicopters are flying at a much higher altitude to avoid any type of enemy fire.

Overall, Zaremba said he is very satisfied with the deployment although his parents in Idaho worry.

The deployment to Afghanistan has provided DeSottell with the leadership experience he was seeking; however, he said traveling overseas tends to be harder on the soldier and his family.

“With the newer technology, I have been able to communicate with my wife and children,” he said.

This isn’t DeSottell’s first overseas deployment; when he was on active duly with the Army, he deployed to Somalia in 1993.

Experience where it counts Pilots consider Sgt. First Class Epifanio Rodarte of Fernley as one of the most experienced flight engineers in the company.

A 1995 Fernley High School graduate, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps the same year he received his diploma. While assigned to Camp Pendleton, Rodarte said he learned about the National Guard and thought he would like to join after his active duty commitment ended.

In 2002, the opportunity to enlist in the Nevada Army National Guard came true for Rodarte, and he wanted to serve in the aviation company.

“It was curiosity,” he explained. “I have been in aviation ever since.

As with many longtime pilots and crew, this is Rodarte’s second deployment to Afghanistan. As a flight engineer, he ensures the proper loading of the Chinook from the cockpit to the end of the ramp.

“It’s enjoyable here, but back home we have an array of missions such as firefighting, training flights, flying to Vegas in support of Guard units there,” he added.

Rodarte said he expected life at FOB Shank to be less than ideal, but he was pleasantly surprised once the unit arrived in the high desert valley of 6,600 feet.

“It’s almost identical to Nevada. You go east, and it’s like western Nevada, barren mountains and then some with a bunch of trees.”

Rodarte said his family is used to the deployments and his time away from them as a full-time soldier with the Guard.

What has Rodarte missed the most since being deployed?

“I was one of the coaches on my son’s football team. They advanced to the playoffs,” He said. “Our team is like a family because we have been together for five years.”

Different deployment, new job After completing his final tour as an active duty soldier in the Army, Sgt. David Morris returned to Nevada and loved what his parents did.

They bought five acres in the Silver Springs area to escape the maddening crowd of Reno. Not only do his parents have a house on the property, Morris decided to build a house there as well.

Morris currently commutes to his truck driving job with the Nevada Department of Transportation in Battle Mountain, but he hopes he can transfer to an NDOT facility closer to home.

Morris, who graduated from Hug High School in Reno in 1995, enlisted in the Army and eventually served overseas tours in Germany and the Republic of Korea.

“Then 9/11 happened,” Morris explained. “After leaving Korea (and the Army), I enlisted in the National Guard in Nevada and became a tanker.”

Morris began drilling at the Yerington armory, which, at the time, was an Abrahms tank company. The unit, along with the main body from Las Vegas, deployed to Fort Irwin’s National Training Center from 2004-2006.

Once he returned to Nevada, Morris transferred to the 593rd Transportation Company, which deployed to Iraq in 2006, and later he served another deployment to Iraq, this time with the 1864th Transportation Company from 2008-2010.

“I ran missions all over Iraq,” he said.

“Our unit logged more than 2.5 million miles.

While in Iraq, Morris was a truck commander, but his main job was that of a radio transmission operator.

During his current deployment with the 593rd TC to Afghanistan, Morris is assigned to the higher headquarters at Bagram Air Field north of Kabul. Morris said he is responsible for taking in equipment, coordinate arrivals and departure of personnel, some who have taken emergency or medical leave.

At least once or twice a a month — sometimes more — he hops on a short helicopter flight from Bagram to Camp Phoenix to meet with the 593rd’s 1st Sgt. Harry Schroeder.

“I needed more experience in leadership,and this assignment afforded me the opportunity to teach mechanics.”

— STAFF SGT. CHRIS DESOTTELL 593rdTC Camp Phoenix

Volunteered for mission

Gaining more leadership experience Staff Sgt. Chris DeSottell thought he would deploy to Afghanistan as a soldier in the 150th Maintenance Company.

The 1991 Dayton graduate, who has lived in Stagecoach for several decades, transferred to the 593rd Transportation Company 11 months ago to become the unit’s quality assurance noncommissioned officer.

“I wanted to transfer for deployment experience,” he explained from the company’s motor pool. “I needed more experience in leadership, and this assignment afforded me the opportunity to teach mechanics.”

As a quality assurance NCO, DeSottell and those soldiers who work with him ensure the mine resistant vehicles do not have mechanical flaws and are roadworthy.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Steve Ranson / LVN photos

Top: Staff Sgt. Chris DeSottell of Stagecoach serves as a quality assurance noncommissioned officer at Camp Phoenix for the 593rd Transportation Company. Middle: Capt. Curtis Kolvet, left, wishes Sgt. Dave Morris of Silver Springs a good helicopter trip from Camp Phoenix to Bagram Air Field. Right: Spc. Matthew Weakland of Fernley is the supply clerk for the aviation company at FOB Shank.

Spc. Matthew Weakland volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan. The 2004 Fernley graduate joined the Nevada Army National Guard and was assigned to the 150th Maintenance Company in Carson City.

“My mom didn’t want me to come, but she supports me,” he said.

He has served as a supply sergeant with the 150th and is doing the same job with the aviation company at Shank. This is his first deployment.

Before deploying Weakland said expected his time at Shank would be difficult.

“I thought the living conditions would be worse, but they are not,” he said.

In addition to his primary job, Weakland said he has been able to fly as a passenger on one of the Chinooks to Bagram Air Field, a short flight from Shank.

When Weakland returns to Fernley, the guardsman said he will work as an auto mechanic.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

A country’s rugged beauty hides its inner conflicts STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News

B

efore the tragic events on Sept. 11, 2001, occurred, Americans only knew of Afghanistan from what the media reported on the Soviet occupation. To many Nevadans who have traveled to Afghanistan on military deployment, the country reminds them of the Silver State.

After two trips to Afghanistan, I would concur.

Flying over the country a year ago, I saw the dry creek beds and lack of vegetation in the high desert region of Kandahar and then Logar provinces en route to Kabul. Later, I flew into Bagram Air Field, which is north of Kabul, and the mountains surrounding the huge base would remind any Nevadan of Reno.

Said one soldier, “Snow-capped mountains surround Bagram much like the Sierra Mountains and Virginia Range encircle Reno.”

1st Lt. Glen Rigdon, who grew up in Douglas County and has a sister living in Fallon, added his assessment: “Geographically Nevada is very similar to Afghanistan. In fact this is where chukar originate from. I laugh every time our commander jokes that we are not really in Afghanistan, but we're secretly transported to a remote base near Area 51.”

While in Afghanistan in November, the mountains sur-

rounding Forward Operating Base Shank, which lies in a high desert valley south of Kabul, rise more than 10,000 feet in some places. After one storm that dropped rain in the valley but snow in the mountains, Nevada Army National Guard pilots Dan Walters and Vania Apodaca received a mission to ferry equipment from one base to another, and the route took us near the mountains.

The awe-aspiring scenes caused everyone in the Chinook helicopter to take photos of the cloud-shrouded mountain peaks and later the valleys below. The one scene depicted above of a jagged mountain peak east of Shank became my favorite photo. The snow and clouds tell of the ruggedness of a county most of us know very little about except for what we see in the news or hear from fellow Nevadans.

When asked by friends what the general landscape looks like, though, I tell them it looks much like central Nevada with roads that wind like a snake over the parched land and where buildings are miles apart from each other. In August, I travelled to the Rawhide mine east of Fallon, and it’s eerie how the brown desert south of U.S. Highway 50 reminds me of what I saw from the air.

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AFGHANISTAN • 17

Top row, from left. Sundown approaches Forward Operating Base Shank after the Nevada Army National Guard Chinooks completed a mission over Logar Province. Snow-capped mountains surround Bagram Air Field, reminding many people of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Virginia Range that surround Reno. Water is a scare resource in most of Afghanistan. Bottom, left: Several small puddles are all that remain behind a dam between Kabul and Shank. Right: Tall concrete walls encircle most rural homes in the provinces.

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Desert sandstorm FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHANK — The perfect November weather at Shank ended abruptly when a fast moving front brought strong winds, blowing dust and a touch of rain to the parched valley.

The wind reduced visibility to near zero at Forward Operating Base Shank, causing some flight delays and cancellations.

Remember photos of the wind whipping the sand up in Iraq or reports from earlier this year of the wind sweeping across U.S. Highway 50 that closed the road between Silver Springs and Dayton?

The weather here is similar to Nevada’s. If you don’t like the weather now, wait 15 minutes. Although the ceiling lifted, Shank still experienced some light rain.

The dust storm, though, was wicked, causing figures to be nothing more than silhouettes. The weekend weather showed the front quickly moving on, and warmer temps and partly cloudy skies returned.

Top left: Smog from Kabul’s many stoves fills the city’s skies on a Sunday morning in mid-November. Kabul, the nation’s capital, is home to almost 5 million people, many of whom have fled the country and headed to where the jobs are. Center, left: Outside of Camp Phoenix is one of the major highways connecting Afghanistan to Pakistan. Many shops and vendors can be found on this four-lane highway. Above: With the gradual drawdown of troops from the Kabul region, the military plans to centralize operations and expand Camp Phoenix, which lies near the Kabul International Airport and central Kabul.

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Friday, December 28, 2012

MISSION TO AFGHANISTAN

FINAL THOUGHTS

His daily dispatches and new reflections from a war zone give LVN’s editor an appreciation of the sacrifices soldiers make in combat STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVE RANSON / Lahontan Valley News

Those who have ever seen a fallen soldier’s table know it symbolizes a missing serviceman or woman or a prisoner of war, or it can be a reminder to honor those who died in combat.

Americans are ever mindful of the sacrifices others have made before them. At the main dining facility at Forward Operating Base Shank, photos of military personnel who died in the line of duty hang on both sides of a wall, overlooking the corridor from the main door to the dining room. The person’s name and a short description of the individual’s sacrifice accompanies the framed photo.

Once soldiers and contractors reach the dining room, they see an empty table with place settings for each branch of the service; likewise, at the main dining facility at Camp Phoenix near Kabul, a single setting remains unoccupied. On every wall in

both large rooms of the cafeteria hang photos of servicemen and women who have died in Afghanistan. Each has a story to tell and a sacrifice for each of us to remember.

Stopping to read the explanation of the soldier’s table evokes a solemn response, a reflective time to think of our own mortality, especially in a war zone.

Sgt. 1st Class Dionne Miller, the NCOIC (noncommissioned officer in charge) of the dining facility at FOB Shank, told me of the importance of the soldier’s table and the thoughts it evokes from her. She is a very graceful woman — as is her staff — in allowing me to write about such important part of military tradition. For Miller, though, the table is a sacred reminder of those who served and gave unwillingly of themselves.

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AFGHANISTAN • 19

A subtle reminder of war’s human toll can also be spotted at the bottom of the crew assignment board at Bravo Company, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion’s command post.

Flying missions over Afghanistan is risky business, and the risks involved resulted in 30 deaths in August 2011 when insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter near FOB Shank. The majority of those killed were Navy SEALs, while five crew members perished along with three airmen who were on the flight.

The CH-47D and its Army crew members included Chief Warrant Officer David R. Carter, Chief Warrant Officer Bryan J. Nichols, Staff Sgt. Patrick D. Hamburger, Sgt. Alexander J. Bennett and Spc. Spencer C. Duncan.

The young faces of deployment The face of war shows the youthfulness of a new generation.

Although many veterans have already served two or three deployments, others are experiencing their first overseas duty. I saw their youthful faces when visiting the USS John C. Stennis and Kandahar Air Field in 2011 and now I see it again at Forward Operating Base Shank and Camp Phoenix.

When I was in my 20s, I was entering my profession and trying to establish myself. I had responsibilities, but not the responsibilities our young sailors and soldiers perform day after day. During my time at Phoenix, I talked with young mothers who miss their children, yet they are focused on the mission for the 593rd Transportation Company.

One such mother is Angela Palmer of Reno, who spoke fondly of her 7-year-old child, yet she knows her husband is taking excellent care of their daughter.

“She sends me artwork every week, and I post it by my bed,” Palmer said, as we sat in the unit’s patio area discussing her deployment.

Then, there’s Paul Gardner of Winnemucca, who graduated from high school in 2003.

As a full-time soldier for the Nevada Army National Guard, he serves as the training NCO (noncommissioned officer) in Winnemucca, but in Afghanistan, he is responsible for every soldier’s administrative record.

“For a career, this definitely helps out a lot,” he said, while we walked to various areas of the base.

Brandon Ortiz recently celebrated his 21st birthday, yet the Reno resident is turning wrenches as a mechanic. He, too, looks at his time in this war-torn country as a stepping stone to help develop a career once he

Each generation wonders what the next will bring, but based on the many young men and women with whom I have interviewed this year at Shank and Phoenix, I feel proud they are serving their country as soldiers in a land half-way around the world.

A rare hour of entertainment returns home.

The wide ranges of Nevada is where David “Chase” Iveson calls home. Living the life is a young man who currently lives in Starr Valley, a beautiful area of Northern Nevada that hugs the Ruby Mountain foothills between Wells and Elko. Barely in his 20s, Iveson works on a ranch, but here he serves as gunner on convoys. We have been able to share some stories of people we both know in Wells and Starr Valley since I lived in the region during the late 1970s, early 1980s.

He served as my gunner when I travelled into Kabul in an armed convoy.

In nearby Elko, the Greener brothers, both in their 20s, have “each other’s back” in Afghanistan. Dustin, 20, and Chris, 23, are

The Fallen Soldier’s Table Those who have served and those currently serving the uniformed services of the United States are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personnel sacrifice.

They are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain and internment.

serving their first overseas deployment. Chris said they don’t see each other, but they have faith in each other to do their jobs and to be focused on the mission.

Jessica Weaver now lives in Reno, but she graduated from Douglas High School in 2008. She depends on her network of friends with the 593rd and looks up to the older soldiers for their advice.

While at FOB Shank, I also talked with another set of brothers who both knew my sons at Churchill County High School. Bobby Graves and Jeffrey Fiske represent a new 20s generation that is making a big impact on their unit’s missions. They both told me they worry about each other, but they know the mission comes first.

To pass time, most soldiers watch DVDs, listen to music or surf the Web. A bouquet of country music, however, bloomed on Afghanistan’s high desert as five country music artists performed a variety of popular songs from that genre.

For an hour at FOB Shank, Armed Forces Entertainment presented its “Nashville to You Tour” to several hundred soldiers.

The country music songwriters from the Nashville area performed for about an hour at the base’s gym and presented many recognizable hits. The musicians — spokesman Keni Thomas, Billy Montana, Hillary Lindsey, Ray Scott and Troy Verges — sung songs that have been aired on radio and performed on many television shows including American

Idol.

Montana, for example, wrote a song that became a No. 1 hit for Garth Brooks, called “More Than A Memory,” while Lindsey performed the song “Coming Home” from the movie “County Strong.” Carrie Underwood has taken five of Lindsey’s songs and turned them into No. 1 hits.

The musicians flew from Tennessee to Kuwait and then into Bagram. From there, the Army shuttled the musicians to two FOBs each day aboard a helicopter.

Before he began singing, Verges honored the soldiers.

“This is amazing to be here and thank you in person,” he said.

For Thomas, visiting the troop rekindled some memories. He spent seven years in the Army assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment and received the Bronze Star for valor.

“This was a chance to come out here and do some tours,” he said.

Welcome to the Hotel California A community newspaper war correspon-

dent traveling in Afghanistan on his savings account doesn’t enjoy the finer accommodations and nightlife of Kabul like journalists do from the major publications or television networks.

Unfortunately, I have missed the fun and excitement that usually occurs behind closed doors at those five-star hotels with armed guards flexing their trigger fingers and patrons twirling to their native dances.

If I were embedded with an Army division, perhaps I could have slept in a warmer, softer bed. But I didn’t. I opted to be as close to the troops as I could ... not to the flagpole.

Bunking down with the troops has been my calling card during my two trips to Afghanistan to embed with Nevada Army National Guard units. Each stay has been unique in its own way. Shower facilities remind me of gym class, but in a war zone, water is restricted. Combat showers are the norm at Forward Operating Base Shank. Turn water on, turn water off. lather. Turn water on and rinse. At Bagram, guests and permanent personnel are advised to take a quick 3-to 5-

minute shower, while Camp Phoenix at Kabul had no time limit, but that combat shower mentality still remained.

When I arrived at Kandahar Airfield last year, Capt. Frank Sarratt, executive officer of the 315th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, processed my information, made a media badge for me to wear around the base and gave me the combination to my room’s padlock. The KAF or Regional Command-South Media Center is a two-story building with offices on the top floor and living accommodations on the bottom. Each room has two bunk beds with shower and toilet facilities around the corner. The journalist hauls his own equipment, and for me that included a duffel bag and backpack stuffed with cameras, lenses and a laptop computer.

Sarratt, though, shared a story of a big city, East Coast newspaper reporter who arrived at the Media Center a short time before me.

The reporter from one of the largest daily newspapers in the U.S. left his bags at the bottom of the stairs and told Sarratt to have someone carry the bags and place them in his, the reporter’s, room.

The bags stayed at the bottom of the stairs, collecting Afghan dust. Both Sarratt and I shared a laugh at the reporter’s misconception of room service and bellhops.

For the first few days I thumbed a ride to Camp Mercury on the other side of KAF, a good 20 minutes away, to spend time with Nevada’s 422nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion that arrived in country earlier in the year; however, Army ingenuity took over; my media escort found me a room within the 422nd compound, and I transferred my belongings from the Media Center to the other side of the sprawling base to finish my embed.

The accommodations at KAF, though, put “tent city” to shame at Kabul International Airport’s military side. Journalists, contractors and transient troops stayed in a dimly lit tent with 20 bunk beds and inadequate heating.

This year’s accommodations have been good and comfortable. At Forward Operating Base Shank, most deployed guardsmen sleep in large tents separated into six rooms. I occupied a vacant room in one of the tents nearest the showers. A plain room with a wardrobe and bunk bed characterized my temporary accommodations, the last room before the back door. A small lamp provided some light.

At Camp Phoenix, my room was located in a small metal building near the dining facility and midway between the command post for the 593rd Transportation Company and quarters for the unit’s soldiers. The room had as much room as a jail cell with a bed and wardrobe occupying 75 percent of the space.

The heat fluctuated ... at times I felt as though I had traveled to the Alaskan frontier, while at other times, the room’s temperature made me feel at home in a sauna.

My first and final stop in Afghanistan this year brought me to the Bagram Media Center’s Hotel California. Because of gifts sent from people in the United States, the 115th MPAD (Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) from Oregon fixed up the rooms, added a small refrigerator and brought in flat-screen televisions. Additionally, a Keurig single-cup coffee maker with stocked with scores of coffee packs came in handy for that first cup of java early in the morning.

Maj. James Miller’s staff provided a comfortable slice of home here at BAF. The paint scheme in my room was wild with two walls painted fire engine red and the other two walls sky blue. At the end of the hall are a coffee pot, snacks and extra toiletries. If I became cold during a November night in Bagram, I could can find additional blankets stacked in a closet near the entrance and adjacent to my room, or I could plug in a space heater.

I slept like a baby during my final night at the Hotel California ... “You can check out any time you like .. but you can never leave.”

Necessities and gifts Servicemen rely on the post exchange for daily items in life such as shaving cream, soap, extra towels and so forth. Others buy cans of energy drinks.

Each base I visited in Afghanistan has a post exchange and a few shops, something to give the troops a taste of home.

The single red rose in the vase, signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America.

This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.

The yellow ribbon on the vase represents the yellow ribbons worn on the lapels of the thousands who demand with unyielding determination a proper accounting of our comrades who are not among us tonight.

A slice of lemon on the napkin reminds us of their bitter fate.

Before we begin our activities this evening, we will pause to recognize our POWs and MIAs. We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor near the head table, It is set for one symbolizing the fact that members of our armed forces are missing from our ranks, they are refereed to as POW’s and MIAs.

The salt sprinkled on the plate reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.

The glass is inverted - they cannot toast with us this night, The chair is empty-they are not here.

We call them comrades, They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join together to pay humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence.

The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home from their captors, to the open arms of a grateful nation.

This table, set for one, is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressors.

Let us pray to the supreme commander that all our comrades will be back within our ranks.

The tablecloth is white, the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.

Let us remember and never forget their sacrifices.

May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.

Left and above: Rooms for visiting journalists in a war zone are modest, to say the least, unless newspaper and television reporters opt to stay at Kabul in a $200-$300 a night room in the middle of the city. As for me, give me a mattress and a pillow and a good host, hallmarks of good service at the Hotel California at Bagram Air Field. Most journalists carry their own sleeping bags and pillows, but the accommodations at the Hotel California have improved with additional bedding and a Keurik coffee maker. Top row, from left: David “Chance” Iveson is one of many youthful faces of war. Young soldiers in their late teens and early 20s are on the war’s edge, ready for any danger that comes their way. “A Nashville to You” tour played at FOB Shank with musician-songwriters, from left, Ray Scott, Hillary Lindsey and Keni Thomas, a former Army ranger.

20 •

AFGHANISTAN

At Bagram, several bazaars, one on each end of Disney Way, sells everything from jewelry to clothing to souvenirs of Afghanistan.

Last year on the Boardwalk at Kandahar Air Field, bought handcrafted leather items to bring home.

Likewise, at Camp Phoenix, a small area set aside for shops practically sells the same thing. Near each post exchange, vendors hawk not only the aforementioned items, but they also sell Afghan-made rugs — some that show the rich texture of the handiwork — and others that show a map of the country with each province stitched in a different color. Others specialize in DVDs and CDs. At FOB Shank, a rocket propelled grenade destroyed several vendors’ buildings on the southside of the base, causing some to relocate and others to shutter their businesses.

Other vendors remained open with their shops near the dining facility including Mike’s Airborne Store and Sham’s Walmart, two stores selling almost the same items such as jewelry, clothes, bags,rugs, military patches and leather jackets.

The young merchant who says his name is Sham claims he has a small franchise of Sham’s Walmart at the various bases, but that cannot be verified. Sham, though for being a young man, is a good hustler trying to make a sale.

Veterans Day overseas Flying into Bagram Air Field made passengers temporarily forget the war on terror in Afghanistan. The jet’s banking tight turns near the mountains almost allowed the passengers to reach out the windows and pat the layer of snow on the tallest peaks.

Upon our landing at the massive air field north of Kabul, however, jarred any fleeting thoughts of nature’s beauty overtaking the sights and sounds of war because of the constant roar of jet engines and the whirl of helicopter blades.

For those serving in the military, Veterans Day was another day here at Bagram. No parades, no special breakfasts or lunches to remind them of their special occasion, Veterans Day. Yet, for me, coming to Bagram made the war come closer to home. While 99 percent of those deployed to Bagram have no idea of the meaning behind the naming of Disney Drive, the air field’s main drag has signs strategically placed to tell the story of Fallon’s Jason Disney, who became one of the Afghanistan war’s first casualties. I had learned of this honor last year when I stayed at Bagram

lahontanvalleynews.com

Friday, December 28, 2012 shipped off to Europe and how she coped when he became a prisoner of war. Their love has endured over all these years since they said their vows almost 75 years ago.

Five years ago when a restored B-17 appeared at the Reno Air Show, I learned of Cecil’s time spent on the Flying Fortress. Now in his late 90s, Cecil’s mind was still vivid in describing the details of his 14 bombing missions over Germany. On the 14th, though, the Germans shot down Cecil’s plane, thus forcing the crew to parachute into the countryside. Eventually, the Germans rounded up the crew including Cecil, and they spent the final 15 months as POWs. Or the late Argus “Gus” Forbus, who passed away earlier this year. His son James provided me with a manuscript that he and his father had put together, telling about Gus’ time spent in the U.S. Marine Corps and the different battles in which he fought.

Or Al Pierre, who joined the Navy in 1943 when he was 18. He initially spent time aboard three ships including an LSM (landing ship medium-transport). Shipmates, like others who have served in any branch of the military, joined their Navy brothers in Fallon in 2010 when the Western State Chapter of the USS LSM/LSMR Association met for its annual reunion.

Sharing memories makes these reunions special.

From that World War II generation to the generation of men and women who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, stories still abound including how former Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center commander Vice Adm. Mark Fox was one of the first Navy aviators to fly over Baghdad in January 1991 when the United States began bombing the Iraqi capital to force the Saddam Hussein regime to pull out of Kuwait.

Or the stories came from the hundreds of our local men and women representing all branches of the service, especially from Naval Air Station Fallon, who all have stories stemming their service.

Thank you veterans — young and old — and thank you to the thousands who posted on social media their support for our veterans.

Coming home ... leaving?

A young Afghan man named Sham operates his own “good values” business that sells an array of items at FOB Shank. before heading to another camp to visit the 485 Military Police Company.

It was humbling to tell his story to those who are currently in Bagram.

Veterans Day, though, has a special meaning for a special fellowship of men and women who have served or are currently donning the uniform to defend our freedom and way of life. Military men and women put in long hours for modest pay and, and on many occasions, are away from family on birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. It was for that exact reason, however, that I was with a Nevada Guard unit on Thanksgiving to hear our soldiers sharing their thoughts on being separated from their loved ones on such a special holiday.

Furthermore, it doesn’t make a difference if our veterans have been in a war zone on multiple tours or one because dangers face them every day, and ‚ as I previously said — the enemy doesn’t take a day off.

Veterans Day had passed in Afghanistan but was being honored at home,Residents in any community should take time to know veterans better by hearing their stories of duty and sacrifice.

Being a journalist has given me that opportunity to know some of our Fallon veterans better, and especially those who fought during World War II. Sadly, this is a generation of military men and women that is slowly disappearing and without many of us knowing the sacrifices they made.

Cecil Quinley’s exploits during the second

world war became one of my most enriching interviews. It was equally interesting to have his wife, Margaret, involved with the story telling because she shared their love story of how she missed her husband after he

By mid-spring, both the aviation and transportation companies will be back home, but other units are deploying later in the year, one to Afghanistan and the other to Kuwait.

One unit has informally extended an invitation for me to stay with them as they travel overseas. The invitation is very enticing. For me, it’s another chance to tell new stories of Nevada soldiers and airmen in harm’s way. It doesn’t take long for me to pack my bags.

A patriotic passion of love

On most flights on board a Chinook helicopter, Nevada and Montana crews such as Sgt. Rob Mahr hang up U.S. flags inside the aircraft; afterward, the unit produces a certificate of authentication the flag was flown, and then the flag and certificate are sent to those individuals who supported the aviation company.