A Quarterly Newsletter Published by Indiana Guardsmen for Retired Guardsmen Issue Number 64
Retired Guardian
3rd Quarter 2011
The Retired Guardian
The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger
Down Range
Photo courtesy of 3-19th ADT
Staff Sgt. Mary Receveur holds an Afghan child on patrol. Receveur is forward with the Indiana National Guard’s 3-19th Agribusiness Development Team.
News gathering, layout and design by Sgt. John Crosby Tel: 317-247-3300 ext. 4084 email: dock.crosby@us.army.mil crosby_photography@yahoo.com Charlie Dawson, the former state protocol officer and editor of this publicatrion, has retired after an astounding 60 years of service to this nation, leaving me in charge of this customary newsletter. His are big shoes to fill and I will appreciate any and all feedback from the Guard community; comments, suggestions, critiques. Please direct this input via email to: retiredguardian@gmail.com or Joint Forces Headquarters - Indiana ATTN: Retired Guardian/ 2002 South Holt Road Indianapolis, IN 46241-4839 On the Cover: National Guard IndyCar rookie driver JR Hildebrand exceeds speeds of 225 mph finishing in second at the Indianapolis 500. Photo by Sgt. John Crosby
2
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
Guard Car places second at 500 Fateful crash finish shows rookies’ true colors off track Story by Sgt. John Crosby 120th Public Affairs Detachment
INDIANAPOLIS – The National Guard’s new 23-year-old, rookie IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand made his mark in racing history at the Indianapolis 500 Centennial celebration race May 29, 2011. The No. 4 car driver was in first place on the final lap of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” his first ever Indy 500 start, until crashing into the wall on the final turn of the race trying to pass a slower car. He rolled across the finish line, pedal to the medal on three tires to finish second. “It came down to a split-second decision,” Hildebrand said. “Am I going to go for it here and go around and try to make this work on the high side, or am I going to risk slowing down significantly into a corner to stay behind the 83 (Charlie Kimball), who was trying to get out of the way as much as possible?” Hildebrand passed on the high side, lost control of the car and the rest is history. He was the lead driver three times during the race, but
The National Guard IndyCar limps across the finish line on three tires clinching second place Photo Courtesy JR Hildebrand Racing Facebook
off-track performance was praised by Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger. “JR displayed maturity well beyond his years,” said Umbarger. “A crash and a second-place conclusion would have sent most down a path of outrage and visible frustration. Yet, here was a rookie who came within seconds of crossing the finish line first at this venerated track displaying a kind of sportsmanlike conduct that is noteworthy because it is so rare.” A reporter interviewed Hildebrand immediately after the race. “You seem remarkably composed Photo by Sgt. John Crosby for someone who lost the Indy 500 A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flies over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to by crashing on the last corner. It begin the day’s events at the 2011 Indy must be churning you up.” 500 Centennial, May 29, 2011. “This is not really about me at this point,” Hildebrand said. “It’s ultimately lost to Dan Wheldon on really more about the people, for the 799th turn of 800. Wheldon took me, at least. This team has worked home more than $2.5 million while so hard. I certainly wasn’t planning Hildebrand and Panther Racing won my victory speech, but being here around $1 million. Memorial Day weekend, driving the After such a narrow defeat, his National Guard car with so many 3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
3
JR Hildebrand approaches the stage during prerace ceremonies at the Indy 500
Photo by Sgt. John Crosby Photo by Sgt. John Crosby
servicemen and women out here for National Guard IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand visits with Indiana Adjutant this weekend … it’s really a treat to General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger after finishing second place in the be a part of that. It would have been 2011 Indianapolis 500, May 29. outstanding feat to get up on top step of the podium for them, as well.” Watching from the stands, Umbarger, his entourage, Racing had a strong support section as more than 1,000 family and friends cheered for the rookie’s performance servicemembers participated in pre-race activities inas much on the track as off. Umbarger also recognized cluding a joint color guard, joint formations marching Panther Racing owner John Barnes for his grace in de- the track and a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flyover. The feat. U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Chi“As the team owner, John Barnes never lost arelli addressed the more than 350,000 race his temper, leveled blame or reached for his fans present at the track and the millions racing rulebook,” he said. “They provided watching at home with an opening speech us with a perfect example of how one to kick off the race. defeat does not dimin“The Indy racing comish a person’s character. munity is incredibly They presented us with proud, patriotic and reevidence that accountabilmarkably supportive of the ity is a fundamental material men and women of this great in a person’s moral fiber. He showed nation. Our nation has been at war now us that winning has a much broader definition than for nearly a decade, the longest period of conflict most of us realize. To some, he placed second. To many in our history. Over 6,000 men and women have died, of us, he won.” and how well we remember them. We also recall all that Even the winning Wheldon team owner Bryan Herta they and their comrades have accomplished. recognized Hildebrand for his sportsmanship. “Today, America’s military is the greatest in all the “You’re not going to be defined by the result, you’re world,” to which fans roared in applause. going to be defined by the way you handled it.” “There is no doubt the incredible tireless efforts of This was the National Guard’s fourth consecutive sec- our military around the globe will continue to lead us ond place finish in Indianapolis. Hildebrand and Panther to victory in the days ahead.”
4
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
Indiana National Guard, ready and relavent From supporting our communities facilitates the Annual Senator Richard helped publicize and showcase the Nathroughout the month of May to contrib- Lugar Breakfast and Enlistment Ceremo- tional Guard. uting in the Global War on Terrorism, the ny at IMS, Armed Forces Day Banquet Another unique aspect of the Indiana Indiana National Guard is there. and the Crown Hill Memorial Service. National Guard is how its troops, other The month of May creates a whirlwind These community relation events sup- military servicemembers and civilians of activity for the Indiana National Guard port the ideals of the National Guard benefit from the Indiana’s state universithat culminates with the Indianapolis 500. and foster a positive relationship with ties wealth of knowledge. For 54 years, the Indiana National local communities. Working alongside Indiana’s Agribusiness Development Guard has participated in the Indianapolis other branches of the military, these Team members, during the pre-mobiliza500 pre-race events to honor those who events contribute to recruiting effort in tion training period, “go back to school” have made the last full measure of devo- the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and at both Purdue University and Indiana tion to their country. The Indiana Guard Coast Guard; raise awareness of ongoing University. involvement dates back to 1957 when the wartime obligations; and boost morale of At Purdue the National Guard Soldiers need for civic-oriented events preceding our fighting men and women overseas. receive training in irrigation, crop prothe Indianapolis 500-Mile Race was rec- The complete package of events has been duction, pest management, soils assessognized. As a result, the 500 Festival, a termed in the Indiana National Guard as ment, livestock management, nutrition not-for-profit, volunteer organization was “May Activities.” and other agribusiness techniques. formed to organize these events celebratKey organizations, such as the Panther “I’m a Purdue graduate so it’s great to ing the largest single-day sporting event Racing team, contribute to the interna- be back,” said Col. Cindra Chastain in a in the world. The Indiana National Guard tional attention of the National Guard. 2008 interview when her unit trained for and the 500 Festival Committee have The pre-race activities and the race itself its deployment. Chastain was in charge since built a working reof the team’s agribusiness lationship to support the section and has a degree community. in animal sciences from The Indiana National the university. “It’s great Guard along with the 500 working with all these Festival Committee coorpeople that have so much dinates the 500 Festival expertise and are willing Mini-Marathon; the 500 to share it with us.” Remote-Mini overseas, Indiana University proconducted in Iraq and fessors teach language Afghanistan; Kids’ Day; and culture skills to the Armed Forces Weekend Citizen-Soldiers agribusiat the Indianapolis Motor ness team members. Speedway; 500 Memorial “They have crammed Service; 500 Festival Paa semester’s worth of rade and the Indianapolis language training in 15 500. days,” said Copes in a Photo by Sgt. John Crosby “The situation in India2008 interview and benapolis on Memorial Day Indiana National Guard Pfc. Megan Brenner renders a salute fore his Afghanistan deweekend is pretty amaz- during the National Anthem, kicking off the 2011 Centennial ployment. “We have been Indianapolis 500, May 29. ing and it has a lot of miliin class about nine to 10 tary roots to it. The fact is hours a day for language the National Guard plays a big role this are broadcast throughout the world and training, and then had a couple of hours in weekend, and actually the whole month - troops serving overseas. Annually the in- the evening on the cultural aspects of the from the mini marathon, the parade, and ternational community witnesses the cel- mission we’ve been assigned.” then race day,” said Brig. Gen. Stewart ebration of our military servicemembers While the universities help train the Goodwin, Indiana Air National Guard during pre-race ceremonies. Additionally, agribusiness team members, they also commander, and military lead for all May the Panther Racing No. 4 National Guard provide guidance for servicemembers events. car has finished second in the Indy 500 and civilians training at Indiana’s MusIn addition, the Indiana National Guard in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, which has catatuck Urban Training Center.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
5
In April 2009 Michael A. McRobbie, IU president, and Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana’s adjutant general, signed a memorandum of agreement that formalized the relationship and responsibilities of the two entities. The two organizations provide specialized training at the Guard’s Camp Atterbury - Muscatatuck Center for Complex Operations. The Indiana National Guard has the responsibility of developing and providing training programs for civilian and military personnel who will be engaged in various assistance programs for developing nations. Under the agreement signed with IU, the university’s Center on American and Global Security assists in developing these programs and providing academic experts as trainers and instructors. Subject areas include languages, culture and customs and rules of law in counter-insurgency operations. One program involves training provincial reconstruction teams for deployment to Afghanistan. The university provides trainers to teach Afghan languages and culture to members of these teams before they deploy overseas. “At Indiana University we have faculty and staff with a great deal of knowledge and experience in languages, culture and international law, and we are pleased that we can make these assets available to a program that is so important to national and world security,” McRobbie said at the signing. “Additionally, as the Atterbury-Muscatatuck training sites become more widely used by federal agencies, we expect to see a significant positive economic impact for the region and state.” IU’s Center on American and Global Security at Bloomington oversees the university’s involvement in the program. “The challenges that America faces across the globe oblige us to form extraordinary relationships, to draw on each other’s expertise and strengths,” Umbarger said. “The relationship we are building with Indiana University is absolutely the best kind of model for addressing the needs of our nation.” The agreement encourages both parties to pursue additional opportunities to share resources with an emphasis on personnel and technology across a wide spectrum of disciplines. Muscatatuck supports many programs: Active and Reserve Component Training, NORTHCOM / ARNORTH CCMRF, US Marine Corps II MEF Realistic Urban Terrain Training, Department of State Integrated Civ-Mil Training, Department of Defense Civilian Expeditionary Workforce Training, Department of Defense Ministry of Defense Advisors, Department of Defense Joint Urban Environment Testing, Civil Air Patrol, Joint UAV Training/Testing, Indiana State Police and various federal, county and city emergency services departments. The civilian-military training helps develop countries so that terrorism loses its foothold in the communities in which American troops operate. This strategy has been supported by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Michael Mullen, who said, “Should we choose to exert American influence solely through our troops, we should expect to see that influence diminish in time.”
6
Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry
Purdue University agronomy professor George Van Scoyoc explains the difference between forest and prairie soils to Soldiers of the Indiana National Guard’s 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team at the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, Ind. This is where the Interagency Afghanistan Integrated Civilian-Military Pre-Deployment Training Course comes into the picture. Civilians cannot be randomly thrown in with military units and sent overseas to work in austere combat environments. They are put through rigorous training to learn how to embed themselves with military units in a manner that keeps them safe, efficient and capable of operating better with their military counterparts. For many civilians this specialized training takes place at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, near Butlerville, Ind., and is specifically designed around four themes: Know Yourself, Know Your Organization, Know Your Environment, and Know Your Response. Civ-Mil training at MUTC is diverse, catering to civilians from various backgrounds and skill sets, from personnel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to State Department officials. One example is Ken Heldenfels, an Austin, Texas native and former member of the Peace Corps. He prepared for his PRT deployment as a business development officer. “There is a lot of information compressed into this training,” said Heldenfels. Much of the training focuses on interacting with Afghan locals, meeting with town officials to address local needs, and having civilians walking the streets with their military counterparts. “We got a chance to practice security drills,” said Heldenfels. “We started taking fire and suddenly I had a hand on my back shoving me into the vehicle. It was so fast. Next thing I knew I was crammed in the back of a Humvee. It’s very realistic.” From providing realistic training in the worldwide fight against terrorism to helping support all the “May Activities” leading up to and including Memorial Day, the Indiana National Guard is there.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
Retirees’ and veterans’ Interests Post 9/11 GI Bill Concerns New rules governing the transferability of the Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits could catch some people off guard and cause them to lose that valuable portion of the program. New rules take effect Aug. 1 that restrict transferability to those with six years of service at the time the transfer is approved and who agree to serve another four years. Pete Duffy, the NGAUS deputy director of legislative programs, warns people to be wary. “We read the new law to mean that those who qualify under the current rules who will not be agreeing to serve the necessary four additional years must apply to transfer their benefits while they are still serving and prior to Aug. 1,” he said. This applies to those who now qualify for the benefit under the amended bill which recognizes Title 32 active duty, Duffy says, even though those benefits will not become payable until Oct. 1. “This is tricky to navigate,” Duffy says. “Please be in close contact with your state education officer.”
TRICARE expansion proposal for young adults will be retroactive A provision in the recently signed fiscal year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 6523) allows TRICARE beneficiaries to keep their dependent children insured on their own plans up to age 26. The
military health care system requires several months to design and launch the new benefit. Although the new program will not formally take effect for several months, it is important to note that the government will pay the bill for any eligible health care costs incurred retroactive to Jan. 1, 2011. Please keep copies of all of your bills if you plan to enroll your children in this program. You will be able to submit claims for reimbursement when the program is finally implemented. There may be an additional premium to be paid for those dependents between the ages of 21 and 26.
VA launches new PSA on suicide prevention for veterans WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to veterans in crisis and their families in a new public service announcement to raise awareness about suicide prevention resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-2738255.
“As more veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, the critical need for mental health care is rising,” said Sonja V. Batten, assistant deputy chief patient care services officer for mental health. “VA is increasing its efforts to reach out to veterans in need and their families, to inform them about available services and programs.” The new television spot encourages veterans in crisis to call the crisis hotline number at 1-800-273-8255 and then push 1 on their telephone keypad to reach a trained VA mental health professional who can assist the Veteran 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Suicide is preventable,” said Batten. “Every veteran suicide is tragic and regardless of the numbers or rates, one veteran suicide is too many. We feel the responsibility to continue to spread the word throughout the nation that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.” So far, more than 379,000 people have called the hotline, and more than 200,000 of these callers have identified themselves as veterans, family members or friends of veterans. The hotline has led to more than 13,000 rescues of actively suicidal veterans. The hotline also operates an online Veterans Chat program, which provides veterans, their families and friends with the ability to communicate anonymously online in real-time with a trained VA mental health professional. Veterans Chat can be accessed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s web page at: http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx. Through the hotline and Veterans Chat, VA can connect veterans and their families with important services, including suicide prevention coordinators, as well as general inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services at VA medical centers and communitybased outpatient clinics. The hotline, which is part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, started in 2007 as a partnership between VA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The PSA can be viewed at: h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r / VeteransHealthAdmin#p/u/1/PPL7CAHixQE.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
7
Protect yourself and family from identity theft Identity theft is on the rise as Internet usage increases on a daily basis and more information and purchases are made available over the Internet. If a thief obtains personally identifiable information (PII) through a social networking site, such as Facebook or MySpace, it can be added to already known information and your identity and credit are at risk. With Internet social networking in people’s daily lives to include allowing social networking within our work environment, people open themselves, family members, and jobs to risks and threats, which have to be monitored closely by all. Network security devices cannot protect people against themselves. Computer incidents are on the rise within work environments. For anyone this can have a devastating effect on their personnel lives and well-being. Email scams, phishing attempts, computer viruses, identity theft, and loss of PII have become a daily fact of life. Now social networking sites are being used as a delivery tool for these threats. It’s the user who is responsible for all actions and no security device can stop personal interactions. Purchases can be made over the Internet without ever physically having a credit or debit card. All a thief needs is a person’s
name, a card number, an expiration date, the three-digit security code on the back and the billing address, usually a person’s home address.
A quick search of a person’s name on a social networking site or phonebook can reveal a home address if it is posted openly. A con artist may also claim to be deploying or redeploying and be in need of financial assistance, seeking romantic engagements, or suffered the recent loss of a loved one to play on the sympathy of others. The potential scenarios are far too numerous to list, but no less disturbing. Typically a person will not become aware of the con until an acquaintance or a suspicious victim contacts the member’s unit,
family, or other sources to confirm elements of the scam. Therefore, if it comes to your attention that you may be the victim of this type of Internet fraud, you may contact Facebook and report the abuse here, http:// www.facebook.com/help/?topic=security. You should report identity theft to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx. The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI, the National White Collar Crime Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and accepts online Internet crime complaints from either the person who believes they were defrauded or from a third party to the complainant. Contact your credit card company, or companies, to submit a fraud alert. You should also contact the three credit bureaus, https://www.experian.com, http://www. transunion.com, and https://www.alerts. equifax.com, who by law are required to provide you with one free credit report each per year. These credit bureaus also have separate fraud alert services available for active-duty military personnel. Another good source of information for those who wish to educate themselves about online scams is the U.S. Federal Trade Commission internet fraud website: http://www.econsumer.gov/english
Indiana Guard civilian receives award from Governor Daniels As part of Public Service Recognition Week, Gov. Mitch Daniels presented Jim Dickey with an individual award for excellence for his role as a senior applications support analyst for the Indiana National Guard’s Joint Forces Headquarters. “Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen can thank Jim Dickey for his leadership in developing an automated state active-duty pay program,” said retired Col. John Bailey, the Adjutant General's Agency controller and Dickey’s supervisor. Dickey, who has worked more than 24 years with the Indiana National Guard, is happy to help those who serve in uniform. “Many of these men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice; anything that I can do to contribute any of these men and
8
women that I speak so proudly of - allowing them to have a better day - is a great day for me,” said Dickey of Batesville, Ind. The initiative pays servicemembers by direct deposit when performing state activeduty missions instead of them being issued checks. Indiana is only one of two known states that have a program of this kind, according to Dickey. He credits Spc. Jarrod Spice with being an integral part in the development of the automated program. This process eliminated written forms, and dramatically reduced the error rate from 15 percent to less than .1 percent. Another of the program’s benefits is that Guard members can receive their pay in a much quicker time – from 21 days to as few as six days.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
According to Bailey, thousands of manhours have been eliminated with the development of the automated program. “Not only are we saving tax dollars with this program, but we can see improved troop morale because our Soldiers and Airmen are getting paid quicker,” said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana’s adjutant general. Public Service Recognition Week recognizes the men and women who serve America as federal, state and local government employees. It has been celebrated the first Monday through Sunday in May since 1985. So far in 2011, nearly 1,000 Guard members have been activated for state missions in Operation Frostbite in February and Operation Spring Fury in April.
I
mperial Japanese Flag recovered from Bataan Veteran
Flag presented to 38th Infantry Division Commander after more than 65 years in man’s dresser drawer Story and photos by Staff Sgt. David Bruce 38th Infantry Division Public Affairs INDIANAPOLIS – An Imperial Japanese flag was presented to the commander of the 38th Infantry Division in a ceremony Saturday at the division headquarters. The flag was captured during the struggle for Zigzag Pass during the Battle of Bataan from Jan. 31 through Feb. 8, 1945 by Thomas H. Murrell, then a Soldier serving with 152 Infantry Regiment, a unit in the 38th Infantry Division. The 38th Infantry Division was tasked to secure the Bataan Peninsula to gain use of Manila Bay to resupply operations to capture Manila.
Indiana Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, commander of the 38th Infantry Division, receives an Imperial Japanese flag captured in the Battle of Bataan from Samuel Wynn, Thomas Murrell and Frank Murrell on behalf of the late Thomas H. Murrell, in a ceremony held at 38th Infantry Division headquarters in Indianapolis, May 21, 2011.
Zigzag Pass was a labyrinthine array of enemy positions in the peninsula’s Zambales Mountains, at the northern base of the Bataan Peninsula. The rough, twisting terrain and dense vegetation in conjunction with well-designed defenses created a series of fortifications that ensured a well-supplied force could hold off a larger force indefinitely, in theory. Fighting started in Zigzag Pass on Jan. 31, 1945 with the division’s 149th, 151st and 152nd Infantry Regiments and the 24th Regimental Combat Team engaging the Japanese. The fighting concluded on Feb. 8 as the American forces overran the Japanese. Zigzag Pass was where the American encountered the stiffest resistance during the Battle of Bataan. Of the 2,800 Japanese soldiers defending Zigzag Pass, more than 2,400 were killed and 75 injured. The 38th ID lost 270 men and 420 were wounded. The flag sat in the sock drawer of Murrell’s dresser for 65 years until his death earlier this year. It was the wish of his family that the flag should be returned to the 38th Infantry Division according to Samuel Wynn, son-in-law to Murrell. “We all knew about the flag, but Tom never really talked about what he did in the war,” said Wynn. “When he died, there was not any question about what to do with the flag. We wanted it to go back to the division. We wanted the flag to go back to people who understood what it meant and could appreciate it. This really means a lot to us that [the flag] comes here. It’s a part of the history of the 38th Division.” The 38th Infantry Division earned the nickname “Avengers of Bataan,” in reference to the Bataan Death March following the fall of Bataan and the island fortress Corregidor. “The World War II generation gave us our modern world,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, commander of the 38th Infantry Division. “People like Mr. Murrell did that. So, to have something that he got on that battlefield and brought back to division as an important and historical event; we appreciate the family giving it to us.” The flag was authenticated earlier this month at the Indiana War Memorial. The final disposition of this artifact has yet to be determined, however it remains a testament to the history of the 38th Infantry Division.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
9
Army vice chief, Hoosiers pay homage to fallen heroes Story and photos by Sgt. John Crosby 120th Public Affairs Detachment
INDIANAPOLIS – Thousands of Hoosiers gathered at Monument Circle, the center of downtown Indianapolis, Friday, May 27, 2011, to pay homage to the nation’s fallen heroes during the 500 Festival Memorial Service. Representatives of all military branches were present, honoring 16 new Indiana Gold Star Families who lost a servicemember in 2010. Special guest speaker, the Army’s second-incharge, 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, thanked the families. “On behalf of the 1.1 million Soldiers in the U.S. Army
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Peter Chiarelli, speaks at the 500 Festival Memorial Service.
and the more than 2 million servicemembers of all our branches, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Chiarelli. Since the start of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, more than 6,000 U.S. service members have lost their lives. More than 650 died during Chiarelli’s two-year command in Iraq. “I think about them every single
bered.” Wreaths were laid on the north steps of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in memory of all Hoosiers in all wars and conflicts who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation. Names of the 16 Indiana servicemembers fallen within the past year were read aloud. “We’re all familiar with the expressions ‘brothers and sister-in-arms.’ It
“I would trade all the medals and ribbons on my chest and every bit of rank just to get one of them back.” Gen. Peter Chiarelli Vice Chief of Staff, U.S. Army day,” said Chiarelli. “I would trade all the medals and ribbons on my chest and every bit of rank just to get one of them back. They were men and women, husbands, wives, brothers, sons, sisters, daughters. We are here today to ensure every individual is remem-
10
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
is an accurate description,” said Chiarelli. “We may wear different uniforms and carry out separate, distinct missions in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and the Coast Guard. But, when the bullets start flying, we are one. One team. The men and women
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels speaks at the 500 Festival Memorial Service.
we are honoring this Memorial Day weekend understood this better than anyone.” Other distinguished speakers included Jimmie Foster, American Legion national commander, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels. “Our duty is to live, as we are meant to live,” said Daniels. “We must live as responsible citizens to repay those who have paid the ultimate price so that we can be here today. “We do for ourselves as much as we can. We must never abuse our freedom. Be careful to pass on a country of promise and opportunity to future generations, just as generations did before us.” Performing at the ceremony was the Capital City Chorus and the 38th Infantry Division Band. Special guests included Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bruce Crandall who waved the green flag to kick off the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Featured guest Slovakia Chief of Defense, Gen. Lubomir Bulik, was also in attendance. Currently, five Indiana Guard Soldiers are embedded with a Slovakian military team deployed to Afghanistan. “It doesn’t matter where we are serving, we are Soldiers and we understand each other,” said Bulik. “It doesn’t matter where we are, (or where we are from), we have to work together as one team. It was an honor for me to see the family members here, to see the other side; it makes me proud to wear the uniform.” The Indiana National Guard Ceremonial Unit provided a traditional caisson including a flag-draped coffin and riderless horse adorned with a pair of cavalry boots with spurs reversed in the stirrups and an Army Saber attached to the right side of the saddle, symbolizing fallen heroes that will ride no more.
Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger observes the 500 Festival Memorial.
The Battle Cruiser USS Indianapolis ship’s bell was also rung in memory of the fallen. The USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine during World War II after delivering a top-secret payload of nuclear weapons materials to the Pacific Theater. Almost 900 Sailors survived the sinking, but only 317 survived the following four-and-a-half days at sea before rescue. “I have been doing this for close to 40 years, and I can honestly say that this is the most touching ceremony I’ve been to. It’s overwhelming,” said Chiarelli. “It’s the kind of thing you would come to expect in the heartland of America.” The ceremony concluded with a flyover of two A-10 Thunderbolts flown by the Indiana Air Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind. “This weekend, as we honor the memory of our fallen in the days ahead, I ask you to keep in your thoughts and prayers, the brave men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations across the world,” said Chiarelli. “They are doing an absolutely outstanding job, and we must continue to support them and all of their families.”
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
11
‘Family’ reunion for local Indiana Guard regiment Story and photo by Scott Allen The Herald Journal Soldiers celebrated military camaraderie Saturday with a reunion of the former 2nd Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, Indiana National Guard. “This is my family,” said Cpl. Shane Thomas, who organized the event. Dozens of Soldiers formerly of Company B, Monticello, Ind., gathered April 2. “The 293rd is gone, except in our memories,” Thomas explained, adding that he was impressed with the turnout. “This was really needed. We needed to get together one more time.” Thomas began organizing the event in December 2010 after a group of Soldiers decided a reunion was necessary. The reunion kicked off with an invocation by Col. William Stang, the presentation of colors and the playing of Taps by Twin Lakes High School Band member Kelsie Spear. After dinner, Monticello Mayor Jason Thompson and, after an introduction by Indiana Guard Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Kelly Rosenberger, 38th Infantry Division Assistant Commander Brig. Gen. Richard
The men of former 2nd Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, Indiana National Guard gather April 2 for a rueunion, kicking it off with a presentation of the colors. Miller spoke. Miller explained he was “really pleased” that the event was organized. “A lot of years go by and people go in different directions,” Miller said. “It’s great that we can get together and share war stories. The military is all about symbolism.” The general spoke of the importance of camaraderie in the National Guard. “We really do take it to heart, and that’s what these things are all about,” he said. “The good thing about today is that the majority of the young men and women join-
ing today are jointing for the right reasons. These young men and women are really stepping up to the plate.” Retired Col. Jim Davis explained he retired from the Indianan National Guard 16 years ago. “People don’t look the same,” he said. “Some have passed and a lot of them have gone on since I retired.” But Davis was thankful for the time with his old comrades. “It’s fun to reminisce and just enjoy the time we have with people we rarely see,” Davis explained. Thompson said his presence was merely to thank the Monticello Soldiers. “We have to remember as a community that the Guardsmen really helped us out in some major events,” the Mayor Said. He pointed out the 1974 Monticello Tornado and flooding events as times the National Guard came to Monticello’s aid. “Too many times we take them for granted,” Thompson said. “I’m honored to be here to thank them.” Thomas said that Saturday’s reunion wouldn’t be the last for the 293rd Infantry. “I’m going to give an operation order and give the date for next year,” he said. “We’re not getting any younger.”
To honor and remember
Engraved bricks commemorate Atterbury’s past For more than 70 years, thousands of Soldiers and civilians have contributed to the history and legacy of Camp Atterbury. Join us in dedicating a Memorial Walkway in their honor. The Walk of Honor is sponsored by the Camp Atterbury Veterans’ Memorial Association and is constructed around the reflecting pool in front of the Memorial Wall of Honor. It is designed to honor all individuals, soldiers and civilians alike, with a past or present connection to Camp Atterbury. The Walk is constructed of brick pavers engraved with an individuals’ name, rank, branch of service, units, etc. Unit Associations and other organizations are invited to purchase a brick in honor of their unit or organization. Bricks will be installed prior to this year’s Annual Veterans’ Memorial Commemorative Service on 13 August. For more information, call Diana Hazelwood at the Camp Atterbury Museum at 812-516-1744. The last day to turn in brick orders to be placed before this year’s Memorial Service will be July 8, 2011.
12
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
“Like” us on Facebook or visit us to view more stories, photos and news releases at www.in.ng.mil
Obituaries MAJ Robert Dean Rodkey Robert D. Rodkey, 84, Kokomo, Ind., died at 5:46 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at St. Joseph Hospital. He was born Oct. 13, 1926, in Burlington, the son of Fred E. and Mary E. “Beth” (Billiard) Rodkey. He married F. Helen (Pachmayr) Rodkey at the Burlington Church of Christ on Nov. 6, 1953, who preceded him in death Nov. 22, 2005. Robert was a 1944 graduate of Burlington High School and attended Purdue University where he was a member of the marching band. He served his country in the U.S. Army, earning the rank of major. Retiring in 1986, he had served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He served in the Army and then in the Indiana Army National Guard. While in the Guard, he was active in the ceremonial unit, often playing Taps at funerals. He was a member of the Judson Road Christian Church, the Burlington Masonic Lodge and the Red Legs. He had been active in the Kokomo Park Band and the American Legion Band. Survivors include his four children, Martha Slabaugh and husband Joe, Kokomo, Fred Rodkey and wife Sheri, Brownsburg, Dean Rodkey and wife Tracey, Kokomo, and Cindy Rodkey, Kokomo; eight grandchildren, Mike Slabaugh, Brad Slabaugh, Christine Rodkey, Stephen Rodkey, Dustin Rodkey, Joshua Rodkey, Ashley Rutherford and Levi Rutherford; one great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Slabaugh; one sister, LaDene Sheagley, Avon, Ind.; and one brother, Dan Rodkey, Lafayette, Ind. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Nancy Rodkey; and a sister, Dortha Louise Rodkey.He was buried in Burlington Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Military Rites Team. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of the Judson Road Church of Christ. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
CSM Ed Owens Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie F. Owens 65, passed away Wednesday morning May 11, 2011 at his residence in Prince’s Lakes surrounded by his loving family. Eddie was born October 17, 1945 in Indianapolis, to the late Forrest Edmond and Elline A. (Rushton) Owens. He married Edith M. (Hamblin) Owens on March 19, 1977 in Indianapolis. She lovingly survives after 34 years of marriage. Eddie graduated from Arsenal Tech High School. He received an associate degree in 1987 from Vincennes University and went on to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Military Science from the University of Washington D.C. He was employed with Kroger Company as a merchandiser from 1974 to 1989. Then, he spent the next two years taking aerial photography from 1989 to 1991. He owned and operated Dream Maker Bath & Kitchen from 1991-2004. He served his country with the United States Army for 32 years retiring in 2005 as a Command Sergeant Major. After retiring in 2005, he worked at the recruiting office from 2005 – 2007. In 2007 he became the Program Director for the “Civilians on the Battlefield” at Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, Ind. He was training soldiers once again which is what he loved to do. He then moved on up to the corporate level until retiring in July 2010. He was a Member of the American Legion Post #64 in Indianapolis; 82nd Airborne Chapter at Fort Harrison, Ind.; Nineveh Masonic Lodge #317, 40 & 8 in Beech Grove, and the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis; and a member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Eddie’s passion in life was the U.S. Army. Eddie was honored with a few memorable awards to include The Legion of Merit, The Infantry Order of Saint Maurice (Centurion), Sagamore of the Wabash and commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel during his military career. He loved spending time with his family and flying airplanes. He was a member of the MDI Ceremonial Unit in the late 1970s. He is survived by his loving Wife Ede
(Hamblin) Owens of Nineveh, Ind. Eddie was the loving father of four daughters; Lynn A. (Nick) Simms, Retired Master Sgt. Lorri M. (Billy) McCall both of Nineveh, Shawna (Brent) Ferguson of Noblesville, Ind., and Mitzi Austern of New York. Two sons; LeRoy A. (Rachel) Shelley of Smyrna, Ga., and Brian “Scooter” Shelley of Taylorsville, Ind. A brother Kevin (Ruth) Owens of Nineveh and a sister Carol Curran of Indianapolis. He will be sadly missed by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, 5 nieces and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather Joseph Curran. He was buried at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown with full military honors presented by the Military Department of Indiana Ceremonial Unit. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Eddie to: Fellowship Baptist Church, 3851 E. New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46201 and/or Johnson Memorial Cancer Care Center, 1159 W. Jefferson St. Franklin, IN. and/or Seasons Hospice 8350 South Emerson Ave Ste 140 Indianapolis, IN. 46237. Expressions of caring and kindness can be made to the Owens family at www.meredith-clark.com Information: (812) 597-4670 MAJ Charles H. Pace Charles H. Pace of Bedford, Ind., formerly of Greensburg and Princeton, Ind., passed away on Wednesday, May 11th at his residence at the age of 73. Born in 1937 in Bedford to Homer and Bessie Pace, he joined the PSI Energy Company in 1959 and worked his way up to becoming District Superintendent. Charles was also an active member of the First Christian Church, was a veteran of the American Legion Gillen Post #33 and Bedford Masonic Lodge #14 F&AM. He is survived by his wife; one son, Brian Pace and his wife Mary; one daughter, Debra Burke; several grandchildren; two sisters, Frona Taylor and her husband Herman and Margaret Siedl and her husband Roger. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leo Pace. He was buried at Green Hill Cemetery with military rites accorded by the American Legion Gillen Post #33.
3rd Quarter 2011 The Retired Guardian
13
Joint Forces Headquarters - Indiana ATTN: Public Affairs/Retired Guardian 2002 South Holt Road Indianapolis, IN 46241-4839
The Retired Guardian