Tarheel Guardsman
April - May 2015
Introducing the new NCNGA Logo
Leader’s Corner
North Carolina National Guard Museum and Learning Center of Excellence
L
ast year by a stroke of his pen, Governor Pat McCrory desPhase 3 ignated March as North Carolina Vault Historian National Guard Heritage Month. Work Shop During the signing he stressed the Work Space importance of remembering our Classroom/ Collections/Archives Theater proud history. Since then we have Registrar MHD been hard at work in standing up Exhibit Exhibit our own North Carolina National X Library/ Guard Museum and Learning X Exhibit Research X Center of Excellence. It will be X Area open to the public to preserve the X Fort military heritage of North Carolina Exhibit Exhibit Daily and enhance public understanding COL Cliff Wilkins Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Exhibit Gift Shop of how armed conflicts and miliExhibit tary institutions have shaped our state and national experience. Exhibit(X) In a 1974 issue of the Tarheel Guardsmen there is a reference to tentative plans for a museum. Over 40 years later the dream is materializing and I am happy to give an update on the status of the North Carolina National Guard Museum and Learning Center of Excellence. The museum was federally recognized by the NGB Office of Historical Services on April 14, 2014 and then, by the U.S. Army Center of Military History on June 6, 2014, as the official museum activity for the state of North Carolina. On February 11, 2015 the museum received a nonprofit and charity organization designation as a 501(c)(3). We repurposed a storage facility on our JFHQ campus, in Raleigh to become the museum center. This facility is 12,000 square-feet and will house a research library, interactive displays for all ages, a theater, as well as areas in which to restore and preserve artifacts from the collection. The museum will become a place to host educational sessions. School groups will be able to visit and it will provide professional development to our own Soldiers The future entrance to the museum, opening to the public in December of 2015. Hours of operation will and Airmen. Outside the facility, we plan on be 9:00 a.m.-4:00, Tuesday-Saturday. building an amphitheater for concerts, reenactments and other ceremonies. There will be areas for static displays of historic equipment such as M60 tanks and howitzer artillery pieces, and much more. Equipment is already being moved from across the state to the museum site. As we move forward, we need artifacts from our past to the present day. We also Outside the building will be a “history trail,” need financial assistance to generate renovation funds. To quote the same 1974 featuring dugouts, trenches, and other Grey-Paved walkway (Handicap Accessible) fighting positions that have evolved over the issue of the Tarheel Guardsmen, Brown-Dirt walkway Orange-Static Display our tentative plan is to have a rib- course of our history, giving the visitor an Red Line-Remove Fence Yellow- Standalone Bldg Purple- Amphitheatre bon cutting ceremony in the spring up front and realistic taste of those features Blue- Handicap Parking which can be difficult for the uninitiated to Green- Trees of 2017. I ask you to spread the visualize. Red Symbol- Guard Gate word about the North Carolina National Guard Museum and Learning Center of Excellence and together we will make this into a first M/F class museum to honor our members past and present. Latrine w. showers
Museum
Legend: Orange=Restricted Access Yellow=Exhibit/Visitor Access Green=Arms Vault White=Dividers/Walls Red=Entrance/Exit Points Black=Traffic Flow
Handicap Handicap
Handicap Handicap
Parking
The NCNG Museum and Learning Center of Excellence is supported by a nonprofit corporation to facilitate donations and gifts to the museum. To learn more about the museum or to make a donation, please contact 1LT Sean Daily at: 919-664-6199 or SGT Gary Spencer at: 919-664-6214.
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TARHEEL GUARDSMAN
Official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association APRIL-MAY 2015
Volume 49
Number 2
Contents: NCNGA:
A Word From Our Executive Director NCNGA Benefits Survey Historical Society Article In Memorium
4 7,8 15 Back Cover
NC National Guard:
Military Police Keep Peace During Vigilant Guard 875th EN CO receives Deployment Excellence NC Guard Deploys Winter Catch Teams NCNG Best Warriors
Officers President Bobby Lumsden Vice President Brent Orr Past President Ronnie Honeycutt Secretary-Treasurer Craig Lloyd Judge Advocate Rick Fay Chaplain Carl Singley
STAFF Executive Director Craig Lloyd Associate Director Cindy Basler Associate Insurance Administrator Rhonda Arndt Associate Financial/ Membership Administrator Katie Westbrooks NCNGA Educational Foundation Administrator Peggy Robinson Katie Westbrooks, Editor www.ncnga.org
6 9 11 13
Executive Council
JUNE/JULY issue: 1 MAY 2015
130th MEB Robert Holland Mark McMahan 60th Troop Command Velma Evans Jack Midyette III 449th TAB Patrick Szvetitz Mark VanVeldhuizen 113th Sustainment BDE Miriam Gray Randy Ly JFHQ-NC Steven Johnson Reginald Hooker 139th Regiment (CA) James McKee Norman Walls
Junior Council Timothy Stanhope Jeremy Davis Associate Class John Eudy Danielle Hodges
Have you had a change in your marital status? Do you know who you have designated as your beneficiary? Contact us at 919-851-3390 and Rhonda Arndt at ext 0, will be glad to assist you.
Deadline for submitting articles to the Tarheel Guardsman:
30th HBCT Shane Evans Scott Schnack
Air Guard Barbara Doncaster Tamvaria Walker
NCNGA Insured Members — Have YOU Checked Your Beneficiary Lately?
Send proofed articles/photos to Katie Westbrooks, Editor at: (katie@ncnga.org)
Address changes or questions? Contact us at 919-851-3390 or info@ncnga.org www.ncnga.org The Tarheel Guardsman, (ISSN 10618392) is published bi-monthly for the Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina, by the North Carolina National Guard Association, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. Periodicals postage paid at Raleigh, NC 27676-9651. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tarheel Guardsman, 7410 Chapel Hill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607-5047. The Tarheel Guardsman is the official publication of the North Carolina National Guard Association, a non-profit organization. The publication’s mission is to promote the general welfare of the NCNGA, assist in increasing the readiness of the NC Army and Air National Guard of North Carolina and serve as a vehicle of expression for members of the National Guard. Members receive the publication free with their membership. The annual subscription rate for non-members of the Association is $15.00. Please include your old address when requesting change of address. Deadline for submitted material to the Tarheel Guardsman is the 5th of the month, two months preceding the calendar date of issue. Manuscripts and photographs on subjects of general interest are invited. Unless otherwise indicated, material may be reprinted provided credit is given to the Tarheel Guardsman and the author where listed. Articles and photos will not be returned, unless requested. (USPS 533-640) Advertising is accepted. For details contact the Association headquarters. Advertising, including political ads, published in this publication does not represent the endorsement or approval of the North Carolina National Guard Association.
Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 3
A Word From Our Executive Director.... This past month your NCNGA Executive Council, staff and committees have been working diligently to prepare for our elections, goals and objectives for this year’s Convention. Our next issue will spotlight all the fun and achievements accomplished during our time together in Concord. With new staff and new enhancements to the weekend we hope this year’s events are the best yet. Beyond the Convention our organization has worked hard to strengthen our value to you as an individual as well as the National Guard as a whole. Our recent legislative breakfast at the NC General Assembly was a great success. We have listed these goals below: Tuition Waiver The North Carolina National Guard Association pioneers a program changing how our North Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen integrate into their communities after initial entry training, mobilizations, State Active Duty, or retirement. “Guard Upward Bound” would provide tuition waived education at state supported colleges and universities for those who have volunteered to protect the lives and properties of fellow Citizens. NCNG Voting member on the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission (NC MAC) The North Carolina Army and Air National Guard, with 11,773 Soldiers and Airmen and over 90 locations geographically dispersed across the state, deserve representation along with our sister active duty military installations. NCNG included in the State Pension Program annual cost of living increase The NCNG Pension plan administered similar to other state pension plans with annual cost of living increases ensures equality and predictability for current and future NCNG retirees.
Our Legislative & Resolutions Committee, Executive Council and staff worked for months to identify which key issues we wanted to make a priority. We have developed various strategies to help us achieve these goals, with one of the most important being your support. Stay tuned for legislative alerts via email and social media asking you to contact your lawmakers potentially through email, letters and direct calls. If you haven’t signed up for our alert notices you can sign-up on our website homepage (www.ncnga.org). We appreciate everyone’s support of our organization, Executive Council, volunteers and staff. Let us know if you have ideas, suggestions or time to volunteer for many of our ongoing projects. In the spirit of “March Madness” and basketball season, I leave you with this quote from Michael Jordan. “Talent wins Games, but Teamwork wins Championships”. Thank you Craig Lloyd, NCNGA Executive Director
NC National Guard Contact Information Email: ng.nc.ncarng.mbx.pao@mail.mil NC Adjutant General – MG Greg Lusk Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk: http://www.facebook.com/NCAdjutantGeneral http://twitter.com/NCTAG NC Assistant Adjutant General Air – Brig. Gen. Roger E. Williams: http://facebook.com/NCAirAAG http://twitter.com/NCAirAAG http://www.twitter.com/NCCmdChief
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NC Command Chief Warrant Officer - Rick Comer: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NC-Command-ChiefWarrant- Officer/261726843901458 http://www.twitter.com/NCCWO Command Senior Enlisted Leader CSM John Swart: http://www.facebook.com/NCCSM http://twitter.com/NCSCSM NC Command Chief Master Sergeant Chief Master Sgt. Bruce Pickett: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NC-State-CommandChief- Master-Sergeant/330777956943662
NCNGA Headquarters Gets a Face Lift! Before...
The NCNGA headquarters got a face lift over the past couple of months. The cedar shakes are gone and replaced with lovely vinyl siding that will help to make our building last for many years to come! Please come by and see the transformation!
After...
If you would rather receive your magazine via email, please contact either Katie Westbrooks, katie@ncnga.org, or Cindy Basler, cindy@ncnga.org.
Announcing the New NCNGA Online Store!
Due to popular demand, the Association has developed an online store to fulfill request for our “Red Shirt Fridays” campaign. The store features NCNGA merchandise as well as individual Unit merchandise. Our goal is to expand to many more items over the next coming months. We plan to have special items around Father’s/Mother’s Day as well as Christmas. Visit the store online at www.ncnga-store.com
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Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 5
Military police keep the peace during Vigilant Guard
Story by: Spc. Lisa Vines, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment
NEW LONDON, NC - Soldiers, airmen, and emergency management operations for overseas deployment vary greatly from stateside situations. personnel banded together in Charlotte on March 7, 2015, to provide security at the Walter M. Franklin Water Treatment Plant during the “That’s the biggest factor we focused on weeklong Vigilant Guard exercise. this week. That we are dealing with US citizens Vigilant Guard is an exercise program that provides an opportuon US soil,” said Gibson. nity for Army and Air National Guard, North Carolina Emergency Cooper expressed the importance of changManagement, and county civilian partners to improve communication and ing mindset from a combat setting to a civil operational relationships. peacekeeping environment. The soldiers of the 210th Military Police Company assisted the “The main thing is re-gearing from what Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department in securing and patrolling you might think of while deployed to how we the Franklin Water Treatment Plant, the largest water treatment plant in are MP’s would aid local peace entities,” said North Carolina. Cooper, “Being here gives people a chance to “The 210th has been tasked with providing security for this exercise, change gears from that deployed mindset.” which is a simulated natural disaster. Our mission entails securing the Army Spc. Ashley Waldrop, also an MP Walter M. Franklin Water with the 210th Military Police Treatment Plant. We’ve got a Company, stressed the significance of training for stateside group of MP’s providing gate security, road security, and operations. also watching over the camera “What we’re doing is working system,” said Army Staff along with firefighters, EMS and police officers. So we’re Sgt. Mike Gibson of the 210th getting a feel for what it’s goMilitary Police Company. During Vigilant Guard, ing to be like to work stateside with civilians,” said Waldrop. the National Guard has been The unit’s deployment to working with the police departAfghanistan helped prepare the ment, fire department, sheriff’s soldiers by gaining experience office, as well as several in interpersonal communication components of NC Emergency skills, said Waldrop, giving Management. Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Soldiers from the 210th Military Police Company work with the Meck- them an advantage when it Fow, emergency management lenburg Sheriff's office to secure the main entrance from angry protest- comes to handling situations ers during the Vigilant Guard exercise. (US Army photo by Sgt Leticia involving a variety of people, for the 145th Airlift Wing, Samuels/382nd Public Affairs Detachment) said, “Interoperability between both military and civilian. military and local authorities is Overall, the combined crucial. The time to build relationships and test capabilities are not when exercise provides much-needed training for a disaster happens, but right now through exercises just like this.” soldiers to get experience in a military police The Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing provided communicarole stateside, as well as training for working tions command support to the Army National Guard’s command and smoothly alongside local authorities during control center at the treatment plant. The ANG Mobile Emergency emergencies. Operations Center provided additional Internet, video surveillance, and “It gets all the assets together in one place radio support from their 40-foot mobile operations trailer. and see how it works. It’s like a dry run for “It’s important that the state, city and local community know that this a real exercise. When you get all the moving asset is available. We have participated in many state and city exercises parts moving you can see what goes well and and provide demonstrations for local fire departments and other military what needs to be tweaked. So next time, when installations,” said Fow. it does happen in reality, we are prepared,” said Army 1st Lt. Bryan Cooper, a platoon leader with the 210th, explained Gibson. this exercise as an opportunity to change gears, as well as practice interoperability. “What we’re going for with this mission is to ready the Guard and all the necessary communication channels to make sure everything is open and information is flowing correctly so that if this were to happen we can get properly dispatched and show up in a timely manner to serve the public,” said Cooper. For many of the soldiers, this was their first Vigilant Guard exercise. The 210th Military Police Company deployed in 2014 to Afghanistan, according to Cooper this was important to them because the training and
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NCNGA Benefits Survey
Please fill out and send back to the NCNGA office. We want to hear your voice! 7410 Chapel Hill Rd Raleigh, NC 27607 The North Carolina National Guard Association values the support of our 16,000+ members across the State. Our goal is to continue to represent our membership and help to improve your quality of life. We hope to expand our membership benefits to help enhance your return-on-investment as a member. We have developed this survey to help us gather information about what benefits you value the most and get the ball rolling to evaluate some potential additions.Please be sure to answer all questions. 1. Please rate your level of satisfaction with the benefits currently provided by the Association. Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Neither Satisfied nor unsatisfied Somewhat unsatisfied Very Unsatisfied
2. Please indicate how important you feel the benefits that the Association currently provides are by using the 5-point scale below. Unimportant
Slightly Important
Important
Very Important
Critical
Life insurance (claims paid within 24-48 hours) Discount attraction tickets and discounts to businesses Opportunity to network and support the Guard and Association’s mission Advocacy at the state level and federal level Communications through the website, magazine and social media Technicians disability insurance
3. Please indicate your top three benefits that the Association currently provides from those listed below. First
Second
Third
Life Insurance (claims paid within 24-48 hours) Discount attraction tickets and discounts to businesses Opportunity to network and support the Guard and Association’s mission Advocacy at the state level and federal level Communications through the website, magazine and social media Technicians disability insurance
4. How aware were you of all the benefits offered to our Association members? Unaware May have heard something about them before Not sure Knew some but not all Aware of all the benefits of membership
5. What is the best way for us to communicate our benefits and services to you as a member? Please select at least three... Association magazine (Tarheel Guardsman) Association website Facebook Blog alerts Email Twitter Linked-In Other ______________________________
continued on next page ~ www.ncnga.org
Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 7
Benefits Survey continued... 6. Please indicate which top 5 benefits you would be most interested in if the Association were to offer them in the future. Additional insurance offerings - auto/home insurance Additional insurance offerings - AFLAC-like insurance Additional insurance offerings - temporary disability insurance Additional insurance offerings - Cancer policy Retirement investments Discounted vacation planning similar to that available at MWR travel Participation in athletic events such as road races and mud runs Mentoring programs for students Job recruitment and training programs for transitioning service members
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
7. Please indicate your longevity as a member of the Association. 0 - 1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years 5 - 10 years 10 - 15 years 15+ years 8. Please indicate your current status. AGR Technicians M-Day Retiree Honorary Member Civilian
9. What suggestions do you have for the Association to enhance and expand our benefits? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Retiree Corner: Medical Retirement vs. Medical Separation
SSG Travis J Reed – Retirement Services Officer
There has been some confusion over the years in reference to the difference in Medical Separation and Medical Retirement. This write up should help clear some of that up. Medical Separation does not automatically constitute a Retirement check. If a Soldier is separated, without 15 or 20 year letter, due to a condition that caused them to no longer be able to perform their military duties that occurred during non-military service, they will not receive retirement pay. If a Soldier did not receive a 15 Year Letter (NOE) they are not eligible to receive Retired Pay. If they did receive a Retirement Letter, they are eligible to start drawing Retired Pay at age 60. (Application must be submitted to AHRC, Ft. Knox within 8 months of turning 60) Medical Retirement simply means the Soldier is eligible to start drawing retired pay effective the date of the Medical Retirement Orders. In order to start drawing Medical Retired Pay the Soldier must have gone through a Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) and found unfit to continue serving and be in possession of a Medical Retirement Order from an active component out-processing station or National Guard Bureau (NGB) with the percentage/dollar amount being paid and statement for an immediate effective date. For more information in reference to Retirement eligibility and date of effective pay you may contact U.S. Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) at (502) 613-8950 or the NC Retirement Services Office at (919) 664-6128.
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875th Engineer Company receives Deployment Excellence Award at Pentagon By: SSG Lance Wells, Supply NCO, 875th EN CO The 875th Engineer Company (Horizontal) received Deployment Excellence Award at the Pentagon during the 10th annual Chief of Staff of the Army’s Combined Logistics Excellence Awards (CLEA) program that was hosted by the Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno. The unit placed first in the nation in the category of Army National Guard Deploying Unit. The Deployment Excellence Award (DEA) annually recognizes active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard units and installations for outstanding logistical performance on deployments and deployment support. The CLEA competition shines the spotlight on logisticians and recognizes the critical role they play in supporting the warfighter. The 875th Engineer Company’s headquarters is in North Wilkesboro NC and detachment is located in Lexington NC. The company deployed 160 Soldiers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2012. The unit’s mission was to conduct Horizontal Engineering Operations in support of Area Support Group Kuwait and Army Central Command from July 2012 through April 2013 in order to improve and maintain critical nodes of transportation in the Kuwait and Afghanistan Theatres of Operation. Upon arrival in theatre the unit sent an advance party element to Camp Marmal in Northern Afghanistan to prepare living and command and control areas for construction operations. From August 2012 until February
2013, the 875th Engineer Company deployed to Camp Marmal in Regional Command North, Afghanistan in support of a request for assistance from US Forces Afghanistan. Its mission was to help construct Camp John Pratt, an 880-acre, SSG Lance Wells receives Deployment Excellence $40-million retrograde Award for the 875th Engineer Company from Genfacility designed to pro- eral Ray Odierno at ceremony held at the Pentagon. cess all equipment leaving Afghanistan through the Northern Distribution Network. This was the Army’s largest Engineer mission in Afghanistan. The unit then redeployed to Kuwait from February 2013 until April 2013. The unit maintained equipment and conducted Construction operations in both the Afghanistan and Kuwait Theatres of Operation simultaneously. The unit deployed 1,164 pieces of organizational equipment valued at $22 million. In addition to deploying their organizational equipment they were responsible for 213 pieces of Theatre provided equipment (TPE) in Kuwait valued at $13 million, and 378 pieces of equipment in Afghanistan valued at $18 million. The unit coordinated various transfers of equipment between both theatres. Prior to deployment, the 875th shipped an additional 45 pieces of heavy engineer and hauling assets for the unit's mobilization training exercises at Fort Bliss, Texas. The unit successfully coordinated load and weighing assets to load the engineer equipment onto civilian line-haul trucks and prepared movement requests through the North Carolina state movement coordinator.
NC National Guard Firefighters Take to the Burn Pit Two Fire Fighting Teams from the North Carolina National Guard train together at North Carolina Air National Guard's burn pit in Charlotte. The 677th Fire Fighting Team from Morrisville, NC and the 430th Fire Fighting Team from Salisbury come together to train as one force to combat simulated aircraft fires. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/Released)
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NC Guard engineers train with NC Guard, other state government partners for services hosted by NHL Hurricanes at Military disaster operations Story & Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan
DURHAM, NC - Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s 105th Engineer Battalion completed chainsaw, sandbag, road construction and vehicle recovery training at a North Carolina Department of Public Safety campus in Durham, North Carolina. “I enjoy seeing the Guard and Department Public Safety activities,” said Armstead Hodges, a superintendent with NCDPS. “The training is great and it helps the community." The North Carolina Department of Transportation shared their expertise in the best and safest techniques for towing abandoned or damaged cars in case of natural or manmade disaster with the Guard engineers. Under the guidance of Ben Griffin, a NCDOT incident management engineer, Soldiers practiced attaching tow straps to several abandoned cars provided by the NCDOT. It is not just using the heavy horsepower and four-wheel drive of the Humvee. Too much power and the towed vehicle could be damaged or become uncontrollable and a risk to others. Guard leaders guided the drivers with hand signals. As the Guard Humvee rumbled to a stop, teams rapidly located the strongest and safest points to attach the long tow strap between it and a disabled car or van. “We want to ensure folks do not get stranded and get them off the roads and home safe,” said Ben Griffin, a NCDOT incident management engineer. “People have died (in a disaster) because no one checked on them.” Other teams honed engineer skills across the campus. Chainsaws roared as Soldiers make quick work of 20-foot pine logs simulating clearing roads of fallen trees. Guard instructors taught fellow Soldiers how to fill large sandbags with backhoe attachments or the best way to transport gravel for road repair. The training also prepares Soldiers for Operation Vigilant Guard, a statewide exercise held this month testing National Guard response to domestic emergencies. “The 105th will be postured to provide ready individuals, units, and force packages when called,” said Army Lt. Col. Rodney Newton, commander of the battalion.
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Appreciation Game Story & Photos by: Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan
RALEIGH, NC - The Carolina Hurricanes held their 12th Military Appreciation Game at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. Special NCNG guests included the son of Sgt. 1st Class Mark Marey, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew and Raleigh native Iraq War veteran Staff Sgt. Michael Wood. The team invited representatives from several military branches to give guests, fans, staff and players a chance to thank them for their service. The day’s events started around 1 p.m. with families of fans posing for photos in front of the more-than20-ton, 20-foot-long NCNG armored vehicle. Crew answered questions from fans of all ages about missions, the vehicle and deployments. Veterans compared their service and their weapons with the current issue. Crowds filtered into the arena as the teams warmed up before the match on the rink. The pregame ceremony began with the "starter of the game," traditionally a young hockey player who stands with the team for the opening ceremony. This game, the honor fell to Marey’s son, an active youth hockey player in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The lights dimmed as players line up waiting for his entrance. The spotlight shined as the youth sprinted to center of the rink. Ice sprayed off his skates as he came to a stop next to Eric Stall, a 205 pound, 6-foot-4-inch professional - a man easily twice his size. They shared a quick fist bump and smile. “I am so proud of him,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Wood. The patriotic theme continued with a U.S. Army Color Guard presenting the American flag and choir singing the national anthem. During breaks in the game Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard members were recognized for their service. Wood, representing the NCNG, was escorted to the edge of the rink in the third period. A hostess with the team’s storm squad, who lead cheers and help with promotions for fans, presented him with a hockey stick signed by the team. As Wood accepted his gift, the crowd rose for a standing ovation
NCNG Military Police Support Historic Event at Fort Fisher Story by Capt. Matthew Boyle, North Carolina National Guard Photos by: Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, North Carolina National Guard KURE BEACH, NC – 44 members of the NC Guard’s 1132nd Military Police Company supported state and local law enforcement during the 150th anniversary of the Second Battle of Fort Fisher. The Friends of Fort Fisher hosted over 15,000 visitors at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site. 1132nd soldiers assisted with parking, at crosswalks and as ambassadors of good will to all who attended. Sgt. Marla Mendiguren, a combat veteran and mother of two, worked a crosswalk with a deputy from New Hanover County. “This is a great opportunity for us to work as military police and it is also a pure MP mission, working stateside and supporting a great cause,” said Mendiguren. During the Civil War, Fort Fisher was vital to Wilmington and in 1865 it was the last commercial port for the Confederacy. A Soldier with the 1132nd Military Fort Fisher Police Company assists visitors parking was known as th at Fort Fisher to celebrate the 150 the “Gibraltar anniversary of the Second Battle of of the South” Fort Fisher. (U.S. Army National and was deGuard Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan fended by 1,900 Stephens / Released) Confederate soldiers. It received the world’s largest three day naval bombardment prior to an assault by 9,632 Union soldiers.
1st Lt. Ashley Beausejour, the officer in charge of the soldiers on site, commented on the educational value of the event stating, “It was definitely a learning experience for us, not only did we get to complete our mission, we also got to experience a lot of what is around here at Fort Thousands gather to listen to opening remarks Fisher.” of the 150th anniversary of the Second Battle of The crowd was drawn Fort Fisher(U.S. Army National Guard Photo to the approximately 800 by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens / Released) reenactors that participated in a demonstration of the assault on Shepherd’s Battery. This all volunteer group fired period correct rifles and cannons during a mock battle. The brief reenactment was historically accurate. Many of the reenactors are former military members but some like Sgt. 1st Class David McCray still serve. McCray is a medic and full time technician in the North Carolina National Guard. He was at the event with his son who is also a reenactor. McCray began participating in historic events in 2004 after he returned home from a deployment to Iraq. He stated that “We enjoy the time we have together, bonding as father and son, do a little history and teach a little bit.” The Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the Friends of Fort Fisher coordinated and promoted this successful event. Retired Brig. Gen. Jim Carper is a former North Carolina National Guard member and active member of the Friends of Fort Fisher. He invited the 1132nd Military Police to the event. “I would like to thank the 1132nd MP Company in participating, because they have a difficult job of managing 10,000 cars down here on one road and finding parking, so we really appreciate it,” said Carper.
NC Guard deploys Winter Catch Teams By: Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens RALEIGH, NC - North Carolina National Guard Soldiers mobilized in the hours before snow and ice started building up on North Carolina roads around the state. They staged equipment and stood by to see how this winter storm would play out. "Our mission is to ensure public safety and also prevent loss of life and property damage," said Maj. Stephen Koontz from North Carolina National Guard's Joint Operations Center. "To accomplish this, we deploy Winter Catch Teams and Off Road Ambulance Force Packages," said Koontz. The teams of transportation experts in various military high clearance vehicles patrolled the icy roads searching for people in trouble. The Soldiers cleared fallen trees from the road-
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ways and marked the abandoned cars that lay buried under piles of snow along the roadside. In total, 96 troops and 39 vehicles were involved in this response from NCNG units all across the state. By early Thursday morning, the full extent of storm damage became evident and teams flexed up to the northern parts of the state where up to seven inches of snow created hazardous situations. Spc. Thomas Cartwright a soldier from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who serves in B Company, 1st Bn., 120th Infantry Reg. said, "If anyone does get stranded out here, we'll pick them up and take them to a nice safe location." Snowplows cleared away the worst of the snow, but icy patches and fallen trees still caused problems for motorists. Teams continued to patrol the highways and interstates until these emergency conditions subsided. Cartwright's team provided assistance along Interstate Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 64. Guard operations continued until the roadways were deemed safe.
A Winter Catch Team stops to remove a fallen tree from Highway 64 in Wake County. (US Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/ Released
Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 11
Saturday night skies: National Guard Apache pilots train over North Carolina
By Pfc. Kelly L. Widner, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade MORRISVILLE, NC – Soldiers assigned to the 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, conducted flight proficiency training during their first drill weekend of 2015, out of their flight facility in Morrisville. The unit, which maintains a fleet of AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters, is part of the North Carolina National Guard’s 449th Theater Aviation Brigade. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Steven Pratt, a member of the 1-130th ARB since 2011, said he chose to become a helicopter pilot because of the role aviation plays on the battlefield. “Bringing our men and women home is the most rewarding aspect of my job,” said Pratt, who previously served as an active-duty medic with the 82nd Airborne Division. After earning a commission as a warrant officer and becoming a pilot, he said he’s proud to have another job where he can keep Soldiers safe. “I am trained to perform a mission that will save lives on the battlefield.” First Lt. Stephen Scott, also a pilot with the 1-130th ARB, said he’s dreamt of flying helicopters since he was a kid. Now a recent graduate of the US Army’s flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Scott said he does not get nervous before a flight. “[Our unit] has some of the most professional and proficient instructor pilots that I could ever imagine working with. I get to serve my state and my country in the coolest possible way,” Scott said, while preparing before his evening flight. These administrative and technical preparations are an important part of every pilot’s
pre-flight agenda, and Pratt and Scott are quick to emphasize that there is a lot of work involved to ensure that both the pilot and the aircraft are ready. “Flying is the easy part of the job that we do. The hardest part is doing the mission planning and performance planning for the aircraft,” Pratt said. Supporting each 1-130th operation is a team of Soldiers at its flight facility, maintenance hangar and battalion headquarters, dedicated to making sure each flight is safe and successful. “[When we’re in the air,] we have a mission and a specific task that we have to do,” Pratt said. “Someone has to be looking over where we’re going, what we plan to do and if it’s North Carolina National Guard AH-64D stApache Longbow helicopters sit on the tarmac outside the 1 Attack safe to operate Reconnaissance Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, the aircraft in that headquarters before an evening training flight. The 1-130th ARB environment.” is one of many North Carolina National Guard units manned By the end and trained to support domestic and federal missions. (U.S. Army of the battalion’s photo by Pfc. Kelly L. Widner, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade) training mission, more than 20 Apache pilots had participated in the evening’s flights. These training events are held throughout the year in order to maintain a ready force of aviators for the Army and state of North Carolina.
The NCNG Museum Needs Your Artifact Donations! The North Carolina National Guard Museum needs your artifact donations in order to tell the story of your service with the proud history and traditions of the North Carolina National Guard. The new museum is seeking artifacts from all eras, including: uniforms, insignia and awards, weapons, accoutrements, gear, photo-
graphs, and even captured enemy relics. The museum already has a very small collection, much of which is currently on display in the atrium at Joint Force Headquarters, but much more is needed in order to tell the story of Our North Carolina National Guard.
To donate artifacts of any kind, please contact:
1st Lt. Sean Daily, Deputy Command Office Phone: 919-664-6199 Email: sean.r.daily.mil@mail.mil
Page 12 – Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015
Historian Sgt. Gary Spencer Office Phone: 919-664-6214 Email: gary.c.spencer2.mil@mail
North Carolina Guard names one Soldier, Airman Best Warriors
By Staff Sgt. Mary Junell
BUTNER, NC – Soldiers and Airmen from across North Carolina competed in their state’s Best Warrior Competition, in hopes of being named the Best Warrior of the North Carolina National Guard. The 13 Guardsmen competed across two categories, seven in the noncomCommand Sergeant Maj. John missioned officer Swart, Senior Enlisted Leader for the NCNG, center, stand category and six with the winners. Senior Airman in the junior enNathan Connolly, left, and Sgt. listed category. 1st Class Andres Valentin, right. Sgt. 1st (US Army National Guard photo Class Andres by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens, Valentin, a 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/ medical instrucReleased tor at the North Carolina National Guard’s Regional Training Institute placed 1st in the NCO category and Senior Airman Nathan Connolly, with the North Carolina Air Guard’s 118th Air Support Operations Squadron placed 1st in the enlisted category. The competition, held at Camp Butner, tested the Guardsmen’s mental and physical toughness and included events like weapons qualification, a 6-mile road march, day and night land navigation, an obstacle course, a stress shoot event, urban operations, common warrior tasks, and a mystery event, which was changing the tire on a Humvee. As the competition moves forward to the Regional level and beyond, it is an Armyonly competition. Therefor, the runner-up in the enlisted category, Spc. Justin Bethel with the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade will join Valentin in the Region III Best Warrior Competition scheduled for April. Even though Airmen cannot compete in the higher level, many feel it is still important for them to compete at the state level. “We deploy the same way so why not compete the same way,” said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Buddy Arthur, with the 118th Air Support Operations Squadron, who cheered his Soldiers throughout the competition.
www.ncnga.org
www.minutemanmuster.org
Community Event Open to the Public For any questions or if you would like to be a vendor please contact: Community Outreach NCNG Public Affair 919-664-6242 semra.s.leary.mil@mail.mil
*Local Business Vendor Tables *Non Profit Organizations Tables *Food Trucks *Meet your National Guardsmen/Dept. of Public Safety *Static Displays *Family Fun- Activities for the Children *Participate in the 5K/8K Runs
The North Carolina Department of the American Legion Thanks You for Your Service to Our State and Nation!
We invite you to visit any of our 327 Posts, statewide, visit our website www.nclegion.org, email us at nclegion@nc.rr.com, or call 919-832-7506.
“For God and Country - Still Serving Proudly.”
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Senior Airman Nathan Connolly,left, navigates the “over and under” on the obstacle course during the NCNG’s Best Warrior Competition. Sgt. 1st Class Andres Valentin, right, changes a Humvee tire during the mystery event at the NCNG’s Best Warrior Competition (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell / Released)
Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 13
North Carolina aviation Soldiers NCNG family, US Embassy and other Botswana build pre-deployment medical partners hold First Army expertise By Pfc. Kelly L. Widner, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade
CAMP BUTNER, NC – Under fire and faced with an emergency situation, US Army medics need helping hands in order to stabilize patients – and wounded service members can rarely wait for a doctor to arrive on the scene. Under these conditions, having more team members with lifesaving response skills means higher survival rates in combat – which is why the North Carolina National Guard spent several days in February teaching medical skills to a group of deploying Soldiers. 9 percent of combat casualties involve extremity wounds that can be easily treated by Soldiers other than medics, said Staff Sgt. Josh D. Brown, a medic with the North Carolina National Guard’s 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, based out of Morrisville. Brown led a Combat Lifesaver certification course for more than 20 Soldiers assigned to Detachment 1, B Company, 638th Aviation Support Battalion, in preparation for their upcoming deployment to Kuwait. The CLS course is an extension of the medical skills all Soldiers are taught during Basic Combat Training, and is an important pre-deployment training event for Army units. With more Soldiers having the knowledge to stop bleeding, patch wounds and open airways, casualties have a much higher chance of survival, said Staff Sgt. April D. Fite, another member of the 449th TAB medical section. “During a fire fight, most situations become deadly when they could’ve easStaff Sgt. Josh D. Brown demonstrates ily been prevented if a Soldier just knew how to dress a wound after applying a the initial steps to stabilize a casualty, like tourniquet. The detachment is sched- applying a tourniquet,” Fite said. uled to deploy to Kuwait this month. This course is designed for Soldiers who (US Army photo by Pfc. Kelly L. Wid- haven’t been trained as dedicated Army medics. Throughout this 40-hour course, ner, 449th Theater Aviation Brigade) the unit’s aviation support personnel learned to respond during an emergency when medics may be dealing with more serious wounds. Brown, a former active duty US Marine, said he experienced a mass casualty situation during his unit’s 2004 deployment to Afghanistan when a truck rolled off a 30-foot cliff, injuring 33 service members. “We only had four [certified] medics. Thirty-three divided by four does not equal out to a good number,” Brown said, emphasizing that he relied on nonmedics to save lives. Brown said he’s worked with service members who have seen their battle buddies become wounded in combat, but could not help them because they did not know the initial steps. “Nobody wants to be that guy,” he said. Armed with emergency lifesaving skills, Brown’s students will be able to properly stabilize a casualty until either a medic arrives on the scene or they are transported to a medical facility. “We’re extending out the branches of the medical department into people of a non-medical [specialty] to give them a sense of things that can be easily treated,” Brown said. Members of North Carolina’s detachment of the 638th Aviation Support Battalion are scheduled to deploy to Kuwait this month. The unit is manned, trained and equipped to repair and maintain AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
Page 14 – Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015
10-Miler Shadow Run
Commentary by Melissa Hinton, Community Liaison Officer in the US Embassy in Gaborone, Botswana
R
unners and volunteers from the Army, Marine Security Guard Detachment, and the US Embassy joined local Batswana runners, the Namibian National team, and runners from other countries including the UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and more to line up for the start of the Army Ten-Miler Shadow Run in Southern Africa. Every year in the District of Columbia, 30,000 runners take to the streets to tackle the Army 10-Miler. The “Hooah Spirit” is on display as the wounded warriors lead the way and runners push themselves across the finish line. Driven by a love of the Major Kevin Hinton original race, Melissa Hinton, and his wife, Melissa Community Liaison Officer in Hinton (Photo Courtesy the US Embassy in Gaborone, of Hinton Family) Botswana and wife of Major Kevin Hinton, the North Carolina National Guard Bilateral Affairs Officer in Botswana, organized the inaugural Army 10-Miler Shadow Run in Botswana. With the approval and support of the Chargé d’affaires (the acting Ambassador), Michael Murphy, the Hinton’s brought the Army 10-Miler Shadow Run to Southern Africa. Army 10-Miler Shadow Runs have occurred in Baghdad, Iraq, at Kandahar and Bagram Airfields in Afghanistan, in Egypt, South Korea, and several other US embassies. After months of planning and preparation, working diligently with the host nation, the Army 10-Miler organization, the offices of the US Embassy, and multiple sponsors throughout Gaborone, race day arrived. Namibian and Batswana runners took the plaques for first, second and third places in both male and female categories. Michael Murphy thanked runners, volunteers and organizers for their efforts in making this inaugural event such a success. The US Embassy and the Hinton’s look forward to hosting the Second Annual Army 10-Miler Shadow Run Botswana in September 2015.
“North Carolina’s Connection to the First Official Shoulder Patch”
W
By: LTC (Ret.) Sion H. Harrington III
ho would have thought Dan Upon his return to the United States, Major General Bailey sent out Silverman’s simple sketch of a memorandum regarding the creation of a shoulder sleeve insignia for a rampant wildcat in silhouette use by men of the 81st. In anticipation of the submission of multiple would make hisdesign ideas, talented artist Corporal Dan Silverman tory? Certainly not Dan! Dan was transferred to Headquarters Company, 321st was born in Asheville, North Regiment to give those ideas visual form. The sugCarolina in 1894, the son of gestion to use a wildcat to represent the fighting hard-working Russian Jewish spirit of the division came from Silverman’s own immigrant parents. After a brief regimental commander, Colonel Frank Halstead. At stay in New York City in his the time, the division was training at Camp Jackson, early teens, Dan and his family near Columbia, South Carolina, and “Wildcat returned to Asheville where he Creek” was a significant terrain feature in the divilived until his induction into the sion’s training area. United States Army in 1917 at Whether selection of the term “Wildcats” for the outset of America’s entry into a nickname came from the creek, the fighting spirit World War I. of the men, who came primarily from states of the By 1918, Silverman was a southeastern United States, or a combination of the Sergeant Dan Silverman Corporal and self-taught artist servtwo is not clear. What is known for sure is that the name st st Co. I, 321 Inf., 81 Div. ing in Company I, 321st Infantry, influenced the patch’s design. It is somewhat ironic that 81st (“Stonewall”) Division during though commonly referred to as the “Wildcat Division,” the 81st Division’s official name was the “Stonewall Division.” World War I. His drawing became the basis for the first official shoulder sleeve insignia, or “Wildcats” was a nickname. shoulder patch, authorized in the United States When the division arrived overseas in May, 1918, their unusual Army. But, how and from where did the idea adornment was quickly noticed by members of other divisions, setting of a shoulder patch come? off a bit of a firestorm of jealousy-fueled Early in the war it was not possible to complaints. American forces commander determine a soldier’s unit by looking at his General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing was uniform from a distance. One had to be close not initially a fan of the unauthorized adenough to see the small symbol, numbers, and dition to the uniform, but later realized its letters on a soldier’s bronze collar disks. Even practical and morale-building value. To units then many disks that complained to him about the 81st were rather geshoulder patch, General Pershing sugneric, listing only gested they design one of their own. one’s company The shoulder patch of the 81st Division and regiment. was officially adopted for wear by the Something more War Department on October 19, 1918 beShoulder Sleeve Insignia (Buff readily visible coming the very first “officially” authorized Color) 306th Supply Train to indicate a shoulder sleeve insignia in the United States soldier’s higher Army. It was quickly followed by many command was others. needed. From his World War I Service Record, on file in the State The shoulArchives of North Carolina in Raleigh, we know Dan Silverman Captain William G. Mueller Command- was formally enlisted into the Army at Camp Jackson on September der patch idea th st originated with er, Co. K, 324 Inf., 81 Div. Wearing 18, 1917 at age “23 3/12 years.” Initially assigned to Company I, the Wildcat Patch on His Sleeve and 321st Infantry, he was transferred in March of 1918 to Headquarters the 81st Division Overseas Cap commander, Company of the 321st Regiment where he served until discharged on June 28, 1919. He served overseas in France with the American Major General Charles T. Bailey. On a preExpeditionary Forces from July 30, 1918 until his arrival back in the deployment orientation trip to the trenches of France, General Bailey observed the distinctive United States on June 20, 1919. During his service, Silverman received insignia worn on the sleeves of British soldiers two promotions. The first was to the rank of corporal on June 7, 1918, and the second to that of sergeant on May 29, 1919. in the trenches. He was told the British used From the skilled pen of a North Carolinian came all subsequent their shoulder “flashes” for both easy unit recshoulder sleeve insignias of the United States Army. Though largely ognition and to boost the morale and “espirit unknown, native Tar Heel Dan Silverman’s name is indelibly recorded de corps” of the troops. in the pages of Army history. www.ncnga.org
Tarheel Guardsman — APRIL-MAY 2015 — Page 15
Tarheel Guardsman NC National Guard Assoc. 7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607-5047
Periodicals U. S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC
Phone: 919-851-3390 email: info@ncnga.org web: www.ncnga.org
In Memoriam Listed below are members (and non-members), spouses and dependent children that have recently passed away. If we have missed someone, please contact the Editor, Katie Westbrooks at katie@ncnga.org or 919-851-3390.
Kathleen Muse Spouse of James Muse, Jr. Havelock, NC June 19, 2014 Edward H. Williams, Jr. Raleigh, NC December 21, 2014 Michael K Chamblee Son of Harry Chamblee Zebulon, NC January 4, 2015 Onia Denning Spouse of Joe Denning Fayetteville, NC January 9, 2015 Lynwood Robinson Mt. Olive, NC January 13, 2015 Jerry L. Brantley Nashville, NC January 19, 2015
Ernest Rich Hickory, NC January 23, 2015 John E. Rose Charlotte, NC January 26, 2015 Jason T. Landphair Fayetteville, NC January 29, 2015 Billy E. Parnell Fuquay-Varina, NC January 31, 2015 Benjamin F. Jarratt Mechanicsville, VA February 1, 2015 Samuel Williams Son of James Williams Selma, NC February 1, 2015 Gene B. Jordan, Sr. Raleigh, NC February 2, 2015
Charles B. Black, Jr Mt. Holly, NC February 2, 2015 Robert E. Lee Gladden Statesville, NC February 4, 2015 Dean E. Powell Hickory, NC February 6, 2015 Kendall Burnham Spouse of Janet Burnham Asheboro, NC February 8, 2015 Carroll Jones Edenton, NC February 9, 2015 David M. Martin Hulbert, OK February 13, 2015
Curtis D. Dunston Marston, NC February 14, 2015 Terry L. McCartney Lumberton, NC February 14, 2015 Ernest F Kanupp Denver, NC February 15, 2015 John S Pollard Tarboro, NC February 15, 2015 Danny R. Altman Fuquay-Varina, NC February 20, 2015 Parks D. Roberts Belmont, NC February 21, 2015 James P. Uzzell Raleigh, NC February 23, 2015
Watch for your copy of the June/July issue of the Tarheel Guardsman! There will be photos and a recap of the NCNG and NCNGA Combined Event!
Glen B. Simpson Albemarle, NC February 27, 2015 Rodney Parker Raleigh, NC February 28, 2015 Kenneth Newbold Rose Hill, NC March 1, 2015 Lytle Whaley Goldsboro, NC March 5, 2015 David Kirkman Pleasant Garden, NC March 7, 2015