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Texas Military Forces Mexico Travel Advisory
Due to increased violence on the border between Mexico and the United States, all full-time members of the Texas Military Forces are prohibited from discretionary travel to Mexico.
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636th MI Bn. Takes Responsibility for Sector
The 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, Task Force Deguello, officially assumed command in the Afghanistan Combined Joint Operations Area on Feb. 16, 2009.
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International Attention for ER-In-A-Bag
Reminiscent of the Volkswagen with the never-ending clowns spilling out, so is an innovative medical backpack that seems to have the capacity to keep on unfolding indefinitely and reveal a myriad of pockets, zippers and compartments containing medical equipment a physician needs to stabilize a patient during a natural disaster or terrorist event.
12 NCOs Compete for Top Honors as
NCO of the Year
Sgt. Luis Mendoza, will be officially recognized on March 26, as the Outstanding NonCommissioned Officer of the Year for the Texas Army National Guard, for his outstanding performance before and during a 48-hour period at Camp Swift
16 One Stop Shopping for Personnel Needs on Mabry At first glance, it appears to be just one of the renovated historical buildings here at Camp Mabry, but upon entering the building it is immediately apparent that the personnel working inside are dedicated and single-mindedly focused on just one thing – You.
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Cover- Spc. Levi Montoya serving in Company B, 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, stands in formation during his platoon’s precombat checks and inspections on Feb 4. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick, 56th BCT Public Affairs.)
Air Force Good Conduct Medal Reinstated The Air Force reinstated the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM) for enlisted members, effective immediately and retroactive to Feb. 6, 2006, when the medal was discontinued. Airmen who are eligible should see an update automatically in their records on the virtual Military Personnel Flight website. For more information on the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and its history, visit the Air Force Personnel Center website at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/ library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=7790. For questions regarding updates to Air Force personnel records, Airmen can call the Air Force Contact Center at 1-800-616-3775.
Financial Savings Awareness Program The Defense Department has designated Feb. 22 to Mar. 1, 2009 as Military Saves Week. Military Saves is a DOD-wide financial readiness campaign to persuade military service and family members to reduce debt and save money thereby ensuring personal financial readiness and positively impacting the nation's personal/household savings rates. Military Saves week was instituted in 2007 by the Under Secretary of Defense as an annual avenue for leadership to highlight the importance of establishing personal savings goals, decreasing debt, and developing financial fitness habits that lead to improved personal financial stability. Visit Military Saves at http://www.militarysaves.org/.
Tax Preparation Help The tax centers on military installations have packets to help service members get organized to bring with them the items they need to have their income tax return prepared. Tax changes and other tax laws of interest to military members may be found in IRS Publication 3, "Armed Forces' Tax Guide," available on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Military tax center volunteers can help answer any questions about those changes. For those service members who want to prepare their own tax returns, www.MilitaryOneSource.com provides online tax return software.
Use Your Thrift Savings Plan If you are a uniformed service member, you are eligible to help save for your retirement through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP allows you to save a percentage of your pretax income, up to a current maximum of 15,500 per year. The TSP is open to all active-duty and reserve members of the U.S. uniformed services, but you must do the necessary paperwork to become an active participant. If you choose to participate, ask your disbursing office or download and print out the TSP Election Form (TSP-U-1). Return the completed form to your service's payroll or disbursing office. For more information, visit the TSP website at http:// www.tsp.gov/
Vol. 4, No. 3
March 2009
Gov. Rick Perry Commander in Chief Lt. Gen. (TX) Charles G. Rodriguez Adjutant General of Texas Col. William Meehan Public Affairs Officer Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Public Affairs Chief Public Affairs Staff Tech Sgt. Eric Wilson Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson Cheryl Barbeau Susan Ribeiro John Thibodeau Managing Editor Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Design and Copy Editor Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Contributing Writers and Photographers Maj. Deanna Bague Maj. Steven Keihl Capt. Adam Collett Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Master Sgt. Ken Walker Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps Master Sgt. Brenda Benner Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick
Legislation to Cover Emergency Care Costs
U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced the Veterans' Emergency Fairness Act of 2009. This bill would enable the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans enrolled with VA for the remaining costs of emergency treatment received outside of VA's health care system if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost. The bill would also allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements back to May 2000, when VA was first authorized generally to cover the cost of outside emergency care for veterans enrolled with VA for their care. Chairman Akaka's full floor statement is available here: http://www.veterans.senate.gov/ public/index.cfm?pageid=30&release_id=11862
Suicide Prevention Hotline Saves Lives Help is only a phone call away for military veterans considering suicide. Nearly 100,000 veterans, family members or friends of veterans reached out for help by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK since the hotline was launched July 2007. The hotline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is staffed by trained mental health professionals prepared to deal with an immediate crisis. Also, suicide prevention coordinators are on hand at each Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility and outpatient clinic. Troubled veterans, whether they call the suicide prevention hotline or walk in, receive follow-up care almost immediately. For more information, visit VA's Suicide Prevention webpage at http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/
Articles and photography are welcome and may be submitted to JFTX-PAO, P.O. Box 5218, Austin TX 78763-5218, or by e-mail to paotx@tx.ngb.army.mil. Deadline for submissions is the 10th day of the month for the issue of the following month. The Dispatch is a funded monthly newsletter published in the interest of the members of the Texas Military Forces. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas or the Adjutant General’s Department of Texas. Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.
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Texas Guardsmen operate Camp Taji Mayor’s Cell Part of the comfort comes from being able to relax and unwind after a day’s challenges. Many Soldiers will play video 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs games, watch movies or even play cards. Larger events, such as CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Texas Guardsmen of the 949th Bri- a concert, have to be planned out carefully and can take several gade Support Battalion, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, days to make sure that everything is just right. Capt. Rene Marti36th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are nez of Austin, Texas, serves as the MWR officer for Camp Taji’s serving as a mayor and city council for Camp Taji approximately Mayor Cell and handles most of the planning for such events. 20 miles north of Baghdad. “Most USO performances are not confirmed at installaBy Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick
Taking care of tenant unit’s Soldiers is the primary mission of the mayor cell. They cover everything from providing billets to organizing Morale, Welfare, and Recreation events.
tions until the week prior. This requires rapid response and expedient planning. Once a USO performer is confirmed, coordination such as quarters, reserving the performance facility, confirmPart of managing the billets for the Soldiers is to provide ing power requirements for stage equipment, creating an agenda comprehensive support for any maintenance issues that come up. and notifying the tenants [units] is crucial,” Captain Martinez explained. Spc. Erica Rizzo of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 949th BSB is one Soldier that serves as a liaison between the A recent USO sponsored performance by American Idol residents of Camp Taji and Kellogg, Brown & Root and Readiwinner, David Cook, gave Soldiers at Camp Taji a chance to esness Management Support. KBR and RMS provide the hands on cape their daily routines and missions if only for a little while. maintenance support. “I take pride in knowing that our services and events “We’ve got a lot of units and Soldiers coming and gohelp ease the pressure and relieve the stress for most soldiers,” ing, so we make sure-for the most part-that the units, as much as Captain Martinez said. we can, can keep unit integrity and that they all have a place to stay and that they are comfortable,” said billeting noncommissioned officer in charge, Sgt. 1st Class Michelle Poppy of Chattanooga, Tenn. serving with HHC, 949th BSB. “We take work orders from Soldiers and civilians on Camp Taji and we input them. If it is regular maintenance work; once the work order is input, I submit it to either KBR or RMS depending on the type of work is being requested and they dispatch the crew,” Specialist Rizzo explained. These work orders can come in at any hour and do so at a frequency of more than 150 per day. Work requests can range from the routine-lights not working-to an emergency; a lack of water or electricity. However, when these things come up, the tenant must go through a Soldier to get the work started. “We are the LNO between the residents and the contractors. Residents are not allowed to deal with them directly,” explained Sgt. Elaine Kinnee, a Soldier from Fort Worth, Texas and non-commissioned officer in charge of the worker-order desk, serving with HHC, 949th BSB.
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Sgt. Elaine Kinnee, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Inf. Div., Multi-National Division – Baghdad from Fort Worth, Texas, discusses a work order issue with a tenant inside the Camp Taji Mayor Cell on Feb. 13
Texas Military Forces Mexico Travel Policy The security situation in Mexico continues to be volatile (J3). This request will be evaluated by the Force Protection Offiand may pose a significant threat to members of the Texas Mili- cer, and approved or disapproved in writing. tary Forces. Traditional Guardsmen and other employees (not adEffective 22 February 2009 all TXMF personnel who are in a Full-Time status (AGR, ADOS) and any who are in a paid military duty status (AT, IDT) are prohibited from travel to Mexico for discretionary or personal reasons.
dressed above) are strongly encouraged to abide by this policy as well. However, if you elect not to follow the travel restrictions, personnel should very carefully review the full State Department travel alert and implement the cautionary practices recomThis prohibition involves travel to all of Mexico, includ- mended. ing popular tourist destinations. If there is some compelling reaFor more information about the U.S. Department of son that a person who fits the above parameters needs to travel to State Bureau of Consular Affairs travel advisory, visit: Mexico, they must submit a written request through their chain of http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa-tw/pa/pa_3028.html command for exception to the TXMF Force Protection Office
Bastrop high school jrROTC program offers confidence training Camp Swift, Bastrop, Texas (25 Feb 2009) - Students from Bastrop High School dangled between heaven and earth and did so willingly and with the confidence that they had the necessary skills to do so. They had trained four days in the art of tying ropes and building Swiss seats, an intricate way of tying ropes around a rappeler’s waist and seat that forms the frame work for securing ones’ body to a set of ropes dangling down from a tower. The students received instructions and safety One of the high school students walks his way down the shorter one of the towers, in preparation for the guidelines from the much taller tower later in the program. Army National Guard rappel masters monitor the students for conrappel masters, Sgt. fidence levels and correct posture during their descent. Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada 1st Class Mark Dornbusch, Thomas Harper, Rudy Rosales, Arthur Ruiz, Staff seemed born rappelers, others came away healthy competitive spirit but also obSgt. Davin Schultz, and Sgt. Maj. Michael from the experience with a newly won served the buddy system. They assisted Granado. appreciation of what Soldiers and Airmen each other and hooted and hollered during Boys and girls called out to their train for throughout their military service. each descent. Check the next Dispatch for The girls matched the boys jump for jump more details on the program and an intervice principal as he descended from the and the entire student body exhibited a view with the ROTC commander. higher tower first.. Some of the students March 2009
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636th MI Battalion Assumes Intelligence Responsibilities 636th Military Intelligence Bn. Public Affairs
Colonel Dietz explained that Texas had a vision of building a world class intelligence unit in order to deploy to Afghanistan as a BfSB in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IX and X.
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (February 24, 2009) − The 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, Task Force Deguello, officially assumed command and responsibility for intelligence collection in the Afghanistan Combined Joint Operations Area, during a transfer-of-authority ceremony here, Feb. 16.
“Our journey has taken us from our civilian jobs in Texas, to various military schools in several states, to mobilization training in Washington state, and finally here to Afghanistan,” said Army 1st Sgt. Corey M. Amidon, the first sergeant to Task Force Hays, Bravo Company.
The unique Texas National Guard organization contains more than 300 personnel specializing in human intelligence collection, signals intelligence and counter-intelligence operations. They are the second National Guard intelligence unit to deploy at 100 percent strength.
“Many of our Soldiers are presently at their forward operating bases, doing what they do best, and working hard to contribute to the intelligence collection process in support of our mission,” Sergeant Amidon continued.
By Master Sgt. Ken Walker
Most of the unit’s Soldiers began their intelligence career in combat arms military occupational specialties and crossed trained into the intelligence career field. Hundreds of Soldiers attended additional skills training in source operations, language, advanced intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, special warfare weapons and unmanned ground sensor. This additional training effectively doubled the output of National Guard intelligence Soldiers.
Currently, the 636th is the most geographically dispersed unit organization in the CJOA serving the rugged eastern and southeastern areas as well as along the Pakistan border areas. “The 636th is eager to continue the intelligence gathering mission the 142nd MI battalion, [Task Force Wasatch] has done since May 25, 2008,” said Army Lt. Col. Thomas J. Kleis, the executive officer for TF Deguello. “They served our country in some of the roughest terrain in the world and served it well. The soldiers of Task Force Deguello will continue that service.”
“Like the Texans at the Alamo, Task Force Deguello has Task Force Deguello is named for the taunting music the come to Afghanistan to do the hardest jobs and offer their blood, Mexican army played at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, sweat and tears to the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne DiviTexas, the most famous battle of the Texas Revolution. The song sion,” Army Lt. Col. Michael P. Dietz, 636th Btn. commander Deguello was played during the 13 day siege of the Alamo to let said during his speech. the defenders of Texas freedom know there would be no mercy, The Texas unit will serve under the two most storied no quarter for those who did not surrender. units in the U.S. Army, the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne Division, during their combat duties in Afghanistan. “Task Force Deguello with its Texas heritage and Texas traditions is a proud Task Force,” Colonel Dietz told the audience. “Our Soldiers are trained and ready for combat.” The 636th is the first MI battalion in the U.S. Army since World War II created and trained in under one year, to immediately serve in combat. Additionally, it is the first Battlefield Surveillance Battalion structured to be used in Afghanistan. Task Force Deguello’s parent unit, the 71st BfSB is headquartered in Austin, Texas. A BfSB conducts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations to enable the division or corps commander to precisely focus joint combat power and simultaneously execute current operations while preparing for future operations.
Left: Lt. Col. Michael P. Dietz, 636th Military Intelligence battalion commander, unfurls the unit’s colors at the transfer-of-authority ceremony held at Bagram Air field, Feb. 16. 1st Sgt. Corey M. Amidon, First Sergeant of Bravo Company, Task Force Hays, folds the unit colors. Above: The unit’s colors, proudly on display.
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Awards Presented to Soldier’s Family Story and photo by Capt. Adam Collett
tin, the family confirmed this.
72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
Wednesday’s presentation will ensure Specialist Siefert’s HEUER NATIONAL GUARD records fully reflect his contributions to the ARMORY, Houston, Texas—(10 Feb military. “We take pride in ensuring Sol2009) The family of a deceased National diers are recognized for their service,” said Guard soldier from Houston will be preBrigade spokesperson, Captain Adam Colsented Wednesday with two medals earned lett. “We are grateful the family brought by their son during his deployment to Iraq. this to the Guard’s attention. Overseas Although he deployed to service awards are a point of pride for SolIraq with a different unit, Army National diers and their loved ones.” Guard Specialist Jacob Siefert was a memSince Specialist Siefert’s death, ber of Headquarters Company, 1st of the the family has actively organized two ef112th Cavalry Squadron in Bryan both forts in his honor. The family will host the before and after his mobilization. The third annual Jake Siefert Memorial Golf Squadron is a subordinate unit of the 72nd Tournament later this month at the CyInfantry Brigade Combat Team headquar- presswood Golf Club. The proceeds from tered in Houston. the tournament will benefit St. Mary’s The presentation will be made at Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado. St. 10:30 a.m. at the Brigade’s headquarters in Mary’s donated much of Specialist the National Guard Armory at 15150 Wes- Siefert’s medical care after his accident. theimer Parkway in Houston. The family has also established a Specialist Siefert died in an acci- scholarship at Texas A&M University – dent unrelated to his military service a few College Station, where Specialist Siefert months after returning from Iraq in May of had been a member of the school’s Class 2005. Sometime after Specialist Siefert’s of 2001. The family will be available to death, the family located some paperwork the media to speak about their son’s miliindicating that he had earned two awards tary service and their charitable efforts. that did not appear to have ever been isThe awards to be presented are sued to him. With the help of the Texas the Federal Service Medal and the Texas Army National Guard headquarters in Aus- Combat Service Ribbon. The Federal Ser-
vice Medal is awarded to any member of the Texas Military Forces who is inducted into federal service for more than nine months. The Texas Combat Service Ribbon is awarded to any member of the Texas Military Forces who is deployed for more than 30 days in a hostile fire zone. Army Major Paul Mancuso, the executive officer for the Cavalry Squadron, will travel from Bryan to present the awards to the family on behalf of the Brigade.
Maj. Paul Mancuso, executive officer for Bryan's 1-112th Cavalry Regiment (72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team), presents the Texas Federal Service Medal to Janet Siefert, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009, in Houston, Texas. The award was presented in honor of her son, Spec. Jacob Siefert, who died in a non-military accident shortly after his 2005 return from a deployment to Iraq.
IBC Honors 436th Chemical Company during WBCA parade
The 436th Chemical Company deployed to Afghanistan and returned Dec of 2008. While they were deployed their wives, mothers and family members were honored with a Mother's Day Celebration sponsored by IBC Bank and the Texas ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve). In appreciation, the IBC banner was shipped overseas for 436th Chemical soldiers to sign. The banner was presented to the first company commander of the 436th Chemical Company in Laredo and IBC official, Mr. Gerry Schwebel before proceeding as Parade Marshall for the 2009 WBCA-Anheuser Busch International Parade this past weekend. (l-r) 1st Lt. Scott Goodman 436th Chemical Commander, Gerry Schwebel IBC official, and acting 1st Sgt. Everardo Segueda.
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State Health Services Leaders Check Out Evacuation Aircraft sioner for Family and Community Health Services; Dr. Adolfo Miguel Valadez, as149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs sistant DSHS commissioner for Prevention LACKLAND AIR FORCE and Preparedness Services; and Rick Bays, BASE, Texas – In the ongoing effort to DSHS Response and Recovery Unit direcensure prompt and appropriate response to tor. major emergencies, Texas Department of Chief Master Sgt. Rodney State Health Services (DSHS) officials Christa, superintendent for the 433rd AES, came here Feb. 7 to learn more about the pointed out advantages of using C-17 airC-17 aircraft and aeromedical evacuation craft for medical evacuation, compared to operations. C-130 or KC-135 aircraft, which are also By Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps
It was an interesting coming together of state civil authorities, the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) and Texas Military Forces (TXMF).
fewer than 24 hours. After their initial briefings and a walk-through of the C-17, the DSHS VIPs stayed on board for a four-hour training mission, during which the aircraft flew over New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle before returning to San Antonio. While only nine litters were installed, the guests observed 17 433rd AES Airmen set up the equipment and respond to various in-flight emergencies, including a broken collarbone, a broken leg and even a fire, all simulated of course.
used. The C-17 is fast, well-lit inside and equipped for connecting oxygen to patients, and it requires a shorter runway and “The patient care exercises conhas better temperature control, to the bene- ducted during the flight gave the DSHS The AFRC’s 433rd Airlift Wing fit of special-needs patients, according to commissioner a unique appreciation for the Chief Christa. at Lackland served as host for the C-17 extremely high level of professionalism and its crew from the AFRC’s 326th Airlift The aircraft can easily accommo- and dedication needed to save lives in an Squadron, which flew to Texas from Dodate up to 36 patients on litters, which are aerospace environment,” said Colonel ver AFB, Del., as part of a training misstacked three high on easily installed stan- McNabb. “All the DSHS leaders were impressed by the very high level of medicine chions, each with a utility panel for consion. necting electrical and oxygen lines from and nursing care capabilities.” Col. (Dr.) Connie McNabb, Joint the aircraft’s systems to the litter patients. Surgeon for Texas Military Forces (and Colonel McNabb also hoped they former medical group commander for the An evacuation flight includes (in came away with a better picture of “all the Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing addition to the flight crew) an Aeromedical things that have to happen” to get a C-17 next door to the 433rd AW), arranged for Evacuation (AE) Crew, consisting of two and its medical crews and equipment to where they are needed before, during or four key members of the DSHS to receive flight nurses and three AE technicians. briefings on – and accompany the training When intensive care level patients are on immediately after a disaster. mission in – the C-17, one of the primary board, the flight also includes a Critical “During the event, we’re in Ausaeromedical evacuation aircraft in the Air Care Air Transport Team, consisting of a tin [at the State Operations Center],” said Force inventory. While the Texas ANG physician, a respiratory specialist and a Dr. Lakey. “This gave us a better underdoes have C-130s based in Fort Worth, it critical care specialist, which can handle standing of the tools out in the field.” doesn’t have any C-17s. up to three ICU-level patients. The others in the party seemed to Colonel McNabb said she wanted Chief Christa said that while a C- agree. the guests, in addition to becoming more 17 is expected to be ready to respond to a “Learning air evacuation procefamiliar with the C-17, “to better underdisaster in 72 hours, it can be ready in stand how the system works … and to realize the timelines to put things in motion” when such an aircraft is requested to respond to a natural or manmade disaster. Because the National Guard has a state as well as a federal mission, TXMF can mount a strong initial response to a disaster. However, in a large-scale disaster, state civil authorities will turn to federal resources for help. Only when a “federal disaster” is declared can Air Force or Air Force Reserve units and their aircraft come into play. As TXMF Joint Surgeon, Colonel McNabb serves as senior medical liaison and medical planner between the TXMF and the DSHS. Her guests included Dr. David Leroy Lakey, DSHS commissioner; Evelyn Delgado, assistant DSHS commis8 THE DISPATCH
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Opposite page: Airmen of the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron prepare to load litters in a C-17 aircraft at Lackland Air Force Base Feb. 7 as part of a training exercise. Observing the exercise were four key staff members from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Above left: Capt. Bill Reed checks on Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services, who takes the role of a litter patient during an exercise aboard a C-17 aircraft Feb. 7. He and three other key staff members from the DSHS board the C-17 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, to learn about the aircraft and its medical evacuation capabilities. Above right: Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), helps an Airman carry a litter “patient” into the back of a C-17 aircraft during a training exercise. He and three other key staff members from the DSHS visited Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 7 to learn about the aircraft and its medical evacuation capabilities. (Photos by Tech. Sgt. Rene Castillo)
dures, capabilities and limits gives me a better understanding of what we’re asking for when we make a request,” said Dr. Valadez. “This was a real eye-opener.”
Mrs. Delgado, who noted that the State Operations Center “defines the needs” for disaster response, said that from her visit they can better prepare for evacuations during hurricanes Mr. Bays said he was amazed of all it takes to get a C-17 and other disasters. ready. “I want to take at look at how we can change our plans to “Now, when Colonel McNabb tells us the time it’s gomeet the requirements of both the military and the local commu- ing to take or what assets are available, I can see how this nities,” he said. matches up,” said Mrs. Delgado.
Emergency Communication Services Keep Families in Touch During Hard Times making a decision regarding emergency Full name leave. Without this verification, the service Rank/rating member may not be able to come home Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air during a family crisis. Force, Marines, Coast Guard) How to Contact the Red Cross for Assistance: Call (877) 272-7337 (toll-free) Social Security Account number or date if you are an Active duty service member of birth stationed in the United States, or a family Military address member residing with them. Information about the deployed unit Contact your local Red Cross Red Cross emergency communi- chapter, which is listed in local telephone and home base unit (for deployed sercations services keep military personnel in directories and at Your Local Red Cross, if vice members only) touch with their families following the you are: Family members of active duty death or serious illness of an immediate service members who do not reside in the family member, the birth of a service service members' household, family memmember's child or grandchild or when a bers of Department of Defense Civilians family faces other emergencies. assigned overseas, members of the NaWhere ever their military service tional Guard and Reserves, recruiters, MEPS military personnel, veterans and takes them, he or she knows that the Red Cross will deliver notification in times of civilians. an emergency at home. Even if the service When calling the Red Cross, member receives an e-mail or phone call please provide as much of the following from home, Red Cross-verified informainformation about the service member as is tion assists commanding officers with known: When a military family experiences a crisis, the American Red Cross is there to help. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations.
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International Attention for Emergency-Room-In-A-Bag Story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas – (Feb 10, 2008) – Reminiscent of the Volkswagen with the never-ending clowns spilling out, so is an innovative medical backpack that seems to have the capacity to keep on unfolding indefinitely and reveal a myriad of pockets, zippers and compartments containing medical equipment a physician needs to stabilize a patient during a natural disaster or terroristic event. Once folded back into itself it neatly transforms back into an unassuming backpack albeit one for a physician with a strong back. Brig. Gen. William Smith, the Joint Chief of Staff and Col. Connie McNabb, Joint Surgeon, hosted a visit from seven physicians, visiting the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Program. General Smith gave a brief overview of the size of the Texas Military Forces, its components and their locations, followed by Colonel McNabb who explained three component organizations involved in Texas Military Forces’ response to a disaster. Colonel McNabb said: “When the Adjutant General receives a call from the Governor it is not uncommon for me to send out a task force that is not only Army Guard, but a combined Army, Air and State Guard. I know the talent I need and in the medical field a doctor is a doctor, a nurse is a nurse.” She continued: “We have quick response teams for initial medical response, search and rescue, and rapid assessment. The quick response teams at the governor’s disposal are the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or High Yield Explosive Response Force Package, Small Portable Expeditionary Aeromedical Rapid Response Team and the 6th Civil Support Team .These teams are some of the very first ones on scene and have the
capability to tell us how bad is bad, how big is big and how ugly is ugly. They have tremendous capabilities. That being said, we are never the lead in these situations. We report to the incident commander who maybe the chief of police, fire chief, sheriff or first responder on the scene.” General Smith said: “Hurricane Ike was our large category II hurricane that hit last September and we were very concerned about this system because it started to look like it would be a category III or higher directly heading for Houston. As it turns out it degraded down to a hurricane II and it actually hit further north. This was probably one of the larger responses that the state of Texas has had in a long time, even bigger than Katrina and because of Katrina we were not going to mess around.” Colonel McNabb explained the concept of the Mobile Forward Surgical Team Bag and the big yellow tent that unfolds into an initial emergency room or SPEARR staffed with Army, Air and State Guard personnel. She said: “It starts with a backpack - granted a pretty substantial
backpack and the doctor has to be physically fit. We would send out a medical doctor, two medical technicians and this bag when things develop very fast It is set up with everything a physician needs to take care of critical emergencies until the rest of the Medical team can be send in.” The Medical Service doctrine has four components: A fit and healthy force; prevention of casualties; enhancing performance and restoring health. Whether medical personnel are taking care of Soldiers and Airmen at home station or deployed in support of an incident commander, these four principles are adhered to at all times but are crucial during a disaster. The MFST medical backpack,” she explained, “is packed in accordance with the packing list and identical to every other MFST bag in the Air Force inventory, so medical personnel anywhere, know exactly where to look for the equipment needed to stabilize a patient. “ But as Colonel McNabb explained, the medical team is not alone in their quick response. The CERFP team stands ready to support mass casualty decontamination, it provides for casualty
The group of doctors gets their first glance at the Mobile Forward Surgical Team Bag.
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search and extraction and emergency medical treatment, triage and patient stabilization. They are capable of initial response within 6 hours, and for up to 72 hours after an incident. Finally the third leg of the stool of Defense Support to Civil Authorities is the Civil Support Team, and as Lt. Col. Jet Hays explained this team is called out to respond to all kind of situations. They were called out recently during what looked like a sudden explosion of unexplained bird deaths in downtown Austin and just weeks ago to examine the contents of several envelopes delivered to Camp Mabry, containing white powder. The 6th Civil Support Team, like the other two components, is an immediately deployable, active duty, Texas National Guard unit, formed in 1999 to respond to incidents involving the suspected use of Weapons of Mass Destruction as well as other disasters and catastrophic event. Colonel Hays, CST commander, explained that his mobile laboratory is capable of chemical, biological and radiological testing and assessment of agents in the field. The team also provides command and control assistance to the incident commander. State of the art communications equipment is housed in the Unified Command Suite, providing for an immediately available line of communications between all first responders. Following the briefings, the doctors were invited to join Colonel McNabb to observe the Mobile Forward Surgical Team bag and get a feel of its many components and capabilities in such a relatively small footprint.
Colonel McNabb advised the group that one of the doctors at the 149th Fighter Wing, Lt. Col. Craig Manifold, was instrumental in designing the bag and described him as one fantastic physician and emergency room specialist. The doctor received his inspiration from his wife’s horse show hanging grooming supply bags. From that humble beginning, he helped design a portable state-of-the art medical concept that has stood the test during real-world circumstances, and is now shared with other medical units across the United States. The MFST bag weighs approximately 60 to 65 pounds and in the case of a crisis becomes the most important piece of equipment to a physician and is the first step in building a medical response team that not only can take care of Soldiers and Airmen, but a team that is prepared to save the lives of Texans and its neighbors. In attendance were: Dr/Mr. Navapol IV Ek from Cambodia, Dr/Ms. Yumiko Kanari from Japan, Dr/Mr. Phouthone Muongpak Aca from Laos, Dr/Mr. Ka Io Tong, from Macau SAR, Dr/Mr. Mohamed Hatta HJ Manis from Malaysia, Dr/Ms Jocelyn Beron Aca from the Philippines, Ms. Kara Patria Constantino David, Senior News Producer and Dr/Mr Ching-Huei Yang from Taiwan. The visitors were invited to the US under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
March 2009
THE DISPATCH 11
A Soldier among Soldiers– NCO of the Year Competition at Swift Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
Other criteria under consideration are the Soldiers tours of duty in support of OEF or OIF, his or her achievement medals and in Sergeant Mendoza’s case that was definitely a point in his Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas – (Feb 25, 2008) – All branches of service have a mechanism to recognize those Soldiers, Sailors, favor. He holds the German Schutzenschnur, or German Marksmanship Award and because of foreign exchange treaties is auAirmen and Marines who because of their military bearing, acthorized to wear the award on his uniform. tions and service have demonstrated to be the cream of the crop Sergeant Mendoza said: “The competition was fierce and the Texas Army National Guard is no exception. Sergeant Luis Mendoza, will be officially recognized on and the ten finalists were honored to represent their brigades.” March 26, as the Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the This soft-spoken young Sergeant was recognized as the best among his peers not in the least because of some very interesting Year for the Texas Army National Guard, for his outstanding performance before and during a 48-hour period at Camp Swift, assignments. During one of his tours of duty he was a courier, safeguarding secret material during transport from country to where he was tested on: country. His orders were to destroy the material before capture. The confidence course Sergeant Mendoza joined the Texas Army National Land navigation day-night course Guard in March 1997 and served as an administrative specialist, Weapons Qualification on the M-16A3 Rifle followed by an active duty tour from November 1999 to January Warrior Skills 2007. He returned to the Texas Army National Guard in 2007. Eight-mile road march and finally Sergeant Mendoza is married to Nicole and has one A five-panel board appearance. daughter Madison Bailey. They reside in Round Rock but he When asked who could compete for this high honor, drills in Weslaco. He has served in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Sergeant Mendoza said: “Any Soldier is able to compete, and Bosnia. When asked what he was most proud of during his miliwhen the Soldier wins at the local level, competition will move tary service he said: “I enjoy my administrative function most forward to the battalion, brigade and finally the state level.” because it allows me the interaction with Soldiers and their famiFinal selection is based on a point system and divided into different categories based on the Soldier’s rank. During the lies. It is most rewarding when you can assist them and their board appearance, the Soldier is asked to perform certain facing issues,” a most telling and remarkable answer from an outstanding Soldier— Look for official presentation photos and movements and his Class A uniform is inspected to the nth demore about this remarkable Soldier in the April Dispatch. gree.
56th IBCT Promotes Newest NCO
Left- Master Sgt. Ralph Amaya, from Killeen, Texas, promotes Spc. Jason Summers to the rank of Sergeant in a ceremony held at Camp Victory on Feb. 21. Summers, from Justin, Texas, and Amaya both Texas Army National Guard Soldiers serving in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, have been serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the last three months. Summers works in the Base Defense Operations Center where he tracks significant activity in and around the Victory Base Complex. Above- Sgt. Summers receives a handshake of congratulations from Command Sgt. Maj. John Morgan III, senior enlisted leader, 56th IBCT, following his promotion into the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers. Summers, said after his promotion that he would live the NCO Creed and that he would not let his leaders down. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick, 56th Inf. Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)
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Air Force Utilizes Fort Bliss for Active, Reserve Pre-Deployment Training Story and photos by Maj. Deanna Bague Johnson, operations noncommissioned officer in charge for the 204th Fort Bliss Public Affairs SFS. MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M -More than 200 security forces As a tenant unit at Fort Bliss, Airmen asmembers from the Air National Guard and signed to the 204th Security Forces Squad- active-duty components trained here on ron are fully aware of the assets they have mounted and dismounted patrols, combat in their own backyard and utilized them first aid, urban operations, and participated the first three weeks in January to train in a convoy live-fire as part of their predefellow Airmen preparing to deploy. ployment skills set package. "Fort Bliss' 1.2 million acres of training area and live-fire ranges are more than adequate for our small mission in comparison to the Fort Bliss big operation," said Air Force Master Sgt. Robert
tions, close-quarters marksmanship, and transition firing using M4 and M9 firearms. This is the eighth iteration of deploying Airmen the 204th SFS has prepared. Sergeant Johnson said the Air Force Security Forces Center provides the curriculum the cadre utilizes.
"We're giving them the finest training they have ever received," said This was the first time for many Sergeant Johnson. "We break the Air Force of the Airmen to engage in a live-fire, said training mold by doing it at Fort Bliss." Sergeant Johnson. The Airmen moved their vehicles down a 10-kilometer route and engaged targets during the movement. "Quite frankly, an Air Force base is not designed to support those kinds of firings," said Sergeant Johnson. Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell Boozer, a security police officer from the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, said this was the first time he participated in a live-fire here and felt it was good practice. "It's good experience - good timing [since] we're going downrange," said Sergeant Boozer. "These are very good training grounds. It's wide open; a lot of areas to do things with."
Top- Air Force Staff Sgt. Russell Boozer from the 144th Fighter Wing, Calif. Air National Guard, fires at targets during a convoy live fire exercise at McGregor Range, N.M. Above- Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron fire at multiple targets in the prone firing position during a convoy exercise at McGregor Range, N.M
Sergeant Boozer added that the exercise afforded him and other Airmen the opportunity to train on how to deal with civilians on the battlefield. The Airmen had to discriminate between friendly and hostile targets as they rolled across the convoy lane. Segeant Johnson said his unit also utilized the ranges to expose the Airmen to other nontraditional Air Force-type weapons scenarios, including full-distance Army qualification, alternate firing posi-
Top- Airmen from the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, dismount and take the prone position during a convoy live fire exercise at McGregor Range, N.M. Above- Air Force Master Sgt. Mike LaPlaca from the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, fires at targets during a convoy live fire exercise at McGregor Range, N.M.
Home Is Where You Make It CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The flag of the Lone Star State flies over Camp Taji near the command center of the 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, on Feb. 5. The Texas National Guard battalion, based out of Fort Worth, Texas, runs the Camp Taji Mayor cell where they handle issues ranging from work orders for Soldiers’ living quarters to providing oversight on contracts that are being executed on Camp Taji. Camp Taji is approximately 20 miles north of Baghdad and is home to more than 350 Soldiers of the 56th IBCT.
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Behavioral Health: Generalized Anxiety Disorder By Maj. Steven Keihl Behavioral Health Team A friend of mine informed me this past week that he worries all the time. In fact, he told me that he worries about worrying. The truth is people worry too much. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is not just a catchy phrase or a fun Reggae song, it is also sound advice for all of us. Worry can be a big problem for individuals and the people they love. Excessive worry can lead to a host of emotional, psychological, and even physical problems. Unfortunately, some people just can’t seem to get control of their worry. No matter how hard they try, they worry, worry, worry, and worry some more.
suggest that it may be hereditary and manifests during times of stress. Others claim that GAD is a result of failed stress management efforts. Whatever the cause, GAD is a serious problem that can become even more dangerous if untreated. GAD can contribute to substance abuse problems, severe depression, or even suicidal ideology. Like I said… people worry too much!!! The good news is that we do NOT have to live with GAD or struggle with our worries alone! There is help! There is effective treatment available! A mental health professional can provide various intervention measures to include medication, therapy, stress reduction techniques, etc. With proper attention, GAD is a fixable problem! We can overcome our struggles with anxiety, illegitimate worry, and overactive stress! If you or someone you know is struggling with the symptoms listed in this article, a visit to the family doctor or mental health professional would be a wise step. Help is available! Have the strength to get it!
A growing number of people in the United States are struggling with a disorder known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by six months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and anxiety. An individual strugThe Texas National Guard team maintains an active and gling with GAD worries over unfounded fears and such anxiety is growing behavioral health team dedicated to providing resources highly exaggerated. and assisting soldiers and families to deal with the unique issues In other words, they stress over situations that don’t of military service. You can contact the Behavioral Health Team exist, circumstances that are highly unlikely to occur, and probby calling 512-782-7464. lems that are both catastrophic and unrealistic at the same time. Additionally, such stress and anxiety is expressed in manners Behavioral Health Resources of the Monthmuch more elevated than with most people. http://www.hooah4health.com/ The Hooah4Health website is a Do you know someone who worries too much? Are U.S. Army health promotion and wellness website focusing on their fears legitimate or unfounded? Do they generally expect the “whole person” (Body, Mind, Spirit) resources targeted specific worse case scenario in just about every situation? If so, it is pos- for service members in the Reserve Components. The website sible that this person is struggling with GAD. If the same indiprovides information regarding physical, spiritual, and menvidual is unable to relax, suffers from insomnia (can’t sleep), tal/emotional health and includes resources available for seems fatigued often, suffers from chronic headaches, and dem- download or print. Check it out! onstrates irritability or moodiness, chances are they are more than For additional information on GAD: likely struggling with GAD. http://www.nimh.nih.gov.health/topics/generalized-anxietydisorder-gad/index.shtml Researchers are not positive what causes GAD. Some
VA Suicide Hotline, 24 Hours A Day, 365 Days A Year– Help when you need it Sometimes problems seem like they are impossible to solve for many different reasons. Sometimes we are not even fully aware a problem is building up. We just know something is wrong. When problems build up, even the strongest individuals may think about suicide. Yet suicide is not the answer. Are you, or someone you know, at risk for suicide? Seek help if you notice any of the following warning signs: Threatening to hurt or kill self ; looking for ways to kill self ; trying to get pills, guns, or other means to harm oneself; talking or writing about death, dying or suicide; feeling hopeless; experiencing rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge; act14 THE DISPATCH
March 2009
ing reckless or engaging in risky activities; feeling trapped, like there’s no way out; abusing drugs or alcohol ; withdrawing from friends or family; having dramatic changes in mood ; feeling like there is no reason for living, no sense of purpose in life; Sleeping too much or too little; Giving away possessions If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, the first thing to do is ask for help. Asking for help can be as easy as picking up the phone and calling the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) and pressing Option 1. The hotline is staffed around the clock, 365 days a year by trained professionals who know how to get you the help you need.
Houston VFW Post Adopts 72nd Inf. Brigade Combat Team
Above Left: 2nd Lt. Hieu Pham greets a member of VFW Post 8790 after being approved for membership in the group. Several members of the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team joined the post on the night the veterans organization adopted the IBCT as a sponsored unit. Above right: 72nd IBCT commander Col. Campsey addresses post commander Bob Cook and other members of VFW Post 8790 after the post officially adopted the Brigade. (Photos by Capt. Adam Collett.)
March 2009 THE DISPATCH 15
It Is All About You– Bldg. 34 on Camp Mabry Is One-Stop Shopping not leave the premises.” As to whether they are succeeding in their endeavors to excellence in customer service, the chief added: “We average 4,800 transactions with 34 people, what do Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas – (Feb 12, 2009) – At you think”? first glance, it appears to be just one of the renovated historical When asked what his biggest challenge was, he replied: buildings here at Camp Mabry, but upon entering the building it “Getting nay-sayers to say yes to the vision of one-stop shopis immediately apparent that the personnel working inside are ping.” He added, when an 80-year old has to make two trips or dedicated and single mindedly focused on just one thing – You. more to receive the services he or she needs, we need to make Chief Warrant Officer Travis Evans, the man in charge, adjustments. Our veterans are individuals who served this country said: “We are a one-stop shop for Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and we are all about customer service. Some personnel valiantly and at the very least we should be able to make their from Ft. Hood make the five-hour trip to come and have their ID lives a little easier now that they enjoy their retirement. Our Soldiers deploying or returning from overseas should not have to card renewed here because we can service personnel so much quicker than the huge facility in Killeen. Turn around time for a face endless bureaucracy to get their families squared away.” “I told Sgt. Martin Puga, my right hand man to take over customer is usually less than twenty minutes.” The services located inside building 34 include Military ID card processing, and said, ‘Sgt Puga we are going to build something,” and from all appearances, they Retirements, Survivor Benefits, Retirement have build something good. The three waitPoint Accounting Management, ID Cards, ing areas are well appointed with nice, noneDoD Decals, Passport Application, Retained standard military furniture, plants, reading Records, VA Affairs, Transition Assistance, material and a TV. When thirsty, a Soldier or Education, Legal Services, Equal EmployAirman can easily find a coffee urn, and more ment Office, Employer Support for the Guard times than not they are even fresh-baked cookand Reserves, *Funeral Honors and Tricare. ies. Every individual in the building is cross The number of personnel dealing with this trained to do everybody else’s job and nobody myriad of services is 34 and the facility is looks up in surprise when a senior NCO open six days a week, ten hours a day, and stands in for a deployed Soldier. The chief said Mr. Evans, “seven days when we drill,” The sign outside the Soldier and Airlikes it that way. and he said, “if that still does not meet your man Support Center, bldg 34, welThe chief said: “One of the perks of needs, we are opening satellite facilities in comes Camp Mabry personnel. the job is that we get to service WWII Vets Wiley, Houston, Lubbock and Midland.” and one day I had the honor of speaking with a When asked whose vision it was to make these services veteran who had fought at the Battle of the Bulge. We are honavailable under one roof, he replied: “Discussions started with ored to escort these heroes to their cars and put their stickers on Maj. Gen.(Ret) Wayne Marty, and Col. William Hall, who was the Human Resources Director then and who said: “Chief here is for them if they wish.” When asked how he maintained this level of enthusiasm your job, make it happen.” The chief said: “It is all about how we can make your life better. We want happy customers and our and dedication to the Soldiers and Airmen he said: “We have team building parties. On our days off we go bowling, and I am personnel have been handpicked to make that happen.” He added, “All our personnel will deploy because you cannot assist a known to challenge somebody. It keeps us connected, allows us service member unless you know what he or she has experienced, to blow of steam and it motivates us to go back to work and take care of our customers.” and all personnel do physical training twice a week.” Over the next six months, the individual services proWhen asked whether he agreed with the statement that customer service is the most difficult job, he agreed wholeheart- vided by the chief and his staff will be featured in the Dispatch in edly and said: “We have a job to do. Most of our customers are a series called: “Our World revolves around our customers.” First up will be Legal Services, see page 18 in this issue, folnice people looking for our expertise, but occasionally there is the belligerent one who threatens to talk to their senator because lowed by Education Services in the April issue. As the chief said, “we are a bit of a well kept secret right they do not like something or someone, and we have to deal with that. The customer is always number one.” He said: “We have now and we would like to change that. Our doors are open to all gone so far as to take our DEERS machines to a nursing home to who walk through and we welcome feedback on how we are dorenew an ID card to accommodate a 90-year old lady who could ing. “ Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
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Building 34 Phone Numbers Support Services
(512) 782-5976
CW3 Travis R. Evans, OIC (512) 782-5090 NCOIC- Master Sgt. Martin Puga (512) 870-7514 Retirement NCOIC- Sgt. 1st Class Jorge Guereca-Soto (512) 782-6862 Special Projects NCOIC- Sgt. Maj. Anthony Sandoval (512) 782-5321 Transition Assistance Advisor- Jacinda Johnson (512) 782-1201 Veterans Affairs- Alicia Rivas (512) 782-1135 TRICARE- Staff Sgt. Jesus Quintanilla (512) 782-1142 Education Services- Flordeliza Q. Hill (512) 782-1016 Retained Records- Staff Sgt. Michael Davis (512) 782-5976 Legal Services- 1st Lt. Collins (512) 782-1178 and Sgt. Garner (512) 782-1169 Wylie, Texas- Sgt. Cody (972) 442-4679 ext 19 Lubbock, Texas- SPC. Montanez (806) 765-9529 Houston, Texas- Sgt. Young (512) 782-3845 Midland, Texas-Staff Sgt. Ray (tba)
From Left to right: Sgt. Sarah Garner and 1Lt. Dana M. Collins, Legal Services. Photo: CMSgt Gonda Moncada
*Funeral Honors will be added to the services mix in the near future.
Knowing Where To Go Is Half The Battle– Legal Help Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas – In the newly renovated building 34 at Camp Mabry, tucked in the very last office in the back of the building resides a small but expert team you may want to get familiar with.
Paralegal, can provide he explained: “We can assist the service member with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act that helps the member with interest rates on credit cards and mortgages,” which he added, “is capped at six percent for acti1st Lt. Dana M. Collins and Sgt. vated members.” He can send a letter to the creditor for relief. These can be espeSarah Garner (512) 782-1169, Legal Services, are one of the dedicated teams in the cially important when the member has Soldiers and Airmen Service Center, who entered into a payday loan with an exorbican help a Soldier, Airman, DoD employee tantly high interest rate. and their families with certain legal matAdditional services include general or special powers of attorney. He ters. said: “right now our priorities are deployLieutenant Collins said: “There are limitations as to what we can offer, for ing Soldiers and Airmen, however, we will example we cannot represent a member in assist other members on a first-come, first criminal court; however, we would be able serve basis. What everybody is interested in this time of year is tax preparation and to offer referrals to low cost attorneys in he said: “We are proposing for next year their areas. We can also provide legal that we offer free electronic filing for the guidance, and prepare packets for indimembers. We are actively engaged in a viduals seeking a self representation diprogram offered by the IRS to train enough vorce and/or non-contested child support tax expert volunteers to make that happroceedings.” pen.” He added: “We offer a limited Lieutenant Collins’ other duties attorney-client relationship,” but added: “If include immigration advice and helping to the individual discloses a matter that is of a prepare packets for mailing to the National criminal nature and or the information Guard Bureau Immigration Office. He could negatively impact on Army or Air attends Yellow Ribbon ceremonies where Guard readiness, we would have to disclose that information. That being said, in Soldiers, Airmen and their families among the majority of cases the service member other services receive legal advice prior to the member’s deployment. When asked can count on our office never disclosing what some of the services are that service any information that is shared .” members are looking for most, he replied: When asked to give specific ex“Mostly we do powers of attorney, wills amples of services he and Sergeant Garner, and child support.” When the spouse of a
service member complains about child support being withheld, he will refer that spouse to the Inspector General because as per Army and Air Force Regulations, the member is obligated to pay child support. Most importantly though he says is the fact,” that I can seek military discounted rates offered by attorneys; or under certain circumstances attorneys who work pro-bono [attorneys who offer their services free of charge].” He added, “very often the first consultation with an attorney is free, and in order to utilize that first hour as best as possible, we can prepare packets for the member or his family member that describes the scope and nature of the visit.” Additionally, his office can advice and provide information on family law, probate, contract law, landlord/tenant issues, USERRA, and any other general legal advice. When asked to explain the difference between his office and the Judge Advocate General’s office, he explained that the JAG will be engaged in military separations, court martials and criminal defense for military offenses, versus what his office offers which is a more direct service for the service member. Lieutenant Collins holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Texas School of Law and Sergeant Garner is a qualified military paralegal pursing here civilian paralegal degree. To arrange an appointment with the Legal Assistance Office, please call (512) 782-1169. March 2009 THE DISPATCH 17
Guard Families Eligible for Child Care Subsidy National Guard families are eligible for a child care subsidy during a family member's deployment. The National Guard Bureau is reminding its members of the subsidy that went into effect about five years ago. Mike Conner, chief of program services for the bureau's Family Program Office, said the Guard program grew out of one designed for active component members. "There was an increased need for child care on the (military) installation," he said. "When the (wartime) deployments occurred, the day care centers on the installations were already at the peak. This made it even higher and the stress just increased." This prompted a change to the program to allow active component families to receive a stipend to use off-post child care providers. Guard and Reserve members were later made eligible
as long as they were on Title 10 status. "If you are deployed in Title 10 status and your spouse is either working or in school fulltime, you are eligible for a child care subsidy," Conner said. Recently, those on Title 32 active orders were added to the eligibility list. The subsidy program is coordinated through the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, which approves applications and determines the amount paid as part of the subsidy, which varies based on a number of factors, not including rank. So far, more than 1,100 Guard members have taken advantage of the program. For more information, visit the Guard's Family Program Web site at www.guardfamily.org or call 1-888642-2799.
Reservists May Qualify For Early Retired Pay Department of Defense officials here have issued new guidelines for early receipt of retired pay for members of the Reserve components. Instead of having to wait until age 60 to receive Reserve retired pay, eligible members may receive retired pay prior to age 60 but not before age 50.
of Defense Instruction 1215.07, Service Credit for Reserve Retirement, issued under a law passed by Congress effective Jan. 28, 2008, Reserve component members are able to reduce the age at which they are eligible to receive retirement pay by three months for each cumulative peUnder interim changes to Department riod of 90 days served on active duty in
any fiscal year. Under the new law, members eligible to receive retired pay earlier than age 60 must still wait until age 60 to receive health-care benefits. For more information see DoD Instruction number 1215.07 on http:// www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corresp/ pdf/121507p.pdf
Free Federal, Military and Family Guides Now Available GovAmerica.org is offering 2009 Federal, Military and Family Guides for immediate download. These publications offer free career, financial, consumer and family information written especially for the federal and military communities. Visit www.govamerica.org to view a list of the 21 publications available for free.
The VA Wants You - To Join Its Workforce The Department of Veterans Affairs is contacting severely injured veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan about coming to work at the VA. The VA's Veterans Employment Coordination Service has already been in touch with 2,300 such veterans, of whom 600 have expressed interest in employment at the department. The current workforce at VA is 30 percent veterans, the second highest rate among cabinet departments after the Defense Department. Nearly 8 percent of VA employees are service-connected disabled veterans. 18 THE DISPATCH
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But VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake wants to increase that percentage. "I am proud of this effort," he said in a press release from the VA. "VA knows the true quality of our men and women, and we should be a leader in employing them." The coordination service was established one year ago to recruit veterans to the VA workforce, especially those seriously injured in the current wars. It has nine regional coordinators working with local facility human resources offices across the country not only to reach out to potential job candidates, but to ensure that
local managers know about special authorities available to hire veterans. For example, qualified disabled veterans rated as having a 30 percent or more service-connected disability can be hired noncompetitively. "Our team is spreading the message that VA is hiring, and we want to hire disabled veterans," said Dennis O. May, director of VA's Veterans Employment Coordination Service. VA coordinators participate in military career fairs and transition briefings and partner with veterans organizations.
New Year Brings New Tools To Quit Tobacco From DoD and Tricare Department of Defense and Tricare officials are offering new innovative online tools to help servicemembers keep their new year's resolutions to quit tobacco. The DOD-sponsored educational campaign, Quit Tobacco -- Make Everyone Proud, is expanding its interactive Web site at http://www.ucanquit2.org/. Users can now create a blog when they register on the site to share their experiences with family and friends and sign an electronic "I Resolve to Quit" pledge on the Bulletin Board to publicly announce their resolution to become tobacco free. For more information, read the news story at http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123127538.
New Employee Orientation at Camp Mabry– Permanent Technicians ORIENTATION DATE
NAMES DUE BY
ROOM/CLASSROOM
TIME
31 Mar 09
27 Mar 09
Classroom A
0800 – 1200
28 Apr 09
24 Apr 09
A123
1000 – 1400
29 May 09
26 May 09
Classroom A
1000 – 1400
30 Jun 09
26 Jun 09
Classroom A
1000 – 1400
The schedule for the New Employee Orientation sessions have been established thru June 2009. Please note your calendars.
nate travel orders with Staff Sgt. Daniel Jarose (DSN 954-5372) or Sgt. 1st Class Cheylynn Currie (DSN 954-5031), Employee Development Section. ANG technicians have to make arrangements with All of the above New Employee Orientation sessions will be held at Building 8, in the room/classroom mentioned above and is their unit. limited to 30 participants. Please note the change in orientation time ARNG technician names should be submitted immediately beginning April 2009. The targeted audience will be permanent for consideration to attend the class even if they are waiting for recently hired employees. The training materials are structured for travel orders to be approved and published. Please submit the names permanent technicians who are entitled and eligible for beneof your employees via e-mail to Sgt. 1st Class Perez at (512) 782fits. Attendance will be mandatory for ARNG technicians and vol5431 NLT the indicated date above. untary for ANG technicians. ARNG technicians will need to coordi-
This Month in Military History: March 1836 - During the Texas Revolution, a convention of American Texans meets at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declares the independence of Texas from Mexico. The delegates chose David Burnet as provisional president and confirmed Sam Houston as the commander in chief of all Texan forces. The Texans also adopted a constitution that protected the free practice of slavery, which had been prohibited by Mexican law. Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Santa Anna's siege of the Alamo continued, and the fort's 185 or so American defenders waited for the final Mexican assault. In 1820, Moses Austin, a U.S. citizen, asked the Spanish government in Mexico for permission to settle in sparsely populated Texas. Land was granted, but Austin died soon thereafter, so his son, Stephen F. Austin, took over the project. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Austin negotiated a contract with the new Mexican government that allowed him to lead some 300 families to the Brazos River. Other U.S. settlers arrived in succeeding years, and the Americans soon outnumbered the resident Mexicans. In 1826, a conflict between Mexican and American settlers led to the Freedonia Rebellion, and in 1830 the Mexican government took measures to stop the influx of Americans. In 1833, Austin, who sought statehood for Texas in the Mexican federation, was imprisoned after calling on settlers to declare it without the consent of the Mexican congress. 1836- The Goliad Campaign begins. A series of battles which occurred in 1836 as part of the Texas Revolution, the campaign ultimately led to the Goliad massacre. Troops from the army of Mexico defeated Texan forces in several clashes, and eventually massacred many of their prisoners of war, spreading outrage and resentment among the population of the fledgling Republic of Texas. 1843 - Seventeen Texans, who picked black beans from a jar otherwise filled with white beans, were executed by a Mexican firing squad. After months of raiding, captivity and escapes in Northern Mexico, Mexican president Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna ordered the execution of one tenth of the 176 Texas freebooters of the Mier Expedition. March 2009 THE DISPATCH 19
American Heroes Celebration April 18-19,2009 Camp Mabry Celebrating the Everyday Heroes! http://www.texasnationalguard.us/ahc/
March 2009 THE DISPATCH 20