4 Chili Cook-off at FOB Prosperity Die-hard chili fans living on Camp Prosperity had the opportunity to sample offerings from eight teams that participated in a cook-off March 13th as part of a Texas Independence Day Celebration put on by the Joint Area Support Group Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee.
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6th Civil Support Team Clears NBA All-Star Game
Working behind the scenes during high profile and very public events is just part of the job for the 6th Civil Support Team.
10
Fourth Annual Joint Conference In Austin
The evening of Friday, March 26 brought scores of the finest dignitaries the Texas Military Forces has to offer to the Austin Convention Center. Kicking off the Fourth Annual Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference, the opening ceremony gave attendees a unique opportunity to see and hear from the most respected of senior leaders.
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204th Security Forces Recognized as Outstanding
The 149th Fighter Wing here has received notification that one of its geographically separated subordinate units, the 204th Security Forces Squadron, won 2009 Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Unit Award.
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TX Guardsman Returns Home Just in Time
Texas National Guardsman Michael Terziancomes home on mid-tour leave just in time greet newly adopted daughter, Lexi. 2 THE DISPATCH
April 2010
Cover—- Texas Governor Rick Perry speak at the opening ceremonies of the Fourth Annual Joint Forces Conference in Austin. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)
VA Study of Women Vietnam Vets The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is launching a comprehensive study of women veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical health. The study will contact approximately 10,000 women. Information will be gathered by a mail survey, a telephone interview and a review of medical records for a selected sample of women. VA will study female Vietnam veterans who may have had direct exposure to traumatic events. For more information on the study, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website at http://www.research.va.gov/programs/csp/. For information on how to participate in the study, call (888) 831-3325.
VA Proposes Agent Orange Rule The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that adds three new illnesses to the list of health problems found to be related to Agent Orange and other herbicide exposures. The illnesses are B cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease. Even though this is a proposed rule, VA encourages Vietnam Veterans with these three diseases to submit their applications for compensation now so the Agency can begin development of their claims and so they can receive benefits from the date of their applications once the rule becomes final. Additional information about Agent Orange and VA's services for Veterans exposed to the chemical are available on VA's Agent Orange webpage at http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/.
Register for the Legion's Legacy Run Online registration is open for the American Legion's 2010 Legacy Run. The registration fee is $50 for riders ($60 after Aug. 1) and $25 for passengers ($50 after Aug. 1). The fee for supporters is $50. The registration form for the 2010 run can be found on the American Legion website at http://www.legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/legacyrunregistration.pdf. A donation goal of $450,000 has been set for the run, which raises money for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship fund. The route for the 2010 run has not been finalized yet. For more information, visit the American Legion Legacy Run webpage at http://www.legion.org/riders/legacy.
Sisterhood Across the Services Moranda Hern and Kaylei Deakin developed the "Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs," or battle dress uniforms, a support group for girls who have one or more parents in the military. Being "military brats," Deakin and Hern say they formed the Sisterhood because they understood the difficulties many teen girls face while dealing with deployed parents. Lack of self esteem, poor academic performance, lack of self confidence, eating disorders, self mutilation, depression and body-identity issues are all common reactions to the stress of life as a military dependant. The Sisterhood's goal is to expand and open chapters in every state, as well as host a nationwide conference every year. For more information, visit the Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs website at visit www.sisterhoodbdus.org.
National Guard Fiscal Fitness Program To help National Guard members improve their financial preparedness, the National Guard has launched the Financial Management Awareness Program (FMAP) to provide free resources and encourage sound financial practices. By completing the financial management survey FMAP can better service servicemembers and their spouses. Additional information can be found at www.jointservicessupport.org. The survey will determine whether the National Guard community knows where to find financial education programs and how to use them.
New AF Tool for Travel Vouchers A new online tool, eFinance, offers a secure, paperless way to submit non-DTS travel vouchers by providing automated assistance to the traveler. eFinance can be accessed as a secure website application on the Air Force Portal at https://www.my.af.mil by using a Common Access Card and PIN. To access eFinance, enter the AF Portal at https://www.my.af.mil, scroll down to the "Finance and Travel Links," click on the drop-down box and choose "AF Portal Money-Finance Central." Once the new page pops up, scroll down and click on "eFinance Workspace (PIPS/eFinance)," then follow the simple instructions to successfully sign into eFinance and complete travel vouchers.
Vol. 5, No. 4
April 2010
Commander in Chief Gov. Rick Perry Adjutant General of Texas TXARNG Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga Public Affairs Officer TXARNG Col. William Meehan Public Affairs Chief TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Public Affairs Staff TXANG Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson TXARNG Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Spc. Maria Moy John Thibodeau Managing Editor TXARG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Design and Copy Editor TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Contributing Writers and Photographers TXARNG Capt. Randall Stillinger Capt. Thomas Cieslak TXARNG 1st Lt. Maria Mengrone TXARNG 2nd Lt. Robert Lee TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada TXARNG Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning TXANG Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps TXARNG Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego TXARNG Sgt. Melissa Shaw TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson TXARNG Cpl. Maxiliano Garza TXARNG Spc. Suzanne Carter Spc. Garrett Hernandez Michelle Casady Dave McDermand
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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A Taste of Home: Chili Cook-off at FOB Prosperity Story and photos by Sgt. Melissa Shaw 72nd Infantry Bde. Combat Team Public Affairs
BAGHDAD— Die-hard chili fans living on Camp Prosperity had the opportunity to sample offerings from eight teams that participated in a cook-off March 13th as part of a Texas Independence Day Celebration put on by the Joint Area Support Group Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee. Just like a good pot of chili has a variety of ingredients, the teams were a combination of civilians, Army and Navy personnel. Some were professional chefs with degrees from fine European institutions while others were just selfproclaimed professional eaters using their wives’ tried and true recipe. The team names were either indicative of where they worked like the Human Resource Bandito’s or showed devotion to family members like Team Kyann Creation, named after the wife of Chief Warrant Officer James Cambron. Others were just plain fun like BH3, whose members painstakingly diced a small mountain of fresh garlic to add to their pot. This creativity carried over into the ingredients used to supplement the basics provided by the dining facility. Each team started out with precooked meat and beans, stewed tomatoes, onions and various spices.
To this, some added diced smoked chilies they thoroughly rehydrated; others had spices sent from home mixed by loved ones intent on bringing victory to their team. Whatever additions each team made, they all had three hours allotted for cooking before turning over a portion of their pot o’red to an impartial judging panel. To ensure fairness, the judges were seated facing away from the competitors and their cooking station, at no time able make a connection between the bowl in front of them and their buddies in the office. Once the judges had received their samples, the giant five-gallon pots were opened to the general public to pair with steamed rice or sweet cornbread and sweet tea. While waiting for the final results, some passed the time by taking part in volleyball and horseshoe matches, while others grabbed the MWR microphone for some impromptu karaoke singing. Shortly after Team Silverado was announced as the winner live on AFN Freedom Radio, the group was presented with an autographed guitar, signed by country singer Aaron Tippin. Team Silverado included Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Mangel and Sgt. Shelby Ritsick with the 72nd Infantry Bri-
gade Combat Team out of Houston, Texas, Sgt. Rontreal Perkins from N.C., also with 72nd IBCT and Spc. Christopher Guardiola with the 551st Military Police Battalion from Fort Campbell, Ky.
Spectators enjoy the festivities during the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Texas Independence Day Celebration and Chili Cook-Off on Camp Prosperity, Baghdad on March 13
afterdeployment.org Explores Behavioral Health Information FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The U.S. Army, with oversight by TRICARE Management Activity (TMA), has created an interactive Web site that allows service members and their families to explore behavioral health information. The site launched Aug. 5, 2008 at http://www.afterdeployment.org, and development continues. “Afterdeployment.org serves as an interactive, self-help solution to assist with behavioral health needs following deployment,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director, TMA. Authorized by legislation, the site is a pilot project to help service members deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other behavioral health conditions. Visitors to afterdeployment.org will notice the userfriendly environment. By clicking on a video link play button, users can watch veterans, spouses and other family members tell real-life stories about how war changed their lives and how they dealt with the demands of readjusting after combat deployment. In addition to these first-person accounts, a tool bar on 4
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the left side of the Web site links beneficiaries to educational topics that include: Getting Help, Check How You’re Doing, Staying Healthy Where You Live, Stories from Home and Far Away, and Links, Books, Blogs & Pods. In each of these areas, additional links offer detailed information on chosen subjects. A user-friendly environment is not all that matters to service members. Privacy is of paramount concern, and users don’t have to register to access the site. Afterdeployment.org provides confidential education on sensitive issues such as stress and triggers, conflict at work, reconnecting with family and friends, moods, anger, sleep, substance abuse, stress management, kids and deployment, spiritual guidance, living with physical injuries and health and wellness.
ESGR Conference Honors Employers, Servicemembers Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Griego 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
AUSTIN, Texas— When a Guardsman or Reservist deploys, the entire community feels the loss. From friends and family to employers and service organizations, every tier of the servicemember's life must adjust. Only with the strongest of support systems can a group hope to endure the prolonged absence of a valued team member. The Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recognized the outstanding efforts of one such support system at its annual conference, held March 25 and 26 at the Radisson Hotel & Suites in Austin, Texas. The event honored six Texas employers with the distinguished Pro Patria award for celebrated appreciation of their guard and reserve employees. Tyler Sieswerda, news anchor for ABC-affiliate KVUE-TV in Austin, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the awards banquet Thursday night. "Pro patria is a latin term," Mr. Sieswerda said, "meaning for one's country. One of ESGR's missions is to recognize those employers who excel at supporting their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve." Recipients included the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Lubbock County Sheriff's Office, Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, TaxMasters, Inc., Tesoro Corporation and Texas Engineering Extension Service. All awardees are Five Start employers, having already received an Above and Beyond Award and special recognition for individual supervisors. Dr. Jerry D. Icenhower, Chairman of the Texas Committee for ESGR, Ms. Pauline K. Brunelli, Acting Executive Director for ESGR, and Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, Commander of the Texas Military Forces collectively presented the awards to the
ESGR Awardees at the annual conference in Austin, March 25 sad 26.
representatives from each recipient agency. "This year these outstanding organizations join the ranks of dedicated patriots who have supported our Citizen-Soldiers as they honorably fulfilled the call to duty to serve their State and Nation," said General Mayorga. Employers awarded stood out for their commitment to their activated workforce. Support efforts included continuation of employment benefits during deployments or training missions, paid military leave, care packages and goodwill checks for families of deployed servicemembers, farewell and welcome home celebrations, hiring preferences and reintegration upon return from duty. Also honored at Thursday's banquet was Col. (retired) Dwain James, recipient of the Order of St. Maurice Award, commonly called the Infantry Medal. "The Order of St. Maurice Award," said Dr. Icenhower, "recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the Infantry and demonstrates the highest standards of integrity and moral character." Maj. Gen. Michael Ferrier, Chief of Infantry, presented the award to Col. James for his years of dedicated service and excellence both within the Infantry and ESGR. Friday afternoon wrapped up the two day conference with a special tribute to the City of Austin, recipient of the ESGR Prominence Award. Reinstituted in 2008, the Prominence Award recognizes the highest service an employer can bestow upon its workforce. "The City of Austin," said Dr. Icenhower, "is receiving the Prominence Award for being one of America's leading employers in managing and caring for its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Austin is only the third Texas employer to receive this award." Previously, Austin had received every award available from ESGR and the Secretary of Defense. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell accepted the award on behalf of the city. "As a city government," said Mayor Leffingwell, "we are committed to go above and beyond the minimum federal requirements to support our military employees. They play a key role in our continued success as a city, and we are deeply appreciative of both their service to our city and to their country." The military community can only succeed when supportive and caring individuals commit to shared goals. For the National Guard and Reserves especially, these goals include the solid and collaborative efforts of employers, families and friends working together to sustain its uniformed members. "We congratulate all of our honorees," said Dr. Icenhower, "and convey our deepest gratitude for their sacrifices and unwavering support to our men and women serving in the Guard and Reserve to protect our Nation."
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Why should I call the Lifeline? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888628-9454. From immediate suicidal crisis to information about mental health, crisis centers in our network are equiped to take a wide range of calls. Some of the reasons to call 1-800-273-TALK are listed below. • Call to speak with someone who cares. • Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself. • Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area. • Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned about.
6th Civil Support Team Clears NBA All Star Game Story and photos by Capt. Randall Stillinger Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
ARLINGTON, Texas— Working behind the scenes during high profile and very public events is just part of the job for the 6th Civil Support Team. One of their latest missions took them to the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX for the NBA All Star Game. So while the world focused on center court, the 6th CST kept watch to keep the spectators safe. Upon arrival at the massive stadium several days before the Valentines Day game, the team went to work sanitizing the facility, working in conjunction with the Arlington Fire Department and several other state and Federal Agencies . They covered every room in the stadium from the broom closets, to the luxurious owner’s suite with leather chairs, and everything in between. The initial phase of sweeping the building made sure that there was not a Chemical, Biological, or Radiological threat prior to setting up a protective perimeter around the facility. Once the stadium was certified as being safe, entrance to the facility was limited to a few entrances in order to observe those coming and going. From there it was the role of the Soldiers and Airmen on the team to watch and monitor entry utilizing both high and low-tech methods. While remaining vigilant for suspect activities, they are aided by mobile devices 6
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that allow them to detect a wide range of potential threats. In the hours leading up to the big game, the stadium opened up a total of seven entrances to allow the record 108,713 fans to come streaming in. Team members walked among the people looking for a hint of a problem. Detecting a threat is only the beginning of what they are capable of doing to assist local, state, and federal emergency responders. Their Mobile Analytical Lab System (MALS) is capable of analyzing samples on location to provide first responders with a critical and timely breakdown of the threat. From there, the team can suit up if needed and provide decontamination support at the scene. Lt. Col. Jet Hays, commander of the 6th CST, said “We’re very excited when we get to work at these, even though we don’t get to take part in the actual event.” Behind the scenes is where these troops seem to like working. Sgt. Daniel Garcia, the newest member of the team, enjoys the fact that he gets to work with various other agencies in this line of work. In fact, on this mission the CST will work with the FBI, Homeland Security, ATF, and local police/fire departments before it is all over. Sergeant Garcia, while new to the 6th CST, is not new to this line of work. He is coming off of active duty with plenty of real-life experience into the Texas National Guard
AGR program. In the end, the NBA All Star Game went off without incident and the event was a success for all involved. The team returned back to Austin to train and prepare for the next mission, whether that be an immediate response to an unplanned terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or prepping for their return to the Cowboys Stadium and next year’s Super Bowl.
A member of the 6th CST looks out over the cleared stadium.
36th Sustainment Metal Workers Fabricate Phoenix Art Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning 36th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs
is a lot to having background knowledge of fabrication. Not a lot of blueprints with what we're doing, just parts and we have to refabricate what we've got.” Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq – Soldiers with the Specialist Mast said the biggest challenge was the intri546th Maintenance Company, 732nd Combat Service Support cate detail the Soldier’s abilities to use the tools they had to clean Battalion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Support Command everything up and make it look professionally polished. (Expeditionary), utilized their skills to create two metallic guide “The challenge after that was to find a out way to make on stands for the 36th Sust. Bde., and the 36th Special Troops a base that wasn't too heavy,” said Specialist Mast. “When things Battalion and presented the units with the artwork Mar 1 on Con- start getting made out of metal the weight just adds up and you tingency Operating Base Adder. have to build support and find a way to make it moveable once its The artwork, which was created by several Soldiers heavy.” The stands turned out to be very heavy; between 80 and within the 546th MC, features elements of the 36th Sust. Bde.’s 100 pounds, said Mast. unit patch in a polished, guide on stand designed to hold three Spc. Benjamin Moody, who started out as a small enflags. The stand has a three dimensional look with a fiery phoenix gine repairman before joining the Army from Green Cove under a star in front of wavy lines surrounded by metallic flames. Springs, Fl., said he just started in the shop a couple of months The metal workers of the 546th MC provide fabrication services ago and is cross-training to be a welder with the 546th MC thinks to the brigade through the use of a well-equipped shop with talthe project came out pretty good. ented Soldiers eager to take on tough assignments. “It was a hobby of mine before I came in the Army,” Spc. Nathan Mast, a metal worker with the 546th MC, and native said Specialist Moody. “The hard part was the phoenix itself, the of Grand Rapids, MI., said that the metal shop has done armor flames coming out, and instead of putting the flames inside the kits, general fabrication and provides support to six maintenance bird itself, we decided to create a 3D look. The small pieces and companies. the tight corners were hard to make. I enjoyed it very much. I “We have quite a bit of resources at our disposal,” said hope we get to do more of it before we leave.” Specialist Mast. “We have a lot of metal, a lot of skill, and quite a bit of tools. Anything that can't be done by one person, can probably be done by someone else in our group, we're pretty versatile.” Specialist Mast said that the phoenix stands were a collaborative effort between the Chief, the non-commissioned officer in charge, the shop foreman, and the Soldiers underneath. “We all pretty much combined our ideas, hashed it out with the NCOs with the 36th Sust. Bde., and pretty much built whatever came out. It came out really well and we copied it. Fabricating the finished products was a team effort that utilized Soldier’s skills to cut the metal with the use of plasma and acetylene torches, metal grinders and a lot of thought. Spc. Curtis Carothers, a machinist with the 546th MC from Cornell, WI., said they do a lot of math and have to do a lot of brainstorming to figure out how to fabricate and create their finished Spc. Nathan Mast, a metal worker with the 546th Maintenance products. “They give you a part and you have to figure out how to Co and Grand Rapids, MI native, uses a cutting torch on a make it yourself,” said Specialist Carothers. “No blueprints, there metal tool box on Mar 6 at Contingency Operating Base Adder.
Look for the Texas National Guard on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TexasMilitaryForces
April 2010
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Family Readiness Group Supports 72nd IBCT at State Conference Story and photo by Cpl. Maxiliano Garza 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
AUSTIN, Texas— Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, "nobody has ever before asked the nuclear family to live all by itself in a box the way we do. With no relatives, no support, we've put it in an impossible situation." Designed to support the families of military personnel at home and abroad, Family Readiness Groups tirelessly work to prevent this impossible situation. One such group, the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team FRG out of Houston, Texas, harnessed new contacts and programs during the 2010 Family Readiness Conference. This conference was one of three feeding into the weekend-long event, the 4th Annual Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference, held March 26 - 28, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin. With the guidance of its higher command, the 36th Infantry Division, and the Texas Army National Guard, the 72nd met to provide its concept of operation for Yellow Ribbon and Post Deployment Strong Bonds to prepare families for reintegration after its return from Iraq. The 72nd IBCT had a video conference with the deployed command in Iraq, during which the overseas leadership described the well being of the unit. Afterward, they answered questions from stateside families and service members. "Now is the time to ask about anything," said Army Lt. Col. Shaun McGrath, welcoming the open discussion with the forum. McGrath serves as the FRG commander for the 72nd IBCT. Army Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, discussed with deployed leader-
Army Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, talks directly with deployed 72nd IBCT commanders via teleconference.
ship during their live feed the well-being of the overseas team and their mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. At the same time, the main FRG component conducted the State Youth Symposium, featuring dancers and musicians to entertain children in attendance from all over Texas. The symposium provided training and guidance for the youth of deployed service members and allowed children to make new friends in similar situations. The State Youth Program also sponsors Summer Camps in which kids from Texas meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. "The State Youth Program provides the kids with a voice," said Corie Cooper, the State Family Program Youth Coordinator. "The program gives informa-
Until Every One Comes Home
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tion on how to get in touch with their family overseas." The State Youth Program has many events like this one throughout Texas for kids, open to all children of active, reserve and guard service members. Only with the strong and supportive presence of organizations like the FRG can service members overseas endure the long and trying periods away from home. "The Soldier's able to do his job, in theater," said Colonel McGrath, "because he know that his family is getting the support that it needs. They're able to do their jobs because their families are well taken-care of."
Transfer of Detainee Ops to Iraqi Government Underway Story by 1st Lt. Maria Mengrone 72nd Special Troops Bn.
W. Riedel III, Company C, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 36th Infantry Division (ID).
"We had to teach them how to drive the buses, which consisted of a classroom portion, actual on the road drivers trainCAMP TAJI, Iraq— U.S. Forces assigned to Camp Taji Theater ing and preventive maintenance. We issued certificates and have Internment Facility Reconciliation Center (TIFRC) relinquished identified bus drivers," said Riedel. control of detainees and its facility to the Iraqi government on Many troops are optimistic that their hard work at menMarch 15. toring and assisting Iraqi guards will pay off in the long run. By August 2010, complete detainee operations handover "I never thought I'd see myself giving something back to to Iraq control is expected to be completed with the transfer of Iraq," said Texas guardsman, Sgt. Sanjay Shiwprasao, Company Camp Cropper, the last U.S. ran internment facility in Iraq. A, 72nd IBCT, 36th ID. "Approximately 3,000 detainees are being transferred to Shiwprasao said he knows the Iraqi guards are conIraq, that's roughly 60 percent of the U.S. controlled detainee cerned about the care of detainees. The turning point, for him, population," said Lt. Col. Daniel D. Deadrich, Taji TIFRC comcame when the guards began taking interest in the wellbeing of mander and 705th Military Police battalion commander based in the detainees. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. "Detainees received stale bread with one of their meals The handover is part of the U.S. drawdown playing out and the ICOs took the initiative to call the dining facility and across Iraq as stated in the Security Agreement, ending with the have the problem fixed," he said. "That alone tells me that they complete withdrawal of U.S. Forces by December 2011. care about this job." "The security agreement says that in order for detainees Petty Officer 1st Class John C. Provins, Navy Provito be transferred to the government of Iraq, detainees must have an arrest warrant, detention order or conviction," said Deadrich. sional Detainee Battalion, of San Diego, California, said taking groups of religiously diverse Iraqi guards and getting them to "We took all detainees and started to release those withwork together has been rewarding. out sufficient evidence to prosecute or those that did not pose a "When I first got here, seven months ago, I noticed the significant threat. We averaged roughly 700 to 1,000 monthly ICOs were a little apprehensive in dealing with detainees. [Since releases. This shows that we are abiding by the security agreethen], I have seen them grow and develop into professionals," ment." said Provins. Along with the transfer of detainees, the Iraqi govern"They are now at a point where they can operate the ment will also assume responsibility of the recently built multifacility safely. I hope their success here can be a beacon of hope million dollar Taji internment facility and all its property. for Iraq." "This facility will increase Iraq's capacity to be successful," said Deadrich. "As Iraq works out its budgetary issues we will continue to provide support in the form of maintenance and fuel contracts, feeding the detainee population [and] maintaining supplies so that the facility will continue to work. After August (2010), this support will become Iraq's sole responsibility." Engineering projects are on track to connect the Taji facility to the locally existing electrical and water grid lines in an attempt to alleviate future generator fuel and importing water costs. The handover also symbolizes the change from detainees to inmate status within the Iraqi corrections system. "Our ultimate goal for this Taji prison is that it will serve as a model facility as how to provide proper care and custody for the Iraqi inmate population," said Deadrich. For several months, hundreds of Army and Navy personnel have been working side by side with Iraqi corrections officers (ICO) tackling cultural and language barriers to properly train and ready guards for the historical transition. Iraqi guards have been trained on how to drive short and long buses in order to facilitate movement of inmates from visitation to medical appointments, said Georgia native, 1st Lt. Robert
Maj. Gen. David E. Quantock, deputy commanding general for detainee operations, U.S. Forces - Iraq and Dara Nour alDeen, Minister of Justice Director General, sign the ceremonial certificate symbolizing the transfer of the Taji Theater Internment Facility Center to the Government of Iraq here on 15 March. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Candace Mundt)
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Fourth Annual Joint Conference Kicks Off in Austin By Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
AUSTIN, Texas— The evening of Friday, March 26 brought scores of the finest dignitaries the Texas Military Forces has to offer to the Austin Convention Center. Kicking off the Fourth Annual Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference, the opening ceremony gave attendees a unique opportunity to see and hear from the most respected of senior leaders. The event began with a special introduction of the Texas Military Forces command teams. The Parade of Colors featured the respective commanders and sergeants major of all brigade, wing and regiment levels and higher. Passing the adjutant general in review, the unit colors represent the unit, its members and their military campaigns. The commander of the Texas Military Forces, Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, spoke extensively of the state's servicemembers and their unfailing duty and courgage. "In the 12 months that have gone by since our last NGAT conference, your Texas Military Forces have remained decisively engaged, supporting both our state and federal missions," he said. "On the home front, we have responded superbly to natural disasters across the State and provided critical Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) while protecting the lives and property of our fellow Texas
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citizens." General Mayorga went on to introduce the keynote speaker, Gov. Rick Perry, who highlighted the diverse challenges facing the Texas Military Forces. "It is hard to really sum up all that our Guard forces do for Texas, because they simply do so much," said Governor Perry. "Our troops' pride in Texas is matched by our pride in them, and while we can never truly repay the sacrifice our servicemembers make, we are fiercely committed to honoring and supporting troops and their families and sustaining the special relationship that has long existed between Texas and the military." "The crowd was touched by Governor Perry's concern for our wounded warriors and families of those killed in action," said Col. William "Bill" Hall, Minuteman Brigade Commander. "Service members and families smiled, applauded and gave a standing ovation for his positive comments on the Texas Military Forces' readiness and past performance." The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of the Texas Adjutant General's Performance Excellence Competition (TAGPEC) awards and the Family Readiness Group (FRG) awards. "The TAGPEC," said the evening's master of ceremonies, "is a competition whereby Texas Military Forces organizations are asked to assess themselves See CEREMONY, next page
CEREMONY, cont. from previous page
Following the awards presentations, the NGAT Welcome Party moved the assembly downstairs as the night conbased on the basic principles of the Malcolm Baldrige criteria for cluded with an array of activities from networking and catching Performance Excellence, which are the strategic framework for up with contacts to karaoke and dancing. assessing performance and leading change." With something for everyone, the opening ceremony started the weeked-long event off with a spectacular gathering of A trained board of examiners judged the entrants on military personalities and the supportive family members who categories of performance including leadership, strategy, improvement, motivation and preparedness. Winners from the two help to make the Texas Military Forces mission an invariable command levels, capt. to maj. and lt. col. to col., received cash success. prizes for their unit and a plaque commemorating the occasion. Winners included Co. B, 3/114 Infantry, commanded by Cpt. Michael Geraci in the lower command category and the Dallas Fort Worth Medical Response Group, Texas Medical Brigade, commanded by Col. Donald Bishop in the higher command category. The FRG presented several service awards honoring the dedicated volunteer work of representatives and leaders whose efforts directly benefit the families and loved ones of our Texas Military Forces. Honors included the Texas Star Award for 1000 volunteer hours, the Gold Service Award for 15 or more years of service, the Outstanding Family Readiness Program Group Leader, the Freedoms Table Award, the Adjutant General's Spirit Award and many others.
Opposite page top right- 36th Inf. Dive Commander Maj. Gen. Eddie Spurgin and 36th Inf. Div. Command Sgt. Maj. Wilson Early, present the division colors at the conference. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) Center right- Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Peters, Texas State Guard Commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Harold L. Higgins Jr, senior enlisted leader for the TXSG, present the colors. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) Bottom right- Assistant Adjutant General - Air –Brigadier General John F. Nichols, Assistant Adjutant General Air, Texas Military Forces, present the Texas Air National Guard colors to Gen. Jose S. Mayorga at the conference. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) This page top right- Members of the 36th Inf. Div. band entertain conference attendees in the exhibit hall. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs) Bottom left- Attendees, including Texas Military Forces Chief of Staff Col. Connie McNabb at the opening ceremonies. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego, 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment) Bottom right- Texas Governor Rick Perry addresses members of the audience. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)
Twitter “TEXASGUARD” for information and updates from Recruiting and Retention Command! April 2010
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State Conference Brings Soldiers, Families, Community Together Story and photo by Spc. Suzanne Carter Readiness Group's Youth Symposium, 100th Mobil Public Affairs Detachment
AUSTIN, Texas— "Someone asks me, 'How did you get here?' I try to be nice and say, 'I took a plane,'" said senior enlisted advisor for the Texas Military Forces Command Sgt. Maj. Juan G. Morales. After the laughter died down, Sgt. Maj. Morales continued to say that no obstacle kept him from achieving his goals. "I was born in Puerto Rico, but raised in America," he said. "I speak 'Spanglish,' ... that never stopped me." A small group of junior enlisted Soldiers and Airmen listened intently as Morales detailed the keys to a successful military career. "Be the person who always has a question," he said. "Be a leader, be the one in front and do research." The Junior Enlisted Forum, lead by Sgt. Maj. Morales, was part of the 4th Annual Joint Texas Military Affairs Conference held at the Austin Convention Center, March 26-28. The forum allowed Soldiers and Airmen to ask senior NCOs questions about career development. The conference was a joint venture, combining three different, events: the Joint Commanders Conference, the Family Readiness Conference, and the 51st Annual Conference of the National Guard Association of Texas. From breakfast to lunch and on through dinner Friday and Saturday, service members of the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air Guard and Texas State Guard ran into old friends and made new ones. Families of servicemembers connected faces with names. "It's a good place to see people you haven't seen for awhile," said Marline Schloari, a conference volunteer from Grand Prairie, Texas. "I've met a lot of Soldiers and officers when we've had those [family readiness] trainings. They know you've done that training, but they don't know who you belong to. When they see you here with your spouse ... it clicks." The conference boasted a fun run and relay races for servicemembers' families on Friday, as well as a golf tournament at Star Ranch, a Texas Hold'em Poker tournament, wine tastings, karaoke, and dancing. Kids participated in the Family 12 THE DISPATCH
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where they played games, listened to live music and learned what to do when their parents deploy. Soldiers, Airmen and Guardsmen, along with their families, strolled through aisles of vendor booths that filled the convention center's exhibit hall. Others bid on baskets filled with treats at the silent auction, proceeds to benefit NGAT. The booths offered services, products and information for Texas Military Forces service members and their families. One booth displayed new tactical gear. "We have a lot more visible stuff to actually go touch and see what our husbands may or may not get to use," said Ms. Schloari. "The latest equipment is out there. Or if it's not, they can say, 'Hey, we need that. Can you get us that?'" Ms. Schloari enjoyed browsing the line of body protection and armored vehicles. "They've come out with some really good stuff," she said. "I'm really excited about the protection factor that they've got." Other booths offered families information about support opportunities during deployments. "Now that I'm seeing all the information we're giving to family members, there's just so much," said Elizabeth Vega, secretary for the Family Readiness Group. She said that during her husband's first deployment, Ms. Vega did not know about the support available to her and her two children. The array of information available at the conference confirmed that no Soldier stands alone and neither do their families. "All you have to do is just walk in the door and ask one person," Ms. Vega said. "If that person doesn't know, they can tell you where to find the answer, ... there is no stupid question." Texas Military Forces leaders gathered Saturday afternoon to conduct business as part of the Joint Commanders Conference. During FRG's family programs, leaders deployed with the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team joined the forum via teleconference to answer family members' questions about their troops in Iraq. The FRG also hosted a variety of question and answer panels through their Family Readiness Program Conference.
Texas State Guard members broke away from the crowd on Saturday to discuss duty and share camaraderie as citizen soldiers. "Service," exclaimed Col. Dennis O'Driscol, 8th Regt. commander, when asked what motivates these Citizen Soldiers. "Before I joined, I just thought that surely there was something I can do to help. We are here as support to civilian and military authorities." Texas Military Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga marveled at the Guardsmen who sat before him. "Do you want this job," he asked. "If you join us, you get to pay for your own uniforms, boots, travel and lodging. You only get paid $121 a day when the governor activates us. And here you all are. You can't buy that kind of dedication." With 1,700 members, said General Mayorga, the Texas State Guard responds to natural disasters like hurricanes, provides border patrol support, and controls new communication technology for Texas Military Forces, without the possibility of deployment. "It's Texans serving Texas," Colonel O'Driscol said. "And it doesn't take long to know we're making a difference." While the conference teemed with useful information, service members and their families took much more than that home. Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy L. Broyles, Sgt Maj. of the Texas Army National Guard, offered encouraging words to service members as they pursue their goals. "Work hard," he said. "Do what you're supposed to do, and you'll get anywhere you want to go."
Texas State Command Sgt. Maj. Juan G. Morale address Soldiers during a Junior Enlisted Forum at the conference.
Task Force Lone Star Troops Return Home From Afghanistan Story by Capt. Thomas Cieslak and Spc. Garrett Hernandez Joint Task Force 435 Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A battalion of quiet custodians from the Army National Guard will soon end their deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, successfully completing a mission of utmost sensitivity. Soldiers from Task Force Lone Star, military police men and women commanded by Lt. Col. Amy Cook, will soon return to their families after conducting detainee operations on Bagram Airfield from June 2009 to April 2010. Task Force Lone Star directly supported the mission of Joint Task Force 435 which, under the command Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, has responsibility for detainee operations in Afghanistan. “We’re changing the way the world thinks about detention operations by advocating for transparency so that everyone can see the great work being done here in Afghanistan,” Cook says when asked about her aspirations while leader of the task force. “Our primary goals for this mission: complete the mission honorably and bring everyone home safe.” Task Force Lone Star was led by the senior officers and noncommissioned officers of Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 136th Military Police Battalion, an Army National Guard unit based in Texas. The Soldiers deployed to Camp Shelby, Miss., in April 2009 to begin their deployment. Each Soldier of Task Force Lone Star was certified in detention operations after completing a 45 day training program. The curriculum included training in the use of non-lethal weapons, escalation of force measures and the development of Soldiers’ interpersonal communication skills. “We Make Mission” best describes the Soldiers of Task Force Lone Star. Every day for the past eleven months, they have worked to provide the best possible custody, control and care of detainees on Bagram Airfield and in Field Detention Sites in the eastern portion of Afghanistan. Members of the task force have braved incidents of noncompliance from the detainee population. Soldiers, male and female, have been struck with bodily fluids thrown from cells in retaliation for enforcement of facility rules meant to keep detainees and guard-force members safe. Many times, their missions took them into harm’s way as the caretakers of detainees. All of this, conducted by quiet custodians of a mission which has strategic implications. The actions of a single member of Task Force Lone Star have tremendous bearing on what a detainee tells his family and his village when released. The Soldiers of Task Force Lone Star served their nation in the most critical of missions with the utmost discretion. In late December 2009, Task Force Lone Star assumed the task to transport detainees from the Bagram Theater Internment Facility to the Detention Facility in Parwan, located approximately five miles away on a separate portion of Bagram Airfield. More than 700 detainees—each clothed in a sweatshirt and stocking hat to ensure they were warm during the ride across base—were transferred by buses without a single incident. They
were individually in-processed and placed into their proper cells in a process which took the Soldiers and other U.S. military service members from the Air Force and Navy almost a week to complete. The average age of these Soldiers is 30—a fact not lost when Soldiers of the task force reflect what their friends and relatives are doing at home while attending college, graduate schools, trade schools or in the civilian work force. Pride in the mission they are conducting always overcomes any apathy or discouragement the Soldiers feel. Each Soldier understands their contributions make a tremendous difference. The detainees they care for each day in the Detention Facility in Parwan return to their villages healthy, having usually gained an average of 37 pounds, and tell their families and friends how well they were treated by Soldiers of the United States of America. Cook is the first female to have commanded a battalion in charge of detainee operations in the Bagram Theater Internment Facility before its closure and now the Detention Facility in Parwan. “I spent a great deal of time in shura meetings with the detainee cell leaders. I told them in our first meetings that it did not matter if I spoke English or Pashtu, whether I was from America or Afghanistan, or a man or a woman,” she says about interacting with detainees who come from male-dominant cultures. “What matters is that I am the facility commander and they are the detainees and we need to communicate and build bridges of communication together.” The colonel and her staff have seen firsthand how detainee operations on Bagram progressed from a battalion-sized effort to its current state under the command of Admiral Harward. Maj. Patrick Speedy, Task Force Lone Star’s executive officer, is proud of the diversity an Army National Guard and Army Reserve unit brings to the front lines in supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Task Force Lone Star’s Soldiers took advantage of their vast skill sets and used their civilian talents such as welding, plumbing and computer technician skills to run the day-to-day operations of the facility. “We run our own kitchen, medical clinic, Internet server, repair and utilities shop, laundry and administrative services,” Cook says about the daily roles her Soldiers take on to provide custody, control and care for detainees. “Our Soldiers and Sailors in the staff sections always rose to the occasion and produced the most amazing results,” says Speedy about the aptitude of his Soldiers. “It did not matter if it was installing a brand new network, welding and construction projects or taking care of one another or detained individuals; they always overcame any obstacles and we accomplished every mission.” Task Force Lone Star transferred authority of detainee operations April 3, during a ceremony conducted on Bagram Airfield. The team has completed a sensitive, difficult mission of strategic importance to the United States and its Coalition partners while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They return to the United States and their families as quiet custodians. April 2010
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204th Security Forces Squadron Receives ‘Outstanding’ Award By Master Sgt. Gregory Ripps 149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – The 149th Fighter Wing here has received notification that one of its geographically separated subordinate units, the 204th Security Forces Squadron, won 2009 Air Force Outstanding Security Forces Unit Award. The squadron, based on Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, Texas, previously won 2009 Air National Guard Outstanding Security Force Unit Award. “The operations tempo for the calendar year 2009 was unparalleled by any other security forces squadron,” said Master Sgt. Loretta Streza, the squadron’s first sergeant. “We competed against 96 other Air National Guard squadrons with two prevailing – the 204th SFS and the 183rd SFS out of Illinois.” Sergeant Streza noted that the 112 Airmen of the 204th SFS comprise the only heavy weapons security forces unit in the in many parts of the world. The certification of the Desert DeAir National Guard and that they support U.S. military operations fender Regional Training Center, with which the squadron provides training in desert defense operations to both active and reserve military components, was also a big plus. “Each member of the organization played a key role ensuring that our Desert Defender Regional Training Center students received the best training possible, providing combatant commanders with highly skilled and trained defenders,” said Lt. Col. Carl Alvarez, 204th SFS commander. The squadron will formally receive its ANG award during the Air National Guard Security Forces Leadership Workshop in Glendale, Ariz., April 20-22, and its Air Force award during the 2010 Worldwide Security Forces Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, April 27-29. “We are honored to have been selected,” Colonel Alvarez said. “This significant national-level recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication to duty, and commitment to excellence demonstrated by the members of the squadron.” Col. Kenneth Nereson, 149th Fighter Wing commander, Above- Air National Guardsmen undergo training to defend a convoy on Fort Bliss. The 204th Security Forces Squadadded his praise. ron provides training in desert defense operations to both “The men and women of the 204th Security Forces active and reserve military components. Squadron reflect the best combat warriors our nation has to ofTop right- A 204th Security Forces Squadron instructor fer,” he said. “We are so proud of all the work they do each and assists a National Guard Airman during combat support every day to prepare future warriors in support of our nation’s training on Fort Bliss. (Texas Military Forces photos by military objectives. This distinction is well deserved.” Senior Master Sgt. Miguel Arellano)
Support the troops! Donate blood through the armed forces blood program. Www.militaryblood.dod.mil Donation centers located at ft. hood, ft. sam Houston and lackland air force base. Donate today! 14 THE DISPATCH
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Texas Knowledge Online has a new homepage and a new look! Come and see what s changed!
During the first Quarter of Fiscal Year 2010, the Adjutant General identified the need for an overarching Joint Strategic Plan that addresses State and Federal requirements. Utilizing the concept of an Operational Planning Team (OPT), a working group was established from subject matter experts (SMEs) from across the organizational components. The working group's task was to: Create the “road ahead� in order to illuminate the path to accomplish the Mission and achieve the Vision of the Texas Military Forces. April 2010 THE DISPATCH 15
Texas Guardsman Gets Home Just in Time Story by Michelle Casady The Bryan-College Station Eagle
then -- including one really big event. On Monday the family completed its seven-year journey BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas— Sleep doesn't typito adopt two-year-old Lexi, who has lived with the family since cally come easy for Michael Terzian, his wife or their three she was four months old. daughters. The couple's other daughters are Kaitlyn, 13, who atThis week, though, the girls are on spring break and tends College Station Middle School, and Sydney, 10, who attheir father is home on two weeks leave after being stationed in tends Forest Ridge Elementary. Kuwait with the Texas Army National Guard since November. They twice attempted to use a birth mother for adoption, "Everyone's been sleeping like a rock," he said. "It's like but after seeing the child the biological mothers changed their everything's OK." minds, as is common. The joy was palpable coming from the family seated "And that's great," Debbie Terzian said. "Keeping those around the dining room table. families together is wonderful, but after that we decided to go Terzian landed March 9 at Easterwood Airport. In addi- through a CPS agency instead." tion to lots of sound sleep, there's been plenty of activity since It wasn't long before four-month-old Lexi was placed in the couple's care. Debbie Terzian called Judge Robert Stem in Robertson County, which is where Lexi is from and where the adoption had to be finalized, to see if they could schedule the proceeding so Michael Terzian could attend. The judge agreed. Michael Terzian returns to duty on Tuesday, and will be in Kuwait until fall. He said he felt almost guilty he'd be missing out on the potty training experience with his youngest daughter. "It's like cheating, but hopefully she'll be out of diapers by the time I get back," he said. "Those are just some of the things I miss. Any soldier who's deployed misses things like that. Those are tough days. You're happy it happened, but you're sad because those are moments in her life that aren't coming back." Before climbing to the rank of master sergeant or becoming an Army Ranger, Terzian spent a year at Texas A&M University studying industrial engineering and serving as a member of the Corps of Cadets. "I loved every minute of it," he said, laughing. "Probably a little too much. But I realized I really like this Army Michael Terzian and his family (left to right) daughters Kaitthing, and so I was through." lyn, 13, Sydney, 10, and newly-adopted Lexi, 2, and wife Debbi, stand in front of the family home in College Station. (Eagle photo by Dave McDermand)
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See HOME, next page
Brigadier General John C.L. Scribner Texas Military Forces Museum Building 6, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas Hours of Operation: Wednesday-Sunday—10:00am to 4:00 pm Monday and Tuesday - Closed 2011 if all goes according to plan. He agreed to naming the univerHe joined the U.S. Army in 1989, sity only to encourage Texas A&M to beserved a tour in Germany and was stagin providing similar programs. tioned in Washington State. Once his tour Education seemed like a logical of active duty ended, he took a job and choice for a hobby, he said, adding when stayed in the Army Reserves. not on the clock or at the gym there are After a stint working at a chemi- either books or video games to occupy the cal plant, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 time. prompted Terzian to return to active duty. "My job is so easy compared to "We just made the decision that what Debbie is doing back home," he said. we might not have as much money to go His duties in Kuwait are to serve on vacation or do the things we want, but as a liaison officer with five other soldiers money buys comfort, not happiness. And to facilitate the movement of supplies and I've always been happiest in the military," personnel to Iraq and Afghanistan. he said. For 14 days this month, his only He's been stationed in Iraq, Afduty was to spend as much time as possighanistan and Kuwait. ble with his family, he said, which inWhile stationed in Kuwait he's cluded taking his wife to a resort in Austin started taking online classes, offered by a for a few days and taking each daughter college he'd rather not name, the Univerout for a special day. sity of Oklahoma, to get a bachelor's deOn his father-daughter date with gree in administrative leadership by May HOME, cont. from previous page
Sydney he used some of the one-on-one time to take a walk around Veterans Park and discuss his military service. "I got to share with her that our family is just one of many, many families that have been called upon through the years to defend our country," he said. "That what we're doing, the sacrifices we're making, are a small part of the bigger picture." Two weeks never seems like long enough, Debbie Terzian said, but having a happy husband helps make a happy marriage easier. "We're just so proud of him and what he's doing," she said. "I just try to be strong for the girls -- to let them know it's OK to be sad and miss Daddy but at the end of the day, we're still a family. Daddy's going to come home." For more, please visit http://www.theeagle.com/local/Backhome-just-in-time
Media Training for Texas National Guardsmen in Nicaragua
Above left- (From left to right) LTC Jose Figeroa, U.S. exercise commander for Nicaragua and LTC Douglas Lopez from the Nicaraguan Army discuss about upcoming operations at the equipment staging site on Unidad Tecnica Canina, Nicaragua, for the Beyond the Horizon 2010 exercise. Above right- (From left to right) LTC Ramon Mendez from the Nicaraguan Army, LTC Jose Figeroa, U.S. exercise commander for Nicaragua and LTC Douglas Lopez also from the Nicaraguan Army being interviewed by local reporter about upcoming operations at the equipment staging site on Unidad Tecnica Canina, Nicaragua for the Beyond the Horizon 2010 exercise. Photos by 2nd Lt. Robert Lee, Texas National Guard)
April 2010 THE DISPATCH 17
“Education, Empowerment Forum” to Focus on Women Veterans WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will invite women Veterans and their advocates to a forum in July to discuss the quality of VA health care, the provision of benefits for women, and ways to improve access to the care and benefits for women Veterans. “This forum will continue our identification of how best to serve this growing population of Veterans through our quality health care, benefits for service-connected disabilities, mental health services, or supporting their community, said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki. “We must constantly reevaluate and solicit input on our performance as measured against the needs of our women Veterans.” This forum will build on the momentum from 2008 quadrennial National Summit on Women’s Veterans’ Issues and expand the dialogue necessary to enhance VA’s benefits and services available to
women Veterans. The one day forum will not only help VA learn more from women Veterans who depend on VA for care, but will also develop tool kits for strengthening women Veteran networks through work with local VA facilities. VA has undertaken major initiatives to transform the department to meet the unique health care needs of women Veterans and provide the best quality care at every VA medical center. In addition, the agency is working to shorten the delays for claims processing, improve access to VA health services for minority and rural Veterans, end Veteran homelessness, and ease the transition back to civilian life. Health care improvements include comprehensive primary care and specialized medical care at every VA medical center, enhanced mental health care specifically for women Veterans, staffing every VA medical center with a
women Veterans program manager, a mini-residency on women’s health for primary care physicians, and a multifaceted research program on women’s health. The Department’s 2011 budget provides $217.6 million to meet the gender-specific health care needs of women Veterans, an increase of $18.6 million (or more than 9 percent) over the 2010 level. VA’s 2011 budget proposal will enable the establishment of a peer call center and social networking site for women combat Veterans. This call center would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are about 1.8 million women Veterans among the nation’s total of 23 million living Veterans. VA estimates women Veterans will comprise 10.5 percent of the Veteran population by 2020.
VA Kicks Off Disabled Veterans Winter Clinic: More than 400 Expected WASHINGTON – More than 400 injured Veterans have signed up to take part in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., the largest adaptive event of its kind in the world, scheduled from March 28 through April 2. “This VA Winter Clinic is an extension of the superb rehabilitative care Veterans receive daily at VA medical centers across the county,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “Through sports and other forms of recreation therapy, we can greatly improve the quality of life for many of our nation’s heroes.” On March 11, Shinseki led the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremony of the Paralympics in Vancouver, Canada. Since 2005, VA has had a partnership with the U.S. Paralympics that establishes VA’s Winter Sports Clinic as a pipeline to provide participants to American paralympic teams engaged in national and international competition. The Winter Sports Clinic, which is sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), teaches Veterans with disabilities about adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing. It also introduces them to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. This year's event will feature Veterans from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now in its 24th year, the clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to U.S. military Veterans with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopedic amputations, visual im18 THE DISPATCH
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pairments, certain neurological problems and other disabilities, who receive care at a VA medical facility or military treatment center. To meet the unique needs of participants, an estimated 200 certified ski instructors for the disabled and several current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team will serve as instructors. "The National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic is the highlight of the year for many of our nation's most profoundly disabled Veterans,” said DAV National Commander Roberto Barrera. “There is no event that comes close, either in terms of participation or the availability of rehabilitative events for the Veterans who make the journey. We're proud to again cosponsor this event with our partners at VA and look forward to another year of Miracles on a Mountainside." At the six-day event, Veterans also learn rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling, curling and sled hockey. Other highlights include a self-defense workshop taught by the U.S. Secret Service and the attendance of Olympic Alpine skier Bode Miller. VA is a recognized leader in rehabilitative and recreational therapies, and operates more than 1,400 sites of care, including 153 medical centers. DAV is a non-profit, congressionally chartered Veterans service organization with a membership of more than one million wartime disabled Veterans.
This Month in Military History: April The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County, Texas, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texas Army engaged and defeated General Antonio L贸pez de Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasted just eighteen minutes. About 700 of the Mexican soldiers were killed and 730 captured, while only nine Texans died. Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, was captured the following day and held as a prisoner of war. Three weeks later, he signed the peace treaties that dictated that the Mexican army leave the region, paving the way for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. These treaties did not specifically recognize Texas as a sovereign nation, but stipulated that Santa Anna was to lobby for such recognition in Mexico City. Sam Houston became a national celebrity, and the Texans' rallying cries, "Remember the Alamo!" and "Remember Goliad!" became etched into American history and legend. The Battle Itself: At 4:30 p.m. on April 21, scout Deaf Smith (pronounced "Deef Smith") announced the burning of Vince's Bridge, which cut off the only avenue of retreat for both armies without having to cross water more than 10 feet (3.0 m) deep. The main Texan battle line moved forward with their approach screened by the trees and rising ground. Emerging from the woods, the order was given to "advance" and a fifer began playing the popular tune "Will you come to the bower I have shaded for you?" General Houston personally led the infantry, posting the 2nd Volunteer Regiment of Colonel Sidney Sherman on his far left, with Colonel Edward Burleson's 1st Volunteer Regiment next in line. In the center, two small brass (or iron) smoothbore artillery pieces (donated by citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio) known as the "Twin Sisters," were wheeled forward under the command of Major George W. Hockley. They were supported by four companies of infantry under Captain Henry Wax Karnes. Colonel Henry Millard's regiment of Texas regulars made up the right wing. To the extreme far right, 61 Texas cavalrymen under newly promoted Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar planned to circle into the Mexicans' left flank. Lamar had, the day before, been a private in the cavalry but his daring and resourcefulness in a brief skirmish with the Mexicans on April 20 had led to his immediate
promotion to colonel. The Texan army moved quickly and silently across the high-grass plain, and then, when they were only a few dozen yards away, charged Santa Anna's camp shouting "Remember the Alamo!" and "Remember Goliad!," only stopping a few yards from the Mexicans to open fire. The Texans achieved complete surprise. It was a bold attack in broad daylight but its success can be attributed in good part to Santa Anna's failure to post guards during the army's siesta. Santa Anna's army primarily consisted of professional soldiers, but they were trained to fight in ranks, exchanging volleys with their opponents. The Mexicans were ill-prepared and unarmed at the time of the sudden attack. Most were asleep with their soldaderas (i.e., wives and female soldiers), some were out gathering wood, and the cavalrymen were riding bareback fetching water. General Manuel Fern谩ndez Castrill贸n desperately tried to mount an organized resistance, but was soon shot down and killed. His panicked troops fled, and Santa Anna's defensive line quickly collapsed. Hundreds of the demoralized and confused Mexican soldiers were routed, with many being driven into the marshes along the river to drown. The Texans chased after the fleeing enemy, shouting "take prisoners like the Meskins do!", in reference to the burning of bodies after the Alamo and the mass murder of Texans at Goliad. Some of the Mexican cavalry plunged into the flooded stream by Vince's bridge but they were shot as they struggled in the water. Houston tried to restrain his men but was ignored. Gen. Juan Almonte, commanding what was left of the organized Mexican resistance, soon formally surrendered his 400 remaining men to Rusk. The rest of Santa Anna's once-proud army had disintegrated into chaos. From the moment of the first charge the battle was a slaughter, "frightful to behold", with most of the Texan casualties coming in the first minutes of battle from the first Mexican volley. During the short but furious fighting, Houston was shot in the left ankle, two of his horses were shot from under him, and Santa Anna escaped. The combat itself lasted 18 minutes but the slaughter of the Mexicans continued for "another hour or so". The Texan army had won a stunning victory, killing about 700 Mexican soldiers, wounding 208, and taking 730 prisoners while suffering 9 killed and 30 wounded.
The painting "Surrender of Santa Anna" by William Huddle
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Pfc. Benjamin Moody, a metal worker with the 546th Maintenance Co and Green Cove Springs, Fl native, uses a plasma torch to cut metal plates Mar 6 at Contingency Operating Base Adder. (US Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning) 20 THE DISPATCH
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