2012 April, The Dispatch

The monthly magazine of the Texas Military Forces

The Dispatch April 2012

Public affairs update 5 Check it out! New faces around your Public Affairs Office

sexual assault awareness month 8 April is the eighth annual sexual assault awareness month

emergency exercise 10 JTF-71 supports local civil authorities during El Campo “disaster”

www.txmf.us

In the Dispatch: emergency exercise 10

Texas Soldiers with Joint Task Force 71 process through a decontamination area during El Campo Memorial Hospital Exercise on March 2, 2012. The training event, which simulated several hazardous and first response incidents, tested the alert and response capabilities of the different participating agencies.

In every issue: 4

Bulletin Board

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From the staff: Public Affairs Officer

15 Band of Bloggers 18 VA news brief 19 Military history 2 The Dispatch April 2012

Fort Worth, Texas — Rick Perry along with Congresswoman Kay Granger and Congressman Joe Barton hold a press conference at the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, based at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Joint Reserve Base to keep the C-130s from leaving Texas. Photos

by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert, 136th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)

The Dispatch 6

State leaders protest C-130 move

Vol. 7, No. 4 April, 2012

Rick Perry along with Congresswoman Kay Granger and Congressman Joe Barton hold a press conference at the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, based at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth, Joint Reserve Base to keep the C-130s from leaving Texas.2.

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Community outreach from Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols Just an hour north of Austin, members of the Killeen Heights Rotary Club and the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America received a special visit from Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols on March 16, 2012.

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month This April marks the eighth annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Throughout the month, beginning with a proclamation on April 3rd from Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, the Adjutant General of Texas, the Texas Military Forces (TXMF) will hold numerous activities highlighting the importance of preventing and responding to sexual violence and assault.

10 Texas Guardsmen support local authorities in exercise The soldiers of the Joint Task Force 71 received the activation call at 3:45 a.m. following the alleged terrorist incident. Within two hours, the men and women of the Minuteman Brigade reported to their home station, prepared to travel more than 200 miles in response to that threat.

12 A Nation’s gratitude: dinner at the White House Eight National Guard members stood tall amongst other Iraq War veterans from all of the services as they prepared for dinner at the White House with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

13 NGAT conference: Guard is cost-effective

Governor Gov. Rick Perry

The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Amy Cook Deputy Public Affairs Officer Maj. Deborah Molnar Public Affairs Operations NCO Staff Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Public Affairs Staff Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain Spc. Maria Moy John Thibodeau Laura Lopez Managing Editor Staff Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Contributing Writers and Photographers Lt. Col. Amy F. Cook Maj. Deborah Molnar Maj. Paula Rodriguez Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain Sgt. Darron Salzar Sgt. Todd Boyles Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain Spc. Aaron Moreno Laura Lopez C. Todd Lopez Department of Veterans Affairs

Members of the Texas Military Forces take part in the annual National Guard Association of Texas conference in Austin March 23 through 25.

14 Brain injuries don’t end with Afghan drawdowns Even with the eventual drawdown in Afghanistan, traumatic brain injury will continue to be a problem for the Army.

17 Texas, Tanzanian NCOs exchange best practices As soon as the snow-covered peak of Mount Kilimanjaro came into view through their plane window, the three U.S. Army soldiers knew they were in Tanzania. Sgt. Maj. Charles Roach, 1st Sgt. Louis Morton and Staff Sgt. Loren Ledlow participated in a non-commissioned officer development and counseling seminar hosted by the Tanzanian People’s Defense Force here, March 4-9.

* The Dispatch is an authorized publication for members of the Texas Military Forces and the Department of Defense. Contents of the Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas, the Adjutant General’s Department of Texas, or the Texas Military Forces. * The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Officer. * Printed by Kinko’s, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Government under exclusive written contract with the Texas Military Forces. * The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or Kinko’s. * Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. * 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.

bulletin board Hero 2 Hired web site launched Hero 2 Hired isn’t just another job site. It is a Yellow Ribbon-funded project with a special mission: to thank servicemembers for their service by helping them find a perfect career.

H2H knows that searching for a new job is a big undertaking. H2H was created to make it easy for Reserve Component service members to connect to and find jobs with military-friendly companies who are looking for employees with their particular training and skills. For more information, visit https://h2h. jobs/.

Deadline to apply for Stop Loss pay extended Pentagon Officials announced today that eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries now have until October 21, 2012 to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay. Anyone who may be eligible to apply for this pay is highly encouraged to do so.

The special pay is compensation for the hardships caused by the involuntary extensions. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military service to receive $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.

To apply for the pay, or for more information on submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss.

VA’s latest research on pain management The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) latest research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain management shows PTSD is a complex condition that cannot be treated solely by drugs. That is why VA research is trying to improve behavioral therapies and pain treatments. Read more at VA’s VAntage Point Blog at www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/6060/ptsd-and-pain-management-vas-latest-research/.

Army suicides increase

Stars and Stripes reports that a new study has found that U.S. Army suicides increased by more than 80 percent during the years 2004-2008. As many as 40 percent of these suicides may have been linked to combat experience in Iraq, yet nearly a third of the soldiers who committed suicide saw no combat at all, said the researchers from the U.S. Army Public Health Command. An abstract of the report on the study was published in the March 7 online edition of the Journal Injury Prevention at http://injuryprevention. bmj.com/content/early/2012/02/23/injuryprev-2011-040112.abstract.

GI Bill 2.0: online living stipend Starting this fall, Post-9/11 GI Bill eligible veterans will be able to get a monthly living stipend without having to take traditional classroom courses. The stipend for online students will be significantly different from the traditional classroom student version. Online students will get half of the national average stipend (average Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with Dependents). For example a full-time student who is taking 100 percent of his or her classes online will get $673.50 a month, while a full-time student taking at least one classroom course will get the full stipend rate based on the specific location of the school. For more information visit www.gibill.va.gov.

Mortgage relief for Servicemembers

Stars and Stripes reports that servicemembers victimized by unfair mortgage practices could see reimbursements and refinancing costs cut in half under plans outlined by President Barack Obama. Under the plan, federal officials will review thousands of military mortgages started since 2006 for any irregularities. Troops or families who were illegally foreclosed upon would receive at least $116,000, plus thousands more in punitive payments from the banks. Military homeowners will not have to apply to be eligible for the payouts or new programs. However, troops who believe they may be eligible can call 800-896-7743 for more information, or visit http://www.stripes.com/news/us/government-investigating-if-banks-illegally-foreclosed-on-troops-1.162106 for the full article.

4 The Dispatch April 2012

from the staff From the Desk of the Public Affairs Officer CAMP MABRY, Texas – These are times of dynamic change. Over the past decade, the National Guard has proven its skill as a capable state and federal force, providing humanitarian and disaster relief to fellow Texans and easily transitioning to fight overseas when the President calls.

Your State Public Affairs team, not only represents National Guard forces, Army and Air, our role is also to tell the story of our civilian employees, and volunteers within the Texas State Guard and the Adjutant General’s Department.

First and foremost, the Public Affairs Office is a customer-focused organization. We welcome all of our Texas Guard partners, uniformed and civilian, whether at Camp Mabry in Austin or elsewhere across the Lone Star State, to stop in to see us or call upon us, as we are your Public Affairs Office.

We stand ready to provide consultation on media and community relations activities as well as to craft and create command messages using a variety of web and and multimedia tools. If we are not able to provide the service you seek, our office will help you find a suitable solution, or refer you to the appropriate staff section.

As we prepare for the future, we also honor the past. This past month, we honored Colonel Bill Meehan as he transitioned out of the Public Affairs position.

Seven years ago, when Colonel Meehan assumed this role, the National Guard was transitioning from a Cold War-era ready reserve force to the operational force it is today. Key events during his tenure include the state’s response to numerous hurricanes and wildfires, from Katrina to Bastrop, as well as increased National Guard support for the Global War on Terror. We thank him for his service to the State and Nation, and wish him well in his future adventures!

In the years ahead, our employees, families and stakeholders will likely be called upon to do more as our civilian leaders consider restructuring the nation’s defense strategy. Together, we can continue to strengthen our organization by encouraging positive communication, seeking innovative ways to tell our story, and mentoring those who are the next greatest generation. I look forward to working with you to do just that.

The new Public Affairs Center is located in Building 10, Camp Mabry, Texas, on the first floor. When you are in the neighborhood, stop in for a tour or a cup of coffee -- we look forward to your visits and the opportunity to continue to support Texans who support the State and Nation!

Together, we can continue to strengthen our organization by encouraging positive communication, seeking innovative ways to tell our story, and mentoring those who are the next greatest generation.

­‑Lt. Col. Amy F. Cook

Lt. Col. Amy F. Cook Public Affairs Officer RIght ‑ Col. William Meehan receives the Minuteman Award for his faithful service in the Public Affairs Office. The Minuteman Award is a prestigious award given for dedicated, meritorious service to the National Guard Bureau.

April 2012 The Dispatch 5

Texas leaders defend Gulf Coast Guard C-130s

By Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain Texas Military Forces Public Affairs CAMP MABRY, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry, commander-inchief of the Texas Military Forces, visited with Airmen of the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Carswell, in Fort Worth, Texas, and joined state and federal legislators to discuss the impact of an Air Force proposal to transfer the unit’s C-130s to Montana.

Last month, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to relocate the 8 cargo aircraft from the North Texas unit to a location in Montana, which would leave the states located along the Gulf of Mexico without a National Guard C-130 unit.

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and chairwoman of the committee’s subcommittee on state and foreign operations, was in attendance, and said that the 136th Airlift Wing “responds to all of the natural disasters along the Gulf states,” and that the unit has conducted over 400 missions during the past several years, including operational support of the response to “[Hurricane] Katrina, all the tornadoes the storms, the flooding.”

Additionally, the Fort Worth congresswoman said the operational infrastructure has yet to be constructed in Montana to facilitate the transfer.

“There’s no hangers in Montana to house these planes, and there are no pilots that are trained to fly them,” Granger added. “It will take two years before they have pilots trained in Montana to fly these planes.”

“Today we’re asking the Department of Defense to

overturn the Air Force decision to move these critical air assets,” Perry said during the visit. “At a time when our nation needs to scale back on unnecessary spending, there is absolutely no reason to reinvent the wheel in Montana, at the expense and the safety and the security of the Gulf Coast.”

Perry said that opposition to the proposed move is not just from local leaders, and added that the “entire Texas delegation, both Democrats and Republicans,” are united on this issue.

Granger said she’s been working with her colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to highlight the issue, and sent a letter, signed by every member of Congress from Texas, including the state’s two United States Senators, to Michael Donley, secretary of the United States Air Force, challenging the decision that’s said to cost taxpayers upwards of $100 million to facilitate.

Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas’ Adjutant General, echoed the safety concerns for the region.

“Without these C-130s, the safety of Texas is put at risk,” Nichols said. “We also support our Gulf neighbors from here all the way to Florida.”

Nichols explained that National Guard assets can be called upon without delay, and that relying on the federal Air Force to move assets could “take a matter of two to two and a half days” to respond to a disaster.

“We’re fighting for our disaster relief all across the Gulf states,” Granger said

Above left - Governor Rick Perry along with Congresswoman Kay Granger and Congressman Joe Barton hold a press conference at the NAS Fort Worth, JRB for the 136th Airlift Wing to fight for the C-130s from leaving Texas. The eight C-130s are proposed to transfer to the Montana Air National Guard as part of the PB 13 proposals.

Above right- Congresswoman Granger speaks to Airmen at the 136th Airlift Wing after the press conference. (Photos by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert, 136th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)

6 The Dispatch April 2012

Reaching out and strengthening ties with local communities Story and photo by Laura Lopez Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

KILLEEN, Texas – Just an hour north of Austin, members of the Killeen Heights Rotary Club and the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America received a special visit from Texas Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols on March 16, 2012.

In attendance to discuss the role of the Texas Military Forces (TXMF) in both state and federal missions, Nichols briefly explained how the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) and the Texas State Guard (TXSG) operate as a joint force. From performing search and rescue missions, evacuation and re-entry support and providing shelter and mass care management, one message was clear.

“We are citizen soldiers from all over the state of Texas here to help our citizens in times of need or disasters,” said Nichols. “When you get out there and help them get off their roof, get them out of the water; there is no greater feeling than to help our citizens.”

With the wildfires in Bastrop and other counties throughout the state more recent examples of circumstances in which the Texas Military Forces was called in for support, Nichols emphasized that the organization is simply a small piece of the puzzle providing assistance in conjunction with other interagency partners. While our aviators dropped more than two million

Texas Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols speaks to members of the Central Texas Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, in Killeen, about the role of the Texas Military Forces in both federal and state missions. During the presenta‑ tion, Nichols explained how members of the Texas Military Forces come together to serve the citizens of Texas through evacuations and shelter management.

gallons of water out of helicopters in treacherous conditions, our role was secondary to that of the Texas Parks and Wildlife organization.

“During the Bastrop fires we had 600 fire fighters from around the nation staying and reporting to Camp Swift, with members from our forces helping to coordinate shelter” said Nichols.

Not strangers to the military uniform or overall practices, those present for Nichols’

“When you get out there... there is no greater feeling than to help our citizens.”

visit to Killeen were honored by the visit and the service to Texas.

“The presentation reminds us all of the contributions the National Guard does for the state, and us close to Fort Hood, but also shows how organizations partner together and the importance of the citizens of Texas,” said Jim Bondi, President Elect for the Killeen Heights Rotary Club.

Although the mission of the Texas Military Forces is to provide the Governor and the President with ready and fully trained forces, Nichols’ goal is to also build and strengthen relationships not only with the residents of Killeen and Fort Hood, but the communities across the state.

April 2012 The Dispatch 7

Taking a stand: April is sexual assault awareness month

by Major Paula Rodriguez Texas Military Forces Sexual Assault and Response Office

CAMP MABRY, Texas – On April 3, Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, the Adjutant General of Texas, and Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley C. Brandt, the state’s senior enlisted advisor, signed a proclamation designating this month as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the Texas Military Forces will hold numerous activities highlighting the importance of preventing and responding to sexual violence and assault.

These efforts will continue to promote education and training to create an environment where sexual assault is rejected, and a culture of prevention, response and accountability flourishes.

Not only does sexual assault irrevocably hurt, denigrate and violate the victim’s life, it can directly impact every member of our unit, and our mission. As a force, the National Guard must be ready to quickly and efficiently deploy, whether overseas for contingency operations or in response to state disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes. Our readiness depends on our ability to act as a team and for each of us to be able to depend on one another.

The perpetrator’s conviction was overturned, according to the chief judge, “…because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them, and by removing the jeans it was no longer rape, but consensual sex.”

On Wednesday, April 25, TXMF personnel can wear jeans to work after they learn about the history of “Denim Day” and receive a “Jean Pocket” sticker from the SAPR office. The purpose of wearing the jeans is to make a public statement to combat misconceptions surrounding sexual violence.

Other state and unit level SAAM activities will include the distribution of posters and handouts, mobile training activities, a Fun Run and 5K, as well as candlelight vigil.

Additionally, a joint event with SafePlace, a local crisis center, will take place during the Texas Military Forces Open House & American Heroes Air Show at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas, April 21-22, 2012.

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program is a Department of Defense initiative to “ensure the safety, dignity and well being of all members of the Armed Forces.”

All sexual assault victims that contact a SAPR office are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. The office works to help restore victim’s health and well-being, and ensure senior leaders understand that allegations of sexual assault must be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate administrative and disciplinary action be taken against perpetrators.

“Denim Day” will be our most comprehensive SAAM initiative, and will take place on April 25, 2012. A rape prevention education program, “Denim Day” is held in honor of a woman who was forcibly raped by her driving instructor.

To learn more about the SAPR program, please visit www. sapr.mil or contact the state office at SARC@TX.NGB.Army.

Mil. Additionally, you can get our latest updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TexasMilForceSARC. Victims of sexual assault can call the 24/7 Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5547.

Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain contributed to this story.

Left - Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley C. Brandt, the state's senior enlisted advisor for the Texas Military Forces, looks on as Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas' adjutant general, signs a proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, April 3, 2012, at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Phil Fountain, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

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Women in Leadership Symposium Lt. Col. Joanne MacGregor, Commander of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion represented the Texas Military Forces as a guest panelist at the eighth annual Women in Leadership Symposium hosted by the Greater San Antonio Advisory Board of the Texas Diversity Council, held in San Antonio Texas on March 8, 2012.

The event offered an opportunity for attendees to learn from a diverse group of Women in leadership positions as they reflected on the challenges they’ve faced and the strategic maneuvering required for them to succeed.

The theme for this year’s symposium was, “Women Leaders as Architects of Change.” (Photo

by Maj. Deborah Molnar, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

Attention Motorcycle Riders Jason Pridmore’s

STAR (Skills & Techniques for Advanced Riding) Motorcycle School

will conduct training for Texas Military Forces Soldiers & Airmen May 22, 2012 at the Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas at no cost to personnel registered to attend!

Riders must have 1 year of riding experience - Training is on a race track Completion of the basic or advanced riders safety course is recommended Individual Medical & Motorcycle Insurance is required Minimum of 250cc motorcycle, in good operating condition Proper Riding Gear including‑ DOT or Snell approved helmet manufactured after 2000 Riding Suit or Leathers (limited number available at no charge through vendor) Training is open to all motorcycle types, from sports bikes to cruisers, except dirt bikes.

Riders will bring their bike, all required PPE, and proof of insurance to training Contact: Ms Linda Bovee in the TXARNG Safety Ofice for more info or to sign up. 512-782-5005 or linda.e.bovee@us.army.mil

April 2012 The Dispatch ­9

Texas Guardsmen support local au Story and photos by Spc. Aaron Moreno Joint Task Force 71 Public Affairs

EL CAMPO, Texas — The soldiers of the Joint Task Force 71 received the activation call at 3:45 a.m. following the alleged terrorist incident.

Within two hours, the men and women of the Minuteman Brigade reported to their home station, prepared to travel more than 200 miles in response to that threat.

Trained and prepared, they exercised their newly certified skill sets to support the citizens and civil agencies of the small town of El Campo.

Although the immediate reaction of this Army National Guard Unit was real, the scenario was simulated. On March 3, 2012, the Austinbased JTF 71 participated in

10 The Dispatch April 2012

the El Campo Memorial Hospital Exercise, a joint, interagency training event testing the alert and response capabilities of the Guard and its civil partners.

"Things have gone remarkable smooth today," said Chief Terry Stanhill of the El Campo Police Department.

"Communications were outstanding; resources rolled in at an unbelievable rate."

The ECMH Exercise included simulations for a hazardous material attack, an explosion and partial hospital collapse and a remote-site suspicious package incident.

"We need to make sure that everyone understands," said

Officer Erik Burse, a state trooper with the Department of Public Safety. "If we don’t do these drills, if we don’t practice to be perfect, then we are not doing what we are supposed to be doing."

In any emergency scenario, the clock begins once the first call alerts the soldiers to action. For the ECMH Exercise, this happened well-before sunrise, far from the incident site.

"This is the first time we did a no-notice training event," said 2nd Lt. Brandon Wells, a platoon leader for 436 Chemical Detachment. "We all received the alert notification at 3:45 a.m. We reported to home station, consolidated

uthorities for emergency exercise there, conducted movement preparations, then got on the road."

The Texas Army National Guard, local first responders, city officials and other state agencies all have a part to play in an emergency.

For the local first responders this is a part of their Emergency Management Drills that are often done to prepare them for a real life incident.

"It's comforting for me to know that we have these resources that can come to El Campo this quickly."

Training events like this afford local departments and National Guard units time to demonstrate their skill sets and share their best practices.

"We work with a multitude of civilian agencies," said Wells, "all the way from TDEM, Texas Department of Emergency Management, to the local responders at the fire

departments, police departments. Working with them can be challenging in the sense that we are military. We use military vernacular that they may not understand; they use terms and do things that we may not understand, but we try to do these training events with them, collectively, in order to work out some of those kinks, express our capabilities to them as well as learn their capabilities."

With this exercise, the Texas civil authorities and military elements communicate to the public at large that we are prepared to support the community in the event of any natural or man-made threat.

"I think it’s a positive message," said Burse."

I think the community loves it and understands it and we need to do more of it."

Below - Members of Task Force 71 perform various tasks in support of local civil authorities as they jointly respond to a “disaster” in the city of El Campo.

April 2012 The Dispatch 11

A Nation’s Gratitude Dinner at the White House Story by Sgt. Darron Salzer National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va. – On Wednesday night, Feb.29, eight National Guard members stood tall amongst other Iraq War veterans from all of the services as they prepared for dinner at the White House with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kevin Purtee, an aviation and safety and standardization officer with the Texas Army National Guard, said he and his wife received a personal invitation in the mail from the Obamas, asking them to the Nation’s Gratitude dinner.

“I was absolutely blown away,” Purtee said. “I didn’t know what to think. There is nothing like opening up your mailbox and finding an invitation from the White House – handwritten – to you.”

Purtee said he has no illusions about whom or what he is, and that he is absolutely humbled to have been selected to represent the members of the Army National Guard who have deployed over the past decade.

“My wife and I are both very humbled to be in attendance for this event,” said Army Staff Sgt. Benjamin Straubel, 12 The Dispatch April 2012

human resources sergeant, Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 286th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, Maine National Guard. “It’s really an honor to represent Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and Operation New Dawn veterans. Some of them didn’t have a chance to come home, so we’re keeping that at the forefront of our minds and are excited, but also humbled.”

“It’s overwhelming,” said Army Spc. Janice Flores, a transportation driver in the Guam National Guard. “I never dreamed of being selected for such an honorable event, and to meet the president of the United States … is just overwhelming.”

“The island is excited, my family is excited, and I am definitely excited,” Flores said. “I can’t wait to shake his hand and say to him, ‘Hafa adai Mr. President, from the island of Guam.’

“To meet the president is a once in a lifetime opportunity and coming all the way from Guam, a small island, is just an overwhelming opportunity.”

The selected honorees were also given the opportunity to enjoy the city as part of their

e

stay in the nation’s capital.

Explosive Ordnance “I think the biggest “My wife and I are both Disposal Flight, Utah Air significance of representing history fanatics, and being National Guard. the Air Guard is that it able to see the things that In addition to meeting shows that the Air Guard is you’ve studied your whole the president, many of the also getting deployed and life is what we look forward Guard members said they actually going out there and to the most,” Straubel said. looked forward to meeting getting forward deployed “We were able to visit the other veterans. and defending the homeland Capitol building Tuesday “The part that I was as well,” Bullivant said. and see the Senate in session, looking forward to has One thing can be certain, and I think seeing the White already happened,” this will truly be a moment House for real is just going Bullivant said, “and that was that none of them will ever to be an unbelievable event.” getting a chance to talk with forget.

Flores, who is visiting the some of these other men and “Just to shake the capital for the first time, said, women and hearing them president’s hand and see him “I’ve had the opportunity share their stories. smile would be my greatest to see a lot of the memorials “It truly is an honor, and achievement – seeing his – the Lincoln Memorial, I feel really lucky to be here, smile in person,” said Korean War Memorial and and it’s awesome to see all of Army Sgt. 1st Class James the George Washington the other veterans from the O. Gaston, flight engineer Memorial. At the World War Iraq War and the sacrifices instructor, Virgin Islands II Memorial, it was nice to they’ve made. It’s a really Army National Guard. “I see Guam since it was a part awesome experience.” will remember this moment of that as well. To also see The eight Guard for a very long time.” the White House and stand members all agreed that Flores agreed that in front of it was great, too.” representing the National meeting the president Many of the honorees Guard was significant in its is a once in a lifetime learned of their selection own right. opportunity. mere weeks before the Wunderlich said it was “It’s a feeling that I can’t dinner at the White House. very fitting to have eight describe, but I will always “I received a phone call strong Guard members be able to say that I met about three weeks ago to present as representatives for the president of the United come down to the adjutant the entire National Guard.

States,” she said. general’s headquarters because I was a finalist for a dinner … and then a week ago I found out that I was going to coming here to meet President and Mrs. Obama,” said Army Sgt. Heather Wunderlich, a flight medic in the Nebraska Army National Guard.

“I wake up every day still not believing it,” Wunderlich said. “I consider myself a real simple person from Nebraska, and it’s crazy to be here as one of six soldiers representing the Army National Guard.”

“I only knew about being selected two weeks Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelenski-Hall, senior enlisted leader of ago and it was definitely the National Guard Bureau, speaks to the eight Guard members and their a shock – it’s definitely guests who were selected to represent the Army and Air National Guards at amazing,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Kevin Bullivant, a dinner hosted by the Obamas, Feb. 29, 2012, at the White House. The dinner, in honor of all Iraq War veterans, included service members from each 151st Air Refueling Wing, held military branch.

April 2012 The Dispatch 13

Texas soldiers exchange best practices with Tanzanian military Story by Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Task Force Raptor (3-124) Public Affairs

DAR EL SALAAM, Tanzania – As soon as the snow-covered peak of Mount Kilimanjaro came into view through their plane window, the three U.S. Army soldiers knew they were in Tanzania. Sgt. Maj. Charles Roach, 1st Sgt. Louis Morton and Staff Sgt. Loren Ledlow participated in a noncommissioned officer development and counseling seminar hosted by the Tanzanian People’s Defense Force here, March 4-9.

The soldiers from Task Force Raptor, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, discussed topics such as NCO structure, policies, counseling, and responsibilities with the Tanzanian service members.

Staff Sgt. Ledlow an operations sergeant with A Troop discovered the NCO corps within the two militaries share similarities.

"As soon as we got there I realized that NCOs are all the same, no matter what country we’re from,”

Ledlow said. “We all want to be good leaders, we want to better mentor our soldiers, and be professionals at what we do.”

“We all want to be good leaders, we want to better mentor our soldiers, and be professionals at what we do.”

Ledlow, a veteran of several military-to-military best practice exchanges, appreciated the Tanzanian soldiers’ level of involvement and discussion.

“I have traveled all over the world participating in assignments

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Mar. 6, 2012) - U.S. Army First Sergeant Louis Morton, Task Force Raptor, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, shares his experience and best practices as an NCO with a fellow Tanzanian People's Defense Forces NCO. Task Force Raptor soldiers participate in a variety of engagements with African nation militaries in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army Courtesy photo).

14 The Dispatch April 2012

with foreign militaries, and this is by far the most fulfilling and most gratifying one I’ve been on,” Ledlow added. “The Tanzanian NCOs were very grateful – not only to learn from us, but impart their knowledge and experiences as well.”

The Tanzanian NCOs shared and discussed specific themes, Ledlow noted.

“I recall one of the NCOs asking me specifically to share how we conduct individual soldier counseling,” Ledlow said. “First he shared a personal experience when counseling a soldier and then asked how we would approach that same situation.

As discussions like these went on, it was interesting to compare practices between the two countries.”

The professionalism of the Tanzanian NCOs at the seminar humbled 1st Sgt. Louis Morton, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 1st sergeant.

“Their NCOs are very in tune with what their duties are,” Morton said. “They were very eager for us to share how we did things. They brought up questions about tasks and responsibilities that sometimes we take for granted. It was refreshing to revisit these with them.”

At the end of the week-long seminar, the TPDF and U.S. Army NCOs left with a better understanding of and eagerness to apply each other’s practices.

“As we were saying our goodbyes, the Tanzanians told me, ‘Now that we’ve done this part, we want you to come back and see us in action. You’ve given us an insight on how you do things; now let’s see how it works with our way,’” Ledlow said.

“That one comment made me look forward to coming home and doing the same with what I’ve learned. It was a very educational trip.”

THis ain’ t hell TAH is Jonn Lilyea, COB6 and TSO. COB6 was a platoon leader and Jonn was a platoon sergeant (of different platoons) in Charley Co. 1/41st Infantry in the 3rd Brigade of the Second Armored Division Forward which was attached to the 1st Infantry Division during Desert Storm. Other bloggers include a Marine combat veteran, a Navy Vietnam veteran, a lady veteran, and an Active-Duty Soldier stationed in Alaska.

Haven’t seen your favorite milblog featured? Email jennifer.d.atkinson@us.army.mil with recommendations.

http://thisainthell.us/ Today, more than ever, Soldiers rely on technology to bring the fight to the front lines. That technology doesn’t just include high-tech weapons, body armor or Blue Force Tracker. It also includes web logs, “blogs,” that allow a more immediate glimpse into military life and history than ever before. Often funny, sometimes painful and poignant, these snippets of opinion, daily life, and commentary on war, the military, and life in general allow more people to see what our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are thinking, experiencing and fighting for.

A view from the front line

band of bloggers http://www.facebook.com/ TexasMilitaryForces

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ texasmilitaryforces/

Check us out on the Internet!

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER USERRA THE UNIFORMED SERVICES EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT

USERRA protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service or certain types of service in the National Disaster Medical System. USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.

REEMPLOYMENT RIGHTS

HEALTH INSURANCE PROTECTION

You have the right to be reemployed in your civilian job if you leave that job to perform service in the uniformed service and:

If you leave your job to perform military service, you have the right to elect to continue your existing employer-based health plan coverage for you and your dependents for up to 24 months while in the military.

Even if you don't elect to continue coverage during your military service, you have the right to be reinstated in your employer's health plan when you are reemployed, generally without any waiting periods or exclusions (e.g., pre-existing condition exclusions) except for service-connected illnesses or injuries.

you ensure that your employer receives advance written or verbal notice of your service; you have five years or less of cumulative service in the uniformed services while with that particular employer; you return to work or apply for reemployment in a timely manner after conclusion of service; and you have not been separated from service with a disqualifying discharge or under other than honorable conditions.

If you are eligible to be reemployed, you must be restored to the job and benefits you would have attained if you had not been absent due to military service or, in some cases, a comparable job.

ENFORCEMENT

The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) is authorized to investigate and resolve complaints of USERRA violations.

For assistance in filing a complaint, or for any other information on USERRA, contact VETS at 1-866-4-USA-DOL or visit its website at http://www.dol.gov/vets. An interactive online USERRA Advisor can be viewed at http://www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.

If you file a complaint with VETS and VETS is unable to resolve it, you may request that your case be referred to the Department of Justice or the Office of Special Counsel, as applicable, for representation.

You may also bypass the VETS process and bring a civil action against an employer for violations of USERRA.

RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION If you:

are a past or present member of the uniformed service; have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or are obligated to serve in the uniformed service;

then an employer may not deny you:

initial employment; reemployment; retention in employment; promotion; or any benefit of employment

because of this status.

In addition, an employer may not retaliate against anyone assisting in the enforcement of USERRA rights, including testifying or making a statement in connection with a proceeding under USERRA, even if that person has no service connection.

The rights listed here may vary depending on the circumstances. The text of this notice was prepared by VETS, and may be viewed on the internet at this address: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/poster.htm. Federal law requires employers to notify employees of their rights under USERRA, and employers may meet this requirement by displaying the text of this notice where they customarily place notices for employees.

U.S. Department of Labor 1-866-487-2365

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Special Counsel

1-800-336-4590 Publication Date—July 2008

history “Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do so, for no country upon the globe can compare with it in natural advantages.”

Sam Houston

statesman, politician, and soldier Born in Timber Ridge in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, of Scots-Irish descent. Houston became a pivotal figure in the history of Texas and was elected as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas, U.S. Senator for Texas after it joined the United States, and ultimately as a governor of the state. He refused to swear loyalty to the Confederacy when Texas seceded from the Union in 1861 with the start of the American Civil War, and was removed from office. To avoid spilling Texas blood, he refused the offer of a Union army to put down the Confederate rebellion. Instead, he retired to Huntsville, Texas, where he died before the end of the Civil War.

Maj. Gen. Sam Houston, first commander of the Texas military forces.

glimpses of the past 1835 Sam Houston organized the 1st Texas Regiment of Volunteers, commanded

by Col. Burleson, the first formal unit of the Texas Military Forces.

1836 The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, lasted only 18 minutes, and was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. About

630 Mexican soldiers were killed, while only nine Texans died.

1861 Texas voted to secede from the Union. Sam Houston, the governor of the state, urged Texas to return to its former status as an independent republic rather than ally with the Southern Confederacy.

1916 Texas National Guard troops are assigned to the Mexican border due to raids

by Pancho Villa. Villa terrorized Texan and

Mexican citizens, hoping to provoke President Woodrow Wilson to intervene in Mexico, weakening the Carranza government and strengthening Villa’s bid for presidency.

infantry regiment, on cavalry regiment, two artillery regiments, on engineer battalion, one field signal battalion, one supply train, and several small service units.

1917 The 36th Infantry Division, comprised of both Texas and Oklahoma units is created to support the United States’ entry into WWI. The new division consisted of two infantry brigades with three regiments apiece, a separate

1945 Units from the 36th Infantry Division secure several subcamps of the Dachau concentration camp system.

2008

On Sept. 17, Red River 44, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter carrying seven Texas Army National Guard Soldiers based out of Grand Prairie, Texas, crashed in Southern Iraq. It was the single-worst loss of life for the Texas National Guard since the start of the War on Terror.

April 2012 The Dispatch 17

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