Dispatch 1st Qtr 2014 by The Dispatch

D THE

ISPATCH 1ST QTR 2014

the Magazine of the Texas Military Forces

Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20 rifle & sniper match winners

- Texas National Guardsmen respond to winter storm Cleon - 449th ASB conducts one final exercise before returning home - Texas State Guardsmen spread holiday cheer

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A Note from your Public Affairs Officer. It has been an honor to tell your Texas Military Forces story in 2013! Thank you for sharing your stories, photographs, memories and triumphs with us. Welcome home to the Soldiers of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, who just returned home from their deployment to Kuwait. Thank you for your service. We would also like to welcome and introduce to you the newest members of our Public Affairs team. Ms. Michelle McBride just recently joined our team from Government Affairs and is our new Public Affairs Assistant. Air Force 2nd Lt. Alicia Lacy is also joining our staff as our new Public Affairs Specialist. Welcome! The TXMF has such a unique and diverse organization. From the Air Guard to the Army Guard, the State Guard, to Domestic Operations and the Texas Military Department, our force is constantly serving the people of Texas and the United States. This winter we saw you respond immediately to the needs of our fellow Texans during extreme winter weather, deliver toys to sick children and wreaths to the graves of our departed veterans, and train alongside our partners in Chile and the Czech Republic. It is your dedication to our state and nation and the sacrifices you make to serve that truly make our force the best value for America. We hope you will continue to share with us all of the great things that illustrate the value that the Texas Military Forces brings to the State of Texas and the Nation. We look forward to hearing about, or attending some of your upcoming events! To submit a story to the Public Affairs Office, share pictures with us, or invite us to one of your events, you can easily contact us by visiting our newly designed public web page: www.txmf. us, or you can give us feedback or information by following us on Facebook or Twitter. Current pictures and videos are found on our Flickr and YouTube pages with the latest information and events on our Community Calendar and/or our blog: http://texasmilitaryforces.tumblr.com/. As we move into spring, we look forward to your feedback and learning how we can improve representing you through the webpage, our social media presence, and this magazine! Thank you for all that you do to serve, it is truly an honor to tell your story. LTC Joanne MacGregor Texas State Public Affairs Officer

Operation Crackdown

In this Issue

Winter storm response

Rebuilding lives

136th MEB reaches out

TXARNG Aviation hosts Chilean visit From Camp Alamo to The Alamo

TXSG toy drive

1-124th CAV Spur Ride

147th RW ASOS training

Modern Day Lewis and Clark

Harvesting the future

136th AW Joint Airborne/Ops training On the Cover

One more mission

TXARNG Medics train with Czech Counterparts

Texas State, Army and Air National Guardsmen compete for two sniper tabs at the Texas National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Sniper Match held at Camp Swift, January 11, 2014.

TXSG lays wreaths for vets

Governor Gov. Rick Perry

The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Joanne MacGregor Deputy Public Affairs Officer Maj. Travis Walters Public Affairs Staff Capt. Martha Nigrelle Staff Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson Laura Lopez John Thibodeau Michelle McBride Managing Editor Graphic Layout and Design Sgt. 1st Class. Malcolm M. McClendon

Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20

46-49

African-American history in the TXMF

Contributing Writers and Photographers The Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office would like to thank all the contributing writers and photographers who generously share their work with us. Without the hard work and dedication of Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians, we would not be able to tell YOUR Texas Military Forces story. * 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, or the State of Texas. * The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office. * 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 the Texas Military Forces. * 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 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.*

Winter Storm Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

ENISON, Texas (Dec. 9, 2013) – Citizen-Soldiers with the 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, provided support to state and local officials during Winter Storm Cleon, as named by the National Weather Service, in north Texas, Dec. 5-9, 2013. At the request of Gov. Rick Perry, about 50 members of the Grand Prairie-based brigade suited up in cold-weather gear and headed out in Humvees and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) to help preposition state assets as the storm approached. Soldiers were stationed along the major highways here, as well as in Wichita Falls. In fact, preliminary reports from the Texas Military Forces Joint Operations Center indicate the deployed Soldiers aided more than 120 stranded vehicles, conducted more than 225 welfare checks and assisted with the setup of a Red Cross Shelter in Valley View, near Wichita Falls. “We had a great response when the call went out,” said 2nd Lt. Clayton Harrison, an engineer with the brigade’s Lewisvillebased 236th Engineering Company. “We were ready to move out less than 12 hours after we got notified that we’d be responding to this storm.”

Although no one was quite certain what the storm would bring, Harrison said he and his Soldiers were in contact with the 6 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

CLEON

“It’s situations like this that show the caliber of our service members and their ‘Always Ready, Always There’ mentality.”

Spc. John Bestgen and Sgt. Kenan Evans, check on a wrecked pickup truck on northbound Hwy 75.

Soldiers from the 236th Engineer Company, head out to help fellow Texans. More than 50 Texas National Guard Soldiers were mobilized to assist with search and rescue operations and aid stranded motorists.

“According to DPS, we’ll assist in vehicle recovery, especially if they end up shutting down the highway,” he said. On Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, when the storm had come and gone, the real scope of the job ahead was revealed to Harrison and his Soldiers. Although the storm had not dropped much snow on the area, it was the ice underneath that proved to be the biggest challenge for those on the highways. “We’re from Boise, and thought this would be no big deal,” said Jonathan Bilger, a pulled over motorist who was passing through to visit family. “We get the snow all the time, but the ice, that’s harder to deal with. We’re just sliding around like a hockey puck.”

With traffic flow a top priority, members of the Texas Military Forces conducted 24 hour a day operations monitoring and assisting citizens along Highways 75, 82, 380 and Interstate 35 near Denison. Simultaneously, personnel from the 840th Engineer Company monitored flow on the icy and slushy roadways of

Highways 281, 181, Interstate 35 East and West, and I-20, near Weatherford and Denton. “Those guys are great,” Bilger said, as he gestured toward several of the Soldiers hooking up chains to tow a stranded 18-wheeler. “They’re out here, helping out, when most of us are just trying to figure out how to get home fastest.” This view was also shared by the Soldiers’ leadership as well. “These men and women are the epitome of what the Texas Military Forces stands for,” said Col. Patrick Hamilton, commander of domestic operations for the Texas Military Forces. “These Citizen-Soldiers volunteered their time, at a moment’s notice, to serve their fellow citizens during a time of need.” “It’s situations like this that show the caliber of our service members and their ‘Always Ready, Always There’ mentality,” Hamilton said. - DISPATCH

n lend uardsme ther. G l a n o ti Texas Na ring winter wea u a hand d

Spc. Jeff McCreary checks a stranded vehicle on northbound Highway 75 to ensure no one is still inside.

Spc. Rose hands off some sandwiches and water to a driver stuck on the highway.

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Texas Counte rdrug Tas k Fo rce cracks down o n lo cal drug haven Story and photos by Master Sgt. Ken Walker Texas Military Forces Counter Drug Task Force Public Affairs Office

arlingen, Texas (Dec. 16, 2013) – Chants of “Knock it Down, Knock it Down!” reverberated through a small Harlingen neighborhood in mid-December as the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force’s Operation Crackdown demolished another abandoned and unsafe structure. The house was known as a drug haven to the local Harlingen Police Department. The structure was less than half a mile from the Sam Houston Elementary School. Operation Crackdown is a program in which Texas Military Forces (TXMF) Soldiers and Airmen demolish structures associated with the drug trade. To date, the program has demolished close to 1,350 structures, varying from frame houses, to an abandoned warehouse, to a 40,000 sq./ft. former nursing home. The task force is responsible for the coordination and organization of all Crackdown missions; they partner with cities across the state to help reduce drug use and other illegal activities. Thirty-five fifth grade students, from Sam Houston Elementary School gave a clear and unmistakable, “knock it down” command, ordering Texas Air Guard Tech. Sgt. Carl White Jr. to destroy the building. Without hesitation, White smiled and gave a nod to the students as he slowly raised the boom and positioned the bucket over the roof of the small wood structure that just five years earlier had been called home to an elderly man. The massive 45,000-pound excavator roared as its bucket cut through the wooden structure as easily as a hot knife through butter. First

d uar G l g a tion utifyin a N a s ex a o l i n b e . â&#x20AC;? T e th ime l to h r u t f c i s w s ng ship succe fighti r e a tn nd par o be nity a t e h n u â&#x20AC;&#x153;T r ov e c o m m p s r ha ou

TSgt. Carl White Jr., 147th Civil Engineers, 147th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard, steers the excavator to collapse the front of a dilapidated house identified by local law enforcement as being used for illicit drug activity, Harlingen, Texas, Dec. 16, 2013.

Master Sgt. Robert Hughes, Plans and Operations NCOIC, Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force, talks with 5th grade students from Sam Houston Elementary School about the importance of staying drug free.

the roof collapsed then White folded the walls onto the structure as if he was giving an advanced origami demonstration. The structure collapsed into a pile of rubble and dust in under five minutes. As dust rose up and debris settled to the ground, the children raised the hands and yelled with excitement, “cool,” “this rocks” and “Wow, did you see that?” Sam Houston Elementary School assistant principal Faustino Villanueva said the children’s participation throughout the day helps them understand their involvement in the community. “It’s good because the children look up to the National Guard and service members in the armed forces,” Villanueva said. “They see [the service members] and feel proud, confident and secure.” Fifth grade teacher, Odilia Moreno, said some structures close to the elementary school were unsafe and she worried her school children would one day be injured if they were to explore the abandoned and dilapidated struc-

tures. Members of the Operation Crackdown team are personally selected for their heavy equipment operator skills, knowledge and experience. Sgt. Chris Mejia, 342nd Engineering Company, has assisted with Operation Crack for several years as a heavy equipment transport driver. “This is our third mission in Harlingen. We love coming to Harlingen because the city has done all of the necessary preparation and welcomes us. During our missions in 2011 and 2012, we [tore down] 55 Harlingen structures. We plan on demolishing around 30 structures at 15 locations this trip,” Mejia said. Each mission requires up to a year to plan, coordinate and receive clearances for all the legal requirements to be completed. Each structure is required to undergo several safety and hazardous materials inspections and then receive written permission from the owners prior to demolition. City Code Enforcement Manager Elida Mendoza said one of the time consuming parts is tracking down the le-

gal owner and receiving their written permission. Many of the houses have not been lived in for several years, family members move away and the properties became abandoned. Once abandoned, the former homes can quickly become a place where drug users, drug dealers and gang members use them as a place to get high, execute drug transactions and participate in other illegal activities. Mayor Chris Boswell also expressed support for Operation Crackdown. “The partnership with the Texas National Guard has proven to be a successful tool in beautifying our community and fighting crime,” the mayor said. “This partnership, along with the excellent job of our police department, has been a key factor in the significant reduction in crime we have experienced during the past two years.” Harlingen Police Department Commander Miryam Anderson explained the police often deal with repeat calls

Col. Suzanne Adkinson, Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force commander, addresses the press, Harlingen city officials, and students from Sam Houston Elementary School.

for service to structures which are used for drug activity and criminal mischief. “This resource [Operation Crackdown] helps police in reducing crime. This is a win, win situation for all. Our neighbors have been telling us how pleased they are with what the Texas Military Forces, the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force and Operation Crackdown are doing,” Anderson said. Col. Suzanne Adkinson, commander of the Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force, said the program is beneficial to local communities, as well as to service members. “Operation Crackdown enhances military readiness by allowing Air and Army National Guardsmen members to utilize their equipment in a ‘real world’ mission. This improves readiness for Texas Military Forces Soldiers and Airmen, while enhancing the public safety of citizens and their children by supporting communities in the demolition of structures used by the drug trade,” Adkinson said. - TXMF JCDTF PAO

147th Airmen help restore vet’s home Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Robert Cowher 147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office

OUSTON (Oct. 10, 2013) - An airman with the 147th Reconnaissance Wing needed help with critical repairs to a Vietnam veteran’s home, so he turned to his wingmen and they answered, volunteering time and skills to the project. Tech. Sgt. Klaus Riel, a 147th Vehicle Maintenance technician with the wing, works with Rebuilding Together Houston, a non-profit charity that helps low-income disabled elderly people get emergency critical repairs to their homes. Riel and a team of Airmen from the wing replaced dry-rotted wood and siding, installed a new storm door, cut back overgrown bushes and trees and painted the exterior of the house. “What [the airmen] are doing out here today, it’s a critical part of us being able to help homeowners”, said Tim Rogers, Director of Construction for Rebuilding Together Houston. Rogers also said they have several hundred homes that are in need of repair. While they get materials and money donated, what we’re lacking are skilled volunteers that are able to perform the repairs. This is the third house the Sgt. Riel has worked on. “It’s not about me it’s for the vets; I enjoy doing it and I enjoy giving,” Riel said about being a part of the restoration project. - 147th RW PAO Photos: Master Sgt. Ronaldo Hernandez, center, 147th Reconnaissance Wing Maintenance Group, replaces siding. Hernandez along with other 147th Airmen volunteer their time to work on a Vietnam veteran’s home during a Rebuilding Together Houston project.

Texas Military Forces, Citizens catch a ride together Texas National Guardsmen share trucks with community.

Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Griego Joint Task Force 136th (MEB) Public Affairs Office

OUND ROCK, Texas (Oct. 26, 2013) - Horns and alarms blared throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, as the Parks and Recreation Department of Round Rock, Texas, conducted its second annual “Touch a Truck” event at Old Settlers Park. The gathering invites families out for a day where children can play on specialized and emergency response vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, police vans, agriculture equipment and military carriers. Joint Task Force 136 (Maneuver Enhancement Brigade) was on site for the second year in a row demonstrating for the citizens of Round Rock and north Austin what the Texas National Guard can do to support the community. “It’s very important that the National Guard gives back to our community,” said Spc. Billy Jones, a human resources specialist with HHC, JTF-136 (MEB). “This

is the thing that we love to do, especially wearing the uniform and being among the community, our city.” The event featured vehicles from more than a dozen local agencies and departments, along with refreshments, snacks, and a recreational sand pit for building sand castles. “We have about 20 different types of vehicles out here,” said Kelly Gaydos, Recreation Program coordinator for the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department. “Kids can climb on them, honk the horns.” Children were encouraged throughout the day to touch, climb on, and ask questions about their favorite trucks in a safe, supervised environment. From the official website, “Touch a Truck provides a unique opportunity for children to explore vehicles of

Follow the 136th MEB on Facebook at: facebook.com/minutemanTX all types – public service, emergency, utility, construction, transportation, delivery, and just plain cool – all in one place.” “We’d like for them to be able to experience the machines and also to not be afraid of them,” said Gaydos. “[We want them] to know what good they do for our community.” JTF-136 (MEB) supported the event with an armored Humvee, a traditional canvas Humvee, and a light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV). Soldiers on site helped children maneuver in and out of drivers’ seats, the gunner turret, and the LMTV cargo bed. “It’s important for us to be out here today to show the community involvement,” said Spc. Larissa Cofran, a signal operator with the 625th Signal Company. “To show the kids that we’re here at all times, not just dur-

ing natural disasters.” The success of the event resonated with each child’s laughter and sense of excitement as they engaged the large vehicles of their heroes. Amy Cantrell, a resident of Round Rock and visitor to the day’s festivities, enjoyed sharing the day with her daughter saying, “It’s just a fun morning to experience something that we haven’t seen before.” - JTF 136th MEB PAO

Photos above: Members of Joint Task Force 136 (MEB) support the second annual Round Rock Touch a Truck Event at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas, October 26, 2013. The day celebrates the community’s first responders and service personnel by inviting children to sit inside specialized vehicles from the fire department, police department, Texas National Guard, and other professional organizations.

the Road to Sea Texas National Guardsmen from the 449th Aviation Support Battalion, conduct a Loading Exercise and a convoy mission during a training event in Kuwait. Story and photos by Maj. Randall Stillinger 36th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office

Soldiers from the 449th ASB, conduct a Loading Exercise (LOADEX) and a convoy mission during a training event in Kuwait. The 449th deployed with the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

AMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – As colder weather descends upon Texas, the blowing sand of the Kuwaiti desert continues to challenge some of its Army Aviators and Soldiers. Since April, the 449th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) has endured harsh conditions that even few Texans will ever experience with daily high temperatures over 100 degrees for five months straight, and with many days exceeding 120 degrees. These Texas Army National Guard Soldiers, with a detachment from Arkansas, are deployed with the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The brigade’s mission is to provide security to the region and build partnerships with countries that will further long-term stability in and around the Arabian Gulf. A significant key to regional security is the free flow of maritime traffic in the Arabian Gulf. Of particular importance is the Strait of Hormuz between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, which is crucial to the export of oil to the world market. The 449th’s specific mission is to provide aviation maintenance, supply, fuel distribution, medical, and signal support for the Soldiers, aircraft and equipment

within the brigade. Once used as a stepping stone for units headed north into Iraq, Camp Buehring is their home base for operations and training missions across the region. During a recent training mission, Soldiers loaded military vehicles onto a U.S. Army cargo transport vessel for a trip into the Arabian Gulf and the reconnaissance of a refueling point for a future event. The combined arms training aboard U.S. Army Vessel (USAV) Churubusco (LCU-2013) was new for these Texas Soldiers. In fact very few of them knew that the U.S. Army has such an extensive fleet of watercraft. The Texas Soldiers are also working with the Kuwaiti Air Force and other multi-national partners in the region to strengthen ties, execute joint training events, and learn best practices from each other to provide long-term stability.

Lt. Col. Bradford Hughes, commander of the 449th, said “Working with the Kuwaitis has been fantastic.” “We’re learning a lot from them in terms of their expertise in different ways that they approach military operations,” Hughes said. “The partnership events that we do are the wave of the future and it’s been a positive experience.”

and across the region,” Adams said. “We’re privileged to be in a time and location where the elements of combined arms merge, offering opportunities for them to advance their skills geometrically.” Hughes, of Austin, Texas, is very appreciative of all the support that his Soldiers have received from the families back home.

Col. Rick Adams, the 36th CAB Commander, said, “As the U.S. military moves into the future, the 449th is on the tip of the spear with regard to Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental and Multinational (JIIM) operations.”

“To the families back home, we’re on final approach. We’ll be back in about a month,” Hughes said. “Your Soldiers are doing great and everybody is looking forward to getting back to Texas and Arkansas.”

“Lt. Col Hughes and his Soldiers have excelled in everything that we’ve asked them to do here in Kuwait

The 449th ASB returned to their home base in San Antonio December 2013. - 36th CAB PAO

Above: Sgt. Jason Smith, 449th ASB, conducts a routine inspection of an AH-64D â&#x20AC;&#x153;Apacheâ&#x20AC;? helicopter while aboard the USS Ponce in the Arabian Gulf. Left: Military vehicles from the 449th ASB on a U.S. Army cargo transport vessel for a trip into the Arabian Gulf and the reconnaissance of an aircraft refueling point.

Follow the 449th ASB on Facebook at: facebook.com/449thAviationSupportBattalionAsb

Texas Aviators Welcome Story and photo by Capt. Adam Musil 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

RMY AVIATION SUPPORT FACILITY, Austin , Texas (Nov. 08, 2013)-On the final day of the annual U.S. and Chilean Army staff talks, Chilean Officers met with leaders of the Texas Military Forces, here, to discuss aviation strategies and operations. The strategic planning conference was hosted by the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade and provided Chilean leadership the opportunity to evaluate current Army aviation helicopters as well as get an inside perspective on various counter drug operations, to include the southwest border mission. Lt. Col. Ricardo Santander, Chilean Army, Operations Officer, has worked with the Texas Military Forces on multiple occasions and believes the domestic aviation operations of the Chilean Army and Texas National Guard is similar. On this trip, he hopes to learn more than just new tactics, techniques and procedures. “One of my goals is to find the Chilean Army some new helicopters,” Santander said. “The walkthrough of helicopters by the Texas Military Forces has been very helpful with this. We have many transport helicopters, but are looking to add attack helicopters.”

Among the equipment on display was the UH-72 Lakota, which provides an aerial platform equipped with visual and infrared cameras and high-powered searchlights capable of providing an ‘eye in the sky.’ Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Briggs, UH-72 Lakota pilot, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade,

Texas Army National Guard, further briefed the Chileans on the differences between operating inside the state of Texas and overseas in a combat environment. “The state partnership program between the Texas Military Forces and the Chilean Army is very

Chilean counterparts Left: Capt. Jordan Boyd, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, briefs Chilean Army officers on operating the UH-72 Lakota helicopter.

“We conduct a lot of our training in northern Chile. The area is very cold and mountainous much like Afghanistan. It provides excellent training opportunities for Chilean and U.S. forces,” said Santander. Over the past few years, Santander has trained with Texas National Guard Special Forces Operators on multiple occasions. Early next year, members of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade will travel to Chile for a joint aviation exercise. The U.S. and Chilean Army staff talks are an annual event hosted by U.S. Army South. The event provides for bilateral staff talks between the Chilean Army and U.S. Army staff. The program seeks to promote bilateral efforts for peace and stability in Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

important when you start talking about domestic operations and border strategies. Meetings like this are a good way to exchange ideas and maintain a good working relationship with our allies,” Briggs said.

Santander believes Chilean aviators are more than capable of protecting their homeland, but says the Chilean’s can learn a great deal from Texas aviators’ combat experience.

Chile is a key player in enhancing security in the region. The U.S. Army believes highly in the capability of Chilean military and feels the military serves as a model of professionalism in the region. The Chilean Army is a partnered nation with the Texas Military Forces as part of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. The Texas Military Forces is also partnered with the Army of the Czech Republic. - 36th ID PAO

TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD MEDICAL COMMAND VISIT CZECH REPUBLIC Story and photos by 1st Lt. Alex Salmon Nebraska National Guard Public Affairs Office VYSKOV, Czech Republic (Sept. 13, 2013) – In late 2011, an improvised explosive device exploded in the Logar Province of Afghanistan severely wounding an American Soldier. His life was ultimately saved by another Soldier who was well trained in advanced combat trauma.

oversees the Nebraska and Texas partnership with the NATO ally, the goal of SPP is to support the EUCOM country campaign plan. The National Guard provides subject matter experts from Nebraska and Texas who are capable of assisting in a number of areas that the Czech Republic is interested in. The desired end state is increased partner capacity and interoperability with a key ally.

But the Soldier who helped save the American’s life wore a completely different uniform and hailed from half a world away. For his actions, Staff Sgt. “Battlefield medical care is something the Czechs Michal Novotny of the Czech Rehave been interested in for several public Army received the U.S. years and dating back three years “We brought Texas Armed Forces Bronze Star for bravago our Texas Soldiers visited the Soldiers to the ery. Novotny had recently attended Czech Republic to help establish Czech Republic a series of U.S. military professional Combat Lifesaver Courses,” said to teach tactical health-care courses that focused Williams. on combat life saving and combat combat casualty medicine. Without that training, the Williams added that through the care to the CLS day’s outcome could have been partnership program with the instructors so much different. Czech armed forces, many Czech that they can then Soldiers have attended advanced develop their own The Texas Army National Guard medical courses in the U.S., so the Czech program for aimed to expand that combat medidecision was made to try to estabdeploying Soldiers.” lish that capability within the Czech cal knowledge when four Texas Medical Command Soldiers travRepublic. eled to the Czech Republic, Sept. 9-13, as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP). Both the “We brought Texas Soldiers to the Czech Republic Nebraska and Texas National Guards partner with to teach tactical combat casualty care to the CLS the Czech Republic. The partnership, which began instructors so that they can then develop their own in 1993, is one of 22 European partnerships that Czech program for deploying Soldiers,” said Wilmake up the U.S. European Command State Partliams. nership Program and one of 65 worldwide partnerships that form the National Guard State PartnerThe four Texas National Guard Soldiers used their ship Program. first few days in the city of Vsykov, Czech Republic, in the classroom, eventually taking that knowlAccording to Lt. Col. John Williams, a bilateral afedge into a field exercise. fairs officer stationed in the Czech Republic who

Sgt. 1st Class James Balandran, operations noncommissioned officer for the Texas National Guard’s Medical Command, observes as Czech Republic Soldiers tend to a “wounded” Soldier during an advanced trauma care field exercise.

“We did our classroom training the first two days and we are implementing the tactics of what we were talking about here in the field and putting it into actual practical exercises,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Balandran, the operations noncommissioned officer of the Texas Medical Command.

“It’s always a great opportunity to operate with our counterparts and (exchange) the information we received during out military deployments in Afghanistan or Iraq.”

During the field exercise, the Czech Soldiers performed rotations of foot patrols and mounted patrols where they had to locate, treat and evacuate wounded Soldiers. The Czech Soldiers had to deal with terrain, small arms fire and improvised explosive devices all while evacuating their patients.

“They’re going through care under fire,” said Balandran, who explained it as the initial lifesaving steps after encountering an injured Soldier. “Tactical field care is the next phase and that’s where they get more invasive with their care – bandaging, splinting. And then the last phase they go into is called now tac-evac…and that is when they check the final interventions that they’ve done and

call in medevac to transport them to a hospital.” Balandran, who returned from an Afghanistan deployment earlier this year, said he worked with Czech Soldiers while deployed. He added this was his second trip to the Czech Republic under SPP to share his medical knowledge, which is important because treatments are always evolving.

“Medical treatment is changing all the time,” said Balandran. “From 2009 to now it has changed from night and day.” Balandran said the Czech troops had improved leaps and bounds in their medical training, so on this visit he wanted to focus on keeping up with medical advances. “We are trying to get all the medical care on the same standard, so when we are treating other NATO Soldiers they would know what we’re doing and vice versa,” he added. Balandran said working with Czech counterparts

has been a great experience. “They’re very approachable and appreciative of what we’re doing,” said Balandran.

share the (information) we have and you can offer us the materials,” said Duchon. “With your materials and our experiences, or your experiences…we can improve ourselves.”

“They’re so interested in our ways of medical care and making sure that they ask all the questions,” he added. “Everything has been going really well.”

Balandran said he was very impressed how much the Czech medics recalled from his last visit three years ago, and that dedication means a lot to him.

The Czech Soldiers couldn’t agree more.

“They’re top-notch – especially this crew here,” said Balandran. “They are medics…so they have kept up with the trends and changes , so it’s been very easy for us this time to go ahead and show them the changes.”

“It’s always a great opportunity to operate with our counterparts and (exchange) the information we received during out military deployments in Afghanistan or Iraq,” said Warrant Officer 1st Class Jaroslav Duchon, a combat paramedic and Czech CLS instructor. Duchon said the Czech armed forces often lack medical training material, which forces them to become very resourceful. The Texas Soldiers were able to provide some medical supplies to further strengthen the partnership. But by no means was the learning one way. “We have problems with the material, the supply – the medical supply, but I think we have very clever medics and paramedics and doctors, so we can

“I’ve been a medic for 22 years and I’m very passionate about my job,” he added. “And someone being passionate about their job in teaching others really shows a lot of passion towards what they want to know and it’s a good feeling.” - Nebraska NG PAO

Above photos: Sgt. Antonio Haro, a medic with the Texas National Guard’s Medical Command, observes as Czech Republic Soldiers tend to a “wounded” Soldier during an advanced trauma care field exercise.

Alamo and Texas Guard tie past to present

Story by Capt. Martha Nigrelle Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

AN ANTONIO (Nov. 13, 2013) – The Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) presented a commemorative bell to Alamo officials in a gesture that tied together past and present Texas military history, at the Alamo, Nov. 8, 2013. Maj. Philip A. Kost, a TXARNG strategic planner, oversaw the transfer. He previously served in Afghanistan, at Camp Alamo, as a military adviser to the Afghan National Army (ANA) during 2012. “People worldwide continue to remember the Alamo as a heroic struggle against impossible odds — a place where men made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom,” according to the Alamo’s official website. “For this reason, the Alamo remains hallowed ground and the Shrine of Texas Liberty.”

Above: An international coalition of service members, at Camp Alamo, in Kabul, Afghanistan, honor those who died in the 2001 Sept. 11th attacks. Right: A Soldier ceremoniously rings the bell donated to the Alamo. (Courtesy photos)

168 years after the Battle of the Alamo, many Texan Soldiers carried these same ideals of freedom and a struggle against impossible odds, across 8,000 miles of ocean, desert, and mountains to Kabul, Afghanistan. Shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks, members of the U.S. military, along with their coalition partners, established a Training Advisory Group to assist and train the ANA at the Kabul Military Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. The advisory group was part of an effort to help re-establish ANA. Colocated to this training center, was an old Soviet built complex that the advisory group used as a defensive location in case of attack while

coalition forces were at the training center. This complex was nicknamed “the Alamo.” The nickname stuck and the following year, when members of the Texas Army National Guard’s 136th Regional Training Institute were deployed to the training center, the complex was turned into a base of operations and dubbed “Camp Alamo.” “From 2004 until 2013, Camp Alamo was the home of various rotations of advisors and trainers from all over the world,” said Kost, “including personnel from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Turkey, Jordan, Australia and France.” Kost said on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks, a group of New York City police officers sent a bell with “NYPD 23” and “FDNY 343” inscribed on either side, to the Soldiers at Camp Alamo. The numbers signify the number of emergency responders who gave their life while responding to the attacks in 2001. Rumor has it, that the post the bell is mounted to, came from the wreckage of the World Trade Center. The bell was placed under the flag poles at Camp Alamo, a place of honor, and a

symbol, for many, of the price of freedom. In 2013, it was decided that Camp Alamo would be transferred to the ANA. Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard’s 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, whose home station is in Round Rock, Texas, were given this task. Kost was one of these Soldiers. The decision was made for Kost to bring the bell home and offer it as a gift to the Alamo and the people of Texas. “In April 2013, the U.S. flag was lowered and the location was transferred, but the legacy and memory of the Alamo remains at Camp Alamo and is fondly remembered by all those who lived there,” said Kost. Alamo and state officials were excited to receive the bell. “The history (of Camp Alamo) aligned so well, it mirrored the history of the Alamo,” said Kaye Tucker, a special projects executive for the Texas General Land Office, the custodian of the Alamo. “It just made sense to have [the bell] here.” The bell was placed near the main entrance next to a Spanish cannon that was said to have been used during the siege of the Alamo. “We are so excited to have this (bell),” Tucker said. - DISPATCH

Above: The bell that originally hung at Camp Alamo in Kabul, Afghanistan now hangs at the Alamo. Right: Maj. Philip A. Kost, left, and Richard B. Winders, Ph.D., curator and historian of the Alamo, pose for a picture in front of the bell. (Photos by Capt. Martha Nigrelle)

Remembering

the Fallen this Holiday Season

Galveston Medical Group Lays Wreaths for Veterans.

Story and photos by Col. Robert Morecook Texas State Guard Public Affairs Office

ouston, Texas (Dec. 14, 2013) - Texas Soldiers from the Galveston Medical Response Group [MRG] gathered at the Houston National Cemetery again this year. They came to place wreaths at the resting places of American veterans. They arrived early on the chilly morning of Dec. 14th for their solemn undertaking. Quickly they unloaded their wreaths, placed them at headstones, and, announcing the rank and name of the fallen veterans, saluted â&#x20AC;&#x201C; before moving on to the next resting place and doing it again.

This is an annual undertaking by the Galveston MRG and is part of a nationwide project to see to it that all deceased veterans are remembered at the holiday season. Galveston MRG medics also responded to a medical emergency at the event. A woman fainted and a stroke was feared. Galveston medics gathered to provide first aid and other medical support until an emergency medical services ambulance arrived to transport her to a hospital.

“It was an honor to have my men and women participate in such a moving and patriotic event.” at: acebook F n o d r a te Gu uard Texas Sta e h t w asStateG o x ll e T / Fo m o .c facebook

A special moment during the wreath laying took place when Galveston MRG Guardsmen gathered at the burial place of the father of one of their own members. SPC Joseph Machol, whose father had served as an Army Lieutenant Colonel, led Galveston MRG Soldiers to his father’s place of interment, where the entire Houston MRG participated in placing a wreath at the headstone. Maj. Jim Dowling, commanding officer of the Galveston MRG, remarked later that, “It was an honor to have my men and women participate in

such a moving and patriotic event. They made me proud to be there with them.” The day also included a ceremony in honor of the veterans and family members who are interred there. - TXSG PAO Above left: Galveston Medical Response Group participated in its annual wreath placing event at the headstones of deceased veterans at the Houston National Cemetery . Above right: 1st Lt. Colin Powell salutes and announces the name of a deceased veteran .

L ifting spirits with holiday cheer

Texas State Guardsmen deliver toys to the Dell’s Children’s Hospital. Story and photos by Col. David Erinakes Texas State Guard Public Affairs Office

“I remember how happy it made me and now I want to help bring the same joy to other children.”

few days before Christmas members of the Texas State Guard (TXSG) delivered 1,500 toys to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin. This was the third year the group collected for this hospital and was the largest delivery so far. Sgt. John Gately, Field Operations Specialist, Headquarters Company, TXSG, headed up the drive supported by Col. Joe Jelinski, Commander J6, TXSG, Master Sgt. Charles Lightfoot, Non Commissioned Officer J6, TXSG and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Bell, Texas State Guard Command Sergeant Major. Gately has participated in these drives for the past four years collecting almost 4,000 toys. He started at the 19th Regiment’s toy drive for the

Dallas Children’s hospital and continued his efforts here in Austin when he transferred to the TXSG Headquarters. Gately has a personal connection with the recipients of the toy drives. “When I was 6 years old, I broke my leg,” Gately said. “When I got out of the hospital, my parents gave me a stuffed teddy bear. I remember how happy it made me and now I want to help bring the same joy to other children.” Gately hopes to spread his volunteer “addiction” to his son and fellow Texas State Guardsman, Pfc. Jacob Gately, whom also helped this year. - TXSG PAO

Photo left to right: Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Bell, Texas State Guard Command Sergeant Major, Sgt. John Gately, Master Sgt. Charles Lightfoot stand with Dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital employees as they deliver toys for the children there.

Traditions and Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson 56th IBCT Public Affairs Office

ORT HOOD, Texas (Jan. 12, 2014) - For many people, the words “cavalry trooper” conjure up a John Wayne-type riding a rugged and nimble horse across a waving sea of prairie grass, the crossed sabers on his traditionally black Stetson shining in the sun. The modern cavalry trooper of 1-124th Cavalry Squadron may have traded in his mount for an “iron horse,” but the pride in the crossed sabers and a long and storied heritage remain in the tradition of the spur ride.

“The history of the spur ride is part of the history of the entire U.S. Cavalry,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Flood, squadron commander. When new troopers would arrive at their assigned frontier fort, they were usually unskilled in horsemanship, and it fell upon each fort to train their new troopers. These “spur-less” troopers were assigned horses with shaved tails, to set them apart from experienced troopers. 34

esprit de corps

Texas Army National Guardsmen keep Cavalry heritage alive, earning their silver spurs.

“After the ‘shavetails’ were able to demonstrate skill in horsemanship, marksmanship and saber, they would then be allowed to wear spurs,” said Flood. “It was like our ‘crawl, walk, run’ phases of training.” There are multiple parts to the modern spur ride, each emphasizing skills essential to a “Cav” trooper. Parts of the ride are pulled from history, including a written test on the history of the Cavalry, the history of

the individual unit and horsemanship. Modern battlefield skills such as land navigation, squad movement techniques, and first aid skills are also tested. While active-duty units may have up to a week to complete all the parts of the spur ride, these Texas citizen-soldiers must push themselves to the limit to complete all the stations in two and half days. “We’re still a mounted unit,” said Flood. “Our horses may be Humvees or Bradleys or Strykers, but new troopers still have to demonstrate proficiency in basic soldier tasks.” The 1-124th has a unique history, even among Cavalry units. When most other mounted units were switching to vehicles to take the attack to the enemy, men from this Texas unit were taking to the ChinaBurma-India theater, in World War II, tackling the impassable weather and terrain with mules. As part of the MARS Task Force, the 124th fought many pitched battles with the Japanese deep in enemy territory around the Burma Road.

One of the most important stations during the spur ride is known as “Knight’s Hill.” The only Medal of Honor awarded for action in the CBI theater was a trooper from F Troop, 1st Lt. Jack Knight. Knight, blinded by a grenade, but still carrying several grenades himself, moved toward the sound of battle, and while coming to the aid of his brother, 1st Sgt. Curtis Knight, destroyed two enemy pillboxes before being mortally wounded. The weekend’s spur ride started with 86 candidates, and ended with somewhere around 60. Injuries and problems with accomplishing the tasks can knock spur candidates out, although they must finish the training with the rest of their troop.

Follow the 56th IBCT on Facebook at: facebook.com/56ibct “The spur ride builds esprit de

corps,” said Flood. “It’s part of the unit identity and the cohesion of the Cav team. Although there might be some complaining right now, tomorrow morning, when they get their spurs, it becomes bragging rights that set them apart, from other soldiers in and out of the squadron.” “They have a story they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” said Master Sgt. Jason D. Featherston. “I think this is the first time a squad has run Knight’s Hill twice ... they’re never going to forget that.” - 56th IBCT PAO

Above left: 1-124th Soldiers approach the finish line of the unit’s annual spur ride at Ft. Hood, Texas on Jan. 12, 2014. Above right: Chaplain (1st Lt.) Joshua Flynn, 1-124th Cavalry Squadron chaplain, helps Pfc. Johnathan Alba, A Troop, with his spurs after the conclusion of the spur ride.

ASOS sharpens skills

Story and photos by 2nd Lt. Alicia Lacy 147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office

VON PARK AIR FORCE RANGE, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2013) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Members from the 147th Reconnaissance Wing Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) arrive at Avon Park Air Force Range to complete required periodic evaluations. Performing exercises at the Florida range allows the airmen to hone the necessary skill sets to perform their jobs and missions in an environment that allows for the use of live fighter aircraft and live munitions to replicate real-life war fighting scenarios. There is no room for error, and accuracy and timing are everything. With almost any occupation, training is integral and maintaining proficiency is imperative; however, for Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) members, being proficient in their jobs can mean the difference between life and death.

Maintaining the skills required to be adept in one of the most physically and mentally

demanding career fields in the Air Force can prove difficult, especially for drill-status guardsmen. To support that need, 14 TACPs with the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, Texas Air National Guard, at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas, trained here Dec. 15-21, 2013, to perform periodic evaluations, currency training, proficiency training, and upgrade training, as well as using the opportunity to train with and mentor forward air controllers with the Czech Air Force as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. Other tasks included jump operations, close combat attack, air assault and close air support controls. Due to the dynamic nature of a TACPs job, it can be necessary for a member to recall weeks, months, and even years of training in a moment to be able successfully and properly execute its mission.

Because of this, nerves can run high as TACPs deliberate dozens of potential outcomes, calculate the precise positioning of the aircrafts, plot points and distances, relay targets and locations to key personnel, whether it’s the ground commander or a pilot equipped with the firepower necessary to execute the mission, or make the recommendation to pull the trigger. All these things can happen within moments in the heat of battle, and any decision can pose great implications. “[The necessity to maintain that proficiency is] critical enough to not want to display incompetency on the next Unit Training Assembly,” said a staff sergeant with the squadron. “It is self-driven for pretty much everyone. If you want to be a sharp member, you practice, practice, practice.” And for the week, that is what they did. During the week long training exercise, members worked with Air Force Reserve F-16C pilots from the 93rd Fighter Squadron, 482nd

Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, HH-60 Pave Hawk pilots from the 301st Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Air National Guard standardization evaluation program advisers from the 194th Air Support Operations Group at Camp Murray Tacoma, Wash., Army Reserve parachute riggers from the 421st Quartermaster Company at Fort Valley, Ga., and four Forward Air Controllers (FAC) from the Czech Air Force. The members were able to utilize the 106,000 acre air-to-ground training range as a location to perform exercises in a joint environment, using real-world equipment, personnel and scenarios to better mirror situations they may face downrange. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live air is always better than simulated air because of the realism,â&#x20AC;? said a technical sergeant with the unit. At the culmination of the training, 38 F-16 sorties were flown, there were nine jumps

from the HH-60, six BDU-33s per jet were dropped, about 120 joint terminal attack controls and four Joint Tactical Attack Controllers (JTAC) evaluations were completed, 16 day and night Close Combat Attack (CCA) controls were executed with 13,500 rounds of ordnance expended, and 36 controls among the four Czech FACs were performed. Though the TACPs traveled to Florida to train, the exercise provided beneficial training for the other units involved. The fighter pilots are gearing up for deployment, so the training was a valuable opportunity for them as well, said the ASOS commander. In addition to the added experience with CCA and Close Air Support (CAS) controls, incorporating the Czech FACs into the training enabled them to understand how U.S. forces operate and vice versa.

“We work together during deployments, so we know what to expect,” said another staff sergeant from the squadron, “and it also helps with the language barrier.” This is not the squadron’s first time working with the Czech Republic’s FACs. As part of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program, Texas and the Czech Republic are linked up as partners to support the security cooperation objectives of the U.S. European Command commander, whether it’s through improving the partner country’s capabilities or increasing cultural awareness and strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and the partner nation.

Republic and vice versa,” the TACP said. From their experiences working with the 147th ASOS, the Czech FACs said they have learned new tactics and techniques that they have started to implement. The SPP is a Department of Defense security cooperation program run by the National Guard that also serves as a mechanism for training National Guard members. The program began in 1992 and now nearly every state participates. - 147th RW PAO

The squadron has worked with the European nation since about 2009, performing exercises in both the U.S. and the Czech Republic.

Story photos: Members the 147th Reconnaissance Wing ASOS perform close air support control and airborne operations. Performing exercises such as these allow the airmen to hone the skills to perform their jobs in an environment that allows for the use of live aircraft and munitions to replicate real-life war fighting scenarios.

“Training here helped [the FACs] because they don’t have the same airframes in the Czech

Follow the 147th RW on Facebook at: facebook.com/147RW

A modern day Lewis and Clark TXMF land surveyor practices geodetic astronomy, using the sun, moon, and stars to conduct measurements of the earth at Camp Mabry.

Story and photo by Capt. Martha Nigrelle Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

AMP MABRY, Texas (January 29, 2014) - In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson enlisted Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead an expedition across the western frontier to the Pacific Ocean, to “record the face of the country.” As history books can attest, the Corps of Discovery Expedition was a success. Today, some of the same methods Lewis and Clark used in the 1800s to map the new territory, and the future of the United States, are being utilized in the Texas Military Forces (TXMF). David Rolbiecki, Registered Professional Land Surveyor of the State of Texas and Chief of Survey for the TXMF oversees land surveying for the organization and introduced the classic practice of geodetic astronomy, using the sun, moon, and stars to conduct measurements of the earth, at Camp Mabry, in Austin, Texas. According to records at the Library of Congress, Lewis and Clark created the first maps

of the mid west and western portions of the United States. They started at Lake Michigan and extended out to the Pacific Ocean. In order to properly chart these maps, Lewis, using geodetic astronomy, took astronomic observations (looking at the stars) along key points, thus enabling him to ascertain latitude and longitude and create a more accurate map. With online maps, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and google earth, one might think this practice is no longer necessary. Rolbiecki explained that the National Geodetic Survey (NGS), an agency that falls under National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and works with the Department of Defense’s Global Positioning System (GPS), to provide the framework for all GPS positioning activities in the U.S. is extremely accurate when measuring horizontal distances, but when looking at GPS derived elevation data,

GPS is not quite as accurate. NGS is looking to improve this and astronomic observations are the way to do so. Shooting from what looks like a concrete post situated in the middle of a field at Camp Mabry, Rolbiecki and Mark Hinojosa, a TXMF Land Survey Technician, are using replicas of the same equipment used by Lewis and Clark. Using their equipment and methods, Rolbiecki is able to look to the stars for accurate latitude and longitude readings. And the concrete post - a permanent astro-geodetic pier which is an extremely accurate and stable platform to use for astro-geodetic observations. “The purpose of the pier is to add a permanent, highaccuracy legacy monument to the existing Camp Mabry survey control network,” said Rolbiecki. “Establishing the astro-pier at Camp Mabry benefits any planning and design

endeavors [for the TXMF]. It also allows an opportunity to learn how to perform astrometric observations and practice celestial navigation,” said Kristin Mt Joy, Cultural Resource Program Manager for TXMF and a registered professional archeologist. Rolbiecki first joined the Army in 1982 as a geodetic surveyor and spent time surveying for the Army in Virginia, Hawaii, and Maine before coming back to Texas. He is currently on the board of editors for the Journal of Surveying Engineering and is also a chief warrant officer the Texas Army National Guard. For his guard duties, he is a planner, but when he comes to work at Camp Mabry, Rolbiecki is known as the man who is passionate about astrogeodetic work. “Mr. Rolbiecki is very smart and sometimes it is hard to translate his knowledge and skill set! But cultural resources has learned a lot since partnering with his team,” said Mt Joy.

were derived with historic equipment,” said Maj. Richard Martinez, environmental manager for the TXMF. “At an upcoming archaeological conference in 2014, military archaeologists and academics will have an opportunity to see demonstrations of orienting at the astro-pier. “ “{Astronomic] observations on land are obsolete due to high-accuracy GPS,” explained Rolbiecki. “I still practice this science and art.” According to the NGS official website, the vertical data they are looking for would provide elevation accuracy within a two centimeters level from almost any location in the U.S., improving location information to the millions of people who use GPS every day. In order to complete this project it is necessary to measure the stars. NGS is actively recruiting

people who can conduct these celestial surveys. Rolbiecki is hoping to be one of those people. In the mean time, Rolbiecki set up the astro-geodetic pier, or control station, on Camp Mabry in order to have a precise location from which to measure the sun, the stars, and the moon. This paired with his sextant, artificial horizon, and chronometer, the same tools that Lewis used 200 years ago, has set Rolbiecki up to record the face of Texas for the future. - DISPATCH Photo below: David Rolbiecki, right, Chief of survey for the Texas Military Forces (TXMF), instructs Mark Hinojosa, TXMF land survey technician, on the classic practice of geodetic astronomy, or how to obtain accurate measurements of the earth by measuring the sun, moon, and stars. Background photo courtesy of: http://interactive.wxxi.org/pressroom

Rolbiecki’s unique skill set has benefited both the land survey department, as well as, the cultural resources department of the TXMF. “The Cultural Resources Program has been partnering with the land survey team to record historic features across Camp Mabry’s historic district. The astro-pier established by Mr. Rolbiecki not only provides a permanent station for geospatial reference, it has allowed the cultural resources staff to learn about how mapping and orientations

Texas Army National Guard’s Natural Resources program partners with seed company to help restore ecosystems on training sites. Story and photos by John Lindsey TXARNG Natural Resources Program Camp Swift, Texas (Dec. 20, 2013) – Members of the Texas Army National Guard recently partnered with Native American Seed Company in order to create sustainable training conditions for Soldiers, through seed harvesting. The State of Texas encompasses several fairly distinct plant and animal communities that biologists refer to as “ecoregions” and Camp Swift, in Bastrop, Texas lies in an ecoregion know as the Post Oak Savannah. The Post Oak Savannah is essentially post oak dominated woodland with a grassy understory maintained by frequent low intensity wildfires. Since the arrival of Europeans, livestock grazing, fire suppression, farming and urban development have exacted a heavy toll on every ecoregion in the state, including the Post Oak Savannah. Fortunately, all four Texas Army National Guard training sites Camps Bowie, Maxey, Swift, and Fort Wolters - harbor some of the most diverse and well-functioning native plant and animal communities to be found in the state. Not only do these intact habitats provide safe and sustainable training conditions for soldiers, they also provide the material from which valuable research and restoration partnerships are developed. The Texas Army National Guard is working with the Native American Seed Company to harvest little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) grass seed at

Camp Swift, a project that should result in a safer and more sustainable training environment. Little bluestem is a native grass that thrives when regularly burned and, because of the Guard’s active prescribed burn program, there is an abundance of little bluestem at Camp Swift. Through this partnership, the Guard received a percentage of the harvest to be used in restoration projects on the training sites with the remainder going toward restoring areas burned in the wildfires that swept through Bastrop in 2011. The seed harvested at Camp Swift has also adapted

Harvesting the Future

Above: Vintage Gleaner F3 Combine harvester in action harvesting little bluestem on Camp Swift. Inset: Harvested seed ready for additional processing to separate seed from chaff (stalks and leaves). Close to five tons of little bluestem seed were harvested.

to the local environmental conditions, making vegetation easier to grow and reproduce which will help ensure greater success in the Bastrop recovery effort. The seed harvested used at Camp Swift was a Gleaner F3, a 1970’s vintage combine that looks more like a homemade paddle boat than a farming implement. Its name comes from the fact that it “combines” three separate seed harvesting operations - reaping, threshing, and winnowing - into one process. The final product out of this Dr. Seuss-like contraption is a hopper full of seed and a trail of clipped stalks.

The crew from Native American Seed harvested close to five tons of little bluestem seed. This project marks the first time that seed has been harvested on such a large scale on a training site. In the future, the Texas Army National Guard’s Natural Resources program plans to continue with the harvest of little bluestem and expand the partnership to include additional native species that will go toward restoring the once expansive Post Oak Savannah. - TXARNG Natural Resources Program

For information contact Natural Resource Specialist John Lindsey at (512) 782-6037 or john.p.lindsey15.nfg@mail.mil

136th facilitates joint airborne air transportability training Story and photos by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert 136th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

CDILL AFB, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2013) - U.S. paratroopers from all branches of the service participated in a joint airborne air transportability training or known as JAATT, to meet their mission requirements and qualifications for jumping out of an aircraft here, Nov. 15, 2013. The C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard provided the airlift for the static line jump and the highaltitude/low opening (HALO) free-fall jump. â&#x20AC;&#x153;JAATT is more and more the mission type the 136 AW is requested to do,â&#x20AC;? said Maj. Marcus Gonser, 136th Operations Group, current operations officer. With sequestration and a tight budget, joint training is being utilized to its maximum potential. The 136th Airlift Wing proved that they have what it takes to deliver paratroopers to their designated zone. All sorties scheduled took off on time and on target; the only limiting factor was the weather. - 136th AW PAO

Follow the 136th AW on Facebook at: facebook.com/136AW

Photos: Paratroopers from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force participate in a joint airborne air transportability training exercise at McDill AFB, Fla. The paratroopers jumped from 1,000 feet above ground level from a C-130H2 aircraft belonging to the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard.

Texas National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Rifle competition Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office

Private 1st Class DJ Anderson, 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment, Texas State Guard, 3rd place novice award.

Brandon Hosford, 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, 2nd place novice award.

Spc. Jaymes Sendo, 1st Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, High Overall novice award.

Officer Candidate David Park, 19th Regiment, Texas State Guard, 3rd place overall award.

Spc. Justus Densmore, 342nd Engineer Company, 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, 2nd place overall award.

Master Sgt. Donnie Hicks, 147th Reconnaissance Wing, Texas Air National Guard, Overall Winner award.

The 3rd place team, comprised of members from the Texas Army National and Texas State Guards.

The 2nd place team, comprised of members from the 19th Regiment, Texas State Guard.

Check out more photos at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjPt7Yty 1st place team, comprised of members from the 147th Reconnaissance and 136th Airlift Wings, Texas Air Guard.

Check out the video at: http://goo.gl/VPaeF0

Participants of this year’s Texas National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Rifle competition held at Camp Swift, Texas, Dec. 20-22, 2013.

Texas National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Sniper competition Photos by Sgt. Suzanne Carter 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sgt. Jaime Slaughter, Texas State Guard, 3rd place novice award.

Spc. John Neidigk, 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, 2nd place novice award.

Cpl. Chase Smith, 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, High Overall novice award.

Spc. John Neidigk, 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, 3rd place overall award.

Staff Sgt. Wade Lay, 19th Regiment, Texas State Guard, 2nd place overall award.

Cpl. Chase Smith, 1st Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, Overall Winner award.

The 3rd place team, Spc. Timothy Blevins and Cpl. Chase Smith.

The 2nd place team, Staff Sgt. William Winstead and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Velasquez.

Check out more photos at: http://flic.kr/s/aHsjQAGvqu 1st place team, Sgt. Chris LaValley and Sgt. Daniel Guzman.

Watch the video at: http://youtu.be/xLByfnlqKaY

Participants of this year’s Texas National Guard’s Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Sniper competition held at Camp Swift, Texas, Dec. 20-22, 2013.

H istory

The African-American militia in Texas A historical interpretation by Lt. Col. Enrique Villarreal

Buffalo Soldier reenactor at the TXMF Open House

n the summer of 1890, a battalion of the Texas Volunteer Guard assembled in San Antonio, for their annual encampment under the command of Maj. Jacob Lyons. Following an inspection, the soldiers paraded through the city. The San Antonio Daily Express described their presence, stating that, “[The] troops made a very fine showing … [with] frequent expressions of approbation [from] the crowd” (Blair, 10). The battalion and its preparation for the annual training event, was typical of the period. However, this battalion was unique and has a distinct place in Texas military history. The battalion was the “First Battalion Colored Infantry, Texas Volunteer Guard”.

frican American soldiers have fought in every major U.S. war, including units such as the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, The 9th and 10th Cavalries or “Buffalo Soldiers” and the 99th Fighter Squadron, the famed “Tuskegee Airmen”, to name a few. However, the history of the black militias in Texas is virtually unknown. Although these citizen soldiers did not serve in any major conflict, they did fight a different kind of war, a war of prejudice and bigotry. Their service provided a means, they hoped, that would display their civil rights through military service in the militia, while providing a sense of pride for the black community (Blair, 126).

Excelsior Guards

After the Civil War, the twenty-eight-year-old minister first Reconstruction Act in and teacher from Waco revived March 1867 disbanded the the units, combining them into state militias of the former a regiment (Barr, 74). Confederate States, including Texas. Reconstruction also In April 1879, Gregory brought on the governorship approached the Adjutant of Republican, Edmund J. General, Brig Gen. John B. Davis, who was exceedingly Jones, a former Confederate unpopular among many captain, proposing to expand Texans for multiple the existing black companies. reasons (Hughes, “The Jones replied, “Your plan World Turned Upside Down: of convention of colored Reconstruction in Texas”). companies is approved. . . . If Among those reasons was you can organize [enough] Edmund J. Davis the militia act that created companies sufficient for 14th Governor of Texas three racially integrated a Battalion or Regiment”, branches under the Adjutant General: the State Police, assuring him recognition of the unit although “separate from the State Guard, and the Reserve Militia, with Governor’s white regiments (Barr, 74).” power to declare martial law in the state. The coercive nature of these acts enraged many Texans. However, for Black interest was high and Capt. Gregory was able to recruit Black Texans it provided an opportunity (Olson, “Texas enough soldiers to form a regiment, thus Brig. Gen. Jones National Guard”). authorized the organization of the 1st Volunteer Colored Infantry Regiment on May 20, 1880, and promoted Capt. Obviously, after the Democrats regained control of the Gregory to Colonel as its commander (Barr, 74). Texas legislature in 1874, they repealed the laws, but surprisingly they retained the ability for Texas African A new adjutant general, former Confederate Brig Gen. Wilbur Americans to form militia units. By this time, there were H. King, praised Gregory’s “zeal and activity” and offered only three black militia companies; the “Coke Rifles” of continued support. Despite these encouraging comments, San Antonio, the “Austin City Rifles” and the “Lincoln pressure from white leaders in and out of the guard began to Guards” of Galveston. However, the appearance of a question the continued feasibility of sustaining black units in charismatic young black officer, Capt. A. M. Gregory, a Texas (Barr, 75). This growing tension resulted in a drop in

the number of black units. In response, Col. Gregory began to recruit new companies. The first signs of troubles came when his recruiting efforts became an issue in Marshall, Texas. After local leaders filed complaints, General King asked Col Gregory to resign or be relieved because he received no authorization to raise any new companies (Barr, 75).

and his own personal appearance,” noted a reporter (Barr, 77). Despite this, the battalion saw little service, with one exception. The “Ireland Rifles” of Seguin, the only African American militia called into state service, served in September 1889 to quell a lynching mob. Ironically, in view of the numerous lynching of blacks during this period, the Ireland Rifles joined a white company to prevent mob violence against a MexicanAmerican (Barr 77).

According to noted Texas historian Alwyn Barr, by Capt. Jacob Ray, Ireland Rifles 1885, “Several black and white companies disbanded, apparently because members lacked interest or time for drills. Despite regular As the United States and Spain politically struggled over meetings, in drill inspections these companies rated only Cuba, state militias prepared to volunteer their service. bad to fair condition (Barr, 77).” Under these conditions, When the U.S. declared war on Spain in 1898, black leaders only four black units remained active and the regiment petitioned the governor to form a Negro regiment, “as a reduced to a battalion. matter of simple justice to encourage Patriotism … [and that] all classes of the Citizens of this Great State should A change of leadership in 1887 led to improvements be accorded an equal chance to volunteer... (Barr, 79)” and revival of African American service in the state’s Despite their appeals, Brig. Gen.. Woodford H. Mabry, the militia. The commander, Maj. Jacob Lyons of San Antonio, Adjutant General, complimented their efforts, but decided, a veteran of both the Civil War and the Indian Wars, “It will not be best to give the colored battalion a place in increased the efficiency of the battalion, focusing on drill any of the three white regiments…and they will have to and training. The attitude of the black citizen-soldier wait until the next call for troops (Blair, 106).” Ultimately, proved a crucial element. “As a rule he is a well built the only black Texans in the Spanish-American War were fellow, who takes a pride in his military organization from new companies recruited in Houston and Galveston,

serving in the 9th Regiment of U.S. Volunteers.

for race relations within the Armed Forces, and it marked the end of racial separation within military units (African-Americans In The State of Texas continued to ignore its militiamen in the Combat). On 26 July 1948 President years that followed the War with Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, calling on the armed Spain and on January 21, 1903, forces to provide equal treatment the new National Militia Law, and opportunity for black service the Dick Act, received approval members. This act was the capstone from the president, prompting of the Truman civil rights program, the Texas Legislature to pass its and the climax of the struggle for new Militia Law, which led to the racial equality in the armed forces demise of the black militia units (Macgregor, 291). Despite this, in Texas (Blair, 119 -120). By reform was slow and it wasn’t until 1906, Adjutant General, Brig. Gen.. 1953 that segregation officially John A. Hulen, acknowledged, ended when the Secretary of Defense “the colored companies made an Executive Order 9981 announced that the last all-black exceptionally good show at drills unit had been abolished (African-Americans In Combat). It and parades, and cared for their arms and equipment would not be until the mid 1960’s before the Texas National as well as the average white company.” Despite these remarks, he disbanded the entire battalion “on account of Guard would see African Americans serving in the Guard. the inadvisability of having both white and colored troops in such a small organization as the State maintains (Blair, For African American citizen soldiers, the motivation surrounding participation in militia organizations centered 122).” on their recognition and expression of their full rights as citizens. Militia service exemplified these rights long denied During World War I, thousands of African-Americans them (Blair, 40). Although the black militia units in Texas rushed to register for the draft. Their enthusiasm struggled throughout its history, all Texas military forces stemmed in part to defend liberty and democracy in can take pride in their courage and service past, present and Europe, but also from the opportunity it gave them to future. - DISPATCH HISTORY prove that they deserved greater rights at home. Despite their patriotism, African Americans continued to serve in menial roles. However, World War II was a watershed

abcd

1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6.

Works Cited

“African-Americans In Combat”, History Detectives, PBS.online, accessed January 11, 2014, http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/ african-americans-in-combat/ Barr, Alwyn. “Black Militia of the New South: Texas.” In Brothers to the Buffalo Soldiers: Perspectives on the African American Militia and Volunteers, 1865-1917, by Bruce A. Glasrud, 73-85. Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2011. Berg-Sobre, Judith. San Antonio on Parade: Six Historic Festivals. College Station: Texas A & M University Press, 2003. Blair, John Patrick. African American Citizen Soldiers in Galveston and San Antonio, Texas, 1880-1906. Thesis, College Station: Texas A&M University, Office of Graduate Studies, 2007. MacGregor, Morris J. Jr, “The President Intervenes”, Integration of the Armed Forces 1940-1965, Center of Military History United States Army (Washington, D.C.: 1985), Singletary, Otis A. Negro Militia and Reconstruction. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1971.

E ducation

Texas Texas MSTC MSTC and andU.S. U.S. Military Military Professionals Professionals

The University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business

Motivated both by promotion within the Guard and transition into the private sector, five Guardsmen graduated with Master of Science in Technology Commercialization (MSTC) degrees from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Tanya Mack - Captain - US Army / TXARNG, Ian Manire - Major - US Air Force / TXANG, Wayne Peck - Major - US Army / TXARNG, Chris Smith - Major - US Army / TXARNG, and Brian Stevens - Lieutenant Colonel - US Army / TXARNG were all stationed at Camp Mabry in Austin while earning their degrees. Since MSTC classes meet on alternating weekends, the guardsmen were able to continue meeting their professional responsibilities while earning their degrees.

A Masters Degree for a New Business Reality “An abundance of technology innovation has created a vacuum for entrepreneurs and tech-transfer specialists who understand how to successfully bring emerging technology products to market,” explains MSTC Program Director Gary Cadenhead. “One of the skill sets we teach is called Quicklook™, a proprietary process for evaluating the market potential of a new technology, a gono-go decision that will literally make or break a company.” While most seeking a business masters enroll in MBA programs, these Guardsmen selected the one-year MSTC Program. For Chris, the attraction of starting a new business based on an emerging technology was more appealing than managing an existing business; the ability to complete the degree in one year was also compelling. After exploring several different MBA programs, Brian learned about the MSTC Program and found it in line with his goal of either starting a business or joining an early stage company. Ian also found attractive the lure of management and leadership in the very unstructured, creative and dynamic environment of a startup. Tanya was looking for knowledge and skills to help her transition from the military to the business sector. She was initially planning to get an MBA but chose the MSTC over the MBA because the curriculum seemed more interesting. That she and her husband are also considering starting their own business in the future further favored the MSTC. Wayne found the MSTC decision a no-brainer: Technology entrepreneurship fit my experience and personality, The University of Texas is a first rate institution, the schedule and class workload were compatible with my job, and I could graduate in a year.

Highlights of the Year Among a year of highlights, the Guardsmen especially appreciated the following:

• The international trip to England stood out for Chris. He learned about international

business practices and experienced a new culture. The English have a different model for launching new ventures. Chris also found creating a business plan and defending it against actual business executives in real world investment competitions invaluable.

•

Not exposed to marketing or sales in the military, Ian valued Professor Kate Mackie’s Marketing course and its emphasis on taking technological innovations to market. He sees this skill set as vital in any executive leadership position whether in the government or private sector. Secondly, he found Professor John Daly’s Creative & Innovative Management course an essential career enhancement because of what he learned about leadership and influencing people.

•

The quality, commitment and professionalism of the professors and staff, including their commitment to the students succeeding not only in the courses, but also in their business ventures were impressive to Brian. In addition to being qualified and experienced, they consistently performed above expectations. Brian also appreciated networking with successful entrepreneurs, who had founded businesses and were willing to talk about their successes and failures.

•

Tanya found learning to create business plans for start-ups from Rob Adams to be incredibly valuable.

•

The highlights for Wayne were learning how to 1) identify a commercializable technology, 2) build a business plan to get it funded, and 3) craft an operational plan to get it launched as a profitable business.

Career Benefits Already Seen Brian has retired from the Army and launched a new business. He reports, “The MSTC program helped me learn a strong set of business fundamentals while also learning more detail about several different industries and their associated business models. This knowledge and the networking that came with it have been instrumental in allowing me to start my own business and be confident when meeting with and pitching to potential customers.” Chris continues to work his normal, full time job, and he is concurrently exploring a new software venture. He says, “If it pans out as our initial research is indicating, we should be able to build a very successful company.” Ian is the new Legislative Liaison for the Texas Air National Guard. He reports, “The MSTC Program is helping me to better bridge the gap between the Texas Air National Guard and our Federal/State legislators. Additionally, in my privately owned real Estate company, the Program has given me countless ideas on how to run my company more effectively and to expand it.” Tanya attributes the MSTC experience for making her more competitive for the new job she recently accepted at Dell as the Global Commodity Manager for Wireless WAN. Wayne reports, “The greatest impact for me was preparing me for my life post-retirement from the military. I feel my choices now are limitless.”

Brian concludes, “The MSTC program is an excellent fit for military personnel who are seeking a masters for competitive career management or who are looking to transition from the military into the commercial sector. The flexibility, duration, cost and phenomenal staff and curriculum combined with the credibility of UT McCombs make this program one of the best options for military personnel looking for a master’s degree.

Join us Camp

ion s s e s n o i r mat o f n i n a for 14 0 2 , 3 1 y 23 1 A Febr uar m o o .8R g d l B y r Mab

Texas MSTC and U.S. Military Professionals

ecreation

The fishin’ hole at Camp Mabry

By Capt. Martha Nigrelle Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office Calling all fishing enthusiasts! Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas, has opened its pond for trout fishing. The fishing season will run through the end of March. The Texas Military Forces (TXMF) welcomes both service members and members of our community to come and enjoy the fishing season. “The upper pond is full of trout to catch and take home,” said Linda Brown, the TXMF Natural Resource Program Manager. “The lower pond has blue gill and catfish for catch and release.” The fish were farm-raised and are fit for human consumption. There is a three fish limit per angler. Anglers are asked not to dress fish or leave entrails on the ground or in the dumpsters. So come on out to Camp Mabry for some fishing fun!

If you have any questions, contact Linda Brown at 512-782-5818 or Lt. Col. Les Davis 512-782-6822

rces Calendar

ary 2014

Feb. 8/9 - TXMF Joint Best Warrior Competition,

Tuesday

5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 Camp Swift 19 20 21 22

Feb. 8 - TXMF Proclamation Day, Bastrop

Monday

January '14

Calendar of upcoming events: 1

27 28 29

Wednesday

2 9 16 23 30

3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 31

March '14

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 16 23 30

10 11 12 13 1 17 18 19 20 2 24 25 26 27 2 31

Thursday

Feb. 15 - WWII Sweetheart Dinner & Dance, Camp Mabry

Friday

Feb. 16 - George Washington Bridge Stars and Stripes Air Show, Laredo Feb. 16 - Military Women in Transition Workshop, Camp Mabry

4 Feb. 17 - President’s Day Holiday 5

-‐TXMF Joint Best -‐TXMF Joint Bes Feb. 20 - African American History Observance, Camp Mabry Warrior Competition Warrior Compe

Feb. 22-23 - International Bridge Ceremony, Laredo

Feb. 23 - Boxcar Dedication Ceremony at the TXMF Museum, Camp Mabry

-‐Valentine's Da

Mar. 1/2 - Adjutant General’s Governor’s 20 Machine Gun Match, Camp Swift Mar. 3 - TXMF Best Warrior Golf Tournament, Bastrop

sidents' DMar. ay 21/22 - NGAT Conference, Houston

Mar. 22 - State Family Programs Youth Symposium, Houston April 26/27 - Texas Military Forces Open House and American Heroes Air Show, Camp Mabry

For more info on some of these events check: 26 27 www.txmf.us

Notes -‐African American/Black History Month Follow us: -‐Houston Rodeo Armed Forces Appreciation Day??? www.txmf.us

2014 Calend

TXMF Best Warrior Golf Tournament - Hole in one prizes on all 5 par 3 holes - Longest drive for both men and women - Closest to pin for both men and women - 1st, 2nd & 3rd place team prizes -

March 3, 2014

Pine Forest Golf Club Bastrop, TX