2010 July, The Dispatch

Task Force Rawhide: Home at last! 6 Training Victim Advocates 13 Selfless Service When No One Sees 15

4

Travis County looking for veteran mentors

This new Veterans' Treatment Court will begin hearing cases later this summer, possibly as early as August. One of the resources the court will need is a cadre of veteran volunteers to act as mentors to those individuals whose cases will be heard in the new court.

9

36th Division remembers WWII, Italy

Texas National Guardsmen joined visitors from across the world, here, to honor World War II veterans of the 36th Infantry Division and the allied forces in a wreath laying ceremony.

12

Houston native sings the blues in Iraq

The heat of the night competes for attention with the sweet mellow sounds coming out of Sgt. Annika Chambers. It's not clear which one makes the biggest impression on the crowd surrounding her as they relax on a raised concrete slab behind the As Salaam Palace on Camp Prosperity, Baghdad.

14

FOB Prosperity Mayor s Cell busy around the clock

"Hello, this is Sgt. Samuel Jackson, Camp Prosperity Mayor Cell how can I help you?" Sounds like a simple enough question, right? But the answer the Allen, Texas, resident gets is often far from simple and seldom repeats itself.

15

Army green and the wild blue yonder

Maj. Gen. Jose Mayorga, The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Joyce Stevens, Commander Texas Army National Guard, and Col. William Hall, Vice Chief Joint Staff, flew in the back seat of an F-16 as part of a leadership visit to Air National Guard fighter wings.

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July 2010

Cover—Satellite image of Hurricane Fran. Hurricane Fran was a large, powerful, destructive hurricane that made landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina on September 5, 1996. Fran was the sixth named storm the 1996 hurricane season. It was so destructive that the name "Fran" was retired from use.

Satellite image by NASA.

Army Motorcycle Safety Class The U.S. Army IMCOM Registration system (AIRs) allows military and civil‐ ian personnel to register online for traffic safety courses (Motorcycle Safety Classes) conducted at IMCOM garrisons. The tool requires each garrison safety office to create their own training schedules for everyoneʹs viewing on the AIRs website and makes it easier for military and civilian employees to find and register for the required traffic safety courses they need. Prospective students may begin registering for courses as soon as they appear on the gar‐ risonʹs course calendars. Visit the IMCOM Traffic Safety Program website at https://airs.lmi.org/ and access the AIRs User Guide by clicking the ʺHelpʺ icon at the top of the home page.

DANTES Testing Rules Modified The Defense Activity for Non‐Traditional Education Support (DANTES) will only provide funding for initial testing for exams taken after May 20, 2010. If a retest is required, it will be at the expense of the servicemember. DANTES will only fund a servicememberʹs initial examination fee for each College Level Entrance Examination Program (CLEP) exam, DANTES Subject Stan‐ dardized Tests (DSST) and Excelsior College Examinations (ECE). Retests will continue to be funded through DANTES for servicemembers who took a test prior to May 20 and take the retest before Dec. 11, 2010. Learn more in‐ formation about DANTES at http://www.dantes.doded.mil/Dantes_web/ DANTESHOME.asp

Hearing on Wireless VA Health Care The House Veteransʹ Affairs Health Subcommittee recently held a hearing to learn more about innovative wireless health technologies and to explore their potential application at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Wireless health is an emerging field where technologies enable physicians, patients and their caregivers to prevent and diagnose health ailments, as well as monitor and manage treatments. Innovative wireless technologies can help overcome barriers to health care in rural areas. Prepared testimony and a link to the webcast of the hearing are available on the House Committee on Veter‐ ans Affairs website at http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx? newsid=592

Vol. 5, No. 7

July 2010

Commander in Chief Gov. Rick Perry Adjutant General of Texas TXARNG Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga Public Affairs Officer TXARNG Col. William Meehan Public Affairs Chief TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Public Affairs Staff TXANG Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson TXARNG Sgt. Malcolm McClendon TXARNG Spc. Maria Moy John Thibodeau Laura Lopez Managing Editor TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Design and Copy Editor TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Contributing Writers and Photographers TXARNG 1st Lt. Adam Musil TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada TXARNG Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson TXARNG Sgt. Melissa Shaw TXARNG Sgt. Jeremy Spires USA Sgt. Darron Salzer

TRICARE Updates Made Easy Depending on beneficiary status and circumstances, the TRICARE Benefici‐ ary Web Enrollment (BWE) website may allow enrollment changes, contact information updates and more through one of three log on methods: Com‐ mon Access Card (CAC), ʺmyPayʺ pin, or Department of Defense self service logon. TRICARE beneficiaries can learn more about the features of BWE and gain access to BWE through the links on the TRICARE website. BWE is only available in the U.S., and active duty servicemembers should contact their new military treatment facility to determine whether they can make changes through the web, or should wait until they reach their new duty station if making a permanent change of station (PCS) move.

Learn more at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/ ProfileFil‐ ter.do;jsessionid=MznC2zQ0kGvdS0T57pCFxnXbJSGjj2ZQp4FMLvxFB2mV5 1kT2JM1!‐1582644560?puri=%2Fhome%2Foverview%2FEnrollment% 2FWebEnrollment

Articles and photography are welcome and may be submitted to JFTX-PAO, P.O. Box 5218, Austin TX 78763-5218, or by e-mail to paotx@tx.ngb.army.mil.

Deadline for submissions is the 10th day of the month for the issue of the following month.

The Dispatch is a funded monthly newsletter published in the interest of the members of the Texas Military Forces. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas or the Adjutant General’s Department of Texas. Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg.

10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.

July 2010

THE DISPATCH 3

Travis County Court looking for veteran mentors The Honorable Mike Denton, Presiding Judge for the Travis County Court at Law No. 4, will be supervising a new special docket for veterans. This new Veteransʹ Treatment Court will begin hearing cases later this summer, possibly as early as Au‐ gust.

One of the resources the court will need is a cadre of veteran vol‐ unteers to act as mentors to those individuals whose cases will be heard in the new court.

Toward that end, Judge Denton has asked me to extend an invitation to all veterans who would like to volunteer their time and energy to serve as mentors.

The aim is to start small and move cautiously.

The commitment is open ended at this time. Since we donʹt

know how much of a time com‐ mitment this will entail, the first volunteers will be learning along with everyone else. The court will employ a fulltime coordinator, but that job has not yet been posted.

The first objective is to identify veterans who might want to be‐ come volunteer mentors. Every volunteer selected will be screened and will be trained be‐ fore they are expected to partici‐ pate.

Once the mentors are selected and trained their duties will in‐ clude: being present in the court to accompany their mentees, as‐ sisting the court in keeping the menteesʹ court records current, assist the mentees in navigating the court system, assist the men‐ tees in understanding the impor‐

tance of following the courtʹs in‐ structions, and in guiding the mentees to successfully complete the assignments they receive from the court.

The volunteer veteran mentors are not expected to offer advice about treatment or therapy, meet with their mentees outside the court, be on call for their mentees, or provide any advice about legal matters.

The volunteer veteran mentors are expected only to be present and offer the support and under‐ standing that only a fellow vet‐ eran can offer.

For more information, please contact Ted Hughes, Veterans Re‐ sources Coordinator, Texas De‐ partment of State Health Services at 512‐206‐5285.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Why should I call the Lifeline?

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, tollfree suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential.

Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888-628-9454.

From immediate suicidal crisis to information about mental health, crisis centers in our network are equiped to take a wide range of calls. Some of the reasons to call 1-800-273TALK are listed below.

• Call to speak with someone who cares.

• Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself.

• Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area.

• Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned about.

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July 2010

36th Inf. Div.

Leaders PMT -

AT

Camp Swift 18-30 June July 2010

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TF Rawhide: Home at last!

Story and photo by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, TEXAS – The men and women of the 36th Sustainment Brigade enter Abrams Field House from the unusually hot and humid Texas day. As they make their way down the trophy‐lined hallway, they can already begin to hear the thun‐ derous applause coming from ahead. As the doors swing open, the Soldiers are greeting with smiles, hugs, and a few happy tears from the loved ones that they have missed so dearly. After 12 months, Task Force Rawhide has returned home.

“To the Officers, Non‐Commissioned Officers, and Soldiers of the TF Rawhide, once again, con‐ gratulations for a job that was exceptionally well done,” said Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, the Adju‐ tant General for the State of Texas, to the over 300 Soldiers standing in formation.

TF Rawhide, based out of Temple, Texas, spent the last year supporting the Global War on Terror‐ ism in southern Iraq by performing a number of contingency operations. From more than 4,000 convoy missions to managing the largest fuel farm in Iraq, responsible for almost 77 percent of the bulk fuel in theater; these Texas Soldiers worked tirelessly day in and day out in support of United States and Coalition Forces.

“The mission would not have been successful

w i t h o u t your cour‐ age, self‐ less ser‐ vice, hard w o r k , dedication, and tire‐ less efforts t o w a r d s e x c e l ‐ l e n c e , ” said General Mayorga. “The Texas Military Forces, your state, and your nation are extra ordinarily proud of your superb accomplishment over the past 12 months.”

The 36th Sustainment Brigade also involved it‐ self in the operations of Convoy Staging Center Scania and Contingency Operating Base Adder with a tenant population of over 15,000. In addition, the brigade supported two divisions, whose various op‐ erations covered an area roughly the size of Ari‐ zona.

“I could be no prouder of a unit that has de‐ ployed to a combat theatre than the 36th Sustain‐ ment Brigade,” said the commanding general of the 36th Inf. Div, Maj.Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin. “This is truly an outstanding unit, with out standing leader‐ ship.”

In addition to thanking the men and women of TF Rawhide, General Mayorga also thanked the family and friends of the bri‐ gade’s Soldiers. “Military service is a family affair,” he said. The Texas Adjutant General went on to say to the waiting families that being the spouse of a deployed Soldier is sometimes a harder job than the job their loved ones in country must perform.

Robin Bush, a Family Readi‐ ness Group Leader for TF Raw‐

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July 2010

hide living in Killeen, Texas, said a monthly newsletter, a brigade website, and an active phone roster were able to give the fami‐ lies of the deployed unit a peace of mind, by helping with the day‐ to‐day problems that arose. The FRG helped with the families with everything from dead car batteries to broken appliances.

Special thanks is owed to the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Temple Wal‐Mart Distribution Center, and Soldier’s Angels who donated countless amounts of time and supplies to ensure that the returning Soldiers were wel‐ comed back with everything they needed, said Ms. Bush.

this most important mission, and thank you for choosing this profession that is unlike any other. You are dedicated, loyal and disciplined,” said Gen‐ eral Mayorga in his closing remarks, “You believe in a cause much greater than your own.

There is no greater cause in my opinion than the giving of (oneself) for the benefit of another person. You truly embody the Army Value of Selfless Ser‐ vice.”

Opposite page‐36th Sustain‐ ment Brigade Soldiers stand in formation in Abrams Field House located on Fort Hood, Texas, during the Yellow Rib‐ bon Ceremony on June 18, 2010.

The history of deploy‐ ments for the 36th Sustainment Brigade include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Bosnia, Kosovo, Opera‐ tion Noble Eagle, in addition to a number of floods, hurricanes, and fires.

Tor left‐36th Sustainment Bri‐ gade Soldiers fulfill the role of the Color Guard during the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, June 18, 2010.

“Thank you (TF Raw Hide) for your hard work in preparing for

Top right‐The Adjutant General of Texas, Major General Jose S. Mayorga speaks to the returning Soldiers of the 36th Sustainment Brigade on June 18, 2010 during the Brigade’s Yellow Ribbon Ceremony.

July 2010

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Air Guard strives to protect people on, off duty Story and photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer National Guard Bureau

FORT WORTH (6/23/10) – The Air National Guard has established the safest working environment for conducting what is often a dangerous business, the ANG director told an audience here today.

“Over the last 15 years, incident rates have leveled out, but how can we get that margin down to zero so that every Guardsmen makes it home safely every night?”

Slocum said that the solution begins with leadership.

“We’ve fallen short – and failed – as an organization 20 times so far this year, and anything that affects our Guardsmen, preventing them from getting home safely, is unacceptable,” he said.

“However, we’re not losing our people in the workplace, were losing them on the way home or to work and on One of the main topics discussed was safe motorcycle the weekends,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Bud Wyatt. “So we riding. need to take that safety culture we’ve created for our professional lives, and inculcate it into the thought processes “Over time, airplanes and automobiles have become of our young Airmen so that they live that culture 24 hours safer, but motorcycles have not,” said Slocum. “When it a day.” comes to motorcycle safety, just the decision to ride a motorcycle is dangerous and in order to get that margin to zero That was the message of the 2010 Executive Safety we’re going to have to make some tough decisions.”

Summit held here this week: to get Airmen to strive for zero safety incidents, on the job and off.

Cell phone use and driving is another major concern for the Air Guard safety staff.

“While on-duty we’re getting better in terms of safety, just like the general population,” said Air Force Col. Doug “Simply carrying on a conversation is unsafe while drivSlocum, the director of safety for the Air Guard, “but offing,” said Slocum, “and statistically, hands-free devices do duty, we’ve seen a spike in safety incidents. not make cell phone usage any safer.”

Other safety areas that were covered included drunk driving, speeding, use of seatbelts, nighttime activities, fatigue and its similarity to alcohol insobriety, and suicides.

“These behaviors can add up and can lead to one another,” said Slocum. “From a leadership perspective, we can see the behaviors and the warning signs, and we can target those groups and identify problems before they become fatal.”

He added that accidents affect the organization as a whole. “When our people are not there, we can’t do the mission,” he said.

Air Force Col. Doug “Odie” Slocum, director of safety for the Air Guard, addresses a crowd of Air Guard senior leadership during the 2010 Executive Safety Summit in Fort Worth, Texas, June 22, 2010. The theme for the summit was to strive for zero accidents, both on and off the job. Slocum discussed several areas of concern when it comes to safety while off duty, and said that though the numbers have gone down the Guard can do better.

The burden of being able to recognize bad behaviors that could affect the welfare of Guardsmen and the Air Guard’s mission does not fall solely on the shoulders of leadership.

“We need to practice wingman ethos, giving each other feedback when we see an unsafe act,” Slocum said.

“Anyone in a safety situation should be able to call a knock-it-off,” said Wyatt.

http://www.uso.org/howtohelp/

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July 2010

36th ID remembers sacrifices at Rapido River, Italy 1st Lt. Adam Musil 36h Infantry Division Public Affairs

MONTE CASSINO, Italy‐‐Texas Na‐ tional Guardsmen joined visitors from across the world, here, to honor World War II veterans of the 36th Infantry Division and the allied forces in a wreath laying ceremony.

This is an annual event spon‐ sored by the town of Monte Cassino and attended by local gov‐ ernment officials, town residents, Italian army members, WW II vet‐ erans and their families.

Taking place on the banks of the Rapido River, a battle site where the 36th Infantry Division lost a better part of two of its regi‐ ments, the ceremony was a time for veterans and their loved ones to reflect on military service and how the war affected their lives.

“Comparing previous ceremo‐ nies I have seen, this year’s cere‐ mony was one of the best and I am happy the Texas National Guard was able to participate for the first time in this particular ceremony,” said Michele DiLonardo, local historian and resident.

The soldiers that died here paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our freedoms today," Gen‐ “I have learned a lot about eral Nichols said. the history of the 36th Infantry The battles in Italy have Division and made some great never gained the popularity as the connections,” said Sgt. 1st Class battles in central Europe made Kenneth Saffell, B Co. 36th Infan‐ popular by such movies as Saving try Division. “I especially like the Private Ryan and The Longest Day. opportunities to meet with locals However, the fighting in the and our foreign counterparts.” mountains of Italy was some of This year marked the 66th the most brutal in the war as men were forced to scale steep moun‐ anniversary of the combat that took place between the Nazi Army tains of rock under a barrage of machine gun fire and grenades and the Allied forces in southern from Germans deeply embedded Italy. The mountainous region of in the mountains. southern Italy is peppered with about the past, show respect to their Allies, and learn from foreign military forces.

small towns filled with residents and memories of the battles fought a half‐decade ago. In many towns are markers and memorials dedicated to specific units of the allied forces. Brig. Gen. John F. Nichols, Commander, Texas Air National Guard, visited memorials from the 36th Infantry Division, 34th Infantry Division, the Polish and Brit‐ ish Army.

"As the son of a world war two vet‐ Michele DiLonardo serves as a eran and as an tour guide, of sorts, for the 36th American, it's Infantry Division. Since being great to see the asked to attend three years ago, amount of re‐ the Texas National Guard has spect Italians made it a point to send soldiers and airmen, based on their merit, pay to our fallen heroes. to participate in one or more of It's important the various WW II ceremonies that take place here in the months that we never of May and December. It is all part forget what happened here. of an effort to teach Guardsman

“I can only imagine the dif‐ ficulty of crossing the Rapido River or scaling these mountains,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Saffell. “You can’t truly appreciate what the 36th Infantry Division soldiers went through until you step on the ground in Italy and see the terrain for yourself.”

Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Saffell salutes during the remembrance ceremony in Monte Cassino, Italy.

July 2010

THE DISPATCH 9

Battening down the hatches– a checklis HURRICANE KIT Assemble this now. Put aside in a special box in garage. Keep heat-sensitive items inside home and rotate stock throughout season. Batteries can go in re-

HARDWARE Hand tools - hammer, screwdrivers to use now, shovel and pickax for after the storm

frigerator.

Power screwdriver

Flashlights and extra bulbs

4-by 8-foot sheets of plywood 3/8-inch to

Battery-operated TV or Radio Fully charged battery-operated lanterns. Don't get candles and kerosene lanterns. They are fire haz-

1/2-inch thick to put over your windows. Make sure you ask for exterior plywood.

1/4-inch machine screw sockets and

ards.

screws

Extra batteries

Plastic sheeting to cover furniture

Matches

Rope

Clock (wind-up or battery- operated)

Sturdy working gloves

Plastic garbage bags

Duct tape to waterproof items. Masking

Working fire extinguishers

tape isn't strong enough

Scissors

Canvas tarps

Toilet paper

Nails. There are many kinds, so look over

Clean change of clothes, rain gear, sturdy swamp boots you won't mind throwing away later An inexpensive rabbit-ears television antenna to

your home now and determine what you will need. A nail too small, the wrong shape or hammered in wrong will fail, and that will give

use when cable goes out

the storm the breach it needs to get into your

Map of the area List of phone numbersĚśinclude emergency con-

home.

tacts outside the area affected by the storm Copy of insurance policy

EMERGENCY TOILET Small can or garbage can with tight lid Plastic bags for liners Disinfectant or bleach Deodorizer

10 THE DISPATCH

July 2010

Are YOU ready fo

st

KITCHEN SUPPLIES Manual can opener

FOOD SUPPLIES Get enough nonperishable foods now for two weeks. Then put them in a box and leave them alone Don't buy foods that are salty or dry or high in fat or protein; they'll make you thirsty. Buy foods you

Bottle opener Matches in a plastic bag Pocket knife - preferably Swiss Armystyle Camp stove or other cooking device

know your family will eat.

and plenty of fuel. Use canned fuel, not Water: 2 quarts to 1 gallon per person (get a week's supply)

charcoal or gas Ice chests or coolers

Ice

Paper plates, napkins

Shelf-package juice and milk boxes

Plastic cups, knives, forks, spoons

Canned and powdered milk Beverages (powdered or canned, fruit juices, instant coffee, tea) Prepared foods (canned soups, beef, spaghetti, tuna, chicken, ham, corned beef hash, packaged pudding)

Disposable diapers Wipes

Canned vegetables and fruits

Diaper-rash ointment, petroleum jelly

Dried fruits Snacks (crackers, cookies, hard candy, nuts) Snack spreads (peanut butter, cheese spreads, jelly)

BABY NEEDS

Baby medicines (pain, cold, cough) Medicine dropper Extra formula, baby food

Cereals Raw vegetables Sugar, salt, pepper Bread Dry and canned pet food Extra formula, baby food

There are between five and six named storms each hurricane season...

or the 2010 hurricane season?

July 2010

THE DISPATCH 11

Houston native singing the blues at Camp Prosperity Story and photo by Sgt. Melissa Shaw 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Baghdad‐The heat of the night competes for attention with the sweet mellow sounds coming out of Sgt. Annika Chambers. It's not clear which one makes the biggest im‐ pression on the crowd surrounding her as they relax on a raised concrete slab behind the As Salaam Palace on Camp Prosperity, Baghdad.

The pad is the regular gathering point throughout the week for outdoor movies, Salsa dancers and a mix of karaoke participants and watchers.

It has been given the moniker "Red Fish Island" by the small contingent of men and women with the 72nd Infan‐ try Brigade Combat Team, Texas Army National Guard, as a reminder of a beloved destination near the coastal town of Galveston, Texas, a few months after their arrival in Baghdad Dec. 2009.

Sergeant Chambers holds court on the "Island" every Wednesday and Saturday; and, hot or not, singers and on‐ lookers alike all stand enthralled by the powerful sounds emanating from the throat of the woman serving in Iraq as the Joint Area Support Group‐Central's Postal non‐ commissioned officer (NCOIC) in charge.

Lead singer in a band back at home in Houston, Ser‐ geant Chambers is no stranger to expressing herself un‐ der a spot‐light.

"We are called Funky Chakra and I think of us as bluesy, funky and popish with a rock twist."

"My first deployment was to Kosovo that's where I learned I had a love for music. It was when I got back that I learned I could write music."

"I've spent a lot of my time over the years writing short stories and poetry. The transition into music was a bit challenging but once I learned a comfortable style for me it was much easier."

And here, half‐way around the world for the second time, she has taken it upon herself to ensure that the service‐ men and women around her have the same opportunities on a regular basis.

In addition to her postal duties, Sergeant Chambers is the morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) NCOIC and coordinates several soldier driven events each week.

Some focus on music, with singing and dancing; others focus on social interaction around a game‐board or pool‐ table, but, all have the same goal of bringing some relaxa‐ tion and fun to the deployment.

"Hey, I'm here to bring you what you want. All you have to do is let me know," said Sergeant Chambers dur‐ ing a sensing session held for the soldiers of the 72nd IBCT in May. Each week the MWR committee meets and discusses potential events and upcoming opportunities, striving to meet the spoken and unspoken need to relieve some ten‐ sion by belting out a little country ditty or helping some‐ one escape from everyday tasks by getting into the rhythm of a steel guitar.

With her ready smile, smooth voice and open attitude, it was almost a given that Sgt. Chambers would be in‐ volved with the MWR committee. Her high level of energy and earnest commitment to be of service to those around her have truly aided in the success of that mission.

At this point, the service‐members with the 72nd IBCT are six‐months into their deployment and it's hard to imagine walking back to the housing area on a Wednes‐ day night without hearing that emotion filled voice rise above the trees.

Or, for that matter, shouted encouragement mixed with laughter as other karaoke enthusiasts step up to the mike and sing their favorite tunes.

As for what Sergeant Chambers will do when she gets back to the states this time?

Sgt. Annika Chambers, of Houston, Texas, with the 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, ensures the music and electrical equipment is ready for the Memorial Day Sunrise service on Camp Prosperity, Baghdad, on May 31.

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July 2010

"My goals are to pursue my music full‐time once I re‐ deploy. I'm still unsure whether I'll be re‐enlisting but, whatever decision I make I have a lot of supporters and I will continue to make music as everyone tells me I should."

No tolerance for harassment or assault in the Guard: The Texas Military Forces trains its victim advocates person. I embraced her tight and when she struggled to get free, she was unable to. That, I hope taught her that there is always somebody stronger than you.”

Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas (15 June 2010) – Unit Victim Advocates will re‐ ceive intense training and guidance in the He answered several questions from buddy and wingman concept here this students who demonstrated that they week. were cognizant of the important task be‐ stowed upon them. The general re‐ Brig. Gen. John Nichols, Commander Texas Air National Guard, was the keynote sponded that since they were volunteered speaker Monday, kicking off a joint week‐ or “voluntold” for a very difficult assign‐ ment, it would be crucial to work with long program to address sexual assault prevention and response. chaplains, JAGs and health professionals because unless the victim him or herself Students from both the Texas Army was prepared to press charges, not even and Air National Guard and members of the commander would know the details the Oklahoma, Massachusetts and Main National Guard, listened as he addressed about the individuals involved. what he described as “getting help for a victim from trusted agents.” In the differ‐ ent branches of the service it is called the wing‐man or buddy system. Either defini‐ tion simply means that nobody flies solo and that there is safety in numbers.

First Sergeants, supervisors, com‐ manders and family members” he said, “need help recognizing signs that some‐ thing may not be right with an employee or family member.” He added: “of course members of the military have to retain professional military relationships, but that does not mean that we should dis‐ tance ourselves to the point that we ig‐ nore signs of inconsistent behavior and performance. If the member, who is con‐ sistently a stellar employee suddenly be‐ haves and performs differently, we should not ignore that. Family members need avenues to seek help as well.

The general concluded his remarks by saying, “I am certain that I can speak on behalf of the Brig. Gen. Stevens, the Texas Army National Guard commander, in say‐ ing that there will be zero tolerance for sexual harassment and assault in the Texas Military Forces.”

Questions like “who has jurisdiction and what agency will press charges,” were answered by Capt. Paula Rodriguez, Texas Army National Guard Sexual Assault Re‐ sponse Coordinator. She said: “I hate to say ‘that depends’ but it does, because every situation has to be viewed individu‐ ally and whether the victim wants to press charges or wants the issue to be handled through restricted reporting. General Nichols alluded to that when he said that not even he or General Stevens would be told any details when the victim opts for restricted reporting.”

Headquarters Staff participated in a Wing‐ man Safety Training Stand‐down Sunday.

Sr. Master Sgt. Marcus Falleaf, Human Resource Advisor; Lt. Col. Stephan Ryan, JAG; Maj. Ian Manire, Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Moore, Air Surgeon; Capt. Randy Sal‐ divar, SARC, and the chaplain Lt. Col. Steve Chisholm, led the discussion forum.

Topics studied during the stand‐down were:

Suicide Prevention

Stress Management

Risk Assessment

The A‐C‐E approach is for ease of re‐ membering individual responsibilities: Ask the person directly about the thoughts of suicide. Take all report of suicide very seriously. Never ignore any remarks.

Care: Show that you care by calmly expressing concern. Do not be judgmental or promise secrecy. Listen.

Escort: Escort them immediately to a mental health provider, chaplain, or pri‐ mary care clinic. Never leave them alone.

For more information and Point of contact: Texas Army National Guard, Capt.

Paula Rodriguez, (512) 782‐5593, Texas Air National Guard, Capt. Randy Saldivar DSN 945‐4367 or (210) 925‐4367.

Future articles will appear in the Dis‐ patch and Headquarters Headlines, pro‐ viding source material and detailed expert guidance.

Raising awareness of the program,” he added, is just one in many difficult steps you will have to take. As you noticed I did not have any prepared statements or speech prepared because on this topic I wanted to shoot from the heart; not the hip. None of us want to be here, I wished there were no need for you, but the real‐ ity is that there is a need and you are cho‐ sen because you have demonstrated lead‐ ership skills.

During this week‐long training there will be intense training that includes top‐ ics like “Many faces of sexual assault, The realities of Sexual Assault “Rape is.., SARC responsibilities, Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault, Walk the Walk, Working with Male Sexual Assault Survivors, Gender Respect, Rape Trauma, Crisis Intervention, Investigative and Criminal Justice Proc‐ esses, Case Management Skills and By‐ stander Intervention, “because” Capt.

Rodriguez said: “It is everyone’s responsi‐ I have a daughter and as a parent it is my obligation to keep her safe and though bility to stop sexual harassment and as‐ she is in her teens going on thirty, I dem‐ sault even if you are not the victim,” and to that end the Texas Air National Guard onstrated how easy it is to overpower a July 2010

THE DISPATCH 13

Prosperity Mayor Cell stays busy 24/7 cious assignment of billet‐ ing and placing limits on the number of vehicle placards that are available for contrac‐ tors.

All this is in addition to providing on the ground reporting of issues for the Joint Area Support Group‐Central com‐ The Camp Prosperity Mayor, Maj. Robert mand in the International Zone of Bagh‐ Briscoe, points out the location of a safety hazdad. ard needing remediation to Sgt. Milton Hall.

With so many different projects go‐ draw‐down of troops across Iraq and the ing on at the same time, it's easy to see International Zone in particular. how the thirteen service‐members from "Our standard‐operating‐procedures the Headquarters Company of the 72nd (SOPs) are what I would call a living organ‐ Infantry Brigade Combat Team and two civilian interpreters stay busy seven days a ism; changing as the needs of the Army change. For example, granting access to week. the FOB to individuals specifically to proc‐ The mayor cell non‐commissioned ess paperwork required for employment officer in charge (NCOIC) Sgt. First Class Mark Meraz says there's more to it than a now requires an 'exception to policy memo' in conjunction with a back‐ground list of tasks they perform each day. check. This is a huge change from the pre‐ "We've built relationships with other vious policy," said Sergeant Jackson. agencies to serve the people on this FOB

The two translators on staff are often to the best of our abilities. If we have just as busy as the others in the office. equipment or supply needs, it's not un‐ "We serve as a liaison between con‐ common for us to be able to call around and see who can help us out," said the El tractors, the local nationals they hire, and the military service‐members they interact Paso resident. with here on the FOB," said Omar Majeed, "And if we have excess, we return the favor; it usually all works out that we pro‐ a native to Baghdad. vide something they've needed too. What "We also aid the people coming on we do can be time consuming but it's all Prosperity to apply for employment, spe‐ about improving the quality of life for eve‐ cifically the local vendors like the tailor or the general‐store owner. We help them ryone." understand the requirements and answer Quality of life here is not something to any questions they have." be taken for granted. The service‐ members in the mayor cell work hard to Omar has had his abilities tested on create an environment that is conducive occasion as he works alongside the 72nd IBCT but, "I enjoy it and am glad they are to training, tactical support and combat here." readiness while maintaining a minimum Two people that work closely with amount of comfort.

They have implemented a number of him, Sgt. Milton Hall, of Burlington, NC, improvements since the 72nd IBCT arrived and his co‐worker, Houston resident Sgt. Watson Rugano, assist in a number of the in December of 2009.

"One of the most notable changes has mayor cell responsibilities, but focus on been in the way we keep records of all the addressing safety concerns, aid applicants vendors that are here on Camp Prosperity. in the badging process and maintaining street signs.

With the changes put into place by Sgt. Loretta Yeverino, we are able to process According to Sergeants Hall and Ru‐ their badging application and track them gano, it's relatively easy to sum up the responsibilities and realities of the deploy‐ as needed," Sergeant Meraz explains. ing to Iraq as representatives of the mayor In addition to improving existing proc‐ esses, there has been an increased need cell, "We are gate keepers and Mr. Fix‐it's, for supplementary SOPs to accommodate but mostly, we are the FOB Prosperity changes occurring due to the responsible information access point."

Story and photo by Sgt. Melissa Shaw 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Baghdad‐"Hello, this is Sgt. Samuel Jack‐ son, Camp Prosperity Mayor Cell how can I help you?" Sounds like a simple enough question, right?

But the answer the Allen, Texas, resi‐ dent gets is often far from simple and sel‐ dom repeats itself.

"I find this job very interesting and totally unpredictable," said Sergeant Jack‐ son. "If I was in the department of infor‐ mation management (DOIM) I would know that when the phone rang it would be about a computer problem. If I was in the security directorate, someone would have a problem with security. But here, that phone rings and I have no idea if it's going to be someone that needs vector control or a vehicle towed out of their parking spot or someone letting us know that the roof was just ripped off one of the water towers when a helicopter landed."

The purpose of a mayor cell is to be a one stop shop for a wide variety of issues.

They are considered the "public face" of a camp or forward operating base and its staff performs a substantial number of tasks throughout the week.

"For example," said Maj. Robert Briscoe, from Houston, Texas, "the mayor cell provides real estate management, so when a contractor comes in and says we need a building to house equipment we determine if there is enough need or enough assets to provide it."

"The same thing happens when a new unit comes in; it's up to us to make sure there are enough containerized housing units (CHUs) for all of them."

They are responsible for supervising FOB maintenance and beautification; they help coordinate projects between Direc‐ torates, sponsor tenant meetings and run the range control. They supervise speci‐ fied contracts as needed, manage the lost and found and assist in controlling access to the FOB. Population control is important in theater due to the limited amount of re‐ sources available and the cost associated with over taxing the support teams. The mayor cell aids in this through the judi‐ 14 THE DISPATCH

July 2010

Taking flight: Army green in the wild blue yonder Story and photos by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas (1 July 2010) – All had flown many times before, but last month’s flight is probably one they will not soon forget.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mayorga, The Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Joyce Ste‐ vens, Commander Texas Army National Guard, and Col. William Hall, Vice Chief Joint Staff, flew in the back seat of an F‐16 as part of a leadership visit to the 136th Airlift Wing in Fort Worth, the 147th Reconnaissance Wing in Houston and finally the 149th Fighter Wing in San Antonio, Texas.

The anti‐G‐suit, that for lack of a better description can be described as a really tight‐fitting blood pressure cuff that envelopes the lower ex‐ tremities, should have been fair warning.

The g‐suit is designed to retard the flow of blood to the lower body and push it back to the heart when the aircraft is accelerating or deceler‐ ating. During the Schneider Trophy Races in the 1920s, some pilots would experience “grayouts” and later when emerging technologies made 9g a reality, a solution had to be found to counteract the phenom‐ ena.

Two medical researchers played key roles in the evolution of the anti‐ g suit because pilots who were able to tolerate the greatest g‐forces could outmaneuver their opponents.* Space & Aerospace Medicine The Internet, Encyclopedia of Science.

To most, the idea of taking off vertically, rolling over while being strapped in and being forcefully squeezed from the bottom up, would have been enough to politely decline the pleasure, but these three are not most.

Each experienced the flight differently, but all three were ready to do it again and agreed that it was the experience of a lifetime. General Mayorga joked: “I may have joined the wrong branch of service.”

Clockwise from bottom left- Brig. Gen. Joyce Stevens, Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga and Col. William Hall prepare to take off into the wild blue yonder in the back seat of an F-16.

Texas Knowledge Online has a new homepage a new look!

Come and see what s changed!

July 2010 THE DISPATCH 15

Selfless service when nobody is looking: The other uniformed responders twice-weekly commitment to service Usually it is this type of response to the community that albeit being vitally important, does not receive the attention it deserves.

The Army Communities of Excellence is a Guard Bureau sponsored competition among the 54 states and territories. Its guiding principles are described in DA PAM 600-45, and the pamphlet acknowledges that single Soldier volunteer involvement is sometimes overlooked.

Ms. Gail Bickling, Program Manager for the program said: “When I heard about the many organizations that benefit from our member’s generosity, I felt it deserved more than a casual nod.”

The members themselves are pretty much matter-of-fact about what they do. They are not looking for kudos or recognition. They simply want to help those who cannot help themselves. They care deeply about their communities and work with companies like H.E.B. during the Feast of Sharing, Wal*Mart’s Backpack drive and Office Max donating school supplies - Things most of us take for granted that may make the difference between a life of struggle and an education started.

“There are no cultural bounderies between our special emphasis programs,” said Sergeant Reyes,” I coordinate with Sergeant Haynes and other committee members and she calls me when she needs my help.

Most importantly,” both Sergeant Reyes and Haynes agreed: “we happen to be the most visible because we are assigned at Camp Mabry, but throughout Texas, there are numerous

Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada in retirement communities.

Texas Military Forces Public Affairs

Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas (16 June 2010) – Most people know that the Texas Army, Air National Guard and State Guard Soldiers and Airmen deploy when disaster strikes, but there are groups of people throughout the State who don their uniforms even on their days off.

Meet Staff Sgt.Tashauna Haynes, newly-wed and Public Relations Officer for the Black Employment Program and Sgt. Mary Reyes, Hispanic Heritage Organizer.

These folks work behind the scenes and are ambassadors for the Texas Military Forces when most everybody else is enjoying a weekend or evening off. They have pajama drives for disadvantaged or traumatized children; collect books and donate them to women’s shelters and schools. They do landscaping, toy- and backpack drives and visit retirement homes.

The only time any of these folks complain is when demands outpace their capabilities, so their motto is “Get Involved.” When they teach Hispanic mothers to speak English, two generations may benefit and break the cycle of dependency. When they go caroling at retirement homes, and occasionally have the honor of meeting a WWII veteran, they bring a piece of nostalgia to the residents that no money can buy.

The Meals-On-Wheels duty roster consists of twenty two civilians, enlisted personnel and officers just in the Austin area alone. This is not a service provided occasionally or when members happen to be available, but a

members doing exactly the same thing we do.”

Our Meals-On-Wheels group grew from two or three people to twenty-five and some people simply got involved because they personally knew somebody who needed a hand up,” said Sgt Haynes. She counts herself among them because both her grandmother and uncle have benefited from the program.

The Special Emphasis Program coordinator for the Texas Military Forces is Ms.Rosario Sanchez, and she said: “We are all so busy in our primary jobs that it is hard for people to find time to volunteer, yet our numbers keep growing.

Just off the top of my head I can think of the Feast of Sharing, a Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by H.E.B at the Palmer Auditorium here in Austin; Blue Santa; Meals-On-Wheels; Elder Care Fan Drive sponsored by the City of Austin and Randall’s Grocery Store; holiday visits to retirement/ assisted living residents, the National Pajama Drive, and committees donating school supplies and backpacks to low income families at the beginning of the year.”

Not surprising, the most rewarding, both Sergeant Haynes and Reyes agreed, are letters like the one received from the Pajama Program.

It reads: “Dear Mary, Sgt. Salinas & staff, Thank you so much for your donation of 50 pairs of pajamas and 82 books.

This is such a fabulous help to us for the children! Everyday we receive so many requests from shelters and Continued on next page

Look for the Texas National Guard on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TexasMilitaryForces

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July 2010

group homes where children are in need of warm pajamas and books that it seems like an overwhelming task we have taken on. Then, we receive help from people like you and within days we can send out boxes and boxes of new pajamas and books!

The pajamas and books we send to children help them to feel loved and comforted when they lie down to sleep at night. On their behalf, I again thank you personally for sharing your love with them.

Sincerely, Linda Hunter-Austin Area President Susan Malone-Round Rock Chairman” Sergeant Haynes brand-new husband has to share her with many in the community, but, she said “he does not mind, “and the always practical Sergeant Reyes said: “We

are gearing up for a fan drive 25 June. People get really hot here during the summer, so if you cannot volunteer your services but a fan is in the budget, please contact me at (512) 782-1244.”

For more information about Special Emphasis Programs please call Ms. Rosario Sanchez at (512) 782-5325.

For more information about the Black Employment Program, please call Sergeant Haynes at (512) 782-6080.

Meals-On-Wheels: http://www.mealcall.org/meals-onwheels/tx/austin.htm Blue Santa: http://bluesanta.org/ Elder Care Fan Drive: http://www.familyeldercare.org/ FanDrive2010 Feast of Sharing: http://www.heb.com/yourHEBStore/ specialPromotions_FeastOfSharing.jsp

“Backbone of the Army” grows stronger in Iraq: 38 join NCO Corps Story by Sgt. Melissa Shaw 72ng Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Baghdad‐"From this day forward; the ne‐ cessity to sacrifice personal wants, needs, and desires for the good of those around you will be a permanent part of your life in the military."

This was the message communicated to 38 individuals recently promoted to sergeant within the units deployed to Iraq under 1st Battalion of the 141st Infantry Regiment, 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during a ceremony on Camp Crop‐ per, Baghdad, June 21. The purpose of the event was to welcome them to the Corps of the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO).

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Weedon, 1‐141st IN BN command sergeant major, acknowledged the role played by noncom‐ missioned officers in a keynote address that presented some of the very real chal‐ lenges facing the NCO; giving the induc‐ tees a shrewd glimpse into their futures as members of the elite corps.

"Always take possession of your Sol‐ diers. Be personally responsible for every good and not so good thing they do. This type of ownership leads to ultimate trust, the type of trust we all want in our superi‐ ors. Keep this in mind, practice doesn't make perfect it makes permanent; perfect practice makes perfect; training leads to competence, competence leads to confi‐ dence, and confidence leads to action," the Bryan, Texas resident remarked.

The company first sergeants, 1st Sgt

Todd McClain, Headquarters (HHC) Company 1st Sgt. Juan Benavidez, Alpha Co. 1st Sgt. Fredrick Grataski, Bravo Co., 1st Sgt. Marco Martinez, Charlie Co. 3‐141, and 1st Sgt. Jesse Saldana, Foxtrot Co. 536th Brigade Support Battalion, stood as spon‐ sors for the newly promoted; introducing each one to an audience made up of their leaders and peers.

After the introductions were complete, the voices of young, and not so young, men rang out in the room as they carefully enunciated the 289 words that make up the Creed of the Noncommissioned Offi‐ cer in unison.

Rife with phrases like 'No one is more pro‐ fessional than I' and 'My two basic respon‐ sibilities will always be uppermost in my mind ‐‐ accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers'; the creed has served as a guide for NCOs since its creation in 1973, though its concepts have been a part of the Army since its incep‐ tion.

It has inspired generations of NCOs and served as a compass to find the right path in their lives, in the military or out.

"I remember the first time I spoke these words," said Sgt. 1st Class Justin Graham, the personnel NCOIC for HHC 1‐ 141st from San Antonio, Texas, "and I found out what how loyalty, duty, respect, self‐less service, honor, integrity and per‐ sonal courage were truly a way of life in the military."

Master of Ceremonies, Staff Sgt. Paul

Acosta, HHC 1‐141st, then gave a detailed presentation focused on the historical contributions made by NCOs serving in Iraq at the beginning of the war; in keep‐ ing with the Army tradition of highlighting individual NCO accomplishments.

"This ceremony is a rite of passage integral to signifying our transition from being lead to leader and this brief look into history highlights how it was the Sgt. that checked on his subordinates, the Sgt. that saw the enemy advancing and the Sgt. that, ultimately, led the units to vic‐ tory." said Acosta resident of Fort Worth, Texas.

Afterwards, the Soldiers were called forward to receive a framed copy of the NCO Creed, shake hands with both their respective unit's first sergeant and CSM Weedon, and retake their seats in front of those assembled to witness the momen‐ tous occasion.

The ceremony would not have been complete without the recitation of Sgt. Maj. Frank M. McMahon's poem entitled "A Soldier's Request" by Spc. Ray Sanchez, C Co. 3‐141, from Laredo, Texas. The poem is a plaintive entreaty from all lower‐enlisted service‐members for the sergeants to train, support, motivate, teach and mentor them.

At the conclusion of the event, audi‐ ence and participants alike were invited to dine on some of the local Iraqi cuisine in the adjoining building and share memories of their own experiences as an NCO in today's Texas Army National Guard.

July 2010 THE DISPATCH 17

Strong Bonds for strong National Guard Families Strong Bonds Seminars are a FREE weekend retreat for Texas Military Forces Single Soldiers, Married Couples and Families to focus on their relationships. For the Mar‐ riage Enrichment seminars, the Chaplain covers topics such as expectations, communications, reunion and friendship and provides tools for the couple to use in the future.

The Family Wellness Retreat, provides on‐site daycare for children ages 0‐9. Daycare is not provided on‐site for the Marriage Enrichment or the Single Soldier Retreat.

•

Marriage Enrichments Hilton Galveston‐ Galveston, Texas 13‐15 August 2010, registration cut‐off date: 7/30/10 • Family Wellness The Family Wellness seminar is for the entire Family to come to an off‐post retreat and gain skills to help sustain The Great Wolf Lodge Hotel‐ Grapevine, Texas 20‐22 August 2010, registration cut‐off date: 8/5/10 healthy interactions, relevant teaching and training.

They will also have time for relaxation, recreation, fel‐ The Great Wolf Lodge Hotel‐ Grapevine, Texas lowship and fun.

3‐5 September 2010, registration cut‐off date: 8/20/10 Attendance for Service Members will be in lieu of drill.

All Service Members will receive a performance certifi‐ cate upon completion of the seminar. The spouse or low‐ est ranking Service Member will be put on Invitational Travel Orders and will need to complete a Travel Voucher (DD 1351‐2).

To register for a Strong Bonds Seminar, please email Sgt. Nicholas Laurel at nicholas.laurel@ng.army.mil and re‐ quest the form for the Seminar you wish to attend.

Complete the appropriate form entirely and return it to the Strong Bonds coordinator. For more information contact Sergeant Laurel by email, by phone, 512‐782‐1450 (office) or 512‐751‐3746 (cell), or by fax at 512‐782‐6953.

Sept. 18-25, San Diego VA’s newest national program, the Summer Sports Clinic promotes rehabilitation of body and spirit by teaching summer sporting activities to Veterans with significant physical or psychological impairments. The Clinic offers such sports as surfing, sailing, kayaking, track and field, and cycling to Veterans who are newly injured from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, post‐traumatic stress disorder and other neurological dis‐ orders, all benefitting from the therapeutic environment offered at the Clinic. Each year, the events offered will vary, allowing greater exposure to new adaptive sports and recreational activities.

For information or to request an application, please contact Tristan Heaton at (858) 642‐6426 or email tris‐ tan.heaton2@va.gov

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July 2010

In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen States of America

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states.

The full text may be found at: http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/

July 2010 THE DISPATCH 19

To All Members of the Texas Military Forces

On Sunday, July 4th, our Nation will celebrate the 234th anniver‐ sary of the signing of the original Declaration of Independence, an event that dates back to July 4, 1776. Thomas Jefferson, John Ad‐ ams and other members of the Second Continental Congress, repre‐ senting the original thirteen colonies, declared their independence and freedom from British rule.

In Texas communities and towns across the Nation, Americans will attend picnics, parades, fireworks demonstrations and family gatherings to celebrate our country’s birthday. Military installa‐ tions will fire 54 cannon salutes at noon and red, white and blue memorabilia will be a visible demonstration of patriotism and pride. As you spend time with family and friends on this special day, continue to remember your fellow Texas Military Forces men and women who are serving at home and abroad in support of our country’s freedoms. Their selfless service, dedication and bravery help secure the blessings we continue to enjoy.

On behalf of my family, thank you and your families for all you do in defense of our great State and Nation. You represent the very best our Nation has to offer. Please celebrate safely.

Very Respectfully, Jose S. Mayorga Major General, TXARNG

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July 2010