2010 June, The Dispatch

Lost Battalion is lost forever 5 Transmission trouble? 7 Coping with deployment 9

6 See and save:

Looking out for kids in cars

If you can’t see them, you can’t save them. Children are hard to see in vehicles, but taking the time to double-check can save a little life.

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First Lady: Presidential Directive on Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama today announced that President Obama has directed the National Security Staff to lead a new 90-day review to develop a coordinated Federal Government-wide approach to supporting and engaging military families.

10

Country singer Trevino entertains at COB Adder

Texas country music artist Rick Trevino and his band performed for Soldiers here April 25 as part of a four-day tour through Southern Iraq.

11

Texas Soldiers help with ballot recount

U.S. soldiers from the 571st Military Police Company and the Joint Area Support GroupCentral (JASG-C) security directorate have been working round the clock since May 2nd on request from the Iraqi government to augment the security surrounding the partial recount of the Baghdad parliamentary election ballots.

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Is Fido ready for your deployment?

With upcoming deployments, Soldiers will face the difficult task of preparing their family for the time while they are away. There are many things pet owners must do to ensure that their furry family members are also prepared.

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June 2010

Cover—Soldiers in Multiple Launch Rocket Systems from 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery Regiment, shot dozens of short-range rockets for the last time during qualifications. (Photo by 1st Lt. Ron Des Hotels, 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery Regiment)

Caregivers and Veterans Health Services Act Signed into Law On May 5, 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. The law includes provisions that help provide support for the caregivers of seriously injured Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, helps improve services for our nation’s 1.8 million women Veterans, and helps expand the availability of health care for Veterans and services preventing Veterans from becoming homeless. These measures and others honor the sacrifices of our men and women who have served this country proudly, the commitment and dedication of those who care for our wounded service members every day, and our Nation's sacred responsibility to stand by our troops, our Veterans, and their families. To view the Act, visit: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi? dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s1963enr.txt.pdf

VA Benefits Guide Now Available The Department of Veterans Affairs' 2010 guide to "Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors" is now available online. The guide is the all-in-one place to learn about the benefits to which you or a family member might be entitled. The guide is available on VA's website at www.va.gov

Free SAT ACT PowerPrep Software In remembrance of the contributions of those that have died in our nation's service, eKnowledge -- in alliance with the DoD and supported by patriotic NFL and MLB players, including Boston Red Sox Kevin Youkilis, and Atlanta Braves Chipper Jones -- is donating the latest version of their SAT/ACT Test Prep Programs FREE to Military Servicemembers and their extended families. The donated SAT/ACT PowerPrep software retails for $200. The advanced eKnowledge PowerPrep features special SAT/ACT test prep content in a highly personalized virtual learning environment. The new SAT/ACT software gives the student access to over 20 hours of Virtual Classroom instruction and 3,000 files of supplemental test prep material. Thousands of interactive diagnostic tools, sample questions, practice tests and graphic teaching illustrations are indexed for easy use. The new PowerPrep software is MAC and Vista compatible. To order, visit: www.eknowledge.com/USA Enter Sponsorship Code: A4B7CE58B

Samsung American Legion Scholarship The Samsung American Legion Scholarship is available to high school juniors who participate in and complete the Boys State or Girls State programs and are direct descendants (or legally adopted children) of wartime veterans eligible for American Legion membership. Students who qualify for and are interested in the Samsung scholarship must submit a completed application to program staff upon their arrival to Boys State or Girls State. Recipients of the scholarship must use the funds for undergraduate studies. Each applicant is selected according to his or her school and community activities, academic record and financial need.

Download the Samsung scholarship application at http://legion.org/documents/legion/pdf/ samsungscholarship.pdf Contact your local Boys State or Girls State Programs for the application deadlines.

Stolen Memorial Reward Increases The Veterans of Foreign Wars is reporting that the reward fund for the cross-shaped Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial that was stolen recently has increased from $25,000 to $125,000, thanks to the generosity of a decorated combat veteran who wishes to remain anonymous.

Anyone with information relating to the crime should call the National Park Service Tip Line at 1-760-252-6120. The reward money is for information that directly leads to the apprehension and conviction of the thieves. To contribute to the reward fund, visit the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial website at http://www.donttearmedown.com/

Wanted: Extraordinary Military Spouses The Military.com and CinCHouse.com 2010 Spouse of the Year Award, sponsored by ASMBA and TriWest HealthCare Alliance, will be giving away $5,000 to a spouse who has gone above and beyond to serve her/his family, country and the military community. Nominations are open through June 30. Get contest details and enter today at http://www.cinchouse.com/Articles/SpouseoftheYear/tabid/8377/Default.aspx

Vol. 5, No. 6

June 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 Managing Editor TXARG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Design and Copy Editor TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Contributing Writers and Photographers USA Maj. Richard Barton USA Capt. Emily C. Gocke-Smith TXARNG 1st Lt. Ron Des Hotels TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada TXARNG Master Sgt. Brenda Benner TXARNG Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson TXARNG Sgt. Melissa Shaw TXARNG Cpl. Maxiliano Garza TXARNG Spc. Lisa Cope Contributing Graphic Artists: TXARNG Sgt. Katherine Danielson

Articles and photography are welcome and June 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.

June 2010

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40 years and counting...a lifetime of selfless service to others But all kidding aside,” she said: “One Story by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada James.

I come from an Air Force family does not go from GS-3 to GS-13 Deputy Texas Military Forces Public Affairs AUSTIN, Texas (June 1, 2010) – On Friday, a civilian employee of the Texas Military Forces was recognized with a Minute Man Award for a long and distinguished career at Camp Mabry.

Ms. Gloria Sassman, Deputy Human Resources Officer, celebrated forty years of service in the Texas Military Forces.

Most of the technicians at Camp Mabry have dealt with Ms. Sassman in one way or another and for most it is hard to imagine a time that she was not there to take care of them.

She first started working for the Adjutant General’s Department in January 1968 , as a state employee clerk because as she recalled: “We did not become federal employees until 1969, almost a year later, so on January 1, 1969, I became a clerk typist, GS-3, might have been a GS-4, I don’t remember, and,” she said: “I progressed from there.” That simple remark is a huge understatement.

Ms. Sassman worked for eleven Adjutant Generals and she has been one of the few constants at Camp Mabry who could go back in her archives for solutions that were new to everybody else.

She worked most closely with General James. “General James was the first Air National Guard Adjutant General. “I knew him before he became the TAG,” she said.

“He was the vice commander of the 149th Fighter Wing and I don’t know if it was because I knew him from that time, but out of all The Adjutant Generals, I had the closest working relationship with him. He was the first African-American Adjutant General, and of course, the son of Chappie

Ms. Gloria Sassman (Courtesy photo) 4

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and we all knew Chappie James and I thought it was really neat that his son, General James became The Adjutant General. In my family and during my upbringing Chappie James was always held up as a model of what you can do and what you can make of your life.”

Recalling the first time she had to brief one of The Adjutant Generals she admits was: “daunting and a long time ago. It was nerve wracking and giving a military briefing without actually being in the military or having had military training, was a challenge. More so,” she continued, “because of the dual nature of our technicians. Title 32, which brought us into the federal service, is the paramount law but it has to be combined with military rules and regulations.

One of the real challenges, Ms. Sassman admitted, was to work as a civilian among so many military people. “Just when you think you have figured out what to do or how to do it, a military protocol will tell you differently. Being able to differentiate between a civil service grade and a military rank is a challenge for most of us and rank inversion an issue unique to the National Guard.”

Challenges aside, Ms. Sassman has reached a position in the National Guard that has earned the respect of many and she said: This is a patriarchic and military organization and I knew that when I started working here. “Women had a few more hills to climb than you would have had otherwise, but it is probably no different than other organizations. Traditionally the workplace had been dominated by males.

In the 1800s even secretarial positions were all male, women were governesses.

World War II made it much more common for women to work outside the home.

Since then opportunities for women have opened tremendously. There are certain restrictions in the military, but by and large the caps for women are gone.”

There are many accomplishments during a forty-year career, but what Ms. Sassman is most proud of is when people ask for her mentorship. “I never saw myself in that role. For years I was a secretary, and then I decided to expand my horizons.

I never thought I would become a GS-13.

I had a daughter, and I was a single parent.

I just wanted to make things good for her and I and I realized that I could do more.

It has been very flattering to know that full bird colonels have asked for me by name and wing commanders have asked for my advice. She added with a smile: “When people start to say, ‘Don’t ask Gloria Sassman,’ that is when you are in trouble.”

Human Resources Manager without the support of many around you. Having the support from them and Col. Starr has been a blessing.”

Talking and advising people comes easy to Ms. Sassman, because its important to her. “People need to know what their entitlements and benefits are. They need to know that there is a place with people who can give them the right answers. It all comes down to taking care of people.

That is what the military is all about, and that is what people should expect from their civil service HRO. From a young age, I learned that the military will take care of you, and I am a part of the military.

My contribution to the military is taking care of its people.

When I started working here in 1968, I was going to school and working parttime. It was during the Vietnam War and my first job was transcribing dicta tapes of court martials for people not coming to drill. I remember my superiors telling me that what we were doing was very important. Equally important and what we had to remember was to pay the troops, feed the troops, clothe the troops and house the troops and for forty two years I have remembered that. My passion has been to make it better for people and make sure that people get what they are entitled to.

They depend on us.”

The personal side of Ms. Sassman is as driven as her professional life. She is on the board of her Home Owners Association, she has taught Sunday school for twenty-five years, and she is on the administrative and finance council of her church.

She hails from a large family that lives in a 25-mile radius from her, “except,” she says with a hint of sadness in her voice, “my daughter who lives in San Francisco. I am very active with my three grand nephews who are the most adorable kids in the whole wide world.”

Her life is full and the ten million dollar question as to when she will finally enjoy a life of leisure, she replied: “I work with a group of consummate professionals and believe me any one of them could step in my shoes but I am not ready to leave them yet. My daughter is grown and a workacoholic and until it is no longer fun to get up in the morning and come to HRO, I will continue to work.

As Ms. Sassman said: “Sometimes you do not need ten people to jump a foot, sometimes you need one person to jump 10 feet,” and Ms. Sassman exemplifies that long distance jumper hiding in all of us.

The “Lost Battalion” is now lost forever

By Master Sgt. Brenda Benner 36th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

NORTH FORT HOOD, Texas – (May 18, 2010) The origin of the rockets streaking across the sky was obvious, but their exact destination was far away and out of sight from the Soldiers and their family members who gathered to watch the action. This scenario of uncertainty parallels the lives of Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery Regiment as their battalion is deactivated in various stages.

The 131st FA has existed since October 15, 1917.

Today’s Soldiers of the soon disbanded “Lost Battalion” share the honor of serving in one of the most famous battalions filled with courageous men who persevered through unimaginable conditions as WWII prisoners of the Japanese on the island of Java beginning in 1942. The storied battalion will be lost forever on August 31, 2010 as a result of the changing times.

“Our units have deployed to many different locations across the Middle East while supporting the increased operation tempo the past few years,” said battalion commander Lt. Col. David D. Smith.

He said the Headquarters Battery, and Batteries A and B are already deactivated. Battery C will soon follow at the end of the summer while the Forward Support Battery assigned to 2nd Bn. will continue its existence until the summer of 2011.

Smith estimates there are at least 250 Soldiers looking for new positions. Many of them will retrain to acquire new military occupational skills.

“We are the last heavy unit in a light division,” Colonel Smith explained. “The Texas National Guard is standing up an airborne battalion, so there’s logic in the decision for our deactivation in order to comply with the new force structure.”

2nd Bn. members trained for approximately 14 months to

Staff Sgt. Donald L. Miller, a police officer in Wichita Falls, reviews data on the fire control panel aboard an M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Photo by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner, 36th Inf. Div. Public Affairs)

conduct their last annual certification as a last “hoorah” for the phased out units. Certification puts transferring Soldiers a step ahead in their search for other field artillery positions.

Several Soldiers were at North Fort Hood for one week while drawing the Multiple Launch Rockets System (MLRS) equipment and coordinating everything necessary for the live fire exercise and the eventual return of the equipment. They said it felt good to finally fire the rockets again after going through a complete reset upon their May 2008 return from deployment.

“We are having our family day today so everyone can see what their Soldiers do in the field,” said 1st Sgt. Dan Erb of Battery B and the battalion’s acting command sergeant major. “For most of them, it’s the first and last time for them to see the rockets in action.”

Erb said he equates the deactivation of the battalion with the breaking up of a family.

“It’s too bad this has to come to an end,” 1st Sergeant Erb said solemnly. “The Army has bigger and better things for us in the future … we will adapt.”

Soldiers in Multiple Launch Rocket Systems from 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery Regiment, shot dozens of shortrange rockets for the last time during qualifications. (Photo by 1st Lt. Ron Des Hotels, 2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery Regiment)

“The Army has bigger and better things for us in the future … we will adapt.”

June 2010

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Iraqi Soldiers train to solve transmission troubles Story and photo by Spc. Lisa Cope 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

instructor for his Soldiers. “He has a wide on the lesson. If they have a firm underknowledge (of maintenance),” he said. “At standing of the process, they will be able to teach it to their peers, he said. Hoover the same time, he is in control of the besaid he does not foresee a lot of these IRAQI ARMY CAMP UR, Iraq – The Ur haviors and activities of his group – he is classes in the future because the RMC in charge.”

Logistics Training and Advisory Team already has capable mechanics, and the Ur with the 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Nowfal said one of Hoover’s best LTAT has worked to prepare the center to Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) no qualities as an instructor is his ability to stand on its own after the upcoming relonger makes daily trips to Iraqi Army focus on the small details. sponsible drawdown of forces from Iraq.

Camp Ur. The team is still available by The class consisted of five Iraqi Solrequest, however, to teach classes when diers who all had prior training with either “The idea of us not going out (every day) the IA Soldiers need guidance with issues the transmission or electrical system, said is for them to become more selfsuch as vehicle maintenance and repair.

Hoover. The reason for such a small class sufficient,” he said.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Hoowas to ensure participants had a firm grasp ver, the officer in charge of the Ur LTAT and a Gatesville, Texas, native, taught one of these classes on transmission troubleshooting basics and throttle position sensor adjustment April 21 at Camp Ur. The class was useful for the IA Soldiers because their M1114 up-armored Humvees routinely have shifting problems, said Hoover. “I was trying to orient the lesson to the tools they have to do it,” he said. “I gave them the cables to do the testing, and now they do have the ability to perform the TPS adjustment with the equipment we provided.”

Iraqi Army Maj. Nowfal Kamal Ali, the deputy commander of the Ur Iraqi Army Regional Maintenance Center and a Baghdad native, said the class will help improve the productivity and efficiency of the center. “It was new information for (the Soldiers),” he said. “The topic of his Students practice their maintenance skills on an M1114 up-armored Humvee lecture was troubleshooting problems with following a class taught by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael J. Hoover, the offithe engine. We fixed it a lot before, but we cer in charge of the Ur Logistics Training and Advisory Team with the 36th did not find the solution. Today, we got the Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a solution for these problems.”

Gatesville, Texas, native, April 21 at the Regional Maintenance Center at Iraqi Army Camp Ur, Iraq.

Nowfal said Hoover is an effective

Support the troops!

Donate blood through the armed forces blood program.

Www.militaryblood.dod.mil Donation centers located at ft. hood, ft. sam Houston and lackland air force base.

Donate today!

June 2010

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First Lady Announces Presidential Directive on Military Families WASHINGTON, DC – First Lady Michelle Obama today announced that President Obama has directed the National Security Staff to lead a new 90day review to develop a coordinated Federal Government-wide approach to supporting and engaging military families. Building on work and expertise by the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, the review will involve nearly twenty federal agencies as well as the White House Domestic Policy and National Economic Councils and the Offices of the Vice President, the First Lady, and Dr. Biden.

Specifically, the review will: •

Set strategic military family priorities for the next ten years and identify key military family concerns and challenges;

Courtesy photo

•

Review a cross section of public and private programs to identify the most promising ideas and programs that positively support military families;

•

Develop options for departments to integrate military family matters into their strategic and budgetary priorities;

•

Examine opportunities for Federal policies and programs to stimulate new and support existing state and local efforts achieving military family readiness goals and meeting military family priorities;

•

Identify opportunities to leverage the skills and experience of military family members in national and community life; and

• Strengthen existing feedback mechanisms for military families to voice their concerns and views on the effectiveness and future direction of relevant Federal programs and policies.

The review builds on the Obama administration’s efforts to forge an enduring national commitment to support and engage military families. These combined national efforts will help ensure that: • The United States military continues to recruit and retain the highest-caliber volunteers contributing to the Nation’s security; • Service members can have strong family lives while maintaining the highest state of readiness and focus on their military responsibilities; •

Civilian family members can fulfill their own potential while supporting service members; and

• The general population better understands military families and seeks more opportunities to support military families.

“With just one percent of our population—our troops—doing 100 percent of the fighting our military families are being tested like never before,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “This government wide review will bring together the resources of the federal government, identify new opportunities across the public and private sectors, and lay the foundation for a coordinated approach to supporting and engaging military families for years to come.”

The First Lady made the announcement during an address to the National Military Family Association’s summit – When Parents Deploy: Understanding the Experiences of Military Children and Spouses. Mrs. Obama addressed the state of America’s military families today, outlined a vision of the nation supporting them over the long-term, and how, as a country, all segments of society can work together to turn that vision into a reality. The First Lady, along with Dr. Jill Biden, uses their platform to support military families by: • • •

Championing a national call to action that both addresses the unique challenges facing military families and recognizes and taps their skills, strength and commitment to service; Building stronger civilian-military community ties; and Engaging and highlighting the service and sacrifice of military families to ensure their voices are heard inside the administration.

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Tips for Service Members and Families Deployments are tough on anyone. It is normal for spouses to have feelings of anxiety, fear, loneliness, sadness and other strong emotions at the prospect of their partner being deployed.

Likewise, service members may feel a mixture of both excitement and anxiety, stemming from a concern for the wellbeing of their family in their absence and looming unknowns about the future.

In the weeks leading up to a deploy-ment, families go through a number of stages.

Two months or so before the deployment, the military member and their spouse will often be focused on taking care of pre-deployment details. A month before the actual deployment, both partners may begin distancing themselves from each other in prepa-ration for the absence. In the few days before the deployment, both partners may anxiously wait for the deployment day to arrive so they can begin adjusting to the absence and change of responsibilities. But sometimes the opposite is true and couples may feel so pressured to “make the time count” that they have unrealistic expectations of how their last few weeks together should be.

When the day of departure arrives, both partners may feel guilty for the distance that has grown between them during the preceding weeks, but don’t be hard on yourself. This is all normal. You were preparing yourself for a difficult time.

Below are some tips for coping with the deployment:

Military spouses: • Maintain a household routine: children benefit from structure and routine. This will help them through the deployment • Talk honestly and openly with your children: children can sense anxiety, fear and secrecy. Share your feelings in an appropriate way with them, and encourage them to talk about their feelings as well • Reach out to others in your situ-ation: talk and share with other spouses in the military community who are dealing with a deployment. Do not isolate yourself.

• Stay in touch with your spouse: if you have small children, the Sesame Workshop’s Family Connections website (www.sesamestreetfamilyconne ctions.org/login/) is a great way to share with each other. Write letters, use Skype, make sure that as a family, you are sharing details about your daily lives • Realize that feelings of sadness and frustration are normal • Exercise. It helps keep you mentally, physically and emotion-ally fit

of what they think deployed life is like • Focus on the mission at hand: break down objectives into smaller tasks, rewarding yourself with rest breaks after each task is accom-plished • Share with and stay close to battle buddies in your unit: if something at home is bothering you, talk about it with your battle buddies, your leaders, or others whom you trust • Maintain contact with friends and family at home whenever you can: make and share funny videos, jokes, etc.

Write letters that express your feelings and your daily life, so your loved ones can feel close to you even though you aren’t there with them • Help support your spouse emotionally and expect the same from them: just because you aren’t there doesn’t mean you can’t share your worries, fears, moments of happiness and frustrations, and help each other problem solve Both partners should stay future-focused and realize that they’ll have a lot more time to spend together once deployment ends. Remember, deployment is a TEMPORARY situation that will end.

Service members: • Keep your children occupied with age-appropriate activities: have your children start researching a vacation that you’ll all go on when you get back. Have them draw pictures

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Coping During Deployments

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Country singer Trevino entertains Soldiers at COB Adder Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning Trevino said. “I've always 36th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs wanted to come out and do this,

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq– Texas country music artist Rick Trevino and his band performed for Soldiers here April 25 as part of a fourday tour through Southern Iraq.

Mr. Trevino, an Austin, Texas area native, was excited about performing for the troops, he said. He won a Grammy in 1998 for Best Mexican-American Music Performance with Los Super Seven for the group’s selftitled debut album.

“We're really excited about the opportunity to come and to be a part of what's going on right now with the war and just to be able to support and to contribute the troops,” Mr. Trevino said. “Even if it is one night. It helps the troop morale and I'm just happy to be a part of that.”

The tour, a combined effort of Tax Masters out of Houston, Armed Forces Entertainment, Morale Welfare and Recreation and Maj. Fred Hackett, an attorney with the 36th Sustainment Brigade and Houston native started before Major Hackett’s deployment last summer.

Tax Masters CEO Patrick Cox, a resident of Houston, said he and Hackett were talking about what they could do for the troops here in Iraq to boost morale.

“We got to talking and he asked if I was going to come visit him in Iraq this year so I said ‘sure, why not?’ Never actually thinking that it was ever actually going to happen,” Mr. Cox said. “He (Hackett) said maybe we can sponsor a band or something.”

Between Mr. Cox and Major Hackett, Mr. Cox said they started looking for a Texas band. Because they were both Aggies and they knew that Mr. Trevino was an Aggie as well, they both agreed that it was a perfect opportunity.

Mr. Trevino said they were up to coming over here a few years ago, but due to other bookings, it just didn’t work out because they were already on tour.

“Ever since then, I have been waiting for the opportunity to come back,” Mr.

especially to be able to come out here where a lot of the Texas troops are.”

After a few e-mails and phone calls, Mr. Cox said the Pentagon called and told them some folks at Tax Masters and some of their employees deployed with the 36th Sust. Bde. over in Iraq would like Trevino to come over and do a tour, and he agreed, “We’re in.”

“Rick's people wanted to do it, they were jumping up and down to do this so we put it all together with MWR and the next thing you know, we are on an airplane to Kuwait,” Mr. Cox said.

Staff Sgt. Patricia Gutierrez, the MWR representative for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment on COB Adder and an Austin, Texas resident, said she loved the concert and that the crowd seemed to enjoy it as well.

“I loved the concert, I love Rick Trevino and I really enjoyed it,” Sergeant Gutierrerez said. “He is a really downto-earth guy. The Soldiers all got up and started clapping and he got a standing ovation.”

Staff Sgt. Bedalina Rosario, an Austin resident and a 36th Sustainment Brigade fragmentary order manager, said it was nice to see Mr. Trevino and hear some of his new songs and also the old ones.

“It brought back memories from home.

At the very end he sang an old song that originated from the late Freddy Fender,” Sergeant Rosario said. “It just brought home a little bit closer to me here in Iraq.”

Sergeant Rosario said she really enjoyed Mr. Trevino’s singing and grew up listening to him.

After the concert, Mr. Trevino met with Soldiers and signed autographs with his band and talked to them about their experiences.

“We talked a little about where we both live and where we come from and I mentioned to him that it was good to hear the music from the past, right here in the

“I've always wanted to come out and do this, especially to be able to come out here where a lot of the Texas troops are.”

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middle of Iraq, Sergeant Rosario said. “It couldn't have come at a better time, a good ol’ slice of home. He agreed and he was really supportive and appreciates what we do as Soldiers.”

Mr. Cox said he thought the concert was great and that it is amazing to watch the Soldiers.

“They really seem to be enjoying it and having a good time and kind of forget for a moment that they are away from their Families and home,” Mr. Cox said.

“It's a real rewarding thing, it's been a great experience, I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

Mr. Trevino toured five locations during his tour to Southern Iraq as well as a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur, near COB Adder.

Mr. Trevino said he thinks a lot of people take for granted what the U.S. Soldiers are doing right now for our freedom and is impressed with the work the Soldiers are doing here.

“The troops are so impressive and to be able to see it first hand really gives you a chance to, number one, say 'thank you' and number two, you go back to the states and you realize what you've seen and you don't take it for granted, especially your freedoms,” Mr. Trevino said.

Rick Trevino, a country music artist and Austin, Texas native, entertains Soldiers April 25 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.

Troops support Baghdad parliament ballot recount on request Story and photo by Sgt. Melissa Shaw 72nd IBCT Public Affairs

Baghdad- U.S. soldiers from the 571st Military Police Company and the Joint Area Support Group-Central (JASG-C) security directorate have been working round the clock since May 2nd on request from the Iraqi government to augment the security surrounding the partial recount of the Baghdad parliamentary election ballots.

Several weeks ago, an Iraqi review panel decided to unseal the roughly 11,300 ballot boxes and recount more than two million ballots after a complaint from Maliki's bloc alleged fraud in the initial tally of ballots in Baghdad, which holds more than a fifth of the seats in parliament.

Officials had expected the Baghdad recount to take as long as two weeks to complete. However, thus far, they have been right on schedule. By May 12th, 74 percent or approximately 8,500 ballot boxes had been processed.

The 571st and JASG-C fulfilled the request for support from the Iraqi government by providing move-

ment and security over-watch coordination as the ballot boxes traveled from their storage facility outside the International Zone (IZ) to the Al Rasheed Hotel, which is located inside the IZ. "This is why we are here, I am glad for the opportunity to be taking part in something this historic event.

I think everyone in my team is ready for this, ready to assist should we be needed,"said1st Lt. Angela Zecca, the 571st MP Co. quick reaction force team leader.

Maj. David Burger, a Cedar Park, Texas resident currently deployed as the JASG-C security directorate, explained the recount processes as he watched a line of counters leaving the second shift grow: "Each day 700 counters come through the front gate, in two different shifts."

"They unseal the boxes by district, count the votes, put the results on a tally sheet and reseal the boxes.

The tally sheets are then taken back to the IHEC and compared to the original results."

"If there are discrepancies with the original results, a second recount is done, if not the results are validated and reported up."

In the Al Rasheed hotel, a flurry of activity can be seen throughout the day under the watchful gaze of Mr. Qassim Al-Darraji, the Independent High Electoral Commision General Manager.

When asked how the Iraqi people feel about the transparency of the recount and whether the results will be accepted a second time, Mr. Qassim said: "As for me, I don't speak for the Iraqi people."

"I can say, however, the counters are under constant observation. There are roughly 600 outside observers and 14 national media organizations covering this event."

This is truly a national event, evidence of which can be seen in the counters themselves. While many are from the Baghdad province, just as many are not from the urban district.

Samy Hayder Wali, a farmer from Mosul, said he became a part of the group because it was his responsibility. He is here representing his community.

"I am here because it is a good job, with good money and will be good for my family," said Kirkuk resident, Saad Ali Gaseem Patriotic pride played its part in pulling Iraqis to this stressful temporary position. "We are here, we are doing this ourselves because we love our country," said Hayder Mustafa, a Baghdad resident.

Left- Workers move sealed ballot boxes during the recount at the Al-Rahsid Hotel in Baghdad.

June 2010

THE DISPATCH 11

Ride Safe in The Lone Star State: Mandated PPE and You

Whether it's great flat roads in the west Texas desert, perfect for rolling the throttle and feeling the bike open up and wind out, or sweet little twisties through the rolling Hill Country, just right for leaning into curves and enjoying the scen‐ ery on the way to Luckenbach, to anything in between, there's no doubt members of the Texas National Guard have some of the best motorcycling real estate anywhere.

No matter what the preferred ride, whether it's a classic '63 Panhead, a 2009 Hyabusa, or a rugged dirt bike, there are some things Guard members must remember before hopping on a scooter to enjoy the open road.

According to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bryan Shaw, with the Ground Safety Office, all members of the Texas National Guard, Army and Air, along with everyone employed by the Department of Defense, must wear mandated Personal Pro‐ tective Equipment. Although there is some flexibility in choosing the style of the PPE, wearing it is NOT optional.

•

REGARDLESS of duty status, PPE must be worn by riders at all time.

•

A Department of Transportation approved helmet. A full‐face helmet is not required, but if a “shorty” helmet is worn, approved eyewear must be worm. (A windshield is not sufficient eye protection.)

•

Riders must wear long sleeves, long pants, boots above the ankle., and full‐fingered gloves.

•

During the day, the torso must be clothed in highly‐visible clothing; at night, the covering must be reflective.

•

The Ground Safety Office will reimburse Guard members for Motorcycle Safety Foundation–approved courses. The course and request for reimbursement must be in the same fiscal year. Also, a reflective vest (as seen above) is of‐ fered FREE to all riders who complete the Basic Riders Course. (Contact Ms. Linda Bovee at 512‐782‐5005 or linda.e.bovee@us.army.mil for reimbursement paperwork and info.)

•

If a Guard member has already completed a MSF approved course, but the fiscal year has changed, a request may still be submitted for a FREE vest.

REMEBER: DRESS FOR THE SLIDE, NOT THE RIDE. 12 THE DISPATCH

June 2010

Texas Knowledge Online has a new homepage and a new look!

Come and see what s changed!

36th Sust. Bde. Soldier reflects on three tours in Iraq Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Tad Browning 36th Sustainment Bde. Public Affairs

Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Charles Jackson, an intelligence analyst with the 36th Sustainment Brigade and resident of Kyle, Texas, reflected on the many changes during his three tours of Iraq which started with OIF 1 through his most recent service during OIF 9-11 May 23 on Contingency Operating Base Adder.

Staff Sgt. Jackson said that this deployment was much like his other two deployments in the fact that he has served as an intelligence analyst to take bits of intelligence from different sources to create a big picture of what is happening in Iraq. He said the intelligence is analyzed and fit to the unit’s needs.

Jackson said the situation here in Iraq has changed during his deployments and that the overall daily attacks in Iraq have dropped considerably.

“The bad guys are a lot more organized now than they were during OIF 1, not necessarily as strong as they were during my second deployment. That was kind of the height of the insurgency,” said Jackson. “They have better structure. The ones that are fighting us now are the ones that are going to fight until the end.

There are a lot (of insurgents), that somewhere along the way, lost interest. The ones that are still fighting after seven years are trying to see it through to their goals as well.”

Jackson said that the sectarian violence really spiked during his second deployment and that some of it is still happening but it is not as severe as it was.

“The average Iraqi is just ready for it all to be over. Ready for us to go, and ready for a stable country. With that, once you get the average citizen that’s ready for normalcy, they can kind of start taking care of business on their own and reporting the people in their areas that are doing bad things,” said Jackson. “They put out the word and we’ll get them or Iraqi security forces will take care of them. The society seems to be a little more enabled, a little more confident that they’re headed in the right direction.”

During his initial deployment to Iraq, Jackson said that his most enduring moment was the convoy from Kuwait to Tikrit which took almost three days.

“It was a surreal experience, here I am in a foreign country in a combat zone and we’re driving up the highway seeing burned out vehicles, buses with bullet holes in the sides and the windows,” said Jackson.

Lt. Col. Craig Schneider, 36th Sust. Bde. officer in charge of intelligence and a native of El Paso, Texas, said that Jackson brings an amazing amount of knowledge and experience to the brigade.

“Jackson brought with him skills with the Command Post of the Future system and working with databases so he was able to just flow us into that...he has worked in G2 Plans as well as the administrative side of security so he has a lot of breadth in the

job,” said Schneider.

Schneider said Jackson has been a key part of the team and has been able to manage schedules, mentor his Soldiers and work with the different personalities and experience levels to accomplish the mission.

“The end result over time was that all of my Soldiers were cross-trained and could walk into just about any job on the team,” said Schneider. “That gives me a lot of security because we can accomplish all of our tasks.”

Jackson said that one of his most humbling moments happened during OIF 1 when he convoyed into the Kurdish controlled area in Iraq with one of the female officers in his unit.

“At one of our stops, the kids gathered around us and I had a female captain that I worked with and I remember one of the little Iraqi girls looking at her and she had this look of amazement,” said Jackson. “Here is this woman standing here in uniform and it really hit me that they don’t necessarily see a lot of opportunity over here, and here is this little girl looking at a female captain in the Army and I don’t know if she is thinking, ‘Maybe I could do that one day,’ or ‘maybe I can do what I want one day.’ The look on her face that she was just amazed to see a female authority figure like that. I was kind of shocked and humbled and it gave me hope for their future.”

Jackson added that overall, the quality of life for Soldiers here has gotten a lot better. “The side effect of that is that you feel more like you are on a base back home, and some people don’t get that we are still in a somewhat hostile environment,” said Jackson. “It could change quickly.”

Schneider gave the impression that Jackson has made an impact on the mission of the 36th Sust. Bde. through his knowledge and ability to deal with different situations as the arise.

“We didn’t have a lot of conflict or indirect fire or scary situations like that, but had we had those things, Jackson is the one that I would want to be there,” said Schneider. “He is just even keeled, he calmly assess things and he does what he has to do.

This has been a much calmer mission for him, much fewer mortar rounds, much fewer RPGs, so I think he has enjoyed that.

When things are very stressful, he is the kind of guy that you like to have around.”

June 2010

THE DISPATCH 13

“A World Apart, A Moment Together brings parents and children together for a once-in-a-lifetime performance!

In 2009, “A World Apart” helped 12 CHILDREN In talk to 7 PARENTS In IRAQ

14 THE DISPATCH

June 2010

Are your furry family members ready for you to go?

What to do with Fido when you’re getting ready to deploy With upcoming deployments, Soldiers will face the dif‐ ficult task of preparing their family for the time while they are away. There are many things pet owners must do to ensure that their furry family members are also prepared.

Knowing the steps to take and preparing early are the keys to reducing the stress for Soldiers, their pets, and the com‐ munity.

Leaving pets with family members or friends is a great option. It is best to pick someone familiar with your pets, their needs and their habits. Finding a suitable temporary home is just a beginning. Follow these steps: 1. Complete a pet personality profile (available on‐line at http://www.hsus.org/militarypets). The checklist in‐ cludes information about what and how much your pet eats, any medications your pet may need, and many other important areas you may forget to discuss. Make sure to go over each question with the caretaker and address any questions before they agree to take care of the pet. This will help the caretaker understand all the needs of the pet and decide if they can provide all that is needed. Go over the checklist again before you leave to ensure that the caretaker understands.

2. Have a written agreement outlining the pet care arrangement. This should cover what will happen to the pet if the caregiver is no longer able to care for the pet, what will happen if the pet is injured or dies while the care‐ taker is responsible for the pet and what will happen if you are unable to reclaim your pet. You must also obtain a

power of attorney giving the caregiver permission to take the pet to the military or civilian veterinarian.

3. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a general health check, to address any medical problems, and to update any vaccinations in advance. Inform the veterinary staff that you will be deploying and provide the name and contact number for the temporary caretaker. Be sure to pick up a supply of any needed medications and a copy of the pet’s medical record to leave with the caretaker.

4. Leave contact information about how to reach your pet’s veterinarian. If you use a military veterinary clinic for routine conditions, also leave instructions of which civilian veterinarian to use in case of emergency or if your pet needs services not available at the military veterinary clinic.

Arrange in advance who will pay for routine and emergency care ‐ neither civilian nor military clinics will accept “IOUs” and payment must be made when services are rendered.

5. Make sure your pet has a collar and tag with the caretaker’s information. Otherwise, it may be difficult to match the dog with the caretaker if the animal becomes lost. The best means of permanent identification is a mi‐ crochip placed under the skin. This is required for pets that reside on‐post but recommended for all dogs and cats.

6. Have your pet spayed or neutered before you leave. Spaying or neutering will decrease the chance of medical or behavioral problems while you are away.

7. Leave money for food, toys, grooming, or any other routine costs.

For Soldiers who are having difficulty finding a caretaker for their pets, there are other options.

There are many organizations dedicated to help find temporary homes for pets of deployed military personnel.

These help provide a network for matching foster homes to military pets: Operation Noble Foster http://www.operationnoblefoster.org NetPets.Org’s Military Pets Foster Project http://www.netpets.org/netp/foster/php Patriotic Pets http://www.patrioticpets.org Soldiers who cannot find an appropriate temporary home may be forced to relinquish their animal to their local Humane Society. This is a last resort. “Setting your pet free” is completely unacceptable and will only lead to a life‐ time of disease and suffering for the animal.

If you have a pet who is considered “yours,” in that your spouse and children do not usually care for the animal ‐ discuss the pet’s care with family members before deploying. Many times, a spouse overwhelmed with work and taking care of children may have difficulty with the additional pressure of caring for an animal with which they have had little previous responsibility.

Preparing in advance is the key to finding a caring home for your pet during a deployment.

Knowing that your pet is in a loving home will take a big weight off your mind, and give you something extra special to look forward to on your return home.

Capt. Emily C. Gocke‐Smith

U.S. Army Veterinary Corps Schofield Barracks Veterinary Treatment Facility

June 2010 THE DISPATCH 15

Blue

Families partner with the NEA: free admission to museums for military

•

Blue Star Museums is a partnership among

Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more than 600 museums in all 50 states to offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 31, 2010, through Labor Day, September 6, 2010.

• • If you are active duty military personnel and/or • • an immediate family member, all you need to do • is show either a Geneva Conventions CAC ID or a • •

DD Form 1173 ID card at the museum admissions desk. Immediate family members under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an appropriate ID holder.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amon Carter Museum Fort Worth, TX Art Museum of South Texas Corpus Christi, TX Austin Museum of Art Austin, TX Brownsville Historical Association Brownsville, TX Buddy Holly Center Lubbock, TX Children's Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent Victoria, TX Dallas Heritage Village Dallas, TX Dallas Museum of Art Dallas, TX El Paso Museum of Art El Paso, TX Ellen Noel Art Museum Odessa, TX Fort Sam Houston Museum Ft. Sam Houston, TX Frontier Times Museum Bandera, TX George Bush Presidential Library and Museum College Station, TX The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley Bryan, TX The Grace Museum Abilene, TX The Health Museum Houston, TX The Woodlands Children's Museum The Woodlands, TX Tyler Museum of Art Tyler, TX

16 THE DISPATCH

June 2010

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

McFaddin-Ward House Beaumont, TX McNay Art Museum San Antonio, TX Meadows Museum Dallas, TX Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Houston, TX Museum of Geometric and MADI Art Dallas, TX Museum of Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Museum of the American Railroad Dallas, TX Museum of the Plains Perryton, TX Museum of the Southwest Midland, TX Museum of Western Art Kerrville, TX Nasher Sculpture Center Dallas, TX National Museum of the Pacific War Fredericksburg, TX National Scouting Museum Irving, TX Neill-Cochran House Museum Austin, TX Ocean Star Offshore Rig Museum Galveston, TX Pearce Museum Corsicana, TX Railroad and Heritage Museum Temple, TX Red River Historical Museum Sherman, TX Scurry County Museum Snyder, TX Silent Wings Museum Lubbock, TX Star of the Republic Museum Washington, TX Stark Museum of Art Orange, TX Texas Historical Commission Austin, TX

Tossing and turning? Disrupted sleep common after deployment Maj. Richard Barton, Social Worker U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

When returning from deployment, a common contributor to feeling out of sorts is disrupted sleep. Living conditions in theater are not exactly four star; deployment sounds like air frames zipping overhead, opening and closing doors, weapons being slung and un-slung, and roommates shouting over video games—all with the possibility of incoming rounds—are a poor formula for solid siestas.

For Soldiers just returning from deployment, the living conditions during can negatively impact sleep. For some it is a lack of those sounds, for others it is sounds that are similar and appear to be out of place at home, and for those lucky enough to be within earshot of an impact area, well, enough said.

A trick to improving sleep is controlling the things you can and recognizing those that you cannot. Move the TV to a viewing place that is not the bedroom. This will help your body and mind begin to identify your bed as a place for sleep. If you are having problems staying asleep, go to another room and sit while watching TV or reading until you are ready to sleep. This sequence may have to be repeated several times, but eventually your body will get the message.

Set up a sleeping SOP that cues your body into recognizing when it is time to sleep. If needed, cover your eyes to keep light out. Use ear plugs or earphones with relaxing music. Relaxation exercises and martial arts meditation have been proven to be very effective in resetting sleep patterns.

15 years, sleep research has confirmed links between exposure to combat and sleep difficulties.

In other words, poor sleep while deployed or upon return is normal.

Taking steps to learn about and then apply sleep hygiene procedures may be all that is needed to reset the process for restful sleep. If the body and mind are rested, their ability to deal with combat reactions improves markedly.

Help your body by restricting caffeine and nicotine intake an hour or two before sleeping. Don't use alcohol to manage sleep—it creates shortterm, false gains with long-term negative impact. Studies have consistently shown that overuse of alcohol disrupts sleep. They have also demonstrated that a common denominator for those who suffer from severe PTSD is the use of alcohol, resulting in prolonged sleep difficulties.

If after 120 days of postdeployment, you see no significant improvements in sleep or no decrease in combat reactions, seek assistance from your primary-care provider, from another healthcare professional or a behavioral health specialist.

Any of these resources should be able point you in the right direction.

Good resources for information include: National Institute of Mental Health, http:// www.nimh.nih.gov/ , National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, http:// www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp and Military One Source, www.militaryonesource.com .

Soldiers attend field training partly to become effective at functioning with low levels of sleep under adverse conditions.

These training events cannot simulate adverse conditions such as the impact of neardeath experiences, the witnessing of carnage, or the loss of a brother in arms. Over the last June 2010 THE DISPATCH 17

Palestine: TXARNG armory grand re-opening PALESTINE, Texas— Festivities are on tap for the public grand re-opening of the Texas Army National Guard Armory in Palestine on June 6.

The event will kick off at 2 p.m. with members of the Palestine’s Delta Company, 3rd Battalion of 144th Infantry, 36th Infantry Division of the Texas Army National Guard standing at attention for a small ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The recently renovated National Guard Armory doors will then be opened for a light luncheon and a meet and greet with the soldiers, followed by a few speakers who will discuss the National Guard Armory and its history. Confirmed speakers so far include Lt. Trent Teague of the Delta Company 3/144th Infantry Battalion and Palestine Mayor Bob Herrington.

“We are excited about having the community coming out and seeing what our place looks like and have the people talk to the soldiers about what they do,” said Teague who said at least 50 soldiers from the local battalion will be participating.

Patriot Guard Riders, old military vehicles, National Guard memorabilia, and a Minute Man reenactor versus today’s citizen soldier also will be part of the festivities.

Local National Guard Armory retirees and their families are invited to attend the public grand re-opening event.

Memorabilia from those who served is welcome. Retirees will be recognized as well.

The National Guard Armory’s Family Readiness Group is helping to put on the event with assistance from the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary Unit 63.

About 100 soldiers are members of the Delta Company 3rd Battalion of 144th Infantry. While many of the soldiers are from the Palestine area, some come from as far as Houston, Corpus Christi and Waco.

Palestine’s Texas Army National Guard Armory is located at 601 Armory Rd. off of North Loop 256 (look for the National Guard tank in the front lawn).

National Guardsmen are the continuation of the Minutemen that served during the Revolutionary War. The Minutemen were a small, elite force who were required to be highly mobile and assemble quickly. Minutemen were selected from the militia muster rolls by their commanding officers. The Minutemen were often the first armed militia to arrive or await a battle.

Minutemen also played a crucial role in earlier conflicts as far back as 1645 and in the 1750s during the French and Indian War. By the time of the Revolutionary War, Minutemen had been a well-trained force for six generations in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Every town had maintained its “trained” group.

According to the Texas Armory National Guard web site, “For over 365 years, the citizen-soldiers of the National Guard have come to the aid of their neighbors during times of need. The Guard plays a key role during floods, fires and other natural disasters. The National Guard state mission mandates helping communities during natural disasters and civil emergencies.”

For more information about the Texas Army National Guard, visit http://www.txarng.com

Web Site Offers Single Access Point for Wounded Warriors WASHINGTON — The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled today an improved Web site for wounded warriors.

disability and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who care for Veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assis“VA is committed to tapping into the full powers of the Internet to provide accu- tance. rate, timely, easy to find and easy to underThe Web site has been enhanced to stand information that improves the lives provide a single point of access to a wealth of Veterans, service members, their fami- of information from more than 10,000 sites lies and all who care for them,” said Secre- by federal, state and local governments and tary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. organizations offering services for wounded warriors.

The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, Veterans and their families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of information about Veterans’ benefits, including 18 THE DISPATCH

June 2010

“This online directory is an invaluable resource for those involved in helping service members and Veterans,” Shinseki said. “Reliable information about government and private-sector programs can be a

priceless tool.”

A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized section where users can find help for homeless Veterans. These resources will help end Veteran homelessness over the next five years.

The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other enhancements include a fast, accurate search engine; a “bookmark and share” capability that allows users to share valuable resources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events. Resources are added daily.

Visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

This Month in Military History: Memorial Day Three years after the Civil War

By the end of the 19th century,

reverent visitors and fond mourners.

ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of

Memorial Day ceremonies were being Let no neglect, no ravages of time,

an organization of Union veterans —

held on May 30 throughout the nation. testify to the present or to the coming

the Grand Army of the Republic

State legislatures passed proclama-

generations that we have forgotten as

(GAR) — established Decoration Day tions designating the day, and the

a people the cost of a free and undi-

as a time for the nation to decorate

Army and Navy adopted regulations

vided republic.”

the graves of the war dead with flow-

for proper observance at their facili-

ers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan de-

ties.

clared that Decoration Day should be

The crowd attending the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington Na-

It was not until after World War I,

tional Cemetery was approximately

observed on May 30. It is believed

however, that the day was expanded

the same size as those that attend

that date was chosen because flow-

to honor those who have died in all

today’s observance, about 5,000 peo-

ers would be in bloom all over the

American wars. In 1971, Memorial

ple. Then, as now, small American

country.

Day was declared a national holiday

flags were placed on each grave — a

The first large observance was

by an act of Congress, though it is still tradition followed at many national

held that year at Arlington National

often called Decoration Day. It was

cemeteries today. In recent years, the

Cemetery, across the Potomac River

then also placed on the last Monday

custom has grown in many families to

from Washington, D.C.

in May, as were some other federal

decorate the graves of all departed

holidays.

loved ones.

The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the

Gen. Logan’s order for his posts to

The origins of special services to

Arlington mansion, once the home of

decorate graves in 1868 “with the

Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Wash-

choicest flowers of springtime” urged: found in antiquity. The Athenian

ington officials, including Gen. and

“We should guard their graves with

leader Pericles offered a tribute to the

Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over

sacred vigilance. ... Let pleasant

fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian

the ceremonies. After speeches, chil-

paths invite the coming and going of

War over 24 centuries ago that could

honor those who die in war can be

dren from the

be applied today to

Soldiers’ and

the 1.1 million

Sailors’ Orphan

Americans who

Home and

have died in the na-

members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat The soldier's last Tattoo; No more on life's parade shall meet That brave and fallen few.

On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards, with solemn round The bivouac of the dead.

-Theodore O’Hara, 1847

tion’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”

prayers and singing hymns.

June 2010 THE DISPATCH 19

20 THE DISPATCH

June 2010

The Al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad. Texas Soldiers are assisting with the Baghdad Parliament ballot recount, at the request of the Iraqi government. (Photo by Sgt. Melissa Shaw, 72nd IBCT Public Affairs)