D THE
ISPATCH JUNE 2015
The Magazine of the Texas Military Forces
149th FW trains
Combat Pilots Museum remembers
Vietnam
Texas floods Guardsmen to the
rescue
Contents
D Contents
6
149th moves classroom to Arizona desert
8
MI Company Deploys
10 12
Texas Flood & Response
14
Army Aviators prepare for floods
16
TXSG gets special visit during flood operations
Engineers ready for water rescues
18 TXARNG on standby in DFW 20 Guardsmen rescue family 24
Remembering SFC Joseph Ros
26
TXMF Museum reenacts Vietnam Battle
30
TXANG Techies
34
REAL Guidance-Transitions
The Cover
D THE
ISPATCH JUNE 2015
The Magazine of the Texas Military Forces
Texas floods Guardsmen to the
rescue
149th FW trains
Combat Pilots Museum remembers
Vietnam A Texas National Guardsman works on a UH-60 Black Hawk in preparation for rescue efforts. (Texas National Guard photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Eric Wilson)
2  TheDISPATCH June 2015
Contents
Governor Gov. Greg Abbott
The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Travis Walters Deputy Public Affairs Officer Maj. Joshua Amstutz Public Affairs Staff Capt. Martha Nigrelle 1st Lt. Alicia Lacy Staff Sgt. John Gately Laura Lopez John Thibodeau Michelle McBride Managing Editor Graphic Layout and Design Sgt. 1st Class. Malcolm M. McClendon Contributing Writers and Photographers The Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office would like to thank all the contributing writers and photographers who generously share their work with us. Without the hard work and dedication of Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians, we would not be able to tell YOUR Texas Military Forces story.
Troopers from 1st Squadron 124th Cavalry, 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard, get some welldeserved sleep in the Blanco Volunteer Fire Department building, May 24, 2015, after conducting water rescue missions all night long. Guardsmen from the 36th Infantry Division rescued 32 residents after flood waters devastated the small community of Blanco, Texas. (Texas National Guard Photo by Army 1st Sgt. Ross Dobelbower)
* The Dispatch is an authorized publication for members of the Texas Military Forces and the Department of Defense. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the National Guard Bureau, or the State of Texas. * The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office. * The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army or the Texas Military Forces. * Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher will refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. * Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.*
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flood photo submission request
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*By submitting your photos you agree to grant the TXMF a non-exclusive, world-wide, royalty free license to modify, publish, and reproduce your material solely for the purpose of displaying, distributing, and promoting TXMF.
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Texas Military Forces
Training Tomorrows Fighter Pilots The 149th Fighter Wing Story
and photo by
takes its student pilots out to the
Live Fire Range
Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem, 149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
J
OINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS– Each year, members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered here, pack up their aircraft, personnel and equipment on a simulated deployment to accomplish their federal mission of training combat-ready pilots who will employ the F-16 Fighting Falcon. It is part of the wing’s training curriculum, and this year, the training was conducted at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, from April 12-23, 2015. The mission is called Coronet Cactus, and has taken place over the past several years. Some years the unit may go to another location, but typically the training has been conducted in Arizona. Cactus, as it’s more commonly referred to by wing members, involves different scenarios for different people. For the wing’s student pilots, assigned to the 182nd Fighter Squadron, it’s a chance to take what they’ve learned over the past several months and apply it to real-world combat situations. For aircraft maintainers, it involves long days of launching and recovering aircraft with live weap-
6 TheDISPATCH June 2015
ons and munitions, compared to the practice ones back home. For the Force Support Squadron, it takes smart planning and budget preparation to feed large groups of people with hearty appetites who line up to be fed each day. But to anyone connected to the flying mission, most can agree that it’s a time to bond and simply focus on what is at hand. “I like working in a different environment,” said Senior Master Sgt. Jason Wyatt, a mechanic supervisor with 149th Maintenance Squadron. “It’s good to get away and just focus on the mission, not all the stuff that floats around the mission.” Another plus involves the terrain, according to Senior Master Sgt. Cody Moore, a flight line supervisor with the 149th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. It reminds him of Afghanistan – add to that the fact that students also get to drop live munitions, which he said gives the students real-world type experiences they can take with them to their operational units.
Texas Military Forces
Getting out into unfamiliar territory and into a different time zone, loading and dropping live ordnance and being centralized in one location is a benefit of the Cactus operation. It acts as a simulated deployment to enhance training not only the future fighter pilots, but also their support crew. And the difference between dropping live and practice bombs does not go unnoticed among the student pilots. “It’s a blast to be flying out there and being able to look on either side of your wing and see this live ordnance right there and then to feel it come off the jet – you can actually feel the jet get lighter,” said 1st Lt. Kyle Phillips, a student pilot with the 18nd Fighter Squadron. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but that training that we’ve been through is just invaluable.” The Combat Air Forces (CAF) seem to always be looming in the back of the minds of these pilots in training, so having the opportunity to practice with actual weapons on the D-M ranges builds confidence.
“It lets us go to those deployed locations and to be able to go in there confidently and say ‘I can do this.’” Phillips said. First Lt. Bryan Smith, another student F-16 pilot, admits the training has been both a lot of work and a lot of fun, but that even when all is said and done, and that long-awaited graduation day takes place, the learning will have only just begun. “I think the most humbling thing is that we’ve been training for almost nine months at this point, but the amount that we need to learn still has only increased,” Smith said. “We started with just learning how to fly the jet, then how to employ it as a weapon’s system and how many weapons you can carry … that’s the most challenging part … is even once we’re done here, there’s still an almost lifelong education in front of us.” - 149th FW PAO
An F-16 jet taxis along the runway at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., April 17, 2015, during Coronet Cactus.
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Texas Military Forces
Keeping Peace
Texas National Guardsmen Deploy to Kosovo for Peacekeeping Mission Story and photo by Spc. Christina Clardy, 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs
N
EW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS – A small detachment of service members of the Texas Army National Guard bid farewell to their families, friends and community during a mobilization ceremony Monday, April 27, 2015 at the Mckenna Event Center near their hometown armory in New Braunfels, Texas.
graphical and ideological data about the climate of the region to aid in the stabilization and continued peacekeeping in the area.”
The detachment of 32 military intelligence Soldiers from A Company, 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, are headed to Kosovo for a nine-month deployment. They will be supporting NATO’s continued peacekeeping efforts to help and maintain a safe and secure environment for the people of Kosovo.
“Some people spend their entire lifetime wondering if they are making a difference in the world,” said Hutchins during his ceremonial address. “But these Soldiers won’t have to.”
“Our mission in Kosovo is peacekeeping,” said Maj. Eric Hutchins, commander of the detachment. “Many have gone before us and have enabled 1.8 million Kosovans to live free from persecution and violence. I am honored to be leading these amazing men and women forward, and it is not a privilege I take lightly.” Although the unit boasts a combined overseas service of more than 40 years, several of the Guardsmen will be deploying for the first time. “I’m pretty excited because it’s my first one -- I’ve been looking forward to it,” said Spc. Terryll D. Brunson, an intelligence analyst and native of Prince George, Va. “We have been preparing and training for this mission for over a year. Once there, we’ll be analyzing political, demo-
8 TheDISPATCH June 2015
This mission is part of the United Nations-led peace support operation called Kosovo Force, an international effort created on June 12, 1999, to build peace and stability in the area.
More than 100 community leaders, supporters and family members gathered at the event center for the ceremony. Representatives from several large companies within the New Braunfels community, city officials to include Mayor Barron Casteel, and local veteran and military support organizations met with the Soldiers and their families to thank them and give them their warm wishes until they return home safely. “We want to show that the post is committed to the support of our active and veteran service members,” said Daniel S. Campos, commander of the VFW Post 7110 in New Braunfels. “We want to send them letters and care packages, and want to work with the unit and the community to create symbolism, like signs and banners, to support them and their service within the post and the community until they come back safely.” - 36th ID PAO
Texas Military Forces
“
Many have gone before us and have enabled 1.8 million Kosovans to live free from persecution and violence.
”
Soldiers from A Company, 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, at their deployment ceremony April 27, 2015.
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Texas Floods
TEXAS FLOODING 2015
National Guardsmen and members from Task Force 1 rescue flood victims in Denton County, May 10, 2015. (Courtesy photo by www.wfaa.com)
Texas Army National Guard soldiers mobilized on state active duty conduct search and rescue operations along the Blanco River May 25, 2015. (Texas National Guard photo by Army Capt. Patrick Gurski)
10  TheDISPATCH June 2015
National Guardsmen and members from Task Force 1 practice water rescues in preparation for possible floods in the Houston area, May 15-18, 2015. (Courtesy Photo)
Texas Floods
A Texas National Guardsman works on a UH-60 Black Hawk in preparation for rescue efforts. (Texas National Guard photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Eric Wilson)
Engineers from the 111th Engineer Battalion, Texas Army National Guard, along with local first responders, rescue three people from a stalled vehicle stuck in a low water crossing, May 26, 2015. (Texas National Guard photo by Army 1st Lt. Max Perez)
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Texas Floods
DENTON, TX
ENGINEERS PREPARED FOR RESCUES
A Texas Army National Guardsman conducts critical water rescue rehearsals with a first responder from Texas Task Force 1, while on standby to respond to flooding in the North Texas region, May 16, 2015.
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Texas Floods
Story and photo by Capt. Maria Mengrone 176th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs
D
ENTON, TEXAS - Texas Army National Guard Soldiers on state active duty conducted critical water rescue training with first responders from Texas Task Force 1 in response to recent floods in the North Texas region, May 16, 2015. “We want to practice utilizing inflatable rescue boats during the day, under controlled conditions, so that our National Guard counterparts can implement the necessary safety measures when we are called to go out,” said Jeff Novak, Battalion Chief and Water Group Manager, Texas Task Force 1. The training consisted of guardsmen loading Texas Task Force 1 inflatable boats onto the light medium tactical vehicles and backing the vehicles into high water to launch the boats. “My soldiers have never backed an LMTV into flood water and I could see their confidence build as they saw the full capabilities of our equipment,” said Sgt. Matthew T. Wallace, squad leader, 236th Engineer Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade.
“Having this preparation time is rare; we are running these evolutions and building a relationship with these soldiers. We’re going to respond together if we are called to move out,” said Ralph Diamond, Captain and Water Squad Leader, Texas Task Force 1. “We see how powerful working together can be and together improve the level of service to the state.” Guardsmen took turns on the inflatable boats to simulate rescuing a potential flood victim. In addition, the guards’ use of high profile vehicles, such as the LMTV, is a unique asset to Texas Task Force 1. “They give us capabilities we do not have,” said Novak. “We are able to be more effective using these high profile vehicles; we can do more, and respond more quickly.” Guardsmen and Texas Task Force 1 first responders have been on stand by across the state, to respond to inclement weather and anticipated flooding, May 10-21, 2015. They are scheduled to remain on standby through the weekend, May 22-25, to respond to anticipated storms moving through Texas. - 176th En Bde PAO
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Texas Floods
Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Malcolm McClendon Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
H
OUSTON – Rescue crews from three organizations geared up, flew into Ellington Field in Houston and have been awaiting orders to launch over the weekend, May 15 – 18, 2015. Due to the recent rainstorms, Texas has been on alert for floods and has put several rescue organizations on call, to include the Texas National Guard and Texas Task Force 1, and in this location, the Louisiana National Guard for additional resources. While most of the recent flooding and rescues took place in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, crews here are taking advantage of the down time to train with and build relationships with their counterparts. Joshua Powell, Helicopter Search and Rescue Technician with Task Force 1, likes the face time this provides with long time rescue partners from the Texas National Guard, as well as, new ones from the Louisiana National Guard. “We try to train with the Texas National Guard about once a month, and it’s nice to have that connection, especially in the aircraft,” Powell said. “This weekend when we met the Louisiana guys we were a little nervous, but as soon as we did a little training here, it went really great. They showed us some of their techniques and we showed them ours.” The Texas UH-60 Black Hawks the team flies in are scheduled to change hoist systems in the near future; a hoist system that the Louisiana aircraft already have, said Powell. “This weekend we have not only trained on and had a
14 TheDISPATCH June 2015
firsthand look at these new hoist systems we are getting, but doors have been opened for possible future rescue missions,” Powell said. “One day if Louisiana asks Texas to assist with a disaster, we already know their systems and their guys, so it’ll be a quicker and more effective response.” UH-60 Black Hawk flight medic, Staff Sgt. Michael Hamilton, an experienced rescuer with the Louisiana National Guard, also believes this time meeting and training with new partners is valuable, but added that he is continually impressed by how state officials are able to come together and utilize each others’ assets in times like these. “It’s great that governors, adjutant generals and state aviation officers are able to coordinate and call upon each other to provide available resources to assist one another,” Hamilton said. “We’re here to help Texas out this time, and in turn, one day, they will come to help us out when we’re in need.” Luckily, this time in southeast Texas, there was no need for any of the rescuers to be called out. They will be called home to rest for a day or two, then will reset and get ready for the next round of storms reported to come later in the week. Texas National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk pilot Maj. Edward Greber, has been on many missions like these before and stands ready with his crew. “Wherever and whenever there is a need we will be prepared to provide assistance to rescue operations.” - DISPATCH
Texas Floods
HOUSTON, TX MULTI AGENCY TASK FORCE STANDS BY FOR FLOOD
Sgt. Michael Hamilton and Spc. Chris Sonnier, UH-60 Black Hawk flight medics, Louisiana Army National Guard, load up an aircraft with rescue gear. The LNG was called to assist TXNG and Texas Task Force 1 members for possible swift water rescues in the Houston area, May 15-18, 2015.
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Texas Floods
WICHITA FALLS, TX
TEXAS GOVERNOR VISITS TXSG RESPONDERS
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, shakes hands with Staff Sgt. William Willey, 39th Composite Regiment, Texas State Guard, thanking guardsmen from the regiment for their service during the flood response operations in Wichita Falls, Texas, May 25, 2015.
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Texas Floods
Story and photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Janet Schmelzer Texas State Guard Public Affairs
W
ICHITA FALLS, TEXAS - Five soldiers from the 39th Composite Regiment, Texas State Guard, provided support to the Texas Disaster District Coordinators, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Air National Guard during the recent flooding emergency in Wichita Falls, Texas, May 23-28, 2015. State Guard participation in Wichita Falls helped local residents affected by flood waters remain safe and receive necessary emergency assistance. Capt. Michael Garcia, Staff Sgt. Brenda Newton, Staff Sgt. William Willey, Spc. Desmon Dunn, and Spc. Zach Williams from the 39th Composite Regiment performed numerous tasks to support disaster coordination efforts, including administrative duties, answering phones, monitoring social media and updating information on the Texas Web Emergency Operations Center. As the emergency unfolded, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Wichita Falls, to thank the guardsmen, and other emergency responders and volunteers, for their service, May 25, 2015. The 39th Composite Regiment is well-equipped to provide emergency assistance. Since 2009, the regiment has worked closely with David Solis, State Coordinator Region 5, Texas Division Emergency Management, who integrated the 39th Composite Regiment into the Region 5 emergency coordination and training efforts. This enabled the regiment to increase their emergency pre-
paredness by working with other emergency response teams, even cross-training with the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency team in an effort to provide increased logistic support during crisis management. This relationship has also increased the regiment’s support to disaster situations. During the winter storm of January 2010, regiment guardsmen assisted Amarillo civil authorities and set up shelters in the Panhandle. In May 2014, guardsmen were again mobilized, to support operations during the Double Diamond wildfires in Fritch, where they assisted with WEBEOC and radio communications and helped monitor social media. “I am proud of the performance and dedication of the men and women of the 39th “Roughnecks” and the excellent working relationship we enjoy with our TDEM partners,” said Col. Barney Welch, commander of the 39th Composite Regiment. “Through that valuable partnership, this unique concept continues to evolve as a viable mission set for the State of Texas.” The 39th Composite Regiment was also mobilized for hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Dean, Operation Lone Star and Operation Border Star. In 2012 the regiment became the only composite regiment in the Texas State Guard, because it’s unique internal medical staff. The regiment covers a large part of West Texas and the Panhandle. It is headquartered in Midland and has subordinate units located in Midland, Lubbock, El Paso and Amarillo. - TXSG PAO
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Texas Floods
Story by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert 136th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
G
RAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS - Members of Texas Task Force 1 and the Texas Military Forces positioned at the Army aviation support facility in Grand Prairie, received a call from a local agency early-morning May 17, 2015, to rescue a couple stranded in front of their mobile home in Johnson County. “When we arrived on scene, we were looking around the area for hazards and for any situation that could arise to ensure we could safely hoist the stranded couple up,” said Army National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Blake Arrington, pilot of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, Texas Military Forces. “The house was next to the river and the river rose due to the heavy rainfall. Their home was surrounded by water while the current kept ground rescuers away.” The ground rescue operation failed due to the strong current pushing the boat away from the mobile home. At one point the first responders used a drone to drop a line to the couple and anchor it to their trailer. The line was used to pull a rescue raft towards the couple and extract them from the flood waters. The attempt failed. The call came in to Texas Task Force 1 and the flight was generated. “The biggest issue we had were wires,” said Arrington. “We had to position the Black Hawk in the best possible way for our swimmers and the victims. We worked
18 TheDISPATCH June 2015
together as a team - from the crew chief, to the pilots, to the swimmers.” The rescue team comprised of two Texas National Guard pilots, two Texas Task Force 1 swimmers and a Texas National Guard crew chief, each skillfully trained to conduct search and rescue operations for distressed Texans. It is the swimmers’ job to rescue the stranded from the disaster area, while the crew chief’s job is to be the go-between for the pilots and swimmers. “He is our main eyes between the pilots and the swimmers. He controls the cable for the swimmers and tells the pilot where to move the Black Hawk,” said Arrington. “The swimmers are a vital part of rescuing; they interact with the victims extracting them from the dangerous situation.” Once the couple was hoisted into the Black Hawk and secured, they were flown to safety a half mile away, into the hands of local first responders where they were examined for any possible injuries. The couple, safely evacuated from the flood waters, was able to return to their home by nightfall. “We are just Texans helping Texas,” said Arrington. “Here to do a job.” - 136th AW PAO
Texas Floods
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX AVIATORS GEARED UP FOR SWIFT WATER RESCUES
A Texas Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk crew, partnered with Texas Task Force 1, rescues a victim during a training exercise. (Texas National Guard photo by Air Force 1st Lt. Alicia M. Lacy)
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Texas Floods
GRANBURY, TX
GUARDSMEN SAVE FAMILY IN STRANDED CAR
Engineers from the 111th Engineer Battalion, Texas Army National Guard, along with local first responders, rescue three people from a stalled vehicle stuck in a low water crossing, May 26, 2015. (Texas National Guard photo by Army 1st Lt. Max Perez)
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Texas Floods
Story by Capt. Martha Nigrelle Texas Military Forces Public Affairs
G
RANBURY, TEXAS - A team of Texas National Guard engineers rescued three people from flooding waters, May 26, 2015 in Granbury, Texas.
Working with local and state first responders, Texas Guardsmen spent the Memorial Day weekend responding to calls for help all over Texas. “We got a call around midnight from the local sheriff’s department,” said 1st Lt. Max Perez, 236th Engineer Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, Texas Army National Guard. “They asked us to check a neighborhood near the Brazos River for flooded homes and anyone in need.” Perez and his team of engineers split into two groups to better search the neighborhood for citizens in need. “The soldiers responded very quickly; they only took 10 or 15 minutes to get ready to go,” said Perez. “They were pretty motivated about the mission – eager to save lives.” With the help of a local police officer and a local firefighter, the engineers combed through the neighborhood checking on residents. “We found a stranded car that couldn’t move,” said Perez. “There was water up to the window of the car.” The engineers immediately stopped and got out to help; each soldier securing themselves to a safety line attached to their military vehicle or another stationary object first.
“We saw a family – a woman, her daughter, about three or four, and a man, stuck in the car,” said Perez. Staff Sgt. Thomas Kennington, 111th Forward Support Company, 111th Engineer Battalion, along with several other soldiers, pulled the little girl and her mother from the car and brought them to safety, then returned for the man. Once all three people were safe, the team pulled the vehicle to dry land, to ensure that it wouldn’t wash away, said Perez. “This is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this,” said Kennington. “When you’re in that moment with lights flashing, water rushing and soldiers around you whose safety you are concerned for – it’s an adrenaline flow.” The engineers were grateful to have been able to help their fellow citizens in need that day. “The little girl thanked me over and over for saving her and her Mama,” said Kennington. “That’s what this is all about.” Perez said he was just thankful to have been asked to help and that he was proud of his soldiers. “They showed me the reason why they put on the uniform that night,” said Perez. “Their bravery and dedication was amazing.” - DISPATCH
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Texas Floods
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Texas Floods
Texas Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawks on stanby for swift water rescues. (Texas National Guard photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Eric Wilson)
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Texas Military Forces
The Ultimate Sacrifice Texas guardsmen pay tribute to soldier killed saving drowning son
“
For many of us, he was more than a mentor. He was more like a brother...
Story by Capt. Maria Mengrone, 176th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs
M
ATAGORDA, TEXAS - A Memorial Day celebration turned tragic for a Texas Army National Guard family at Matagorda Beach, May 25, 2015. Van Vleck resident, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph T. Ros’ son was pulled under water by a strong current. Ros immediately went in to the water to pull his son out, and was able to get his son to safety, but was then pulled under by the same current,
losing his life. News of his passing quickly spread and invoked a wave of grief and disbelief among guardsmen who served alongside Ros, known to most as simply “Joe,” throughout Ros’ more than 20 years of military service. “All his former soldiers were saying ‘not sergeant Ros, it can’t be him’,” said long-time friend of Ros, Texas
”
Army National Guard Warrant Officer Joey Rodriguez, 237th Engineer Co., 386th Engineer Battalion, 176th Engineer Brigade. “For many of us, he was more than a mentor. He was more like a brother to me. He pushed me to do better for myself - he is the main reason I became a warrant officer.” Ros entered service on April 17, 1989 as a combat engineer and served in various engineer units across Texas. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in late 2004 to 2005. In his first year of service Ros met retired Sgt. Guadalupe Martinez Jr. of Brenham, Texas. “We met in 1990 and ever since we have remained close friends,” said Martinez. “I remember sitting in the middle of Iraq and Joe asked me, ‘Why are you here in Iraq? Before I could answer, Joe said he was here because it was historical and it was something he wanted to be able to share with his children when they asked about this war.” “We shared a common goal,” said Martinez. “To serve our country.” According to many of the guardsmen who served alongside him, being in the National Guard, for Ros, was about service – to his country and to his fellow Texans.
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Texas Military Forces Just days before he passed, Ros was helping the Guard coordinate the engineer response to severe flooding across the state.
lasting impact of losing an important non-commissioned officer like Ros, particularly within the engineer community.
“I had just spoken to him a few days prior because he had volunteered for state active duty to assist in the flood missions,” said Staff Sgt. Nelson M. Zepeda, construction operations sergeant, 272nd Engineer Co. “That’s just the way he was, always wanted to help people.”
“I count him as one of my friends; I’ve known him for 20 years. He was an outstanding individual both personally and professionally,“ said Maj. Mikel T. Sledge, battalion executive officer, 386th Engineer Bn. “It will be a substantial loss to the unit, his friends and his family.”
His love and dedication to his country and his state was big, but his devotion to his family was even bigger.
Leaders and peers saw him as both a friend and a good soldier.
“He loved his wife, three boys and little girl so much; nothing was going to come between his love for them,” said Zepeda. “I’m going to miss his calls and texts so much.” Senior leaders also recognize the
“When I first met Joe I knew I had a high-speed soldier. I told him my expectations and showed him the rules and regulations; he took off and excelled,” said retired Sgt. 1st Class McCord, former section sergeant to Ros. “He was a good man, a good person.”
Ros, a traditional guardsman, also worked in education. He started out as a special education teacher in the Bay City school district. After several years in Bay City, he moved to the Van Vleck school district to work as a high school assistant principal and then the middle school principal. Following his tenure as principal, Ros continued his service to the school district, and the children in Van Vleck, as Director of Maintenance and Transportation. Van Vleck ISD scheduled an early release day for faculty, staff and students so that they could have an opportunity to attend funeral services for Ros. “I’m going to miss him greatly,” said McCord. “I’m praying for his family, he loved them dearly. Joe Ros is irreplaceable, one of a kind. He is now an angel in heaven.” - 176th En Bde PAO
Courtesy photos
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Texas Military Forces
Reliving Members of the TXMF Museum’s Living History Detachment reenact Vietnam Battle
Vietnam Story and photos by Texas Military Forces Museum Staff
T
EMPLE, TEXAS - The Texas Military Forces Museum’s Living History Detachment deployed 21 of its members to Temple to take part in the annual Central Texas Air Show, May 2-3, 2015. Although the museum’s reenactors usually focus on the history of Texas Volunteer Regiments in the Civil War or the 36th Infantry Division in World War II, every year at the air show they turn their focus to the war in Vietnam. For the Detachment, this was an opportunity to honor the men and women who served in Vietnam. “We want to give ourselves and the public the chance to say thank you to all of those who answered their nation’s call and did their duty in
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Southeast Asia fifty years ago,” said Jeff Hunt, director of the Texas Military Forces Museum and commander of its living history detachment. After setting up an authentic Vietnam-era military encampment, the museum’s volunteers helped the thousands of people, attending the air show, better understand the service American troops had in Southeast Asia during the 1960s.
Certainly, the sights, sounds and feel of these historic objects bring back a flood of memories.” Some of these memories are good and some are painful.
Displays of weapons, equipment, period magazines, manuals, radios and even tape recorders are big attractions. Among the most popular items on exhibit are the M60 Machine Gun and M79 Grenade Launcher.
“It isn’t uncommon to see a vet tear up as he interacts with us,” Hunt said. “A few become so emotional they can only shake their head and smile at us before they walk away. Many more take the time to tell stories of their time ‘in country’ or combat. As historians, we love hearing those stories. We take what the veterans tell us and incorporate it into what we tell the general public. Those stories make us better and more accurate interpreters of this important piece of our past.”
“Veterans love to see the weaponry they carried during that war,” said Hunt. “You can see the excitement on their faces and the thrill when we let them hold one of the firearms.
John Eli is the resident expert on the Vietnam War for the museum’s living history detachment. He served as an infantryman in the 25th Infantry Division in 1968 – at the height of the
Texas Military Forces
Tet Offensive. Wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart, Eli saw a lot of combat and often acted as a “tunnel rat” for his unit. A part of the museum’s living history team for more than 5 years, Mr. Eli shared his personal history – including photos and mementos he brought home from his service – with those who stop by the museum’s living history encampment. Very often he finds himself speaking to a fellow Vietnam veteran. “You can certainly see the bond all the men who served in Vietnam have,” said Hunt. “It doesn’t matter if they weren’t in the same unit or even if they weren’t in the country at the same time, they are brothers.” Having an authentic Vietnam veteran in their ranks is a special thing for the museum’s volunteers.
“John is a great guy and a great historian,” said Hunt. “We are so incredibly lucky and honored to have him as part of our unit. He has taught all of us more about the war than we could learn from reading 1,000 books.” The most popular event of the detachment’s events at the air show was the Vietnam War-era air assault reenactment. Wearing the correct uniforms and equipment from the era and carrying actual weapons modified to fire blanks, the volunteers boarded a Huey helicopter and flew into “battle.” The scenario is the rescue of a downed helicopter crew being pursued by a group of Viet Cong guerrillas. With air show caliber pyrotechnics going off in the background, a Cobra gunship and an observation aircraft
zooming overhead, the reenactors raced out of the helicopter as it touched the ground. A second “lift” brought in reinforcements as the rival forces exchanged fire. At the end of the scenario a “wounded” crewman is carried on a stretcher to the Huey as it lands to conduct a medical aerial evacuation. The action only lasted for a handful of minutes. It is all very dramatic, but the reenactors know that it is a mere shadow of the real thing. “There are no real bullets zipping through the air, little real danger,” said Hunt. “We know that we are all coming out of the scenario in one piece and that at the end of the weekend we are going home to the comforts of our daily lives and families. That is certainly something the real combat veterans could not say or even count on.”
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Texas Military Forces
That reality didn’t make the demonstration any less interesting or educational for the public. But reflecting on how truly dangerous what they just reenacted was in real life gives the museum’s living historians a deeper understanding and affinity for the men who did it on the actual battlegrounds fifty years ago. “It truly dives home the risks they faced,” said Hunt. “The courage, skill and professionalism they embodied - it makes it unquestionably certain that all of the men and women who fought in that war are real heroes.” As the nation begins its decade-long observation of the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Texas Military Forces Museum plans on doing more programs focused on that time period. “We want to help our fellow citizens learn the true history – not the my-
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thology – of the Vietnam War,” Hunt said. “We want to help the veterans reflect and perhaps heal some of their lingering, painful, memories. We want them to understand that their war was just one battle in the much bigger Cold War and that what they did helped us win that bigger war. We want to let the veterans of Indo China know that they are our heroes every bit as much as veterans of World War II, Korea or the War on Terror are our heroes.” TXMF Museum
The Texas Military Forces Museum is the official museum of the Texas Army and Air National Guard. The museum’s Living History Detachment routinely puts on programs for visitors highlighting the role of The United States Armed Forces in American history from the War of 1812 through the Vietnam War.
Texas Military Forces
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We want to help our fellow citizens learn the true history – not the mythology – of the Vietnam War.
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Texas Military Forces
TXANG great option for once Air Force Techies
Story by 2nd Lt. Phil Fountain 149th Fighter Wing Public Affairs OINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – LACKLAND, TEXAS - The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to “fly, fight and win … in air, space and cyberspace.” The latter mission-set – cyberspace – is critical and growing within the Air Force, and is drawing significant interest from those seeking to join the Texas Air National Guard. The San Antonio-based 273rd Information Operations Squadron, a Texas ANG unit, has become an assignment of choice for many cyber operators. Each year, cyberspace warriors are reportedly departing the active-duty Air Force in droves, often for the draw of entering a potentially lucrative, high-demand workforce pool. As a result, many are attracted to the Lone Star State, which has a thriving high-tech sector within its economy. Last year, Texas was the fastest-growing state for tech jobs, according to Susan Adams of Forbes. “Texas added 8,100 tech jobs in the past year to employ 143,300 tech workers, nearly a 6% jump, securing the No. 1 spot,” she wrote. While this economic reality may challenge a cyber unit’s retention efforts, some cyberspace airmen departing active duty for civilian careers have been quickly attracted to the Texas ANG in order to stay in the Air Force fold. The demand is high for these cyber positions, and many potential recruits have to wait months and even years to get into the Air Guard squadron.
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“After leaving active duty, I went to work for a large oiland-gas equipment and technology company developing control system software for oil rigs,” said Capt. Jerry Reiner of Cedar Park, Texas, a traditional (part-time) cyber officer assigned to the squadron. “Despite the commercial success, I missed the intangibles of being part of the Air Force community,” Reiner said. “Namely, the esprit de corps, the camaraderie, and, probably, most importantly, the sense of being part of something larger than yourself, and making a real difference.” The 273rd IOS has a federal cyber mission “to test and evaluate Air Force cyberspace weapon systems and develop relevant, validated tactics for cyberspace war fighters as certified operators.” While the squadron is a subordinate unit of the 149th Fighter Wing, an F-16 training unit headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas, it is also part of the 24th Air Force Total Force Integration Strategy for Cyber Mission Forces and is associated with the 688th Cyberspace Wing, also headquartered at Lackland. In 2010, the 273rd IOS formally became the Air National Guard’s first information operations classic associate unit, wrote then-Capt. Carrie L. Kessler, in a previous report. The designation indicates a U.S. Air Force unit retains overall responsibility for a particular weapon system, but the ANG unit has operational control of the mission and personnel.
“We have phenomenal collaboration with the active duty,” said Maj. Kristy Leasman, who is commanding the squadron. “We are committed to work with them, (and) are functionally and culturally integrated with them.” While there is great interest, it is not always easy for airmen to transition into or to join the 273rd IOS. Leasman said the typical wait time to join the squadron is one year – for officers, the selection and accession timeline could be another year. Reiner’s effort to join the unit was no picnic. “The journey from civilian to guardsman was long, stressful and very trying,” Reiner said, “but I had such a positive impression of the folks and the mission that I was determined to make the transition.” Reiner’s persistence to get into the squadron ultimately paid off, but the wait is not uncommon for cyber operators attempting the join the Texas Air National Guard. The unit is bursting at the figurative seams. With overages and excess positioning, the 273rd IOS is consistently at the peak of its personnel capacity. The squadron is hovering at 113 percent of its authorized
personnel strength, said Master Sgt. Michelle T. Echavarria, the recruiting and retention superintendent for the Texas ANG, in Austin. With new student-airmen currently in the training pipeline, the squadron is expected to be around 130 percent by the end of the year. “Nearly three years ago, the unit was at 90.4 percent,” she said. “It was initially rather difficult to bring in non-prior service members because of the security clearance delays and tech school delays. Now that the unit has established guidelines on this, we were able to bring in more members and explore the [recruiting and retention] initiatives, which allow them to go ‘plus-four’ in their manning per AFSC. This is the reason their manning looks the way it looks now.” “The leadership at the 273rd IOS has worked very close with recruiting and retention to ensure we are able to keep the unit at the strength it needs to be to accomplish their mission,” Echavarria said. Once in the unit, members not only support local initiatives, they may positively impact the nation’s strategic, global relationships. As an Air Force and Air National Guard collaboration,
Courtesy photo
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Courtesy photo
the cyberspace mission is able to blend a myriad of national objectives, from Department of Defense and Air Force missions to Department of State and National Guard Bureau efforts through the State Partnership Program. In addition to supporting Air Force missions, 273rd IOS members have embedded into joint-service teams to discuss cyber challenges with foreign allies as a part of the SPP. Since the early 1990s, the SPP has paired state National Guards with allied nations around the world. There are currently more than 70 countries involved in the program. Texas is paired with Czech Republic, in Eastern Europe, and Chile, in South America. SPP is guided by the Department of State and is implemented by each participating state’s adjutant general through NGB. The program provides the National Guard, and the Pentagon, with the opportunity for mutually beneficial military-to-military exchanges. This past March, Master Sgt. Becky Lovett, a member of the 273rd IOS, participated in a cyber security exchange, in Prague, with members of the armed forces of the Czech Republic.
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“I believe this mission was a success because we had an opportunity to compare common cyber practices and identify areas of concern,” Lovett said in a previous report. “The leadership of the Czech Republic CIS was very enthusiastic about us being present and our willingness to share ideas.” Leasman said Lovett was hand-picked to represent the Texas ANG during the joint-service, SPP exchange, which included members of the Army National Guard from Texas and Nebraska. In additional to bringing a senior noncommissioned officer perspective, Lovett’s advanced training and skill-set brought value to the discussions, Leasman said. Lovett’s training includes: cyber security awareness, training, inspections, and education; vulnerability management, patching, and assessing tools; incident handling; boundary defense; as well as identification and authentication. Supporting these unique and growing missions may be a draw to the ANG unit, and these missions are anticipated to continue. “We have been invited back, and planning has begun, for future collaboration,” Lovett said.
Texas Military Forces While personnel limitations often prevent qualified airmen from transferring into the squadron, many still join the Texas ANG and serve in different capacities. “Currently, the [273rd IOS] has reached its max capacity, so it’s been a bit tough to get members into the unit,” Echavarria said. “Those members either explore other options go to another unit in the state or get put on a qualified and waiting list so the recruiter can continue to follow up with the unit on availability of positions.” These potentially qualified cyberspace airmen provide a cushion and a springboard for the Texas squadron to maneuver through adjustments in future missions provided by the Air Force. Additionally, if called upon, the 273rd IOS is well positioned to absorb a greater role in this area. “Texas – San Antonio in particular – is one of the largest centers of military and civilian cyber activity,” said Maj. Gen. Kenneth W. Wisian, the Texas’ deputy adjutant general for air and commander of the Texas Air National Guard. “The National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, are the best way for the country to hold on to the valuable experience and training that
our airmen get on active duty.” In addition to the tech economy, last year, U.S. News & World Report ranked two Texas-based graduate programs in computer science among the top-25 in the nation – the University of Texas at Austin’s program (No. 9), in the state’s capital city, and Rice University’s program (No. 20 – tied), in Houston. “We have an incredible, civilian pool to draw from,” Wisian said, “and San Antonio is the center of gravity.” - 149th FW PAO
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The National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, are the best way for the country to hold on to the valuable experience and training that our airmen get on active duty.
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REAL Guidance
REAL Guidance Courtney J. Lynch, PhD, LCSW and Tracy K. Ward, M.Ed, LPC
B
oth of us experienced a transition when we left our previous jobs to work for the National Guard. We both came from highly stressed and structured client-based facilities and were looking forward to this opportunity for change. In our prior jobs both of us saw up to 40 clients each week. After 5 years of working this type of schedule our nervous systems had become very used to high stress, high energy and a fast pace. It was quite a transition to come into an environment that had a lot of freedom for us to develop and create our jobs. We found ourselves immersed in a new culture, new surroundings, new colleagues, new procedures and a new pace. At first there were feelings of anxiety that somehow appointments were being missed, even though we had no clients yet. There were also feelings for Tracy that she was too old to be changing jobs. Courtney experienced feelings of doubt about making the right decision. There was sadness, guilt and a feeling of loss over leaving former clients. Emotions during a transition are normal. Expect to have them, and expect them to fluctuate throughout the transition. In time, our nervous systems adapted, as will yours.
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REAL Guidance
Here are some reminders and strategies for navigating any transition ‘This too shall pass’:
Build a support system:
This wise saying reminds us that all transitions are temEveryone needs support and guidance in their lives. This porary, even when particular circumstances or events is especially true during times of transition or change. feel as if they will last forever. For example, when you No one is an island and take care to avoid thinking begin a new job, there is surely a period of time that that you must do everything alone. Surround yourself you feel overwhelmed by all of the by people who will give you good Life is full of transitions things you must learn and figure advice, who will tell you truth, who out. You may even feel a level of inwill be there when things are tough for everyone, but no competency in the newness of your and who will sincerely care. Good one transitions better role. However, remember that this support teams may include family than a service member. too is temporary. It will pass, and in members, battle buddies, friends Some of life’s transitions time you will learn and adapt. (not mischievous ones), clergy, counselors or anyone who you deeply include a birth in the Set realistic expectations: trust. There will be times when you family, a death in the Many of us tend to set expectations call on your team for their support family, a marriage, a for ourselves that are too high. This and there will be times that you are divorce, a move, an may be particularly true for service called upon to be a support for othmembers, who are trained to set ers. This is what gives us strength. illness, a change of high standards and achieve goals jobs, a deployment, a Be patient and take care of and missions according to predegraduation, just to list yourself: termined timelines. In our personal a few. Transitions are a Patience is a skill that you gain lives however, we know that things through practice, over and over. don’t always go according to plan. time of change and with Unfortunately, you learn patience So, setting expectations realistically change comes stress. when you are facing tough tranmay help to reduce additional stress However, change and sitions, obstacles and challenging during a transition. Try not to have transition often provide us people and situations (not when a particular time in mind by which you are lying on a beautiful beach). you must adjust. Adjustment to a a valuable opportunity to Fortunately, patience can grow and change or transition is individual, learn and grow. a strengthen like a muscle. The more meaning that no two people transiyou practice patience, the more tion alike. Take, for example, a serpatient you become. vice member who returns home from a lengthy deployment and expects for home life to return to ‘normal’ in And last but not least... Relax, life is a transition. Learn 30 days or less. Having a set expectation of this type can from them, grow from them and if possible, ENJOY increase the stress and frustration levels, not just for the them. - REAL Guidance service member but also for family members. Lowering your expectations and taking some time to observe and appreciate any new adjustments and routines will help to ease your transition and theirs. By doing this, you and *(http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transition) your family can begin to establish a ‘new normal’.
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10 TIPS FOR COMPANY COMMANDERS & FIRST SERGEANTS
UNIT RETENTION PROGRAM 1. MONTHLY EXTENSION CEREMONIES: Recognize and honor reenlisting Soldiers at least once every month as a scheduled event during drill weekend.
6. EXTENSION INCENTIVES. Promote and encourage 2 and 6 year extension incentives (bonuses) as well as recognition items such as Extend to Defend kits.
2. UNIT RETENTION NCOs. Formally appoint a member of your unit as the URNCO to facilitate your unit retention program IAW NGR 601-1. Send to the 2 day URNCO course at Camp Mabry, REC RET CMD HQs.
7. CLIMATE SURVEYS: Use initially and annually to determine the needs of Soldiers, leadership perceptions, training and other concerns. Address retention issues.
3. RETENTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Your URNCO, Readiness NCO and Recruiter must use RMS to identify eligible Soldiers, track retention and responsibilities. 4. UTILIZATION OF DA Form 4836: Provides obligation requirements; and must be processed through RMS to ensure the extension is correctly documented. 5. RETENTION INTERVIEWS: Utilize URNCOs, Recruiters and Brigade Strength Managers as Retention subject-matter experts to assist unit leadership in interviews.
8. RETENTION IS 1SG & CDR BUSINESS: 1SGs and CDRs are the driving force behind a successful unit retention program, it is a required CDR’s program. 9: SPONSORSHIP: Promote a smooth transition into the unit and make the Soldier’s first impression a positive one. 10: ALTERNATIVES TO SEPARATION: Work to retain Soldier through other means such as MOS re-class, geographic reassignment, schools, change of duties.
RECRUITING & RETENTION / BRIGADE STRENGTH MANAGEMENT POCs: BRIGADE BSM SGM 72nd IBCT 56th IBCT 36th CAB 71st BFSB 176th EN DOMOPS (JTF-71/136 MEB) 36th SUS TRP CMD/JFHQ/R&R/36 ID
NAME SGM Ricardo De Souza SSG Jimmy Smith SFC Francisco Torres SFC John Castilleja SSG Bryan Calhoun SFC Robin Rivera SFC James Banks SFC Chaz Patterson SFC Carl Moore
PHONE/E-MAIL (512) 914-4889 • ricardo.r.desouza.mil@mail.mil (936) 208-3438 • jimmy.r.smith.mil@mail.mil (512) 538-4841 • francisco.torres.mil@mail.mil (512) 923-6220 • john.h.castilleja.mil@mail.mil (210) 787-9127 • bryan.l.calhoun.mil@mail.mil (512) 565-8849 • robin.h.rivera.mil@mail.mil (512) 925-9109 • james.e.banks26.mil@mail.mil (254) 424-1039 • chaz.r.patterson.mil@mail.mil (512) 964-1361 • carl.moore22.mil@mail.mil
R&R CMD LEADERSHIP Commander Executive Officer Command Sergeant Major
NAME MAJ August T. Murray MAJ Jim Carney CSM Kristopher Dyer
PHONE/E-MAIL (512) 782-1383 • august.t.murray.mil@mail.mil (512) 782-5404 • james.p.carney.mil@mail.mil (512) 782-5163 • kristopher.l.dyer.mil@mail.mil
RETENTION INCENTIVES Eligible Soldiers who extend their service with the Texas Army National Guard will receive outstanding retention incentives:
• $4,000 FOR TWO-YEAR EXTENSION • $12,000 FOR SIX-YEAR EXTENSION Must re-enlist/extend for 2 or 6 years. Must be E-7 or below on contract start date not to exceed 13 years time in service at current ETS date.
EXTEND 2 DEFEND
RETENTION RECOGNITION KITS
Soldiers who meet the following criteria will receive EXTEND 2 DEFEND items: • Current APFT and PHA • Extend within 365-1 day of ETS • E-7 or below with less than 13 years in service • Must be primary slot holder
First 500 TXARNG Soldiers who extend their enlistment will receive: • COYOTE BROWN OPERATOR’S BACKPACK • BLACK MULTI-COMPARTMENT GYM BAG • CAC-CARD READER • BLACK FLEECE SLEEPER SET • E2D SWEATSHIRT AND HAT
* While supplies last. Units must request backpacks through their Brigade Strength Manager.
STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM • Up to $50,000 • Must re-enlist for 6 years • Re-enlistment applicants must have less than 13 years time in service • Re-enlist/extend must be within 365-1 days of current ETS date
• Must be DMOS qualified • Loans must be disbursed prior to reenlist/extension date • All eligible loans must be verified on NSLDS printout
As of 27 MAY 2015. Check with your Unit Retention NCO or BSM for latest incentives.
A Texas National Guardsman ties down a UH-60 Black Hawk after hours of operation helping rescue efforts during the Texas flooding in May, 2015 . (Texas National Guard photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Eric Wilson)