The Hornet - January 2018

Guard to Beach Ride

Air Guard in U.S. Virgin Islands

Recovery Efforts in Puerto Rico

Guardsman Receives a Kidney North Carolina National Guard Quarterly Issue

January 2018 www.nc.ng.mil

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Director of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Matthew DeVivo matthew.r.devivo.mil@mail.mil

Inside this Issue:

Media Relations Capt. Matthew Boyle matthew.i.boyle.mil@mail.mil

Community Relations Maj. Michael Wilber michael.j.wilber2.mil@mail.mil

Visual Information Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens brendan.p.stephens.mil@mail.mil

145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Tech. Sgt. Nathan Clark nathan.t.clark.mil@mail.mil

Writers/Photographers Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan robert.b.jordan2.mil@mail.mil Staff Sgt. Mary Junell mary.e.junell.mil@mail.mil Sgt. Jamar Pugh Jamar.m.Pugh.mil@mail.mil

Graphic Illustrator Sgt. Lisa Vines lisa.w.vines.mil@mail.mil

Social Media Sgt. Odaliska Almonte ncngpao@gmail.com The Hornet magazine is an authorized publication for members of the North Carolina National Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the NCNG, United States Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the NCNG. General comments and suggestions should be addressed to Mary.E.Junell.mil@mail.mil or call 984-664-6590.

Layout and design 1 by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

On The Cover:

NC Guardsmen, first responders, veterans and civilians came together for the Guard 2 Beach charity bicycle ride Oct. 6-7, 2017, raising money for the North Carolina National Guard Association Education Fund and completing the 150 mile journey from Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C. to Wilmington, N.C. Cyclists rode in groups based on ability and completed about 75 miles each day, staying overnight at the NCNG Armory in Roseboro, N.C.(Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell)

Back to School, Pg. 15

Soldiers visit Athen’s Drive High School to talk about their service and career opportunities in the Guard during the school’s military appreciation week.

Meet the new SRAAG, Pg. 19 Col. Chuck Freeman takes over as the Senior Army Advisor to the North Carolina National Guard (SRAAG) and helps units maintain readiness.

One Soldier’s Perfect Match Pg. 23

Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston receives a living kidney donation from his wife whom he met in Advanced Individual Training more than 15 years ago.

Maj. Gen. Austin Retires, Pg. 25

After 39 years of service, Maj. Gen. Beth Austin, who came up through the ranks in the NCNG, bid farewell to colleges at a ceremony held in Raleigh.

Also in This Issue: News From The Nest, Pg. 3 The N.C. State Fair, Pg. 5 Recovery in Puerto Rico, Pg. 7 Last C-130 Flight, Pg. 9 Air Guard Training Facility, Pg. 11 Armory Renaming, Pg. 13 Aid to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Pg. 17 Bike 2 Beach Ride, Pg. 21 Bothers in Arms, Pg. 28

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News From Around the Nest

Staff Sgt. Cory Hinkle was honored Dec. 18, ldier 2017 with the NCNG So ions act his for l da Me and Airman of a cue when rushing to the res olved inv s wa o woman wh in a head on collision.

d welcomed their 60th Troop Comman leader, Command newest senior enlisted during a ton Sta Sgt. Maj. Diana ty ceremony bili nsi po res of e chang ers in qu at Joint Force Head art 17.

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David  NCNG Soldier rank of e th ed rn ea Lanning remony ce a Sergeant Major at quarters ad He e rc held at Joint Fo Carolina, Nov. 3, in Raleigh, North e listed in the Activ 2017. Lanning en NG in NC e th d ne joi Army in 1991 then erseas ran of several ov 1995. He is a vete yments. plo de ty du te active missions and sta

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 U.S. Air Force Col. (left), Michael “Troy” Gerock Airlift 5th 14 the for er nd comma ief Ch to Wing passes a sword ing om inc tz, Die Master Sgt. Susan rt of pa as g, win the for ef command chi an g rin du ft e shi tradition signifying a rol a ld he y on em cer Assumption of Authority Bas ard Gu al tion Na Air the North Carolina Master Sgt. Dietz Charlotte, Oct. 14. Chief first female

Brig. Gen. John Byrd retired from the North National Guard after ina rol Ca ring his 36 years of service, du nt Force Joi at y on em cer retirement r be 14, 2017.

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from the North 105 Cadets Graduated ’s Tarheel Carolina National Guard ring a du y Challenge Academ son mp Sa the at ceremony on siti xpo ri-E Ag ty un Co Center in Clinton, North

 The NCNG honored n 26-year military vetera eeler Master Sgt. Robert P. Wh ld he y on em cer at a retirement in ers art qu ad He rce at Joint Fo , Oct. 19, 2017.

Raleigh, North Carolina and served ce He deployed to Iraq twi r, senior de lea ed list stateside as an en resented the rep d an cer offi ed ion noncommiss petitions at the com n ho NCNG in multiple marat national level.

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Raleigh, N.C. The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) helped support Military Appreciation Day at the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, N.C. on October 18, 2017.

NCNG Soldiers drove and rode in several military vehicles including The North Carolina Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk and N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler riding in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

The North Carolina Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, spoke at the opening ceremony after the parade and was followed by a performance by the NCNG’s 440th Army Band.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell)

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Salinas, Puerto Rico U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 156th Airlift Squadron fly in formation before doing a heavy equipment drop over the Palestine drop zone, Stanley County Airport, New London, N.C., Aug. 5, 2017.

The mission is part of a MAX flight, a mission where the entire operational fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft and pallets assigned to the 145th Airlift Wing (AW) are utilized in a single event. This MAX flight is special in that it culminates the C-130 Hercules aircraft over 30 year assignment to North Carolina Air National Guard Base as the 145th AW transitions to the C-17 Globemaster II. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter) 7

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Charlotte, N.C. Leaders of the N.C. National Guard and Airmen gathered at the N.C. Air National Guard Base in Charlotte, N.C., to watch as the last C-130 Hercules leaves for its new home in Savannah, Georgia on 18 December, 2017.

The last C-130 to leave the N.C. Air National Guard Base marks the end era and the beginning of a new one.

After 46 years of the 145th Airlift Wing flying the C-130 Hercules the Wing will be transitioning to the C-17.

Over the next few months the 145th Airlift Wing will undergo significant overhauls in preparation for the arrival of the first C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during the first weekend in April. The C-17s heavy-lift capability will greatly increase North Carolina’s ability to serve its citizens and those in surrounding states during disasterresponse operations, while increasing our capabilities abroad.

The C-130 will leave behind a legacy that Airmen both past and present will remember for generations to come. (Photo by Sgt. Odaliska Almonte)

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Proposed Fire Training Facility Kindles Community Relationships for the NCANG Story by Tech. Sgt. Nathan Clark The N.C. Air National Guard has partnered with the Office of State Fire Marshal to build the N.C. Emergency Training Center, a facility at the Stanly County Airport that would provide specialized training for emergency responders statewide while sparking economic growth to the region.

For many years, the firefighters of the N.C. Air National Guard utilized the school and facility at Good Fellow Air Force Base in Texas.

The new training center in Stanly County will reduce the need for Airmen to travel out of state, while providing a center for local non-military first responders to utilize as well.

“It's really a critical area and when you look at it from the training perspective there's nothing that we do that's more important than being trained and ready for virtually any type of event,” said Chief Master Sgt. Daryl Cook, Fire Emergency Services Chief for the 145th Airlift Wing.

The proposed facility will offer specialized classes in natural disaster response, structural collapse, interior firefighting, exterior firefighting, and urban search and rescue, making it only the second of its kind in the nation.

“We want to be a one-stop shop for virtually any type of emergency response training that our first responders could be faced with,” said Cook. “Right now, we don't have a State Fire Academy here in North Carolina so there are several thousand firefighters that don't have a good location to get both basic and advanced courses in the fire department disciplines.”

By partnering with the 145th Airlift Wing the Office of State Fire Marshal is able to build the center with no upfront costs, and complete it using a combination of Federal and State Funding.

Once finished the estimated cost to house and train emergency responders will be a mere $30 a day, making it a viable option for emergency units that would otherwise lack the funds for advanced training.

For Chief Cook the important take away is that none of this could have worked without teamwork, “We [the N.C. Air National Guard] couldn't do it alone. The Office of State Fire Marshal understood they couldn't do it alone, and I think this is going to set an outstanding precedent across the guard for what can and will happen when you put a partnership like this together.”

North Carolina Emergency Responders train in rescue operations. The North Carolina Emergency Training Center will provide a new location that will save the state money while allowing more responders to attend.

Photo courtesy of the NCANG.

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Col. Michael Gerock announces the Air National Guard partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal in the construction of a new Emergency Training Center while in Raleigh North Carolina, Dec 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of the NCANG.

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NC Guard Dedicates Readiness Center in Honor of Fallen Soldier

Story and Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan

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he North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) welcomed friends, family and fellow Soldiers of the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) to the DeForest Talbert Readiness Center renaming ceremony held at the center in Sanford, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2017.

The center renaming honors Army Sgt. DeForest Talbert, a W.V. Guard Soldier who was killed in action in Iraq, July 2004, while deployed with the NCNG’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 150th Armor Regiment, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.

“We have an obligation to remember and this will remind the next generation of Soldiers of his ultimate sacrifice,” said the Adjutant General of North Carolina, Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk.

Lusk, the NCNG senior officer, invited the Talbert family and several WVNG leaders including Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, the West Virginia Adjutant General, to unveil the unit’s sign in front of the center’s flagpole at the conclusion of the ceremony.

“I lost a brother but I gained a family,” said Tawanna T. Darring, Talbert’s sister,

NCNG Soldiers and the Family of Sgt. DeForest Talbert unveil a new sign for the Sanford Readiness Center, renaming it honor of Talbert, Oct. 20, 2017.

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Tawanna T. Darring addresses the crowed during a ceremony to dedicate the Sanford Readiness Center in honor of her brother, DeForest Talbert, Oct. 20, 2017.

thanking all who came to the ceremony.

Hoyer praised Talbert ‘s commitment saying, “he loved his family and community and made it a better place.”

The center is home to NCNG’s D Troop, 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment, 30th

Armored Brigade Combat Team.

The brigade, which includes both North Carolina and West Virginia guardsmen, is headquartered in Clinton, North Carolina.

It also has units in Fayetteville and Southern Pines, North Carolina.

NCNG Renames Southern Pines Readiness Center for Fallen Soldier Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

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oldiers, Family and members of the North Carolina National Guard Command Team came together Nov. 8, 2017 to dedicate NC National Guard’s Southern Pines Readiness Center as the Staff Sgt. Michael Voss Readiness Center.

The dedication honored Staff Sgt. Michael Voss, who served with 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment during the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s 2004 deployment to Iraq.

Voss, 35, died October 8, 2004, near Tikrit, Iraq, when his convoy vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device that detonated while it passed through an Iraqi National Guard check point.

“Today we say thank you to Staff Sgt. Voss’ family for their sacrifice,” said 1st Sgt. James Holler, the Soldier Support Services Non Commissioned Officer In Charge. “We honor him by dedicating this building to serve as a lasting symbol. His memory will be carried on throughout the generations of Soldiers who train here to support our state in times of disaster, and to fight overseas for the freedoms Staff Sgt. Voss paid the ultimate price to protect.”

Voss’ mother, Christine Passero, spoke to the group gathered to honor her son, showing off a heart he made for her out of melted plastic army men, painted red and with the word mom written across the front.

Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk hugs the daughter of Staff Sgt. Michael Voss in front of the sign dedicating the Southern Pines Readiness Center in Voss’ honor, Nov. 8, 2017.

“To me, this is so representative of Micheal,” Passero said while holding up the heart her son made her when he was about 8 years old. “It combines the two things that were his purpose in life; family on the outside, but at the heart was being a Soldier.”

Voss was also a dedicated and Professional Non Commissioned Officer.

He received numerous military awards, including the Purple Heart (2 awards), the

Army Achievement Medal (4 awards), the Army Commendation Medal (3 awards), the Army Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Saudi Occupation Medal, the South West Asia Medal with two bronze stars, the Desert Storm Ribbon, the Overseas Ribbon, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge (2 awards), and the Parachutist Badge with Combat Distinguishing Device.

Lauren and Madelyn Voss, the daughters of Staff Sgt. Micheal Voss, hold hand during the ceremony dedicating the NC National Guard’s Southern Pines Readiness Center as the Staff Sgt. Michael Voss Readiness Center, Nov. 8, 2017.

Christine Passero wipes a tear from her eye while speaking to the group gathered to honor her son at the ceremony to dedicate NC National Guard’s Southern Pines Readiness Center as the Staff Sgt. Michael Voss Readiness Center.

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Back To School NC Guardsmen share their careers with ADHS students

Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Soldiers spoke to students about their military careers and experiences at Athens Drive High School (ADHS) in Raleigh, North Carolina, Oct. 25, 2017.

The visit was part of a weeklong military program put on by the school, inviting different branches and components of the military to talk to the students about the career opportunities available in the uniformed services.

Melonie Carlton, the school’s career development coordinator,

began the program to introduce students to the potential career opportunities available to them within the military.

“This week is military appreciation week,” Carlton said. “It stemmed from the question of how can we get the military into the classrooms, based on curriculum based areas and job selections.”

The NCNG had several Soldiers talk to the students based on their curriculum; a Judge Advocate General Corps officer spoke to the Law and Justice class, a public

Capt. Krista Bordatto, speaks to a class of Law and Justice honor students at Athens Drive High School, Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017.

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affairs specialist spoke to the Digital Media class, an aviation maintenance mechanic spoke with a Physics class and a member of the 440th Army Band spoke with numerous band classes.

The group of Soldiers also included a medical officer, a welding and machine specialist, and Pfc. Nick Muthama, a carpentry and masonry specialist, who was very familiar with the school.

“I graduated from ADHS on June 10, 2017,” Muthama said. “Being able to come back

and talk to the students about an opportunity they can get for themselves is great. I never thought I would be the one to come back and tell them about it.”

Some of Muthama’s friends are still attending high school.

They congratulated him for his accomplishments so far in his career.

A couple of his friends mentioned joining the service because he did.

“It’s a good feeling, the role model feeling, but it’s a lot of responsibility,” Muthama said.

Staff Sgt. Bilal Kordab, talks with a class of physics honor students at Athens Drive High School, Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017.

“I’ve got to do the right thing, I’ve got a lot of people looking up to me already.”

Carlton hoped that having the Soldiers in the school would help start conversations about the military and break down the stereotypes.

“Knowledge is power,” she said. “The more you know the more you can come up with your own conclusions about the military. For the students, the first thing most of them think about the military is combat, but most kids don’t realize that there’s actually other career options.”

For Carlton, this was one more way to connect students with career opportunities, and for the North Carolina National Guard Soldiers involved, it was a chance to share their experiences with a younger generation.

Sgt. 1st Class Craig Norton, with the 382nd Public Affairs Detachment, talks about his military career with students at Athens Drive High School, Raleigh, N. C., Oct. 25, 2017.

Spc. Brandon Avila, a trumpet player with the 440th Army Band, performs with a class of band students at Athens Drive High School, Raleigh, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017.

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NC Air Guard aids recovery efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands Story by Tech. Sgt. Nathan Clark

When it comes to a Hurricane, the disaster continues long after the wind has settled, this is why the Logistics Readiness Squadron of the North Carolina Air National Guard recently sent fifteen Airmen to the U.S. Virgin Islands, a region devastated back in September by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“The biggest thing was that we were there to aid and help and support the island of St. Thomas,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Graves III., Air Transportation Superintendent with the Logistics Readiness Squadron. “I definitely think that we did that.”

Leaving with short notice on November 1st, Senior Master Sgt. Graves and his team spent the next three weeks doing what they could to support the relief mission.

“Our team was needed to inspect any cargo getting loaded onto the aircraft, make sure cargo is compatible, and do load planning to make sure the aircraft is in balance. We also did passenger movement so if there are any passengers that need to be processed on or off a government aircraft that’s basically what we do.”

For Tech. Sgt. Will Johnson, a passenger services supervisor with the Logistics Readiness Squadron, this mission was a new kind of experience.

“I didn’t know what to expect going down there, this was the first deployment of this kind for me personally; this is my first hurricane relief deployment. When we got there, there were still a lot of houses that were completely destroyed, the trees were just coming back to life, all the poles were still knocked down, and there were telephone wires and electrical wires laying in the streets.”

Despite dealing with communication and equipment trouble the Logistics Readiness

Members of the 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron Small Air Terminal unload supplies at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, USVI, during their mission to support recovery efforts there.

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Squadron team was able to transport 282 passengers and move 1.1 million pounds of cargo. Additionally, they aided in the movement of more than 77,000 pounds of food donated to the U.S. Virgin Islands by National Basketball Association player Tim Duncan. Food that would later be given to more than 7,000 families just in time for Thanksgiving.

“It was nice to help out fellow Americans and go down and do something I was proud to do. It’s just a humbling experience…I am just really glad I did it,” said Johnson.

Members of the 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron Small Air with the National Basketball Association at the Cyril E. King A

Terminal pose for with Tim Duncan a player Airport, St. Thomas, USVI, Nov 18, 2017.

Members of the 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron Small Air Terminal load pallets of equipment on board a C-17 Globemaster while at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, USVI, Nov 19, 2017.

“The biggest thing was that we were there to aid and help and support the island of St. Thomas. I definitely think that we did that.”

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Graves III, 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron Small Air Terminal, checks clearance on the ramp of a C-17 while loading a container loader at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, USVI, Nov. 17, 2017.

The 145th Logistics Readiness Squadron Small Air Terminal team’s work center on their mission to the U.S Virgin Islands, at the Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas, USVI, Nov 2, 2017.

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Meet the new SRAAG! NCNG’s Senior Army Advisor Helps Maintain Readiness Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

Every two years, the office tucked away near the stairs on the third floor at the North Carolina National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) receives a new occupant.

The current Soldier who fills the office is Col. Chuck Freeman, with 1st Army, and he is the Senior Army Advisor to the North Carolina National Guard (SRAAG).

Every State and Territory has a SRAAG and their mission is to advise and assist NC Army National Guard commanders on organization, operations, training and readiness.

“As units come down on notification for deployment, there’s a myriad of things you have to do to get ready,” said Freeman, who became N.C.’s Senior Army Advisor in June 2017. “I’ll work with JFHQ staff and the unit to answer questions and help if you need advice.”

Freeman said his goal at the end of his two-year stay as the SRAAG is that the N.C. Guard has maintained their readiness in preparations for deployments.

“As a First Army representative, I’m influencing the partnership between NCNG units and First Army Training Support Brigades,” Freeman said. “I can assist that essential, collective training 19

Col. Chuck Freeman, the Senior Army Advisor to the North Carolina National Guard (SRAAG) and a First Army Soldier, talks on the phone in his office at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dec. 18, 2017.

integration.”

Shorty after arriving to N.C. Freeman had the opportunity to work with the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team and it’s commander Col. Robert Bumgarner during the unit’s warfighter exercise at Fort Bragg.

“During the warfighter exercise he came down and spent some time mentoring me and was a counterpart that could look at my plan and give me some feedback,” Bumgardner said. “He was able to help us figure our what we could do better.”

Bumgarner said that having Freeman co-located at the NCNG

Headquarters makes him part of the team.

“It does two things,” Bumgarner said. “It makes sure we are maintaining the standards, which we believe we are, and he helps confirm that we are, and then when there’s an issue that we have with the Army, he’s an excellent link between us and them.”

Freeman also wants Soldiers to know that he is there whenever they need him.

“I’m proud to live and serve in North Carolina,” Freeman said.

“You can call me anytime, I’m always ready.”

Col. Chuck Freeman, the Senior Army Advisor to the North Carolina National Guard (SRAAG) and a First Army Soldier, stands in the hallway near his office at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dec. 18, 2017.

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Guard 2 Beach Bicycle Ride Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

NC Guardsmen, first responders, veterans and civilians came together for the Guard 2 Beach charity bicycle ride Oct. 6-7, 2017, traveling from Raleigh, N.C. to Wilmington, N.C. The two-day long journey covered 150 miles.

The ride raised money for the North Carolina National Guard Association Education Fund and gave everyone involved an opportunity to interact and enjoy time together.

Cyclists rode in groups based on ability and completed about 75 miles each day, staying overnight at the NCNG Armory in Roseboro, N.C.

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One NCNG Soldiers finds his perfect match, both in love and in a kidney Story by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell In 2001, when Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston was fresh out of basic training and attending school to become a human resources specialist, he met another young Soldier named Lauren.

The two knew they were a perfect match, quickly fell in love and were married young.

The Houstons have now been married for over 14 years and have three children together.

“My wife means everything to me,” said Houston, the Logistics Noncommissioned Officer in Charge with the North Carolina National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “She is my best friend, my soul mate, and most importantly my queen. She has given so much of herself to our beautiful family.”

On Oct. 17, 2017, Houston’s wife actually gave part of herself to her husband after finding out that not only does their love

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make them a perfect match, their kidneys match as well.

“What many may not know about Martello is that for many years he has been quietly struggling with Polycystic Kidney Disease,” Lauren said.

Lauren also said the disease caused her husband to suffer from severe pain, constant fatigued and high blood pressure which eventually led to diabetes, but that he has always tried to stay strong for those around him.

“To many this will be a shock,” she said. “If you saw Martello out and about you could never tell what was going on behind closed doors. He did not want to be a burden, but to continue to be someone people could still lean on, so he soldiered on.”

Unfortunately, Houston’s disease continued to progress and his kidney function fell to below five percent meaning he would

need a kidney transplant.

As soon as she heard that her husband would need a transplant, Lauren declared that she would give him her kidney, a decision that she said came easily.

“It wasn’t hard for me at all,” she said. “I just knew I was supposed to give him this kidney. Before I found out I was even a match, I knew I was going to be his living donor.”

The odds of an unrelated person being a match for a kidney transplant is about one in 100,000.

After several tests and evaluations, Lauren found out in the spring of 2017 that she was indeed a perfect match and was able to donate her kidney.

Although his wife did not give the decision a second thought,

Houston was a little worried at first.

“I had mixed feelings,” he said. “I was just as concerned about her health as she was mine and I wanted to make sure it was going to be safe for her both mentally and physically. Through prayer and a couple of doctor visits we were assured that she would be fine.”

With that news, the Houstons began preparing for the surgery and recovery that followed.

They would each need their own 24/7 caregivers to help with the healing process as well as help with their three children ages 8, 10 and 13.

With the surgery over, Lauren, who is no longer in the military but works as a Recruit Sustainment Program Specialist

Lauren Houston and Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston stand together in a photo taken during their Advanced Individual Training Graduation in 2001.

Lauren Houston holds hands with her husband Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston while recovering from kidney transplant surgery at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. on Oct. 18, 2017.

for the North Carolina National Guard, has started back to work calling her recovery “very easy and quick.”

For her husband, recovery will take longer. He is taking several medications to ensure that his body does not reject the kidney and has doctors monitoring him multiple times a week.

“There are a lot of intricate details that are observed and records kept during his recovery” Lauren said. “It is all based on helping accept the kidney as best as possible.”

Before the surgery Houstons' children had began asking their mom, “What’s with daddy?” and “Why is daddy always sick?”

“When the kidney failure set

in, he was in constant pain, his energy level lessened dramatically and who he was, was slowly disappearing,” Lauren said. “He was like a shell of himself.”

Even though Houston still has a long road of recover ahead of him, his wife said that he has already shown great strides in his kidney function and his doctors are steadily taking him off of his medications.

“We needed him back,” Lauren said. “I’m so glad that God made a way for us to have him back. Now it brings joy to me every time I hear my kids say ‘Daddy calm down, you are doing too much.’”

Houston is scheduled to return to work after the new year.

Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston stands in a photo with his wife, Lauren, and three children in December of 2016 in their home in Sanford, N.C.

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Maj. Gen. Beth Austin retires after 39 years Story by Lisa Simunaci Photos by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell

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urrounded by family members, military leaders, lifelong friends and hundreds of colleagues from across the nation, Maj. Gen. Elizabeth Austin closed the chapter on a 39-year Army National Guard career.

Austin, who served as Army Materiel Command’s assistant deputy commanding generalNational Guard, took to the stage of the North Carolina National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters Dec. 1, flanked by her husband and state Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gregory Lusk.

To her husband of 35 years, who is also a retired Army colonel, Austin said it was only fitting that he join her on stage.

“You encouraged me to do more, you sacrificed for me

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Maj. Gen. Elizabeth Austin on stage with her husband Col. (Ret.) Mike Austin, during her retirement ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 1.

and made the transition from Soldier to Army spouse,” she said.

When Austin took on her leadership role at Army Materiel Command, the state’s adjutant general noted North Carolina National Guard, where she began her military career, was never far from her mind.

“On behalf of the North Carolina National Guard and a grateful state, we genuinely thank you for your service,” Lusk told Austin. “We know you will still continue to serve, but on your timeline.”

Maj. Gen. Janson Boyles, adjutant general of the Mississippi National Guard, recognized Austin’s influence went well beyond the state of North Carolina.

“Her fingerprints spread throughout all the states,” he

said. “She has been a mentor to officers in the state of Mississippi and they think the world of her.”

Austin’s career began shortly after high school as she found herself working full-time through alternating college semesters to pay for her education. A professor introduced her to the National Guard, and she enlisted in 1978 as a way to pay for school, with no thoughts of making it a career.

She pursued her commission through Officer Candidate School and graduated as a second lieutenant in 1980.

She served a year as a traditional Guardsman before transitioning to fulltime support staff. She held various command positions throughout her career, deploying in support of Desert

Shield/Desert Storm and was the first female to command a battalion in the 30th Infantry Brigade.

In 2011, Austin became the first North Carolina National Guard female to achieve the rank of brigadier general and remains the state’s highest ranking female officer.

At the Army Materiel Command, Austin connected the National Guard to realworld missions that supported readiness. She also worked as a liaison for the command to the director of the National Guard Bureau.

“One of the missions I’m very proud of is Operation Patriot Bandoleer,” Austin said. During five iterations, National Guard Soldiers from dozens of states transported ammunition from prepositioned stocks from ports in California and North

Maj. Gen. Elizabeth Austin welcomes distinguished guests to her retirement ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 1.

Carolina to depots across the country.

“National Guard units do the planning from onset to end, coordinating across states to move the stocks out,” Austin said. “It provides readiness training for our National Guard and moves the ammunition for Army Materiel Command.”

Austin also helped establish the command’s Reserve Component Mission Support Office that connected Guardsmen and Army Reserve Soldiers with opportunities to participate in active missions, from repairing small arms to performing maintenance on equipment stocks overseas.

Before her most recent role, Austin also served in a dualhat position connecting the Army Materiel Command and Southwest Asia as U.S. Army Central’s logistics chief.

Army Materiel Command’s Commander Gen. Gus Perna said Austin’s impact on the command would be enduring and felt for years to come.

Coming up in what she called a “man’s Army,” Austin said she was grateful to retired Lt. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, who served as a mentor and coach and to others who had looked beyond her gender to provide opportunities because they recognized something in her.

Austin noted the many changes she had seen in the Army over her career, including uniforms and the transition opening combat roles to females.

“I was able to break the ‘brass’ ceiling in the North Carolina National Guard,” she said, noting that now women have more opportunities to stand on the

same footing as men and be a change in the organization.

She also credited the noncommissioned and warrant officers who served with her over the years and influenced her leadership style.

At her retirement ceremony, dozens of civic leaders, current and former colleagues took to the stage to speak of Austin’s impact over the years. They described her as fearless, loyal and supportive.

North Carolina Guardsman Lt. Col. Karen Schlobohm noted Austin had set a great example as someone who did not have to sacrifice her marriage or family for a successful career.

“She has given us an example of being a Soldier, a really great mom and wife, and doing all three things exceptionally well. She has forged a path and set one heck

of a standard.”

Austin’s daughter Julie, an Army major, emceed the packed-house ceremony. As Julie directed her mother where to stand on the stage, Austin joked she was the only Army major who could tell a two-star general what to do.

“I’m so very proud and I stand in awe of you every day,” Austin said to her daughter as she choked back tears. “Your tenacity, drive and undying devotion to your Soldiers ... I’m honored to have you standing on stage with me as a fellow Soldier.”

In her retirement, Austin said she plans to spend time with her husband and family and grandchildren.

“I’ve been away from home often in the last five years,” she said. “I have traveled a lot, but my husband and I would like to do some leisure travel.”

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Brothers in Green, Brothers in Arms, Brothers Bonded Story and Photos by Pvt. 1st Class Jeremiah Richardson.

The bond of family and blood are the strongest tie you can have to another person. As a warrant officer serving over ten years with his older brother, a combat-tested sergeant at his side, their bond is strengthened by camaraderie.

For Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Vazquez, an aviation officer, and Sgt. Carlos Vazquez, a helicopter repairer, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, their upcoming deployment with the 449th

Combat Aviation Brigade in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, will be an experience they will never forget.

“It feels great being on the same deployment to support each other and watch each other’s back,” said Gustavo.

“The Army is our lives, we love the Army and this is what we do.”

Carlos was born in Medellin, Colombia and came to the U.S. when he was 12 years old in 1992. Gustavo was born

Brothers, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Vazquez (left), and Sgt. Carlos Vazquez (right), stand in front of a UH-60 Blackhawk at North Fort Hood on Oct 22, 2017.

U.S. Army Sgt. Carlos Vasquez, a helicopter repairer assigned to the 1st Battalion, 126 Aviation Regiment, inspects a UH-60 Blackhawk rotor on Oct. 22, 2017 as his brother Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gustavo Vasquez supervises.

in Providence, Rhode Island.

Despite their age difference, the brothers eventually joined the same military path. Carlos dove in first joining the Marine Corp and later transferring to the Army, starting the trail for his brother to follow.

“My brother served in the Marines right out of high school,” said Gustavo. “I remember his graduation at Paris Island like it was yesterday.

Later in life when he was in the guard I was presented with the chance to join and haven’t looked back since.”

Carlos said he had a small break in service but was motivated to re-enlist after learning his brother joined to carry on the family military history.

“It was a new challenge and something positive to take on,” said Carlos.

Gustavo joined the Army and has served for ten years and is currently preparing to deploy for the first time with the Aviation Regiment.

With two deployments under Carlos’ belt, they have learned a lot from each other through hands-on experience.

“We flew together to Austin, Texas to drop off an aircraft in preparation for heading overseas,” said Gustavo. “Being a new crew chief my brother was very active in helping me with how to properly do my job from the back seat.”

Carlos recently completed helicopter repairer school, a 16 week course where candidates learn all aspects of the maintenance of aircrafts that support hundreds of missions.

“This will be an equally new experience for the two of us [with this] being my first deployment overall, and his first deployment in an aviation unit,” said Carlos.

With the Vasquez team together, they are excited and humbled to serve.

“I know that we are blessed to be on the same deployment,” they both agreed. “The Army is a part of us.”

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JFHQ-NC Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

JFHQ-NC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) SFC Kristian S. Hall, SARC Cell: 919-410-1960 Office: (984) 664-6909; kristian.s.hall.mil@mail.mil

JFHQ-NC Victim Advocate Coordinator (VAC) SSG K. M. Patterson, VAC Cell: 919-410-2284 Office: (984) 664-6707; kiila.m.patterson2.mil@mail.mil

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM REPORTING PROCESS Victim Reports To: Law Enforcement, Chain of Command or other Military Member

UNRESTRICTED REPORT Local Law Enforcement, Military Policy (MP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or NGB Office of Complex Investigations (OCI) Notified and Investigation Started JFHQ SARC and MSC SARC Notified and victim advocate (VA) assigned; SVC services are offered.

VA provides crisis intervention, nonclinical support, and an explanation of reporting options and available resources Medical Care and Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) VA provides ongoing survivor advocacy and non-clinical support Survivor receives monthly updates on case/investigation, crime victim’s rights and resources and ongoing advocacy

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If You Are the Victim References: DoD Directive 6495.01; DoD Instructions 6495.02; Army Regulation 600-20, Chapter 8; AFI 36-6001; NGNC TAG Policy

Victim Reports To: Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), Victim Advocate (VA), Chaplain, or Healthcare Provider JFHQ SARC and MSC SARC Notified and victim advocate (VA) assigned; SVC services are offered.

VA provides crisis intervention, nonclinical support, and an explanation of reporting options and available resources

UNRESTRICTED REPORT

RESTRICTED REPORT

Local Law Enforcement, Military Policy (MP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) or NGB Office of Complex Investigations (OCI) Notified and Investigation Started

Medical Care and Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)

AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND ADVOCACY Medical ➢Care and treatment ➢Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit Mental Health ➢Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Psychiatrists Spiritual ➢Chaplains Legal ➢Victim Witness Assistance Personnel (Unrestricted Only) ➢Legal Assistance Attorney ➢Special Victim Counsel (SVC) services

JFHQ SARC notifies TAG and MSC CDR with non-identifying information and provides monthly updates during SAPRC meeting.

VA provides ongoing survivor advocacy and non-clinical support At any time, the survivor may switch a Restricted Report to an Unrestricted Report triggering an investigation.