The Hornet - July 2018 by TheHornet

NCANGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newest Aircraft Carrying Airlift Missions into the Future

North Carolina National Guard Quarterly Issue

July 2018 www.nc.ng.mil

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

Inside this Issue:

Media Relations Maj. 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. Joe Roudabush joe.f.roudabush.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 Sgt. Joe Roudabush

On The Cover:

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Pennie Brawley, 156th Airlift Squadron, communicates with the pilots during a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft engine start up at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. prior to departing for the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, on April 7, 2018. (Origional Photo by Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter, Photo Illustration by Sgt. Joe Roudabush)

6th Annual Minuteman Muster, Pg. 17

More than 400 runners and walkers participated in the 5k and 8k races in Raleigh, North Carolina, May 19, 2018.

2018 Eastern Civilian Marksmanship Program, Pg. 21 Camp Butner has been home to the Eastern Games for 12 years with 1,800 competitor entries for the 2018 competition., April 26 - May 6, 2018

NCNG and Moldovan Defense Forces, Pg. 29 NCNG and Moldovan Defense Forces collaborate on Humvee Maintenance on May 14-18, 2018.

Preserving Life in the Air, Pg. 31

449th Combat Aviation Brigade facilitate a 10-day aeromedical evacuation training course with Iraqi nurses at Camp Taji, Iraq April 22 - May 3.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget! You can click on the story descriptions above to go directly to that story! Than click the home button to return here!

Also in This Issue: News From The Nest, Pg. 3 30th ID 72nd Reunion, Pg. 5 Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, Pg. 7 Tarheal Challenge Pg. 9 Armory Renaming, Pg. 11 Information Management Advisory, Pg. 19 Aviation in Iraq, Pg. 31W

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Where is SFC Jordan?

Can you find the tiny version of Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan hidden among these pages? Our well loved photojournalist is hiding somewhere in the Hornet! 2

News From Around the Nest

Joint Force es Headquarters celebrat ay thd Bir 3rd the U.S. Army’s 24 , ting cut ke Ca ial on em with a cer 18 20 , 14 June

rank of Colonel Brent A. Orr earns the , June 15, Raleigh, North Carolina in the North ed 2018. Col. Orr enlist in 1989, ard Gu al Carolina Nation . conmissioning in 1995

rs of  Family membe tional Na a lin ro Ca rth No s and er ldi Guard fallen So nnect co Re e th r fo Airmen meet olf Great W Lodge Survivor Event at rth Since 2014, the No in Concord N.C.. d the ste ho s ha d ar Gu l Carolina Nationa tions r Event with dona Reconnect Survivo tion, cia so As lf Go s d Senior Men iel ef ak W e the th d m an fro tion y Family Founda . nd the Patriot Militar Fu h ac Outre NCNG Survivors

 Business, civic and lf community leaders Go d oo nw sto Pre at se for a cau al nu An Country Club for the 7th lf Go M .CO EDM4USTROOPS 18. The event Tournament, June 6 , 20 international sponsored by EDM, an services compa nt information manageme eran causes a vet le ltip raised money for mu luding the Soldie service organizations inc Fund (SAAF), a and Airmen Assistance ritable organizati cha it 501c.3. non-prof our citizen supporting the needs of ina. soldiers in North Carol

382nd PAD mobilizes for

ve. Operation Atlantic Resol NG NC and nds frie ily, Fam farewell to the Soldiers gather to say tachment (382nd 382nd Public Affairs De ony at the Claude em cer PAD) during a r in Raleigh, North nte Ce y itar Mil ers T. Bow Carolina, May 9, 2018.

rth n of Mount Olive Nokey s for Mayor for the Tow the es eiv rec ft) (le Carolina, Joe Scott National Guard Mount the North Carolinam Lt. Col Rodney Newton Olive Armory fro ruction and Facility (right), the Const icer for the North Management Off Guard, during an Carolina National transfer of event to signify thearmory to the ownership of the ve on April Town of Mount Oli 24th, 2018

 The North Carolina National Guard honored n Chief 36-year military vetera J. Clark rd ha Ric 5 Warrant Officer ld at he y on em cer nt at a retireme ad He quarters N.C. Guard’s Joint Force June 29, 2018. , ina in Raleigh, North Carol n 36 years of active CW5 Clark has more tha y, h duty in Japan, German and reserve service wit al tion Na . N.C the Iraq, and the U.S. Within as the Intelligence Guard Clark has served eration Center Officer Emergency Op nt Operations (now known as the Joi ht after 9/11 rig ed Center) establish Nobel tion era Op rt to suppo t . Eagle/Enduring Freedom

any, and ers

ion

Raleigh, N.C. 30th Infantry Division 72nd Reunion Members of the 30th Infantry Division Association gathered at the North Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 22, 2018, as part of their 72nd Reunion, which was first established in July 1917. WWII Veterans who served with the 30th in WWII were greeted by a walkway lined with NCNG Soldiers rendering salutes and cheered as they entered Guard headquarters. (Photo by Eric Burgos)

Raleigh, N.C. Raleigh, North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Independance Day fireworks diplay burst behind the North Carolina National Guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joint Force Headquarters on July 4, 2018. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Mary Junell)

Salisbury, NC Members of the North Carolina Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (NCHART) train together on June 20, 2018 in preparation of hurricane season. The team is made up of members of several city and state agencies along with the Charlie Company 1-131 Aviation Regiment, North Carolina Army National Guard. They collaborate quarterly on rescue operations. NCHART trains on a quarterly basis in various skills ranging from swiftwater/flood rescue to high angle and wilderness rescue. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens)

Clinton, N.C. NCNG Tarheel Challenge Academy Graduation Ceremony, hosted at the Sampson County Agri-Exposition Center in Clinton, North Carolina, June 08, 2018.The Tarheel Challenge Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 22-week in-residence phase, held at the academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salemburg campus, is aimed at reclaiming troubled high school dropouts by teaching them the skills to become productive citizens. The program focuses on physical training and academics, and includes a GED diploma program. Following graduation, Cadets will take part in a oneyear mentoring phase. (Photo by Sgt. Joe Roudabush)

HONORING

FALLEN HE

At the start of 2017 a committee came together in order to memorialize N.C. National Guardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fallen heroes. The Armory Renaming program was conceived to make sure our fallen are honored for many generations to come and never forgotten. Photo by Staff Sgt. Brendan Stephens 13

EROS

The N.C. Army National Guard has had 25 Soldiers killed in combat action in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11th 2001. September 2017, in Goldsboro N.C., the first armory was renamed in honor of Specialist Jocelyn Carrasquillo. Since then 16 armories have been renamed throughout North Carolina.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; We have an obligation to remember

and this will remind the next generation of Soldiers of their ultimate sacrifice â&#x20AC;? - Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk North Carolina Adjutant General

Family m friends, Comm and Soldiers came t six armories in honor were killed in action while

Greenville Armory renamed 1st Lt. Ashley White Readiness Center April 8, 2018 Benson Armory renamed Sgt. Roger Adams Readiness Center June 1, 2018 Durham Armory renamed Sgt. Lance Eakes Readiness Center June 24, 2018

There are several mo ceremonies sched 20

members, munity Leaders, together to dedicate of fallen Soldiers who e deployed with the NCNG

Scotland Neck Armory renamed Sgt. David Williams Readiness Center June 22, 2018 Fayetteville Armory renamed Maj. Jason George Readiness Center June 23, 2018 Jacksonville Armory renamed Spc. Daniel Desens Readiness Center June 8, 2018

ore armory renaming duled throughout 018

The

Minuteman

Raleigh, N.C.- More than 400 runners and walkers participated in the 6th Annual Minuteman Muster 5k and 8k races supported by the North Carolina National Guard Association in Raleigh, North Carolina, May 19, 2018.Â This event included Soldiers of the NCNG, locals, several Veteran groups, and run clubs from the Raleigh area. The event was an

excellent community outreach for NCNG Soldiers.Â The proceeds from the event support the North Carolina National

n Muster

Story and Photos by Staff Writer Sgt. Natalie Post

Guard Association, the North Carolina National Guard Museum and the Learning Excellence Center. The museum, in addition to units within the Guard and vendors, set up booths where participants and those supporting runners could learn about the National Guard and organizations the even supported. “Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard are a great inspiration to us,” said Taylor Morrison, Homebuilder Vice President of Finance and event volunteer. “It was a great opportunity to give back to an event organized by Soldiers and a way to give back to the community.” This event attracted runners from several organizations who support veterans, including runners from the Nog Run Club, who in the past have sent care packages to deployed NCNG Soldiers. “This race was a good challenging run,” said Maj. Leland Pearson, Operations Officer for the NCNG and Nog Run Club member. “We do a lot of fundraising for different organizations. This month we are fundraising to send care packages for troops overseas. Awards were given to overall and age groups winners for both races, as well as team awards for group runners and local high school teams. The Minuteman Muster features athletes of all levels putting an emphasis on the importance of fitness and veteran support. “This event is our way to give back to our veterans and those serving in any way that we can,” said Jim Grug, Chapter Captain for the Raleigh/Durham Chapter of Team Red White Blue. 18

NC STATE

SEP 05 2018 VETERAN

CAREER EXPO

MCKIMMON CENTER 1101 GORMAN ST, RALEIGH, NC 27606 | 9AM – 4PM

What is your purpose? For our military service members, its to protect their country. For us, its to protect their future. On September 5th at the NC State Mckimmon Center, we are bringing together some of the triangle’s most innovative companies for our Raleigh 2018 NC State Veteran Career Expo. Make connections and partnerships with industries that care about military members and their futures. Register for the NC State Veteran Career Expo and our services by visiting www.ncngemploymentcenter.com. For more information contact SGT Josina Hill at (984) 664 – 6070.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Candidate Check-In

8:30am – 10:30am

Interview Prep Class

9am – 10am

Interview & Employer Networking

11am – 4pm

Simple 3 Steps 1 Make a Plan 2 Gather a Kit 3 Download the App Suggested Items for Your Kit:

Copies of ID, insurance/banking papers First-aid kit Weather radio and batteries Prescription medicines Sleeping bag or blankets Changes of clothes Hygiene items Cash Pet supplies (food, water, records)

Ready NC

Click the Mobile App

Plan. Prepare. Stay Informed.

2018 EASTERN

PROGRAM GAMES

CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP

Photo by Staff Photographer Sgt. Joe Roudabush

Camp Butner has been home to the Eastern Games for 12 years with 1,800 competitor entries for the 2018 competition

he North Carolina National Guard’s Camp Butner training center hosted the 2018 Eastern Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Games and Matches, April 26 to May 6, 2018. Camp Butner provides training facilities and small arms firing ranges

for NCNG service members and opens their doors to other DOD agencies. The CMP is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U.S. citizens in the responsible use of firearms and air-guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions.

Kent Stonecipher adjusts his protective gear after completing a timed round of competition during the 2018 Eastern Civilian Marksmanship Program Games and Matches, hosted by North Carolina National Guard’s Camp Butner Training Center, in Stem, North Carolina, May 1, 2018.

“Our main purpose for keeping the CMP Games and Matches going is to stay true to our mission statement by providing those resources to individuals that want to learn about gun safety and marksmanship competitions,” said Steve Cooper, the General Manager and Marketing Manager for the CMP Games and Matches. New to the Eastern Games in 2018 was the addition of the CMP Cup Matches. The cup matches competitions use of different weapons including three CMP 800 Aggregate Matches followed by a 4man Team Match and an Excellence in Competition (EIC) Service Rifle Match. The CMP Cup Matches were followed by the CMP Games Matches which include Small Arms Firing School (SAFS), Garand, Springfield, Vintage, Modern Military Matches, Carbine Match, Rimfire Sporter Match and Vintage Sniper Issued 1911 Pistol Match, Military and Police Service Pistol Match, 40 Shot Pistol Match, (EIC) Service Pistol Match, CMP . 22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Match and Pistol 2- Man Team Match. Camp Butner has been home to the Eastern Games for 12 years with 1,800 competitor entries for the 2018 competition. The CMP attracts competitors from all walks of life including telephone workers, prior service members, and Soldiers with the Army Marksmanship unit out of Fort Benning, Georgia, all of whom expressed how great the event was for personal growth. “I have been participating in this competition since 2009 prior to joining the Army,” said Army Sgt. Lane Ichord a Soldier from the Army Marksmanship Unit. “The competition is a great way to work on consistent fundamentals which in turn helps me go back to my unit to

provide Soldiers that I train a better training experience.” The long-standing relationship between Camp Butner and the CMP was demonstrated by the resources provided to competitors, communication during competition registration and the facilities provided. Many participants showed their satisfaction in the organization of the competition. “The CMP and Camp Butner have done a great job working together to make sure matches run smoothly so that competitors are able to have a great match,” said Winfield Stacey, a prior service Soldier and current civilian contractor at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee. The CMP and Camp Butner plan to continue their partnership in order to help promote firearm safety and provide an environment for friendly competition.

Story by Staff Writer Sgt. Natalie Post

Stacey Winfield checks targets with a scope during the 2018 Eastern Civilian Marksmanship Program Games and Matches, hosted by North Carolina National Guard’s Camp Butner Training Center, in Stem, North Carolina, May 1, 2018.

Photo by Staff Photographer Sgt. Joe Roudabush

C-17 GLOBEM Meet NCANG’s By Tech. Sgt. Julianne Showalter

newest aircraft

MASTER III Photo by Sgt. Odaliska Almonte

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Roger E. Williams, Jr. (center), North Carolina Guard, Assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Mobility Command, speaks to the 145th Airlift Wing during the Arrival Ceremony An 18-month journey of change came to a head when two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft landed and taxied onto the ramp for a welcoming crowd of over 2,500 distinguished guests, Airmen, retirees, family and friends for an Arrival Ceremony. The ceremony honored not only the arrival, but also the dedicated work which every member of the 145th Airlift Wing put in to make the transition a reality. “It’s been a long process with setbacks, and sometimes we didn’t know what to expect coming into work. But we took steps forward and went with it so, in the long run, those planes could land and make it all worth it,” said Senior Airman Brett Barber, 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The 145th Airlift Wing was selected to transition from the C-130 Hercules aircraft to the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, and

the airframe will carry the units airlift mission into the future. “It all began when we started divesting the C-130s, and it really hit home that we were transitioning to C-17s. Once we got together our transition teams, we started to go out to these units to train and see the best way to go about gaining these airframes,” said Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Freeman of the 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and production superintendent overseeing the maintenance transition. Freeman also flew on the first C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to land, and he said, “It’s an exciting moment to work with the units we received the aircraft from, and then to fly in on the first jet. It’s a big deal, and I’ve never seen that many people in our hangar. It was jam-packed.” The first two aircraft of eight were previously assigned to the active duty wings at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. One of the airframes is painted with a white memorial tail flash and banner over the crew door to commemorate the units 70-year anniversary being a part of the U.S. Air Force from March 18, 1948 to March 18, 2018. “I’m used to seeing C-130, so to see the C-17 taxi, I thought, ‘Man those are big aircraft.’ Seeing the anniversary

tail flash on the side was surreal and really cool for me too,” said Barber. On the way from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., the two airframes flew over the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, N.C. The Wright brother’s first flight in December 1903 took place at the outer banks in N.C., and it was often referred to as the “Epic Flight.” The 145th Airlift Wing has adopted ‘EPIC’ as their call sign. “It’s important symbolism to fly where the Wright brothers flew. I saw the old C-130 picture flying over the memorial, and I’m excited to see the new picture of our C-17 flying over it. It shows the different phases of our aviation, “ said Freeman. The 145th Airlift Wing has a long standing history in aviation spanning several different airframes, but the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is its key to the future by providing greater flexibility, performance, and the capability for rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements. “I’m a fourth generation military member and so is my brother, and it’s interesting because the C-130s we got rid of were older than me. Now we’re getting C-17s, and in 25 years I hope to still be here. I’ll be able to say I was here when we first got this plane,” said Barber.

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flies over the N.C. coastline on it’s way to the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 7, 2018

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk (center), the Adjutant General of North Carolina, commander of the North Carolina National Guard, speaks to the 145th Airlift Wing during the Arrival Ceremony of the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 7, 2018

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is welcomed to the the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, by fire trucks which spray arcs of water prior to an Acceptance Ceremony

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flies over the N.C. coastline on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way to the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 7, 2018

C-17 Globemaster III aircraft flies over the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, N.C., on the way to the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 7, 2018

STAY

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North Carolina National Guard hosts

Information Management Advisory Council

Army Col. Richard Berthao, the Chair of the Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC) assigned to the Massachusetts National Guard, stands and talks to a group during a break-out session at the IMAC hosted by the North Carolina National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, April 12, 2018.

The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) hosted the than 16 years. “When you share similar problems that you Information Management Advisory Council (IMAC) at face you can also share lessons learned and success stories.” Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, April The event also brought in industry partners and venders 9-12, 2018. whose equipment and software many of the states and The annual event brings together the Chief Information territories use in their daily operations. Officers (CIO) from the 54 states and territories that fall “We brought in people that we are already using,” said under the National Guard Bureau. Army Lt. Col. Michael Riley, the Vice Chair of the IMAC, “It’s basically an opportunity for all of the National assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard. “Not for them Guard CIOs to collaborate, to sell us a tool, but they came talk about current issues, “ We brought in people that we to teach us how to optimize current trends and items and use the tools we already of interest from each state’s are already using...Not for them have more effectively.” perspective,” said Army Maj. Riley said he hopes that Robert Felicio, the Chief to sell us a tool, but they came at the end of the event, all Information Officer for the of the states and territories NCNG. “We collectively get to teach us how to optimize and in attendance will have the everyone together so that not message to bring back use the tools we already have same only can we work though their organizations. whatever issues or problems “There’s a lot of ability more effectively. ” people may be having, but for us to collectively have a we can highlight some of -Lt. Col. Michael Riley voice,” he said. “This is the the best practices and create opportunity to solidify that some efficiency.” voice and make it one, so Army Col. Richard Berthao, the Chair of the IMAC, everyone is giving their senior leadership at the state level assigned to the Massachusetts National Guard, said one the same message.” of his goals for the event was to have an opportunity to The IMAC will be hosted in a different location next year, collaborate on problem solving for issues that address the but still with the hope of bringing together the CIOs from states and the nation. across the country to collaborate and solve problems as a “We say here’s a problem that we all have and here are group. two or three examples of how a certain state solved it,” said By Staff Sgt. Mary Junell Berthao who has been involved with the IMAC for more 28

NCNG and Moldovan Defense Forces

collaborate on Humvee Maintenance

By Staff Writer Sgt. Natalie Post

Raleigh, N.C.- Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Combined Support Maintenance Shop (CSMS) conducted a maintenance engagement with Moldavian Soldier Mechanics on the fundamentals of Humvee maintenance and troubleshooting with minimal technology on , May 14-18, 2018. The training was led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesse Wisecup, a Surface Maintenance Mechanic for the NCNG, and included five Moldovan Soldiers from various units. The North Carolina National Guard and the Moldovan Defense Forces have been hosting bi-lateral engagements through the State Partnership Program since 1996. This partnership has allowed Soldier growth and development for both countries. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Moldovan Soldiers,” said Wisecup. “It is inspiring to work with them and appreciate their work ethic.” In 2015, Soldiers of the NCNG CSMS completed overseas training with Moldovan Soldier Mechanics for the first time. Moldovan Soldiers have recently received Humvee’s in their military and are working to expand on their knowledge in maintenance and familiarization with the equipment. “This will benefit the Moldovan Mechanics in becoming familiarized with the equipment, tools, and to observe new methods for technical issues,” said Maj. Eugeniu Caragea, Logistics Director and Moldavan Soldier Mechanic. The Moldovan Soldier Mechanics’ goal after training with the NCNG CSMS is to increase professional development and to continue engagements with the NCNG. The experience of the Moldovan Soldier Mechanics varies from one to 19 years of experience. Some have even served as Warrant Officers both in the Romanian Army and Moldovan Defense Forces. Though they may not have the same access to the same technology they are able to accomplish the same mission with minimal equipment. 29

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jesse Wisecup and the Moldovan Defense Forces Soldierscomplete their week long maintenance engagement

“The mission for this week was to prioritize the issues they needed to learn quickly,” said Dorin Trestianu, Office of Defense Cooperation Manager and translator for the Moldavian Soldier Mechanics. “The hands on familiarization with new equipment has them creating a list of equipment they feel would be beneficial back at home.” With this visit to the NCNG CSMS, Moldavan Soldier Mechanics will take back a lot of knowledge and techniques to their fellow Soldiers back home. “Learning about the technology used in the NCNG will be a great contribution to our military,” said Warrant Officer Valentim Fainescu, a Senior Technician of the 3rd Infantry Company, 22nd Peace Keeping Operations Battalion. “I have prepared a list of equipment I hope to include in our methods back home. Seeing the benefits of maintaining our equipment with a computer scanner and the other equipment used here will make a great contribution for the incoming mechanics.”

Warrant Officer Ghenadie Varzari and SGT Andrei Dogari, Mechanics with the Moldovan Defense Forces, work together to troubleshoot the issue in a Humvee engine at the North Carolina National Guard Combine Support Maintenance Shop in Raleigh, North Carolina, May 17, 2018

Cpl. Mihail Oprea, a Mechanic from the Special Forces Battalion of the Moldovan Defense Forces, works under a Humvee deciding what procedure is the best method to fix a technical issue at the North Carolina National Guard Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Raleigh, North Carolina, May 17, 2018

AEROMEDICAL

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Staff Sgt. Natalie Jackson, assigned to the U.K. Training Team 1, Armored Medical Regiment, demonstrates how to bag valve mask on a medical dummy

EVACUATION

preserving life in the air

By Capt. Briana McFarland

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – Medical providers from the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade facilitate a 10-day aeromedical evacuation training course with Iraqi nurses April 22 - May 3 at Camp Taji, Iraq. The concept of the program was to use the train-the-trainer model, where the 449th CAB medical staff provided information on medical evacuation principles and tactical combat casualty care to the Iraqi nurses so they are able to self-sustain and teach courses in the future. “Battlefield trauma research shows that uncontrolled blood loss is the leading cause of death in 90 percent of the

potential survivable battlefield cases, which makes this training necessary,” said the 449th CAB Aeromedical Physician Assistant Capt. Jonathan Campbell. The primary instructors, Campbell and the brigade surgeon Lt. Col. Wes Hite, began the course by assessing the medical knowledge of the students with a written exam. Co-written with an Iraqi flight surgeon, the test gave the instructors a starting point for teaching the class and guided which lessons needed to go more in depth. “A lot of their knowledge was from a nursing standpoint or hospital-based care,” said Hite. “We have been able to provide them a different way of looking at point-of-injury care, that additional minutes to hours that takes place with battlefield trauma.” Hite and Campbell presented the majority of the material to the students in the class and stressed the basics. Their teaching techniques were designed to address the most likely injuries that will result in battlefield death in the appropriate order. “The biggest key points emphasized throughout the course was the M.A.R.C.H. algorithm, which is a technique used to treat for massive hemorrhage, airway, respiratory trauma, circulation, and hypothermia,” said Campbell. The United Kingdom Training Team 1, 32

Armored Medical Regiment medic instructor Staff Sgt. Natalie Jackson helped support the course and stressed the importance of understanding anatomy and physiology and the ability to recognize normal and abnormal signs with casualties. “It was important to deliver the course at the right level across a range of trade qualifications, ensuring the basic principles and treatment techniques were fully understood,” said Jackson. “Practical sessions allow for the students to practice skills in developing lifesaving treatment techniques.” This additional medical knowledge further allows the Iraqi medical staff to join in the fight against ISIS by enhancing their effectiveness on the battlefield.

“[MARCH] spans their capability to push out into battlefield operations when they know their ability to care for the wounded is elevated to a level that aeromedical evacuation can do,” said Hite. “They have the capability and training to provide point-of-injury care to evacuate soldiers from there back to a hospital setting in a short amount of time.” The course came with its challenges to include language barriers and the slight differences between U.S. and U.K. treatment and assessment methods. However, learning different methods can be beneficial and enhance preferred techniques according to Jackson. These techniques were tested during the student’s final training event. The culminating training exercise was

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – The 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, United Kingdom Training Team 1 (Armored Medical Regiment) and Iraqi army aviation medical staff pose for a group picture to commemorate the inaugural class of the aeromedical evacuation training course facilitated by the 449th CAB at Camp Taji, Iraq. Photo by Staff Sgt. Leticia Samuels

comprised of a scenario where students provided point-of-injury care and MEDEVAC care while flying on the Eurocopter to a multi-trauma casualty mannequin under stress inoculation. The premise of stress inoculation is that exposure to different stressors and sensory inputs to include: fake blood, smoke grenades, and noise from a nearby aircraft, will prevent medics from being easily distracted and overwhelmed during a real-world medical crisis. “Students should be able to perform basic functions the same regardless of the environment they are in,” said Campbell. Seven Iraqi students assigned to the Iraqi army aviation graduated from phase one of the aeromedical evacuation course May 3, with hopes of continuing the additional phases in the near future.

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – An Iraqi medical scientist assigned to the Iraqi army aviation simulates applying combat gauze to a multi-trauma patient suffering from a double amputation during the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade’s aeromedical evacuation training course at Camp Taji, Iraq April 22-May 3

CAMP TAJI MILITARY COMPLEX, Iraq – Medical staff assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade instruct medical personnel from the Iraqi army aviation during a 10-day train-the-trainer aeromedical evacuation course April 22-May3. The Iraqi students simulated providing medical evacuations to multi-trauma patients while flying, which is a part of the overall Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve building partner capacity mission which focuses on training and improving the capability of partnered forces fighting ISIS.

449TH CAB RUNS WITH TH Story and photos by Capt. Briana McFarland

Kuwait Naval Base, Kuwait – Soldiers assigned to the Spanish army aviation unit, Task Force Toro, fly into Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 24 after twentyfour days at sea on the Spanish naval ship LHD Juan Carlos I (L-61), the biggest warship ever built for Spain. TF Toro is tactically controlled by the U.S. Army 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, and will provide inter-theater aviation support via the Cougar and Chinook helicopters for Combined Joint Task ForceOperation Inherent Resolve with a final destination of Camp Taji, Iraq. 35

The Task Force Commander Maj. Gala Gallego Soro, Spain’s first female commander for deployment operations, lead the exhibition, flying the newly assembled Cougars off of the Spanish ship with an escort from the U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment (AHB), 449th CAB. “Having the escort by U.S. forces makes me feel relaxed,” said Gallego. “When you enter a country, you don’t know if there are problems or how to react. Having someone escort you that is familiar and knows what they are doing is a good thing. Task Force Hurricanes [449th CAB]

knows the way and is able to support and give us the info we need to make it easier.” Transporting aircraft between countries is a lengthy task, and TF Toro ensured they reduced as many problems as possible. Their helicopters were transported by vessel in order to reduce logistical issues. In doing so, TF Toro completed limited dismantling of their aircraft. With the help of the Spanish navy Commander Carlos Carrasco in charge of airport operations on the LHD Juan Carlos I, the Cougars and Chinooks underwent maintenance and engine testing

HE BULLS

before the pilots flew off the ship. After almost a month without flight, there were many mechanical and engine issues they wanted to avoid. “Our mission was to bring the [Spanish] army helicopters to the naval base,” said Carrasco. “After sailing for twenty-four days, the pilots were ready to fly.” TF Toro is comprised of five units based out of Sevilla and Madrid, Spain. Their helicopters

are similar to the U.S. UH60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook. Although they are able to conduct casualty and medical evacuations, their mission will only be to transport troops and cargo in Iraq. TF Toro will declare full operational mobility on June 15 and with the first female commander in charge of deployment operations, there will be high visibility. “I know I’m the first, but it feels normal,” said Gallego. “I never knew I was the first until someone told me. “We’ve had women in the Armed Forces for about 30 years; it makes sense to be promoted to other ranks, and it’s time for more women to

command units. What’s really important is us successfully completing our mission in Iraq.” This is not the first deployment for Gallego. After three tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Bosnia, Gallego is confident in TF Toro’s ability to successfully support Coalition forces. “This is going to be a challenge because language is a concern, but we will find a way to work and fly together,” said Gallego. We don’t have full access to TF Hurricanes’ information because it’s secret, but we have all the information we need to fly safe.”

north carolina National guard

employment center The North Carolina National Guard Employment Center’s purpose is to increase career opportunities for all Reserve Component Soldiers, Veterans, Spouses, and qualifying dependents by developing proactive positive relationships with North Carolina employers and connecting our service members with those employers through all available channels in order to obtain stable careers and optimal retention.

If your resume has not produced results, it’s time for a change. Local HR representatives have given your employment counselor the tricks of the trade and they have the connections to get you interviews. We can’t give you the job but we can give you the tools to be successful.

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • Resume Preparation

• Vast Employer Network

• Career Counseling

• Access to Networking Events

• Interview Prep • Military Work Translations

• State Wide Employment Assistance