Washington Military Department Evergreen Magazine - Winter/Spring 2023

GUARD HONORED BY STATE LEGISLATURE

After a busy two years, the Washington State Legislature honored the men and women of the Washington National Guard for their service during a special recognition event at the state capitol

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Kelly Wickel, renders a salute during the change of command ceremony for the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon)

BIG AND SMALL CHANGES AT STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

The Washington State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is getting some necessary upgrades following years of constant activations.

“It’s been a busy few years,” said SEOC Response Section Manager Kevin Wickersham. “In the past year or so, we’ve made large and small changes to streamline operations, dedicate staff time and improve our technological functions.”

The Emergency Management Division of the Washington Military Department manages the SEOC located on Camp Murray near Tacoma, Wash. When an emergency occurs, numerous agencies at the local, state and federal levels quickly gather at the SEOC to collaborate and respond to help protect life, property, the environment and the economy.

“We strive to integrate all state agencies into the SEOC,” said SEOC Manager Will Vance. “This facility belongs to everyone, not just the Emergency Management Division. We want to make sure we have technology in place to make to it work for everyone, regardless of the emergency.”

Extended activations for civil unrest, wildfires and floods, along with the longest SEOC activation in the state’s history for the COVID-19 pandemic, unveiled several needed improvements – both to the structure of the SEOC and operational strategies.

The physical changes focused on enhancing technology to improve functionality for remote users – including a shift away from desk phones to computer based soft phones that use desktop software, mobile apps, or an internet browser–based application via Microsoft Teams. Additional upgrades include an updated audio/visual system that allows for remote personnel to be able to speak directly to staff in the building during briefings, updates to the online emergency information sharing and resource tracking application (WebEOC), enhanced GIS capabilities, and new screens and dry erase boards. Additionally, each workstation is now equipped with a webcam and headset to provide quality audio/visual participation in remote meetings and a cache of supplies is now available to make sure needs are met in the building.

“Small changes can make a big difference to ensure our responders and team members have the tools they need to get the job done,” Wickersham said.

Along with facility improvements, there has been a shift in staff resources. Six new full-time project positions now provide continuity for the command staff. These include an SEOC manager, planning section chief, operations section chief, and logistics section chief. In previous activations, EMD and other state agency staff would rotate between SEOC work and their regular positions. In addition to staffing in the SEOC during emergency situations, the full-time resources allow for focus on training needs, incident close-out reports and documentation to support long term recovery and planning. Additionally, full-time staff are completing after action reports and continuous improvement planning to ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into the standard operating procedures (SOP).

“We want to make sure we are capturing the good and bad lessons learned from past responses – this makes us better and stronger moving forward,” Vance said. “This includes being sure our structure and decision-making processes align with our current operating environment.”

- Story and Photo by Sarah Foster

Kevin Wickersham, Washington Emergency Management Response Section Manager stands in the State Emergency Operations Center on Camp Murray, Wash. (Photo by Sarah Foster)

State Legislature honors Washington National Guard

The Washington State Legislature celebrated the accomplishments of the Washington National Guard during concurrent House and Senate sessions on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.

“I find it to be a tremendous honor to represent the 28th District and our National Guard members, whether it was during our COVID response or during other tremendous deeds in our community. What I appreciate about our National Guard is their service beyond themselves and their commitment locally and to answer the call to service any time,” said Sen. T’wina Nobles, who represents the 28th District, which is home of Camp Murray.

Nobles was one of 15 members of the Legislature that joined the Washington National Guard for an informational visit and air refueling flight mission in August 2022. During that visit, guests got a closer look at what Guard members do both here at home and overseas to support our state and nation. Sen. Phil Fortunato from the 31st District also took part in that visit, and reinforced Sen. Nobles remarks.

“When we look at the National Guard, we are looking at a force that we train to go to war. But when we need help at the food banks, who do we call –the National Guard. (When we need) help with vaccination administration

– the National Guard. When you need additional security at the capitol, the National Guard. So it’s not only just what they are doing in the defense of our country overseas, but what they are doing domestically during times of need,” said Fortunato.

Rep. Dan Bronoske, who represents the 28th District, served six years in the Washington Army National Guard and shared his praise.

“It has been 20 years since I last put on my fresh pressed and starched uniform, but it was a real honor to be in that position and gives me a unique perspective of what they go through,” said Bronoske. “When we federally

Scan to watch the Senate floor ceremony

activate our Guard members we put them in harms way, just like any other active-duty member of our military and they do that with the utmost bravery.”

Freshman member, Rep. Travis Couture, 35th District, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He stood for his first speech on the floor to express his thanks and appreciation.

“I salute those of the Washington National Guard and further honor their courage, their commitment, and their valor, and their selfless service to those of us in this state,” said Couture.

Another Navy veteran, Rep. Brandy

Donaghy, 44th District, also praised the Guard. Donaghy’s district is home of the Snohomish Armory and the 176th Engineer Company. She visited the armory last year to learn about the unit’s work across the state during construction projects, fighting wildfires and while overseas when deployed to the Middle East and participating in exercises in Thailand.

“The Guard supports communities, it supports our neighbors, our families, our states. It supports our nation,” Donaghy said. “But I think it's incredibly important that we also recognize that to support the guard doesn't mean just supporting the unit, it means supporting every individual

who has served and recognizing their sacrifice, recognizing the value of their willingness to step up and take the oath.”

“These last few years we have asked a lot from our men and women in the Guard, and your support to them has been critical,” said Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, assistant adjutant general and commander of the Washington Air National Guard. “From funding our education bill, ensuring they are paid a fair rate during wildfire support and engaging with them during our COVID missions meant a lot to them.”

Story by Joseph Siemandel

Photos by Steven Friederich

Scan to watch the House floor ceremony

The Wingman Project Council from the 194th Wing was recently presented with the 2021 National Guard Excellence in Diversity Award for their accomplishments that champion inclusion, foster belonging, and forge unity through personal accountability, shared experiences and collective action.

“Diversity is not just about race,” said Senior Master Sgt. Naziroh Brockman, 194th Wing human resource advisor. “It’s all our values, how we think and feel, how we view the world – and the Airmen want to be heard.”

The council acquired certifications in Four Lenses personality-type training, a Diversity and Inclusion course, and the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act Loop concept. Council members also used a Remesh Inc. survey technology system to provide real-time, anonymous metrics to uncover what potential issues people were facing in the workplace. They then formulated professional development briefings and programs to address those issues head on.

“The idea that drove the Remesh survey and got the council started was all of the civil unrest and political divisiveness that arose in our society,” Brockman said. “We were lucky to have our 194th Wing Commander, Colonel Kenneth Borchers, lead the way to let the Airmen know that all Airmen matter, we are not excluding anyone, and we want to hear what you have to say.”

Brockman said that having Borchers’ support was probably the biggest advantage in the success of the council. Volunteers and hand-selected Airmen formed the Washington Air National Guard’s Wingman Project Council. They also have representation from human resources and Equal Opportunity to add some formality.

“This national award is a testament of the work of the 194th Wing and our entire organization and recognizes the important strategies we have carried out to encourage a more diverse and inclusive organization,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general.

The Washington Military Department’s efforts to be more diverse and inclusionary began several years ago under the late Command Sgt. Maj. Abby West.

“Abby left such a legacy here and I know that we are trying to live up to that and continue to show why diversity matters,” said Master Sgt. Susie Lopez, the state equal employment manager.

Working with the National Guard Bureau’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (NGB/DEI), Lopez has raised awareness and highlighted the contributions and service opportunities within the National Guard. The agency, under a directive from Gov. Jay Inslee, also leads a Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) committee to ensure that everyone employed or served by the Washington Military Department is treated with fairness,

dignity, honor, and respect

“We are always looking to educate and showcase our organization’s diversity,” said Lopez. “Because of the work we have done to raise awareness, we now have DEI reps in every major subordinate command working to educate others on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Helseth, 194th Wing first sergeant, said the entire wing stepped up, participated, and strengthened the wing’s resolve to keep the topic of diversity at the forefront of what it means to be a member of the Washington Air National Guard.

“Working with the Wingman Project Council has been, and continues to be, an inspirational part of my life,” Helseth said. “Here is a group of Airmen – enlisted and officers, junior and senior – that gather to discuss the ramifications of diversity and inclusion in our society, and how that can and should intersect with the Air Force. The very topic of diversity is not an easy one to approach. But true change in culture does not happen easily.”

Brockman said the council thrives due to team consistency.

“This award reflects our consistency as a team,” Brockman said. “Holding hard conversations, creating workshops, and having civilian guest speakers gave an unbiased approach to educate us on how people work together, as well as helped drive the narrative and reach people in new ways of how we can respectfully work together in the military and embrace new ways of thinking.”

The council encourages younger Airmen to join. Brockman said she is excited about the new perspectives they will bring to help leadership know what Airmen need to feel like they belong.

“It’s really about them, and how we bring them up to be diverse leaders so they can better lead their Airmen in the future,” Brockman said. “We have found it’s the little things that add up and make people not want to serve – so it’s how can we mitigate those things and have those conversations to make Airmen feel comfortable to discuss the challenges they face in their work environments and let them know they’re not the only one who is struggling.”

Borchers is adamant on encouraging leaders to participate in the workshops, learn new perspectives to help the Airmen feel more included, and make sure everyone is on the same page.

“We have a great team,” Helseth said. “The council is willing to stand up for something that is important if not always popular. This award is a direct reflection of the 194th Wing as a whole, the connection to the Wingman Project Council, and the forward-leaning nature that we have as a large entity.” - Story by

Joseph Siemandel, Photo byTim Chacon

Washington national guard Wing receives national-level diversity aWard

Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center members visit Western Air Defense Sector

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Western Air Defense Sector have a long-standing interagency working relationship to support Operation Noble Eagle (ONE). The control of the North American airspace is a primary mission for NORAD under ONE which focuses on threats that may originate within the U.S. and Canada. WADS, under the command of NORAD, identifies, monitors, and tracks suspect air traffic approaching and traveling through North American airspace. WADS closely coordinates air defense activities with the FAA to monitor the airspace and respond to assistance and emergency situations and to enforce temporary flight restriction areas.

To assist with WADS and FAA federal interagency coordination, the FAA has a dedicated Senior FAA Representative that works inside the WADS facility daily. The two organizations like to conduct familiarization tours of each other’s facilities where personnel can gain firsthand knowledge of how each organization conducts its day-to-day operations which allows for a big picture understanding of why the relationship is important to national security.

"The relationship between the Seattle Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), Northwest Oregon System Support Center (SSC), and WADS is a significant piece to both of our missions,” explained Eric Bigelow, Northwest Oregon SSC airway transportation systems specialist and tour coordinator. “An improved understanding of each other's roles and familiarization between the people executing the mission will provide opportunity to spark collaborations while also giving greater purpose to the people doing the work. These services complement each other, and it is in the publics best interest that we continue doing exactly what this is—focus on inter-federal relationship building, sharing resources, and ever preparing for impending disasters.”

On Jan. 18, 2023, members of the 225th Support Squadron visited the FAA Seattle ARTCC in Auburn, Washington. In return, members of the Seattle ARTCC visited WADS the following day. The feedback from the attendees emphasized that these visits have inspired them to see the big picture at the Seattle ARTCC and WADS. These types of exchanges allow for a better understanding on how any changes made at each organization can have impact on the other thus allowing more comprehensive understanding of the people and processes which they must integrate with on a daily basis. - Story and Photo by Kim Burke

Life's journi

One

Graduate's journey took her from Washington Youth Challenge Academy to being a mechanic

Journi Moore says as a kid she liked playing with games and puzzles. The act of ferreting out the problem gave her focus. So, in a way, it makes sense she fell in love fixing big diesel trucks and is now making that her career. But, excuse the pun, it was a journey for Journi to get there and it went through the Washington Youth ChalleNge Academy in Bremerton.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mechanic,” Moore said. “I have literally always known I wanted to work with my hands and I didn’t want to work in an office and be bored all day.”

Moore was recently brought back to the academy to serve as the graduate speaker and to tell her story to this cycle’s crop of 142 graduates. Moore was 16 when she graduated from the academy in 2012. Today, she’s 26.

“It definitely makes me feel like if my younger self could see me now, she would be super proud of me,” she said.

Moore grew up in Everett and eventually graduated from Jackson High School in Mill Creek. She said apathy led her to missing credits and needing to make them up at the Youth Academy.

“The thing about the academy is that it really works, and proof of that is standing in front of you right now,” Moore told the graduating cadets. “One of the most helpful and important things I learned at the academy was self-discipline. After graduating from the WYCA, I went on to graduate high school on time in 2014, which wouldn’t have been possible without the credits I earned at the WYCA.”

Moore said after high school, started doing oil changes with her dad and discovered she really enjoyed working on cars. In 2018, she enrolled in a job corps program in the Yakima area, where she discovered she was actually pretty good at repairing big diesel engines.

“I like working with my hands,” she told her college in a promotional video. “Honestly, I just like seeing people’s faces when they realize a woman just repaired their truck. I love it. I don’t want to do anything else.”

She earned a pre-apprenticeship certificate in heavy equipment repair, her driver’s license and many certifications that later helped her immensely with finding employment. She managed to get scholarships to fully cover her education from Lake Washington Institute of Technology. In March of 2023, she expects to get her associate degree and she already has a job lined up with the Dobbs Truck Group. She’ll be the first in her family to get a degree.

“I went from a difficult childhood to the WYCA, and from there I learned the struggle of young adult life but used that struggle as motivation to get myself up that mountain and now I’m working as an apprentice diesel technician at Dobbs Peterbilt in Seattle, months ahead of graduating with my diploma in diesel and heavy equipment technology,” Moore told the cadet graduates. “Had anyone told me I accomplished all of that in just 10 years, I’d think they were insane. At 16, scared but determined to get through the 22-week residential phase at the WYCA, I acquired the skills I needed to get this far. Through all the struggles and bumps in the road. All those chapters in the book that is my life so far were because the academy taught me to move past my fears and make life better for myself.”

Moore is one of the 3,410 graduates of the Youth Academy to date and she encourages anyone on the fence to attend to ask questions and commit themselves to attending the program.

“Push yourself to apply,” she said. “Don’t let your life’s drama get in the way of making yourself better. Don’t let it hold you back. Just stay focused.”

Story and Photos by Steven Friederich

SIGNAL COMPANY CONDUCTS FIRST TACTICAL AIR MOVEMENT RADIO RETRANS EXERCISE

Whether on the battle field during a federal deployment or responding to a disaster here at home, being able to communicate is one of, if not the most important thing for Guard members and first responders. Without communications, commanders do not know the status of their members, how the mission is going and what they need to complete the tasks.

During February drill, the signal professionals from Charlie Company, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion put a new spin on this critical task. Working with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation, the unit conducted its first-ever tactical air movement radio retransmissions exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

“After a year of planning and working with our aviation partners, we were able to conduct airlift of two of our vehicles, move them to different locations and conduct radio retransmissions,” said Capt. Laudy Choum, commander of Charlie Company.

Depending on the size of the antenna and the strength of the device, radio signals are limited on how far they can reach before they are too broken to understand. Through retransmission, two radios that are connected together provide an automatic retransmission of signals between two other radios that are too far apart to communicate directly with each other. With radios spread across multiple training areas, soldiers sling loaded two communication Humvees under two CH-47, Chinook helicopters to retransmit signals further.

“Through retransmission we are able to extend the capabilities outside of line of sight,” said Choum. “Domestic operations like fires and floods, sometimes we cannot get a vehicle to an area by road so training on air movement we are testing a critical function. It was one of the coolest things I have done in my career.”

Communications have been a hot topic for the Washington Military Department in recent years. Last year members of the Washington State Guard’s Communications team visited armories and readiness centers across Washington, identifying that many had no back up communications tool outside of commercial land line or cell phone. By the end of 2022, all Guard locations across the state were set up with an RF radio system to provide another avenue to communicate. Doubling down on their work, the Washington State Guard conducted a communications exercise with members of the 111th Air Support Operations Squadron in January on Camp Murray. The group set up and tested Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) equipment, which delivers high-bandwidth communications in areas with little or no connection. This capability was used during the 2015 wildfires at the Carpenter Fire, just north of Spokane, after cell towers and telephone lines were damaged.

A lot of work has been done improving communications and internet capabilities during disasters. In August 2020, Washington Emergency Management Division professionals began using Starlink user terminals to bring internet service to areas devastated by wildfires. In October 2022, four members of the Washington Air National Guard were activated to Camp Blanding, Fla. to support the response following Hurricane Ian, sharing their expertise with integrating a Starlink system into a JISCC.

- Story by Joseph Siemandel, Photo by Abigail Clark

FINAL FLIGHT

As the program shuts down across the country, the Washington Air National Guard's RC-26 program heads into retirement

The 141st Air Refueling Wing marked the end of an era on January 6, 2023, as members of the Washington Air National Guard, past and present, gathered at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., to send off the RC-26 aircraft for its final flight and say goodbye to the coveted airframe.

It wasn’t just a solemn day but one of appreciation and remembrance. Not many know about the years of service, sacrifices, and victories for those who have flown, maintained, and led the program, said Maj. Zach Wagner, RC-26 program manager.

“This program attracted and retained highly experienced and skilled aviators and maintainers who saw the unique value in this mission,” said Wagner. “Airmen who just wanted to fly, fight and win, without the need for recognition.”

Established at Fairchild in 1991, with the C-26 Mobility Operations in 1995, the aircraft was reconfigured with reconnaissance equipment when it gained the counterdrug mission flown by 141st aircrews. Since inception, the program operated more than 20,000 operating location flight hours and more than 10,000 combat flight hours.

The RC-26 Condor is a small propeller aircraft equipped with high-resolution infrared and electrooptical imaging. With its special imaging capabilities, the aircraft can see through smoke and any weather condition, which is why it became an asset in many missions. The unique missions included domestic counter drug, homeland security, and disaster relief, and acted as an intelligence resource for wildland firefighters.

At any given time, the 141st RC-26 operating location consisted of around nine aircrews and up to three contracted maintenance personnel. 141st crews contributed to many missions including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Phalanx. Other notable deployments include support for southwest border operations, Haiti earthquake relief, national security incidents, counter narco-terrorism, and countless natural disasters.

Each year, aircrew would fly 150 plus hours assisting local law enforcement. Law enforcement officials would ride along with the aircrew to identify drug suspects, collect evidence, and disrupt or take down drug trafficking groups and organizations. The

141st team assisted in the seizure of $525 million in illicit narcotics, 670 arrests of dangerous criminals, and helped produce evidence for numerous cases. The 141st also used the RC-26 aircraft extensively during the summer months flying more than 2,000 hours helping to locate and map the spread of wildland fires. Crews were activated 456 days for 606 sorties with 779 fires detected, 1,133 fires mapped, 597 tactical taskings and saved $187 million in property and resources.

“I am proud to have been a part of this community and can truly say that flying on the RC-26 has been the most rewarding and fun flying that I have ever done,” said Wagner. “I will never forget it.”

Across the nation, the Air National Guard had a fleet of 11 aircraft stationed at units in Alabama, Arizona, California, Iowa, Mississippi, New Mexico, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington State. The fleet was decommissioned at the end of 2022 and flown to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.

- Story and Photo By Kayleigh Phillips

NEW STORYTELLING PROJECT FOR OLYMPIA ARMORY ONLINE NOW

Story by Steven Friederich

For more than 80 years the Olympia Armory was a place for dances, community events and, of course, home for the soldiers of the Washington National Guard.

In March of 2022, the Olympia Armory transitioned from a military installation to a creative campus owned by the city of Olympia.

During the transition, the Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum, Washington Army National Guard, city of Olympia, and many other partners came together to commemorate the life of the monumental building and the lives it has touched.

Stories, photos and memories of the armory were shared with partners and turned into a storytelling project being launched for public use in January 2023.

“Ultimately, projects like this are intended to maintain a connection between the history associated with a place and the community,” said George Reed-Harmon, the environmental program manager for the Washington Military Department. “Doing so helps cities maintain some sense of place that has been shown to have other benefits by increasing curiosity and educating people on the cultural resources in their area.”

The storytelling project was a requirement under the memorandum of

agreement among the National Guard Bureau, Washington Army National Guard and the Washington Historic Preservation Office for the Olympia Armory Divestiture. Reed-Harmon says the project was also good for the sake of being good stewards of cultural resources in Washington state.

In addition to submitting photos and stories, some sat for video interviews, as well. Besides the website, everything has also been submitted to the state Archives to be preserved.

The project shows photos from the 1954 auto show, armistice parades, even basketball games. Governor Arthur B. Langlie had his inaugural ball in 1941 at the armory.

Reed-Harmon says it’s tough to pick a favorite story.

”Honestly, I look at each person’s account as a unique story that has some intrinsic value,” he said. “As such, I don’t see any one story as better or more remarkable than another. All of these stories take place in the same place but have different meanings — to me that is remarkable.”

Claudia Johnson submitted a story talking about learning how to drive in its parking lot and parallel parking between oil drums. There were memories of the annual harvest festival and basketball practices.

“I don't remember if our team was any good, or if we won any games, but I do remember that I was cold every time I played there, and the floors were hard,” said Wayne Olsen.

Virginia McCoy Britt said she remembers volunteering at the Armory during World War II when there were fears of attacks in the Puget Sound.

“Our windows in Olympia had to be blackened at night, as they thought the West Coast might be bombed,” she said. “It was all kind of frightening.”

The 50,000-square-foot armory is an iconic Art Deco style building that was constructed by noted architects Joseph Wohleb of Olympia and Roland Borhek of Tacoma in the late 1930s. The Olympia Armory has been an integral part of the community’s history and the long history of the Army National Guard presence in Olympia. Guard members from the armory deployed to the Pacific Theater during World War II and the Middle East during Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, while continuing to serve our state during countless disasters.

Reed-Harmon says the building is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, but the decision to apply will be up to the new owners. The city of Olympia is now moving forward with a new creative campus.

“Community input has shaped the working vision and will continue to guide the project into the future,” the city says on its website.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY: CSM SHARES LOVE OF FAMILY AND CLASSIC CARS

For Sergeant Major Andrew Larkin, 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, restoring and protecting history is part of what he loves about the Guard.

“I remember when we were up in Northport helping with fires a few years ago, they mentioned they wanted to restore an old building for a new visitor center,” Larkin said. “I told them about our unit and what we do and the Innovative Readiness Training program and we were able to help them restore the old building.”

As a long-time member of the 176th Engineer Company, Larkin and the unit would often remodel and restore older facilities, updating them and giving them new life. In his personal life, that love of restoring and renewing happens in his garage under the hood of an automobile.

“I have always loved cars, restoring them, working on them and I have passed that love down to my son,” said Larkin.

This past October, Larkin was reminded of that love for family and automobiles during a week-long road trip to New Mexico to pick up a piece of his family’s history, his uncle’s 1956 Chevrolet Bel-Air, lovingly known as “Ol’ Blue.”

“My great uncle Lloyd Barlow bought this 1956 Chevy Bel Air sedan in Fort Collins, Colorado on March 12, 1956. It wasn’t anything special, just a rig to get him back and forth from wherever he was working,” said Larkin. “From his telling, he was working in Texas and the Dakotas at the time. Ol’ Blue and Lloyd got to know each other pretty well on the highways of middle America. I guess the car grew on him.”

For Larkin the story of his Uncle Lloyd’s beloved car is one shared by so many families. Classic car lovers often can point to that one vehicle that a relative owned and say to themselves, ‘I wish I had that car, it was so beautiful.’

“I thought it was the neatest car. I even built a model car of a 56 Chevy to give him for Christmas when I was a teenager,” said Larkin. “He took Ol’ Blue to car shows, golfing, cruised it around Albuquerque, and the occasional long road trip until he was 90 years old.”

It isn’t hard to see why Larkin would fall in love with the classic light blue Bel-Air. When the car was re-designed in 1955, Chevy dubbed it the “Hot One” in their advertising campaign. From 1955 to 1957 the reasonably priced mid-size sedan was highly

sought after by road trip enthusiasts looking to travel down Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway. In 1973 the Bel-Air was featured in the movie American Graffiti and today is still considered one of the most popular classic muscle cars.

“[In] 2021, I got a call from my Dad that Lloyd is in poor health and wants to give me the car. I was humbled and thankful that he would want to keep the car in the family,” said Larkin. “Things didn’t go as planned and we left Ol’ Blue with Lloyd and parted ways with my parents on a plane.”

Larkin’s uncle began suffering from dementia, which has begun to impair his memory and thought process. But Larkin knew how important keeping Ol’ Blue in the family was to his family.

“I stayed in contact with Lloyd over this last year, and while he is in a coherent state, we can talk about old times, family, and forgiveness,” said Larkin.

This past summer Lloyd’s family made the difficult decision to move him into an assisted living center, and was ready to pass Ol’ Blue along to Larkin. So in October, Larkin and his wife Katie traveled down to New Mexico and started the journey of taking Ol’ Blue to his next home.

The Larkins and Ol’ Blue traveled through the states of New Mexico, Utah, Idaho, Oregon and Washington taking in some of the scenery, stopping at local restaurants and talking with people at every stop about their new set of wheels.

Now at its new home, Larkin says it is just a matter of time before Ol’ Blue starts making routine visits to Camp Murray. He hopes that seeing the car around the base will let those that work at the installation see him and other leaders in a new light.

“Each of us bring a different flavor to the National Guard. Different backgrounds, cultures, civilian employment, experience, personal interests, and hobbies,” Larkin said. “I believe it’s important for leaders to be human with those we are responsible for, and to share what goes on in our personal lives outside of drill and annual training. Finding shared interests in our hobbies is one way to do that.”

- Story and Photo by Joseph Siemandel

For the first time in nearly three years, employees supporting the State Emergency Operations Center are working under a Level 3- Monitoring activation level. Personnel at the Emergency Management Division made the decision to bring the SEOC to its lowest activation level following the around-the-clock state response to COVID-19 – which resulted in the longest activation for a single event in our state’s history. Prior to the global pandemic, the longest activation of the SEOC occurred following the State Route 530 landslide in April 2014. The nearly three-year activation at either a Level 1 or Level 2 is unprecedented and during that time, employees have come and gone through retirements, promotions or new hirings, with many new employees never experiencing the SEOC in normal operations. Along with COVID-19, the state in the last three years also responded to catastrophic wild fires, civil unrest, winter floods and snow storms, election security threats, an infestation of the highly-invasive European green crab, an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and the Mpox virus.

TEACH, COACH, MENTOR

State Command Chief embodies importance of mentorship

Careers have a tendency to twist and turn and one decision early in a career can lead to unimaginable opportunities. This was definitely the case for one Washington Air National Guardsman.

Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Allan Lawson, grew up as a military dependent – his father served in the U.S. Army – and after graduation he signed up for the delayed entry program for the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I was a bit of a hot mess coming out of high school and at 21 I knew I had to make a turn. I had to make a change in my life,” he said. His dad convinced him to join the U.S. Air Force instead.

Lawson enlisted in the Air Force and served on active duty for four years as a Ground Tactical Command and Control Operator. At that point he wasn’t satisfied with his career, mainly due to a lack of good leadership within the squadron, so he was looking to separate, he said.

“But then a strong mentor of mine who was on active duty with me said, ‘Have you ever thought about the guard?’”

Lawson said he hadn’t thought about the guard because he’d had very little interaction with National Guardsmen. His mentor recommended the Western Air Defense Sector, where he had previously been stationed, and talked then Senior Airman Lawson into submitting an application.

Shortly after, he was selected for the WADS position, separated from active duty through the Palace Front program, and made the trek to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

At the WADS, he served in a variety of roles as a 1C5 Command and Control Battle Management Operator, which he said was an “amazing experience.”

After 20 years at the WADS he was preparing to retire and looking to get into a state government job when he received a call from Chief Master Sgt. Jennie Bellerose, who was then the 194th Wing Command Chief and was also retiring. She asked Lawson to consider applying for the 194th Command Chief position.

“I said, ‘Well I’ll have to talk to my family’ because I was actually on track to retire in 2019, I’d been through TAPS, I was doing my [Bachelors of Arts] stuff, I was super excited.”

He spoke to his wife, Courtney, and she simply said, “Go for it.” He applied and was fortunately selected for the job.

Lawson was the 194th Wing Command Chief for a little over three years and then was picked up for the Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief position in September 2022. As State Command Chief, his top goal is mentoring.

One of Lawson’s greatest mentors was now retired Chief Master Sgt. Trish Almond, former State Command Chief and Senior Enlisted Leader. “Her and I grew up together at the WADS and she was always at least one rank above me. She always poked and pushed me to be better, to get my

education, get my degree. Sometimes she was frustrating, but in a good way.”

Air Force leaders espouse the importance of mentorship and have attempted to institute formal mentorship programs, but Lawson wanted to start a program that could facilitate more organic and informal mentor relationships, like his relationship with Almond.

“When I was at the 194th Wing, the Chief’s Council and I came up with what we called the Mentoring Session Program,” he said. It was not a robust program, he added, which was by design.

“If you were a newly selected or promoted Senior NCO or CGO you would sit down with a couple of seasoned personnel of that rank you’re going to, along with a chief, and talk through the ropes, ‘this is what I wish I would have known when I got promoted.’”

Nudging Airmen to have a simple conversation could lead to a long-term mentor relationship. Another feature of the program was to link Airmen with others outside their unit in order to give them a different perspective. This in turn created a networking opportunity for program participants.

“I believe that when you create processes and programs – if you want them to thrive and really survive – they need to be as simple as you can make them,” Lawson said. The program started at the 194th in late 2021 and it took off.

When Lawson started his current role as State Command Chief, he wanted the program to continue at the state-level.

“I wanted to make it where units had the flexibility to tailor it… every unit is manned differently, ops tempo is a little different. But I want every enlisted member and CGO to have a mentor or two.”

Another goal of Lawson’s is building first line supervisors. “This goes along hand-in-hand with mentoring,” he said.

For instance, if an Airman has a pay issue, they need to feel comfortable enough with the supervisor to let them know. “I see that a lot, subordinates aren’t communicating with their supervisor or vice versa,” he said. If there was that two-way comms and energy, and effort put into it then we’d have a whole lot less issues.”

Having conversations, building relationships and a culture of trust should help Airmen, civilians and leaders at every level to feel empowered to do their jobs, Lawson said.

- Photos by John Hughel, Story by Alyson Teeter

Our Washington National Guard’s strength has always been in the people that put on the uniform and serve the people of our state and nation. We recognize your service and appreciate everything you have done to keep our residents safe and secure.

For some, leaving our ranks can be scary. There are many unknowns, and as many questions for former members and their families.

To better serve our retired citizen-soldiers and airmen of the Washington National Guard, we want to provide information about retiree services, frequently asked questions and help re-connect you with the formation.

ID Card Services: Do you need a new ID Card?

Camp Murray - Building 15, Office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 0730-1530, Phone - 253-512-8080

Yakima Training Center - OPENED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, Phone - (509) 577-3207

Fairchild Air Force Base - Building #2040, Monday-Friday, 0800-1500, Phone - (509) 247-9200

Naval Station Everett - Monday-Friday, 0730-1600, Phone - (425) 304-4256

DD214: Retired in the last three years and need a DD214? Please call 253-512-8436. Have you been out longer - call the Washington State Archives at 360-586-1492.

Museum: The Washington National Guard Museum on Camp Murray is open on Wednesdays, but you can schedule a visit by calling Dr. Stephanie Carter at 253-512-7834. She can also assist with any donations that could be significant to Washington National Guard History.

Honor Guard: When a member of our military family passes away, the Washington National Guard Honor Guard is available to assist with honoring their service. Please call 253-512-8786 for more information.

Have a question, need assistance, send us a message:

Army National Guard: joseph.f.siemandel.mil@army.mil

Air National Guard: waanghq.ang.retirees@us.af.mil

Retiree network newsletter: mcgannk@comcast.net The Washington Military Department seeks exceptional men and

WASHINGTON NATIONAL GUARD HISTORY: WHO WAS ROSSELL G. O'BRIEN?

As you walk up to the main entrance of the Washington National Guard headquarters building, the name, Rossell G. O’Brien, sits just above the doorway. This feature of the nearly 100-year-old building is often overlooked, just like the plaque on the right side of the doors that briefly tells his story.

Long before he was called the “Father of the Washington National Guard,” Rossell Galbraith O'Brien was born in Dublin, Ireland, on November 27, 1846, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1853, settling down in the Chicago area. When he was just 16, O’Brien entered military service becoming a private in the Ellsworth Zouaves (Governor's Guard). The Zouaves was a military drill team that toured the country, inspired by the French Zouave Infantry units of the 1830s.

He served with the Zouaves until April 28, 1864, when he enlisted in Company D, 134th Illinois Volunteer Regiment and mobilized for service in the Civil War. He was made a second lieutenant on May 31, 1864, serving in a summer campaign in Kentucky until Sept. 1864. He was then ordered to St. Louis with the regiment and served in the campaign against units commanded by Confederate General Sterling Price in Missouri. St. Louis was looked at as a strategic Union stronghold during the war, because of the strong military base and public support. In late September 1864, the Confederate Army of Missouri and Arkansas under Price’s command reentered Missouri and fought several battles but were turned away by the Union soldiers, including O’Brien’s unit, never to step foot in the St. Louis area.

In October of 1864, O’Brien was honorably mustered out of the service and returned to the Governor's Guards of Chicago serving as a first lieutenant from 1865 to 1870.

As the war ended and the nation’s eye turned toward western expansion, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant appointed fellow Union officer and Illinois militia member Edward S. Salomon as the Territorial Governor of Washington. Through his connections Salomon reached out to O'Brien to accompany him and in July 1870, the group arrived in Olympia.

The new governor selected O'Brien as deputy collector of Internal Revenue in 1871 and later served as Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the Legislative Assembly. In 1876 he was appointed as United States Commissioner. As his civilian career was taking off, O’Brien looked to come back to service. On January 10, 1881, he was appointed as a Captain in the Washington Territorial Militia and formed the “Capitol Guards,” one of the first permanent units in the state. In 1884, O'Brien was appointed as Adjutant General guiding the organization through its formative years, organizing and equipping the militia as a permanent presence in the state. He also served as the adjutant general during the state’s transition from territory to statehood in 1889.

In 1891, while still serving as the adjutant general, O’Brien was elected as the 15th mayor of Olympia, Washington,

serving in the position until 1892.

O’Brien was not only a leader in the National Guard, he was a devoted member the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, an organization of Civil War veterans. At a meeting in Tacoma’s Bostwick Building on October 18, 1893, O’Brien proposed a motion that all should stand and remove their hats during the playing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The motion was unanimously adopted, and within two years, had also been adopted nationally by the Loyal Legion which promoted the custom nationwide.

Ready for the next phase of his life, O’Brien retired from the Washington National Guard on July 23, 1895.

Focused on his business career, O’Brien moved to San Francisco establishing himself in real estate and became a broker before moving to Oakland. In 1914, while in Pasadena on business, he was injured in a streetcar accident, which he never recovered from and died in his home on February 12, 1914.

O’Brien’s legacy lived long past his untimely death. In 1931 the custom of standing at attention was formally adopted by United States Congress. In July 1970 a Tacoma chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution installed a plaque on the Bostwick Building commemorating the custom of standing during the Star Spangled Banner. In January 1973 the US House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 137 stating, “The late Rossell G. O’Brien, former mayor of Olympia, Washington, is hereby recognized and honored for originating the custom of rising and standing with head uncovered during a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem of the United States.”

While recent historians argue it was not O'Brien who originated the custom of standing during the anthem, his legacy of service to community, state and nation will never be forgotten, as his name is forever on display on the doors of Building One on Camp Murray.

Employees and Volunteers help bring Holiday Magic to Guard families

With the cost of necessities on the rise due to ongoing inflation, this year’s Holiday Magic event became even more important to National Guard families.

“We have seen a significant decrease in our fundraising and in the amount of donations that we normally do, but we have done a great job of still putting together the resources and our partners that did help have been so generous,” said Deb Discolo, lead military and family readiness specialist with the Joint Service Support (JSS).

This year, the JSS helped to alleviate the pressures of the holidays for 500 families with gifts, stocking stuffers and holiday meals. The full-time staff members of the JSS, along with volunteers from across the Washington National Guard, were on hand Dec. 14 and 15 to help those families attending with securing items and food and making the holidays a little more magical.

“We talk about soldier care, but there is no great way to show our soldiers that we care than to volunteer at events like this and give back to the organization,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Josh Orr, a human resources technician. “Just helping them out when they need it the most is so important.”

Orr is a regular volunteer with JSS, taking his own time whether after work or taking leave in order to ensure events like Holiday Magic are a success.

“We set up all the tables, unloaded all the boxes, sorted the items and are here to help the families that need it,” said Orr. “Events like this mean the world to our soldiers and airmen.”

- Story and Photo by Joseph Siemandel

Bldg 1

Camp Muarry, WA 98433

Phone: (253) 512-8989 mil.wa.gov