SPRING / SUMMER 2022
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1041ST TRANSPORTATION COMPANY ‘S ANNUAL TRAINING CONCLUDES IN UTAH CR22 exercise prepares state for major earthquake | Meet new Command Historian | Sen. Patty Murray visits 194 asog
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Evergreen Magazine Spring / Summer 2022 Vol. 7, Issue 4
Fe tures
Washington Military Department Camp Murray, WA 98430 253-512-8989 - mil.wa.gov
4Reaching the top together
and listen to our podcast Commander in Chief Washington State Governor The Honorable Jay Inslee The Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Bret D. Daugherty Communications Director Karina Shagren State Public Affairs Officer Joseph Siemandel Contributors Kim Burke Tim Chacon Peter Chang Leroy Cruse Whitney Dick Steven Friederich Sarah Foster Merle Jones Jason Kriess Jordan Pollock Rose Lust Aly Teeter Adeline Witherspoon
Washington Military Department Evergreen Magazine is published quarterly by the Washington National Guard Public Affairs Office, Building 1, Camp Murray, 98430. Telephone 253-512-8989. Members can receive additional copies of the Washington Military Department Magazine by contacting the Public Affairs Office. To submit stories / photos / letter please email to Joseph Siemandel, State Public Affairs Officer at joseph.f.siemandel.mil@mail.mil or call 253-512-8989.
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Married 141st Air Refueling Wing chiefs share special ceremony.
6Cascadia Rising 2022
State, federal partners take part in Cascadia Rising Exercise on Camp Murray
17Changing of the Guard New Commander For Washington State Guard
20Confidence to succeed Former cadet says WYCA gave her confidence to succeed
26Root, Root, Root
Special relationship between Seattle teams and the National Guard shows importance of rooting for home team
28ESGR Honors Employers
ESGR and Aviation unit honor employers during Boss Lift
On The Cover:
A soldier with the 792nd Chemical Company practicing military vehicle decontamination with the 1041st Transportation Company during their annual training at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah on June 22, 2022. (Photo by 1st Sgt Merle Jones)
On Apple or Google Play 2 | Washington Military Department | Spring | Summer 2022
Washington National Guard service members receive training in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season during the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Interagency Wildland Fire Training Academy near Roy, Wash., May 15, 2022. The training included familiarization with hand tools, line construction and tactics, and fire shelter deployment and entrapment avoidance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon)
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Reaching the top together: Married chiefs share ceremony
Jeffery and Kellie Barton have been members of the Washington Air National Guard for more than 50 years collectively. They have attended more official ceremonies than they can probably count. Retirements, promotions, awards, not to mention the two shared their own ceremony—a wedding in April 2006. Then, in November 2021, the two again shared the same stage in a very unique kind of ceremony: a dual chief promotion. Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Barton, 141st Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, was notified of his selection initially, then followed by his wife, Chief Master Sgt. Kellie Barton, 141st Medical Group senior enlisted leader, not long after. Their promotion dates of rank were going to be virtually the same and knowing that family would want to travel to celebrate, the decision to have a joint ceremony was easy. “The timing lined up really well,” Kellie Barton said. “We knew our family from out of town would want to be there for both, so it was really about our family and friends being able to come together to do one ceremony.” The two chief selects stood side by side in front of family, friends, and colleagues as their promotion orders were read aloud, welcoming them into their new roles as Chief Master Sergeants. “It was a proud day for us,” said Jeffrey Barton. “It’s such a monumental moment in any enlisted career and it was so important to me that we got to share that moment together.” The two met while working in the 141st Civil Engineer Squadron and have spent most of their careers in tandem, supporting one another, Kellie Barton said. “Jeff is a great leader, definitely my mentor and best friend,” she said. “I had an overwhelming sense of teamwork and felt honored to be able to have that moment with him.” Both chiefs are settling into their new roles and looking forward to helping Airmen find success in their careers, the couple shared. “I’m looking forward to helping people find their path and realize their strengths,” Kellie Barton said. “I think we both have thoughts for other things, but we’ll see where life and the mission take us.” - Story by Tech Sgt. Rose Lust, photo by Senior Airman Whitney Dick
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What is Cascadia Rising?
Cascadia Rising was a multi-State effort involving agencies across federal, state, local, tribal, international and private sectors in a set of exercises centering around a 9.0 subduction zone earthquake and subsequent 100-foot tsunami.
Where is the cascadia subduction zone?
The Cascadia subduction zone extends from northern California to southern British Columbia, from well offshore to eastern Washington and Oregon. It contains many features of a textbook subduction zone, with the exception of having extraordinarily low earthquake rates. Seven of its volcanoes have erupted since the start of the 18th century.
when was the last csz eruption?
A 9.0 magnitude Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake ripping across the 700-mile CSZ fault line occurs on average once every 200 to 500 years. The last major CSZ earthquake and tsunami occurred in 1700.
are Earthquakes Common in Washington?
Earthquakes occur nearly every day in Washington. Most are too small to be felt or cause damage. Large earthquakes are less common but can cause significant damage to the things we count on in everyday life, such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and utilities.
WHAT Can I DO BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE?
The most important thing you can do before the next earthquake is to prepare. An earthquake can be a scary event. The more you know what to expect, the better prepared you will be to help yourself, your family, and others around you.
Where can I find more information?
The Washington Emergency Management Division has a ton of great resources that you can find at the scan code to the left or by going tohttps://mil.wa.gov/earthquake.
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STATE, FEDERAL PARTNERS TAKE PART IN CASCADIA RISING EXERCISE More than 600 people from all levels of government, tribes, emergency management agencies, the private sector and non-profit organizations gathered in mid-June to practice the state’s response to a massive Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami, which when it occurs – is expected to be the largest natural disaster ever in the United States. “This discussion has its genesis in what we did six years ago when we did the first major Cascadia Rising exercise,” said Washington Emergency Management Division Director Robert Ezelle. “We learned about the fragility of our critical infrastructure, our transportation systems, communications, energy. We learned the critical importance of mass care. We learned the importance of public health and medical needs of people. So, coming out of that exercise, we have done a ton of work at the federal level, at the state level and at the local level to improve our plans and capabilities.” Staff from the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division developed and coordinated Cascadia Rising 2022 (CR22) to build on lessons learned from the CR16 exercise and continue to develop response capabilities within Washington state. The exercise was originally designed as a statewide full-scale exercise
focusing on multiple core capabilities. However, during the COVID-19 response, the exercise was changed to a virtual discussion-based environment. “It was a hard decision to shift from an operational exercise to a discussion-based one, but we knew that it was important to move forward and continue to practice and reinforce our response capabilities,” said Patrick Niles, EMD exercise program manager. “Using the technology we have available, we were able to have conversations that will make our region stronger and more resilient.” The exercise ties into other CR22 National Level Exercise events spanning the entire 2022 calendar year to examine the state’s collective ability to coordinate, respond to and recover from a large rupture along the CSZ fault line, which runs along the Pacific coastal states. The scenario includes subsequent tsunamis, aftershocks and a spill of national significance caused by the initial disaster. The virtual discussion-based environment allowed the state to provide an inclusive environment to focus on two of the 32 core capabilities: critical transportation and mass care services. These capabilities were selected as two of the most crucial in an emergency response. “These discussions help test our plans and how we will work together in a disaster,” said Shaunna Lee, City of Maple Valley emergency manager. “Without solid plans in both transpor-
tation and mass care, we will never be successful in such a massive disaster – both are critical to ensuring lifesaving and life-sustaining personnel, equipment and supplies get to the people that need them most.” Four counties and one state agency enhanced their CR22 experience with operational based activities in addition to participating in the discussion-based exercise. While full-scale exercises include many participants performing their disciplines and functional areas, these discussion-based exercises allowed exploration of the plans, policies and procedures that are needed to ensure an effective disaster response. The inclusivity of the virtual exercise allowed far greater representation of tribes and nations, local jurisdictions, the private sector and non-governmental or non-profit organizations to gain a better understanding of the whole community. Lessons learned from CR22 will be immediately included within the FY23 Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshop to help prioritize needs moving forward. Additionally, lessons learned will be used to develop an EMD strategic exercise plan moving forward; increasing proficiency leading up to the next National Level Exercise which is anticipated to return as an operations-based full-scale exercise. - Story by Sarah Foster, Photo by Steven Friederich
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NEW HISTORIAN PLANS TO CLOSE GAPS IN WASHINGTON GUARD HISTORY As the Washington National Guard approaches the 170th anniversary of service to the state and nation, the story of where we have been and how we have responded in the past is more important than ever. History can give leaders a clear picture of where to take the organization following a call up, a disaster or even how to respond to a situation. “I believe that history can help us know what is going to happen next. History often repeats itself,” said newly hired command historian Dr. Jim Perrin. A colonel in the Washington Army National Guard and current commander of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Perrin has been a scholar in the field of history since earning his Bachelor of Arts in history from Cornell University before joining the active Army. “After coming off active duty, I flirted with the idea of becoming a lawyer, and was ready to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test),” said Perrin. “I was pulled into the office of one of the partners and she proceeded to tell me what was wrong with the profession and suggested I find something that I was passionate about.” That conversation led to Perrin switching his focus from law to history and specifically military history. In 2004 he earned his Master of Arts in history from Villanova University and after multiple deployments and overseas assignments with the Washington National Guard, Perrin completed his Doctor of Philosophy in History from Ohio State University. He focused his dissertation on logistics of the revolutionary war through the War of 1812. “I have always been fascinated by military history. I was surrounded by it, my dad and brothers loved the history and my grandfather served in World War II as a battalion commander in Okinawa, so I have always been interested in it,” said Perrin. Perrin believes that the history of the Washington National Guard is critical to building the culture, esprit de corps and strengthening the moral of the organization. He and Museum Curator, Dr. Stephanie Carter, have already begun outreach to the units to start piecing together the history of the organization. “I look at history as a bunch of little puzzles that need to be solved,” said Perrin. “Like our museum, we have a lot of little pieces but now we have to figure out how it goes together to tell the story of the Washington National Guard” - Story and Photo by Joseph Siemandel
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1041st Transportation Company puts in the miles at Dugway Established in 1942, Dugway Proving Ground in Utah has empowered the nation’s chemical and biological professionals against persistent and evolving threats. One of the Army’s premier science and test facilities, Dugway has supported training for military and first responders. That is why the 420th Chemical Battalion selected the unique training area for its annual training. However, moving an entire battalion and their operations from Washington state to Utah is not a small feat and relies heavily on coordination and logistics support. That is where the “Road Chiefs” of the 1041st Transportation Company shine the brightest. “The soldiers were highly motivated and enthusiastic about the mission,” said 1st Sgt. Travis Bassett, 1041st Transportation Company senior non-commissioned officer. “I heard a lot of, ‘this is why we joined, to drive.’” No stranger to interstate annual training opportunities, the unit has participated in multiple Operation Nationwide Move exercises and last year went to Fort Harrison, Montana to conduct the unit’s largest training exercise in years. The 1041st was tasked to haul all of the battalion’s vehicles and equipment from Spokane and Yakima to Dugway Proving Grounds Utah including HMMWVs, FMTVs, water buffalos and other CBRNE decontamination equipment. “Soldiers drove more than 1,000 miles each way, over the course of two days, in order to get the equipment where it needed to be in a timely manner,” said Bassett. While at Dugway the “Road Chiefs” conducted training that included driver’s training and licensing for new soldiers. Soldiers were also able to take part in the CBRNE training with the rest of the battalion, including both classroom and hands on chemical and biological lab training. Introductory in nature, soldiers were taught how to identify different types of labs that might be producing and manufacturing homemade explosives, narcotics or chemical warfare agents by analyzing things such as precursor chemicals or lab set ups. “We also learned how to conduct military vehicle decontamination,” said Bassett. “Being transportation soldiers assigned to a chemical battalion, this training was instrumental in helping soldiers become aware of the work their peers do and learn about situations they could encounter in the future.” During their 2022 annual training, the soldiers in the 1041st Transportation Company drove more than 2,000 miles and traveled through Washington, Idaho and Utah, safely and without incident. “When I first got to this unit, the resounding theme that I heard from our soldiers was they didn’t get an opportunity to drive enough so that’s where we focused our efforts,” said Bassett. “These out of State training opportunities not only get us on the road driving but also provides training opportunities to our new soldiers that involve vehicle recovery missions, convoy operations and preventative maintenance, something they may or may not get during a typical drill weekend.” The company commander, Capt. Luis Torres echoes the same sentiment as his senior enlisted member. “These young soldiers want to be challenged and want some adventure. Many soldiers have never been to Utah or out of the state and this is exactly why they joined the National Guard,” said Torres. “This mission was a great opportunity to get the entirety of the company together, post COVID-19 training shutdowns to exercise our mission essential tasks while increasing unit morale and cohesiveness.” The next two annual trainings will continue to push soldiers and practice their mission essential tasks. The unit will take part in a Mission Support Force Tasking which will travel across nine states and more than 4,000 miles of driving. - Story By Joseph Siemandel
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WASHINGTON NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS SERVE WITH PRIDE Pride Month is the time of year where we stop to recognize the diversity of our force as well as acknowledge those who have historically been marginalized in society. Serving in the military as an openly queer person just a little over a decade ago could mean punishment anywhere from a letter of reprimand all the way up to a dishonorable discharge. With the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in 2011, openly gay and lesbian military members are now able to serve without repercussion. Military service has come a long way since then and the Washington National Guard openly celebrates and highlights queer stories by giving a voice to service members. During the years of DADT, service members had to hide who they really were. Many people don’t understand how hard it can be to keep one’s true identity suppressed under fear of reprisal. When U.S. Army Maj. Laura Dutton, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, joined in 2003, she had to work hard to change who she was to fit in to what she thought the guard wanted. “I worked hard and was really unhappy trying to fit in” Dutton said. “Ultimately, I understood that what I was doing did not change anything and it only perpetuated the culture that made me feel left out to begin with.” Ironically, she said, when she stopped trying to fit in is when she realized that she belonged to the guard exactly how she was. “Pride is a celebration of just that – showing up as who you are and being where you belong,” Dutton said.
“Every message I see celebrating LGBTQ pride from command levels reaffirms that I am welcome, accepted, and included in the Air Force,” she said. Pearce said even small gestures like social media posts or using pronouns in email signature blocks can make a huge difference to a queer person. Trans-gendered service members have a uniquely complex road to navigate while wearing the uniform. A trans-male sergeant in the 96th Troop Command headquartered at Camp Murray says that he has had to tread carefully since enlisting but that most of his peers are very accepting of him. He wishes to remain anonymous for concerns that his outing might generate negative perceptions of him. Half of his time in the Washington National Guard has been as a female. At his previous unit he only confided in friends and those who needed to know of his transition. His transfer to his present unit served as sort of a “fresh start” to serve fully as a male. He said that this generation of soldiers are more tolerant and accepting of trans-gendered people. He said that at his previous unit there were many “old-school” soldiers who he felt wouldn’t be accepting of him. “I don’t run into [those kinds of people] very often,” he said. “For the most part it’s been very positive.” For people like U.S. Army Sgt. Madilyn Reed, Alpha Company, 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, who enlisted well after the repeal of DADT in 2017, the celebration of Pride Month symbolizes growth and tolerance amongst her peers.
Like Dutton, U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Catherine Pearce, 194th Intelligence Squadron, enlisted into the Air Force before the repeal of DADT and had to hide who she really was for a few years. When she wanted to enlist shortly after 9/11, Army and Air Force recruiters told her that she shouldn’t join and that she’d likely be discharged if anyone found out. It wasn’t until then-President Barack Obama promised that he would rescind the policy in 2009 that she finally joined.
“During Pride Month I am taking time to reflect not only on my love for my wife and my love for myself, but on the love and support I have received from my family, friends, and the Washington National Guard,” Reed said.
“Many people in my basic training flight and tech school were older LGBTQ Airmen who had been waiting to join until they felt it was ‘safe,’” Pearce said. “Unfortunately, it took another three years before DADT was finally repealed. I spent those three years cautiously in the closet.”
“Trust, believe, and advocate for LGBTQ troops when they share their experiences, especially when it comes to being treated differently” Pearce said. “Validation and advocacy as a leader can be the most empowering gift you ever give to an LGBTQ service member.”
For Pearce, hearing messages from senior leaders in the organization fills her with a sense of belonging.
- Story by Jason Kriess
Despite the DADT policy being rescinded more than 10 years ago, there are still biases within the ranks, Pearce said. She has some advice for senior leaders:
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Sen. Patty Murray visits Camp Murray to discuss new Air National Guard facility The airmen of the 194th Air Support Operations Group have continuously supported a variety of combat operations throughout the Middle East since the 2001 terrorist attacks, however they’ve been training in out-of-date facilities that have needed major modifications over the years. “Whatever the threat to Washington families—from COVID, to natural disasters, to conflict abroad—our National Guard is always among the first to the frontlines, and we owe it to them to make sure they can do that work and be as prepared as possible,” said U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). “That starts with making sure they have modern facilities that allow them to train effectively so they can get, and stay, mission ready.” On April 20, 2022 Murray visited Camp Murray to meet Washington National Guard leaders after helping secure funds for the construction of a 71,000 square foot Air Support Operations Group Complex to support the current missions of the 194th Air Support Operations Group. The new complex will bring three units, the 111th and 116th Air Support Operations Squadron and the 116th Weather Flight together into the same facility to leverage training resources so they can train like they fight when deployed. During the visit, Murray toured the current facilities utilized by the units, learned about the mission, took part in a demonstration on a simulator and discussed future projects with Guard leaders. The planned complex will support multiple simulator pro-
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grams including the Air National Guard Advanced Joint Training System, Joint Tactical Air Control Party Operations Simulation Suite and the Air Support Operations System Operational Simulations Suite. Currently, the 194th ASOGC units are located in seven dispersed older facilities across Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Camp Murray. The planned new complex will provide the necessary space, increase mission efficiency and effectiveness, reduce energy consumption, improve unit command and control and unit cohesion, ensure the proper protection of vehicles and equipment, and bring the facilities into compliance with anti-terrorism/force protection standards. “When you talk with soldiers and airmen, they have appreciated the opportunity to perform the missions they have been able to do the last couple years. They feel very rewarded to have an important job like this for our nation,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general, Washington National Guard. “We are going to do even better in a couple of new buildings.” Just last year airmen from the 194th ASOG continued to support overseas missions with deployments to Syria, Iraq, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia working with Special Operations and NATO partners. Locally the unit was involved in the COVID-19 response, supported the wildfire fighting effort and the presidential inauguration. Airmen also supported Operation Allies Welcome at JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, helping support vulnerable Afghans resettling in the U.S. - Story by Joseph Siemandel, Photo by Peter Chang
Snohomish Armory to Receive $6 Million Modernization Renovation
When the Washington National Guard Armory in Snohomish opened the doors in 1955, the town surrounding the 14,000 square foot facility had a population of only 3,000 citizens. Since then – the population has nearly tripled and as the city has grown, so has the need for major renovations to the almost 70-year-old facility. “The Snohomish Armory is a critical location for the Washington Army National Guard. We recruit extremely well here, the unit is intertwined with the city and the armory needs to be a place the community can come to and host events and learn about the amazing things they do,” said Brig. Gen. Dan Dent, commanding general of the Washington Army National Guard. “We are very excited for this project and how it can help grow the 176th Engineers.” On May 18, 2022, Rep. Brandy Donaghy, who represents the 44th District in Washington’s Legislature, which includes Snohomish and Lake Stevens visited the armory to learn about the $6 million renovation and the unit’s mission. During the visit she saw the future plans for the armory, which will include modernizing the existing offices, new flooring, heating and cooling systems, lighting, fitness room, classrooms, computer labs and storage areas. The facility will also include a lactation room, now becoming standard in all new Washington Army National Guard facilities. “The Snohomish Armory project is an unspecified minor military construction project to modernize the facility and will add approximately 6,000 square feet to the facility,” said Adam Iwaszuk, director of the Construction and Facilities Management Office. “This is our first unspecified minor military construction project in more than ten years.” The project will be paid for primarily by the federal
government, which will support 75 percent of the costs. The state will pay for the rest. “Projects like these don’t have a large price tag, but they are highly critical for ensuring we are giving our soldiers and airmen the best facilities to work out of,” said Dent. “They expect that now and we need to ensure that we are doing just that.” The 176th Engineer Company, a stand along vertical engineering and construction company, has enjoyed its home in Snohomish for many years and have been there when the community was in need. In 2014 the company deployed about 30 minutes up the road to Oso following the State Route 530 Landslide. The unit has also supported numerous fire seasons and flooding operations as well as the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, the unit has taken part in several community restoration projects including renovating the Northport visitor center, a playground in Rogue River, Oregon, renovating a church at North Fort Lewis and next year will take on an upgrade project at Bowers Field in Ellensburg. The unit has also deployed to Iraq numerous times since Sept. 11, 2001 and has been integral in the Washington State Partnership Program building schools in the Kingdom of Thailand. “This unit is just so special and I am so excited we can continue to be right here in Snohomish as this community grows,” said Dent. “Our only ask is when this facility reopens their doors in early 2024 that the community comes and joins us in that special event.” - Story and Photo By Joseph Siemandel
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NORAD Commander and Command Senior Enlisted Leader visit the Western Air Defense Sector U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visited the Western Air Defense Sector on May 3, 2022, and stressed to the WADS team the importance of their mission. During their visit, they met with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, The Adjutant General-Washington National Guard, WADS senior leadership, and Airmen working on the operations floor. While touring the WADS operations floor, VanHerck let the WADS team know that, “The mission you do, I can’t tell you how important it is…defending the most senior leaders, our continuity of government, and defending the homeland…. there is probably no mission nobler than getting up everyday and defending your homeland.” Even though VanHerck’s visit was on a compressed schedule, members of the 225th Air Defense Squadron had the opportunity to give overviews of how each of the operations floor sections execute the Operation Noble Eagle mission of defending North America’s skies. At the end of his visit, VanHerck’s expressed how important the WADS innovation team has been in working on solutions that are needed to solve critical problems in the DoD. As a result of this effort, the 225th Air Defense Squadron battle control center spark cell is the Air National Guard’s nominee for the Air Force 2021 General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award. This award recognizes the individual and/or team who demonstrates innovation in cost and manpower savings to improve efficiency, operational readiness and replication of the innovation across the Air Force enterprise. - Story and Photo by Kim Burke
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Washington Airman continues to break stereotypes in life and career Airman 1st Class Taylor Herman has always considered herself to be one to break stereotypes, even when others told her she couldn’t do something.
New mobile kitchen serving hungry Airmen in Spokane Airmen from the 141st Force Support Squadron moved to their new kitchen on wheels during the closure of the base’s Force Feeding Facility. The Disaster Response Mobile Kitchen Trailer, or DRMKT, provides a portable cooking facility that can feed up to 2,000 people. “The kitchen is completely self-contained and it has more features than the last one we were using. There is so much more room for food preparation making our team more effective and enhancing our ability to feed more people,” said Master Sgt. Casylee Dukart, 141 FSS food services team lead. This new version of the DRMKT arrived in March and the Airmen from the 141st FSS spent time training in order to have the mobile kitchen fully operational. The 141st FSS has been using the DRMKT for drill weekends since the Force Feeding Facility, the base dining facility, closed in June 2021 for renovation. “It is always nice to be able to conduct training especially when we get new assets,” Dukart said. “It helps us be prepared when we actually have to activate in order to aid first responders in contingency situations across the state.” According to Dukart, this trailer has many more options including multiple ovens and a grill top. It has a slide out allowing for more standing room inside making it easier for people to work inside without bumping into each other. The mobile kitchen has been adopted by the ANG as the critical domestic response asset to feed people during a state of emergency. “The capabilities of this DRMKT allow us to respond quickly to any disaster in the entire Pacific Northwest,” said Dukart. “We can now better serve first responders in any type of emergency situation.” The free-standing mobile kitchen is very similar to a concession trailer that might be found at a public event. It is designed for fast setup and teardown. It is easily towed by a heavy-duty truck. Ready in a moment’s notice, the DRMKT is a mobile kitchen that can respond to disasters across the state of Washington and across the Pacific Northwest. The wing has had a mobile kitchen capability since 2014. - Story and Photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Pollock
A1C TAYLOR HERMAN
“I had heard the old saying, ‘it’s a man’s world,’ but I believe that women can do the same things that men can do, and are just as physical and outgoing,” said Herman. “That is what drove me to play football, practice Taekwondo and join the military.” Before joining the Washington Air National Guard in August of 2020, the 29 year-old was already an acclaimed athlete. She started playing competitive football at age six, which led to signing a professional football contract in 2021 with the Seattle Majestic. She won two gold medals in Taekwondo at the Junior Olympics and still holds a Black Belt. As a college student, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Yonsei University’s Underwood International College in Seoul, South Korea, and was the only foreign player on Yonsei University’s Women’s Soccer team. The team won the prestigious Seoul Cup for the first time in school history, and took 2nd place at the university WK-League Championship, the sport’s highest level in South Korea. “I wanted to show other women and young girls what’s possible for them, and they, also, can do anything in this world that they have a passion for,” said Herman. Even with all her accomplishments, she felt a desire to serve. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic she learned about how the Washington Air National Guard was serving the community. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Herman. “I wanted to serve and protect my country and my community, and the Guard provided the opportunity to do both, with both federal and state missions.” At the end of August 2020, Herman joined the Guard and immediately was activated to support the food bank mission as a member of the Student Flight, a program that trains airmen before they head to Basic Military Training. “Being able to be out in my community, meeting them, hearing their stories, and being able to help them in a real, tangible way through the foodbank, it was so memorable,” said Herman. While A1C Herman is still waiting for her Air Force Specialty Code training and to be assigned to a unit outside of student flight, she remains busy, preparing for the Seattle Majestics season opener on April 2. “Being a professional athlete, being a Guard member and having a career is super cool,” said Herman. “My command is super supportive of it and I am so grateful.” - Story By Joseph Siemandel Scan code to learn more about how two 194th Wing Airmen are breaking tackles and barriers with the Women’s National Football Conference. Spring | Summer 2022 | Washington Military Department | 15
Satellite internet systems tested at SEOC In a first for the agency, the Washington Emergency Management Division shut down its classic Internet connection at the state Emergency Operations Center on April 19 and linked it up to a satellite internet backup. In a real emergency, such as a snowstorm or an earthquake, there might be Internet connection issues. There are plans in place to utilize HAM and amateur radio to pass on important messages around the state in case of a truly big earthquake. But the agency also has a large satellite trailer. The goal was to see the amount of time it takes to have it functional and integrated into the state EOC’s networking, gain insights into the operational impacts satellite internet has on the state EOC, determine user training necessary and more. Users were able to still use Internet-based phones, watch and send video and do messaging. Large files had some issues, but that’s to be expected due to bandwidth issues. Testing was also done with part of the Alert & Warning Center. The agency plans to do future testing, including with separate FirstNet Satellite equipment. - Story and Photo by Steven Friederich
The Washington Military Department seeks exceptional men and women to join our team and help the department meet our important mission of protecting lives, property and the economy of Washington state. We offer full-time state and federal employment opportunities in a variety of job classifications. Additionally, we hire project, non-permanent and disaster reservists to support disaster recovery efforts and workload peaks.
Need Something New to Listen To? Do You Like Podcasts? Check out our Washington Military Department Raven Conversations! Search for “Raven Conversations” where you listen to your podcasts 16 | Washington Military Department | Spring | Summer 2022
133d Army National Guard Band Tour returns for Commander’s finale
Standing in the empty auditorium at Yelm High School, Chief Warrant Officer Four Scott Pierson reflects on his two worlds coming together. The leader of the 133rd Army National Guard Band for the past 17 years and band director and teacher at Yelm High School admits this could be one of the only times this happens too. “I love playing in this auditorium, and for our upcoming evaluation from National Guard Bureau I told them we are playing here,” Pierson said. “It is my swan song evaluation, so I decided it needed to be here.”
New Commander For Washington State Guard During state emergencies, the subject matter experts of the Washington State Guard provide critical support to first responders who safeguard lives and property. When the State Guard needed a new commander, the Military Department leadership knew Washington National Guard Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Maassen was the right guy for the job.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the commander of the Washington State Guard,” said Maassen during his introductory speech during March drill. “I am excited about working with such great volunteer soldiers that are committed to being prepared to help their state and nation.” Maassen, a life-long Washingtonian, graduated from Lake Washington High School in Kirkland before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Seattle University and commissioning through the university’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program. Maassen served in the Washington Army National Guard and rose to the rank of Lt. Col. before retiring. He will receive a promotion to the rank of Colonel with the State Guard.
The Washington State Guard is an allvolunteer unit organized under the Washington Military Department. The mission of the Washington State Guard is to provide organized units that are equipped and trained in the protection of life or property and the preservation of peace, order and public safety under competent orders of state authorities. - Story by Joseph Siemandel
“I feel I am the only one who is getting promoted because no one is blocking me,” said Pierson. “When I came here we were 60 percent strength, and now we are excess strength and no one wants to leave. So it’s time to watch these amazing musicians get promoted and take over this wonderful place.” The last few years, it was the leadership of Pierson and his senior Non-Commissioned Officer, 1st Sgt. Richard Little, that kept the professional musicians of the 133rd motivated to continue to serve. When the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled events, shut down concert venues and brought the entertainment world to a halt, the members had to refocus and shift to working numerous state and federal missions.
Their energy and playing up the crowd always helps get the kids jumping around and adults singing, but Little admits it’s the work of the recruiters that often join them that gets over-looked. “We are always telling the story of the Guard, we are there to support the mission of that local recruiter who is working the crowd and talking with people about the National Guard and what we in the Guard do,” said Little. “We aren’t just soldiers, we are mechanics, electricians, students and teachers.” That passion for the band is why Pierson has stayed with them so long, that love of music and teaching. Pierson celebrated his 16th year with Yelm High School as the band master and teacher recently and while he knows his time with the 133rd Band might be coming to an end soon, he knows his teaching days are still ahead of him. “I have been blessed to be with this amazing group for so long and have loved every minute of it,” said Pierson. “I have a few things pending in the Guard and could find myself either staying in music or moving to our 205th Regiment. Either way I will still get to teach and mentor and that is such an honor.” - Story by Joseph Siemandel
“We not only had members working in food banks and helping with COVID mapping missions, we also had them standing on the front lines in Seattle during civil unrest and deployed to D.C. to protect our nation’s capital,” said Little. “I will always say our members do more with a musical instrument in their hands than a weapon.” Little took over just prior to the pandemic and watched as the number of events the band supported in a year went from nearly 100 down to a handful, including just one public performance in Leavenworth for July 4, 2020. “It was the weirdest thing, we had the crowd very socially distanced, we could only have five on stage, no crowd interaction, everyone in masks,” said Little. “We feed off the crowd and it helps us play even better and with more energy.” As vaccines became available, masks came off and venues reopened, the 133rd started to make its way back out again for more shows. This summer the band returned to traveling across to different cities, bringing their unique energy, positive message and love of the National Guard to audiences again. “The tour this year has been great,” Little said. “It was great to get back out and get Spring / Summer 2022 | Washington Military Department | 17
-- photo by Adeline Witherspoon
“I am excited to work with you as we prepare to be a part of the statewide response to wildfires and look at the possibility of standing up an Unmanned Aerial System program that will be a force multiplier for the director of joint forces,” said Maassen. “With your input, you can let me know if we are on track to effectively accomplish our mission.”
After 17 years in command of the 133rd Band, Pierson knows that the time is coming to finally move on. Not because anyone is pushing him out, but he is ready to see others move up the ranks.
with the crowd again. We usually start the show with the crowd not sure what to expect and by the end they don’t want us to stop and always ask for us to come back next year.”
Bersama Warrior 22: State partners reunite at exercise, work toward shared goals Two weeks of collaboration and camaraderie between U.S. and Malaysian armed forces during exercise Bersama Warrior 2022 was celebrated with a closing ceremony presided by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Reginald Neal, deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Pacific and Royal Malaysian Air Force Maj. Gen. Dato’ Hj Md Fauzi b Saleh, assistant chief of staff for the Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces Headquarters J-3 on June 17, 2022. “Over the past 12 days the hard work of the staff during this command post exercise have truly enhanced Malaysian-U.S. interoperability,” Neal said. “This in-person exercise clearly demonstrates our renewed commitment to working together to solve important and complex problems.” Command post exercises like Bersama Warrior are designed to strengthen the relationship between the host nation’s armed forces and the U.S. by combining them into a single staff and forcing them to work through a complex problem collectively, thus increasing interoperability and their ability to plan and conduct joint and coalition operations. In the fictitious Bersama Warrior scenario, the United Nations Security Council resolution authorized operations on the fictional Isla Del Sol. The combined joint task force leading the response had a mission to expel the invading enemy forces from the island and transition to stability and security operations. An enduring feature of Bersama Warrior is the Washington National Guard’s participation due to its partnership with Malaysia. In 2017, under the National Guard Bureau-administered State Partnership Program, the Washington National Guard and Malaysian armed forces were formally partnered, which started a mutually beneficial relationship with the goal of enhancing capabilities and security cooperation. “I think that us participating in exercises – and also subject matter exchanges – definitely strengthens our partnership with our state partners,” said Army Lt. Col. Reena Emme, Bersama Warrior C-2 Intelligence lead and the Washington National Guard Overseas Deployment Training Lead Planner. “There is a lot of planning that was done for this exercise. However, I think it was very worth it because it helps build our relationship together.” While going through the inevitable aches and pains of combining a team of strangers from different cultures and then planning and executing a response to a fictitious scenario, the team bonded in surprising ways through a shared sense of service and history. For Army Lt. Col. Vic Pirak, the Bersama Warrior C-3 Current Operations Planner and executive officer for the Washington National Guard’s 56th Theater Information Operations Group, the experience was especially poignant. He received an award from the C-3 Operations lead who also serves with the Malaysian Army’s 19th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Mechanized). The wooden crest award was engraved with the motto, “Tegak Teguh Gagah Perkasa,” which translates from Malay to English as, “To Stand Firm and Gallant.”
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“It was very much an honor to receive that…because it really recognized how our staff as a whole had come together, U.S. and Malaysian,” he said. “Significantly about the 19th Mechanized, they were the unit back in 1993 that was serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Somalia.” A portion of the Malaysian training audience included soldiers from the 19th Battalion. Throughout the two weeks their American counterparts learned that the history of the 19th included the rescue of U.S. Army Rangers during the Battle of Mogadishu, also known as the ‘Black Hawk Down’ incident in 1993. Approximately 870 members of the regiment were deployed to Somalia as part of the United Nations UNOSOM II Operation and 100 Malaysian soldiers helped with the rescue. A Malaysian soldier ultimately lost his life during the mission. “They’re very proud of that lineage and history,” he said. “As we went along, it’s neat to see everybody come together. You’re not seeing everybody in different uniforms. It’s just like ‘hey we have a job to get to done’ and then we get better at communicating,” Pirak added. Approximately 100 U.S. personnel participated in Bersama Warrior command post exercise, consisting of operational staff planners. “United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Washington National Guard are grateful for the quality training and gracious hospitality of our Malaysian military partners,” said Air Force Col. Scott Humphrey, Bersama Warrior 2022 Chief of Staff and commander of the Washington Air National Guard’s Western Air Defense Sector. “As we strive for improved interoperability, shared regional vision, and mutual cooperation, we look forward to rewarding future engagements and lifelong friendships.” - Story and Photos By Lt. Col. Aly Teeter
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Cadet Graduate says WYCA gave her confidence to succeed Santana Rabang, 27, said life looked good in the weeks following her graduation from the Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy in 2012. She was still in contact with her classmates. She was making good decisions and was even on track to graduate with her class. “One morning, my best friend was murdered at a house party, a party I know I would have gone to,” Rabang says. “Resisting the temptation of going to that party is what saved my life.” Rabang was recently brought back to the Youth Academy to be the speaker of the 2022-2 commencement, where 105 cadets received their certificates of completion at the Bremerton High School Performing Arts Center. Altogether, cadets who finished the Youth Academy this most recent cycle saw an average increase of 34 percent to their cumulative high school grade point averages. The average grade for cadets was a B+. “I can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” Rabang told graduates. “Being back here today brings back so many memories that make me feel extremely emotional. But I think the most prominent one is just being proud. I know this journey wasn’t easy. Reflecting back to this time and this moment, it was one of the happiest times in my life. This comradery that you felt with your fellow brothers and sisters during these past five and a half months is hard to come by. The connections you’ve made with each other, with the cadre, you’re going to remember the rest of your life. I know I have.” Rabang said she wishes her story would have always had an upward momentum. But when her friend was killed, she says her life “flipped upside down to one of the worst times of my life.” She dropped out of high school with just five credits left. She says she just lost faith in herself. “I reverted to alcohol to mask any trouble I was carrying,” she said. “And then there was a moment when I hit complete rock bottom. I had to ask myself, ‘Is this the life I want to live?’ This is when I had to learn the importance of discipline and integrity. I took accountability of my actions and, most importantly, I didn’t allow my mistakes to define me as a person.”
It took her two years to get her high school diploma. But she got it, she stresses. Today, she’s employed as a researcher and producer at Children of the Setting Sun Productions, a non-profit organization in Bellingham that specializes in Coast Salish storytelling. She recently completed projects allowing families to talk about how salmon relates to their identity. Rabang identifies from the Loomi Nation and is the Coast Salish and Stó:lō Nation heritage. She enrolled in Northwest Indian College in 2019 and graduated from there in June of this year. She wants to attend Fairhaven College in Bellingham in the near future. “The education, engagement and community in my culture is ultimately what saved my life,” she said. “My education is not only for my success but in remembrance of those who come before me and protection of our homelands.” Rabang says it’s OK for cadet graduates to have ups and downs, but she hopes they learn from the mistakes that she made. She notes that life is a journey, not a destination. “The true battle starts now,” she said. “And when life knocks you down or you feel like giving up, remind yourself that this pain, this feeling is temporary and you will get through it. - Story and Photo by Steven Friederich
Listen to Santana Rabang’s entire speech by scanning the code to the left.
Scan code on right to view the entire Washington Youth Challenge Program’s Graduation Ceremony for Class 22-001.
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Diversity is a strength of the U.S. military, which brings together service members from different backgrounds and ethnicities and helps the force grow stronger. “Observing the different cultures in the military makes us more inclusive,” said Capt. Tiffany Cadenhead, a personnel officer with the 420th Chemical Battalion in Yakima, whose father is from Bangladesh and comes from a mixed race family. “There are things I learn from people daily about their backgrounds that I would never have known. Embracing everyone’s heritage is important as a melting pot of people in the military.” The Washington National Guard enjoys a growing diverse force of service members with unique backgrounds and experiences. With nearly one million Asian Americans in Washington, Asian American and Pacific Islander month recognizes one of the largest groups in the state’s population. First recognized in June 1977 by U. S. Representatives Frank Horton and Norman Y. Mineta, a resolution proclaimed the first 10 days of May as Asian-Pacific Heritage Week. A similar bill would be proposed by the Senate a month later and President Jimmy Carter would sign the joint resolution for the celebration on October 5, 1978. In May 2009, President Barack Obama signed Proclamation 8369, recognizing the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, communities celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans with community festivals, governmentsponsored activities and educational activities for students. The Washington National Guard has a long history of service in Asia, dating back to the territorial militia being activated to serve during the Philippine Insurrection from 1899 – 1902. The conflict ended with the signing of the Philippine Organic Act, which provided for the creation of the Philippine Assembly and modern government known in the Philippines today. During World War II, Washington National Guard soldiers fought the Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons and Luzon, freeing the island nations from Japanese occupation. After the Fall of Saigon in 1975, a large number of refugees from Vietnam settled in our state with the help of former Secretary of State Ralph Munro and the Washington National Guard. As thousands fleed Vietnam, there was a conflict growing among what to do with the refugees looking for resettlement. Gov. Dan Evans and then California Gov. Jerry Brown didn’t see eye to eye on welcoming in refugees. Evans sent Munro to California to meet with officials there to see how Washington could assist. Munro learned of the enormity of the issues at Camp Pendleton and offered to have groups of refugees resettle in the Evergreen state. 22 | Washington Military Department | Spring | Summer 2022
500 refugees came to Washington, moving onto Camp Murray in temporary housing before finding a more permanent residency. That first group was followed by two more groups and nearly 4,000 more refugees. Many moved into the communities and those needing more time came to Camp Murray. Today nearly 70,000 Vietnamese Americans call Washington state home. “20 years later, those kids were the valedictorians of their high school,” said Munro during a visit to Camp Murray in August 2021. “They excelled, they worked hard.” Capt. Laudy Choum, a signal officer with the 898th Brigade Engineer Battalion, experienced a similar situation. Born in Cambodia during the height of the Khmer Rouge genocide, Choum’s family escaped the country and came to America. “I wanted to give back and serve the greatest country in the world,” said Choum. “It has protected, educated and given me and my family the opportunity to become successful. The Washington Army National Guard has provided me a platform to be a positive role model and mentor for my family and friends.” Choum, a full time employee at the Washington Army National Guard’s information management office, works daily with many Asian Americans, including Maj. Sameer Puri, who moved to America from India and Sgt. 1st Class Lance Shimamoto, who brings his “Island style” to Washington. “Heritage appreciation is not something that I just decided to do one day,” said Shimamoto. “It is something that I do every day. This observance allows others that are not around Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders an opportunity to share and understand our traditions, beliefs, and ways of life.” Another way that Washington National Guard members are learning about the traditions, beliefs and ways of life of Asian Americans is by taking part in overseas tours. For the last 20 years, Washington National Guard members have had the chance to visit the Kingdom of Thailand through the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP). In 2017, Washington and the country of Malaysia signed an agreement, becoming the second country Washington works with through the SPP. Through the SPP, the National Guard conducts military-tomilitary engagements in support of defense security goals but also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency and corollary engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres. Visits to Thailand often include cultural exchanges, celebrations and the chance to learn about the history. “I have always believed that our State Partnership Program is working right when you build lifelong relationships with our partners,” said. Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, the commander of the Washington Air National Guard. “We should have our young officers connecting with our Thai and Malaysia officers when they are just starting out, and they should grow up together, learn from one another and build those lasting friendships.”
“As an army brat growing up I thought every dad served in the military and the military’s culture and influence has always been part of my lifestyle and adult formation.” The service bug not only bit Paul, the Chief of Plans and Exercises at the 262d Cyberspace Operations Squadron, but also his brother Chad, who is a chemical Officer with the 420th Chemical Battalion and recently returned home from a deployment to Poland. “This observance is to honor the military service of my dad, my cousins and my brother,” says Lucero. “This annual observance recognizes the traditions of a familial culture contributing to both the successes and lessons learned of the military.” Paul says one of his favorite parts of serving is meeting people of many diverse backgrounds to solve complex problems as a means to serve our nation. “These complex problems stem from our Air Force having a unique technological heritage that centers between man and machine. With that, we use our knowledge and creativity to make things happen that never existed before in traditional military practice and doctrine.”
When Johnathan Yee graduated from college he was looking for something that was recession proof. “I graduated college during the recession, so jobs were hard to come by in 2010. Enlistment guaranteed me a job for four years and travel outside of WA,” says Yee. “I was going to be a four-and-done, but the experiences I had on Active Duty made me want to continue serving closer to home and in a part-time capacity.” His desire to continue serving brought him to the Washington Air National Guard. “Wherever you go, you will have friends for life. The military is small enough where your paths will cross again whether that’s TDY, deployment, PME, or stopping through your city while enroute to your next duty station. The civilian sector has nothing like this.” While serving closer to home was a desire, it was the 2017 Fire fighting mission in Cle Elum that solidified why Yee loves the Washington National Guard. “Serving my local community meant everything. As we were evacuating Cle Elum residents from their homes to safety, they showered us with love and appreciation that we were there when they needed us the most. I found my ‘why’ during that deployment,” says Yee.
Service runs in Master Sgt. Gao Blincoe’s family. “I am the first generation born in the United States to Hmong immigrant parents, my grandfathers on both sides of the family fought alongside the United States during the Vietnam War.” Gao has been building a legacy of her own in the Washington National Guard since joining as an intelligence professional in 2004. Through multiple deployments and numerous positions of increasing responsibility, she has always worked to support her soldiers and help them reach their potential. “This observance means a lot knowing and seeing a broad spectrum of heritages being celebrated throughout the year to fully be aware of all the different backgrounds that represent the United States.”
Sgt. 1st Class. Thuong-Em Nguyen, an intelligence professional with the 341st Military Intelligence Battalion, has had the chance to do some pretty incredible things during her 20 year military career. “When I was working as a linguist/analyst for the Joint MIA/POW accounting command, I went on an investigative mission in Vietnam to investigate burial locations/cases of our heroes who had fallen during the Vietnam War. That mission was really memorable because I got to talk to/interview US Soldiers who fought during the war, South Vietnamese soldiers, and North Vietnamese soldiers and learn everyone’s side of the story/perspective,” says Nguyen. Being an immigrant who came to the United States under a humanitarian/ political refugee program, Nguyen has always felt she needed to be part of ensuring that America stayed free. “I had always appreciated the freedom as well as opportunities we are able to experience in this country. On September 11th, 2001, I felt a part of that freedom was threatened by the terrorist attack. I decided to join to be a part of the force who fights and help us maintain that freedom,” says Nguyen. Nguyen and her husband, who is also in the military have deployed four times and have traveled on more than 10 assignments/missions away from home since the time their soon to be 11-years-old son was born. “Although military life can be challenging at times, I have never regretted my decision to join this wonderful organization/family.” - Story and profiles by Joseph Siemandel
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-- photo by Adeline Witherspoon 24 | Washington Military Department | Spring | Summer 2022
Root,Root, Root! Special relationship between Seattle teams and the National Guard shows importance of rooting for home team
On May 7, 2022, the Seattle Mariners honored military members and veterans during their annual Salute to Armed Forces Game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Citizen-soldiers and airmen stood side by side with players as Sgt. 1st Class Tramal Williams, a recruiter with the Washington Army National Guard, threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the game. This yearly event has become part of the growing tradition of local sports teams honoring the men and women of the Washington National Guard. “Our Guard members are so eager to get out on the field and represent the organization,” said Maj. Gen. Bret Daugherty, the adjutant general. “Whether it be throwing out a first pitch or standing on the baseline with the players, they are excited to root for their team.” Earlier this year, Daugherty represented the Washington National Guard in front of the crowd at Climate Pledge Arena with Seattle’s newest professional sports team, the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League. Since most Guard members live and work in the communities they serve, the relationship with Washington sports teams runs pretty deep. When the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl 48 against the Denver Broncos in January 2014, it was the Washington National Guard that drove the team through the streets of downtown Seattle during the victory parade. A month later the Seahawks brought the Lombardi Trophy to Camp Murray so members of the Washington National Guard could take photos. “Just to be on the ground, carrying the Lombardi Trophy, celebrating with the team, the fans and everyone down there was so magical,” said CSM Eric Sandland, 96th Troop Command CSM. “Our Guard members got to cheer with the fans, celebrate with the players and make a memory they will never forget.” Every year when the Seahawks call for a stadium flyover, it is the flight crews from the 96th Aviation Troop Command that answer the call. “There is nothing like flying above a stadium full of screaming fans, knowing that if I wasn’t in the helicopter flying, I would be in the stands cheering,” said Maj. Kevin Robillard, a pilot with 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation. Another element of the Washington National Guard, the 10th Civil Support Team, can be found at almost all major Seattle sporting events and working behind the scenes to help keep spectators and players safe. Since 2012 members of the Civil Support Team have teamed with Seattle Fire and hazmat teams for radiation sweeps and monitoring the air for dangerous substances.
“This is really a public health and safety function. We essentially are running a sweep and helping ensure that the public is safe from bad chemicals,” said Warrant Officer 2 Daniel Jones, 10th Civil Support Team, during a 2015 interview. While the stadiums were empty in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that didn’t stop the Seahawks’ cheerleaders, “the Seagals” from coming down to Camp Murray and raising the 12th Man flag, honoring the Washington National Guard as their Military Unit of the season. “The Seattle Seahawks relationship with the Washington National Guard is extremely valuable to us,” said Nino Gray, community engagement manager with the Seattle Seahawks. “We know that when we call, they will answer because the service members are from Washington state and big supporters of the Hawks.” In September 2021, after spending a year and a half supporting the state during the pandemic response, the Washington National Guard was provided with the same honor from the Seattle Mariners. For the 2021 season, the Mariners recognized the Washington National Guard as their Military Members of the Year. Chief Warrant Officer Five Tim Gorden accepted the award on behalf of the organization during a game in September. A few weeks later Sgt. Tricia Scheer, a vocalist in the Washington Army National Guard’s 133rd Army National Guard Band lived out a dream as she got the chance to sing the National Anthem for her home-town team. “My family loves the Mariners. My husband is a huge Mariners fan and I have wanted to sing the National Anthem at a Mariners’ game for as long as I can remember,” said Scheer. “So when I got an email from the Mariners, I was like, ‘what, me?’” Whether it is baseball, football, soccer or hockey, the members of the Washington National Guard have a passion for their favorite team and when they get the chance, they want to come out to the stadium to support the team and show their pride as a member of the home team. “The Guard is built by people who love their state and want to keep it safe, so being able to stand there in uniform and hear that crowd cheer for me, that was a special feeling,” said Williams, reflecting on his opportunity to throw out the first pitch. “It is a memory that I will always have and one I will always enjoy.” - Story By Joseph Siemandel
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ESGR and Aviation unit honor employers during Boss Lift More than 20 employers of Washington National Guard soldiers were able to experience what it is like to be a Guard member first-hand during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift. The event was hosted by 1st Battalion, 168th General Support Aviation on Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Wash. and had employers flying through the skies in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and checking out the vehicles, equipment and flight facilities that Guard members work at. “The goal of this event was to help bosses understand what their employees are going through as citizensoldiers and they take that experience back with them to their places of work,” said Michelle O’Neal, ESGR volunteer support technician for the state of Washington. ESGR’s goal is to promote, recognize and develop employer support for Guard and Reserve service through employer outreach opportunities. As part of the Boss Lift, Guard members invited their employers for the once-in-a-life-time experience, flying in Army helicopters. While weather always plays a factor, the employers that did not get a chance to fly were taken to the flight simulator to get behind the controls of a UH-60 Blackhawk simulator. For the Guard members with 1-168th GSAB, the last few years have been incredibly busy. Federally the unit deployed to Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and parts of Europe. In the state Guard members 26 | Washington Military Department | Spring | Summer 2022
supported the COVID-19 pandemic response while also dropping much needed water on fires across the state. “During the event, ESGR was able to receive eight signed Statements of Support from the participating employers and gave out several Patriot Awards,” said O’Neal. The Statement of Support Program is one of the cornerstones of ESGR’s effort to gain and maintain employer support for the Guard and Reserve. The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Nation’s Guard and Reserve units. “When possible, employers should have a chance to participate in military training or view training up close. It only helps us with our mission of supporting the soldiers and airmen of the Guard and Reserves,” said O’Neal. - Story by Joseph Siemandel, Photo by Peter Chang
Want to know how ESGR supports you, your employer and your co-workers? Scan the code or visit ESGR.mil.
10 Great Resources for Military Spouse Jobs Military spouses can make the most of job support offered through the military community. Military OneSource’s career coaches, resume builder, Military Spouse Employment Partnership job search, MilSpouse eMentor program are some of the many options outlined to help job seekers. A link to a free one-year FlexJobs membership is offered for military spouses, through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, to help reduce barriers for job seeking spouses. FlexJobs is a career platform specializing in vetted, flexible and remote job openings. Here are 10 resources: 1. Blue Star Families 3. FlexJobs 5. LinkedIn 7. Military OneSource 9. National Military Spouse Network
2. CareerOneStop 4. Hiring Our Heroes 6. Military.com 8. Military Spouse Corporate Career Network 10. USAJOBS
WANTED: Volunteers
The Family Programs office in search of Volunteers to support our events during the year. Anytime you are able to would be appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mark Deandrea (mark.deandrea.civ@army.mil or 253-912-3143)
Leaving Service? Have Questions?
The purpose of the Transition Assistance Advisor (TAA) program is to provide a professional in each state/territory to serve as the statewide point of contact to assist Service Members in accessing Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care services and benefits. Each TAA also provides assistance in obtaining entitlements through the Military Health System and access to community resources. The TAA initiative started in May 2005 when the National Guard Bureau (NGB) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the VA. We help you navigate through the numerous benefits and entitlements in the DoD and VA system. We are here to help, contact:
Annie DeAndrea, Transition Assistance Specialist Washington National Guard Camp Murray, WA 98430 253-512-8722 Spring | Summer 2022 | Washington Military Department | 23
Bldg 1 Camp Muarry, WA 98433 Phone: (253) 512-8989 mil.wa.gov