Winter 2008-09.pmd - Iowa National Guard

24 Pages·2009·1.48 MB·English

by  End User1

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Contents
The Iowa Militiaman
4
Suicide Prevention: Winter 2008
Help save lives
The Adjutant General
by Spc. Amy Rickelman
Maj. Gen. Ron Dardis
6
Iowans take part
Public Affairs Officer
in historic inauguration
Lt. Col. Greg Hapgood
by Pfc. Cassandra Monroe
Commanding Officer
9
2009 - “Year of the NCO”
Maj. Matt Carver
M1 Editor
Iowa Gold Star
Military Museum insert 1st Sgt. Duff E. McFadden
Staff
11
Retirement ends 30-year Capt. Heather Guck
training site legacy Sgt. 1st Class Sara Maniscalco
Staff Sgt. Jerald Phippen
by Pfc. Brandon Babbitt
Sgt. Gary Theel
Sgt . Matthew McArthur
16
Air Guard Security
Sgt. Christina Beck
Forces return to Iowa Sgt. Chad Nelson
Spc. Robert Jones
by Tech. Sgt. Wendy S. Ohl
Spc. Amy Rickelman
17 Spc. Bryan Lloyd
Chaplain assistant is
Spc. Luis Ohmstede
best in Air National Guard
Pfc. Cassie Monroe
by by Sr. Airman Dave Riddle Pvt. Jennifer Montagna
1 Pvt. Zach Zuber
The Iowa Militiaman is an
Regular Columns
unofficial publication authorized
under the provisions of AR 360-81.
It is published by the Iowa National
3 TAG Sends Guard Public Affairs Office and is
printed four times annually.
12 Through the Ranks News and opinions expressed in
this publication are not necessarily
13 From the Education Office those of the Adjutant General of
Iowa, or Department of the Army.
15 Chaplain’s Corner
Address all submissions to:
18
Iowa National Guard HIstory
The Iowa Militiaman
Public Affairs Office
A few of the federally-activated Iowa Na-
7105 NW 70th Ave.
tional Guard servicemembers pose by the
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
Capitol Building, after the National Guard
or E-mail [email protected]
Bureau requested approximately 1,000 Iowa
Soldiers and Airmen to help assist in Presi-
dent Barack Obama’s inauguration.
The Iowa Militiaman 2 Winter 2008
This is our legacy
Today’s Iowa National Guard
is in very capable hands
First, let me begin by thanking the enlisted of our organization. This is your legacy.
men and women of the Iowa National Guard As I prepare to turn over command to Col.
who contributed to our success these past nine Tim Orr, I leave knowing that you will continue
years. We succeeded because we approached to build on this legacy and that the Iowa Na-
our many challenges, not as individuals, or sep- tional Guard will remain mission-focused and
arate organizations, but as one team – Team warrior ready.
Iowa. And, I am confident that Brig. Gen. Orr, Brig
Teamwork is the foundation of my command Gen. Greg Schwab, Brig. Gen. Steve Bogle,
philosophy and is, I strongly believe, the foun- Brig Gen. Janet Phipps, Chief Warrant Officer
dation of our success. So, I thank each of you for 5 John Wynn, Sgt. Maj. Doyle Norris, Com-
being a team player and for being a valued mand Chief Master Sgt. Gary Garland and the
member of the Iowa National Guard Team. rest of the senior leadership team will continue
Together, we have made his- to lead the Iowa National Guard
tory in the Iowa National Guard. in the challenging times ahead.
Just as our ancestors did during Orr is young and enthusias-
the Civil War and World War tic and will have sufficient time
TAG
II, we answered our nation’s to chart a successful course that
call to duty with honor and dis- will take the Iowa National
tinction. Guard to even greater heights. Sends
We trained and mobilized I’m confident you will serve
more than 12,000 Soldiers and him with the same degree of
Maj. Gen.
Airmen. We’ve transformed professionalism and dedication
Ron Dardis,
nearly all of our Army National that you provided to me. The
The Adjutant General
Guard units and undergone ma- Iowa National Guard is not
jor conversions throughout the about one person, or one posi-
Iowa Air Natio-nal Guard. We’ve closed and tion. It’s about the people who serve in her
consolidated armories where needed, and ex- ranks.
panded and built new facilities to maintain And, after more than 42 years of serving
strength and readiness. among them, I know there are no finer citizens
We’ve responded to natural disasters, here at than the thousands of Iowa National Guard
home and across the country. We’ve trained for Soldiers and Airmen who proudly wear the
challenging exercises and prepared for difficult uniform.
inspections. We’ve made hard decisions now, Thank you for your hard work, your commit-
in order to position our organization for future ment, your dedication, and for continuing to set
success. the pace for Team Iowa.
Team Iowa has earned a well-deserved repu- God bless you and your families and God
tation for accepting challenging missions and bless our Soldiers and Airmen serving in harms
achieving remarkable results. This is the legacy way.
Team Iowa has earned a well-deserved reputation
for accepting challenging missions
and achieving remarkable results.
This is the legacy of our organization.
This is your legacy.
The Iowa Militiaman 3 Winter 2008
Suicide
Prevention
By learning the
subtle warning
signs, leaders,
Soldiers and
friends can
save lives
by Spc.
Amy Rickelman
Since Pfc. Joe had re-
turned from his tour of
duty in Iraq, his home-
town buddies had no-
ticed subtle changes af-
ter Joe began to tell them
about the guilt he felt
after three members of
his unit were killed on a
patrol he took part in.
He began to display
massive mood swings and
started drinking heavily.
Formerly a model Soldier,
he was written up by his first
sergeant for arguing over
whether or not they should bring
rain gear out to the field.
Of course, his friends had
talked with him, kidded with him, and
told him everything would be fine, now
that he was home. Joe gave away some of
his most prized possessions, including his
Jimmy Page-autographed guitar and entire Led
Zeppelin record collection.
Joe told them he didn’t need that stuff any
more.
That was the last they saw of Joe. A week
later, they found him dead, of a self-inflicted
wound.
The Iowa Militiaman 4 Winter 2008
In order to become more aware of the signs of
Suicide rates among suicide, it is important for Soldiers to under-
stand why servicemembers become suicidal in
servicemembers are
the first place. Some of the reasons include
a growing concern, depression or mental illness, alcohol or drug
use, family history, brain chemistry or serious
due to increasing
illness.
deployment rates, “The number one reason that many young
more cases of PTSD, males commit suicide is the breakup of a rela-
tionship,” said Selof.
and the high pressure
Other factors that play a role include gender.
demands of today’s More women actually attempt suicide than men,
but more men succeed. Native Americans and
military environment.
caucasians have higher suicide rates than other
groups. Suicide is most common among the
In the two years Chaplain (Capt.) Gary Selof elderly, but it is becoming more and more
has served as full-time Support Chaplain for the common among teens and young adults.
Iowa Army National Guard, seven Iowa Na- People who are married are much less likely
tional Guard Soldiers have committed suicide. to attempt suicide than those who are single,
Suicide rates among servicemembers are a divorced, separated or widowed. Soldiers who
growing concern within the National Guard due are unemployed are at greater risk of suicide
to increasing deployment rates, more and more than their colleagues.
cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as Suicide warning signs include talking about
well as the high-pressure demands of today’s suicide, becoming severely depressed, prepar-
military environment. ing for death by giving away possessions, or
By the same token, suicide prevention is
uniquely challenging for National Guard mem-
bers. Because National Guard Soldiers only see Suicide prevention
each other two days out of the month, it’s harder
continued on page 14
to identify the signs of suicide.
“Because of the way our training is set up, it
is extremely difficult
for the Soldiers to talk
to other Soldiers or ad-
mit they need help,”
said Selof. Even
though Soldiers may
seem to be acting nor-
mally on drill week-
end, they may just be
disguising signs of sui-
cide, leading fellow
Soldiers to believe ev-
erything is okay. Five
of the seven Iowa Na-
tional Guard suicides
occurred after a drill
weekend.
Selof feels, commu-
nication is even more
difficult for high-rank-
ing officers, NCO’s
and females, “because
they don’t want to be
perceived as weak,” he
said.
The Iowa Militiaman 5 Winter 2008
Iowans take part in historic
presidential inauguration
by Pfc Cassandra Monroe tion awaited the day of his swearing in. As the
Recent history has proven the Iowa National inauguration approached, the number of visi-
Guard is indeed a ready force. In addition to tors in Washington D.C. grew rapidly, necessi-
assisting with flood relief duties in areas of tating an increase in security and support. Na-
Iowa and Louisiana early this summer, Iowa tional Guard troops from several states, to in-
Soldiers and Airmen also provided security clude Iowa, were called upon to perform these
assistance and support to Minnesota state po- duties.
lice officials during the Republican National When the National Guard Bureau requested
Convention. approximately 1,000 Soliders and Airmen from
Following the historic election of Barack the Iowa National Guard, Soldiers from the 2nd
Obama as the United States President, the na- Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division,
“We’re
always ready
and we’re
always
there.”
Brig. Gen.
Steve Bogle
e
Members of the
Iowa Army Na-
tional Guard
await to board
chartered buses
for the ride to
Washington, D.C.
Capt, Duane
Boyle, 185th
ARW pilot, makes
a few adjust-
ments during the
flight to Washing-
ton, D.C.
The Iowa Militiaman 6 Winter 2008
Iowa Army National Guard and Airmen from “The Iowa National Guard is always there to
the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) and 132nd do anything needed,” said Lt. Col Chuck Tay-
Fighter Wing (FW), Iowa Air National Guard lor, a pilot with the 185th ARW. Taylor flew the
were tasked with this opportunity of a lifetime. KC-135 transporting the servicemembers from
In the 170-year history of the Iowa National Iowa to Maryland.
Guard, this was the first presidential inaugura- After reaching Maryland, the Iowans un-
tion in which Iowa troops have been called loaded the aircraft and stationed overnight at
upon for assistance. the base gym. They were to begin duties upon
As National Guard leaders prepared the op- arrival Gage Eckington Elementary School,
erational requests for equipment and troops, where most of the Iowa troops would stay
many of the Iowa Soldiers received notice of during the inauguration.
federal activation during their January drill. Airmen from the 132nd FW played a support-
Less than a week later, they arrived at Camp ing role by setting up a kitchen facility (de-
Dodge to undergo medical screenings, in-pro- signed for rapid deployment and capable of
cessing and unit readiness briefings. It was at providing two hot meals for 530 servicemembers
those briefings, they learned what their specific daily) in the school.
tasks would be during Joint Task Force-D.C. “To complete the mission, nine volunteers
(Far Left),
and that they were to be sworn in as Special were needed,” said Air Force Senior Master
Servicemembers
Police by Washington, D.C. law enforcement. Sgt. William Umphress, a Food Service Super-
unload their
“The Iowa National Guard has an outstand- intendent with the 132nd Fighter Wing. “In-
KC135 aircraft
ing reputation,” said Army Brig. Gen. Steve stead, we ended up getting 13 volunteers.”
upon arrival in
Bogle, an Ankeny, Iowa resident and director After setting up lodging facilities, their job
of the Iowa National Guard’s Joint Staff. began in earnest Sunday, January 18. The Andrews Air
“It’s a great privilege that Iowa was selected troops were tasked with traffic and pedestrian Force Base, Md.
to assist with this task force. It shows the Iowa control, transportation, medical and logistical Equipment and
National Guard’s high state of readiness and supplies are
willingness to sacrifice,” he said. “We’re al- brought into the
ways ready, and we’re always there.”
Iowan’s D.C.
As Friday, January 16 dawned, Iowa Sol-
home (Bottom
diers teamed up with Airmen from the Des
photo). The
Moines Fighter Wing and Sioux City’s Refuel-
Airmen and
ing Wing and boarded one of the 185th’s Boeing
Soldiers were
KC-135 Stratotankers enroute to Andrews Air
Force Base, Md. also able to do
some sight-
seeing, with this
Airmen getting
the opporuntiy to
visit the Vietnam
Memorial.
The Iowa Militiaman 7 Winter 2008
support, communications, checkpoint security snapping their own pictures of the Soldiers,
throughout the National Mall and surrounding who were taking in the surroundings of the
areas and patrolling the streets. In the days Capitol Building. Afterwards, many tourists
leading up to the inauguration, they reconnoi- approached the troops, asking to pose for pho-
tered checkpoints, rehearsed procedures and tos with them, or to just give them a pat on the
coordinated with local, state and federal law back and heartfelt thanks for all they’ve done.
enforcement agencies “We are so thankful our commanders let us
Despite the brisk, cold weather, troops from take the time out to go see the national monu-
Company A, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry, 2nd ments,” said Pfc. Dustin Wendt, a network
Brigade Combat Team, along with other Iowa systems analyst with Headquarters Company,
Guardsmen, patrolled the streets and took the Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade
time to introduce themselves to area residents Combat Team. “The memorials really touch
and businesses, while making sure their pres- you. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,”
ence was known throughout the District of she said.
Columbia neighborhoods. “The people’s gratitude was very positive
“We wanted to make sure the local busi- and overwhelming,” said Sgt. Kayla Davis, of
nesses knew of the National Guard’s presence Cedar Rapids, an automatic logistics specialist
during the inauguration,” said Spc. Andrew with Company B, Brigade Special Troops Bat-
Iowa service-
Hansen, an infantry Soldier stationed in Storm talion.
members Lake, Iowa. “It didn’t matter what task you were as-
provided traffic The local residents and businesses were very signed, just being a part of this team and taskforce
control, check- appreciative of the National Guard presence. makes it all worthwhile,” she added.
point security “A local church welcomed the troops and On Inauguration Day, traffic was hectic, as
and assisted opened the door for us, welcoming us to come tourists flocked toward the Capitol Building to
in and get warm,” said Spc. Flora Sasa, a supply see our nation’s new leader take the Oath of
local law
specialist with Company C, Brigade Special Office. The Iowa National Guardmembers did
enforcement
Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. their part, providing traffic control, checkpoint
officials as
Sasa, a naturalized citizen from Sudan who now security and assisting local law enforcement.
Barack Obama
resides in Des Moines, was also activated dur- Operations continued throughout the day and
was sworn in
ing Iowa’s June floods. into the night, as inauguration festivities con-
as our nation’s The day before the inauguration, many tinued well into the wee hours.
44th President. servicemembers had the chance to visit the The Iowans returned to their lodging to catch
National Mall. This a few hours of sleep before returning home to
was a great opportu- their families, jobs and schools. As troops fil-
nity for the Iowans, tered back into Camp Dodge, they tackled out-
many of whom had processing duties and were addressed by Bogle
never been east of the during a closing formation.
Mississippi River. As They were then released to resume their daily
the troops posed for routines, after having both witnessing history
photos, tourists began and becoming part of it.
The Io8wa Militiaman
Winter 2008
‘Backbone of the Army’
2009 is ‘Year of the NCO’
Since 1775, when the Army first set apart its
professional Non-Commissioned Officer Corps
from other enlisted Soldiers by a distinctive
insignia of grade, the NCO Corps has had a
proud and distinctive history that continues on
today, with their heroic service in Operations
Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
NCOs are the backbone of the Army and the
glue that has held this Army together through
this protracted conflict. Even in an Army that is
stressed and strained from more than seven
years of conflict, Army NCOs have managed to
care for our troops and ensure missions are
accomplished on and off the battlefield.
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren has an-
nounced that 2009 will be “The Year of the
Noncommissioned Officer.” This has been es-
tablished to thank and honor our NCOs, a time
to tell their story and a time to highlight key
initiatives being launched, benefitting our NCO
Corps and their families.
According to Army Chief of Staff Gen.
George W. Casey, the Noncommissioned Of-
ficer Corps is what keeps the Army together.
“As I travel around the Army and I look at
what we’ve accomplished over the past seven
years at war, it’s clearer and clearer to me that
it is our NCO Corps that is providing the glue
that’s not only holding this force together at a
difficult time, but enabling us to accomplish the
near impossible every day,” he said.
All Army leaders share the same goal: to
accomplish their organization’s mission, while
taking care of the Soldier. The enduring roles of
an NCO are that of a leader, trainer, role model,
mentor, and standard-bearer. The overarching
role of staff NCOs is to free up staff officers and
enable them to make critical decisions in a
timely manner.
NCOs ensure their subordinates are prepared
to function as effective unit and team members.
While commissioned officers command, estab-
lish policy, and manage resources, NCOs con-
duct the Army’s daily business.
During the year, the Army will accelerate
NCO development of strategic initiatives; de-
velop new initiatives that enhance the training,
education, capability, and utilization of the NCO
Corps; showcase the NCO story to the Army
and the American people; and honor the sacri-
fices and contributions of the NCO Corps, past
and present; and acknowledge the challenges in
recruiting, retention, and leadership.
The Iowa Militiaman 9 9 Winter 2008
On-site Commissary sales “Effective this August, the U.S. Army
The Offutt Air Force Base Commissary Reserve will no longer mobilize under stop
will conduct an On-Site Case Lot Sale on loss,” Gates said. “The Army National Guard
Camp Doge the weekend of April 4-5. They will stop doing so in September, and active
will also conduct an On-Site Sale at the Sioux Army units will cease employing stop-loss in
City Air Base June 6-7. The Fort January.”
Leavenworth Commissary will also conduct The Army is able to make this move
an On-Site Sale at the Fort Dodge Armory on because of three reasons, Army officials said:
those dates. The changing conditions in Iraq, a new unit
The Offutt Commissary will return to rotation program that is being put into place,
Camp Dodge August 29-30, as part of the and the increase in the size of the Army. Over
Iowa National Guard Retiree Day activities. the next 18 months, the drawdown in Iraq will
All ID card holders authorized commissary far outnumber the increase in Afghanistan,
benefits are encouraged to attend these sales. Gates said.
During the first Camp Dodge sale, the
commissary will bring a refrigerated truck Media ban lifted at Dover AFB
full of frozen meat, cut and packed at the Defense Secretary Robert Gates ended an
Offutt Commissary, as well as other pre- 18-year-old policy that barred media from
packaged meats. photographing the arrival of American war
Two weeks before the sale, the commissary dead at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
will offer a list of what’s available and prices. The new policy reverses a ban put in place
To receive this list, e-mail Command Sgt. in 1991 by then President George W. Bush.
Maj. Doyle Norris at White House press secretary Robert Gibbs
[email protected] . said President Barack Obama asked Gates to
review the policy of media coverage of the
Monthly TRS premiums decrease fallen returning to Dover Air Force Base. He
Briefs
Effective Jan. 1, TRICARE will reduce the said Gates came back with a policy consistent
rates for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS). with that used at Arlington National
Monthly premiums for TRS individual Cemetery.
coverage will drop 44 percent, from $81 to Although the ban has been lifted, media
$47.51, and TRS family coverage will drop 29 still do not have open access to arrival
percent, from $253, to $180.17. ceremonies; they must be invited by the
Established in 2005, TRSis a premium- families of the fallen.
based health plan for National Guard and
Reserve personnel available for purchase by Gordon joins Naitonal Guard team
members of hte Selected Reserve who are not This season, three-time Daytona winner
eligible for, or enrolled in Federal Employee Jeff Gordon will be the special program
Health Benefit plans. driver creating awareness and support for
various National Guard programs, including
Iowans attend Army bowl game the Youth Challenge; Active First, College
Staff Sgt. Michael Levine, 2168th Trans- First; Path to Honor; and Employer Support
portation Company, and Sgt. Brandon Burgus, for the Guard and Reserve.
134th Medical, were selected to attend the Gordon will drive the No. 24 Dupont/
January 2009 Army All-American Bowl in National Guard Chevrolet, which will feature
San Antonio, Texas. The game wss broadcast each of thse programs on its hoood, during
on January 3, from the Alamodome on NBC. races at Texas Motor Speedway on April 5;
This year’s Bowl was the nineth annual Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on May 9;
game, which pitted 90 of the nation’s top high Michigan International Speedway on June 14;
school football players in a classic East-West Chicagoland Speedway on July 11;
challenge. RIchmond (Va.) Inernational Raceway on
Sept. 12; and New Hampshire Motor Speed-
way on Sept. 20.
Iowans attend Army bowl game
“I’m pretty excited to work with Jeff this
The Army will phase out use of the so-
season under the Guard banner,” said Dale
called “Stop Loss” program between now and
Earnhardt, Jr., fellow Hendrick driver, who
January, according to Defense Secretary
joined the National Guard NASCAR team
Robert M. Gates.
last year.
The Iowa Militiaman 10 Winter 2008