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So that othersmay live
www.pa.ng.mil This unofficial magazine is an authorized publication for members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. Contents of the magazine are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Army and/or the Air Force, or the Pennsylvania National Guard. The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the State of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Guard, DoD, MARCOA Publishing, Inc., the Department of the Army and/or the Air Force, or the publisher of this magazine of the firms, products or services advertised. Pennsylvania Guardians magazine is published by the Pennsylvania National Guard to keep its members, the Guard command and public officials, better informed on the issues and events affecting the Pennsylvania National Guard. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Office of Public Affairs, JFHQ-PA. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the Pennsylvania National Guard, unless otherwise indicated.
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Quarterly Magazine for the Pennsylvania National Guard – Spring 2014
GovernorTom Corbett
Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen.
Wesley E. Craig
GovernorTom Corbett
Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. Wesley E. Craig
State Public Affairs OfficerMaj. Edward Shank
Executive EditorMaj. Angela King-Sweigart
Managing EditorStaff Sgt. Matthew E. Jones
State Public Affairs StaffTech. Sgt. Ted Nichols
Sgt. Damian SmithJoan NissleyTom Cherry
State Public Affairs OfficePennsylvania National Guard
Fort Indiantown GapBuilding 8-41
Annville, PA 17003
Features:
Departments:
193rd’s first female command chief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chill-proof training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Eagle Award goes to Pennsylvania NG chopper mechanic . . . . .9
Restoring the faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Community K-9s train at 171st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
So that others may live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Wing volunteers make recycling fun for students . . . . . . . . . . .16
Lightning Force dedicates classroom to fallen Airman . . . . . . .17
Airmen reunite with Stratotanker after 46 years. . . . . . . . . . . .18
Division trains new public affairs reps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
55th armor upgrades with new Bradleys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Keystone Newsmakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Curator’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 3
ON THE COVER: Sgt. Joseph Love and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Famous, both medical noncommissioned officers in the 56th Stryker Brigade, are pictured together Jan. 24, weeksbefore undergoing surgery for a kidney transplant.Photo: Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols
Chief Master Sgt. Regina Stoltzfus accepts command chief responsibility as Col. John Dickinson, 193rd Special Operations Wing commander, passes her a command chief chevron, Aug. 17. Command Chief Stoltzfus is the first female command chief for the 193rd SOW and the sixth chief to hold the position.Photo: Senior Master. Sgt. David Hawkins
By Staff Sgt. Susan Penning, 193rd Special Operation Wing
Last August, Chief Master Sgt. Regina Stoltzfus took the reins as the new 193rd Special Operations Wing command chief master sergeant. She is the first woman at the wing ever to be appointed to the role. Stoltzfus is responsible for serving as the senior enlisted advisor to the wing com-mander on all issues affecting the health, morale, welfare, professional development and military readiness of the wing’s approximately 1,500 enlisted Airmen. “While the wing commander’s focus is primarily on the operational mission, my job is to ensure we are looking at the well-being of all the Airmen working to accomplish that mission,” Stoltzfus said. When asked what it meant to her to be the first female command chief at the wing, the chief said, “I have a lot of pressure to be a significant role model for other women and to really deliver. The magnitude of that responsibility hasn’t completely sunk in yet.” She has, however, already set her sights on accomplishing some professional and personal goals in taking on the hefty responsibilities of command chief. “I want to be a strong leader in the organization, one that others can look up to. And I want to get better at keeping all the balls in the air, so to speak – family, friends, career. I recognize that no one can do this alone. Many people help me, and I cherish all of them,” she said. The chief said there were some key steps she took along her career path to get to her current position. “I’ve always strived to have a good work ethic. And I’ve had to get comfortable with learning how to deal with people,” she said. “I think it’s important for Airmen to understand that the career ladder is actually more like a jungle gym. You may have to maneuver around to eventually move up. And don’t be shocked if someone might try to kick you off. Just hang on and don’t do that to others!” The chief also provided some words of wisdom for Airmen looking to advance their careers. “I think it is important to get your education as early as possible, before the responsibilities of life start stacking up,” she said. “Also, find good mentors. And when people try to give you advice, learn
193RD’S FIRST FEMALE COMMAND CHIEF
to take it early. Don’t let your self-defense mechanism kick in.” Stoltzfus concluded her interview with some insight regarding her views on equal opportunity. “We are all dealt a different hand in life. Some hands are good, some not so good. I wasn’t necessarily dealt the best hand as a kid growing up in Los Angeles. But the cool thing is that, when the Air Force takes us in, they agree to ‘raise’ us all the same. We all start off in the Air Force with equal opportunities. We are given instant power to succeed and create our own path. “Regardless of where you’ve come from or where you’re going, remember you will fall sometimes. When this happens, I encourage you to be graceful. Stand right
back up and move forward with your head held high,” she said. A full biography of Chief Stoltzfus is available on the wing’s public website at: http://www.193sow.ang.af.mil/resources/biographies/bio.asp?id=17203. v
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 5
By Maj. Angela King-Sweigart
When temperatures reach record lows, Fort Indiantown Gap can offer realistic training without the risk of cold-weather injuries. “Training on simulators is a great way to continue to train during the winter months,” said Master Sgt. Joseph Kramer, non-commissioned officer in charge of plans, training and security for Fort Indiantown Gap. “Units still go into the field, but many opt for simulator training during the winter months that prepares them for training exercises come spring and summer.” The advantages of training on simulators abound, according to the noncommissioned officers who run simulator training for the installation.
Collectively, the department, consisting of six full-time staff members, trained 23,665 service members on simulators in fiscal year 2013. “If you can do it live, you can do it simu-lated,” said Sgt. 1st Class Damon Hassinger,
simulations noncommissioned officer in charge for Fort Indiantown Gap. “Simulators allow you to reduce your risks,” said Hassinger. “You can cross-train Soldiers on different weapon platforms with minimal risk. For instance, you may
Chill-proof training
Inside the chilly exterior of the Engagement Skills Trainer building, service members are able to get realistic training in a climate-controlled environment. Fort Indiantown Gap has 14 simulators. Many of the machines are housed in buildings which are less than five years old.
Spc. Brian Muchon, a simulations operator, showcasesFort Indiantown Gap’s EST marksmanship trainer on Jan. 8.The machine allows service members to qualify on assigned weapons, including night fire.
6 / GUARDIANS / Spring 2014
Chill-proof training
have a new Soldier that doesn’t know how to fire a .50-cal, but you can simulate the experience prior to putting that Soldier on the range. This can decrease your composite risk assessment.” Hassinger pointed out that simulators are also a cost-effective alternative to using real weapons and vehicles with expensive ammunition or fuel. “That’s important in today’s fiscal environment,” Hassinger said. “For example,
to just start an M-1 tank you use seven gallons of fuel, not to mention the cost of running it all day. With our simulators we can run the tanks all day with only the cost of electricity,” he said. There are some mistakes that can be made when incorporating simulators into a training plan. “The machines don’t train Soldiers,” said Hassinger. “The important thing to note is just like live training, Soldiers need other Soldiers to train them on the devices. If a Soldier does not know how to be a good marksman, the machine won’t teach him, a coach will. But, the machine will offer him the chance to continue to make those mistakes you learn from in training.” Additional advantages happen when you train on Fort Indiantown Gap’s simulators. The installation has about 14 devices, ranging from marksmanship devices to driver’s training. “By training at Fort Indiantown Gap, we save you time. In most cases, we set everything up, and provide a technician to run the machine. You can focus on training,” said Hassinger. “We are 100 percent customer-service oriented,” said Kramer. “We operate seven days a week here around your schedule. We look for reasons to say yes to units’ training plans.” Learn more about Fort Indiantown Gap at ftig.ng.mil or follow Fort Indiantown Gap on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ftindiantowngap. v
Sgt. Anthony DelGuidice of Battery B, 1-109th Field Artillery, engages simulated targets with an M-2 .50-caliber machine gun during weapons training at Fort Indiantown Gap, May 15, 2010. Photo: Christian Dejohn
Sgt. 1st Class Damon Hassinger, right, observes training on the Dismounted Soldier Training System at Fort Indiantown Gap on Jan. 9. Photo: Staff Sgt. Matt Jones
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 7
8 / GUARDIANS / Spring 2014
Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars
During the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars Midwinter Conference held on Jan. 16-19, more than 500 VFW leaders and members honored
Eagle Awardgoes to Pennsylvania NG chopper mechanic
Pennsylvania National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason M. Zahurak of Johnstown Jan. 17 as the latest recipient of the state VFW’s Eagle Award. The VFW presents this award to recognize commonwealth citizen-Soldiers for the significant impact that they have had on military campaign success, leading troops, preserving the cause of freedom and enhancing veterans’ welfare. Zahurak was nominated by the Pennsylvania Adjutant General’s Office for his distinguished service during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter mechanic and squad leader. He also served honorably during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Kosovo during a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Zahurak serves with Company A, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade. He was nominated for the Bronze Star for his fast and effective response to a potentially lethal mechanical failure on an AH-64D Apache Longbow.
“The Pennsylvania VFW presents this award to honor outstanding contributions that Pennsylvania Guardians make while preserving freedom,” said Pennsylvania VFW commander Russell Canevari. “The VFW knows that mission success requires personnel at all levels to efficiently and effectively carry out their responsibilities. We have honored battlefield heroes, personnel in support and medical roles, and command leaders – all who today continue our state’s long and distinguished history of military excellence. Guardian Staff Sgt. Zahurak successfully fulfilled and exceeded his duties on foreign deployments.” Col. Dave Wood, Pennsylvania’s state Army aviation officer, said Zahurak’s performance in Afghanistan significantly contributed to the overwhelming success of his unit’s mission. Zahurak is a VFW member who, upon learning of his nomination by the Pennsylvania National Guard, said he was “extremely honored” to accept the award. He lives in Johnstown with his wife, Michele. v
Staff Sgt. Jason M. Zahurak accepts the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars Eagle Award with his wife Michele and state VFW commander Russell R. Canevari on Jan. 17. Photo: David Sandman
Staff Sgt. Jason M. Zahurak accepts the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars Eagle Award on Jan 17. Photo: David Sandman
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 9
Restoringthe faith By Maj. Angela King-Sweigart
Volunteers from the 201st RED HORSE Squadron Alumni Association – former members of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 201st RED HORSE – are renovating the 109th Infantry Regiment’s chapel at Fort Indiantown Gap as part of an initiative to preserve the history and traditions of the installation and of the Pennsylvania National Guard. The project began in the fall of 2012, spearheaded by the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum, a nonprofit organization charged with preserving Fort Indiantown Gap and the Pennsylvania National Guard’s history. The museum received support for the project from the award-winning Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs cultural resource team. Known as the 109th Infantry Regimental Chapel, or Our Lady of Victory Chapel, it began as a one-room school house in Rankstown in what is now Fort Indiantown Gap. A steeple and stained glass windows were added to the building during the 1940s, using donations from the Dioceses of Harrisburg and Scranton and Soldiers of the 109th Infantry Regiment.
The altar at Our Lady of Victory Chapel at Fort Indiantown Gap on March 4, 2011, before being moved near the museum and restored by the 201st RED HORSE Association.
10 / GUARDIANS / Spring 2014
“The first step in this renovation process was to move the chapel from its location across from Muir Field to our historic area on post,” said Rita Meneses, cultural resource director for the Pennsylvania National Guard. This was done by loading the chapel onto motorized wheeled dollies and moving it across the installation. “Now we have the range house, the museum and the chapel all in one location, our historic district,” explained Meneses. The next step was to assess what had to be done to the chapel to preserve the build-ing while maintaining its historic elements. Major repairs needed to be done on the floor and main beams. The volunteer work is currently being done by our 201st RED HORSE Alumni Association. Additionally, the chapel has several unique stained glass windows that were donated over the years by various organi-zations, several of which have the 109th Infantry Regiment crest. The 109th Infantry Regiment is still in existence as a unit within the 55th Armor Brigade, Pennsylvania National Guard, and is known as the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry Regiment. The unit is presently headquartered in Scranton, but used the building as their chapel during their mobilization leading up to World War II. Members of the 109th Alumni Association have agreed to fund the renovation on their stained glass windows. “A major project like this is coordinated between many different areas including construction and facilities maintenance office, training site engineers, reservation maintenance crews, the police department and public affairs. I’m grateful for all of the support,” said Meneses. “The chapel is significant to the Pennsylvania National Guard and Fort Indiantown Gap history because it served the local community first as the Rankstown one-room school house,” said Sgt. Damian J. M. Smith, Pennsylvania National Guard command historian. “When the need was there, the school was moved from Area 10 to Area 9 and began to be used as one of the chapels for the 50,000 Soldiers here on post during World War II. As it was re-designated as ‘Our Lady of Victory Chapel,’ it served the members of the Catholic faith for decades. Now moved next to the museum as part of the historic district, it will continue to provide history and serve visitors to the post for decades to come.” v
Construction takes place next to the museum at Fort Indiantown Gap on Aug. 29, 2012, to make way for Our Lady of Victory Chapel. Photo: Tom Cherry
Members of the 201st RED HORSE Association work on the interior of Our Lady of Victory Chapel at Fort Indiantown Gap on Oct. 17, 2013.
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 11
As a part of their active community partnership initiative, the 171st Air Refuel-ing Wing provides a secure location for local law enforcement agencies to train their K-9 units.
Community K-9s train at 171st
When Beaver County, Center Township, Findlay Township and Scott Township police departments attended training there in the fall of 2013, Staff Sgt. Brian Erickson from the 171st Security Forces Squadron
served as the liaison between the 171st and the law enforcement agencies. “Giving these departments access to the 171st allows them to have solid monthly training that is secure, which betters their
The 171st Air Refueling Wing, near Pittsburgh, provides a secure location for local law enforcement agencies to train their K-9 units, Aug. 28, 2013. Beaver County, Center Township, Findlay Township and Scott Township police departments attended. K-9 units must continuously train on building, vehicle, area and evidence searches to fulfill training requirements. Training also includes apprehension, narcotic detection, tracking scenarios and handler protection. Having a secure, controlled location is important for efficient training and for the safety of the dogs. In addition to fulfilling training requirements, this combined effort also allows the 171st and local law enforcement agencies the ability to share ideas and training techniques in order to better serve the community and the commonwealth. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk
Officer Jake Stephenson of the Scott Township Police Department poses with his K-9 Officer Eddy near a KC-135 in Coraopolis on Aug. 28, 2013. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk
By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk, 171st Air Refueling Wing
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dogs, which in turn helps the community that they serve,” said Erickson. The K-9 units must continuously train on building, vehicle, area and evidence searches to fulfill training requirements. Training also includes apprehension, narcotic detection, tracking scenarios and handler protection. Having a secure, controlled location is important for efficient training and for the safety of the dogs. K-9 Officer Neil Cridge from the Findlay Township Police Department said, “The 171st opened their doors and has given us opportunities to further train our dogs. We’re able to keep our dogs sharp and keep them safe, and we can serve the community a lot better due to the resources we have out here.” The superior training the dogs receive is demonstrated by their obedience and quickness. K-9 Eddy, a four-year-old German shepherd, searched a building in seconds and found Erickson, who was play-ing the role of a suspect in this scenario. Eddy latched on to Erickson, who was wearing a protective bite sleeve. With a powerful bite, Eddy did not release until officer Jake Stephenson gave the command. Stephenson, of the Scott Township Police Department, also serves as a captain in the 171st Air Refueling Wing Security Forces Squadron.
The 171st wing commander, Col. Ted Metzgar, observed the training and volun-teered to participate by wearing a protective bite sleeve to experience the power of the K-9.
In addition to fulfilling training require-ments, this combined effort allows the 171st and local law enforcement agencies to share ideas and training techniques to better serve the community and the commonwealth. v
Officer Neil Cridge of the Findley Township Police Department poses with his German shepherd near a KC-135 in Coraopolis on Aug. 28, 2013. Photo: Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 13
By Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols
To those around him, he was their team leader and no one knew what was going on physically inside Sgt. 1st Class Daniel S. Famous – except him. As his unit prepared for possible deployment, he knew that he wouldn’t be deploying with his fellow medics from the 108th Field Artillery. Famous was born with a genetic disorder caused by the growth of cysts in his kidneys. Known as polycystic kidney disease, or PKD, the disease was progressing to a stage that his kidneys were in serious trouble and not properly filtering the toxins from his body. “I got to the point where I was at 12 percent kidney function, and once you get to 10 percent, that’s when you’re supposed to go on dialysis,” said Famous. “At 15 percent, they want you to go on the kidney donor list.” Famous’ unit had just received notifica-tion of sourcing for deployment, and as medical platoon sergeant and team leader, he gathered his Soldiers at the end of drill in November 2012 to break the news that he wouldn’t be deploying with them.
Finding the match “I got all of my medics together and explained to them the importance of picking up and learning the lessons I was trying to teach them and to ask as many questions as they could because I wouldn’t be deploying with them,” said Famous. “That is when I told them about what I was experiencing and that there was no way I would be able to deploy with them. I handed out a card that had my name on it and the contact information for a donor specialist.” Enter Sgt. Joseph S. Love, a relatively new medic in the unit. Love was not present at the November drill meeting when Famous made the announcement, but received the donor card from another unit member. “I had a very strong feeling from the beginning that I would be a match, and this worked out,” said Love. “I try to live
by faith. The Bible says, ‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’ I knew that I was going to be a match because God had prepared me for this task.” Love described an initial urge to go out and get tested to find out if he was compat-ible to give one of his two kidneys, but that initial urge was tempered by concerns about how it would affect his military career and family. “I didn’t want to rush into something without knowing 100 percent what I would need to do,” said Love. “If I wasn’t 100 percent committed, it wouldn’t be fair to Sgt. Famous.” Love worked to sort concerns out on his end and didn’t volunteer for the extensive testing process until March 2013 – one month after his unit found out their deployment was no longer on the books.
Let the tests begin Love detailed the initial month’s tests that ran the gamut of weekly blood pressure tests to blood work to urinalysis and glucose testing. The next big test would be determining whether or not he would be a tissue match. “If you end up being a tissue match – that’s the first big step,” explains Love. “lt was exciting to hear back I was a match.” “I had a very strong feeling from the beginning that I would be a match, and this worked out,” said Love. “I refer to it as faith, intuition if you want, but I knew if I started
this process, I would be a match, and that’s the mentality I took when I went into this process.” Love entered his final stages of testing in August 2013. He passed all of the tests and was determined healthy enough to donate. It was at this point he decided to break the news to Sgt. Famous during his final annual training with the unit before transferring to his current unit 2-104th Cavalry Headquarters.
Breaking the news “I had not told anyone about this whatsoever except my wife and the trans-plant coordinators,” said Love, who set up a one-on-one meeting with Famous at the end of annual training under the pretense of looking for some parting words of wisdom from his boss. Love and Famous went for a walk where the talk went as planned until Love interrupted. “That’s great and all, but really I just wanted to tell you I passed all the kidney donation tests. I’m a good donor, and it’s yours if you want it,” said Love. “The majority of my medics can tell you that I’m normally not without some kind of comments or words,” said Famous. “This left me speechless for at least five minutes because this is such a huge gesture of kindness from one human being to another.” Famous explains that the fact this is coming from a living donor makes a big
So that others may live
Sgt. Joseph Love and Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Famous get together on Jan. 24, 2014, weeks before they are scheduled to undergo kidney transplant surgery.
14 / GUARDIANS / Spring 2014
difference in his future. Famous said statistics show a kidney coming from a living donor last on average 30 years compared to the average of 15-20 years coming from a deceased donor. “Not only will this enable me to maintain the way of life I’m used to, it will allow me to stay in the Pennsylvania National Guard on my terms until I’m ready to retire,” said Famous. “If this hadn’t come through, I’d be starting dialysis in the next couple of months, and my military career would be over.” Love is calm in his demeanor and exudes a genuine sense of compassion when explaining why he is doing this. “This is something I wanted to do – I wanted to help,” said Love. “It felt like the right thing to do. I was in a position to give and to not at least try, I would always regret and wonder ‘What if?’”
Committed to serve As for the concerns for their military careers, organ donation isn’t an everyday occurrence in the military and is somewhat uncharted territory. “I came to terms with the fact that I was ready to make this decision no matter the consequences on my military career,” said Love. “I felt strongly the military would make an exception as it would really be an odd reason to kick someone out because of the nature of the gesture – I’d think this would be the type of Soldier the military would want.” “If for some reason there’s a bureaucrat out there that says I can’t serve because this box is checked, that’s ok because this benefits Dan,” explained Love. “He can be a father and husband without dialysis, and that is more important than anything else.” They have both received assurances they will be able to stay in and are deployable under certain circumstances, but know their records will constantly be reviewed on a situational basis. Love knows that once the transplant is complete, he’ll face a medical board and probably be assigned a profile. “My goal is to not have a profile at all and to get back to where I was before the disease progressed to the point it is at now,” said Famous. “I want to go back to being a service to my country without a profile and being an example to my junior enlisted Soldiers and continue being a part of the Pennsylvania National Guard.”
The next step Love and Famous prepared to complete the donation on Feb. 18 in Harrisburg where the procedure consists of two independent
surgeries followed by four to six weeks of recovery. “There are two surgeons that will team together to do both surgeries,” said Love. “They’ll be removing my kidney, putting it on ice, cleaning and prepping for the next surgery where they will put the kidney in Dan.” As they both prepared to go under the knife, they were resolute in getting the message out about the importance of becoming an organ donor or getting tested to become a living donor. “There is a huge need for living donors and I encourage anyone interested in helping someone to go out and get tested for compatibility,” said Famous who explained the financial liability and insurance coverage for the entire process comes through the recipient. “It’s still your option whether or
not to make the donation after the testing, but getting tested takes you one step closer to helping out another in need just as Sgt. Love is helping me.” With surgery day looming, they were much more at ease than the average person thanks to their training as medics – training that has strengthened their trust in modern medicine and numbed them to the fears the average person has with complex medical procedures. But in the end, the very act about to take place also exemplified to them and their peers the very creed medics subscribe to – so that others may live. v This is part one of a two-part article. Part two will detail the transplant and Love and Famous’ recovery and transition back to service in the Pennsylvania National Guard. It is scheduled to be printed in the Summer 2014 issue of Pennsylvania Guardians.
THE MEDIC CREED My task is to provide to the utmost limits of my capability the best possible care to those in need of my aid and assistance. To this end I will aid all those who are needful, paying no heed to my own desires and wants; treating friend, foe and stranger alike, placing their needs above my own. To no man will I cause or permit harm to befall, nor will I refuse aid to any who seek it. I will willingly share my knowledge and skills with all those who seek it. I seek neither reward nor honor for my efforts for the satisfaction of accomplishment is sufficient. These obligations I willingly and freely take upon myself in the tradition of those that have come before me. These things we do so that others may live.
Sgt. Joseph Love holds the organ donor card given to him November 2013.
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 15
Wing volunteers make recycling fun for studentsLt. Col. Kris Kollar and Maj. James Wymer of the 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron help students at Fink Elementary School, Middletown, sort recyclables during an educational program held as part of America Recycles Day.
Students at Fink Elementary School, Middletown, prepare to start their recycling race Nov. 15, competing with fellow students to see who sorted recyclable items f astest. The race was hosted by volunteers from the 193rd Special Operations Wing in conjunction with America Recycles Day.
By Staff Sgt. Susan Penning, 193rd Special Operations Wing
Volunteers from the 193rd Special Operations Wing visited third, fourth and fifth grade students at Lyall J. Fink Elementary School, Middletown, to help raise recycling awareness for America Recycles Day on Nov. 15. Organized by 193rd Special Operations Wing environ-mental manager Sarah Moor, the community outreach event involved a fun race where teams of students competed to see which one could sort recyclable materials the fastest. Prior to the race, volunteers from the 193rd Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron helped set up recycling bins, bags and signs for the recycling race while Moor shared information about recycling and explained which items are recyclable and which are not. “This was an awesome opportunity for us to get out and demonstrate the importance of recycling,” said Master Sgt. Philip Shelton, an aerial porter and event volunteer. “I was impressed with the enthusiasm of these kids. They were so attentive and interactive. Everyone had a blast!” Event volunteer and avid recycler 2nd Lt. Thomas Bagnell said, “This was an excellent way for us to show our community spirit and display our passion for the environment.” Following the race, Moor presented environmentally friendly gifts to teachers to distribute to the students. v
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By Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols
Pennsylvania National Guard leaders, Airmen, friends and family of Senior Master Sgt. Kevin H. Markel gathered on Jan. 25, 2014, at the Lightning Force Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap to dedicate his classroom in his honor after unanimous approval from the State Armory Board. Markel passed away on June 12, 2013, after suffering a heart attack at his home in Carlisle. “This is a high honor and something very rarely done,” said Pennsylvania adjutant general Maj. Gen. Wesley Craig. “Naming of facilities and classrooms is reserved for those who mean something very special to us.” “Those familiar with Fort Indiantown Gap know there are several tributes to individuals who served their nation proudly. Today we add Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Markel’s name to that list,” said Col. Terrence Koudelka, 193rd Regional Support Group commander. “This class-room serves as an appropriate memorial to Kevin for two reasons: First, this is where Kevin trained countless Airmen to accomplish the unique and challenging engineering installation mission. The knowledge and skills taught here have had a tremendous impact on the way our nation supports the warfighter both in a combat zone and in the garrison. But more broadly
this classroom is symbolic of Kevin’s dedication to education and training.” Markel completed basic training in 1982 and served in a variety of assignments before he was assigned in 1996 to the Lightning Force Academy, 193rd Regional Support Group, where he served as a master instructor and lead instructor for Team Chief Academy and quality assur-ance which provides training for team chief nominees and quality assurance assigned personnel in the engineering installations community.
dedicates classroom to fallen Airman
“We study and attempt to learn from history and look to numerous events throughout history and look to fellow members of our military to use as examples and take lessons from and take inspiration from,” Craig explained to the Markel family. “Your father is indeed one of those examples.” “We all go through life wondering if we made a difference,” said Craig. “Sgt. Markel conducted some 150 classes and influenced close to 2,000 team chiefs in this very small but important community in the United States Air Force.” “May this classroom serve as a fitting tribute and inspire all Airmen that pass through its door with the enthusiasm and confidence that Kevin spent so many years instilling in future team chiefs and his fellow Airmen,” said Koudelka. The ceremony ended with a shadow box being presented to the Markel family that chronicled Markel’s career and a plaque being installed in the classroom honoring his legacy. v
Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Markel.
Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Markel’s memorial plaque.
Family members of Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Markel hold a shadow box containing mementos from his more than 30 years of military service on Jan. 25, 2014, at Fort Indiantown Gap.
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 17
U.S. Air Force retired Master Sgt. Robert Bragg Jr. from Ohio and retired Sgt. Tom Lacey from Virginia were reunited with a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Sept. 24, 2013. Bragg and Lacey were stationed at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., in the late 1960s. They were both ground crew, meaning they performed preflight and post flight inspections, regularly scheduled maintenance, and engine performance checks to the KC-135 Stratotankers. Bragg and Lacey supported a unique mission in those days; it was their KC-135 that refueled the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft.
By Tech. Sgt. Shawn Monk, 171st Air Refueling Wing
Retired Master Sgt. Robert Bragg Jr.
Retired Sgt. Tom Lacey.
Retired Sgt. Tom Lacey tours a KC-135.
Retired Master Sgt. Robert Bragg Jr. visits Coraopolis.
Airmen reunitewith Stratotankerafter 46 years
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“The tankers then were chasing the Blackbirds all over the world refilling their fuel tanks in-flight as they flew their missions in secret,” said Lacey. Bragg and Lacey retired from the Air Force in the mid-1980s expecting never see the aircraft again. Forty-four years later, Bragg learned about the location of one of the aircraft he worked on when he attended an air show. He learned that the aircraft he worked on was assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing near Pittsburgh, and he posted a story about it online. His old friend Tom Lacey saw the website and contacted Bragg and discussed the possibility of seeing the KC-135, now known as Steel City Pride. Lacey contacted the 171st Air Refueling Wing and was granted permission for the two to visit the base and see the aircraft they worked on 46 years ago. During their visit, they boarded Steel City Pride, and Lacey joked, “I’m sure we must have looked like a couple of nut cases running around that plane.” The two recalled memories and shared stories with their counterparts from the 171st Air Refueling Wing. They noticed all the upgrades that have been made since the late 1960s and were amazed at how much remained the same. “After retiring in 1985, I thought that ever seeing my old plane again was just a dream. You made that dream come true and made two old Beale Bandits very happy to relive some great moments in our lives. It was truly a great day ... thanks for one of the greatest days of my life,” Bragg said. “It was a dream come true for us both and an experience that will be remembered as one of the most rewarding things I have ever done,” Lacey remarked. “My memories of my time in the Air Force with those tankers are as fresh in my mind today as back in ‘67, ‘68 and ‘69, as are all 21 tail numbers. Funny how some things just stay with you, no matter how old you are, and Bobby and I are 67 years old now.” The KC-135R/T Stratotankers at the 171st Air Refueling Wing are about 60 years old now. In a unique way, Robert Bragg and Tom Lacey have contributed to the 171st mission with thorough service all those years ago. v
“After retiring in 1985, I thought that ever seeing my old plane again was just a
dream. You made that dream come true and made two old Beale Bandits very happy to relive some great moments in
our lives It was truly a great day ... thanks for one of the greatest days of my life.”
– U.S. Air Force retired Master Sgt. Robert Bragg Jr.
Retired Master Sgt. Robert Bragg Jr., center, and retired Sgt. Tom Lacey, center right, visit the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis in September.
Spring 2014 / GUARDIANS / 19
By Staff Sgt. Doug Roles, 28th Infantry Division
Veteran and aspiring journalists from across the 28th Infantry Division sharpened their skills during a first-ever, division-wide training session at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 25-26. The workshop provided training tools to brigade-level public affairs staff while also introducing company-level unit public affairs representatives, or UPARs, to print and broadcast news gathering. Staff from the 28th Infantry Division public affairs section planned the workshop and presented the blocks of instruction along with staff from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s state public affairs office. Topics covered included the basics of photography and news writing, how best to utilize social
media, and the role of the UPAR. Nearly three dozen Soldiers attended the event. “This training is an extremely important part of what we’re all trying to accomplish here in the 28th Infantry Division,” Brig. Gen. John Gronski, division commander, told the journalists. “I think this is a great initiative. It’s important to bring these Soldiers together to have a professional dialogue.” Gronski, who regularly tweets or posts on Facebook the outstanding accomplish-ments of his division’s Soldiers, spoke to the military journalists about the importance of using social media as well as traditional print communications. He and division Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Kepner said the division’s journalists have the job
Division trainsnew public affairs reps
of informing families and the public about the National Guard’s readiness at a time when adversaries look for ways to use public information for their own propaganda purposes. “If you don’t think that our enemies are exploiting that open-source information, you’re wrong,” Kepner said. “Our adver-saries are looking at that every day. What you’re doing in telling our story is critically important.” “It’s all about communicating our message – that the 28th ID Soldier is fit, resilient and well-trained,” Gronski added. The workshop gave the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s newer journalists an opportunity to meet Soldiers who have been fulfilling the public affairs mission for
Brig. Gen. John Gronski, 28th Infantry Division commander, speaks to Pennsylvania Army National Guard journalists during a public affairs workshop Jan. 26 at Fort Indiantown Gap. His commander’s intent – published guidance for the division’s Soldiers – includes communicating to stakeholders, such as family members and elected officials, as one of its four pillars. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Palermo
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many years. Soldiers identified by their units to have the additional UPAR duty can assist the overall public affairs mission in a number of ways. UPARs can identify a good story idea and push it to the brigade public affairs officer or cover the story themselves with support from brigade public affairs staff. UPARs also can serve as media escorts at their home armory or in their company’s area of operations when deployed. Additionally, UPARs assist the Soldiers of their company in submitting hometown news release forms for events such as promotions and awards. The workshop provided the opportunity to share war stories as well as best practices. The Soldiers learned that news gathering can be as simple as using a cellphone to take a photo or make an audio or video recording during an interview. Pfc. Jared Flood of Bucks County, a broadcast journalist with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is a 2009 high school graduate and an October 2013 graduate of DINFOS or the Defense Information School, the journalism school for all U.S. military branches. He said the weekend’s training bridged the gap between the classroom and actually gathering news. “This is the real application of what I learned at DINFOS,” he said. Flood, who has taken courses at the University of Pittsburgh in accounting and economics, said that although he attended DINFOS as a broadcast journalist, he hopes to explore still photography and multimedia journalism during his military career, making himself “the go-to guy” for his unit. The extra duty of UPAR is new to Staff Sgt. Andrea Bryer of Tower City, who serves full-time as the readiness noncommissioned
Spc. Dustin Hogwood, a broadcast journalist with the 55th Armor Brigade, takes notes as Harrisburg Patriot News reporter Steve Marroni talks about the print news cycle. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Palermo
officer for Company B, 1-224 Aviation, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade. She hopes to have a hand in covering the 28th CAB’s fielding of new helicopters later this year. “I want to do still and video work,” she said. “This is a brand new appointment for me.” Staff Sgt. Tom Bourke, public affairs sergeant with the 2nd Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Washington, Pa., holds two degrees in journalism and has worked in communications for the military and as a civilian for nearly 15 years. As a former infantryman and a journalist who has published numerous articles, he said there was value in bringing the public affairs Soldiers together.
“Because we are so far flung across the state, an event like this is critical for fostering a sense of community for our public affairs Soldiers,” Bourke said. Gronski and Lt. Col. Desiree Morasco, 28th Infantry Division public affairs officer, said the public affairs workshop is scheduled to become an annual event. The goal of the program is to have a trained UPAR at each company. “We wanted to have a major training event with the brigade PAOs to get the commanding general’s message out and to have the opportunity to come together and develop our network as public affairs professionals,” Morasco said. “This is the first time we’ve ever had such a division-wide training. But, we’re such a low- density MOS (military occupational specialty) that it was important to come together, identify our resources and help each other.” The event’s lineup included a question-and-answer period with Steve Marroni, a former Pennsylvania National Guard public affairs Soldier who now works as a reporter with the Harrisburg Patriot News. Additionally, Maj. Cory Angell, 28th Infantry Division deputy public affairs officer, presented a briefing on the evolu-tion of public affairs in the U.S. military. Angell informed the class that the Depart-ment of Defense policy is to make available timely and accurate information to the media and the public without censorship or propaganda. This is a mission that is fulfilled with the help of these public affairs Soldiers. v
Lt. Col. Desiree Morasco, left, 28th Infantry Division public affairs officer, speaks to Cadet Christopher Herbert of Oxford, with Company A, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade; and 2nd Lt. Nicholas Marsella of Pittsburgh, with 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade, during a first-ever, division-wide public affairs workshop at Fort Indiantown Gap on Jan. 26.Photo: Staff Sgt. Doug Roles
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55th Armor upgrades with new BradleysBy Staff Sgt. Matt Jones
Pennsylvania National Guard and state government officials unveiled the latest addition to the state’s Army National Guard fleet Feb. 28 at Fort Indiantown Gap. The M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley fighting vehicle marks a significant upgrade to the state’s armored fleet. It features embedded training and diagnostics, programmable displays, a thermal view for the driver, inertial navigation, and upgraded armor protection. The M2A2 ODS-SA – which stands for Operation Desert Storm - Situational Awareness – is recognized as being more lethal, safer and easier to maintain than earlier variants. The 55th Armor Brigade will field most of the 120-plus vehicles, with the 166th Training Regiment fielding four. John Tile, BAE Systems director of Bradley programs, explained why his organization was proud to complete the upgrade in York, a short drive away from where the Pennsylvania National Guard Headquarters is near Harrisburg. “In York, our motto is ‘We protect those who protect us,’” Tile said. “None of us, from myself to the welder, to the engineer, to the janitor, ever forget that the next people who are going to touch these Bradleys are the men and women of our armed forces and, in this case, the Pennsylvania National Guard.” “Our sons and daughters, and in some cases our grandsons and granddaughters, are in harm’s way protecting the freedoms that allow us to be here,” Tile continued. “We in BAE Systems have a long tradition of supporting our military and their families, and we are proud to continue that tradition with fielding the trusted Bradley fighting vehicle to the 55th Brigade of the Pennsylvania National Guard.”
Col. Michael Konzman, commander of the 55th Armor Brigade Combat Team, explained that his brigade has been fielding this type of vehicle for nearly half a century, starting in 1965 when the 1-109th Infantry received its first M113 armored personnel carriers, becoming the first mechanized unit in the state. “In the early 90s, 2nd Battalion and 3rd Battalion of the 109th Infantry turned in their boots and became tankers, and the 55 became the first Heavy Brigade Combat
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley. Photo: Tom CherryFlanked by the U.S. and Pennsylvania flags, one of the Pennyslvania National Guard’s new M2A2 OD-SA Bradley fighting vehicles is displayed at Fort Indiantown Gap on Feb. 28. Photo: Tom Cherry
Col. Michael Konzman, 55th Armor Brigade.
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Team within the commonwealth,” said Konzman. “Then in 2002, right after 9/11, the 109th Infantry turned in those 113s, and they got brand-new Bradley fighting vehicles.” In the decade since fielding those Bradleys, the brigade has been busy both overseas and here at home. “Since 9/11, not only have we served the commonwealth by performing state active duty missions here, but the Soldiers of this brigade have also gone to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to help people wherever they hurt,” said Konzman. In January 2013, 1,200 Soldiers of the 55th performed the critical mission of securing the presidential inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C., while more than 1,500 more of them were deployed to Kuwait. “Since 2001, Soldiers of this brigade have deployed nine separate times. We went to Bosnia, Europe, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Egypt,” Konzman said. “I don’t say that our Soldiers deserve these new vehicles; I say they’ve earned them. They
earned them with their blood, they’ve earned them with their sweat, and they have earned them with the dedication and the selflessness with which they have served the commonwealth and this nation.” The 55th Armor Brigade will spend the next year fielding and training on the vehicles before performing a live-fire
gunnery exercise scheduled for the summer of 2015 at Fort Pickett, Va. “This brigade is going to be back to being one of the premier fighting forces in the Guard if not in the military in a short period of time,” Konzman told the crowd during the unveiling ceremony. “Sleep well at night – 55 is here to protect you.” v
Staff Sgt. Kurt Spieles describes the interior of a Bradley at Fort Indiantown Gap on Feb. 28. Photo: Tom Cherry
One of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s new M2A2 ODS-SA Bradley fighting vehicles is displayed at Fort Indiantown Gap on Feb. 28.
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KEYSTONE NEWSMAKERSAviation brigade holds change of command ceremonyBy Sgt. Neil Gussman, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade
Col. John Kovac took command of the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 11. Kovac previously served as the commander of the 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, which recently returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. Outgoing commander Col. Dave Wood, had assumed command of the brigade Dec. 23, 2009, and now serves as Pennsylvania’s state Army aviation officer. He is also a veteran of Afghanistan, having commanded Company G, 104th Aviation, during their 2003 deployment to Afghanistan.
Brig. Gen. John Gronski, commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, hands the colors of the 28th Combat Aviation Brigade to new commander Col. John Kovac at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 11.
Former 28th Combat Aviation Brigade commander Col. Dave Wood holds a memento he received during his unit’s change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 11.
By Staff Sgt. Tom Bixler, 28th Infantry Division
Col. Stephen M. Radulski took command of the 56th Stryker Brigade during a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 26. Radulski was formerly deputy commander of the 56th and most recently deployed to Afghanistan with the 3-103rd Armor Battalion in 2008. Outgoing commander Col. Samuel E. Hayes III took command of the 56th after serving as commander of Fort Indiantown Gap
and after deploying with the brigade in 2009 as commander of the 2-112th Infantry Battalion. He now serves as the director of the state’s J3 office, which overseas joint operations, domestic operations and other critical missions.
Brig. Gen. John Gronski, commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, hands the colors of the 56th Stryker Brigade to new commander Col. Stephen M. Radulski at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 26.
56th Stryker Brigade changes command
Former 56th Stryker Brigade commander Col. Samuel E. Hayes III holds a memento he received during his unit’s change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 26.
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By Staff Sgt. Ted Nichols
Lt. Col. Julie Carpenter, medical plans and operations officer, conducted the first commander’s call for the newly independent CERF-P medical unit at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 24. CERF-P Medical is now drilling as an independent unit under the auspices of the 193rd Special Operations Medical Group with the first 19 members on board. CERF-P Medical will become a full-scale medical operations squadron under the 193rd Special
CERF-P Medical becomes independent unit
Operations Medical Group when an additional 26 members are added to the roster. Members of CERF-P – chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive enhanced response force package – are trained and prepared to respond immediately to a multitude of natural and man-made disasters involving such dangerous materials. The unit can respond on its own or as part of the regional brigade-level Homeland Response Force.
Lt. Col. Julie Carpenter, medical plans and operations officer in the newly independent CERF-P Medical Unit, addresses her fellow Airmen at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 24.
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CURATOR’SCORNERBy Charles Oellig
This is the 40th in a series of historical photographs of Pennsylvania National Guardsmen of the past, submitted by Charles B. Oellig, curator of the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum at Fort Indiantown Gap. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday and Friday, or Saturday by appointment. Call 717-861-2402 or visit www.pngmilitarymuseum.org for more information or to schedule an appointment. The museum is closed on major holidays.
Pictured are two unidentified drummers from Company D, 16th Regiment Infantry, National Guard of Pennsylva-nia, from Oil City. They are wearing the model 1883 dark blue five-button sack coat and the model 1876 forage cap with crossed musket insignia featuring their company letter and regimental number. They each wear an NGP-marked canteen over the shoulder. The man on the right is sitting next to his equipment consisting of his blanket roll, rolled overcoat, knapsack and tin cup. The original photograph is dated Aug. 19, 1888. v
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