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Volume 17 No. 2
Summer 2010 1
CORPORATE OFFICE:8537 Corbin Dr., Anchorage, AK 99507(907) 562-9300 • (866) 562-9300Fax: (907) 562-9311www.AQPpublishing.com
Guardian StaffBrig. Gen. Gary SaylerCommanding General
Col. Tim MarsanoEditor
Capt. Tony VincelliAssistant Editor
Published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private fi rm in no way connected with the State of Idaho Military Division, or the Idaho National Guard, under written contract with the State of Idaho Mili-tary Division. This State of Idaho Military Division magazine is an authorized publication for employ-ees and military members of the State of Idaho Mil-itary Division. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the state of Idaho, the U.S. Government, Depart-ment of Defense or the Idaho National Guard.
The appearance of advertising in this publica-tion, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the state of Idaho, DoD, the Idaho National Guard or AQP Publishing, Inc. of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patron-age without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical hand-icap, political affi liation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and pro-vided by the Offi ce of Public Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters – Idaho, State of Idaho Military Division. All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to the State of Idaho Military Division unless otherwise indicated.
All submissions should pertain to the Idaho National Guard and are subject to editing. Contri-butions and reader comments should be sent to: [email protected].
The Gem State Guardian4040 W. Guard StreetBoise, Idaho 83705
Bob UlinPublisher
Justin RitterGraphic Designer
Chris KersbergenDarrell GeorgeAdvertising Sales
Marie LundstromEditor
Volume 17 No. 2 Summer 2010
The Gem State Guardian is the offi cial newsletter of the Idaho National Guard. It is published quarterly with a circulation of 5,000 copies. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Army, Air Force, Army National Guard, Air National Guard or the De-partment of Defense.
NEWS1/204TH RTI RECEIVES ARMY’S MOST ADVANCED TANK 2-3
NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU:OFFICIAL NOTICE 3
TASK FORCE ODIN UPDATEFROM AFGHANISTAN 5
IDNG JOINT OPERATIONS CENTER 6
PILOTS CONDUCTSURVIVAL TRAINING 7
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE BLUE 8
GUARDSMAN AWARDED IDAHO CROSS FOR LIFESAVING ACTIONS 9
116TH CAVALRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM PRE-MOB GUNNERY CERTIFICATION 10
IDAHO SOLDIERS SCORE WELL IN LOGISTICS COMPETITION 11
IDAHO GUARD MEMBERS TRAIN IN ALASKA DURING EMERGENCY RESPONSE EXERCISE 12-14
IDAHO GUARDSMEN COMPETE IN 2010 NATIONAL GUARD MARATHON 15
GUFFEY BRIDGE CONNECTED TO THE IDAHO NATIONAL GUARD 16-17
MEMORIAL PARK OFFICIALLY OPENED 18
FORMER IDAHO ADJUTANTGENERAL BACK IN THE COCKPIT 19
1/183RD ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION 20
HEALTH AND SAFETY FAIR 21
STRESS MANAGEMENT MEANS BEING RESILIENT 22
TROOPS TO TEACHERS 23
THE LAST WORD SUMMER SAFETY 24
Two riders in the fi rst “Idaho Rolling Thunder” motorcycle rally enter Gowen Field on June 6. More than 500 cyclists signed up for the charity event and braved a rainy day to raise money for several military charities. More that $3,000 was raised for the Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund. The ride began in Meridian, moved to Mountain Home AFB and concluded at Gowen Field with a party at the Outdoor Pavilion. Photo: Staff Sgt. Christian Buckingham
DEPARTMENTS
ON THE COVER:
Guiding the tank from the back of a Heavy Equipment Transporter is Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Zuchelkowski, a 1/204th Armor master gunner instructor.
Photo: Provided by 204th RTI
2 The Guardian
The 1/204th Regional Training Institute took delivery this spring of the fi rst of its new M1A2 System Enhancement Package V2 tanks and began training their instructors on the latest tank equipment the U.S. Army has to offer.
“1/204th RTI (Armor) was the first unit in the entire Army National Guard to receive these advanced tanks,” said Lt. Col. Fred Gilson, 1/204th RTI (Armor) battalion commander. “The 11 we received here at the schoolhouse will be used to train tankers from both the Army National Guard and active component as per the new One Army School System. The 116th CBCT will be fielded this version, and they will be assigned to the two combined arms battalions, 3/116th CAB in Oregon and 1/163rd CAB in Montana. The bulk of these tanks will be stored and maintained at the Idaho MATES facility.”
One of the new tanks at the 1/204th RTI on Gowen Field. The key visual cue for the M1A2SEP V2 is the CITV on the front left of the turret. Photo: Provided by 204th RTI
First Guard unit to receive the M1A2SEP V2First Guard unit to receive the M1A2SEP V2
Sgt. 1st Class Michael Smith, 1/204 Regimental Training Institute, provides a delegate from Idaho Girls’ State with a tour of the new tank in June. Photo: Col. Tim Marsano
Summer 2010 3
Gilson explained the significant differ-ences between these tanks and the M1A1 are improvements in situational awareness, power plant, and optics (sighting systems). The M1A2s are fully digitized and will come with Blue Force Tracker integrated into the system, which allows GPS tracking of all friendly vehicles on a scrolling electronic map. Targeting is also improved via the addi-tion of a commander’s independent thermal viewer and improved forward looking infra-red sight. Finally, a new power plant reduces down time by using embedded diagnostics and increased fuel economy.
Why was the Idaho National Guard selected for this prestigious role? “The 1/204th RTI is the armor subject matter expert for the entire Army National Guard and has been formally recognized as an Army ‘Institution of Excel-lence,’” Gilson said. “We have the maneuver area, ranges, master gunner expertise, and maintenance background to support these new systems.”
The 1/204th currently has 11 on the ground and integrated into training. The 116th CBCT is scheduled to be issued 56 of these new tanks by 2012.
Official nOticeThe Commanding General has filed a statement with the National Guard Bureau giving assurance that the Army National
Guard and the Air National Guard programs and activities of the State of Idaho Military Division are being, and will continue to be, conducted in such a manner that no person will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subject to discrimination under any program or activity of the Idaho Military Division on the grounds of race, sex (to include sexual harassment), color, religion, national origin, or reprisal under Title VI, and also age or disability under Title VII.
Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of individuals to be subjected to discrimination in violation of the above statement may file a complaint by himself or herself or by an authorized representative. The complaint shall state all the facts and circumstances, in writing, and shall be filed with the State Equal Employment manager, unit/organi-zation commander or activity supervisor, or the Commanding General, Idaho. For additional information, see NGR 600-23/ANGR 30-12 (Nondiscrimination in Fed-erally Assisted Programs), NGR (AR) 600-22/ANGI 36-3 (National Guard Mili-tary Discrimination Complaint System), NGR (AR) 690-600/NGR (AF) 40-1614, Vol I & II (National Guard Civilian Discrim-ination Complaint System), or HQ IDNG (State) 3 (State Employee Personnel Regulations). You may also contact the State Equal Employment manager, Mrs. Gayle Hinrichs, at (208) 272-4210.
Summer 2010 5
Sixteen Soldiers, members of Detachment 35, Operational Sup-port Airlift Command at Gowen Field, mobilized on a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan in December 2009 as part of Task Force ODIN (Observe, Detect, Identify, Neutralize). The Soldiers fly highly modified C-12 aircraft and operate full-motion video surveillance equipment there in support of commanders on the ground in their efforts to detect and defeat improvised explosive devices. IEDs are a leading threat to coalition troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Idaho National Guard received an update from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mart Holdaway, a Task Force ODIN C-12 instructor pilot.
Holdaway wrote: “Another month down, and we are well into our
Idaho Soldiers at their deployed location in front of the C-12 aircraft they use in Afghanistan. Photo: Courtesy of Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mart Holdaway
mission support. We are moving right along and are in the process of improving the mission procedures that were handed to us. All of us are in high spirits as we see more and more the difference we are making on the battlefield. It is so good to see and hear from the other task force instructor pilots that our pilots from Idaho are among the best throughout the task force. Please relay to everyone back home that Idaho is well represented here in Afghanistan. The overwhelming outpouring of love and support that we receive from home gives us the strength to carry on.”
The Soldiers’ deployed unit is Company B, 3/214th Aviation Regiment, U.S. Army.
Task Force ODINupdate from Afghanistan
6 The Guardian
The Idaho National Guard Joint Opera-tions Center is a communications and infor-mation hub that conducts an array of tasks and duties from the mundane to high-level ops like secure communications during state or national emergencies. Open 24/7, day-to-day operations require a staff of 13, including three shift supervisors and ten operators.
Directed by Joint Staff Operations/J3, the JOC is responsible for maintaining situ-ational awareness and providing a common operating picture for the IDNG command group. The JOC can also share information with National Guard Bureau, Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, and other partners during emergency operations. As a com-munications focal point for joint force head-quarters operational matters, the JOC plans, monitors, assesses and guides the execu-tion of the commander’s decisions.
With 20 computer stations, digital, analog and satellite telephone capabilities, two-way radios, four large fl at-screen monitors, a giant screen, television access, secure phone lines, a secure planning room, and a joint conference room for IDNG and BHS usage, the JOC is equipped to accomplish their mission, whether it‘s an emergency or nonemergency scenario.
When activated, the JOC is manned by its regular operators, though the many work stations – vacant in day-to-day ops – also get fi lled with key IDNG leadership and per-sonnel for communication and coordination purposes. JOC staff establishes and main-tains communications with state and federal military organizations and local, state and federal agencies throughout operations. The JOC also maintains unit readiness information, supports the preparation of operations orders and plans, and supports disaster relief operations as directed.
The JOC can also act as the commu-nications middle-man between deployed unit commanders and the IDNG command group, conveying important messages and information rapidly during such time-
sensitive situations. JOC staff coordinates and facilitates the application of personnel and equipment resources to support state or federal requirements or activation.
One of the tasks performed most often – daily – is providing base switchboard services, connecting and transferring calls, and coordinating conference calls for IDNG leaders and BHS. During unit deployments, the JOC connects deployed members’ morale calls back home to families. “I think connecting our deployed personnel to their families is one of the most rewarding things we do in our day-to-day ops,” said shift supervisor Rick Johnson.
In the JOC center of ops is the command group console for the general staff and chief
of staff, and they man these positions during full-activation ops. Additional personnel include operations, logistics, intelligence and communications, special staff, such as JAG and public affairs, and additional Air and Army Guard unit representation.
The JOC serves as the BHS communica-tions backup capability for the State Emer-gency Notifi cation System and National Warning System Operations.
“The JOC is very good at sharing infor-mation once it has it. But someone has to tell the JOC,” said Lt. Col. Chris Eden, the J3 military support offi cer. “If the TAG or chief of staff has a question about something that’s going on, the JOC should be able to answer the question,” he said.
IDNG Joint Operations Center – from the ordinary to the extraordinary
By Maj. Candis Olmstead, JFHQ-ID/Public Affairs
JOC operators Aaron Brown and Teri York. Photo: Col. Tim Marsano
Summer 2010 7
Lt. Col. Shannon Smith, 124th Fighter Wing chief of safety, hides from opposing forces during survival, evasion, resistance, and escape refresher training April 10 at the Orchard Training Area south of Gowen Field. During the overnight exercise conducted over April drill, pilots from the 190th Fighter Squadron conducted refresher training in land navigation and evasion techniques. The 124th Life Support section coordinated and planned the training event with additional assistance from the 366th Operations Support Squadron SERE flight based at Mountain Home Air Force Base. Photo: Staff Sgt. Robert Barney
Pilots conduct survival training
8 The Guardian
With the introduction of the blue Army service uniform this year, the class A green service uniform passes into the pages of history, joining the olive drab utility uniform and the woodland-pattern battle dress uniform. The Army is set to give initial-entry Soldiers ASU clothing beginning in July. The blue ASU is set to completely replace the green and white service uniforms and the current version of the dress blue uniform by October 2014. All traditional M-day enlisted Soldiers will receive an ASU at no cost.
According to Capt. Jason Gracida, supply management officer for the Idaho Army National Guard, the Department of the Army was to begin fielding the new uniforms to the Idaho Army National Guard in 2010; however, “that date has slid to the right due to a shift in the Army’s overall fielding plan, and due to funding, we may see that date shift even further to the right.”
Todd Powell, Supply Systems Analyst for USPFO Idaho said that no solid dollar figure has been set aside for Idaho’s purchase of the new uniforms. “As money becomes available sometime in 2010-2011 we’ll buy a few and field them to a small unit. We’ll see how the process works and then go bigger from there. But with the 116th preparing to mobilize, our biggest player is focused on mission essential equipment. When the brigade gets back, we’ll hit the field-ing hard,” Powell said.
Active-duty Soldiers, including active Guard and reserve Soldiers, and all officers are required to obtain their uniforms by the wear-out date in October 2014. Cost for a new uniform will vary from about $400 to $600, depending on the retailer. Soldiers who currently have the blue uniform will be able to transition to the new uniform at a price less than a brand-new uniform. Currently, the dress blues are still a requirement for commissioned officers. They receive a one-time stipend to buy the uniform.
According to Army officials, the “national blue” color of the ASU was chosen because the color has been used intermittently by the Army since the Revolutionary War. Other factors in the decision to adopt the new uniform include its utility, simplicity and potential cost savings. The ASU promises to reduce the need for multiple service uniforms which should reduce the economic impact on individual Soldiers.
The new Army ASU includes a new coat and low-waist trousers for males and a new coat, slacks and skirt for females. The fabric is heavier and more wrinkle-resistant than previously manufactured uniforms and will consist of 55 percent wool and 45 percent poly-ester. The coat has a tailored, athletic cut to improve uniform fit and appearance and includes wrinkle-resistant, short and long-sleeved white shirts with permanent military creases.
Some major characteristics of the ASU are:
• Officers and noncommissioned officers will wear gold stripes on the trousers.
Out with the old, in with the BlueBy Sgt. Mike Getten, Nevada Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairsand Capt. Chris Borders, Idaho National Guard
• Enlisted Soldiers will wear service stripes similar to the class A green service uniform on the left sleeve. Officers and enlisted Sol-diers will wear overseas service bars on the right coat sleeve. The current black accessories, such as the windbreaker, all-weather coat, overcoat and sweaters, may be worn.
• A new combat service identification badge replaces the color shoulder sleeve insignia worn on the greens.
• The distinctive unit insignia is authorized for wear for enlisted Sol-diers in the same place as the greens.
• Enlisted rank is the same size as currently worn on the greens except that the background color matches the blue coat. Officers will wear the shoulder boards currently worn with the dress blues.
Soldiers can familiarize themselves with the wear of the ASU in Army Regulation 670-1. For information, visit: http://www.army.mil/asu/index.html
Staff Sgt. Ryan Davidson, the coordinator for the Army Guard’s northern Recruit Sustainment Program, models the Army Service Uniform to display from the previous green Class A uniform.Photo: Master Sgt. Brenda Henry; Photo illustration: Sgt. Mike Getten
Summer 2010 9
Home Air Force Base. The first to the scene, he called 911 and lifted the vehicle off the pinned motorist, allowing her to gasp for air.
Seymour quickly directed the driver of a second vehicle, which arrived a few moments later, to grab a ladder that has been ejected from the victim’s truck during the accident and wedge the ladder to keep the truck from rolling back onto the accident victim.
They stabilized the victim until emer-gency personnel arrived. The victim was transported via helicopter to the hospital, where she made a full recovery.
“I was the first to arrive on the scene, but
For lifesaving actions, a member of the 266th Range Squadron was awarded the Idaho Cross in a ceremony at the gover-nor’s office April 13.
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Idaho Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler presented the medal to Staff Sgt. Gary Sey-mour, a ground system radar craftsman, for quick and heroic action in aiding an injured motorist Aug. 3, 2009.
The accident in which the motorist was injured occurred near the intersection of Grandview Highway and Simco Road as Seymour was on his way to work at Mountain
I don’t think any one person could have han-dled that situation alone,” Seymour said.
For the award presentation, Seymour was joined by a large crowd of family members, friends and fellow members of the Idaho Air National Guard.
“The recognition was very nice, but the best part was being able to share the day with everybody – all my friends and family. It was a wonderful day. It really was,” said Seymour.
Seymour’s name will be added to the list of other Idaho Cross recipients on display in the 124th Wing headquarters building.
Guardsman awarded Idaho Crossfor lifesaving actions
10 The Guardian
The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team is training and certify-ing more than 700 gun-truck crews in preparation for convoy secu-rity and force protection missions in Iraq next year.
Battalions of the brigade began rotating through gunnery quali-fi cation tables May 11 at Gowen Field Training Area south of Boise, Idaho. The 3/116th Combined Arms Battalion, Oregon Army National Guard, rotated nearly 140 gun crews through gunnery qualifi cation, June 8-21.
“We bring the units in on a staggered schedule so we can cover their equipment needs and limit the time they have to wait to get on the ranges,” said Master Sgt. Todd Trahan, who oversees training as the brigade master gunner. “The units arrive, draw their equipment and ammunition, and roll through each phase of qualifi cation in a natural progression.”
Gun-truck crews must certify on either the M-2.50-caliber or the M-240B machine gun while mounted in a vehicle. Every gunner and vehicle commander has to certify with their assigned weapon system, while the drivers only require familiarization training.
“The driver has to know the weapons system enough to survive in an emergency,” said Trahan.
The crews must qualify in both day and night fi ring, as well as fi ring while wearing chemical protective masks. The crews must also become profi cient in working together as a team, communicating fi re commands, and sending radio reports to higher command.
Trahan said the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team is breaking
The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team is training and certify-ing more than 700 gun-truck crews in preparation for convoy secu-
By Staff Sgt. April Davis, Public Affairs, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team
new ground for mobilizing National Guard units with this gunnery certifi cation training.
“We are the fi rst unit to attempt gunnery qualifi cation using our own facilities at home,” said Trahan. “Deploying units usually do their gunnery qualifi cation at the (mobilization) station.”
Trahan said the brigade wanted to use the ranges at Gowen Field Training Area for gunnery qualifi cation in order to assess the man-power and resources it would take to host pre-mobilization qualifi ca-tion for other units deploying in the future.
“There are lots of moving pieces involved, but overall I think it has been very well orchestrated,” he said. “The most important piece is inputting all the scorecards into the TORTS tracking system so our training can be validated.”
Nearly 2,100 Soldiers were scheduled to go through the training this summer, expending more than three million rounds of ammunition.
In addition to certifying gun crews, every Soldier in the brigade must also complete Individual Weapons Qualifi cation with the M-4 carbine rifl e or the M-9 pistol they will carry while in theater. Indi-vidual weapons qualifi cation will take place at Gowen Field Training Area during the brigade’s annual training in August. The brigade also plans to conduct other pre-mob training validation during AT, such as reacting to improvised explosive devices, convoy opera-tions, and other Army battle drills.
The brigade is scheduled to depart for Camp Shelby, Miss., in Sep-tember for more training before heading to Iraq later in the fall.
Range safety offi cer Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Keller, 1/204th Armor Training Battalion, calls out targets for 2nd Lt. Christopher Perrotti, 3/116th Combined Arms Battalion, who fi res an M-2.50-caliber machine gun, while Spc. Richard Webster, 3/116th CAB, watches through binoculars at Gowen Field Training Area, south of Boise, Idaho, June 14, as part of pre-mobilization gunnery qualifi cation. Photo: Spc. Heidi Paynter
116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teampre-mob gunnery certifi cationBy Staff Sgt. April Davis, Public Affairs, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team
116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teampre-mob gunnery certifi cation116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teampre-mob gunnery certifi cation
photo caption
Summer 2010 11
• Staff Sgt. Jayson Geisler – Bravo Battery, 1/148th Field Artillery. Geisler was selected above all other supply NCOs within the National Guard as the national winner for the MTOE unit level Supply Excellence Award. He traveled to Washington, D.C., in June for a special awards ceremony given by the Army Chief of Staff.
• Staff Sgt. Brandon Lolley and Staff Sgt. Christopher Irizarry – Class IX Ware-
house, Joint Force Headquarters. Class IX won the state and regional competi-tions, and was given honorable mention as the 2nd runner up at the national level for supply support activities.
• Sgt. 1st Class Chris Cleveland – 1/204th Regiment, Armor Training Battalion. Cleveland won the state and regional competitions in the TDA unit level com-petition.
Idaho Soldiers score well inlogistics competition
By Sgt. 1st Class James Mace
The Chief of Staff of the Army Supply Excellence Award is the pinnacle in achievement for supply and logistics Soldiers within the Army. The award was established in 1986, with Soldiers competing at the company and battalion levels. Separate categories also exist for property book and supply support activities. State-level winners are then judged against their peers within each region, with these subsequent winners being rated through hands-on evaluations by the Department of the Army and National Guard Bureau.
The Idaho Army National Guard was well represented for Training Year 2009, with repre-sentatives winning the regional competition in three categories and one winning the entire competition at the national level.
Winners from the state of Idaho were as follows:
12 The Guardian
By Maj. Candis OlmsteadJFHQ-ID Public Affairs
Soldiers and Airmen from the Idaho National Guard line up April 29 outside Wildwood Correctional Facility in Kenai, Alaska, for a natural disaster training exercise during the Alaska National Guard’s Vigilant Guard 2010 exercise. The Soldiers were at Wildwood to simulate assisting local authorities transferring prisoners to the correctional facility due to another type of emergency. Photo: Army Sgt. Zach Otto, North Carolina National Guard
Members of the National Guard from Idaho and Alaska apprehend an insurgent within the secured perimeter at mock Forward Operating Base Mad Bull on Elmendorf AFB during Vigilant Guard Alaska 2010. Photo: Maj. Candis Olmstead
IDAHO GUARD MEMBERS TRAIN IN ALASKA DURING
Summer 2010 13
Chief Warrant Offi cer 4 Terry Gulick, front, Staff Sgt. Susana Barroso and Master Sgt. David Pfeil connect components of portable communications equipment while setting up the Joint Incident Site Communications Capability. Photo: Lt. Col. Dean Hagerman
The Idaho National Guard sent more than 50 Citizen Soldiers and Citizen Airmen to Alaska to participate in Vigilant Guard 2010 during the last week of April. A National Guard emergency response exercise, VG2010 joined with an Alaska civil authorities exercise, Alaska Shield, and the state’s active duty military forces exercise, Arctic Edge. The combined exercises – all based on the same large-scale earthquake scenario – integrated more than 4,000 participants, including Guard units from Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, Michi-gan, North Carolina and Idaho.
Idaho sent the 101st Civil Support Team, Quick Response Force, Joint Incident Site Communications Capability, a couple of liaison offi cers, and an administrative team to cover logistics, personnel, public affairs and executive staff duties.
According to commanders of the three teams from Idaho, the training opportunity was an excellent chance for the troops to perform tasks they’ve trained for, while chal-lenging them to learn even more.
“The greatest benefi t and most important aspect of our training was working with the incident commander and his staff to provide the best communications options we could in support of his team,” said Lt. Col. Dean Hagerman, commander of the IDNG JISCC team, which deployed to Valdez, Alaska, during the exercise.
While the JISCC practices fairly often, team members rarely get to see how they can impact an incident on this scale. Deploying their communications package, setting it up, and successfully using it in support of a simulated real-world scenario made all of the hard work and previous training pay off.
The Quick Response Force experienced two full days of additional QRF training at Elmendorf AFB prior to deploying to Kenai, Alaska, to respond to an exercise scenario at a local prison. At Elmendorf, they practiced
riot control and entry control point responses, in addition to small arms training.
Members of the 101st CST were called to assist the Kenai Fire Department and other local civilian agencies to mitigate a simu-lated chemical spill. Capt. Christina Taylor, 101st CST Operations Offi cer, was on site during the exercise coordinating members
IDAHO GUARD MEMBERS TRAIN IN ALASKA DURING
of her team with other fi rst responders. “Sometimes local civil agencies don’t have the full capabilities,” said Taylor, referring to the ability of the 101st CST teams to assist local civil agencies with identifi cation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events.
CONTINUED on next page
14 The Guardian
Soldiers and Airmen worked together, gaining mutual respect for each other’s and each service’s strengths as they col-laborated in areas where each or both needed improvement.
“We brought together a diverse group of two services from Idaho and built a team that trusts one another’s capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Neal Murphy, commander of the QRF. “They worked together effectively and then integrated with units from other states to make an impressive fi ghting unit.”
Though it was the fi rst time Idaho’s QRF deployed out of state, Murphy said the highly motivated, fully effective team successfully carried out their mission while up north.
“I have no doubt this team could accomplish any mission it is given,” said Murphy.
Members of the 101st CST Survey Team Staff Sgt. Franck Nyberg, left, and Sgt. Douglas Huffman await their cue to go downrange in their Level A Hazmat suits to gather all the information they can about a simulated chemical spill. Photo: Army Sgt. Zach Otto, North Carolina National Guard
CONTINUED from previous page
Summer 2010 15
Four members of the Idaho National Guard Marathon Team competed in the 2010 National Guard Marathon in Lincoln, Neb., on May 2. One team member qualified for the national All-Guard Marathon Team.
The Idaho National Guard Team members for 2010 are Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Walcom, Master Sgt. Jeff Guzi, Staff Sgt. Ginny Eggleston, and Sgt. Ben Blessing. Runners compet-ing in the race may qualify for one of the coveted slots on the “All-Guard Marathon Team,” a national team that competes in events nationwide during the upcoming year. Blessing ran a fast enough time to make the cut with a time of 3 hours, 14 min.
Eggleston, the team’s rookie runner this year, completed her first marathon in Lincoln with a time of 4 hours, 10 min., and met the qualifying time to compete for the team next year
The National Guard Marathon program began in May 1984 as part of the recruiting and retention efforts for the Army and Air National Guard. This year, 218 Army and Air Guard athletes from the 54 states and territories competed and participated in the recruiting and retention workshop offered in conjunction with the race.
The Idaho National Guard Marathon Team is looking for addi-tional Army or Air Guard runners who would like to join the team and be part of next year’s event. Guard members interested in the program should contact Guzi at (208) 272-4225.
Idaho National Guard Marathon Team 2010 members Master Sgt. Jeff Guzi, Chief Warrant Officer Michael Walcom, Staff Sgt. Ginny Eggleston and Sgt. Ben Blessing.
Idaho Guardsmen compete in 2010 National Guard Marathon
16 The Guardian
Who would have thought Idaho’s larg-est historical artifact is located just outside Melba, adjacent to Celebration Park? Built in 1897, the beautiful two-span Carnegie steel structure still stands today stretching across the Snake River in southwestern Idaho.
The Historic Guffey Rail Bridge trans-ported supplies and equipment to miners in Silver City at a time when the town was thriving. Because steam locomotives were unable to make the steep grades of the Owyhee Mountains, the Boise, Nampa and Owyhee Railroad ended at the Murphy ter-minal where supplies were transferred and hauled by wagon for the remainder of the journey.
Many years after the Silver City mines
played out in the early 1900s, the bridge still proved useful for hauling livestock, passen-gers and equipment because the only other method of crossing the river in the area was by ferry. The bridge remained in operation throughout most of the 1940s; however, as highway access improved, the need for rail diminished until it saw its last passenger/freight haul in September 1947.
So what does this have to do with Idaho military history?
As the bridge continued to dilapidate, safety concerns increased, and portions of the bridge were dismantled to prevent usage. The bridge lay dormant for over 40 years until 1991 when Tom Bicak of Canyon County Parks Department contacted then-
Guffey Bridge connected to the Idaho National GuardBy Capt. Christopher Borders, Command Historian
Idaho Adjutant General Darrell Manning to request a large favor.
Canyon County sought to establish Celebration Park in order to recognize the area for its historical significance. As part of Idaho’s first archeological park – because of the many ancient Native petroglyphs – Canyon County wanted to rehabilitate the railroad bridge by transforming it into a foot bridge to allow visitors access to both sides of the river. “We needed manpower to com-plete the bridge so I sent a letter to General Manning asking him if he needed a training project for the Guard, and he said, ‘Sure.’”
In the summer of 1991, Idaho Army Guardsmen from Payette transported sup-plies, equipment and the large wooden
Guffy Bridge from afar. Photo: Capt. Christopher Borders
Summer 2010 17
inserts that would be used for the bed of the bridge. The Idaho Air Guard’s 124th Civil Engineer Squadron had the painstak-ing task of placing and fastening 38 1,700-pound inserts to the structure, high above the water and without any handrails. After the bed was in place, the engineers con-structed handrails and viewing stands. As a result, today one can take a leisurely 500-foot stroll along the bridge 67 feet in the air and marvel at the beautiful Snake River Canyon below – a truly beautiful sight.
In April of this year, Tom invited me to take part in Celebration Park’s 20th anni-versary and asked if I would represent the Guard for our role in its development. I did some preliminary research and just upstairs from my office here on Gowen Field, I found state contracting officer and retired Idaho Air National Guard Col. Clayton Anderson. Anderson had been the squadron com-mander of the 124th Civil Engineer Squad-ron at the time, and he spearheaded the bridge project.
Anderson and I took part in the event. In front of a crowd of sightseers, park patrons and a dozen other organizations attending the event, Tom presented us with a letter
of gratitude, which read, “Canyon Country Parks, Recreation and Waterways recog-nizes and honors the Idaho National Guard for superlative contributions to the creation
of Celebration Park and the rehabilitation of Idaho’s largest historic artifact, the historic Guffey Bridge…We extend our most sincere ‘thank you’ on this day, May 1, 2010.”
Guffy Bridge deck. Photo: Col. Tim Marsano
18 The Guardian
After two years of work, the Gowen Field Memorial Park offi cially opened May 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Many Idahoans and others from past and current military confl icts are linked to the state of Idaho, perhaps because they trained in our state or their military units were based here. This memorial will honor with dignity and gratitude those men and women from all branches of the military for their commitment to duty, their loyalty, and their service.
The park has come a long way since its groundbreaking two years ago, and much more remains to be done. However, the land-scaping, walkways and parts of the memo-rial are now in place. The memorial features engraved bricks purchased by individuals and family members to recognize military service over the years. The project is largely funded with these purchases.
Gov. C. L. “Butch” Otter and Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler cut the ribbon as retired Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz and Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart look on. Chief Master Sgt. Pete Glick, far left, has led the park’s working group since the beginning of this project.
Summer 2010 19
It’s not difficult to tell by looking at him that he’s an experienced fighter pilot. Maj. Gen. (ret.) Darrell Manning found himself in the seat of a cockpit demonstrator at a presentation of F-35 Lightning II capabilities on 13 July. Manning currently serves as Chairman of the Idaho Transportation Board.
The Idaho Air National Guard is on the short list of bases which could receive the F-35 training mission, and Lockheed-Martin staffers brought the cockpit demonstrator to Gowen Field to give government, industry and media representatives the opportunity to get the look and feel of what it’s like to sit in the cockpit of the world’s most advanced multi-role aircraft. A final decision on where to base the F-35 is expected in 2011.
Former IdahoAdjutant Generalback in the cockpit
20 The Guardian
In today’s military operating environment, one operation that remains vital is the movement of supplies and equipment across the battlefi eld. The primary method of accomplishing this mission continues to be the use of vehicles arranged in large convoys. As a result, insurgents con-tinue to target convoys as a means to disrupt supply chains and make the distribution of mission essential equipment very diffi cult. Insurgent forces are constantly adapting and evolving their tactics to accomplish this disruption, putting U.S. forces in a reactive stance.
Because of the nature of this type of hit-and-run insurgency, one of the most important aspects of the modern battlefi eld is convoy security. One way the U.S. Military has adapted its ability to move supplies and equipment in a hostile environment is to use aviation support to provide convoy escorts as an added measure of security. While Insurgents are often successful at fi nding cover and concealment from vehicles on the ground to conduct ambushes on convoys, they are more easily observed from the air. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter is perfectly suited to perform this type of security mis-sion due to its superior maneuverability and fi repower capabilities.
The continued use of aviation support to ground units moving in convoys has increased the need for training Forward Support Compa-nies in moving with an escort, and the 1/183rd Attack Reconnaissance Battalion is doing just that. Earlier this year at the Orchard Training Area, elements from Echo Company linked up with two AH-64 Apache’s from Alpha Company to conduct a convoy escort. The convoy encoun-tered a squad-sized opposition force equipped with IED simulators,
1/183rd Attack Reconnaissance Battalion rehearses convoy escort tacticsStory and photo by 1st Lt. Cody Rutz, Echo Company Executive Offi cer
artillery simulators, paintball guns, paintball mortar tube, and a variety of small arms dummy weapons that simulated the type of ambushes we encounter today.
The J3 Training Support Center’s IED defeat Red Team pro-vided this equipment, and the personnel to operate the training aids, which were an excellent resource to facilitate the training. The Red Team provided fi rst class service and support to the
1/183rd. They have a myriad of realistic training aids and the expertise to set them up very rapidly. The Red Team is a highly professional group of contractors that are willing
to accommodate any training scenario requested, and provide valuable input in developing the training to maximize value to the Soldiers based on their wide range of personal experience.
The primary purposes of this training operation were twofold: First, to provide pilots from Alpha Company with an opportunity to provide a convoy escort, and second, to provide Echo Com-pany an opportunity to move in a convoy while having the added security of an aerial escort. Secondary training objectives were communication between the aircraft and the vehicles, reaction to ambush and enemy contact, reaction to IED attack, and com-municating information back to the Battalion TOC. This training introduced leaders from both Alpha and Echo Companies to the increased planning requirements for a coordination mission, and displayed the importance of detailed planning, communication, and execution to every Soldier involved.
Echo company vehicles in a convoy formation while an Alpha Company AH-64 provides aerial security. Photo: Courtesy of 1-183 Aviation Battalion
Summer 2010 21
Staff Sgt. David Fuesi, Idaho National Guard Medical Detachment, explains the way smoking affects lung function over time. Fuesi was part of a team representing Project Filter, one of the displays at the 2010 Safety and Health Fair at Gowen Field on June 9.
Project Filter educates people on the dangers of smoking and promotes a healthy lifestyle that also incor-porates physical activity. The lung models Fuesi used were a healthy lung, pictured, and the lung of a pack-a-day smoker over 20 years.
The smoker’s lung showed inter-nal and external fi brous tumors. “You have at least a 50 percent decrease in lung volume, and the person with a
lung like this is probably on oxygen, probably has chronic obstructive pul-monary disease,” Fuesi said. “For the person who’s thinking about quitting, I can show them this is what your lung is going to look like in 20 years, if the smoker doesn’t quit. As a nurse on the civilian side, I take care of these people in the hospital. It’s pretty miserable when you can’t leave your house because you’re on oxygen.”
The fair brought several dozen exhibitors to Gowen Field to dem-onstrate safety and health-related products and provide information on personal wellness, recreation safety, home safety techniques and gen-eral information of interest to public safety and military personnel.
PROJECT FILTER SHOWS SMOKING IMPACTStory and photo by Col. Tim Marsano
PROJECT FILTER SHOWS SMOKING IMPACTPROJECT FILTER SHOWS SMOKING IMPACTStory and photo by Col. Tim MarsanoStory and photo by Col. Tim Marsano
Health and Safety Fair:
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stress include memory problems, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, anxiety and overeat-ing. Children handle stress differently than adults. For children (and some adults), dealing with how they feel is difficult and scary because they don’t recognize what they are feeling and then act out in frustration. Helping children label what they are feeling – and letting them know you feel that way sometimes too – puts the child more at ease because now they know that what they are feeling is “normal.” Together you can work on relieving that stress.
Step 2: Calming techniques. Breathe – slowly and deeply, in through
your nose, out through your mouth. Try it and see what a big difference it makes.
Stretch – a few simple stretches, sitting or standing, release tight muscles and tell your body to loosen up.
Do something that requires no think-ing. You might be amazed how much more relaxed you feel by spending a few minutes cleaning your desk or vacuuming.
Take healthy breaks. A walk to the corner and back produces enormous relief of stress, both mentally and physically.
Let it go. If you can’t control what you’re stressed about, try to focus on things you can affect.
Step 3: Take ActionSleep regenerates all areas of your mind
and body, so don’t cheat yourself of this natural healing process.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Our bodies handle things better when properly fueled.
Exercise in any amount reduces tons of stress for the time invested.
Accentuate the positive. Seeking the positive aspect of things will keep our frowns upside down.
We all can develop resilience. It involves behaviors, thoughts and actions that con-tinue to build over time. More information can be found at www.decadeofhealth.com.
Besides all our military requirements, we have to remember to take care of ourselves. That goes for our family members too. Height-ened demands on military members equals heightened demands on our families.
Stress management means developing resiliency – being able to bounce back, to recover strength, spirits and good humor during and after stressful experience. It’s
important to become resilient now rather than waiting for your breaking point to come. Resiliency starts with you and is encouraged by leaders.
How can one become resilient?Step 1: Notice it.
You must recognize stress before you can take steps to relieve it. Symptoms of
By Capt. Tina Williams, occupational health nurse
Stress management means being resilient
Summer 2010 23
Idaho Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler accepts a Troops to Teachers coffee mug from LeRoy Gaub, Regional Troops to Teachers program manager at Gowen Field in June.
Sayler and Gaub signed a memorandum of agreement to solidify the beneficial rela-tionship between the Idaho National Guard, the public schools of Idaho and their stu-dents when the Guard promotes the Troops to Teachers organization. The organization’s goal is to attract retiring service members and other qualified military veterans to enter teaching as a second career and help these new teachers gain employment.
Those interested in learning more about the program should contact the Troops to Teachers regional office at (866) 478-3224 or [email protected] or retired Lt. Col. Scott Fife at (208) 340-8966.
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24 The Guardian
Summer’s here, bringing its unique opportunities for creative mishaps and possible injury. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your summer activities more safely.
On the road? The most critical driving tips: Wear your seatbelt! Don’t be distracted by using a cell phone while driving…tragedy can be a heartbeat away if you lose your focus. And never drink and drive...you don’t need a DUI, or worse.
Going hiking? Be sure to take a map and compass if you’re not familiar with the area. Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. Be aware of the critters out there and take the necessary precautions. And in the woods, mosquitoes can be more than just an irritant…West Nile virus remains a risk here in Idaho. Take along an effective mosquito repellent containing DEET.
Consider your risk of summertime heat injury – watch your exertion level. Arrange your activities to do the most strenuous during the cooler time of day. Take frequent breaks. Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Use sunscreen; sunburn is not only painful, but reduces the skin’s effectiveness in heat dissipation.
Watch out for sunburn: Limit exposure to direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Use water-resistant sun-screen with a sun protection factor, SPF, of 15 or higher and UV A and B pro-tection. For best effectiveness, apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply at least every two hours.
Grilling on the gas barbecue? When lighting the grill keep the top open, and if the grill does not light in the first few attempts, turn it off and wait a few minutes to allow gas to dissipate before trying it again. Keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher handy. Don’t grill in a garage, tent or other enclosed area. If the grill portion catches on fire, simply turn off the burners…sprinkling some baking soda on the flames can be effective in dousing grease fires on the grill. If using a charcoal grill and using fluid starter, be sure to follow the directions carefully, and never use gasoline to start charcoal.
When you’re headed for the swimming hole….never swim alone. Don’t rely on flotation devices such as inflatable rafts – they may get away from you. Alco-hol and swimming don’t mix…and look out for friends who may be overdoing it. Check out what’s underneath the surface before jumping into unfamiliar waters. Never leave a child alone near water…accidents happen in seconds.
Ahoy boaters! Little is more distressful on a boat than a fire…always carry an ABC-rated fire extinguisher and be careful when re-fueling. Tell a landlub-ber friend where you’re going and when you expect to return. Take along a cell phone or 2-way radio to call for help if needed. Be sure to have floatation devices for everyone aboard. Be aware of unmarked underwater or floating obstacles that could ruin your boating day. And remember that alcohol and boating don’t mix.
Planning on dusting off the old motorcycle and need to sharpen up those riding skills? Your safety office has lots of STAR Rider Skills courses available throughout Idaho…just call us at 272-4203, and we’ll help you find one that fits your schedule.
By Chief Warrant Officer 3 Virgel Clark
Keep summer safety in mind all the timeSummer Safety
