Warriors Spring 2008.qxd:Warrior Spring 2005 4/21/08 … · discipline, 123 cadets graduated ... Army National Guard, provides roadside security while his ... Warriors Spring 2008.qxd:Warrior

Warriors Spring 2008.qxd:Warrior Spring 2005 4/21/08 10:04 AM Page 1


1Spring 2008 • WARRIORS Securing the State, Defending the Nation

Dispatches from the Front . . . . .3Where in the World . . . . . . . . . . .4For the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6My Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Joint Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Homeland Security . . . . . . . . . .13Family Support . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Missile Defense . . . . . . . . . . . .19

ESGR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Who We Are . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Awards & Decorations . . . . . . .25Retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Start of the Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . .28Training Schedule . . . . . . . . . . .28

Departments:

Features:

SPRING 2008

Warriors is a commercial enterprise publication, produced in partnership, quarterly, by the State of Alaska,Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, PO Box 5800,Camp Denali, Ft. Richardson, Alaska 99505-5800, phone(907) 428-6031, fax 428-6035; and AQP Publishing Inc.,8537 Corbin Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99507. Views andopinions expressed herein are not necessarily the officialviews of, or endorsed by, the Departments of the Armyand Air Force, or the State of Alaska. All photos are AlaskaDepartment of Military & Veterans Affairs photos unlessotherwise credited.

Distribution: Warriors is published for all current civilian employees, military members, veterans, and their families, of the Alaska Departmentof Military & Veterans Affairs. It is distributed, free of charge, via mail anddistribution, through each Division within the Department. It is also available at our Web site: www.ak-prepared.com/dmva.

HOW TO REACH USLetters: Letters to the editor must be signed and include the writer’s fullname and mailing address. Letters should be brief and are subject to editing. Submissions: Print and visual submissions of general interest toour diverse civilian employees, Alaska National Guard military members,

veterans and families are invited and encouraged. Please send articles andphotos with name, phone number, e-mail, complete mailing addressand comments to:

Warriors MagazineAlaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

Office of Public AffairsPO Box 5800, Camp Denali

Ft Richardson, AK 99505-5800(907) 428-6031 / Fax 428-6035

8537 Corbin Dr., Anchorage, AK 99507(907) 562-9300 • (866) 562-9300 Concepts for section head logos derived from clipart provided by Alaska Native Knowledge Network. www.ankn.uaf.edu

Governor Sarah PalinCommander in Chief

Major General Craig E. CampbellAdjutant General, Alaska National Guard

& Commissioner of the DMVA

Mr. McHugh PierreDMVA Director of Communications

Ms. Kalei BrooksManaging Editor/DMVA Public Affairs

Contributors

Captain Guy HayesStaff Sergeant Eric Hamilton

Sergeant Karima TurnerSpecialist Margaret Moonin

DMVA Public Affairs

Captain Tim BrowerSergeant Jack W. Carlson III49th Missile Defense Battalion

Sergeant Marc McNab134th Public Affairs Detachment

Second Lieutenant John Callahan176th Wing Public Affairs

Second Lieutenant David Campbell249th Airlift Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard

Sergeant Jasmine Chopra302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

U.S. Army Reserve

Captain Toni Tones455th Air Expenditionary Wing Public Affairs

George CoyleKerry Seifert

DHS&EM Emergency Response

Staff Sergeant Jim GreenhillNational Guard Bureau

Major Keolani W. BaileyFirst Sergeant Andrew W. Blore

Senior Master Sergeant Paul ReddingtonAlaska Air National Guard

Kimberly LearyFamily Programs

Alaska Air National GuardAlaska Army National Guard

Parvin EbadpourU.S. Army Alaska

U.S. Navy

Bob Ulin Susan HarringtonPublisher Editor

Gloria Schein Clem MewmawArt Director Advertising Sales

State Partnership Stretches to Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Underwater Escapement Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Pararescueman Saves More Than 100 Lives in 25-Year Career . . . . . . . . .16Bronze Star with Valor Earned in Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Soldier Receives Bronze Star for Distinguished Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21176th Wing is ‘Air Force Outstanding Unit’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

www.ak-prepared.com/dmva

Aerial Test.A Soldier launches aRaven unmanned aerialvehicle on DonnellyTraining Area at FortGreely. Thousands ofacres are available onFort Greely, making anideal training locationfor various assets withinthe U.S. military. Manynew technologies aretested in the rigors ofthe arctic temperaturesby the Cold Regions TestCenter located at FortGreely. Photo: Sergeant JackW. Carlson III, 49th MissileDefense Battalion

GraduationDay!Alaska MilitaryYouth Academygraduates tosstheir berets intothe air followingtheir graduationceremony March1, at BucknerPhysical FitnessCenter on FortRichardson. After

five-and-a-half months of military-style training anddiscipline, 123 cadets graduated the AMYA ChalleNGeprogram. Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Military Youth Academy.

Inset Photo: Tuuese Faatafuga, of Anchorage, receiveshis diploma as the honor graduate for the first AlaskaMilitary Youth Academy graduating class of 2008.Photo: Sergeant Marc McNab, 134th Public Affairs Detachment



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Dispatches from the Front...

KODIAK, Alaska … After three years, the AlaskaNational Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force,U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Public Health Servicereturned to Kodiak Island in March with military medicalprofessionals to work side-by-side with the Kodiak AreaNative Association for Operation Arctic Care 2008.

The objective of Operation Arctic Care 2008 was tofacilitate and provide health care for more than 800patients living in villages on Kodiak, offering a wide arrayof medical services such as dental care, pediatric care,physical therapy and even veterinary care for family pets.This year’s mission served the people of Old Harbor, PortLions, Ouzinkie, Akhiok, Karluk and Larson Bay.

“We don’t want this to be considered a humanitarianmission, but rather Americans helping Americans to get theprovider care they would not normally have available tothem,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Arends, officer incharge of Arctic Care 2008 with the U.S. Air ForceReserve Command.

KANA is a non-profit corporation providinghealth and social services for Alaska Natives ofthe Koniag region. It is responsible for thehealth care needs of these villages, but is notable to provide services as frequently as needed.

“The corporation has limited funds availableto send medical professionals to the villages asoften as needed or to fly residents out to see aprovider,” said Kodiak Area Native Association dentist Melissa Wages.

“It’s our job as health care professionalswith Arctic Care to help KANA catch up ontheir patient load,” Arends said.

The work Arctic Care performs alsoimproved readiness for disasters, as the teamslaid logistical groundwork to see through thechallenges of getting equipment in and out ofremote areas. Service members also received therequired annual cold weather training whileconducting military operations.

Operation Arctic Care was created in 1996by the 4th Force Service Support Group,Marine Corps Reserves, to be an annual joint-service, joint-component exercise in medicalreadiness and logistics training. It helps torebuild communities in underserved areas andoffers training in moving people and materialsto remote locations, providing healthcare under austere conditions. �

Arctic Care 2008Visits Kodiak Story and photo by Specialist Margaret J. Moonin,DMVA Public Affairs

Loading Supplies. Colonel Jeff Arnold, Joint Forces Headquarters-Alaska Army NationalGuard, lifts a case of bottled water onto the commercial fishing vessel “U Rascal” while ColonelJames Fike, International Health Specialist Program consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General,wheels another load to the ship. More than a dozen cases of bottled water, Meals-Ready-to-Eat, andmedical supplies and equipment were loaded onto the vessel for transport to the villages of Ouzinkieand Port Lions.

Spring 2008 • WARRIORS Securing the State, Defending the Nation


4 Securing the State, Defending the Nation WARRIORS • Spring 2008

Air GuardsmenSupport OperationJump Start

By Second Lieutenant John Callahan,176th Wing Public Affairs

CAMP MORENA, Calif. …Thirty-six members of the176th Civil Engineer Squadrondeployed to this remote militaryinstallation for two weeks inFebruary to perform a variety ofconstruction projects in supportof Operation Jump Start, a federal effort to secure the borderbetween the United States andMexico.

The Squadron is part ofthe Alaska Air National Guard’s176th Wing, based at Kulis AirNational Guard Base inAnchorage. Most of the squadronmembers – a mix of electricians,heavy equipment operators, construction specialists and otherengineering personnel – are fromAnchorage; others hail fromFairbanks, Kenai and Kodiak.

The deployment is called aDeployment for Training, aNational Guard Bureau programto get training on real-world proj-ects for members of civil engineersquadrons.

“The 176th Civil EngineerSquadron has very aggressivelyused the DFT program to go allover the world, getting real-worldtraining for our members while doing alot of good,” said Major Ed Soto, thesquadron’s deputy commander. “I amalways amazed at how much these dedicated men and women can get donein just two weeks.”

During the two weeks the Guardmembers rebuilt roads used by the U.S.Border Patrol to monitor the U.S.-Mexico border fence, performed interiorconstruction on a pre-engineered steelclassroom building, and installed wellpumps to produce water for constructionpurposes. �

Rescue Squadrons SaveAfghan BoyBy Captain Toni Tones,455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan ...Members from the 210th ExpeditionaryRescue Squadron (the Alaska Air NationalGuard’s 210th and 212th RescueSquadrons) were credited with helpingsave a 5-year-old Afghan boy’s life afterhe was struck by a vehicle near Jalalabad

Airfield, Afghanistan, in February.The squadron was tasked to medevac

the young boy, who was reported to havea broken left patella and possible skull fracture. After receiving the green light, thehelicopters were airborne in three minutes.

“This is a testament to our aircraftmaintainers,” said Captain Matt Calabro,210th ERQS helicopter pilot. “Theydo a fantastic job having our aircraftready, which allowed us to make thefast alert response.”

After nearly an hour flight, the teamarrived and immediately assessed the

Desert Bound. Members of the Alaska AirNational Guard board a plane to Afghanistan for rotations lasting about 60 days. The Airmen, from the210th and 212th Rescue Squadrons, the 176thMaintenance Group and the 176th Logistics ReadinessSquadron, will put critical skills gained from Alaskatraining and rescue missions to use overseas, “so thatothers may live.” They are part of the overall rescuedeployment to Bagram Air Base that the 176th Wing isfulfilling from December 2007 through June 2008.Photo: Staff Sergeant Eric Hamilton, DMVA Public Affairs

Operation Jump Start.Technical Sergeant Warren Hollcraft,of Fairbanks, a vehicle mechanic withthe 176th Logistics ReadinessSquadron, inspects a truck prior to itsuse by members of the 176th CivilEngineer Squadron. Hollcraft was oneof 36 Alaska Air National Guard members deployed for two weeks inFebruary to the California-Mexico border in support of Operation JumpStart. Photo: Second Lieutenant John Callahan,176th Wing Public Affairs

North Wind.Barrow resident PrivateFirst Class Steven L.Kaleak, 1st Battalion,297th Infantry, AlaskaArmy National Guard,provides roadside security while his counterparts in theJapan Ground Self-Defense Force do a cordon building searchduring Operation NorthWind 2008.Photo: Specialist Margaret J.Moonin, DMVA Public Affairs


5

the efforts of the medical personnel at Jalalabad Airfield,our pararescuemen and aircrewand the hospital personnel.”

The 210th ERQS is currentlydeployed to Bagram Air Base,Afghanistan, providing 24/7combat search and rescue alertcoverage. �

Soldiers Train inJapanBy Specialist Margaret J. Moonin,DMVA Public Affairs

CAMP IWATE, Japan ... InMarch, Alaska Army NationalGuard Soldiers participated inNorth Wind 2008, a joint com-bined training exercise designedto enhance the inter operability ofthe U.S. Army Japan, the JapanGround Self-Defense Forceand several U.S. Guard andReserve units.

The Alaska contingent con-sisted of Soldiers from almostevery Guard unit and communitythroughout the state.

North Wind 2008 provided aplatform for Soldiers to honetheir combat skills and enhancesecurity relations and culturalawareness.

“Training was challengingand rewarding for our Soldiers,”said Lieutenant Colonel JohnWoyte, of Nome, commander for1st Battalion, 297th Infantry.“Every exercise had to be donefirst by our Soldiers while theJapanese watched, then re-enact-ed by them and vice versa. Thewhole time an interpreterexplained the operating proce-dures to our counterparts.”

The leadership hopes that this exerciseencourages a better understanding of cultural and military operations for thedifferent U.S. branches, as well as thoseof our JGSDF allies.

“Communication can be tough attimes but the Japanese soldiers have beenvery friendly and taught many of us basicterms and phrases,” said Juneau’sSergeant Laurence Dirkes, 3rd Battalion,297th Infantry.

In turn, the Alaska Guard membersshared their Native delicacies and traditional dances at a dinner social. �


Security in Iraq. Specialist DennisAlakayak, a gunner from Manokotak, providesconvoys with security while deployed with theAlaska Army National Guard’s Bravo Company,297th Support Battalion. Ensuring that all partsof his Armored Security Vehicle, including hatch-es, work properly is part of his job. Alakayak hasbeen deployed to Iraq since October 2007.Photo: Sergeant Jasmine Chopra, 302nd Mobile Public AffairsDetachment, U.S. Army Reserve

Getting Set to Fire. StaffSergeant James Zuelow, 3rd Battalion,297th Infantry, coaches an AfghanNational policeman on marksmanshipusing a PKM machine gun. Zuelow hasbeen in Afghanistan since July 2007,with the Alaska Army National Guard’sEmbedded Transition Team.Photo: Lieutenant Jeffrey McAffee, U.S. Navy

Recovering and Smiling.Alaska Air National Guard members visit5-year-old Zacharias, who was medevacedby the 210th Expeditionary RescueSquadron after he was struck by a vehiclenear Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan, inFebruary. The Guardsmen have been periodically checking in on the child, andCaptain Keenan Zerkel even had the toydog, pictured, sent over from the UnitedStates to give the child. The gift made thechild smile, and the hospital reports it wasthe first time they had seen him smile.Pictured from left: Staff Sergeant AndreMarron, an Afghan interpreter, CaptainBrian Kile, Captain Keenan Zerkel,Zacharias and his uncle.Photo: Courtesy Alaska Air National Guard

patient’s status, only to realize his diag -nosis was worse than briefed.

“He had two fractured legs, fluid seeping from the ears and nose indicatingskull trauma, multiple signs of bodily trauma, a scalp laceration that had beenstitched, and he was on a venti lator,” saidTechnical Sergeant Brandon Stuemke,210th ERQS pararescueman. “The littleguy was in pretty bad shape.”

As the helicopters departed, the crewcontinued to administer medical care andkeep the patient alive.

“We kept his airway suctioned and

monitored his blood pressure, pulse andventilation,” Stuemke said. “We constantlyrelayed his vitals to our flight doctor, who provided treatment options during thereturn flight.”

When it was all said and done, thepatient had multiple fractures and under-went abdominal surgery, which identifieda lacerated spleen that was removed.

“I’m proud of the accomplishments ofthe combat search and rescue crew,” saidLieutenant Colonel Timothy O’Brien,210th ERQS commander. “I know thischild would not have survived if not for


For the PeopleGovernor Sarah PalinCommander in Chief

Securing the State, Defending the Nation WARRIORS • Spring 20086

The Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs ischanging the lives of Alaskans every day. You might find this a bitsurprising from the department that responds to disasters andboasts of securing the state and defending the nation, but youngAlaskans are learning from new experiences and building the skillsthey will need to become tomorrow’s leaders.

The Alaska Military Youth Academyrecently graduated 123 cadets from the22-week volunteer program. These cadetsendured some of the most difficult condi-tions teens will ever face: physical training at5:30 a.m., four hours of job training, fourhours of traditional school classes and twohours of mandatory study hall. These cadetsmaintain this schedule five days a week, and weekends are justas tough.

Every one of these teens volunteers to attend this academybecause they have come to the realization that they must changetheir lives to reach success in the world. Cadet Ryan Joe camefrom a teen homeless shelter in downtown Anchorage. He is aNative teen looking for direction, and he found it at the AMYA.He participated in the statewide academic decathlon competition

and won. He graduated but was still involved with the competi-tion. He traveled to the lower 48 as part of the team representingAlaska in the national competition.

We have 180 Army Guard Soldiers who are stationed just outside of Baghdad, Iraq. These young Soldiers are led by a

courageous captain named Josh Shrader. At28 years old, he has led the group through asuccessful deployment. So successful that halfof his Soldiers want to stay deployed. Thegroup was scheduled to deploy for one yearto Iraq performing convoy security in one ofthe most dangerous areas in the country, andnow that they have the oppor tunity to comehome early, most are determined to stay.

This commitment to their mission is a testimony to thecourage and bravery of our Alaska National Guard. The youngpeople of our state are making great decisions and learning theimportance of discipline and respect with the Department ofMilitary & Veterans Affairs. I have one piece of advice to all ofyou, listen and learn as much as you can from your elders. Theirmistakes and successes will help you lead Alaska in the generations to come. �

Changing Lives in Alaska

The young people of our stateare making great decisions and

learning the importance of disciplineand respect with the Department of

Military & Veterans Affairs.



My TurnMajor General Craig E. CampbellAdjutant General, Alaska National Guard& Commissioner, Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

The story you won’t hear from the major media outlets is howmuch character our National Guard members truly have. Alaskansare in harm’s way right now fighting those who would like to takeaway the freedoms of others, especially our freedoms. Theseyoung men and women have volunteered for deployments, andmany have signed up specifically to deploy.

The next generation of Alaskan leaders is focused, determinedand very brave. Many of our Alaska National Guard membershave joined during the last seven years to help defend our countryand deploy overseas. Nationwide the enrollment for the ArmyNational Guard is surpassing records. More than 355,000 menand women are currently serving in Army National Guard unitsacross the country, and recruiting forecasters are expecting asmany as 375,000 total Army National Guard members in the nexttwo years.

Leaders are grown in the Alaska National Guard, and futureleaders are found in the Alaska Military Youth Academy. TheAMYA Cadets are teens who have dropped out of high school andare searching for the last saving grace to turn their life around.

The AMYA is a place where teens in need can learn self- discipline, learn life skills and learn trade basics to help provideemployment after graduation. This combination of growth and

continued mentorship yields one of the most successfulChalleNGe programs in the country. Cadets who graduate fromthe AMYA have hope that brings a life of success and joy.

The Division of Homeland Security & EmergencyManagement is changing lives in rural Alaska everyday. Mostrecently the division helped some of our most remote villagesthrough a fuel crisis. Most Alaskans take heat and electricity forgranted, but for communities like St. George and St. Paul, theyrely on diesel fuel delivered by barge to generate heat and electricity for every home in the village.

Shipping schedules, combined with dangerous seas and ice-closed ports kept fuel barges from reaching these villages. TheDHS&EM worked with local fuel shippers to make sure each village had sufficient supplies to run critical equipment until thefull fuel barge could make it to port.

After saving the day and delivering the fuel, the DHS&EM ishelping village managers work with other state agencies to draftthe most protective contracts with shipping companies and manage local resources to avoid potential disasters.

Everyday, and in a different way, members of the AlaskaDepartment of Military & Veterans Affairs are changing lives andbuilding character in our state. �

Changing Lives, Building Character




VeteransAlaskaTerritorial Guard Members Honored

Story and photos by SpecialistMargaret J. Moonin, DMVA Public Affairs

YAKUTAT, Alaska … After more than65 years, one of the last living AlaskaTerritorial Guardsmen received his formaldischarge from the U.S. Army during aFebruary ceremony in Yakutat, where 77past members were also honored for theirservice during World War II.

Remembrance Dance. Mount Saint EliasDancers perform a remembrance ceremonial dance at theend of the Alaska Territorial Guard discharge ceremony heldin Yakutat in February. The dance signifies the return of ahunting party where one of the hunters does not survive.

Saluting Fallen Heroes. Sigurd Edwards, center, a former Alaska Territorial Guardsman, BrigadierGeneral Thomas H. Katkus, left, commander of the AlaskaArmy National Guard, and Colonel Thom Besch, assistant tothe director Missile Defense Agency-Alaska Region, saluteto honor fallen Soldiers during the playing of TAPS at adischarge ceremony for Alaska Territorial Guardsmen inYakutat.

“It has taken a long time for some ofthese Soldiers to get the recognition theydeserved for doing something so great,”said Brigadier General Thomas H. Katkus,commander of the Alaska Army NationalGuard. “It is my extremely humble honorto be here to acknowledge this importantday in which we formally discharge PrivateSigurd H. Edwards from the AlaskaTerritorial Guard.”

Edwards joined the ATG at 16 yearsold and was one of more than 10,000Soldiers stationed in Alaska.

The Department of Military & VeteransAffairs along with the Alaska NativeBrotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhoodrecognized 77 ATG members from Yakutatfor their service during this ceremony.

The ATG members recognized weretasked with defending the Southeast pan-handle coastline and the Yakutat Airfield,which was built by the Air Force inDecember 1941 as an auxiliary airfield.

“The service of Edwards and his fellow Soldiers is our history, and we needto remember and cherish that,” saidColonel Thom Besch, assistant to thedirector Missile Defense Agency-AlaskaRegion. “It’s an honor to be invited here

Proud Service. Brigadier General Thomas H. Katkus, center, commander of the Alaska Army National Guard, standswith Sigurd Edwards, left, and Sally Edwards after a ceremony in which Sigurd received his formal discharge from theAlaska Territorial Guard. Edwards joined the Territorial Guard March 10, 1943, when he was only 16 years old.

to take part in the recognition of Edwardsand many of those who volunteered along-side him.”

In the past few years, many of the ATGmembers who began their service shortlyafter the attack on Pearl Harbor have beenformally discharged and recognized fortheir service at events held across Alaska.

“What a memorable and beautiful dayto do something so important,” Katkussaid. “I hope to see many more eventswhere we recognize these brave Soldiers inthe future.”

To apply for an ATG discharge, contact Jerry Beale, state veterans affairsadministrator, at (907)428-6016 [email protected]. �



Ready to ServeJoint ForcesAlaska Mongolia Partnership FlourishesStory and photo by Staff Sergeant Jim Greenhill, National Guard Bureau

HONOLULU, Hawaii … Sprawling territory, extreme cold, and rich naturalresources are among shared conditions that have created a perfect marriage for Alaskaand Mongolia in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

The two paired up in 2003, and formalized the relationship in 2005. What they lackin longevity they’ve more than made up for in initiatives.

“Our partnership has grown dynamically,” said Lieutenant General TsevegsurenTogoo, chief of staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, during a break at the first two-dayPacific State Partnership Program Regional Workshop in late January. “We have done alot in a very short time.”

Mongolia’s president visited Alaska in 2007, bringing business leaders andother VIPs. Alaska and Mongolia train together. Alaskan medical teams have treated

Uniting Countries and States. Lieutenant General H Steven Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau,speaks about the National Guard’s State Partnership Program while Lieutenant General Tsevegsuren Togoo, chief of staff ofthe Mongolian Armed Forces and Major General Craig E. Campbell, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, listenat the Pacific State Partnership Program Regional Workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii, in late January. The National Guard’sState Partnership Program, which pairs states with foreign countries, is expanding in the Asia-Pacific region. Mongolia andAlaska are partners.

ALASKA COMMON GROUND MONGOLIA

Alaska and Mongolia have similar geography, topography, sparse population andweather challenges.

• Alaska covers 663,267 square miles.

• Alaska has the lowest population density of any state; thedensity of its 676,987 residents is about 1 per square mile.

• Mount McKinley, at 20,320 feet, is Alaska’s highest peak.

• Mongolia covers 603,909 square miles.

• Mongolia has the lowest population density of any country; thedensity of its 2.95 million residents is about 5 per square mile.

• Khuiten Peak, at 14,350 feet, is Mongolia’s highest peak.

people in Mongolia. Mongolia has hostedbilateral exercises.

Military-to-military exchanges havebeen catalysts for civilian-to-civilian initiatives beyond the SPP. The partners’mining industries are cooperating. TheMongolian city of Erdenet has a sister-cityrelationship with Alaska’s Fairbanks.Mongolian students are enrolled inAlaskan universities.

“Only the National Guard can do this,”said Major General Craig E. Campbell,adjutant general of the Alaska NationalGuard. “It can’t be done by the activeduty military. It can’t be done solely bythe civilian community. The reason is: theNational Guard brings significant civilianexpertise. We’re Citizen-Soldiers. Themajority of us have civilian jobs. We havethat experience and skills from doctors toengineers to carpenters. We’re the onlyones that have that military and civilian combined in one package.”

“The [beneficiaries] of our partner-ship are not only the military but also thecivilians,” Togoo said. “The partnershipopened the way for the businessmen ofthe two countries. In the future, we willsee Alaskan investment in Mongolia, andalso we will ship our products to Alaska.

“The success that we have in this partnership is that both sides have a greatinterest to work together and that is themain basis of our partnership,” Togoosaid, predicting further growth.

Both sides expect increased coopera-tion on emergency management andresponse and natural disaster relief operations. �


Spring 2008 • WARRIORS Securing the State, Defending the Nation 11

CAMP DENALI, Alaska ... The AlaskaNational Guard exchange program with Mongoliareaches far beyond the borders of Alaska andMongolia.

In June 2007, Major Keolani W. Bailey withthe Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Air ControlSquadron, volunteered to sponsor a MongolianArmy soldier, Major Douchinsuren Ganzorig“Gonzo,” to attend a year-long course at theMarine Corps Command and Staff College atQuantico, Va.

Then, Master Sergeant Andrew W. Blore withthe Alaska Army National Guard’s 207th InfantryBrigade, started classes in August 2007, at theU.S. Sergeant Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas,with Leading Sergeant Enkbold, the current lead-ing sergeant of the Mongolian Army, equivalent tothe Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army.

Students at the Marine Corps Command andStaff College focus their studies on advanced warfighting, advanced leadership skills, operationalarts, and cultural and inter-agency operations.

The emphasis for students at the U.S. ArmySergeant Major Academy is on military history,Army Non-Commissioned Officer Corps, leader-ship, military science and management.

“I had never met Major Gonzo [Ganzorig], ashe is called by his classmates, before this trainingbut we were paired together through our common ties to Alaska,”Bailey said. “I signed up to be a part of this exchange programbecause of my awareness of our Mongolian efforts.”

Blore first met Enkbold while he was teaching exercises toSoldiers during the 2006 Mongolian Khaan Quest exercise. “I hadno idea he would be attending this program with me,” Blore said.

Through this common thread the two pairs have been thrusttogether working not only on the bond between Alaska and

Mongolia, but their individual leadership skills.“Enkbold is the first Mongolian soldier to attend the U.S. Army

Sergeant Major Academy and is the current Sergeant Major of theMongolian Army,” Blore stated. “He is a very confident NCO whowants to establish a good NCO program in Mongolia, which theydon’t have at this time.”

Blore and Enkbold are in a class of 650 Soldiers which hasinternational exchange students from 35 different countries.

Over in Virginia, with Bailey and Ganzorig,there is also a solid global presence.

“There are 200 students and 10 percent ofthem are inter national students,” Bailey said.“It is a highly academic environment with 80plus pages of reading a night, but Gonzo is avery hard working self reliant guy.”

Neither Enkbold nor Ganzorig have beento Alaska yet, but Ganzorig has talked withmany of his fellow Mongolia soldiers whohave and looks forward to coming to Alaskasome day, Bailey said.

Enkbold and Blore will graduate in earlyMay, with a diploma of completion as a sergeant major. Ganzorig and Bailey willgraduate in mid-June, after a year of intense,cutting-edge training with the opportunity tocomplete the requirements for a Master ofMilitary Studies degree.

Each group said they will leave their training with a new outlook and perspectivetowards their military career and eachother. �

School Partnership. Major Douchinsuren Ganzorig, left, with the Mongolian Army, and Major Keolani W.Bailey, with the Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Air Control Squadron, stand in front of the School of AdvancedWar Fighting at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Va.Photo: Courtesy of Major Keolani W. Bailey, Alaska Air National Guard

State Partnership Stretches to SchoolsBy Specialist Margaret J. Moonin, DMVA Public Affairs

From Alaska and Mongolia to Texas. First Sergeant Andrew W. Blore, left, with the Alaska ArmyNational Guard's 207th Infantry Brigade, and Leading Sergeant Enkbold, of the Mongolian Army, stand in front of the U.S.Army Sergeant Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. Blore and Enkbold first met in August 2006, during a multinationalpeace support operations and field training exercise called Khaan Quest held in Mongolia.Photo: Courtesy of First Sergeant Andrew W. Blore, Alaska Army National Guard




Homeland Security &Emergency Management

CAMP DENALI, Alaska ... As the chilly winter weatherbegins to fade, the Division of Homeland Security & EmergencyManagement prepares for River Watch, a program that monitorsice jam prone rivers and gives flood warnings to 76 Alaskan com-munities. In the last 30 years, ice jam flooding has occurred 22times, costing the state of Alaska millions of dollars in disasterassistance.

“Weather conditions play a big role in which rivers will flood,”said Claude Denver, DHS&EM response manager.“The Division of Homeland Security & EmergencyManagement partners with the National WeatherService in the spring to determine where icejams are most likely to occur. We then positionour River Watch teams where they can do themost good.”

River Watch teams survey the rivers by airlooking for signs of ice jams. The bird’s-eye-viewgives the teams an excellent vantage point to evaluate river conditions. The River Watch teamsand the communities are then able to compare current conditions with historical information todetermine if an imminent flood danger exists.

The River Watch program becomes active inlate April or early May, when the frozen riversbegin to break up and head downstream. Thelarge ice chunks are carried by snow melt downriver. Shallow areas and bends in the river slowor stop the ice and create ice jams that can stretchseveral miles upriver. The ice jams reduce the flowof the water, causing the river to jump the banksand flood lowlands.

Water levels can rise rapidly and cut off a

RiverWatch: Preparing for the Ice MeltBy Jeremy Zidek, DHS&EM Public Affairs

River Break Up. Ice jams on the Yukon River in 2006 created flooding in the village of Alakanuk. RiverWatch crews will be monitoring ice break up to warn residents of potential risks in 2008.Photo: Kerry Seifert, DHS&EM Emergency Response

Heading to Higher Ground. Villagers in Kwethluk reach higher ground withalternative modes of transportation during the flooding in 2006. In 2007, ice jams wereminimal causing no major problems, but only time will tell if 2008 will follow suit.Photo: George Coyle, DHS&EM Emergency Response

community’s means of escape in a matter of hours. Giving peopleample warning can mean the difference betweenlife and death.

When they are not in the air, River Watch teams use their timeto help the small riverside villages that are most vulnerable tospring floods.

“Beyond just warning communities about flood conditions,the River Watch program has engaged communities in flood preparedness,” said John Madden, DHS&EM director.“DHS&EM’s response expertise, National Weather Service tech-nical infor mation, and local knowledge all combine to make RiverWatch a very effective program.”

Community members are a key component of the River Watchteam and participate in aerial surveys of ice conditions. Communitymembers are able to report ice conditions to their villages usingtraditional language and the local names of landmarks. Personalrelationships play an essential role in spreading flood informationfrom one community to another.

For more than 30 years, the River Watch program has beensuccessful in reducing the impact of ice jams to Alaskan com -munities through alerts and education. Using satellite photos, aerial surveillance and sophisticated climate models, the RiverWatch team has been able to estimate spring river conditions withgreater accuracy.

While technology has made it easer to accomplish the RiverWatch mission, there is no substitute for old fashioned field workand partnerships. The most important tool used by the RiverWatch team may be the handshake. �



Story and photos by SergeantKarima Turner, DMVA Public Affairs

ANCHORAGE, Alaska ...

MAY DAY!MAY DAY!MAY DAY!ICY-44GOINGDOWN INPRINCEWILLIAMSOUND!

Ready for Impact. Captain Michele Edwards, UH-60 Black Hawkpilot for 207th Aviation, practices a crash position in a fixed-wing simulatorbefore Captain Franklin Bithos, back right, and Sergeant Mike Lewis, backleft, toss the contraption into the pool upside down to simulate a crash.


15

Having to say those words and notknowing their outcome is probably one ofthe scariest things that can happen toa pilot.

When it comes to danger, the AlaskaArmy National Guard pilots and theircrew chiefs have had their share of it, withdeployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan,these men and women have been trainedto show courage in the midst of danger.

But one thing that doesn’t alwayscross their minds is the possibility ofsomething going wrong while they are ona mission at home, here in Alaska.

Although they are highly trained andpractice safety religiously, the fact is thesepilots and their crew chiefs fly over wateron a regular basis. For many of them, it’sthe norm. That’s why Anchorage basedAlaska Army National Guard ChiefWarrant Officer Three Bryan Keese, operations officer for 207th Aviation, continues to have his Soldiers attend theHelicopter Underwater Escape Trainingcourse.

“At least for the last six or seven years,I’ve had our Soldiers go through thistraining,” Keese said. “Brigadier GeneralThomas Katkus even went the very next

day, and he was stoked about it. He saidhow much he enjoyed the training andhow valuable it was for our air crews.”

In an intense eight-hour day, trainingwith the Learn to Return School, sixAlaska Army National Guard UH-60Black Hawk pilots and four crew chiefscompleted the HUET in January.

“Anyone that’s doing any kind of flyingover water needs this training,” said TuckBrouhard, survival instructor for LTR.“In Alaska you have a pretty high surviv-ability rate of an aircraft going down, whatyou don’t have is a high survivability ofthe environment. People don’t generallythink about this type of training – no onereally thinks past the crash itself. Thisclass is designed to give them kind of a‘heads-up.’”

According to UH-60 Black Hawk pilotand Bethel resident Chief Warrant OfficerThree Michael Edwards of 207th Aviation,his unit frequently has missions that carrythem over water.

“If we’re over water, and we end uphaving to ditch or have any incident causing us to go into the water, then thisis absolutely necessary training,” Edwardssaid. “That kind of situation is going to bequick, it’s going to be stressful, and this isgoing to help us get rid of some of thatstress and let us know what to expect ifwe go under the water.”

HUET simulates an aircraft going intothe water and shows the students thatthere’s more to it than just getting out ofthe aircraft.

The Soldiers began their training atthe Bartlett High School swimming pool,beginning with the basics of HUET –holding their nose with their right handand protecting their face by reaching theirleft arm around and touching their rightear with their fist. This method ensuresthat they have some protection against theinitial crash.

“We also worked with a ShallowWater Egress Trainer, basically to simulatea fixed-wing aircraft impact rather than a helicopter impact,” Brouhard said.

One-by-one, Soldiers climbed into acage-like contraption and prepared for a

“crash-landing” into water. Once theSoldier was prepared and simulated callingover the radio for assistance, five or six ofthe other pilots and crew chiefs helped tothrow the cage into the pool, causing thecage to land upside down and renderingthe caged Soldier a bit disoriented, muchlike a real crash. Within seconds the sub-merged Soldier had released his seat harness and found his way to safety.

The final step was instruction on whatLTR calls a Helicopter Assisted BreathingDevice, which is learning how to breathewith an air tank underwater.

“The military pilots are often flyingwith the HEEDs bottles, which are basically, a little scuba tank with about aminute to a minute and a half of air,”Brouhard said. “We taught them how toproperly use the devices, that way, if theygo underwater they have a couple breathsof air to make some quick decisionsand escape.”

“It’s very important because if we everdo over-water flights and we do burn inor something like that, then we have thetraining to get out of it,” said Bethel resident Sergeant Vincent Salsburg, crewchief for 207th Aviation. “It’s really goodand informative training. I’d definitelyrecommend this training to other Soldiersand units because it would be beneficialfor them to know how to get out of an aircraft in an emergency situation.” �

Moments before the “Crash.” While sitting in a helicopter crash simulator, Chief Warrant Officer ThreeMichael Edwards, UH-60 Black Hawk pilot for 207th Aviation, receives instructions from Clint Homestead, left, an instructorwith the Learn to Return School. Seconds after instruction, Chief Warrant Officer Four Dave Stettenbenz, UH-60 Black Hawkpilot for 207th Aviation, turns the contraption upside down to simulate a helicopter crash into water.

Underwater Breathing. Brian Horner, directorof the Learn to Return School, teaches 207th Aviationpilots and crew chiefs how to properly use HelicopterAssisted Breathing Devices, which are basically miniaturescuba tanks with about a minute and a half of air.




KULIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Alaska ...Three thousand three hundred hours of flight time, 750 parachutejumps, 526 rescue and recovery flights and an even more impressive134 lives saved.

No, these are not the statistics of the Alaska Air NationalGuard’s 176th Wing or even the 212th Rescue Squadron – theseare credits of a single pararescueman. Senior Master Sergeant PaulReddington, “Red” as he’s affectionately called by his fellowpararescuemen, has served for the past 25 years as a pararescuemen.He officially retired from the Alaska Air National Guard on March 1,from a personal career than epitomizes the air rescue motto, “Thatothers may live.”

“Senior Master Sergeant Paul Reddington embodies the courageous and dedicated spirit of the Alaska National Guard,” saidMajor General Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the AlaskaNational Guard. “Throughout his career he went above and beyondto save the lives of his fellow Alaskans and fellow Americans.”

“Red set the standard for selfless service,” said Major ThomasStephens, commander of the Alaska Air National Guard’s 212thRescue Squadron. “He’s a patriot – always the first to volunteer for

Desert Patrol. Senior Master Sergeant Paul Reddington stands in front of a helicopter near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in 2005. His unit was checking out a few ofthe border villages. Photo: Courtesy of Senior Master Sergeant Paul Reddington, Alaska Air National Guard

High-flying Career. A training mission inAfghanistan in 2003, shows Senior Master SergeantPaul Reddington high above the mountainous terrainin the region. Photo: Courtesy of Senior Master Sergeant PaulReddington, Alaska Air National Guard

Dominating Denali.Senior Master Sergeant PaulReddington takes a moment toenjoy the accomplishment of summiting Mount McKinley in1990. He has reached the20,320-foot summit of NorthAmerica’s highest peak on threeseparate occasions. Photo:Courtesy of Senior Master Sergeant PaulReddington, Alaska Air National Guard

PARARESCUEMANSaves MoreThan100 Lives in 25-Year CareerBy Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

PARARESCUEMAN


a mission or deployment. He spent time away from his belovedfamily for a noble cause.”

Throughout his distinguished career, Reddington hasdeployed to numerous austere locations within Afghanistan,Djibouti, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. He hasstood on alert-watch on Denali six times and has reached the20,320-foot summit of North America’s highest peak on threeseparate occasions. His efforts resulted in major contributionsand advances in personnel-recovery operations worldwide.

“I’d say the most I’ve learned from Red is his ability to lookat a situation and adapt to it, which is very important in any rescue mission because it’s dynamic – it changes and is fluid,”said Chief Master Sergeant Skip Kula, chief of the 212th RescueSquadron who worked with Reddington for more than 20 years.“That ability to adapt and to prosecute the mission safely andeffectively is what saves the lives of the people we’re going after.”

In his 25-year military career, Reddington has used his abilitiesand expertise to help shape search and rescue in Alaska.Reddington joined the U.S. Air Force in 1983, and by October1989, Reddington’s knowledge and expertise was instrumental inthe standup of the rescue squadron at Kulis Air National GuardBase in Anchorage. Sixteen years later, in October 2004, he onceagain played a vital role in the activation of the 212th RescueSquadron.

“He’s a great guy and a good friend,” Kula said. “He’s therewhen you need him, even if you don’t need him, he’s there asking,‘what can I do to help?’”

Although, Reddington has officially retired from the military,he can still be found around the 212th Rescue Squadron inAnchorage. He has accepted a private contractor job where he isworking with the unit as the team’s dive master.

“It’s great to still be part of the team, but I’ll miss flying and

all the rescue missions and the deployments, but this is better forme now,” Redding said. “I get to spend more time with my kidsand wife.”

Reddington credits his family as his backbone of support. Hecurrently resides in Anchorage with his wife, Jeannette, and children, Holly, Pete, Brionn and Caroline. �

After the Rescue. Senior Master Sergeant Paul Reddington, far right, poses withJake Collins, center in red, and Rick Collins, center, along with some of his fellow AlaskaAir National Guard members. The Guard members pictured were part of the team that rescued Jake in 2006, after he fell sheep hunting and became unconscious and hypothermic.Reddington credits the rescue as one of his most memorable and rewarding.Photo: Kalei Brooks, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs

Spring 2008 • WARRIORS Securing the State, Defending the Nation 17



New Guard Family Web SiteBy Kimberly Leary, Family Programs

The Alaska National Guard Family Programs office is now using a new Website for all its online needs: www.guardfamily.org. This Web site is your “one-stopshop” for finding information on events, programs, benefits, resources and more.

In order to view the Web site, you must first create a username and password.Once you’ve logged on, you have access to all of our online information. We postinformation on upcoming events, trainings, deals in the community and all otherimportant news on either the “News” or “Announcements” link, which can be foundunder your “My NGB-FP” link on the left side of the screen.

On this Web site, you can also learn about family readiness and program servicesby clicking on the links to the left. Family readiness takes a look at the six-step familyprogram model that keeps you informed and involved about your benefits as a militaryfamily. Program services provides an overview of various programs including family,youth and community outreach initiatives.

Through this site, you can also partake in the Guard Family Training Modules.The Guard Family Training Modules are designed for everyone: Guard members,spouses, parents, children, retirees, civilian employees and interested communitymembers. It helps the Guard “Family” by teaching all aspects of life associated withthe military, specifically the National Guard. �

Family Support


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Missile Defense


On Feb. 21, Parvin Ebadpour was hit by a drunk driver inFairbanks. As she sat in her smoking vehicle, several vehicles justpassed her by, but not Skaw.

After seeing Ebadpour’s Toyota Camry smashed by a redpickup truck, Skaw responded. He told Ebadpour his name andthat he needed to get her out of her car because it was filling upwith smoke.

The driver’s door was too badly damaged to open, so Skawmoved to the passenger side of the vehicle and directed anonlooker to call 911. After assessing that Ebadpour was alrightto move, he pulled her across the vehicle and out of the smoke-filled cabin.

Skaw then reassessed her condition and checked for injuries.He noticed that Ebadpour was bleeding from her left hand andthat her face was red from the air bag impact. She was also covered in glass.

Skaw moved Ebadpour to his vehicle away from hersmoking Camry. Once in his vehicle, Skaw administered firstaid by bandaging Ebadpour’s hand and continuing to assessher condition.

Within minutes, the first police officer arrived and askedSkaw the status of the situation. Skaw workedwith police and medical responders not onlyto care for Ebadpour but also to provide astatement regarding the accident and thehit-and-run perpetrator, who was later arrestedfor driving under the influence.

The following day, Skaw called the victim’smother to check on Ebadpour’s condition. Sheinformed him that her daughter was happy tobe alive despite being sore, bruised and cut.

Skaw is a member of the Alaska ArmyNational Guard and serves as the executiveofficer for the military police companyguarding the ballistic missile defense systemlocated here. �

FORT GREELY, Alaska … “When I firstsaw the accident, I thought, there was no waysomeone could have survived that massiveimpact,” said First Lieutenant Ryan Skaw ofthe 49th Missile Defense Battalion. “I couldn’tbelieve that no one was stopping to help her!”

To the Rescue.

Parvin Ebadpour’scar is seen here the

day of the crash in whichFirst Lieutenant Ryan Skaw,

of the 49th Missile DefenseBattalion was able to save her fromthe smoldering wreckage.Photo: Courtesy of Parvin Ebadpour

By Captain Tim Brower, 49th Missile Defense Battalion

On the Job. First Lieutenant Ryan Skaw, left, executive officer, Ground BasedInterceptor Security Company, 49th Missile Defense Battalion, shares his knowledge aboutmaintaining tactical vehicles with Sergeant Todd Turner, military police officer, 49th MissileDefense Battalion. As the executive officer, Skaw is responsible for overall mission readinesswithin the military police company. Photo: Sergeant Jack W. Carlson III, 49th Missile Defense Battalion


Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve

EAGLE RIVER, Alaska … An Eagle River elementary school principal waspleasantly surprised in January when he was given an award for his extraordinarysupport of a U.S. service member who is also a teacher at the school.

Alpenglow Elementary Principal Rick Toymil was given the “My Boss is a Patriot”award during a school military appreciation family luncheon. Toymil was nominatedfor the ESGR award by Alpenglow teacher and Marine Reservist Rick Kohler, whowas activated for a deployment to Iraq. Kohler is the first staff member at AlpenglowElementary to be deployed under Toymil’s four-year tenure as school principal.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am,” said Toymil about receiving the award.The “My Boss is a Patriot” award is recognition given to employers through

nomination by their Reserve-component employee. Employers qualify for recognitionwhen they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee partici-pation in the Guard and Reserve.

Toymil said 51 percent of the students at Alpenglow have some connection to the military. The school supports the military in several ways such as hosting militaryfamily nights and recognizing parents in the military with stars throughout the halls.

Kohler is currently training in Hawaii in preparation for his deployment andwrote this about Toymil: “He has supported my mobilization from the beginning andunderstands my obligation to my service and country.” �

ESGR Award Given toElementary School PrincipalStory and photo by Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

Proud Principal. During an Alpenglow Elementary military appreciation family luncheon in January, PrincipalRick Toymil, center, proudly shows off his recently acquired “My Boss is a Patriot” award with Gunnery SergeantBradley Miller, left, of the Alaska Marine Corps Reserve, and Rich Owens, Alaska Employer Support of the Guard andReserve Southcentral region chairman.

ARLINGTON, Va. ... Six AlaskaNational Guardsmen and Reservists nominated their employers to receive the2008 Secretary of Defense EmployerSupport Freedom Award. The award is theU.S. government’s highest recognitiongiven to employers for exceptional supportof their employees serving in the Guardand Reserve.

The Freedom Award is particularly significant because only members of theNational Guard and Reserve or their family members are permitted to nominateemployers for the award. The followingAlaska employers were nominated by theiremployees for the award:

Alaska Housing Finance CorporationAlaska Native Health ConsortiumChugach ElectricManiilaq Association (Hospital)Northern Air CargoSiemens Building Technologies

Nearly 2,200 National Guard andReserve members from across the countrynominated their employers for their out-standing support. Many employers, forexample, provided continued benefits, differential pay, family assistance andadditional support.

A national selection board comprisedof senior defense officials and businessleaders will select up to 15 recipients forthis year’s award. The Department ofDefense will announce the 2008 FreedomAward recipients this summer.

The Freedom Award was instituted in1996, under the auspices of the NationalCommittee for Employer Support of theGuard and Reserve, to recognize excep-tional support from the employer commu-nity. Previous honorees include AmericanExpress, General Motors, Sears and TheHome Depot. �

Six AlaskaBusinessesNominated forFreedom Award



By Specialist Margaret J. Moonin, DMVA Public Affairs

CAMP DENALI, Alaska ... Captain JaredWandell, of the Alaska Army National Guard, waspresented the Bronze Star in January for his dis -tinguished service as the commander for DeltaCompany, 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry during hisdeployment to Kuwait in support of OperationIraqi Freedom.

Wandell was the driving force in the developmentand coordination of all aspects of route sanitation operations and security operations for the defenseof a major crossing and the main supply routebetween Northern Kuwait and Southern Iraq.

“He is very resourceful and was always pushingand pushing to get the best equipment so hisSoldiers could do their job successfully,” saidLieutenant Colonel David W. Osborn, the battalioncommander of 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry.

Under his command at Camp Virginia, DeltaCompany held the highest retention rate and hadtwo Soldiers selected for Soldier of the Quarter.

“He ran a very tight-knit company from the command all the way to the individual Soldierlevel,” Osborn said. “He is a good planner andcommunicator and well liked by his Soldiers.”

One of the keys to his personal success as company commander was his experience, Osbornsaid. Much of his experience comes from also beingthe company commander for Bravo Company, 2ndBattalion, 297th Infantry and the executive officerof the Alaska Army National Guard’s CounterdrugSupport Program. �

Distinguished Service. Brigadier General J. Randy Banez,commander of the 207th Brigade, Alaska Army National Guard, presentsthe bronze star to Captain Jared Wandell for his distinguished serviceas the commander for Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry,Alaska Army National Guard, during his deployment to Kuwait in supportof Operation Iraqi Freedom.Photo: Courtesy of Captain Jared Wandell, Alaska Army National Guard

CAMP DENALI, Alaska ... An Alaska Army National Guard Soldier hasearned the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. military for her actionsin battle while deployed in Iraq.

Specialist Veronica M. Alfaro, 23, distinguished herself through excep-tional gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States on Jan. 15,earning the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, which identifies the award is aresult of contact with the enemy. Originally from Modesto, Calif., Alfaro isa combat medic and driver with Bravo Company, 297th Support Battalion,Alaska Army National Guard.

“Specialist Alfaro’s bravery is a shining example to us all,” said MajorGeneral Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard.“I applaud her heroism in the midst of battle. We are grateful that the quickactions she took, as well as those of her fellow Soldiers, helped save lives onthe battlefield.”

On Jan. 15, Alfaro was serving as the driver of a light medium tacticalvehicle gun truck, which was escorting a convoy of third country nationals onthe main U.S. supply route from Baghdad to Balad, Iraq.

Just after midnight, according to the award citation, “the convoy wasambushed by enemy forces with well aimed direct fire from four machineguns and numerous other small arms … the terrain was relatively flat withlots of brush blocking the view of the enemy positions.”

She drove her vehicle into the line of enemy fire to protect the civiliandrivers and allow her gunner the ability to return fire on the enemy. WhenAlfaro received word the driver was wounded in the third country national’svehicle directly in front of hers, she instinctively grabbed a combat lifesaverbag and ran more than 50 yards through a hail of gunfire to reach him.

Alfaro’s truck crew, Sergeant Brandi Brenden and Specialist StephenVrabel, both of Eagle River, saw enemy bullets kicking up dust around herfeet and tracer rounds streaking past her head as she ran.

Enemy fire was increasing, so she placed her body between the enemyand the civilian driver to shield him while she worked to assess his medicalcondition.

Radio communication indicated that there was another wounded in theconvoy, so Alfaro took one of the gun trucks to treat the second woundedcivilian. Her actions in treating the second third country national savedhis life.

“Specialist Alfaro’s courage under fire is exceptional,” said Captain JoshuaShrader, of Juneau, commander of Bravo Company, 297th Support Battalion,Alaska Army National Guard. “She helps make this hostile environment a littlesafer through her actions and willingness to help protect everyone around her.”

She was given the Bronze Star Medal with Valor on March 19 in Iraq byVice President Dick Cheney. �

Bronze Star withValor Earned in IraqBy Kalei Brooks, DMVA Public Affairs

Honoring a Hero.Vice President Dick Cheneypins the Bronze Star Medalwith Valor onto SpecialistVeronica Alfaro of theAlaska Army NationalGuard’s Bravo Company,297th Support Battalion.Alfaro earned the awardthrough exceptional gallantry in action againstan enemy of the UnitedStates on Jan. 15.Photo: Courtesy of Alaska ArmyNational Guard




Education

Alaska Military YouthAcademy GraduatesFirst Class of 2008

CAMP DENALI, Alaska ... The first class of 2008 of theAlaska Military Youth Academy graduated from the programon March 1.

One hundred twenty-three cadets from all across Alaskasuccessfully completed five-and-a-half months of demandingacademic studies, life skills, com-munity service, military style discipline and physical training,at the place students call thetoughest high school in Alaska.

ChalleNGe Program diplomaswere handed out to the cadetsbefore a crowd filled of proud parents, family and friends. Manyof the cadets said they now havea new, positive outlook on theirfuture. �

Successful Student. Alaska Military Youth Academy Cadet Eugena Pagh, ofAnchorage, shakes hands with Major General Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of theAlaska National Guard, while AMYA ChalleNGe Program Director Craig Christensen looks onready to congratulate the new graduate. Photo: Sergeant Marc McNab, 134th Public Affairs Detachment

Get the MOST from Your Educational BenefitsBy Second Lieutenant David Campbell, 249th Airlift Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard

Here are some things you can do tomaximize your Guard educational benefits.

The GI Bill Selected ReserveUse it! With few exceptions, most

Guardsmen are eligible to use the programonly while serving their military serviceobligation. It’s not like the active duty GIBill, which allows you to use the programafter being discharged. For those that douse it, always take at least 12 credits to getthe full monthly allowance.

GI Bill KickerThe Kicker is an add-on to the basic

program and can significantly increaseyour monthly entitlement.

Alaska State Tuition Waiver ProgramThis is a state program that provides

financial aid to Guardsmen attending theUniversity of Alaska.

Alaska State TuitionReimbursement Program

This is another state program that provides financial aid to Guardsmenattending colleges other than theUniversity of Alaska and to those seekingcertificates at vocational or technicalschools in Alaska. Usually this programcannot be used in conjunction with thetuition waiver program. It will reimburseGuard members up to $2,000 a year fortuition and fees.

Pell GrantsPell grants, as well as all federal and

some state financial aid, are awardedbased on a “financial need” formula deter-mined by Congress using criteria submittedthrough the Free Application for FederalStudent Aid. As a National Guard member, one of the deciding factors determining your independent/dependentstudent status may come down to yourveteran status.

A “veteran,” as defined for financialaid purposes is different than the traditional VA definition. In this case, a“veteran” is someone who was on activeduty Title 10 status (for other thanstate or training purposes) and was

Honor Graduates. The first class of2008 honor graduates of the Alaska MilitaryYouth Academy, from left to right: Tu’ueseFaatafuga, Paul Queenie, Anthony Smith, EddyDela Rosa, Eugena Pagh and David Espinal.Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Military Youth Academy


23

Who We Are...

Troy NicolsonAdmissions Officer

Alaska Military Youth Academy

Private First Class Lolitta Lapriel

Alaska Army National GuardMedical Detachment

Where is the most unusual place you’ve been to with the Department ofMilitary & Veterans Affairs?

“Wake Island –it’s a little island in themiddle of the Pacific.It was the first TDY

I went on.”

“I have been very fortunateto have gone to a lot ofgreat places. If I had to

choose one place it wouldhave to be New Hampshire –I really enjoyed all the great historical sites and features

I saw while I was there.”

“Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia –I went with the

Alaska Army National Guardfor a planning meeting.”

“Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. –where I went for basic

training after I joined theAlaska Army National Guard

as a medic.”

ColonelWendy Wenke

Director of StaffJFHQ-AK (Air)

Master SergeantDonald Ramey

JFHQ-AK (Army)

Vicki GarnerCommandant

Alaska Military Youth Academy

“The most unique place Ihave been was repelling atHatchers Pass with a group

of cadets.”

released under a condition other than dishonorable. The member could be onactive duty for only one day and still beeligible.

Enlisted Student LoanRepayment Program (SLRP)

Eligibility depends on program criteriaeffective when you enlisted or reenlisted.If you are eligible, an annual paymentwill be made on your federally guaranteed student loans. It can be very difficult to maximize your benefits under this programbecause several restrictions are placed onthe payments. Here are some thingsyou can do to get the most out of the program.


Obtain Stafford Loans: Thoughthere are other federal student loans outthere, Stafford loans are the most pre -valently available to students.

Maximize Repayment: The EnlistedSLRP currently pays 15 percent or a minimum of $500 of the loan balance oneach education loan up to the annualmaximum of $3,500. To maximize theannual payment, it’s better to have severalsmaller loans than one large one.

ScholarshipsIt’s amazing the number of people

who don’t apply for scholarships becausethey assume they aren’t qualified. Moreoften than not, scholarship programs go

either unused or end up going to appli-cants with less than stellar transcripts.

At first these programs can be frus-trating to use, but in the end they will paydividends. By the time I graduated fromthe University of Alaska Anchorage in2005, these programs essentially paid formy entire college education. �

Campbell recently graduated from Under -graduate Pilot Training and is now flying theC-17 Globemaster III for the Alaska AirNational Guard. He started as an enlistedAirman, earned his Bachelor of Science degreeat UAA and was awarded a pilot position.



High Honor for Soldier. 2007 Alaska National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Staff SergeantNicholas Dutton, and his wife, Megan, greet Senator Ted Stevens and General George Casey, U.S. Army chief of staff, at areception before the Armed Services YMCA Salute to the Military banquet Feb. 22. Dutton is a member of Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 207th Brigade, Alaska Army National Guard. Photo: Brian Lepley, U.S. Army Alaska

KULIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Alaska …The Alaska Air National Guard’s 176th Wing was recognized withthe Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for its service to the nationfrom Aug. 31, 2005, to Sept. 1, 2007.

“To be recognized as one of the premier units in the UnitedStates Air Force is a tremendous accomplishment in which ourAlaska Air Guard members should be very proud,” said MajorGeneral Craig E. Campbell, adjutant general of the Alaska NationalGuard. “Here in Alaska we see how valuable our Guard membersare on a daily basis, and it’s gratifying that their hard work anddedication is acclaimed on a national level.”

“I am deeply honored; this is a competitive award,” saidBrigadier General Tony Hart, commander of the 176th Wing.“There is no doubt our organization meets the high criteria theaward solicits.”

Among the successes cited by the award were the Wing’smobilization and deployments supporting Operations Iraqi andEnduring Freedom, as well as Operation Jump Start, the nation’ssouthwestern border patrol mission. The Wing was also praisedfor sustaining normal peacetime airlift operations and 24-hourrescue alert.

“Our list of accomplishments during this time includednumerous examples of meritorious service and outstandingachievement,” Hart said. “These were all made possible by anorganization of dedicated traditional and full-time Guard members

working around the clock, seven days a week, to protect ournation’s borders and help secure our interests abroad.”

Simultaneously, the 176th Wing supported Hurricane Katrinarelief saving 1,282 lives and evacuating 11,927 people. The rescuedetachment successfully rescued a downed Airman from an F-15/F-16 mid-air collision, and all four flying squadrons receivednational media coverage for the Cougar Ace mission, rescuing 23people from a listing ship and earning the Jolly Green AssociationRescue Mission of the Year Award.

The 176th Air Control Squadron maintained North Americanair sovereignty by detecting, monitoring and escorting 22 Russianbombers from within its area of operations. The Wing continuedto provide community support, maintaining the 51-year OperationSanta Claus tradition of delivering Christmas gifts to remoteAlaska villages.

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was first created in1954, just seven years after the Air Force was formed. It is pre-sented to commands of the U.S. Air Force—including Reserveand Air National Guard units—which perform “exceptionallymeritorious service, accomplish specific acts of outstandingachievement, excel in combat operations against an armed enemyof the United States, or conduct with distinction military opera-tions involving conflict with, or exposure to, a hostile action byany opposing foreign force.” �

176th Wing is ‘Air Force Outstanding Unit’By Staff Sergeant Eric M. Hamilton, DMVA Public Affairs


25

Awards • Decorations • Promotions CMSgt Kevin M. Brown . . . . . . .176th AMXSMSgt Harold L. Meier . . . . . . . . . .176th MXGMSgt David G. Bridenbaugh . . . . .176ht MXSMSgt Arthur J. Clark . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSMSgt Curtis D. Brenton . . . . . . . . .176th SFSMSgt Todd A. Maynard . . . . . . . . .176th SFSMaj Tora Gore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFLtCol Paul H. Kvernplassen . . . . .176th ACSMSgt Adam Galindo . . . . . . . . . . .211th RQSLtCol Glenn R. Hughton . . . . . . . . .176th APFSMSgt Paul A. Reddington . . . . . .212th RQS

Army Commendation Medal

SFC Yolanda Cooper . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)CW3 Marcia Harrison . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)SGT Michael R. Montoya . . . . . . . .49th MDBCPT Rosemarie Rotunno . . . . . . . . .Med DetSFC Megan K. Simono . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)SFC Maria L. Weaver . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

Air Force Commendation Medal

MSgt Antonio Lucchesi II . . . . . . .168th MXSMSgt Jeremy T. Amstrup . . . . . . . .168th SFSSrA Travis E. Olsen . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSSSgt Saroya Warren . . . . . . . . . . .176th MSFMSgt James B. Brewer . . . . . . . .176th MXGSSgt John J. Martin . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt William E. Lewis . . . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt Rebecca E. Webster . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Bryan S. Spake . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt Robert E. Roberts . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Challaine D. Moore . . . . . . .206th CBCSSSgt Beau V. Bellamy . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSSgt Thomas R. Berry . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Ariel O. Martin . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WGTSgt Luz M. Brown . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSSMSgt Paul D. Charron . . . . . . . . .176th LRSMSgt Michael B. Murphy x 2 . . . .212th RQSSSgt Tiffany N. Sharpe . . . . . . . . .176th SFS

Legion of Merit

COL Judith M. Eller . . . . . . . . . . . . .Med Det

Bronze Star

SPC Veronica Alfaro(w/V Device) . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt Bn

CPT Jared Wandell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Bn

Meritorious Service Medal

CMSgt Barry D. Beck . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSMSgt Jennifer J. Nelson . . . . . . .168th AMXSCapt Essex L. Richardson Jr. . . . . .168 ARWCMSgt Alan A. Carvajal . . . . . . . . .168th SFSSMSgt Thomas A. Sawyer . . . . . .168th MXSSMSgt Robert W. Fine . . . . . . . . .168th MXSSMSgt Mark R. Renson . . . . . . . .168th MXSSMSgt Phillip L. Hunt II . . . . . . . .168th MXSSMSgt Walter D. Ames . . . . . . . .168th MXSMSgt Dawn M. Vargo . . . . . . . . . .168th MOFLt Col Leigh A. Scarboro . . . . . . .168th LRSSMSgt Brett S. Ayers . . . . . . . . . .168th ARSSMSgt Faith M. Worthen . . . . . . . .168th LRSMSgt Sean P. Cain . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARS TSgt Michael P. Burrell . . . . . . . . .168th MXSTSgt Tommie B. Hutto Jr. . . . . . . .168th MXSMSG Elizabeth Burdette . . . . . . . . .207th AvnCOL Bradley Jorgensen . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)MAJ Billie Matthews . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfCPT William Nicholson . . . . . . . . .207th BdeSSG Donald D. Jones . . . . . . . .297th Spt BnSFC Ryan J. Weimer . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeMSgt John W. Cleveland . . . . . . . .176th LRSMSgt Brian C. Bunce . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt William B. Yockell Jr. . . . . .206th CBCSMaj Jean M. Liebig . . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt James V. Iagulli . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Karl W. Morris . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Thomas L. McCrae . . . . . .206th CBCSSMSgt Stephen L. Burris . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt James M. Beeson . . . . . . .206th CBCSLtCol Jeffrey S. Campbell . . . . . .206th CBCSMaj John B. Darnell . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESMaj Kenneth A. Weiss . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSSMSgt Scott C. Belyea . . . . . . . . .176th CESMSgt Roger D. Olsen . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSCMSgt Richard J. Robotkay . . . .206th CBCSMSgt Rodney A. Hansen . . . . . .206th CBCSMSgt Donald G. Frederick . . . . . . .176th SFSSSgt Oliver Andrus Jr. . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSMSgt Lorraine H. Guthrie . . . . . . .176th MXS


SSgt Carrie A. Curtis . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSSSgt Erik M. Hauka . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSCapt Joseph E. Conroy . . . . . . . . .212th RQSTSgt Jonathan R. Davis x 2 . . . . .212th RQSSMSgt Steven A. Slagle . . . . . . . .212th RQSTSgt Robert M. Schnell . . . . . . . .212th RQSSSgt John E.O. Swanson . . . . . . .212th RQSMSgt Jeanette D. Gonzalez . . . . . .176th ACSTSgt Garrick C. Hoehne . . . . . . . .212th RQSTSgt Everett W. Emerson . . . . . . .176th ACSTSgt Clarence M. Stevens . . . . . .176th ACSMSgt Paul L. Nelson . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSSSgt Douglas H. Kidwell . . . . . . . .176th ACSTSgt Bobbi J. Barker . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSCaptain Robert L. Taylor . . . . . . . .212th RQS

Army Achievement Medal

SPC Brandon L. Amarone . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Travis R. Amik . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Javier Arreguin . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Shawn S. Aubrecht . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Kirk D. Bausman . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Stephen R. Bearor . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC James W. Bond . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Jason C. Bowman . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Charles S. Bynum . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Robert D. Carson . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Thomas J. Cleary . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Juan R. Coronel . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Anthony J. Craidon . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Quintrell Crayton . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Jeremy J. Curtis . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Henry H. Dehling . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Michael N. Diachenko . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Paul R. Donaldson . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Lisa M. Druga . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT John J Dvorak III . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Sherman E. Ellington . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Robert C. Etheridge . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG John T. Flood . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Paul D. Freeman . . . . . . . . . .49th MDB


26 Securing the State, Defending the Nation WARRIORS •Spring 2008

SGT Douglas A. Fry . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Anthony C. Garrett . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Lewis C. Greer . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSFC Troy E. Hein . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Bonnie L. Henning . . . . . . . . . .Med DetSGT Derrick L. Holmes . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Kip E. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBPVT Shayla B. Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RRDSGT Francisco D. Marrero . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Larry W. Martin . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Matthew D. Martin . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Richard C. Mathieson . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Kristian D. Michael . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Daniel R. Morse . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Michael A. Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RTISPC Elaina L. Nicholson . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Stephanie A. Oates . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Duane W. Ostrowski . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Nicholas J. Oswalt . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Katja C. Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Seth M. Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Jose R. Peralta . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Andrew G. Pfeiffer . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Michael A. Piccirrillo . . . . . . .49th MDBSFC John I. Robinson Jr. . . . . . . . .49ht MDBSGT Amy M. Rodriguez . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Kenneth J. Seymore III . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Luke K. Sinclair . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Casey R. Smith . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Jason M. Stolz . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Tommy D. Tanner . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Joseph L. Teneyck . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Jeffery C. Tipton . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Damian W. Tucker . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Todd L. Turner . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Reuben A. Vargas . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Sasha S. Wenberg . . . . . . . . .49th MDB

Air Force Achievement Medal

MSgt Antonio Lucchesi II . . . . . . .168th MXSTSgt Frederick G. Adams . . . . . . .168th MXSSrA James R. Hannis . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSSrA Phillip G. Newton Jr. . . . . . . .168th MXSTSgt Robert J. Albaugh . . . . . . .168th AMXSLt Col Benjamin K. Baker . . . . . . .213th SWS1Lt Eric J. Haugen . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWS2Lt Brandon Stephens . . . . . . . . .168th ARS2Lt Jessica M. Hill . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MSFMSgt Lori D. Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MSFSrA Don R. McCartney . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Sherry A. Brown . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSrA Grian A. Hubble . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSrA Steven G. Clark . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSrA Ian W. Hromada . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSSgt Athena M. Hromada . . . . . .206th CBCSSSgt Jared T. Friesen . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSrA John C. Darnall . . . . . . . . . .206th CBCS

TSgt James D. Whitlock . . . . . . .206th CBCSSSgt Joshua A. Traini . . . . . . . . .206th CBCSSrA Neil A. Rutherford . . . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt William M. Patton III . . . . . .206th CBCSTSgt Garrick C. Hoehne . . . . . . . .212th RQSTSgt Andrew L. Butz . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSTSgt Christopher J. Robertson . . .212th RQSSSgt Tiffany N. Sharpe . . . . . . . . .176th SFSTSgt Susan L. Rowland . . . . . . . .176th ACS

Army Good Conduct Medal

SPC Kirk Bausman . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Jeremy Christensen . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Thomas Cleary . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Quntrell Crayton . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Jarrod Cuthbertson . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Craig Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Michael Diachenko . . . . . . . . .49th MDB1SG Billie Dutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Sherman Ellington . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Michael Maher . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Steven Mich . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Katja Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Seth Paul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Andrew Pfeiffer . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Amy Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Aaron Rosine . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Kenneth Seymore . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSPC Joseph Teneyck . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Damian Tucker . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Reuben Vargas . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSGT Joshua White . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSFC Rhame L. Grubbs . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBSSG Eric D. Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDB

Alaska Legion of Merit

CSM Robert Averett . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeLTC Debra Blaylock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RTI

Alaska Distinguished Service Medal

CPT William Nicholson . . . . . . . . .207th BdeMR Mark Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CIVSGT Teddy L. Charles . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn1SG Robert A. Francisco . . . . . . . .207th AvnLTC William J. Luce . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd BnSSG Steven S. Morrison . . . . . . . .207th AvnSFC Francis H. Utteryuk . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

Alaska Commendation Medal

SSG Lakesha Davis . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

RETIREMENTS

SMSgt Donald A. Claveau . . . .168th ARW

MSgt Rodney J. Harker . . . . .168th AMXS

TSgt Charles A. Mitchell . . . . . .213th SWS

Lt Col Todd M. Mackinaw . . . . .168th ARS

MSgt Gerald A. Boynton . . . . . .168th MXS

CMSgt Barry D. Beck . . . . . . .168th AMXS

CSM Robert Averett . . . . . . . . .207Th Bde

SSG William Beebe . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RRD

SGT Kim Derr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Med Det

SFC James Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Inf

SSG Donald Jones . . . . . . . . . . .207th Bde

COL Bradley Jorgensen . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

1SG Daniel Randall . . . . . . . . . . .297th Inf

SFC Elizabeth Sanvig . . . . . . . . .207th Bde

SSG Michael Uttereyuk . . . . . . . .297th Inf

SGT Vernon Wagner . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)

SGT Mauriciot Yadao . . . . . . . . . .297th Inf

LTC William J. Luce . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

SSG Carl White Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Bn

MSgt Cynthia Bierle . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

MSgt Kimberly Stoltz . . . . . . . .206th CCS

MSgt David Bridendbaugh . . . .176th MXS

MSgt Adam Galindo . . . . . . . . .211th RQS

MSgt John Cleveland . . . . . . . .176th LRS

Lt Col Paul Kvernplassen . . . . . . .144th AS

MSgt Glenn Sumabat . . . . . . . .176th LRS

MSgt John Darnell . . . . . . . . . .176th CES

TSgt Jose Robles Jr. . . . . . . . . .176th CES

CMSgt Charles Sutton . . . . . . . .176th CES

SSgt Byron Ipock . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRS

AWARDS (continued)

SSG Joseph Thibault . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)MR Lawrence White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CIV

Alaska Community Service Medal

MR Patrick Lighthart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CIVMS Dorothy Seymour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CIVMR Jack Seymour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CIV


27

David Mills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfMurphy Moo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfBrian Norris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeJoseph Robinson . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt BnScott Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Inf GpTalavou Tanuvasa . . . . . . . . . . .207th Inf GpTracy Tipton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBMark Velasco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt Bn

Staff SergeantFreda A. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th LRSDenise R. Meyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th LRSDavid J. Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSDaniel Brion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSDasalyn R. Whitlock . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSShawn M. Foster . . . . . . . . . . . .176th AMXSMark D. Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESLawrence C. Erickson Jr. . . . . . . .176th LRSCarl C. Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSDiana J. Symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MOFJason E. Posey . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSStewart J. Andringa II . . . . . . . . .176th MXSTommie M. Hough . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSRyan A. Audett . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSNicholas T. White . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJeffrey A. Orzechowski . . . . . . . .176th MXSCourtney N. Dillingham . . . . . . . .176th MXSBenjamin B. Klein . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJames E. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSKent Q. Bryant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFKrystal S. Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSCassie R. Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSWesley B. Rathburn . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSClifford W. Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSRaymond O. Ashcraft . . . . . . . . . .176th SFSSara M. Bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211th RQSThomas R. Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQSBrian A. Hubble . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQS

PROMOTIONS

Technical SergeantTodd A. Limbaugh . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSJulie A. Lackey . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSSandra C. Murphy . . . . . . . . . . . .168th ARWJames J. Castagna . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASDavid M. Roles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144t ASEvan D. Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSDouglas H. Kidwell . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSJonathan C. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSMatthew Carse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSTheodore A. Dooley Jr. . . . . . . . . .176th CESMark A. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESBrad L. Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th CESRobert L. Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSRobin A. Knudsen . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSMary E. Bramer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MOFRobert E. Meacham . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSRonald M. Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJacob A. Robinson . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSJesus F. Maglaqui . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSRichard J. Cardenas . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGGina M. Gonzalez . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGKristine A. Laughlinhall . . . . . . . .176th MDGRobert D. Townsend . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFPaul L. Guzman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WGClinton B. Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQS

SergeantMatthew Armstrong . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfGabriel Ayojiak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfKirk Bausman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBTony Byers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt BnCharles Bynum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBRobert Chapman . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeAnthony Draino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeNorman Holman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfEnele Lefano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th Spt BnJamie-Marie Magsayo . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)Tyson Maschmeier . . . . . . . . . . . . .Med Det

Brigadier GeneralJ. Randy Banez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th Bde

MajorEric D. Budd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th WG

CaptainMarvell Hawkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBPatrick I. Lang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASNanette S. Martinez . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

First LieutenantLuke B. Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th LRSAudrey L. Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFAndrew N. Beuch . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th OSFKoaalii C. Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212th RQS

Chief Master SergeantPhillip L. Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSFrank A. Shaffer . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

Senior Master SergeantWilliam G. Dixon . . . . . . . . . . . .168th AMXSTodd A. Peplow . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210th RQSKarl A. Howard . . . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Air)

Master SergeantMichael J. Young . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MXSJohn R. Duhaime . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th OGBarbara M. Maglaqui . . . . . . . . . .168th MDGTroy L. Clinkenbeard . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSSteven E. McDonald . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSBryan E. McPherson . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSLorri A. Heneveld . . . . . . . . . . . .213th SWSMichael J. Travis . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th LRSHeather David-Damm . . . . . . . . . .168th MSFCen O. Claudia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168th MSGMark A. Larroque . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144th ASNance H. Pitts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSKevin W. Pollard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th ACSGary E. Swan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSMark A. Patricks . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSBrian J. Boucher . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MXSPauline Y. Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . .176th MDGDarren F. Mcgrevy . . . . . . . . . . . .211th RQS

Staff Sergeant (E-6)John Chriswell . . . . . . . . . .JFHQ-AK (Army)Javier Arreguin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBKevin Clark Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th AvnTravis Cook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeTimothy Rhoades . . . . . . . . . . . . .207th BdeRussell Throckmorton . . . . . . . . .207th BdeJoseluis Villasenor . . . . . . . . . . . . .297th InfJames A. Blyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnAndrew M. Corcoran . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnMark J. Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49th MDBIsaac J. Ukoidemabia . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st BnRyan F. Verkennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1st Bn


Another AlaskaStar. The AlaskaArmy National Guard’sJ. Randy Banez , com-mander of the 207thInfantry Brigade, laughsas twin sons, Brandon,left, and Matthew,change his shoulderboards from the rank ofcolonel to brigadiergeneral Feb. 8, at theAnchorage Hilton Hotel.Banez said thatalthough he has beencommanding the 207thInfantry Brigade sinceJune 2007, neither hisresponsibilities nor hisfocus will change after

the promotion and pinning-on of brigadier general rank. “I’ll remain in the same position, but the one star rank will helpto make me more visible and more public to the Guard as a whole, and I think that is a big thing,” Banez said. “I loveworking with Soldiers; I’ve been very lucky to do that at the company and battalion levels and now brigade level. It’s alot of fun to work with the Soldiers, and they are my primary duty.” Photo: Sergeant Karima Turner, DMVA Public Affairs



Start of the TrailWelcome our newest members & employees

176th Wing

Peter FeldJulnudda Jackson Raymond MixsookeLiliana GallegoJustin YoungJohnpaul LecompteJoseph SeaboaltJustin Robertson Darren HildebrandJason WilliamsDerek HansenBrian TaffinRobert WilliamsMatthew PerdewDaniel ParkTaylor RicheyDonna PasleyJoanna FigueroaTia OshopTomme WheelerRobert CabilanDeanndra TorresMark HillAlea BabcockJohn KershawJames ZwiefelBruce DoughertyMatthew KirbyJason PoseyChristopher SmithCharity MollisonRobert GertschDavid BrauneisDouglas HosierWilliam MillerMelvin CaslerAmy AndersonRichard Zambotti

168th Air Refueling Wing

Brandon TaftMarsha ChristmasAudrey AgustinTracy BullDeeann RobinsonTodd QuierAmy ShultzPaula GardnerJasmine JamesJherenmichel SvobodaShane PotwinMatthew KobzaRob Regan

Jose CincoTyler PetersonJoshua BanksEric PabonAxel JoeCharles Casterline

207th Aviation Battalion

Manefa RuetovBrendon AllenTravis DouglasArnol FarmerChristopher MiksChristopher OwensErica CasarezTiffani Hildebrand Mark EdquidPatricia GutierrezRebecca KilwayDouglas ScottJonathon HuseltonBrandon McGregor

Army Guard Recruitingand Retention

Jason LymanWalter Williams

Warriors Training ScheduleHere are the inactive training dates for all Alaska Army and Air National Guard units. Dates for subordinateunits are the same as their parent headquarters, unless otherwise indicated. All dates are subject to change.Most Alaska Army Guard units perform annual training (AT) through the winter.

Alaska National Guard April May JuneJoint Forces Headquarters – Alaska (Air) 5-6 3-4 7-8Joint Forces Headquarters – Alaska (Army) 12-13 2-4 7-8

Alaska Army National Guard207th Infantry Brigade 11-13 2-4 6-81/207th Aviation Regiment 11-13 2-4 6-8297th Support Battalion 11-13 2-4 No DrillRegional Training Institute 12-13 17-18 20-21

Alaska Air National Guard168th Air Refueling Wing 5-6 3-4 7-8176th Wing 5-6 3-4 7-8

Alaska State Defense ForceHeadquarters 19-20 17-18 21-22

Melissa SpencerVanessa SvbodaChad HillJames CampbellAshley HembreeRobert IvesNicholas CampigliaJoseph GarnerJohn Stolz

207th Infantry Brigade

Ellic PeelDavid WhiteJack SielerRyan RodriguezNickolai ConverseDaniel FleckensteinJames HobbsJonathan HamEvan HarringtonKody GratrixThomas WillardDaniel HarkleroadJoshua Bishop

297th Infantry

Christerpher PerezAndrew JohnVernon Friday

Army Guard Medical Detachment

Brittany Mason

297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade

Richard Comeaux

Guard Iditarod Team. Army National GuardMaster Sergeant Rodney D. Whaley of Franklin, Tenn.,fulfills a childhood dream of racing in the Iditarod, byriding down Fourth Avenue in Anchorage, with a team of16 dogs “in the greatest race there ever was,” he calledit. Whaley and his National Guard sponsored team ofsled dogs allowed a retired Soldier to also see his dreamcome true through the Idita-rider program.Photo: Specialist Margaret J. Moonin, DMVA Public Affairs




Documents

Warriors Spring 2008.qxd:Warrior Spring 2005 4/21/08 … · discipline, 123 cadets graduated ... Army National Guard, provides roadside security while his ... Warriors Spring 2008.qxd:Warrior