New Mexico Minuteman - Summer 2011 - Keep Trees

Governor 

Susana Martinez 

Bob Ulin 

Publisher 

Justin Ritter 

Graphic Designer 

The Adjutant General 

Maj. Gen. 

Kenny C. Montoya 

Public Affairs Officer 

Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera 

Editor 

Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez 

Contributors 

150th Fighter Wing Public 

Information Office 

2251 Air Guard Rd. SE 

KAFB, N.M. 87117 

Public Information Officer 

1st Lt. Brian Raphael 

200th Public Affairs Detachment 

47 Bataan Blvd. 

Santa Fe, N.M. 87508 

Commander 

Capt. Elizabeth Foott 

ON THE COVER: 

Operation Purple 

Rain was conducted 

at the Center for 

National Response in 

Gallagher, W. Va., 

April 2011. 

P hoto by: Master Sgt. 

Paula Aragon 

Marie Lundstrom 

Editor 

Chris Kersbergen & 

Darrell George 

Advertising Sales 

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Summer 2011 

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FEMA 

A message from the Adjutant General 

A message from your SCSM 

Colonels earn one star 

Ranger Assessment 

Self-defense for self-preservation 6▼ 

Guard hosts annual Bataan festivities ▼ 

Medical personnel take TC3 training to Costa Rica 

Joint agency training 

Guard members head to West Virginia for Operation Purple Rain 

150th Fighter Wing Commander relinquishes command 

As energy costs increase, use must decrease 

Region 7 top Soldier, NCO of the Year 

CSM retires after 39 years of service 

Lt. Gen. Wyatt speaks to Air Guard troops 

Responsibility of MNBG E transferred to new leadership 

Service before Self: A way of life 

Incredible volunteers 

www.nm.ngb.army.mil 

News Briefs 

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Aviation unit deploys to Afghanistan 8▼ 

Defending champs dominate TAG Challenge 

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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by 

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All submissions should pertain to the New Mexico 

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suzanna.y.dominguez@us.army.mil 

Summer 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 1 

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A message 

from the Adjutant General 

Recently, I asked the offi cers from Onate Complex to meet for PT with 

me every day for two weeks. Those that know me well, like Col. Paul, 

become inquisitive, understanding that this probably has nothing to do 

with PT, and he is right. 

We have been at war for nine years. Together we accomplish more 

than anyone will ever be able to remember. I am so proud of our offi cers 

and how they lead, as well as how they follow. Remember when you 

took your “oath” and not really understanding what it meant? Now you 

do; you have done everything your country has asked and always went 

“Beyond the Standard.” 

We are starting to stabilize. We have fewer Soldiers in combat and 

because we are accustomed to such a high tempo, I think we may have 

a chance to sit back and talk about what we’ve done and how great we 

are. That would be nice, but that is not who we have chosen to be. 

We are offi cers, leaders and warriors. We must lead every day. Every 

day we must prove ourselves. We owe this to our fellow Americans, this 

enchanted state and especially to our Soldiers and Airmen that committed 

to follow us to the depths of Hades and back. 

I’ve seen the T-shirt that reads “It’s all about attitude.” And it is when 

offi cers are positive, consistent, fair, and communicate – everything falls 

in place. More importantly, their people have the same great attitude. 

This is a military organization; there is a chain of command that decides 

who can and who cannot belong to the team. As offi cers, you have that 

constitutionally given authority. But before you exercise it, ask yourself if 

it is the follower’s issue or the leaders’. 

When you were invited to join all the offi cers on the PT track for two 

Bottom line, Warrior Care is taking care of Soldiers, Airmen and 

families. 

When the call comes that our state or nation needs us, we must be 

prepared to answer the call with – “Yes, I am ready - we are ready!” 

From the moment we joined the service, we learned that everything 

we do can be covered by two very basic truths...we must accomplish 

the mission and take care of our troops. An essential part of taking 

care of our troops is to ensure they are always ready and resilient. 

Part of being ready and resilient is “Warrior Care.” Whether you’re 

at home or deployed, it must be a way of life, part of our own thought 

process on a daily basis. At the same time, we must remember “Warrior 

Care” is not just for our Soldiers and Airmen; it is for our families 

as well. As your state command sergeant major, I can tell you that 

“Warrior Care” and building resiliency for military members and families 

is constantly on the minds of your National Guard leadership. 

Caring for our National Guard members and their families has been 

a common, overriding concern for everyone. From my standpoint, and 

without question, every person associated with “Warrior Care” is committed 

to doing all they can to fi ght for resources and to ensure our 

Soldiers and Airmen get the BEST care possible…. and that includes 

2 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Summer 2011 

weeks – How was your attitude? My attitude 

was great. Every morning I looked 

forward to being with all of you. I saw 

Chief Buhl giving his all and his face turning 

red. I saw Lt. Col. Romero’s smile with 

a constant great disposition. I witnessed 

loyalty in Lt. Col. Sedillo showing up every 

morning with bone spurs and blood clots. 

I saw 52-year-old Lt. Col. Warren leading the pack every day. I saw C12 

pilots showing up without having to, knowing they are also covering Black 

Hawk duties. I know I have offi cers like Maj. Finch that will complete anything 

I ask and Maj. Gilcrease, who walked on at Airborne school a day 

after I made a comment that he wasn’t Airborne. I have Lt. Col. Nava, who 

overheard me say something and step in and state he would take care of 

it. I have brigade commanders who have proved to me they are sincere 

about their position and their Soldiers. I have great offi cers. 

You would not be here if I did not believe in you. Do you still believe 

in yourself? This is not just a good job. It is a profession with unyielding 

responsibility. It is a challenge without glory (most of the time). It is 

exhausting and time consuming. It is noble, honorable and very rewarding. 

It does not matter if you are an AGR, traditional or technician. What 

matters is that you’re an offi cer: a New Mexico National Guard offi cer 

with a great legacy to live up to everyday. There is only one way to 

commit and that is all the way. What path will you choose to follow? 

This is your life; control your destiny. 

Beyond the Standard! 

What is Warrior Care? 

our National Guard Families. Hooah! 

I know you understand what Warrior 

Care and resiliency is all about. As 

Soldiers and Airmen, we must foster an 

environment and attitude of...“That’s my 

Soldier, that’s my Airman, that’s our family 

member and we are going to take care of 

them.” We leave no one behind – not on 

Maj. Gen. 

Kenny C. Montoya 

State Command Sgt. 

Maj. Kenneth Adair 

our watch. Warrior and family care is everyone‘s responsibility. In 

today’s environment, we cannot afford to let our guard down. Each 

and every one of our Soldiers, Airmen and family members are important. 

You are important – someone is relying and counting on you. 

The message to our people must be that they are important. We 

must always remind our Soldiers and Airmen that they are important to 

someone...a spouse, a father/mother, a brother/sister, a son or daughter, 

they’re important to their battle buddy or wingman. They are most 

defi nitely important to the National Guard family. Continue to tell our 

Soldiers and Airmen...they are important. Saying those simple words 

could actually save someone’s life. 

15 by 15 Bataan Strong!

Colonels earn one star 

By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ 

Two of New Mexico National Guard’s 

senior colonels were promoted to brigadier 

general in March and April 2011. 

Brig. Gen. Paul Pena, deputy adjutant 

general for the state of New Mexico, had 

the honor of being pinned by Gov. Susana 

Martinez, governor of New Mexico, March 

8, 2011, at the Regional Training Institute in 

Santa Fe, N.M. 

“My whole career I have been working 

toward becoming a general offi cer,” said 

Pena. “Many offi cers try to make general 

offi cer and not all make it. I feel very honored 

and humbled for this opportunity.” 

Pena, who took over for Brig. Gen. 

Jack Fox as the deputy adjutant general, 

fi rst joined the Army as a tactical vehicle 

mechanic in 1976. He spent three years 

on active duty before joining the Guard 

in 1979. 

During his 32 years of service in the 

National Guard, Pena has had the opportunity 

to serve in many different capacities 

to include chief of logistical cell while 

deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005, commander 

of Operation Jump Start in 2008 and the 

93rd Brigade commander from 2008-2010. 

Pena said that his experience as a fi eld 

commander will play a big role in helping 

him fulfi ll his duties as the deputy adjutant 

general. 

Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, land forces 

component commander, Joint Force Headquarters, 

was pinned by his wife Philippa 

M. Sanchez, his two daughters, Marisa and 

Eliana, and his son John April 10, 2011, at 

the New Mexico National Guard’s Bataan 

Memorial Museum in Santa Fe, N.M. 

“I am truly honored and humbled to be 

given the opportunity to serve as a general 

offi cer in the New Mexico National 

Guard,” said Griego. “The ability to follow 

in the footsteps of the many great leaders 

that have made the New Mexico National 

Guard the institution that it is today, is truly 

an honor and privilege.” 

Griego enlisted in Detachment 1, Bravo 

Battery, 200th Air Defense Artillery, April 

19, 1982. He was commissioned as a 

second lieutenant through the Army ROTC 

program at New Mexico State University 

in May 1984, as a Distinguished Military 

Graduate and assigned to the 

642nd Maintenance Company in 

Las Cruces, N.M. 

During Griego’s 27 years of service 

as a commissioned offi cer, he 

has served as the maintenance staff 

offi cer, S-4, support operations offi - 

cer, and battalion executive offi cer, 

515th Corps Support Battalion; maintenance 

staff offi cer, Headquarters 

State Area Command; assistant S-4 

and operations offi cer, Headquarters, 

93rd Troop New Mexico Army 

National Guard, Command; commander, 

804th Quartermaster Battalion; 

assistant chief of staff for logistics, J-4, 

Joint Forces Headquarters – New Mexico, 

commander, Headquarters, 93rd Brigade 

New Mexico Army National Guard, deputy 

chief joint staff, Joint Forces Headquarters. 

“I have a majority of my operational 

experience in combat service support in 

the fi eld of multi-functional logistics,” said 

Griego. “I believe my CSS background and 

experience I gained as a staff offi cer at the 

battalion and brigade level prepared me 

well for participation in the transformation 

of the New Mexico National Guard force 

structure, transforming the way we prepared 

Soldiers and units for deployments 

post 9-11, and our actively contributing to 

the effectiveness in responding to various 

state and national domestic emergencies.” 

Griego said that in the next year he 

wants to ensure the successful deployment/ 

redeployment of the Army National Guard 

units scheduled for OCONUS missions in 

Kosovo, Afghanistan and the Sinai. 

“I want to be effective in establishing the 

role of the land forces component commander 

in overseeing the two operational 

brigades of the New Mexico Army National 

Guard. This will be the fi rst time that the 

New Mexico National Guard has an LCC 

that is responsible for the two operational 

brigades since the force structure transformation 

occurred and the 111th ADA 

Brigade was transformed to a Maneuver 

Enhanced Brigade,” said Griego. 

Griego is a traditional Soldier and is 

employed by the U.S. Department of Energy, 

National Nuclear Security Administration in 

Newly promoted Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, land component 

commander for New Mexico, and State Command 

Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Adair unfurl the one star fl ag signifying 

Griego’s promotion to brigadier general. 

Gov. Susana Martinez pins the one star rank 

on Gen. Paul Pena, Deputy Adjutant General 

of New Mexico. 

Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he is currently 

serving as the assistant site manager 

for National Security Missions. 

Griego said his greatest supporters have 

been his family and the Soldiers he has had 

the privilege to serve with over the years. 

“From my initial entry in Det. 1, B. Btry 

2-200th, to the 642nd Maintenance Company, 

515th Maintenance and CSSBs, the 

804th QM BN, the 93rd Troop Command 

and the JFHQ, I have only been able to 

accomplish the things in my career by 

earning the trust and respect of the Soldiers 

that I have served with, along with the 

support of my family,” said Griego. 

Summer 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 3

Ranger Assessment 

The United States Army Ranger 

School is an intense 61-day course that 

has earned the reputation of being the 

toughest combat leadership course in the 

world. With the Ranger School graduation 

rate being at only 43 percent in 2010, the 

New Mexico National Guard implemented 

a program designed to assess Soldiers’ 

physical and mental capabilities before 

sending them to the most physically and 

mentally demanding school in the Army. 

“Ranger School is a mentally and 

physically challenging course. With that, 

statistics show less than 1 percent of 

the entire Armed Forces are made up of 

Ranger-qualifi ed personnel,” said Capt. 

Ali DiPour, offi cer in charge for the state’s 

Ranger Assessment and one of the state’s 

senior rangers. “With Ranger School being 

the best leadership school in the world, we 

wanted to assess our Soldiers who wanted 

the opportunity to attend the school to be 

the best the state has to offer. Each candidate 

must pass the state’s Ranger Assessment 

to continue to the coveted Ranger 

School held at Fort Benning, Ga.” 

Soldiers that volunteer to take part in the 

state’s Ranger Assessment are assessed 

in the basic tasks completed during the 

fi rst week of Ranger School. 

“The fi rst week of Ranger School weeds 

out more than 80 percent of the candidates 

who want to continue through Ranger 


Tasks that are required during the 

assessment are: 

• Ranger Physical Fitness Test, which 

consists of 49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, 

a fi ve-mile run in 40 minutes or 

less, and six chin-ups. 

• Combat Survival Water Test 

• three days of Land Navigation 

• 12-mile road march (3 hours or less) 

• Obstacle Course 

• Three-mile buddy run in complete 

uniform with Fighting Load Carrier 

and Weapon (30 minutes or less to 

complete) 

• The Fernandez Mile (named after 

the Medal of Honor recipient from 

New Mexico), this event is to 

simulate Malvesti Field Obstacle 

Course at Ranger School. It is 

the culminating event at the end 

of the assessment and fi rst week 

of Ranger School. It consists of 

Individual Movement Techniques 

and multiple physical events which 

are completed as a team. 

• The evenings are fi lled with basic 

classes including Land Navigation, 

tie downs, Warning Orders, and 

Operations Orders. The candidates 

get an average of 3 to 5 hours of 

sleep a night. 

By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, 

State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ 

School,” said DiPour. 

“So candidates don’t get discouraged 

going through the assessment there is at 

least one or two cadre members who will 

complete every event with the candidates 

during the entire week,” said DiPour. 

1st Lt. Michael Roybal added that all 

cadre are required to be Ranger qualifi ed. 

“Great care is taken to assign the 

NCOICs in each event of the Assessment 

according to the cadre’s strengths. For 

example, Rangers who have served in 

sniper or reconnaissance units, or those 

who have completed Reconnaissance 

and Surveillance Leaders Course, will be 

assigned to teach Land Navigation,” said 

Roybal, the Ranger Assessment operations 

offi cer.

Cadre includes: Col. Michael Montoya, 

Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Baca, 

1st Lt. Francisco Cazares, 1st Lt. Justin 

Marmion, 1st Lt. Michael Jones, 1st Sgt. 

George Jojola, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Williams, 

Staff Sgt. David McCloud, Staff Sgt. 

Dustin Gaudette, Staff Sgt. Danny Theragood, 

Staff Sgt. Christopher Poccia, Sgt. 

Ben Claridge and Cpl. Jose Morales 

“With all of the cadre’s experience we 

have noticed that many candidates don’t 

really know what Ranger School is about,” 

said DiPour. “Coming to the one-week 

assessment helps those individuals understand 

a little more about Ranger School and 

typically self eliminate if they actually don’t 

want to continue with the assessment.” 

If a candidate chooses not to continue 

with the assessment, he will not be allowed 

to volunteer for another assessment unless 

there is a written memorandum from his 

battalion commander justifying why that 

candidate should return. 

“As long as a candidate doesn’t quit 

during the assessment, but still doesn’t 

pass the assessment; the candidate has the 

privilege to attend as many assessments as 

needed until he passes,” said DiPour. “If the 

candidates pass the assessment, they have 

a small window to select a class to attend 

the mandatory National Guard Pre-Ranger 

Course at the Warrior Training Center in 

Fort Benning, Ga. If candidates pass the 

NG Pre-Ranger Course, the Pre-Ranger 

course will physically take the candidates 

to the coveted Ranger School. 

Regardless of how many assessments a 

Soldier goes through within the New Mexico 

National Guard, it’s still mandatory to attend 

National Guard Pre-Ranger course at the 

Warrior Training Center. “ 

In order to leave the state and attend 

the National Guard Pre-Ranger course 

candidates are evaluated by a review 

board consisting of senior ranking Rangers 

throughout the State. They are assessed 

on their physical fi tness, land navigation, 

peer evaluation results and leadership. 

The candidates receive feedback from 

each member of the board and the board’s 

recommendation is then disclosed to the 

Soldier prior to dismissal. 

“We have had three assessments to 

this date with a total of 21 personnel who 

have attended. Out of the 21 personnel 

who have attended only two have been 

assessed to be good candidates to represent 

their units and the state.” said DiPour. 

The two events that have challenged 

candidates the most are the fi ve-mile run 

during the RPFT and Land Navigation. 

DiPour said that these are also the same 

two events that disqualify most candidates 

at actual Ranger School. 

“There are many reasons why candidates 

cannot pass these events. The 

majority of students don’t understand 

how physically fi t they need to be prior to 

showing up to the assessment and Ranger 

School. Self confi dence when it comes 

to land navigation is the second most diffi 

cult obstacle facing the students,” 

said DiPour. 

DiPour and his fellow 

Rangers are going Beyond 

the Standard to ensure that 

New Mexico National Guard 

Soldiers are fully profi cient 

and educated before attending 

the most physically 

and mentally demanding 

school in the 

Army. 

“Most States and 

Active Duty units 

have multiple assessments 

prior to Soldiers 

attending Ranger 

School,” said DiPour. “Our state had not 

yet set up such an assessment since we 

obtained the Infantry Battalion. Among 

the small Ranger community in the New 

Mexico Army National Guard, we were all 

considering to start some type of assessment, 

but didn’t know how or where to start. 

1st Lt. Michael Roybal was the individual 

who actually took the bull by the horns and 

presented the idea to the state leadership. 

He is the man behind the scene that put all 

of it together from the beginning.” 

Roybal said that Ranger School is too 

hard and the attrition rate too high not to 

start an assessment and ensure we send 

New Mexico’s very best. 

“The enlisted Soldiers are the primary 

focus of our assessment,” said Roybal “In 

the past, offi cers have been given the priority. 

This year the state made the effort to 

attain 15 quotas for Ranger School, in addition 

to the infantry offi cers going through 

the pipeline at Ft Benning. It is vital that we 

give these Soldiers every opportunity to 

succeed. 

DiPour and Roybal both agreed that 

the success of the assessment rests in the 

capable hands of Soldiers. They said it 

takes a special kind of Soldier to volunteer 

for this degree of punishment. 

“The diffi culty in Ranger School is not in 

the physical events of the fi rst week. It is 

found in the prolonged suffering. Students 

must fi nd the drive to pick themselves up out 

of the mud and continue the mission when 

everything in their bodies tells them to quit,” 

said Roybal. “We need 

more Soldiers to step 

up and challenge 

themselves.” 


By Staff Sgt. Anna Doo, 200th PAD 

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - A 

shiver runs up your spine. That little voice 

deep inside your subconscious says to 

be careful, be cautious, be aware. You 

instinctively look around for what may be 

causing your senses to react and see a 

large fi gure loping toward you with malicious 

intentions. You automatically react 

by establishing a solid base with which to 

fi ght back as the human fi gure is already 

too close for you to run away. The training 

and repetition of techniques learned 

in a self defense class unconsciously kick 

in and you are able to successfully fi ght 

off a would-be attacker and run for safety 

and assistance. 

The training techniques that coursed 

through the potential victim’s veins were 

learned in a women’s self defense class 

taught on Camp Bondsteel April 12 and 14 

by members of Task Force Falcon, Combat 

Arms Training Company. The highly skilled 

instructors hold qualifi cations as military 

combative instructors as well as a wealth 

of civilian certifi cations for martial arts, self 

defense techniques, and numerous other 

law enforcement and personal protection 

training. Females wishing to build a skill 

set to ward off a potential attacker took the 

time to attend the training. 

During the self defense class instruction, 

Staff Sgt. Kevin Johnson, CAT-C instructor, 


began by discussing methods to prevent 

such attacks by making oneself a so called 

“hard target.” This means walking the 

streets and alleys of Camp Bondsteel in 

groups, trekking with an air of confi dence, 

and being aware of the surroundings at 

all times. But when an attacker is totally 

bent on following through with an assault, 

students learned multiple techniques to 

employ in order to fi ght to get away. 

Johnson mentioned that there are 

multiple methods of self defense and students 

need to fi nd techniques that work for 

them. He said the techniques he teaches 

are based on Army training mixed in with 

training received from numerous civilian 

sources. 

“My way is not the only way; it’s just 

another way,” said Johnson. “You need to 

learn techniques that you can put into practice 

should anything bad happen to you.” 

He added the importance of learning 

multiple techniques so that women have 

an arsenal of options to fall back on. Johnson 

said that every person is different and 

will react differently, but to fi nd and utilize 

the skills that work best for each individual. 

He also said that practice is the key 

to success. 

“The more you practice the basic skills 

taught in this class, the more confi dent you 

should feel. You have to be able to simply 

Spc. Anastasha Fox, a team 

member of Liaison Monitoring 

Team, practices knee kicks while 

Staff Sgt. Eric Solano, CAT-C 

instructor, holds a cushioned 

pad. Fox and about 20 other 

females participated in a self 

defense class held on Camp 

Bondsteel, Kosovo. 

react in a situation instead of 

stopping to think about what you 

should do,” Johnson said. 

According to the Department of 

Defense Annual Report on Sexual 

Assault in the Military for fi scal year 

2010, there were a total of 3,158 

reports of sexual assault involving service 

members. Employing basic preventive 

measures and being prepared if an attack 

should occur are two ways that could bring 

those numbers down. 

The self defense class is designed to 

do exactly that — keep the numbers of 

sexual assaults on Camp Bondsteel non 

existent. Students that attended the class 

were made aware of prevention tactics and 

learned how the moves taught during the 

class can work against an assailant. 

“There are quite a few new techniques 

that I had never seen before and some 

useful awareness tips,” said Sgt. Patricia 

Salazar, 75th Combat Support Hospital 

ground ambulance noncommissioned offi - 

cer in charge. “It was helpful that the male 

instructors interacted with us. That usually 

doesn’t happen. But you could get that 

strength and positioning where you could 

actually see how the moves really do work. 

It’s very helpful. I was very surprised!” 

Salazar also recommended this class 

to all females stationed here. 

“I think once they came here they’d see 

it’s not wrestling or ground fi ghting techniques. 

I think they would be somewhat 

surprised,” said Salazar. 

CAT-C will be offering additional self 

defense classes throughout the deployment 

as well as multiple combative style classes 

to include Level 1 and Level 2 combatives.

GUARD HOSTS ANNUAL 

BATAAN FESTIVITIES 


The New Mexico National Guard hosted 

the annual Bataan Ceremony April 9, 2011, 

at the Bataan Memorial Building in Santa 

Fe, N.M. 

This ceremony is held every April 9 and 

was established to honor the survivors of 

the Bataan Death March and to commemorate 

the surrender of American Soldiers to 

the Japanese forces on April 9, 1942. What 

made this year’s ceremony different was 

the exceptional contribution from the Offi - 

cer Candidate School Class 54-11. 

The night prior to the annual ceremony 

the OCS class was hosting their annual 

Dining In, a long standing tradition in the 

OCS program where commanders have an 

opportunity to meet the anticipated future 

leaders. This year a new tradition was established 

to integrate the two ceremonies to 

accomplish a two-fold mission: teach young 

leaders the history of our Bataan veterans 

and celebrate their long-standing service 

and honor their lives. The OCS Candidates 

were tasked to interview and speak about 

the life of each veteran giving insight to their 

accomplishments and interests. Veterans 

and their families were invited to share in the 

ceremony and partake in the festivities. 

“We had the privilege of welcoming 

Bataan veterans and their families,” said Offi - 

cer Candidate Carlos Chavez. “The Bataan 

veterans got a great feel for tradition being 

kept in the new era of the Guard, while a continued 

effort to bring the New Mexico National 

Guard components together and building a 

comraderie that will go a long way.” 

Members of the New Mexico National 

Guard’s 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery 

units were among those who surrendered 

on the Bataan peninsula in the Philippines. 

Soldiers endured a forced march approximately 

65 miles to prisoner of war camps 

where they endured degrading and barbaric 

treatment while battling diseases and 

malnourishment. 

Of the 1,816 men identifi ed from the 

200th and 515th Coast Artillery, 829 died in 

battle, while prisoners or immediately after 

liberation. There were 987 survivors, many 

of whom were from New Mexico. 

This year’s events honoring the veterans’ 

sacrifi ces began March 27, 2011, when 

over 6,300 people from all over the country 

attended the 22nd Annual 26.2-mile Bataan 

Memorial Death March at White Sands Missile 

Range in Las Cruces, N.M. 

Among the participants was 93-year-old 

Ben Skardon, a survivor of the original death 

march over 69 years ago. This year, with his 

family by his side, Skardon completed one 

third of the memorial march. 

Despite the dreadful weather this year, 

many New Mexico National Guard Soldiers 

and Airmen still made the event to honor 

their legacy. 

“It is an honor every year to go out there 

and honor the men who made the ultimate 

sacrifi ce,” said 1st Lt. Tabitha Baker, a 

participant in this year’s Bataan Memorial 

Death March. “It was really windy, it seemed 

like for every one step forward, we took two 

steps back. But when you compare it to 

what the Bataan veterans went through we 

had it easy.” 

Guardsmen and veterans were joined 

again two weeks later at the Bataan Memorial 

Building for the annual ceremony. Veterans 

who were able to attend the ceremony 

were recognized as well as those that have 

passed on since the last ceremony. 

At the end of the day the veterans 

returned home to their respective states 

with the promise that New Mexico will never 

forget the Battling Bastards of Bataan and 

their service to our great state and nation. 


The Long Journey Ahead 

Aviation unit deploys to Afghanistan 


Maj. Christopher Holland, commander of Company C, 1st General Support Aviation 

Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, addresses family, friends, and members 

of Company C, 1/171st during a Yellow Ribbon Ceremony April 20, 2011, at the 

Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M. 

More than 200 family members and friends gathered at the New 

Mexico National Guard Headquarters Regional Training Institute April 

20, 2011, to honor and bid farewell to 65 National Guard Soldiers who 

will be deployed for a year in Afghanistan. 

Company C, 1st General Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation 

Regiment, a Medical Evacuation unit based out of Santa Fe, will provide 

aero medical support to the theater of operations under the command 

of Maj. Christopher Holland. 

At the ceremony, Gov. Susana Martinez wished the Soldiers well and 

thanked them for their service and wished them a safe return. Martinez 

then addressed the family members, reminding them that they’re making an 

incredible sacrifi ce as well. 

Holland thanked Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant General for the state 

of New Mexico, and the families for their support of the unit. He said he was 

proud of his unit and appreciated their sacrifi ce and dedication to the mission. 

Before Holland and his unit get “boots on ground,” they transition to their mobilization 

station at Ft. Hood, Texas, for further realistic and collective training with the 

other units they will be deployed with. At the MOB station, New Mexico National 

Guardsmen linked up with Soldiers from Minnesota and Arizona that would be 

deploying as part of C. Co. 1-171st. Pilots, crew chiefs, medics and support personnel 

trained together for approximately 60 days before deploying to Afghanistan. 

Holland told the Ft. Hood Public Affairs Offi ce that “This is a crucial training 

phase. We’ve never trained together, and we’re coming together for the fi rst time. 

We have to be prepared to fi ght together. 

“This is the last chance we’re going to get to hone our skills before deploying,” 

Holland added. “Our mission’s real simple: save lives on the battlefi eld. 

Pick up patients and get them to a medical facility as quickly as possible. 

I don’t think there’s any mission on the battlefi eld that’s more important.” 

Currently, about 500 Soldiers and Airmen from the New Mexico National 

Guard are mobilized overseas. 


Army National Guard Black 

Hawk medevac helicopters with 

Company C, 1st General Support 

Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation 

Regiment, out of Santa Fe, N.M., 

arrive at a landing zone during a 

mass casualty training exercise at 

Fort Hood, Texas, May 16. 

Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen 

The Lopez family listens 

to remarks made by 

Gov. Susana Martinez 

during a Yellow Ribbon 

Ceremony for C. Co, 

1/171st at the Regional 

Training Institute in 

Santa Fe, N.M.

(Above) 1st Sgt. Charles Bouyer and his wife tie a 

yellow ribbon to a tree during the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony 

for C. Co, 1/171st April 20, 2011. 

(Left) Staff Sgt. Tym Larson, right, an Arizona Army 

National Guard medic with Company C, 1st General 

Support Aviation Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, 

out of Santa Fe, N.M., and Sgt. 1st Class Robert 

Ford, a senior fl ight medic and observer controller/ 

trainer with the 166th Aviation Brigade, discuss the 

evacuation of about 30 simulated patients during a 

mass casualty training exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, 

May 16. Larson, from Eloy, Ariz., has 25 years experience 

as a civilian paramedic fi refi ghter and fl ight 

medic. He will deploy for the fi rst time when the 

medical evacuation company (air ambulance) goes 

to Afghanistan next month. 

(Bottom left) Army National Guard medevac crew 

members with Company C, 1st General Support Aviation 

Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, out of Santa 

Fe, N.M., write down information about their next mission 

during training at Fort Hood, Texas, May 17. 

Photos: Sgt. 1st Class Gail Braymen 

Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, the 

Adjutant General, presents Col. Francis 

X. Carillo the Meritorious Service Medal 

during a retirement ceremony May 15, 

2011, at Kirtland Air Force Base. Carillo 

was awarded an MSM for his dedicated 

time while serving in both the Air 

National Guard and active duty. 


10 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Summer 2011

By 1st Lt. Brian Raphael, 150th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Offi cer 

The 150th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air 

National Guard, hosted the fi rst-ever Federal 

Emergency Management Agency regional 

training for Region 6 emergency managers 

in the Air National Guard. The one-week 

training held March 14-18, 2011, at Kirtland 

Air Force Base had EM’s representing 

states from Region 6 — New Mexico, Texas, 

Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. 

“This training prepares emergency 

managers to respond to all hazards on- 

and off-base,” said Senior Master Sgt. Matthew 

Archuleta, 150th Fighter Wing, New 

Mexico Air National Guard. “All hazards 

including chemical, biological, radiological, 

nuclear, and high-yield explosives in 

active CBRNE.” 

“This Region 6 training is the fi rst time 

we brought together all bases within the 

region,” said Tech. Sgt. Robby McGee, 

Fort Smith, Ark. “Training is designed for 

profi ciency, protective equipment, hazard 

identifi cation, sharpening skills. It is a 

yearly requirement in compliance with 

OSHA and Air Force instructions.” 

The training exercise was broken down 

into two portions. The classroom portion 

spanned three days at the Defense 

Threat Reduction Agency. There a detailed 

table-top exercise composed of a notional 

dirty bomb scenario was introduced and 

responded to by emergency managers, 

military and civil authorities with a focus on 

command, control, and coordination. 

The second portion of the training was 

application focused and covered in two 

days. This fi eld application incorporated the 

Joint Effect Modeling — a contamination 

plume modeling program, and one Accident 

Coordination Response scenario identifying 

ricin and industrial chemical hazards. 

“This is a good opportunity to merge 

people who are not trained and don’t have 

their own equipment with people who are 

trained and have the equipment,” said 

Senior Airman Robert Clopton, 136th Air Lift 

Wing, Fort Worth, Texas. “Every Emergency 

Manager must have a medical and physical 

check and be physically fi t because of all 

the protective gear that must be worn while 

working inside a level-A suit.” 

While providing protection from certain 

hazards, the level-A suit itself is cumbersome 

and challenging to work in. “It’s 

kinda like your personal sauna,” said 

Senior Airman Jessica Keal, Naval Air 

Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, 

Texas. Keal is also a full-time nuclear plant 

employee whose family works for FEMA. 

This groundbreaking event leverages 

the many strengths of Region 6 emergency 

managers while identifying possible 

areas of improvement. In the future, different 

installations within Region 6 will host 

similar events to bring profi ciency training 

to everyone who otherwise might not be 

Members from FEMA Region 6 Managers 

descend on New Mexico for a fi rst-ever 

regional training. 

One member of FEMA Region 6 trainees suits 

up in a Level-A chemical protection suit while 

the other Airman checks the gauge to ensure it 

is reading the oxygen levels properly. Both of 

the members must receive this training as it is a 

yearly requirement. The Level-A chemical protection 

suit, along with an oxygen tank and bright 

orange rubber boots, are just some of the equipment 

they must be fully trained on for emergencies 

that may arise. All of the units proved to 

work well together during the training. Photos: 

Master Sgt. Paula Aragon 

able to travel to one location. In addition, 

the different venues will aid the training 

by providing an unfamiliar environment. 

Should the need ever arise, emergency 

managers will have the training, familiarity, 

and profi ciency required to neutralize 

potential hazards. 


Medical personnel take TC3 training to Costa Rica 



San Jose, Costa Rica – More than 30 

police offi cers from all over Costa Rica 

took part in a three-day Tactical Combat 

Casualty Care training May 17-20, 2011, in 

San Jose, Costa Rica. 

The training was taught by doctors and 

medics from the New Mexico Army National 

Guard. According to Sgt. 1st Class David 

Muniz, TC3 instructor, the training was 

tailored to focus on medical disaster relief 

due to the unstable geological climate that 

the Costa Ricans live in. The training would 

allow offi cers to respond without hesitation 

in an emergency. 

Participants received classes on anatomy, 

respiratory emergencies & airway 

management, vital signs, hemorrhage 

control and treatment for shock and burns, 

bleed control, rapid takedown and tactical 

carries, casualty evaluation (head-toeassessment), 

and combat casualty operations 

and triage. 

“TC3 classes were originally designed 

for use on the civilian side and the Military 

adopted TC3 toward the start of Operation 

Iraqi and Enduring Freedom,” said Muniz. 

“Recently, more and more agencies have 

adopted TC3 into their training. We can 

now offer advanced medical classes and 

certify through the National Registry of 

Emergency Medical Technicians to any 

agency in the Department of Defense.” 

On the last day of class, the students 


Maj. Karen Nester, a physician assistant with 

NMARNG Medical Detachment, works individually 

with students during the three-day 

Tactical Combat Casualty Care training in San 

Jose, Costa Rica. 

were tested on everything they learned 

during the previous days. They were given 

a scenario, created by the instructors, and 

had to use the information from previous 

days to work through the scenarios. Due 

to the earthquake the country experienced 

the previous week, all scenarios were 

based upon natural disasters. 

“The training we gave them was universal. 

The offi cers could use the medical 

assessment and treatment skills we 

taught them in any combat or peacetime 

Participants and instructors from 

the Tactical Combat Casualty Care 

training May 20, 2011, in San Jose, 

Costa Rica. 

SPP SPP continues continues TO TO strengthen strengthen alliance 

alliance 

Sgt. 1st Class David 

Muniz, TC3 instructor, 

observes students as 

they practice opening 

airways with each other 

during the three-day 

Tactical Combat Casualty 

Care training May 

18, 2011, in San Jose, 

Costa Rica. 

environment,” said Muniz. 

Muniz, with his colleagues Maj. Karen 

Nester, a physician assistant with New 

Mexico Army National Guard Medical 

Detachment, and Sgt. 1st Class Oscar M. 

Esquivel, operations NCO with the New 

Mexico Army National Guard Med Det., provided 

signifi cant hands-on assistance to the 

students in order to ensure they understood 

the concepts well enough to perform the 

medical tasks to standard when needed. 

“Overall, the students and senior offi - 

cials were very happy with the training,” 

said Muniz. “The students were very cooperative 

and involved. They were extremely 

disciplined; which made it easier to have 

effective and effi cient training with the limited 

time schedule.” 

At the conclusion of the three-day 

course, students walked away from the 

TC3 with the comprehension and training 

to respond to real life incidents.

JOINT 

AGENCY 

TRAINING 


The New Mexico National Guard hosted 

a full scale multi agency training exercise 

designed to test the readiness of local 

emergency response agencies April 28, 

2011, at a model home in northwest Rio 

Rancho, 111th Brigade National Guard 

armory, and the Field Maintenance Shop 

building in Rio Rancho. 

“The New Mexico Army National Guard 

is required to conduct an annual antiterrorism 

exercise that encompasses all aspects 

of force protection plans which include antiterrorism, 

physical security and operation 

security areas,” said Bob Wilson, antiterrorism 

program coordinator. 

Agencies that participated in this 

exercise included the New Mexico Army 

National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 

New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo 

County Sheriff, Rio Rancho Police Department, 

Albuquerque Police Department, 

and Sandoval County Communications. 

The agencies coordinated for several 

months of planning with Wilson to ensure 

that all participants could maximize the 

training and understand the capabilities of 

all agencies. The exercise scenario was 

initiated when an investigation was conducted 

by the Joint Terrorism Task Force 

about suspicious activity and suggested 

that the FBI raid the house. They raided 

the house and found anti-military literature 

and bomb making materials. Witnesses 

saw six armed personnel leave the house 

prior to the raid and head toward the Rio 

Rancho Readiness Center. Three armed 

personnel parked their car outside of 

the armory and entered the building and 

proceeded to shoot any person that they 

ran into. Another car parked outside the 

FMS building and three armed personnel 

entered the building and took hostages. 

Several joint agency teams were tasked to 

clear the armory. Explosive ordinance disposal 

teams were tasked to make sure the 

cars were clear of explosives. At the FMS 

building, several agencies’ hostage negotiation 

teams talked the perpetrators out of 

the building. 

“There have been numerous ‘active 

shooter’ attacks all over the world,” 

said Wilson. “High schools, malls, businesses 

and military bases are just a few 

of the places these types of attacks have 

occurred. This could happen at any one 

of the armories around the state and the 

personnel that work inside these armories 

need to be trained.” 

The objective of the exercise was to 

strengthen New Mexico’s Law enforcement 

and fi rst response agencies’ ability 

to respond to emergency situations and to 

improve interagency coordination and communication. 

The scenario gave local emergency 

responders the opportunity to work 

through a potential emergency situation. 

“When the New Mexico National Guard 

participates in these types of exercises, 

we try to include as many federal, state, 

and local law enforcement agencies as 

possible,” said Wilson. “Interagency cooperation 

during terrorist or criminal attack 

is a must in ending any situation as soon 

as possible and with the least amount of 

casualties or damage to property. Every 

time these types of exercises happen, all 

agencies learn what could have been done 

better. Standard Operating Procedures 

and plans for all agencies are rewritten to 

capture what was learned.” 


On April 12, 2011, Sgt. Michael Padilla of the New Mexico Army National Guard, DET 1, 126 th MP CO CBT 

out of Las Cruces, N.M., observes the objective and prepares to overtake the enemy who is being held up 

in a building. The team is learning tactics on how to secure the area and apprehend the enemy. Padilla is 

just one of the members participating in Operation Purple Rain located in Gallagher, W. Va. 

Guard members head to West Virginia for Operation Purple Rain 

New Mexico Guardsmen train together 

By Master Sgt. Paula Aragon, 150th Public Affairs Superintendent 

Many months of planning and preparation 

went into “Operation Purple Rain.” 

The event planned for the April time 

frame was set at the Center for National 

Response in Gallagher, West Virginia. 

The New Mexico Air National Guard 150th 

Security Forces Squadron and the New 

Mexico Army National Guard Detachment 

1, 126th Military Police Company, 

out of Las Cruces, N.M., convened on the 

location know as “The Tunnel” which is 

nestled in the mountains of West Virginia. 


The facility is an operational component 

of the Joint Interagency Training & Education 

Center, a National Guard training activity 

operated by the Chief of the National 

Guard Bureau and the West Virginia 

Adjutant General. It is a fl exible weapons 

of mass destruction training complex that 

provides multi-scenario exercises for the 

military or joint operations with military and 

fi rst responders. The CNR conducts antiterrorism 

training exercises. The current 

facilities offer a variety of training scenarios, 

which include some of the following: 

• A rubble area to simulate collapsed 

buildings 

• An emergency egress trainer 

• A subway station, complete with 800 

feet (240 m) of track and two subway 

cars from Boston’s Green Line 

• A drug enforcement section 

• A highway tunnel section, complete 

with a New York City Transit Authority 

bus, fi re trucks, a tractor-trailer and 

other vehicles 

• Land navigation along with tactics 

(Top inset photo) Members of the 150 th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard, work together to extract a ‘victim’ from a ‘rubble pile’ due to a collapsed 

building. The team’s mission is to assess and start search and rescue actions. The team was taught to check the debris fi eld to ensure it was 

stable to transport “victims” and check areas for expired persons. (Lower inset photo) A member of the 150 th Fighter Wing, New Mexico Air National Guard, 

apprehends the enemy while the other team members secure the “cave area” of the Tunnel.

The fi rst fi ve training scenarios included: 

land navigation training, basic rope instruction, 

vehicle search exercise, OCONUS 

cave clearance and shooting fundamentals, 

and beam hit. The teams alternate between 

scenarios so that all members will have the 

opportunity to get much needed training. 

“This is the fi rst [training] exercise that 

we have ever done together as New Mexico 

National Guard members from Military Police 

and Security Forces. Hopefully, this initial 

training session will lead to more events in 

the future,” said Col. John Castillo. 

The two-week training began the morning 

of April 13, 2011. During the fi rst week participants 

went through a cave area to learn 

how to clear the area. The area was “booby 

trapped” and caused trainees to increase 

their awareness of activities and their surroundings. 

The “cave area” used in this 

scenario had a cache of enemy weapons, 

ammunition and chemicals. The trainees’ 

mission was to clear the area, keep vigilance 

on the outside of the cave and take an 

inventory of the enemy cache. Once completed, 

they were to give the information to 

their chain of command and wait for further 

instruction. Upon the end of the exercise, 

the team and cadre (instructors) conducted 

a debrief, also called a “hot wash.” During 

the hot wash, they discussed what could 

have been done differently and more effectively. 

The trainees then regrouped and 

continued on the mission with their new 

knowledge. During the debrief, the cadre 

made a few changes to the arrangement of 

the equipment and contraband making the 

next scenario different than the fi rst. 

Another group of trainees worked the 

highway HAZMAT area of the tunnel. This 

area was set up to represent a scenario 

based exercise of a highway or tunnel venue 

for terrorist created situations, hazardous 

materials environments, or other designed 

operations. The vehicle search, set up for the 

New Mexico groups, was to clear the area of 

the wreckage and look for the enemy. The 

exercise had the team going through each 

vehicle and looking for the enemy and any 

victims of the wreckage. Once the vehicle 

search was conducted and the vehicle 

deemed safe and secure, they proceeded 

to the next vehicle. After completing the 

scenario the team convened for a hot wash. 

After conducting the debrief, the team went 

back to complete the new scenario, only 

this time the lights were dimmed and the 

“enemy” began to fi re at the trainees. Both 

teams were armed with simmunition, giving 

the scenario a more realistic feel. 

In the afternoon, three teams went out to 

the fi eld for land navigation training along 

with tactics. The course took them through 

a series of fi ve points. The teams started 

at the top of the hill plotting their navigation 

points. Once this was completed they 

headed down to fi nd the fi rst point, which 

was marked by an orange painted ammunition 

can. This was the marker for the next 

point. Using a compass, a topographical 

map, and other navigational techniques the 

Army and Air Guard teams forged ahead, 

quickly and effi ciently conquering this segment 

of the course. . 

Not all of the training was conducted in 

the “Tunnel.” Classroom instruction played 

a vital role in the training. The basic rope 

instruction allowed the students to become 

familiar with different types of ropes and the 

understanding of the many intended uses 

of rope. The information made students 

aware of the strength and understanding 

of how ropes come into play when doing 

a search and rescue mission with rappelling. 

These techniques would be applied 

at a later time. 

Shooting fundamentals and “beam hit” 

gave the Soldiers and Airmen a refresher 

on basic rifl e and beam hit marksmanship. 

This instruction was prudent for hands 

on training with a weapon. The students 

practiced, cleaned and became even more 

familiar with their weapons, increasing their 

readiness. 

While this only describes part of the training 

that was accomplished, the entire training 

process featured a total of 10 events. 

The intent of all the planned scenarios is 

to improve both the Army and Air Guard’s 

response to terrorism and major disasters 

through realistic training. 

“They came together as New Mexico 

Guardsmen from various parts of the state 

and worked as one team,” said Castillo. 

“These are motivated Soldiers and Airmen 

that took this training opportunity and ran 

with it. Once the teams came together, they 

began to develop cohesiveness through 

individual and team tactics, stressing 

communication and real world incident 

response.” 

The second week of training encompassed 

squad tactics, confi ned space 

training, collapsed structure victim rescue, 

Military Operations on Urban Terrain training 

and Chemical Biological Radiological 

Nuclear and Environmental training. Most 

of the training was conducted in the Tunnel‘s 

scenario based areas. The confi ned space 

training was accomplished in complete 

darkness while the students made their way 

through a two-story structure to fi nd a victim 

who could not get out. The scenario made 

the students rely on each other’s voice for 

instruction as well as their senses. Working 

in complete darkness elevated the level of 

diffi culty. 

The “Rubble Pile” in its own right gave 

the teams a workout. The area was set up 

to look as if a large structure had collapsed, 

and the teams’ mission was search and 

rescue. The teams were taught to check the 

debris fi eld to ensure it was stable to transport 

“victims” and check areas for expired 

persons. They were taught how to identify 

and mark the areas so that other emergency 

response personnel could move past the 

areas marked or help with the recovery of 

the victim(s). 

The CNR personnel upped the ante by 

dimming the lights, adding smoke, loud 

music and screaming victims to the scenario. 

This put an added pressure to the 

students, but overall they kept calm and 

forged ahead with the task given to them. 

They ‘daisy-chained’ the victims together, 

creating a human chain, ensuring that they 

got out of the rubble together. The injured 

[played by mannequins] were placed on 

backboards and carried out. 

The rest of the training areas allowed the 

teams both classroom and practical instruction. 

The overall training, which took many 

months of planning, paid off for both the 

Army and Air Guardsmen. Both sides realized 

a lot of their training was very similar 

and they also had a newfound respect for the 

specifi c areas specialized to each branch. 

“From the brand new Airman to the 

senior NCOs, the constant comment to me 

was, ‘Sir, this is the best AT I have ever been 

to.’ I can tell you that the hundreds of hours 

that went into the preparation for this exercise 

by my team of professionals were well 

spent and effective,” said Castillo 

The camaraderie among the members 

gave them a new sense of understanding 

and awareness. Overall, the mission was 

a success and new friendships were developed, 

giving this training a human touch to 

another military adventure. 


New Mexico National Guard 

150th Fighter Wing Commander 

relinquishes command 

By Sgt. Kathee Mullins, 150th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 

With a new day, a new set of missions and a new job, 150th 

Fighter Wing Commander Col. Frederik G. Hartwig tells his New 

Mexico National Guard family Aloha. 

More than 800 Air National and Army National Guardsmen 

were present as Hartwig prepared to relinquish his command of 

the 150th Fighter Wing May 15, 2011. 

Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya addressed the 

Guard members, reminding them of the attack on our nation more 

than nine years ago with over 3,000 innocent victims brutally murdered. 

He told the formation that nine years ago he had planned 

to retire until that fatal day. 

“Our country was attacked, and we were sworn to protect our 

country. Be proud of who you are and what you become,” said 

Montoya. “No mission takes precedence over another unless our 

country needs it to at that time. Today’s ceremony is a relinquishment 

because of the Air Force Instruction and the interpretations 

concerning rated offi cers. Either way, we will have the leadership 

that will take you into the future. Either way, it is you that will make 

the leadership great. You are America’s Guard, you have to be 

great!” Montoya added. 

“I have been to combat with this wing, and I can assure 

you there are no fi ner Airmen or citizen warriors.” 

– Col. Frederik G. Hartwig 

Montoya commended Hartwig for his tenure while serving as 

the commander of the 150th FW. 

“Speaking of great, Col. Hartwig stood out, the character in his 

heart, his willingness to get the job done. He knew when to stand 

up to me, when to fi ght, and when to advise me. Col. Hartwig, You 

do an excellent job, I thank you for your service,” said Montoya. 

Hartwig was commissioned through the Offi cer Training School 

program in 1984. After completing undergraduate pilot training, 

he became an instructor pilot in the T-37 at Columbus AFB, Miss. 

He transitioned to the Air National Guard in 1999 as a traditional 

Guardsman in the District of Columbia Air National Guard and eventually 

accepted a full time position with the New Mexico Air National 

Guard in December 2000. He has served as 150th FW chief of 

plans, 150th Operations Group chief of standards and evaluations, 

and 188th Fighter Squadron operations offi cer. Most recently, he 

served as commander of the 150th Operations Group. 

“I just want to thank the group that has planned and spearheaded 

the formations for the last year and a half, because if 


Col. Frederik G. Hartwig presents the 150th Fighter Wing guidon to Brig. 

Gen. John D. Bledsoe during the 150th Fighter Wing’s relinquishing of 

command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., May 15, 2011. 

practice makes perfect, then by God, we have perfected it with 

a formation every drill,” said Hartwig as his fellow Guard family 

members laughed. 

“I have been to combat with this wing and I can assure you 

there are no fi ner Airmen or citizen warriors. Our future missions, 

as are each of you, are equally important. It has been inspiring 

and an honor to have served you and with you. Now I think the 

only thing left for me to say is Aloha,” said the outgoing wing 

commander.

AS ENERGY COSTS INCREASE, 

USE MUST DECREASE 

By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary 

Construction & Facilities Management Offi ce, NMARNG 

Imagine arriving home on a winter day. 

The gas furnace is running full blast. The 

back door is open as your children play 

outside. When asked, they say that it’s 

easier to leave it open. You close the door 

and turn off lights, televisions and game 

consoles in empty rooms. 

Six months later you come home on 

a summer day to fi nd the same situation, 

only now it’s cooled air escaping. Again, 

you close the door and turn off unattended 

lights and appliances. 

These scenarios are fi ctitious at home. 

Your kids know better and you care 

because waste costs you money. However, 

this is a daily reality in New Mexico 

National Guard facilities. Look around. 

Somewhere a door is propped open 

because it’s easier than fi nding the key. 

An offi ce has windows open because it’s 

too hot or cold. Lights are on in empty 

latrines, storage rooms and even the drill 

hall. Sprinklers spray as much water onto 

concrete as they do grass. 

The problem is that people don’t think 

about energy at work because they don’t 

know that they are paying for it. If you work 

for the New Mexico National Guard, even 

part time, you pay income tax. Tax dollars 

pay for our utilities. Federal money fl ows 

from the national defense budget. Money 

lost to waste could be spent on pay raises, 

benefi ts or new equipment. 

Waste has a local impact. Consider that 

cracked sidewalk in front of the armory. 

Every year it gets worse. Blame the Construction 

& Facilities Management Offi ce if 

you like, but realize that we pay for utilities 

out of the same account used for maintenance. 

Since we cannot operate without 

utilities, repairs have to be postponed. 

The situation is about to worsen. The 

New Mexico Gas Company has requested 

state permission to raise rates. If approved, 

this means an 8.5 percent increase beginning 

February 2012. To be fair, the New 

Mexico Gas Company has offered compelling 

reasons for the increase. Since 2005, 

the company has invested more than $215 

million in infrastructure and plans on spending 

another $34 million in 2011 for more 

improvements. The price hike, however, 

will affect the New Mexico National Guard. 

What can you do to help? It’s easier 

than you think. Close doors and windows 

when the air is conditioned. Exterior doors 

are important, but interior doors count too. 

It’s wasteful to condition air in unoccupied 

areas. If the foyer has two sets of doors, it’s 

for insulation – not looks. Close both sets. 

Set thermostats to no lower than 78 

degrees in summer and no higher than 

65 degrees in winter. During unoccupied 

hours, thermostats should be set back at 

least 10 degrees. This can save at least 10 

percent on our energy bills. 

Turn off unused lights. The last person 

exiting a room should do this. Lights should 

also be turned off when there is enough daylight 

from windows with which to work. Outside 

lights should be shut off after dawn. 

Turn off computers, copiers and other 

appliances when not in use. Leaving offi ce 

machines on during non-duty hours wastes 

money. 

Watch how water is used at your building. 

Sinks and showers should have water 

running only when they are being actively 

used. The C&FMO has published guidance 

that personnel take “combat” showers. 

The C&FMO is aggressively reducing 

energy use and increasing renewable 

energy, such as wind turbines and solar 

panels. Additional ideas are welcome, but 

compliance is expected. Remember, it is 

your money. 


Region 7 Top SOLDIER, 

NCO of the Year 

By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ, and Spc. Charles Martinez, 

Photojournalist, 200th Public Affairs Detachment 

At the end of three days of being pushed to 

their limits and being tested, 12 noncommissioned 

offi cers and three junior enlisted representing the 

states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New 

Mexico, Nevada, Utah and the territory of Guam 

gathered together with their sponsors and members 

of their chains of command to fi nd out who 

would be named NCO and Soldier of the Year in the 

Region 7 Warrior of the Year competition in Santa 

Fe, New Mexico. 

The fi rst day of the competition started with the 

Army Physical Fitness Test. Following that, Soldiers 

and NCOs went to range for weapons qualifi cation. 

The day’s fi nal event was held in a classroom, 

Soldiers were challenged in an appearance board 

chaired by the state’s Army National Guard’s most 

senior NCOs. 

Day two started at 6:00 a.m. with Army Warrior 

Task lanes to test their abilities in nuclear, biological 

and chemical attack, weapons, fi rst aid, communications, 

and disassembling of a weapon. Next 

competitors embarked on a Black Hawk UH60 and 

traveled to Camel Tracks training site to the land 

navigation course. Competitors had four hours, 

using a map, compass and terrain association, to 

locate up to fi ve points. 

Day three began with a written test and then a 

fi ve-mile road march with rucksacks weighing at 

least 35 pounds. The road march was made more 

demanding due to severe weather during the event. 

The state of Utah went “Beyond the Standard” 

this year sweeping both top spots. Winning the title 

of NCO of the Year was Sgt. Guy Mellor, a member 

of B. Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, and 

a native of Fayette, Utah. His biggest challenge this 

year presented itself during the fi nal ruck march. 

“The wind was my biggest challenge,” said Mellor. 

“When it was blowing against me it made the march 

very diffi cult.” 

Taking the title of Soldier of the Year was Spc. 

Alessandra Jacobson. The Salt Lake City native is 

a member of HHC, 204th Maneuver Enhancement 

Brigade. “My biggest challenge was having to constantly 

push myself all of the time because I was 

not sure of my place among the other competing 

Soldiers,” she said. 

For their efforts they were both awarded the 

Army Commendation Medal, a statue and a back 

pack. 

18 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Summer 2011

CSM retires after 39 years of service 


With 39 years of service, former State 

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Bryant retired 

from the New Mexico National Guard April 

1, 2011. 

Bryant joined the New Mexico National 

Guard in February 1972. He began his 

career as a mechanic with Detachment 1, 

Battery A., 4th Battalion, 200th ADA in Clayton, 

N.M. Since joining the Guard Bryant 

has held various positions to include platoon 

sergeant, fi rst sergeant, PAC supervisor, 

SIDPERS NCOIC, personnel sergeant 

major, 93rd Brigade command sergeant 

major, and state command sergeant major. 

Bryant fi nished his career as the recruiting 

and retention command sergeant major. 

“When you work full time in the Guard 

you get a chance to get a lot of MOSs and 

work in different areas,” said Bryant. 

After working in numerous positions, 

Bryant said the highlight to his career was 

becoming the state command sergeant 

major and working as the military personnel 

sergeant major (the fi rst enlisted full 

time military personnel manager). 

“That’s where the Soldiers are,” said 

Bryant. “That’s where you have the most 

impact on Soldiers’ careers. You have the 

insight on issues that need to be fi xed and 

the opportunity to help fi x those issues.” 

Even though he is retired now, Bryant is 

still helping Soldiers with issues, except now 

they are education issues. Shortly after retiring, 

Bryant was hired to work as the tuition 

assistance manager in the education offi ce. 

“It’s been easy to transition because 

I’m still here working with Soldiers,” said 

Bryant. “But I wore the uniform for 39 years 

and it’s diffi cult to put it up.” 

Bryant’s wife, Liz Bryant who is also 

a command sergeant major in the New 

Mexico National Guard, said that even 

though she is extremely proud of her husband’s 

accomplishments, his retirement 

has been bittersweet. 

“Sweet in the sense that he made it to 

the highest NCO position in our Guard, 

and had the opportunity to truly make a 

difference with our Soldiers,” said Liz. “It’s 

been bitter in the sense that after so many 

years of serving and wearing the uniform, 

it becomes so much a part of a person. He 

lived it to the fullest. He has always been 

a Soldier’s ‘Soldier’ fi rst and foremost and 

that makes it hard to leave the military.” 

And although Bryant still won’t be getting 

anything done at home, Liz said it’s ok 

because he still serving Soldiers and additionally 

is there for mentorship. 

“He gave 39 years to the Guard and 

he is still passionate and motivated,” she 

said. “He loves the Guard; he has given 

his whole life to the Guard. I have seen him 

take phone calls in the middle of the night, 

or go out on the weekends to someone’s 

house because they need help. He is a 

remarkable man, NCO, and spouse.” 

But like any person, Bryant was faced 

with trials. In 2007 he was diagnosed 

with stage 4 cancer. After three months 

of chemo and radiation treatments, plus 

an esophagectomy, he survived his battle 

with cancer. 

“When he was battling cancer, he never 

missed a beat,” said Liz. “Most individuals 

can’t do that. It shows true resiliency and 

drive to beat the odds. He came to work 

every day – and never allowed himself to 

just stay home and stay in bed.” 

Last October, the Bryant family was yet 

again faced with another challenge. The 

Bryants’ younger son James, who serves 

with the 101st Airborne Division, “Strike 

Force,” Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was 

injured in Afghanistan by an improvised 

explosive device and according to Liz, it 

was Bryant that keep the family together 

during that diffi cult time. 

“We did not know what to expect when 

we fl ew out to Brook Army Medical Center. 

Richard saw James fi rst and prepared us 

all for what we were faced with,” said Liz. 

The Bryants said it was an emotional 

time for their family. Not only did James 

come home, but their older son Johnathan 

who was serving in Iraq at the time of 

James’ injury also came home. Johnathan 

was allowed to escort his brother home 

from Landstul, Germany. They said it 

was a good feeling having both their sons 

home from Iraq and Afghanistan. 

“It takes a strong individual in faith and 

a positive attitude to hold a family together. 

He has been the foundation for our family; 

he never lets us quit and helps us see just 

how lucky we truly are.” 

Liz said no matter what Bryant was going 

through he always said, “Dig deep, don’t 

quit, and have faith.” 

“James saw that his whole life. He 

learned that resilience from an early age 

from Richard and our family truly believes 

that is why James is doing so well. He has 

a good outlook toward life and is able to 

deal with his injury and now, his disabilities. 

His success is because of his dad.” 

During Bryant’s retirement dinner, his 

daughters Rebecca and Sarah said they are 

also very proud of their dad. They both said 

they never truly realized how special their 

dad was. Nor did they realize just how much 

the Guard meant to him his whole career. 

“The girls have done very well because 

of their dad’s love and patience. They also 

learned positivity, drive and diligence at an 

early age” said Liz. 

“Patience,” Bryant says is the key to a 

successful career. 

“You work hard, have patience, and 

give it your best and it will pay off. Also, 

keep your Army Values, live by them and 

you can’t go wrong.” 

Equally important, Bryant said that 

having a supportive family is also crucial to 

a successful career. 

“Liz is my biggest supporter. When 

you’re dual members you both know 

the Guard and what it requires. She was 

always there when there were any doubts 

or when I needed anything. She still is. It 

makes a difference when you have that 

support,” said Bryant. 

So what does someone do after serving 

39 years in the military? According to 

Bryant; do some fi shing. 

“I got new fi shing equipment for my 

retirement so I want to take some time to 

get to use it. I have a little more time to do 

work around the house and spend time 

with my grandkids,” said Bryant. 


As Wyatt took the podium he put his 

notes away telling fellow Guard members. 

“I have two pairs of glasses, I think I 

am ready….I just want to talk to you from 

the heart about the future, your future (as 

Guard members).” 

“I have had a close relationship with the 

150th (Fighter Wing). I have a fondness 

for the ‘Tacos.’ I know that it is diffi cult 

to give up the F-16 mission. There is an 

uncertainty…but I am proud of you for how 

well you are making the change and your 

aggressiveness. The 150th has a proud 

legacy, and I now you will be best at what 

you do, even through the uncertainty. We 

don’t want to lose the most valuable asset 

the Air National Guard has — you,” the 

director told the formation. 

“Be ready for change, understand 

the challenges you will face, be ready for 


Lt. Gen. Wyatt speaks to Air Guard troops as 

they rally to the new changes for the 150 th Wing 

By Tech. Sgt Kathee Mullins, 150 th Public Affairs Offi ce 

The maintenance hangar was fi lled with anxious Air Guard troops waiting to hear guidance 

on the new mission and upcoming changes. 

Director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Harry “Bud” M. Wyatt made a visit to the 

150th Fighter Wing of the New Mexico Air National Guard at Kirtland Air Force Base, as Air 

Guard members started the transition from the old mission to new ones. 

changing landscapes. You now have a 

bright future. Adjutant General (Kenny) 

Montoya was courageous. He pressed 

forward, carrying the ball, respectfully 

asking the right questions. Command Chief 

(Master Sgt. Christopher) Muncy was your 

eyes and ears, for the ANG, for you. It is 

diffi cult to get out of your comfort zone for a 

new mission, but you are at the front end of 

change at the ANG. I applaud you for what 

you have done and what you will get done,” 

Wyatt told the Guardsmen and women. 

Wyatt spoke of the Red Horse mission 

and the upcoming integration with the 58th 

Special Operations Wing. He told them how 

the new missions will give Guardsmen and 

women the chance to have vital capabilities 

for stateside and overseas. Because of 

the New Mexico Air National Guard’s proactive 

stance, the general said not only 

were they facing a great future but were in 

the forefront of the cyber experience and 

that would in turn give future capabilities 

with force protection sets of the future. 

The director and his staff went throughout 

the 150th Wing complex meeting fellow 

Guard members, recognizing outstanding 

Airmen with general coins and shaking 

hands, answering questions and becoming 

more familiar with one of his many 

Guard families. 

Richard Rico, director of staff for the Air 

National Guard Readiness Center said, 

“It is great to get out to see the people, 

sometimes we don’t get to do it enough. 

It is very rewarding. We get re-invigorated 

seeing the young Airmen.” 

Air Guard Command Chief Muncy 

spoke to the troops at a later formation 

about the bright future for the 150th Wing 

and her members. 

“This unit is awesome. The Tacos are 

ready for the change, have the right mind 

set and you can weather the change. 

Guardsmen can do anything! Tell your 

story. The 150th has a story, a heritage — 

tell that story; tell your story. We can blame 

the rest of the world or we can accept it on 

ourselves and make it better. Be proud of 

what you do!” said Muncy. 

Col. Frederik G. Hartwig, 150th Wing 

commander, thanked Wyatt and his staff 

for their visit to the unit. 

“Your coming here shows the Airmen 

their relevance and how important they 

are, as a whole and individually,” said 

Hartwig. “We continue to look at the big 

picture here at the 150th.” 

The New Mexico Air National Guard continues 

to change as the needs of national 

defense, both humanitarian and militarily, 

change. The Tacos were federally recognized 

on July 7, 1947, as the 188th Fighter 

Bomber Squadron. 

The New Mexico Air National Guard has 

undergone several aircraft conversions 

throughout its history, including the F-80, 

F-100, A-7D and F-16C. Major accomplishments 

of the unit include: fi rst Air National 

Guard unit to receive the F-100 and A-7D 

fi ghter aircraft, fi rst Air National Guard unit 

to receive the Low Altitude Night Targeting 

Infra Red Navigational system equipped 

F-16C fi ghter aircraft, fi rst Air National 

Guard to be assigned to the prestigious 

Rapid Deployment Force, fi rst Air National 

Guard unit to participate in Bright Star 

joint service exercises in Southwest Asia, 

fi rst Air National Guard unit to receive the 

Low Altitude Night Attack modifi cation 

to the A-7, fi rst Air National Guard unit to 

participate in a deployed bare base operational 

readiness inspection, and fi rst Air 

National Guard unit to have a crew chief as

“ The 150th has always been 

good at what they do.” 

– Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt 

a member of the Air Force Thunderbirds. 

Members of the New Mexico Air National 

Guard have been activated during the Korean 

Confl ict, Pueblo Crisis during the Vietnam 

Confl ict, Operation Desert Storm, Operation 

Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Operation 

Enduring Freedom and have a long heritage 

as defenders of state and national security. 

“I am so impressed with what this Wing 

has done. I am thoroughly impressed by 

the Wing, the top leaders; high to low, and 

how they have embraced the new mission. 

Change is hard, even good change (is hard). 

I feel that when we look back, we will be glad 

we made the change. We have to take it one 

piece at a time, day by day, but we have to 

make (the effort) everyday. The 150th has 

always been good at what they do, I don’t 

see the 150th ever going away, (this particular 

mission as a Fighter Wing has), but 

the 150th Wing is more encompassing with 

bigger shoes to fi ll,” Wyatt said. 

The new missions coupled with the loss of 

the F-16 aircraft are a big change for the New 

Mexico Air National Guard, but as always, 

the ‘Tacos’ are ready for the challenge. 


Fresh focus 

Responsibility of MNBG E transferred to new leadership 

By Staff Sgt. Anna Doo, 200th PAD 

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Hundreds 

of service members representing 10 

countries, participated in the offi cial transfer 

of authority ceremony of Multinational 

Battle Group East from Col. Francisco J. 

Neuman to Col. Michael D. Schwartz here, 

April 2. The MNBG E sector of responsibility, 

including all of Kosovo, supports the 

NATO mission to maintain an environment 

of protection and well-being as well as 

allowing for freedom of movement for the 

people in Kosovo. 

The transfer of authority is rich in history 

and ritual, dating back to the eighteenth 

century during the reign of Frederick the 

Great of Prussia. During that time, fl ags 

were created with symbols and colors 

unique to each unit. To the fl ag as a representation 

of the unit, and to the commander, 

Soldiers would dedicate their loyalty 

and trust. During a transfer of authority 

or a change of command, the fl ag would 

be passed to the individual taking command 

showing a shift of authority. This 

action was performed with the unit present 

so all could see who was assuming 

responsibility of the group. The allegiance 

of the troops belonged to the fl ag and the 

leader who held it. This tradition is still in 

practice today. 

As part of the transfer of authority ceremony, 

the commander performs a review 

of the troops’ condition and state of readiness 

prior to battle. During the April 2 ceremony, 

the Kosovo Forces commander, 

Maj. Gen. Erhard Buehler was afforded the 

opportunity to review the incoming MNBG 

E Kosovo Forces 14 Soldiers. Standing in 

front of him were Soldiers from France, 

Germany, Greece (Hellas), Morocco, 

Poland, Turkey, United States of America 

and Ukraine. These nations constitute 

MNBG E now led by Schwartz. 

Schwartz, of Clovis, New Mexico, commander 

of the 111th Maneuver Enhancement 

Brigade, based in Rio Rancho, New 

Mexico, and the Soldiers under his command, 

offi cially accepted responsibility 


of MNBG E from Neuman, 

of Ponce, Puerto Rico, commander 

of the 92nd Maneuver 

Enhancement Brigade, San 

Juan, Puerto Rico, and the Soldiers 

in his battle group. 

“It is an honor to assume 

the KFOR mission, and I look 

forward to continuing to build on the work 

accomplished by my predecessors,” said 

Schwartz. “It is apparent that KFOR has 

proved its ability to maintain a safe and 

secure environment as well as ensuring 

freedom of movement for all residents in 

Kosovo.” 

More than three months of training and 

years of preparation led to this stage of a 

yearlong deployment for the U.S. Soldiers 

representing 22 states and U.S. territories. 

Home station training began in January for 

many of the Soldiers which led to collective 

training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., and then 

to the Joint Maneuver Readiness Center, 

Hohenfels, Germany, before arriving at 

Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, in late March. 

“We have come together from all over 

the United States and have built a strong, 

cohesive organization,” said Schwartz. 

“As commander of Multinational Battle 

Group East I look forward to building a 

strong relationship with all our multinational 

partners. Together we are a more 

mobile and deployable battle group, able 

to respond on a moment’s notice anywhere 

at any time.” 

Prior to and during the ceremony, the 

multinational aspect of the NATO mission 

here was apparent. A U.S. Soldier, 2nd Lt. 

Christopher Tebo, a platoon leader of the 

Maneuver Contingency, and French Soldier, 

Sgt. Quillien, a patrol leader in the French 

Contingency were discussing their duties 

in their respective formations. Both Tebo 

and Quillien lead patrols and missions and 

both are looking forward to the deployment 

as a way to gain more experience. 

“I will learn a lot from my Soldiers, from 

my chain of command, and from other 

Col. Michael D. Schwartz, right, and Command Sgt. Maj. Abel 

Villesca, left, salute the 111th Manauever Enhancement Brigade 

colors during a transfer of authority ceremony between KFOR 

13 and KFOR 14. Photo: Spc. Evan V. Lane 

friendly Soldiers who are around,” Tebo 

said. 

Quillen added the same sentiment of 

gaining experience for his fellow sergeants, 

and for himself while here in Kosovo. Tebo 

and Quillien are both glad to have the 

opportunity to meet Soldiers from many 

parts of the world adding to the overall 

experience of the deployment. 

The ceremony itself was a multinational 

affair with the Greek (Hellas) Band 

playing the sharp resounding notes of 

all the ceremonial music and marches, 

and each nation standing in formation 

responding to the commands of their 

respective leaders with crisp movements. 

The multihued uniforms aligned in front of 

Buehler, Schwartz and Neuman were all 

different, yet when mixed together in the 

melting pot of the NATO mission create 

a force focused on providing a sense of 

security for those in Kosovo. 

“It’s an honor for me to lead Multinational 

Battle Group East,” said Schwartz, 

“as we represent the best of the international 

community. We come from many 

areas of the world and from many different 

cultures with a shared goal of maintaining 

a safe and secure environment with freedom 

of movement throughout Kosovo.” 

As the Soldiers of KFOR 14 wish those 

who comprised KFOR 13 farewell, they 

look to the months ahead and the mission 

set forth before them. The professionals 

will spend their time here maintaining the 

liberty of movement for those in Kosovo, 

allowing for the people to conduct their 

daily business with a sense of safety and 

working with the institutions in Kosovo to 

continue to grow and strengthen.

Service before Self: A way of life 

By Staff Sgt. Rick M. Ahumada 

The United States Air Force has three 

main Core Values that Airmen model themselves 

after; “Integrity First”, “Service before 

Self” and “Excellence in all we do”. The 

Core Values are much more than minimum 

standards. They remind each Airman what it 

takes to get the mission done. They inspire 

Airmen to do their very best at all times. They 

are the common bond among all comrades 

in arms, and they are the glue that unifi es the 

Force and ties service members to the great 

warriors and public servants of the past. 

At the New Mexico Air National Guard 

150th Fighter Wing, the members are taking 

the core value “Service before Self” straight 

into the community in which they work. 

As the 150th FW prepares for the transition 

from a fi ghter wing to a multi-purpose 

wing, several squadrons found extra time 

to serve the community they enlisted to 

protect. Recently, they have been protecting 

it in an entirely different manner. 

With the economy in a recession, many 

individuals have found themselves in serious 

fi nancial distress. Some individuals and 

families have lost jobs, homes, and the ability 

to provide for themselves and their families. 

Agencies like community food banks 

and shelters have been overwhelmed by the 

demand for services and need all the donations 

and support they can get. More importantly, 

they need volunteers to help sort and 

distribute their donations and services. 

This is where the 150th Maintenance 

Operations Flight Squadron comes in. 

Tech Sgt. Jason Canham and Master Sgt. 

Mike Stage of the 150th MOF took time off 

their busy schedules to volunteer and serve 

their community. Recently, Canham coordinated 

an event where 150th MOF squadron 

members volunteered at the Road Runner 

Food Bank in Albuquerque. The volunteer 

Guardsmen and women sorted and packaged 

food for distribution to needy families. 

Another event, coordinated by Stage, 

was where the 150th MOF served breakfast 

to homeless families at Joy Junction in 

Albuquerque. 

New Mexico Air Guard members not 

only understand that they are here to serve 

our country and our state, but they also 

understand that they are here to serve the 

community in which they live and work. 

As Stage said, “It is important to help 

those in need because any one of us could 

fi nd ourselves in the same situation; and 

we would hope that there would be a place 

we could go for help.” 

As Air Guard members, it is important to 

never forget our core values: Integrity First, 

Service before Self and Excellence in all 

we do. Guard members like Canham and 

Stage remind all Guard members of the reasons 

they became Airmen and answered 

the call. 


Incredible 

Volunteers 

Cricket Pairett from the New Mexico 

Disaster Relief Group and her team of dedicated 

volunteers have donated in excess 

of 2,100 hours in daycare and youth 

program services to Guard families and 

Family Readiness volunteers at various 

New Mexico National Guard Yellow Ribbon 

Program Pre- and Post-Deployment Workshops 

in addition to the Family Program 

State Workshop, supporting both Army 

and Air Guard events since 2009. 

In addition to donating their time to our 

Guard families, they also assist the Red 

Cross and help set up daycare services 

during disaster relief efforts throughout 

the state and the nation when called upon. 

The volunteers, who undergo continual 

training, wholeheartedly donate their weekends 

to our National Guard families, keeping 

their skills honed and ensuring they 


By Eliane Notah, 

NMNG Family Program 

are ready to assist at a moment’s notice 

for any disaster. 

Over 200 Army and Air Guard children 

between infancy and 10 years of age benefi 

t from the expertise and enthusiasm 

of the volunteers. The children also have 

the opportunity to enjoy a stress-free and 

fun weekend while their parents attended 

break-out sessions to prepare them for fullcycle 

deployment through post-deployment 

reintegration. 

The Disaster Relief Group volunteers 

have a curriculum for children age 5 to 10 

and have a group of specialized volunteers 

for children under 5 years of age. They 

provide their own games, activities, supplies 

and toys for the children to keep them 

occupied for the entire workshop. 

Volunteers pour their caring energy 

into assisting our Family Program Daycare 

920th Pic & Cut 

920th 920 partakes in 

Military Appreciation Weekend 

th partakes in 

Military Appreciation Weekend 

and Youth Programs, thereby enabling our 

Guard families to attend workshops vital 

for deployment resilience. 

Family Programs has several upcoming 

workshops scheduled and the Disaster 

Relief Volunteers have already committed 

their daycare resources for these upcoming 

workshops. 

The New Mexico National Guard Family 

Program would like to take this opportunity 

to recognize Cricket Pairett and the 

team of dedicated New Mexico Disaster 

Relief Group Volunteers for the outstanding 

service they have provided to our 

guard families. 

The 920th Engineer Company had the honor of taking part of the Military Appreciation WeekWeekend in Ruidoso, N.M., April 29–May 1, 2011. Members of the 920th staged engineer equipment 

at the airport for the public to see. Two Bataan veterans as well as a Vietnam POW 

were in attendance during the weekend. The city of Ruidoso treated all branches of service 

during the weekend with a cowboy shootout and dinner on Friday, then a very elegant 

banquet on Saturday evening. Retired Brig. Gen. Jack Fox was in attendance during the 

banquet and was the guest speaker. A covenant was signed with local mayors and area 

commanders from each branch of service at the banquet.


NEWS BRIEFS 

Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, the Adjutant 

General of New Mexico, assisted newly promoted 

Col. Mark Arellano’s parents, Marie 

and Edward Arellano, in pinning colonel rank 

on his beret during a promotion ceremony. 

Lt. Col. Marc Arellano 

promoted to Colonel 

Lt. Col. Marc Arellano, the counterdrug 

coordinator and Task Force ZIA 

commander, was promoted to colonel 

April 13, 2011 at the Wyoming Armory 

in Albuquerque, N.M. 

Surrounded by friends and family 

members, Arellano’s daughter, Brittany, 

who is in the Naval ROTC at West 

Mesa High School, read his offi cial promotion 

order while his son, Marc Christopher, 

pinned his rank on his chest. 

Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant 

General for the State of New Mexico, 

assisted Arellano’s parents, Marie and 

Edward Arellano, in pinning colonel 

rank on his beret. 

“This promotion means more than a 

grade increase; rather it humbles me as 

a servant of the true patriots that got me 

where I am today - our Soldiers!” said 

Arellano. 

Change of Command 

1st Battalion, 515th Regiment 

Lt. Col. Raphael Warren relinquished 

command of the 1st Battalion, 515th 

Regiment to Lt. Col. Milo Moody during 

a Change of Command ceremony May 

14, 2011, at the Regional Training Institute 

in Santa Fe, N.M. 

“God has blessed me with the privilege 

of commanding a unit with the 

exclusive mission of training Soldiers,” 

said Moody. “I can think of no more 

noble call — apart from defending our 


Col. Thomas Bump, 515th Regional Training 

Institute commander, passes the guidon 

to the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Milo 

Moody, during a Change of Command ceremony 

for the 1st Battalion, 515th Regiment. 

freedoms or helping our citizens in 

need — than training Soldiers.” 

Moody, who enlisted in the New 

Mexico Army National Guard in 1988, 

has previously held various positions 

at the RTI which include the plans and 

operations offi cer as well as the administrative 

offi cer. 

Moody said his plan for the battalion 

is to focus their efforts on providing the 

very best training available to the Soldiers 

that walk through the RTI doors 

and produce better warriors upon completion 

of that training. 

“Without a doubt we have the very 

best NCOs as our instructors, and they’ll 

provide that training,” said Moody. “My 

desire is that the Soldiers that attend 

training here fi nd their training experience 

the very best they’ve ever encountered. 

They should feel challenged, and 

be made to operate outside of their 

individual and collective comfort zone, 

but leave with a sense of accomplishment, 

having learned something about 

themselves, their formation and about 

leading Soldiers.” 

Moody is married to the former Gloria 

M. Rivera from Santa Fe, N.M., and has 

three children; Nathan Romero 25, Milo 

W. Moody II 19 and Mariah Moody 17. 

Guard Soldier 

receives citizenship 

The title Citizen-Soldier recently 

took on new meaning for one member 

of the New Mexico National Guard. Pfc. 

Jaime Gutierrez of Headquarters and 

Headquarters Company, 111th Maneuver 

Enhancement Brigade, became a 

U.S. citizen at a ceremony during the 

December drill in Rio Rancho, N.M. 

Because of his military service, Gutierrez’s 

application for citizenship was 

expedited under special provisions of 

the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

Gutierrez immigrated to the United 

States from Mexico with his family in 

1987 when he was 7 years old. He 

said that his parents, Jaime Sr. and 

Martha Gutierrez, came to this country 

seeking “better opportunities in life.” 

His parents brought Gutierrez and his 

brother, Christian, to their new home. 

Gutierrez enlisted into the New 

Mexico National Guard in October 

2009. He completed Basic Combat 

Training at Fort Sill, Okla., and then 

graduated from Advanced Individual 

Training as a signal support systems 

specialist at Fort Gordon, Ga. Although 

joining the military was something that 

Gutierrez had always wanted to do, he 

said, he fi rst had to talk it over with his 

wife, Michelle. The couple has three 

children: daughters Angelica, age 4, 

and Valerie, 11, and Gutierrez’s stepson, 

Dominic Romero, 15. 

Since completing his initial entry 

training, Gutierrez has already enjoyed 

further travel within the United States. 

He performed temporary duty in Indiana 

and Pennsylvania helping other 

New Mexico National Guard Soldiers 

to mobilize and deploy. 

“I’d like to thank the military for the 

opportunity they’ve given me and also 

my wife for all the support she’s given 

me; she’s my rock,” Gutierrez said. 

He added that he is grateful for the 

expedited citizenship afforded by his 

military service. “It sped things up a 

lot. It really helped,” he said. 

As for becoming a U.S. citizen, Gutierrez 

simply said, “I feel better.”

Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, C Company, 1st Battalion, 

200th Infantry Regiment, is presented 

with a Certifi cate of Appreciation from Lt. Col. 

Ricky Utley and Sgt. Maj. Duane W. Parrigin, 

from the Army National Guard Affairs Offi ce 

in Germany. 

Soldiers going 

“Beyond the Standard” 

at home and abroad 

While preparing to deploy to Kosovo, 

Pfc. Alfredo Salazar, C Company, 1st 

Battalion, 200th Infantry Regiment, 

was presented with a Certifi cate of 

Appreciation from Lt. Col. Ricky Utley 

and Sgt. Maj. Duane W. Parrigin, from 

the Army National Guard Affairs Offi ce 

in Germany, for his help during his 

medical hold. 

Salazar was on a light duty profi le so 

he helped paint one of the rooms for 

ODT units in order for them to open it 

to units as a classroom. 

“He basically spackled the holes, 

taped the items and painted the room 

for us,” said Parrigin. “He asked if we 

had anything he could help with, so 

we offered it to him. He said he would 

do it.” 

Salazar also assisted the supply sergeant 

at PBO by picking up supplies 

and running errands with him. 

Parrigin and his offi ce members 

were so grateful for Salazar’s help that 

they made sure he had transportation 

to his DENTAC appointments, chow, 

etc. Once he was cleared by dental 

to return to his unit they worked it with 

JMRC S-4 to get him on the fl ight to 

Kosovo. They volunteered to take him 

to Ramstein Air Base to catch his fl ight. 

Salazar is currently back with his 

unit in Kosovo. 

615th Change of 

Command Ceremony 

A Change of Command ceremony 

for the 615th Transportation Battalion 

took place April 10, 2011, as Lt. Col. 

Mark Miera relinquished command to 

Lt. Col. Louis Herrera. 

Miera was presented with a token of 

appreciation, an eagle head, from Command 

Sgt. Maj. Andy Maestas, 615th 

Transportation Battalion CSM, on behalf 

of the enlisted Soldiers from the battalion 

for his dedication of service during 

his time as the 615th commander. 

Herrera, the incoming commander 

of the 615th and a native of Questa, 

N.M., was commissioned as a second 

lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers 

Feb. 17, 1984, through the Fort 

Benning Offi cer Candidate School 

program in Georgia. He received his 

bachelor’s degree from New Mexico 

Highlands University and his master’s 

from Purdue University and is also a 

graduate of the Tuck School of Business 

at Dartmouth College, Executive 

Management Program. 

Herrera began his military career 

on active duty with the 16th Engineer 

Combat Battalion, 1st Armored Division 

in Nuremberg, Germany. After nearly 

13 years of active service, Herrera left 

the military and joined Nextel International 

as vice president of engineering 

and operations for Latin America. In 

2006, Herrera joined the New Mexico 

National Guard as a senior engineer 

Col. Norbert Archibeque, 93rd Brigade commander, 

passes the guidon to the incoming 

commander, Lt. Col. Louis Herrera, during 

a Change of Command ceremony for the 

615th Transportation Battalion April 10, 

2011, in Springer, N.M. 

NEWS BRIEFS 

in the 111th Maneuver Enhancement 

Brigade. He was then assigned as 

the 717th Brigade Support Battalion 

executive offi cer and most recently 

was assigned as the deputy brigade 

commander for the 111th Maneuver 

Enhancement Brigade. 

Herrera is married to the former 

Elizabeth S. Rodriquez; they have three 

children, Denise, Bernadette and U.S. 

Army 2nd Lt. Louis Herrera Jr. 

Col. Donnie Quintana, the logistics deputy 

chief of staff, is pinned by his daughter, Destinie 

Quintana and his mom, Sadie, during a 

promotion ceremony March 28, 2011, at the 

Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M. 

Lt. Col. Donnie Quintana 

promoted to Colonel 

Lt. Col. Donnie Quintana, the logistics 

deputy chief of staff, was promoted to 

colonel March 28, 2011, at the Regional 

Training Institute in Santa Fe, N.M. 

Quintana was pinned by his daughter, 

Destinie Quintana and his mom, Sadie. 

“I would like to recognize and thank 

my family for all their unwavering support 

throughout my career,” said Quintana. 

“I am truly honored and humbled 

to be given the opportunity to serve in 

this capacity in such a great and professional 

organization.” 


Defending Champs Dominate TAG Challenge 



The Spring TAG Challenge, held 

May 14, 2011 at the Onate Complex in 

Santa Fe, ended with another victory 

going to B. Co. 1st Battalion, 200th 

Infantry Regiment. The defending 

champs dominated the competition 

placing 1st in three out of four team 

events and 3rd in the fi nal event. 

The fi rst event of the competition 

was completing the Army Physical 

Fitness Test, which consisted of twominute 

push-ups, two-minute sit-ups 

followed by a two-mile run. Next, 

each competitor had to complete a 

4.1-mile ruck march. The ruck sacks 

had to meet a minimum weight of 35 

pounds, making this part of the competition 

a bit more challenging. Once 

this event was completed, they made 

their way back to the PT Field where 

the pull-up competition began. Each 

member had to complete as many 

pull-ups as they could. The fi nal event 

of the day was the team relay which 

consisted of the weapon disassembly/assembly, 

water can haul, the tire 

fl ip, and the litter drag. 

Other teams that participated in the 

Spring Challenge were 226th Military 

Police Company, 717th Brigade Support 

Battalion, HHC 111th Maneuver 

Enhancement Brigade, 515th Combat 

Service Support Battalion, Joint 

Forces Headquarters, A. Co. 1st Battalion, 

200th Infantry Regiment, and 

the 615th Transportation Battalion. 

The following were given awards 

for placing in individual and team 

events: 

Fastest Ruck 

Team Name Score 

B. Co 1/200 100 

A. Co 1/200 80 

515th CCSB 60 

Fastest Relay 


A. Co 1/200 100 

515th CCSB 80 

B. Co 1/200 60 


Top Pull Up Avg. 


B. Co 1/200 100 

A. Co 1/200/615th 80 

JFHQ/615th 60 

APFT 

Female Top 3 

Name Score 

Suazo, Melanie 271 

Armada, Crisha 266 

Kee, Constance 263 

Male Top 3 

Name Score 

Espinoza, Jesse 300 

Sanchez, Christopher 299 

Goke, Richard 296

New Mexico Minuteman - Summer 2011 - Keep Trees

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