The Gem State Guardian - Spring 2011 - Keep Trees

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“How can we help?” State leadership reaches out to families at town hall meetings By Col. Tim Marsano, JFHQ-ID PAO Beginning in late January, Idaho Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gary L. Sayler led a team of offi cers and senior NCOs on a road trip around the state. The idea was to ensure an ongoing dialogue between the state’s military leadership and the family members of deployed Soldiers. The team conducted the meetings at seven locations around the state. In attendance were spouses, parents and children of members of the 116th CBCT. “How can we help?” asked Sayler. “Without strong, healthy families, we can’t have strong, healthy Soldiers.” Sayler also stressed, in each meeting, the need to keep the dialogue going with family members, family readiness groups and family assistance coordinators. He also said he was working with elected state leaders and the Idaho business community to help returning Soldiers with getting jobs. Another issue Sayler stressed was suicide prevention and resiliency training for Soldiers and families. The support is there as long as Soldiers and family members recognize the signs and work to get that help. Brig. Gen. Alan Gayhart, Idaho Army National Guard commander, took the fl oor at each town hall meeting to stress the issue of suicide prevention, as well as to discuss the upcoming demobilization when the Soldiers return in September. “There is no reason to believe Soldiers will be forced to remain in Iraq longer than that.” Once Soldiers return, the plan is to have them outprocess at Joint Base Lewis/McChord near Tacoma, Wash. That process should last about fi ve to seven days, although for some Soldiers, it could take longer. “That may not be enough time, and Soldiers should not rush it.” Soldiers need to ensure that their medical and other issues are addressed while they’re still in an active-duty status, so they can be paid while their issues are addressed. While they can get assistance for documented issues from the Veterans Administration after they leave active duty, the better way is to remain on active duty as long as it takes. “Be proud of what you and your families are doing for our nation,” said Gayhart. “Each of you and your loved ones are earning the freedom we have in this country.” He added that family members should not plan on traveling to Washington while their loved ones are there, so Soldiers can concentrate on taking care of the important business of outprocessing properly. Gayhart also made resiliency a theme at each stop. With the threat of suicide among the ranks an increasing problem, he stressed the need to recognize symptoms of the threat and the importance of reaching out to others during diffi cult times. Help is available if people ask. Lt. Col. Darren Blagburn, 116th Rear Detachment commander, discussed the leave each Soldier was to receive during the deployment and for about 30 days after the brigade returns in September. 18 The Guardian Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Downing, Idaho National Guard senior enlisted leader, addresses the audience at the Town Hall meeting in the Twin Falls Armory, Feb. 4, 2011. Photo: Col. Tim Marsano, JFHQ-ID PAO The deployment orders are for 400 days so that each Soldier can take advantage of the 30 days annual leave they accrue while serving in Iraq. He also discussed communication strategies, noting that some Soldiers in Iraq and family members are talking sometimes two or three times daily. “Create a script, using thoughts you come up with during the day and post those thoughts on your refrigerator doors,” he suggested. Blagburn also implored audience members to share the things they learn at the town hall meetings with other family members who could not attend. In addition, he discussed the options for reintegration techniques at courses to be offered as the return date closes in. Col. Anthony Wickham, the Idaho Army Guard’s personnel offi cer, offered up services like fi nancial planning and counseling opportunities for family members and Soldiers. He also discussed youth camp opportunities, available through each area’s family assistance coordinator.
Civil Support Team Members of the Idaho National Guard’s 101st WMD Civil Support Team analyze a (simulated) hazardous material at their evaluation exercise, Meridian City Hall, March 9, 2011. The 101st CST can be called into action at the request of civilian first response agencies in Idaho to provide sophisticated analysis, communications, advice and other support when needed. The team is made up of both Army and Air Guard members who train regularly with first response agencies around the state. Photo: Col. Tim Marsano, JFHQ-ID PAO SPrinG 2011 19
Page 1: IN THIS ISSUE U.S. Rep. Labrador vi
Page 4 and 5: 2 The Guardian
Page 6 and 7: Regional Training Site - Maintenanc
Page 8 and 9: 124 th Fighter Wing Operational Rea
Page 10 and 11: 2011 Soldier and NCO Best Warrior c
Page 12 and 13: New award recognizes supportive emp
Page 14 and 15: Sexual Assault Awareness and help B
Page 16 and 17: Snowmobiler rescued by Guard helico
Page 18 and 19: An HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter from
Page 22 and 23: New Lakota helicopters arrive at Go
Page 24 and 25: 22 The Guardian Gowen Airfi eld Ope
Page 26 and 27: 24 The Guardian Hiedi Young named
Page 28 and 29: “Continuous Process Improvement
Page 30: Have a great summer... By Chief War

The Gem State Guardian - Spring 2011 - Keep Trees

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