The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011
The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011
The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011
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Land Component<br />
Commander<br />
promoted to<br />
Brigadier General<br />
113th Wing passes<br />
unprecedented<br />
five major inspections<br />
First Air Force/<br />
NORAD recognizes<br />
Air Sovereignty Alert unit
STAFF<br />
Commanding General<br />
Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz<br />
Editor<br />
2nd Lt. Miranda Summers<br />
Public Affairs Officers<br />
Lt. Col. Kevin M. McAndrews<br />
Lt. Col. Brad Benson<br />
Capt. Byron Coward<br />
Capt. Elizabeth Kreft<br />
Capt. Loneshia Reed<br />
1st Lt. Alán N. Ortiz<br />
Staff Writers<br />
Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton<br />
Staff Sgt. G.H. Cureton<br />
Staff Sgt. Gary Nelson<br />
Spc. Jesse Searls, Historian<br />
Photography<br />
Senior Master Sgt. Ray Wilkerson<br />
Tech. Sgt. William Parks<br />
Tech. Sgt. Dennis Young<br />
Sgt. Khalia Jackson<br />
Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland<br />
Spc. Mark Ingutti<br />
Bob Ulin, Publisher • Marie Lundstrom, Editor<br />
Gloria Schein, Graphic Artist<br />
Chris Kersbergen, Darrell George, Advertising Sales<br />
Toll Free: (866) 562-9300 • Fax: (907) 562-9311<br />
www.AQPpublishing.com<br />
Published by AQP Publishing, Inc., a private firm in no<br />
way connected with the District of Columbia National<br />
Guard, under written contract with the District of Columbia<br />
National Guard. This District of Columbia National Guard<br />
magazine is an authorized publication for employees and<br />
military members of the District of Columbia National<br />
Guard. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the<br />
official views of, or endorsed by, the District of Columbia,<br />
the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or the<br />
District of Columbia National Guard.<br />
<strong>The</strong> appearance of advertising in this publication,<br />
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute<br />
endorsement by the District of Columbia, DoD, the District<br />
of Columbia National Guard, or the Contractor of the<br />
products or services advertised.<br />
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made<br />
available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to<br />
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,<br />
physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit<br />
factor of the purchaser, user or patron.<br />
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by<br />
the office of Public Affairs, Joint Forces Headquarters –<br />
District of Columbia National Guard. All photographs and<br />
graphic devices are copyrighted to the District of Columbia<br />
National Guard unless otherwise indicated.<br />
Arthur Hinaman receives his general’s star from his wife, Judy, and<br />
sons, Arthur III and Brian, in a ceremony held April 1. See story on<br />
page 18.<br />
Features<br />
Second Annual Unity Thunder Car Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4<br />
and DC EANGUS Car Show<br />
Ready and relevant: A look around the DCNG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6<br />
257th Army Band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8<br />
DCNG members unfurl super-flag on opening day . . . . . . . . . . . 10<br />
for Washington Nationals<br />
Master Sgt. Coombs mentors youth in the community . . . . . . . . 12<br />
Challenge program puts teenagers on the right path . . . . . . . . . . 13<br />
A small unit with a BIG mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14<br />
DCNG hosts prayer breakfast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20<br />
Departments<br />
Commanding General’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2<br />
A word from the Senior Enlisted Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4<br />
News Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15<br />
From the desk of the Command Chief Warrant Officer . . . . . . . . . .<br />
Members of the DC National Guard<br />
carry a football-field-size American<br />
flag onto the outfield for pregame<br />
ceremonies for opening day at<br />
Nationals Park in Washington,<br />
D.C., March 31.<br />
CORRECTION: On page 6 of the<br />
<strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong>s Winter <strong>2011</strong> magazine,<br />
Command Sgt. Maj. Salvatore Simonetta<br />
Jr. was incorrectly identified as Command<br />
Sgt. Maj. Richrad Espinosa.<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 1<br />
Cover Photo: Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton
Commanding General’s Column<br />
We are a talented and<br />
committed organization<br />
I was pleased to see our soldiers and airmen<br />
taking part in the Nationals Opening Day.<br />
Thanks to all those who volunteered to make it<br />
happen. It’s important to show our pride and<br />
for the community to recognize we’re here<br />
doing a great job. Unfortunately, we weren’t<br />
able to do the F-16 flyover because of cloud<br />
cover, but the Nationals appreciated our efforts<br />
to get approval and coordinate the event.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is no better place to show off our talents<br />
than at large events such as this one.<br />
Congratulations to the 113th for a job well<br />
done on their recent inspections. As you know,<br />
the 113th Wing spent many long, hard hours<br />
this past year preparing for three inspections,<br />
the Unit Compliance Inspection, Health Services<br />
Inspection and Logistics Compliance Assessment<br />
Program. <strong>The</strong> Wing did a great job; they<br />
passed all inspections including a 95 percent<br />
compliance rating on the UCI. In all, there were<br />
127 inspectors working at the unit over a fourday<br />
period.<br />
To top that off, the Wing received the First<br />
Air Force/Continental U.S. NORAD Region<br />
Meritorious Service Award for outstanding<br />
mission accomplishment. <strong>The</strong>y were recognized<br />
for their important role flying Air Sovereignty<br />
Alert missions to protect the capital after the<br />
9/11 attacks. Our fighters have now surpassed<br />
2 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
3,000 alert missions, the most of any unit<br />
in the nation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Wing also promoted three NCOs<br />
to chief master sergeant, a rank attained<br />
by only 2 percent of the enlisted force.<br />
Promotion to chief allows us to reflect on<br />
both an exemplary career to date, as well<br />
as look forward to an opportunity to<br />
demonstrate even greater leadership in<br />
the future. We were particularly pleased<br />
to celebrate the promotion of three very<br />
qualified leaders: Chief Master Sgt. Louis<br />
R. Keeler, 113th Equipment Maintenance<br />
flight superintendent, Chief Master Sgt.<br />
Kevin W. Kling and Chief Master Sgt. James<br />
T. Mathews, both of the 113th Maintenance<br />
Squadron.<br />
<strong>The</strong> DC Guard hosted its annual Joint<br />
Prayer Breakfast recently. <strong>The</strong> theme for the<br />
year was Faith in the Face of Persistent<br />
Conflict. When we look at the world around us,<br />
we see conflict everywhere. <strong>The</strong> U.S., as a<br />
leader in the free world, regularly plays a role<br />
in most conflicts. We, as men and women in<br />
uniform, realize the burden directly when we<br />
are called to leave our homes and families<br />
behind and serve our country.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Prayer Breakfast is a joyous time to<br />
come together as men and women of the DC<br />
Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz<br />
Commanding General<br />
National Guard, but it also reminds me how<br />
important spiritual support can be in times of<br />
war. When our operations tempo is as high as<br />
it is now, the stress we experience is great.<br />
It’s critical that we remember to take care of<br />
ourselves and to take care of each other.<br />
Fortunately, we have help: chaplains, Family<br />
Services, co-workers and commanders are<br />
there for you. You can rely on them for understanding<br />
and support. A shared burden is much<br />
lighter, so don’t shoulder the burden alone. If<br />
you need help, ask for it. If someone you know<br />
can use a hand, be there for them and help<br />
them find the help they need.
A word from the Senior Enlisted Leader<br />
Attitudedeterminesaltitude<br />
Recently, the 113th Wing underwent<br />
an unprecedented five simultaneous<br />
inspections with phenomenal results.<br />
Prior to the inspections, I visited the units<br />
and spoke with numerous airmen. From<br />
the first airman to the last, they all had<br />
the same positive attitude. Based on the<br />
results they achieved, I would say their<br />
attitude determined their altitude.<br />
As I visit the different units and talk<br />
with our personnel, I realize that it’s all<br />
about attitude. Just as laughing, yawning<br />
and crying are infectious, attitude is<br />
infectious. It’s the first thing people pick<br />
up on when communicating with you.<br />
By choosing a positive attitude, you set a<br />
positive tone and send out a message<br />
those around you understand, whether<br />
consciously or unconsciously.<br />
Leaders set the tone in any organization.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y supply a shared vision and<br />
inspire people to achieve more than they<br />
may have dreamed possible. Leaders<br />
articulate a shared vision in a way that<br />
inspires others to act. According to Vadim<br />
Kotelnikov, author of 12 Leadership Roles,<br />
“Inspirational leaders create an inspiring<br />
culture within their organization. People<br />
do what they have to do for a manager.<br />
Inspired and energized people do their<br />
best for an inspirational leader.”<br />
Whether you’re an AGR, technician,<br />
drill status Guard member, contractor or<br />
civilian employee, the role you play in the<br />
By 2nd Lt. Miranda Summers<br />
District of Columbia National Guard<br />
success of the DCNG is vital. Every one<br />
of us is a leader in some way. Regardless<br />
of rank or “leadership position,” we are<br />
leaders to those around us in our unit,<br />
our home and our community. As leaders,<br />
we need to remember that attitudes drive<br />
behavior – both within ourselves and in<br />
those around us. Most importantly, we<br />
must also remember that our attitude is<br />
our choice. We can’t always control the<br />
circumstances in our lives, but we have<br />
complete control over how we react to<br />
those circumstances.<br />
<strong>The</strong> DC Armory floor looked a little different March 5th<br />
and 6th. Classic, custom, street and muscle cars filled the<br />
floor as part of the second annual Car Show Benefit. <strong>The</strong><br />
Unity Thunder Car Club, an organization with a long history<br />
of supporting charitable organizations and community improvements,<br />
paired with the DC National Guard Enlisted Association<br />
for the event.<br />
Many DCNG members were there not only as D.C.<br />
National Guard Enlisted Association members, but to show off<br />
their cars. Chief Carl Flowers of the DCANG was there with<br />
his daughter, Joye, and the 1967 Camaro with a 427 big block<br />
engine they have been restoring for four years. <strong>The</strong> project<br />
now involves three generations, as Flowers’ granddaughter is<br />
now working with her aunt and grandfather. Command Sgt.<br />
4 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Chief Master Sgt. Reginald Edwards<br />
Chief Carl Flowers of the DCANG and his daughter, Joye, with the 1967<br />
Camaro they’ve been restoring together.<br />
Second Annual Unity Thunder Car Club and DC EANGUS Car Show<br />
Maj. Richard Espinosa had his<br />
antique police wagon there with<br />
some special details sure to get a<br />
smile out of visitors. <strong>The</strong> front license<br />
plate was decorated with flags, and the side window<br />
had a drive-thru tray with a special treat for the officers<br />
inside: coffee and doughnuts.<br />
<strong>The</strong> event grew considerably since last year. Chief<br />
Master Sgt. Reginald Edwards said he was grateful for the<br />
partnership. “One of the main things is getting the DC<br />
National Guard back into the community,” he said.<br />
Together with the Unity Car Club, they were able to bring<br />
more than 80 vehicles to the Armory. Edwards said he<br />
hoped that the event would keep getting bigger and<br />
become a fixture in the community.
Spc. Mark Ingutti<br />
Soldiers from the 74th Troop<br />
Command trained together at<br />
Quantico for the January IDT.<br />
Brig. Gen. Arthur Hinaman talks<br />
with food services personnel<br />
serving a hot meal at the Marine<br />
Corps MOUT site.<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 5
2nd Lt. Miranda Summers<br />
Ready and relevant: A look around<br />
State of the <strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong>s. <strong>The</strong> 33rd Civil Support team<br />
and DCNG Quick Reaction Force stood ready during the president’s<br />
State of the Union address. Approximately 170 soldiers and airmen<br />
conducted quarterly training in civil disturbance procedures including<br />
evacuation and crowd control.<br />
6 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
One City. Senior Master Sgt. Chanssez Wilkerson, Cpt.<br />
Kyle Madsen, Spc. Jesse Searls, Lt. Col. Marc Branche,<br />
Pfc. Lorie Martin and 2nd Lt. Miranda Summers participate<br />
in a photo op for the Washington, DC Mayor’s new One<br />
City campaign. <strong>The</strong> DCNG was among the groups featured<br />
in the campaign, which premiered during the State of the<br />
District Address on DC public access TV.
the DCNG<br />
Tech. Sgt. William Parks<br />
Flash Forward. <strong>The</strong> 121st Fighter Squadron, 113th Wing, District of Columbia<br />
National Guard, aircraft number 509 proudly shows off the unit’s latest tail flash.<br />
Don and Seal. Chaplain Major Myrtle Brown ensures a good seal during a gas<br />
mask fit test. <strong>The</strong> DC Air National Guard is replacing all MCU-2 A/P gas masks<br />
with the new M50 gas masks. <strong>The</strong> new M50 gas mask has twin conformal filters,<br />
which allow 50 percent improvement in breathing resistance and more than 24<br />
hours of protection against chemical or biological agents and radioactive<br />
particulate matter.<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 7<br />
Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Sheila Klotz,<br />
commander of the 275th Army<br />
Band, is continually improving<br />
the direction for the Band of the Nation’s<br />
<strong>Capital</strong>.<br />
This year will be no exception. In her<br />
newest addition for the 257th’s upcoming<br />
summer concert tour, Klotz is adding<br />
some funky beats to the band’s repertoire.<br />
Klotz, a drummer by trade, says the<br />
band is well beyond the expectations she<br />
had when she became commander a few<br />
years ago.<br />
“I am now the weakest link in the<br />
band!” she joked while demonstrating<br />
8 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
the funky beat on the drums.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new beat has undertones of tunes<br />
played by Tower of Power, an American<br />
R&B, soul and funk-based band that<br />
has been performing for four decades;<br />
Parliament-Funkadelic, a group that<br />
plays funk, soul and rock music; and<br />
music by Chick Corea, an American jazz<br />
pianist and keyboardist whose compositions<br />
are considered by many to be<br />
jazz standards.<br />
During its summer tour, the 257th<br />
will be playing some of the most famous<br />
pieces of music ever written, Klotz said.<br />
But if you’re curious about what they’ll<br />
Saxophonist Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia<br />
Marr regularly dazzles audiences.<br />
have on tap, she said, you’ll have to<br />
come see them perform. That’s one cat<br />
she’s not letting out of the bag.<br />
Klotz started her military career in the<br />
U.S. Air Force Band as a percussionist.<br />
She later transferred to the 257th and<br />
quickly rose through the ranks to become<br />
commander.<br />
Her attention to detail, tireless work<br />
ethic, enthusiasm and passion have been<br />
instrumental in the 257th’s success. Year<br />
after year, the band is a favorite around<br />
the region, including an annual Fourth<br />
of July concert in York, Penn., where they<br />
attract a crowd of more than 40,000.<br />
Adding to its list of accomplishments,<br />
the 257th was the first National Guard<br />
band in history to play for a president<br />
during Obama’s inaugural ball in 2009.
Bass player Pfc. Anthony Jenkins, a top musician,<br />
achieved a perfect score at the Army Schoolhouse.<br />
257thArmyBandSchedule<br />
JULY 1, <strong>2011</strong> • Friday<br />
5:30 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Calvert Marine Museum<br />
Solomon’s Island, MD<br />
6:30 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Calvert Marine Museum<br />
Solomon’s Island, MD<br />
JULY 4, <strong>2011</strong> – Monday<br />
12:00 Noon<br />
CEREMONIAL BAND<br />
America’s Independence Day Parade<br />
Constitution Avenue<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
6:16 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Reston Town Center<br />
Reston, VA<br />
7:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Reston Town Center<br />
Reston, VA<br />
JULY 5, <strong>2011</strong> – Tuesday<br />
6:15 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Community College Amphitheatre<br />
Hagerstown, MD<br />
6:30 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
HCC Amphitheatre<br />
Hagerstown, MD<br />
JULY 8, <strong>2011</strong> – Friday<br />
6:15 P.M. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Annapolis Town Center<br />
Annapolis, MD<br />
7:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Annapolis Town Center<br />
Annapolis, MD<br />
Individual band standouts include Sgt. Vicki Golding, winner of<br />
the Armed Forces Military Idol contest. Golding, who also performs<br />
percussion, is in constant demand to sing the national anthem at local<br />
events that draw thousands of spectators, including the Washington<br />
Redskins’ and Wizards’ games.<br />
Private First Class Anthony Jenkins is considered a top musician<br />
as well, achieving a perfect score at the Army School of Music, and<br />
saxophonist Sgt. First Class Cynthia Marr, who plays almost beyond<br />
comprehension, Klotz said.<br />
Far from letting the 257th rest on its laurels, Klotz will have the<br />
band ready to go for its tour this summer July 1-16. <strong>The</strong> new music<br />
planned will challenge the band, she said, but they will rise to the<br />
occasion. “<strong>The</strong> band is going to shine.”<br />
Editor’s note: Chief Klotz was recently featured in an article in Tom<br />
Tom Magazine entitled “<strong>The</strong> Percussion Eruption.” To read the article,<br />
go to tomtommag.com/blog/?p=5417.<br />
JULY 9, <strong>2011</strong> – Saturday<br />
6:15 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
National Harbor<br />
National Harbor, MD<br />
7:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
National Harbor Stage<br />
National Harbor, MD<br />
JULY 11, <strong>2011</strong> – Monday<br />
6:15 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Market Square Area<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
7:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Market Square<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
JULY 12, <strong>2011</strong>–Tuesday<br />
12:00 Noon<br />
CAPITAL MESSENGERS<br />
Boulevard at <strong>Capital</strong> Centre<br />
Landover, MD<br />
6:15 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
National Mall<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
7:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
World War II Memorial<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
JULY 13, <strong>2011</strong> – Wednesday<br />
6:45 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Connaughton Plaza<br />
Woodbridge, VA<br />
7:30 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Connaughton Plaza<br />
Woodbridge, VA<br />
JULY 14, <strong>2011</strong>–Thursday<br />
11:00 a.m.<br />
Clinicians/Master Classes<br />
Nova<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
12:00 Noon<br />
CAPITAL MESSENGERS<br />
Nova Alexandria<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
6:45 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Schlesinger Concert Hall<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
7:30 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Schlesinger Concert Hall<br />
Alexandria, VA<br />
JULY 15, <strong>2011</strong> – Friday<br />
6:45 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Harris Pavillion<br />
Manassas, VA<br />
7:30 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Harris Pavillion<br />
Manassas, VA<br />
JULY 16, <strong>2011</strong> – Saturday<br />
5:15 p.m. – 3 DAY PASS<br />
Lurman Woodland <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
Cantonsville, MD<br />
6:00 p.m. – CONCERT BAND<br />
Lurman Woodland <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
Cantonsville, MD<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 9
DCGuardmembersunfurl<br />
super-flagonopeningday for<br />
Washington Nationals<br />
More than 150 airmen and soldiers from the District of Columbia<br />
National Guard, including some volunteer Fort Meyer soldiers<br />
from the National <strong>Capital</strong> Region, teamed up to unfurl a<br />
100-foot-by-300-foot American super-flag on opening<br />
day at Nationals Field.<br />
By Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton<br />
113th Wing Public Affairs<br />
<strong>The</strong> Nationals’ organization has<br />
incorporated the DC National Guard in<br />
their opening day pregame ceremonies for<br />
the past five years. Highlighting military<br />
members is a way they can appropriately<br />
honor our men and women in uniform<br />
here in the nation’s capital.<br />
Children of service members were<br />
allowed on the field before the game.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y were able to greet the starters as<br />
they ran onto the field.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Navy Band performed “America<br />
the Beautiful” prior to the game. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
also played the national anthem while<br />
the 100’ by 300’ flag was unfurled.<br />
Two members of the National Guard<br />
were individually recognized prior to the<br />
start of the game. Staff Sgt. Jenna Hall,<br />
10 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Tech. Sgt. Tyrell Heaton
Members of the DC National Guard carry a football-field-size American flag<br />
onto the outfield for pregame ceremonies for opening day at Nationals Park in<br />
Washington, D.C., March 31. Members of the color guard (showing on the big<br />
screen) move into position for the national anthem played by the Navy Band.<br />
Children of military members welcome the Nationals players as they are<br />
announced during pregame ceremonies on opening day at Nationals Park.<br />
Unit Training Manager with the 113th<br />
Maintenance Group, DC Air National<br />
Guard and Bronze Star recipient, and<br />
Staff Sergeant Timothy Huggins of the<br />
58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,<br />
Maryland Army National Guard.<br />
Hall was recognized for her service<br />
during Operation Iraqi Freedom and volunteering<br />
to serve additional time beyond<br />
her deployment in Iraq.<br />
“It’s an honor to be recognized in front<br />
of such a big crowd,” she said. “<strong>The</strong>re are<br />
a lot of other Guardsmen who have done a<br />
lot of impressive things, and I feel proud<br />
to serve with them.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> attendance at the game surpassed<br />
40,000 fans.<br />
“Being able to cover an event this way<br />
is a great way to showcase the DC National<br />
Guard,” said Lt. Col. Dewey Wiseman,<br />
Joint Force Headquarters, DC National<br />
Guard. <strong>The</strong> airmen and soldiers who<br />
volunteered met at Nationals Field eight<br />
hours prior to the game for a 10- to 15minute<br />
run-through before the opening<br />
ceremony.<br />
During this time, each airman and<br />
soldier was given a specific job to ensure<br />
that the massive flag could be opened<br />
without touching the ground. <strong>The</strong> flag<br />
was so large that it would nearly cover a<br />
football field.<br />
Despite the down time between the<br />
practice and the actual ceremony, airmen<br />
and soldiers maintained high spirits.<br />
Tech. Sgt. Mike McKenna, Avionics,<br />
113th Wing Maintenance Squadron, has<br />
participated in the past five opening<br />
ceremonies for the Nationals.<br />
“It’s a privilege,” McKenna said.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>re’s a tremendous sense of pride<br />
being on the field.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> soldiers and airmen had an<br />
incentive for volunteering for this assignment<br />
as they received tickets for the game<br />
in addition to standing on the field for the<br />
pregame ceremonies.<br />
As the volunteers made their way to<br />
the stands after the opening ceremonies,<br />
many encountered grateful fans. Soldiers<br />
and airmen continually heard “Thank you<br />
for your service” from fans as they walked<br />
through the concourse and stadium.<br />
Pride and honor seemed to be the<br />
theme for the volunteers. “Hearing the<br />
roar of the fans after the national anthem<br />
is really heartfelt,” said Staff Sgt. John<br />
Griffin, jet engine mechanic, 113th Wing<br />
Maintenance Squadron. “It makes me<br />
proud to wear the uniform.”<br />
“I felt a lot of pride when the crowd<br />
roared as the flag opened,” said Tech. Sgt.<br />
Stephen Zakszeki, aircraft electrician,<br />
113th Wing Maintenance Squadron.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Nationals lost 2-0 to the Atlanta<br />
Braves.
<strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong> Youth Challenge Program<br />
Master Sgt. Coombs mentors youth in the community<br />
By Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews<br />
Public Affairs Officer<br />
Most people wouldn’t think that<br />
getting a job as a dishwasher at<br />
the International House of<br />
Pancakes would be the start of a successful<br />
and lucrative career, but that’s exactly<br />
what happened in the case of Master<br />
Sgt. Frank Coombs, a longtime member<br />
of the DC Air National Guard.<br />
At the time, he was a teenager who<br />
had his own business cutting lawns<br />
when one of his best friends asked him<br />
to tag along while he went to apply for a<br />
job at the IHOP near College Park, Md.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y asked me if I wanted to apply,<br />
but I told them I was just there with my<br />
friend,” Coombs recalls of that fateful<br />
day in 1981. “But they talked me into<br />
applying. <strong>The</strong>y ended up hiring me and<br />
not my friend.”<br />
Coombs’ father was skeptical about<br />
the job working out for his son.<br />
“He told me that I was used to<br />
running my own business,” Coombs said.<br />
“He didn’t think I’d like working for<br />
someone else.” But he let him take the<br />
job. That turned out to be the best thing<br />
he could have done now that Coombs<br />
owns his own IHOP in Forestville, Md.<br />
He could sell the business today for<br />
somewhere around $2 million.<br />
That makes him a self-made<br />
millionaire, but you’d never know it. He’s<br />
a mild-mannered NCO with a good<br />
sense of humor who knows how to<br />
handle business in the Director of Staff<br />
- Air office for the DC Guard’s Joint<br />
Force Headquarters. He goes about his<br />
job quietly and – at times – unnoticeably,<br />
but he always gets the job done.<br />
In the meantime, he keeps his<br />
restaurant going strong and juggles more<br />
responsibilities for needy community<br />
organizations than you can shake a<br />
stick at. That list includes serving on the<br />
board of Melwood, an organization that<br />
helps mentally challenged people find<br />
jobs, and the DC Guard’s <strong>Capital</strong><br />
<strong>Guardian</strong> Youth Challenge program,<br />
now in its fifth year.<br />
“I think it’s important to give back<br />
to the community,” Coombs said.<br />
“Especially kids. Someone gave me a<br />
chance, and that’s what I try to do with<br />
kids in the Youth Challenge program.”<br />
12 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Master Sgt. Coombs talks to Challenge graduate Demetrius Peeler at his<br />
IHOP in Forestville. Peeler now works at the restaurant.<br />
His belief in hard work has rubbed<br />
off on more than a few people, including<br />
a dozen Youth Challenge graduates<br />
who’ve come to work at his restaurant.<br />
Over the years he’s managed and worked<br />
with hundreds of young people, and<br />
many of them have made good, including<br />
a medical doctor and successful<br />
business investor. He recently hired a<br />
Challenge grad who plans on getting<br />
into Howard University and eventually<br />
becoming a lawyer.<br />
“You never know when something<br />
you might say influences someone’s life,”<br />
he said. “I ran into one of my former<br />
employees who got into business because<br />
I used to talk to him about investments.”<br />
Sometimes, a little bit of happenstance<br />
helps, too. Frank was apparently<br />
pretty cute to the customers of that first<br />
IHOP he worked at. He used to wear a<br />
funny hat, and the customers liked it.<br />
When they came in they asked to see<br />
Frank, so they’d drag him away from<br />
the dishes to bring him out front. That<br />
turned into an opportunity to host, which<br />
eventually gave him a chance to actually<br />
manage.<br />
He went from one store to the next<br />
in the area, always learning, always<br />
taking a step up, until he finally got his<br />
own store to manage. Things were going<br />
well there until an evaluator showed up<br />
one day for IHOP.<br />
“He told me I didn’t know how to<br />
manage a store,” Coombs laughs.<br />
That led him to make an offer on<br />
the IHOP in Forestville, and the rest is<br />
history.<br />
Coombs is a lifetime Washingtonian<br />
who graduated from Dunbar High<br />
School, which is another reason he’s<br />
devoted to helping the community. He’s<br />
seen too many folks in Washington –<br />
kids and adults – choose drugs and the<br />
gangster lifestyle. He knows where that<br />
can lead.<br />
One of those people includes Rayful<br />
Edmond, a fellow he graduated with<br />
from Dunbar in 1982. He, too, became<br />
a millionaire. In fact, his drug business<br />
was earning him an estimated $300<br />
<strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong> Youth Challenge at a glance:<br />
• Program for high school dropouts<br />
• Eligibility - 16 to 18 years of age, drug free<br />
• Location - Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.<br />
• Contact - Barbara Brown 202-685-9986<br />
Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews
million annually, and he used to frequent<br />
Frank’s restaurant.<br />
“He’d say, ‘Frank, you’re still here,’”<br />
Coombs recalls. “He wasn’t just a drug<br />
dealer. He was a kingpin. He had a lot<br />
of bling, cars, and women. He had so<br />
much money he had to carry it around<br />
in duffle bags.”<br />
Unfortunately Rayful paid the price<br />
that many do, and he isn’t enjoying the<br />
fruits of his labor these days. He’s<br />
doing more than one life sentence without<br />
parole after being arrested at age 24<br />
on several felonies, including dealing<br />
cocaine. His legacy includes introducing<br />
crack cocaine into the Greater<br />
Washington area and running an<br />
organization credited with at least 30<br />
murders in what used to be known as<br />
the murder capital of the nation.<br />
“A lot of kids today see all the money<br />
and the bling that goes with that<br />
lifestyle,” Coombs says. “<strong>The</strong>y want the<br />
fast money. But I try to ask them,<br />
should you do this to have all that or,<br />
should you work for it? Sometimes you<br />
just have to go out and work for it.”<br />
His classmate Edmond had exceptional<br />
marketing skills, Coombs said. If<br />
he had applied his skills to a Fortune<br />
500 company, he would have gone<br />
straight to the top, he said, but it’s too<br />
late for that now.<br />
And what happened to his best friend<br />
who didn’t get hired by IHOP way back<br />
when? Well, the Rev. Grant Thompson is<br />
now a pastor of a church in Washington,<br />
and the two are friends to this day.<br />
Challenge program puts<br />
teenagers on the right path<br />
By Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews<br />
Public Affairs Officer<br />
Demetrius Peeler looked across the table and recalled the day he decided to do something with his<br />
life. He’d been around enough of his friends to know the path they were headed in involved drugs,<br />
robbing people and fighting, sometimes with guns.<br />
“A lot of my friends have been lost to the streets,” Peeler said. “I just made up my mind that I didn’t<br />
want to go that way.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> same day he thought about his decision to go another direction, he was headed to the funeral of<br />
a 20-year-old friend who was shot and killed the week before, leaving a 2-year-old son behind.<br />
While he doesn’t think his friend was involved in any wrongdoing, his death underscored his thoughts<br />
about graduating from the <strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong> Youth Challenge Academy a year ago. He’s now working at<br />
the International House of Pancakes restaurant in Forestville, Md., and thinking about his future.<br />
“Regular school wasn’t working out for me,” Demetrius said. “I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to<br />
do, so military school seemed like a good choice.”<br />
He’d heard about the Challenge program from his cousin, who also graduated from the academy. At<br />
that point, he just had too much time on his hands in between school, and it was hard for him to focus<br />
because of the things that go on in a rough neighborhood. He needed more guidance than he was getting.<br />
Even though he was in a good school, “there were too many distractions for me. I needed to get<br />
away so I could think about life,” he said.<br />
Once he graduated from Challenge, Youth Challenge administrator Barbara Brown and Master Sgt.<br />
Frank Coombs of the D.C. Air National Guard took him under their wing. Coombs is owner of the IHOP<br />
where Demetrius now works. He’s finishing his GED and is exploring options like a railroad apprenticeship<br />
in Atlanta.<br />
During his time at the academy, he got involved in as much as he could, playing softball and basketball,<br />
being a part of student government, and joining the Honor Corps, which has older cadets talk to the<br />
cadets in the class coming up, encouraging them to stay in the program and graduate.<br />
It’s hard and some people quit, Demetrius said, but it’s well worth the effort to graduate.<br />
“It was a good choice for me,” he said. “It gave me a better understanding of life, and it’s given me<br />
patience.”<br />
After his cousin told him about the program, he did his own research and decided to go for it.<br />
“I learned that life is about more than having fun,” he said. “It’s about getting knowledge, and<br />
knowledge is power.”<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 13
Spotlight on the 1946th Contingency Contracting Team<br />
A small unit with a BIG mission<br />
By Spc. Jesse Searls<br />
JFHQ-PAO Resident Historian<br />
One of the DCNG’s newest units<br />
is also one of the smallest. At full<br />
strength at opening formation,<br />
the1946th Contingency Contracting<br />
Team has only four names on its unit<br />
roster. Its small size, however, belies a<br />
huge mission and a broad expanse of<br />
technical skills and education.<br />
Only two short years ago, the 1946th<br />
CCT was formed in 2009 under the<br />
74th Troop Command. <strong>The</strong> unit is<br />
commanded by Maj. Mark Hutchinson<br />
with 1st Lt. Ural Jones as the second<br />
officer. Sgt. Jacqueline Brown and Sgt.<br />
1st Class David Bangura fill the enlisted<br />
ranks. Bangura, the unit NCO in charge,<br />
has been with the unit since its inception.<br />
He said the unit’s mission is “to enable<br />
effective and efficient contracting in<br />
support of deployed forces and humanitarian<br />
operations through innovative<br />
policy, guidance and oversight.”<br />
When in garrison, the 1946th is<br />
part of the DCNG United States<br />
Property & Fiscal Office, and drills on Bolling Air Force Base.<br />
While deployed to a theater of operations, Bangura explained,<br />
“We will fall under a battalion-sized element and will perform<br />
purchasing and acquisitions for them.” In a deployment environment,<br />
“getting the gear” by contracting for the needs of an<br />
army can be a major factor in mission effectiveness.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 1946th places logistical expertise at a tactical level to<br />
help units get what they need to get the job done. In preparation<br />
for a possible deployment next year, the 1946th conducts<br />
productive, mission-oriented training just as any other unit<br />
preparing for deployment does. A typical drill includes training<br />
under the USP&FO to do full-time contracting and might<br />
involve DA Form 1379s, PD2 software, and the standards and<br />
ethics of contracting. <strong>The</strong> CCT also trains with other CCTs<br />
from around the country.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 1946th packs quite a punch when it comes to professional<br />
education. Each member of the 1946th is trained under<br />
the Army logistics branch where they learn skills that correlate<br />
directly to the civilian sector. Playing on the strengths of each<br />
member, all four members of the unit bring outside experience<br />
to the DC Guard from their work in acquisition-related fields<br />
during the week. Two members have full-time jobs in auditing;<br />
two have jobs in contracting.<br />
Team members are trained to an incredible degree through<br />
the logistics branch and Defense Acquisition University. Stated<br />
officially, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement<br />
Act requires Level II certification and on-the-job experience<br />
for MOS 51C for NCOs and Functional Area 51 for officers.<br />
14 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
and<br />
Sgt. 1st Class David Bangura<br />
1946th Contingency Contracting Team<br />
1st Lt. Ural Jones, Master Sgt. Leslie Riffey, Sgt. 1st Class David Bangura and<br />
Maj. Mark Hutchinson during a training session.<br />
<strong>The</strong> training requirements consist of online, resident courses<br />
and on-the-job training.<br />
As contracts management sergeant, Bangura elaborated<br />
on the Army training. To become a Certified Acquisition<br />
Professional, he said, Level I is achieved by completing online<br />
contracting courses with the Defense Acquisition University,<br />
followed by an intensive six-week program held at the Army<br />
Logistics University located at the University of Alabama in<br />
Huntsville. For team members to earn their level II DAWIA<br />
certification, they must also complete online classes prior to<br />
completing the six weeks of graduate level II courses at the<br />
Army Logistics University.<br />
Completing their education is only one step in the process for<br />
these “logistics warriors.” Once a team member earns a level<br />
II certification, they are eligible for selection for an appointment<br />
giving them the authority to legally bind the government<br />
in a contract valued up to $5 million. Contracts that the 1946th<br />
deals with are from the U.S. Army classes of supply covered<br />
in FM 4-0. <strong>The</strong> only class of supply not dealt with by the team<br />
is class VI, or personal demand items, such as alcohol, snacks<br />
or cigarettes.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 1946th Contingency Contracting Team may not be a<br />
unit that you’ve trained beside, but their work has undoubtedly<br />
had an effect on every soldier in the DCNG.<br />
Editor’s Note: Starting with this first article on the DCNG’s own<br />
Contingency Contracting Team, the <strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong> will present<br />
special reports in later issues on smaller units within the<br />
DC National Guard.
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS<br />
113th Wing promotes three chiefs<br />
during historic ceremony<br />
Chief Master Sgts. Louis R. Keeler, Kevin W. Kling and James T. Mathews (left to right) extinguish the candles during their<br />
promotion ceremony. <strong>The</strong> 113th Maintenance Squadron held its first-ever pinning of three chief master sergeants during a<br />
promotion ceremony on Feb. 12, <strong>2011</strong>, at Hangar 18, Andrews Air Force Base.<br />
By Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland<br />
113th Wing Public Affairs Office<br />
<strong>The</strong> DC Air National Guard’s firstever<br />
promotion of three chief<br />
master sergeants was celebrated<br />
in a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews on<br />
Feb. 13, <strong>2011</strong>.<br />
“This is a historic moment for the DC<br />
National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Errol R.<br />
Schwartz, commanding general of the<br />
DC National Guard. “We’ve never been<br />
able to promote three chiefs since the<br />
beginning of the DC Air Guard more<br />
than 70 years ago. I’m proud of their<br />
accomplishments.”<br />
With more than 70 years of combined<br />
experience, Chief Master Sgt. Louis R.<br />
Keeler, 113th Equipment Maintenance<br />
Flight superintendent; Chief Master<br />
Sgt. Kevin W. Kling and Chief Master<br />
Sgt. James T. Mathews, both of the 113th<br />
Maintenance Squadron, were officially<br />
pinned in a ceremony at Hangar 16 on<br />
Andrews Air Force Base.<br />
Family, friends and fellow airmen<br />
looked on as Kling received his stripes<br />
from his two children, 2nd Lt. Adam<br />
Kling and Airman 1st Class Jenna Kling.<br />
Kling also presented his son, Adam, with<br />
his first chief’s coin.<br />
Keeler was pinned by his two sons,<br />
Jonathon and Zachary. He also recognized<br />
his wife’s sacrifice while he was<br />
deployed.<br />
Lt. Col. Marshall S. Glasser, the<br />
commander of the 113th Maintenance<br />
Squadron, highlighted each of their<br />
careers and collective contributions to<br />
the unit and the district. He said the<br />
three embodied the core values of the<br />
United States Air Force, “Integrity First,<br />
Service Before Self, Excellence in All<br />
We Do.”<br />
Being promoted to chief master<br />
sergeant is no easy feat. It is the pinnacle<br />
of any enlisted career. Only 2 percent of<br />
the enlisted force ever make it to the rank<br />
of chief master sergeant.<br />
<strong>The</strong> wing’s current chiefs were all<br />
present to offer support and encouragement<br />
to the new chiefs. <strong>The</strong> ceremonial<br />
lighting of the candles, which indicate<br />
the ranks the chiefs have to pass through,<br />
were lit, then extinguished, leaving<br />
the one candle representing the rank<br />
of E-9.<br />
<strong>The</strong> afternoon ceremony was<br />
attended by about 120 fellow airmen and<br />
family members.<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 15<br />
Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS<br />
Tech. Sgt. Parks named USAF’s<br />
Illustrator of the Year<br />
If you went to the Awards and Decorations Ceremony<br />
program, NGAUS/EANGUS conference or Military Ball, you<br />
may have noticed the posters, brochures and pamphlets for<br />
those events. Here at DC National Guard, Tech. Sgt. William<br />
Parks is the person behind the artwork. Parks is a visual<br />
information specialist and webmaster/art director for the DC<br />
National Guard. Recently, Parks was recognized as the National<br />
Guard’s Graphic Illustrator of the Year.<br />
This work is the culmination of a lifelong interest in art for<br />
Parks. In the first grade, 6-year-old Will won a state award for<br />
a print he made, and was asked to start art classes immediately.<br />
As a high schooler, Parks won several art contests, the most<br />
memorable being a life-sized paper mache sculpture of a toilet.<br />
“I wanted to go to art school, but realized that I couldn’t<br />
afford it,” Parks said. “I came from a military family, and my<br />
mom suggested that I join the Air Force or Navy. I didn’t want<br />
to spend that much time on a boat.”<br />
Preventing sexual assault<br />
is everyone’s duty<br />
By Melvene Lanier<br />
JFHQ-Alternate Sexual Response Coordinator<br />
We are privileged to work in an organization whose core<br />
values include integrity and selfless service. Integrity is the<br />
willingness to do what is right legally and morally, even<br />
when no one is looking. It is the moral compass, the inner<br />
voice, the voice of self-control. Selfless Service is looking<br />
out for the welfare of others. How many times have we<br />
heard of our members rescuing people during an emergency—car<br />
accident, fire, child drowning? Everyone has<br />
the opportunity to be a bystander; intervention is a choice.<br />
Your involvement in preventing sexual assault is needed.<br />
Don’t let your “Guard” down but always be aware of behavior<br />
that may lead to a sexual assault. Every two minutes someone<br />
16 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Not realizing that<br />
graphic artist was a<br />
possible military career<br />
choice, Parks enlisted as<br />
a ground radio operator<br />
and then re-trained as a<br />
fuel handler. “I asked my recruiter about graphic design, and<br />
he said that the Air Force didn’t offer it as a career field.”<br />
Later, while assigned as a fuel handler at Andrews AFB, Parks<br />
did some investigation and found the Visual Information office.<br />
He interviewed with the chief, who wanted to take him<br />
immediately but there were no open slots in the whole career<br />
field. <strong>The</strong> chief “pushed the envelope and ended up taking it<br />
up to the Pentagon.” In 2001, Parks was offered training at<br />
the Defense Information School and began a new phase of his<br />
military career more in line with his lifelong passion for art.<br />
In 2007, Parks was able to take advantage of Palace Chase<br />
to transfer to the DC National Guard and came to work full<br />
time at Joint Force Headquarters public affairs in January 2010.<br />
He works in web production, graphic design and photography.<br />
His work is a regular feature in the <strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong>, including<br />
the masthead on the front cover. He has also done the web<br />
design on the DCNG homepage and contributed to the<br />
Potomac Air Monthly, and the <strong>Capital</strong> Flyer. He has designed<br />
numerous challenge coins and T-shirts for units in the 113th<br />
Wing as well as Joint Force Headquarters and routinely<br />
contributes photographs.<br />
While not at work, Will does freelance work with his wife,<br />
Kelly, a fellow graphic designer. He has two sons who are<br />
already showing promise in arts and music. Parks now goes on<br />
to represent the Air National Guard in the Air Force Media<br />
Contest.<br />
Live 1-on-1 Help Confidential Worldwide 24/7<br />
Help is just a Click,<br />
Call or Text away!<br />
For confidential victim assistance visit www.SafeHelpline.org<br />
in the United States is sexually assaulted. Approximately twothirds<br />
of assaults are committed by someone known to the<br />
victim and 60 percent do not report the assault. Although you<br />
may not be directly affected by sexual assault, “Hurts one.<br />
Affects all.”<br />
As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, everyone<br />
has a role in preventing sexual assaults. Live the core values<br />
and don’t be a bystander who watches, be a bystander who<br />
intervenes.
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS<br />
By Maj. Michael Croker and<br />
Senior Master Sgt. David Callaghan<br />
113th Operations Group<br />
Members of the Aircrew Flight Equipment section of<br />
the 121st Fighter Squadron and the 113th Operations<br />
Group participated in an off-site Combat Survival<br />
Refresher Training on Feb. 12. <strong>The</strong> training was a joint<br />
effort of participants from the DC Army National Guard<br />
and 113th Intel, Security Forces, Aircrew Flight Equipment<br />
and Operations Support elements.<br />
<strong>The</strong> training was composed of classroom training<br />
followed by a four-hour field exercise.<br />
CST is just one of the recurring training requirements<br />
for pilots following their initial Survival Evasion<br />
Resistance and Escape qualification. Additionally, the<br />
training is vital to the unit’s preparation for future Air<br />
Expeditionary Force Deployments.<br />
<strong>The</strong> pilots participated in various field training events<br />
including donning camouflaged face paint, employing flares,<br />
practicing evasion and survival tactics and initiating personnel<br />
recovery.<br />
Pilots also practiced communication techniques with<br />
indigenous personnel, i.e. local sympathizers, as well as with<br />
helicopter rescue forces in order to coordinate recovery.<br />
After a successful recovery, the pilots were then flown to<br />
<strong>The</strong> 121st Fighter Squadron and 113th Operations<br />
Group members learn survival techniques including<br />
use of survival radios and signaling devices during<br />
their Combat Survival Refresher Training.<br />
121st Fighter Squadron provides combat<br />
survival training<br />
the Joint Base Andrews flight line where they were back in a<br />
“safe zone” within friendly territory.<br />
<strong>The</strong> training session also served as an opportunity for<br />
AFE trainers to be certified by a National Guard Bureau survival<br />
instructor. Master Sgt. Sheron Mason, 121 FS, AFE NCO,<br />
was certified by NGB SERE Functional Area Manager as a<br />
qualified CST instructor.<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 17<br />
Photos: Maj. Michael Croker and<br />
Senior Master Sgt. David Callaghan
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS<br />
Pilot trades in colonel’s<br />
wings for a star<br />
By First Sgt. Gigail Cureton<br />
715th Public Affairs Detachment<br />
Brig. Gen. Arthur W. Hinaman was promoted to his current<br />
rank in a ceremony held at the District of Columbia National<br />
Guard Armory on April 1. Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz,<br />
commanding general, District of Columbia National Guard,<br />
presided over the ceremony, which was attended by his fellow<br />
<strong>Capital</strong> <strong>Guardian</strong>s, other military personnel, local political<br />
leaders and Hinaman’s family and friends.<br />
Hinaman has served as the Land Component Commander<br />
since October 2009. In his current role, he is responsible for<br />
the overall readiness, training, maintenance, and operational<br />
employment of the units assigned and attached to the District<br />
of Columbia Army National Guard. He will continue his focus<br />
on the soldiers of the DC National Guard, which is dedicated<br />
to supporting the nation’s capital.<br />
In a speech laced with humor and emotion, the newest<br />
general officer in the DC National Guard thanked the hundreds<br />
of military personnel who helped him throughout his career.<br />
“You are truly the ones who have earned this rank, and I will<br />
use it to make your lives better,” Hinaman said.<br />
Hinaman was commissioned in 1982 through the Reserve<br />
Officer Training Corps program at the Pennsylvania State<br />
University. Previously, Hinaman served in the District of<br />
Columbia National Guard as the commander, 74th Troop<br />
Command; chief of staff, Army; deputy director of the Joint<br />
Staff; and state Army aviation officer. While deployed in<br />
18 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Brig. Gen. Arthur Hinaman, center, is presented with his<br />
command flag by Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Espinosa,<br />
land component command sergeant major, and Sgt. Julia<br />
Keith of the DCNG Color Guard.<br />
support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Hinaman served as<br />
the commander, Air Corps Advisory Group in Kabul,<br />
Afghanistan.<br />
<strong>The</strong> general is an Army pilot with over 2,000 flight hours<br />
on aircraft such as the TH-55, UH-1, AH-1 and C-12.<br />
Awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service<br />
Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf<br />
Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf<br />
Clusters, and Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal<br />
with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.<br />
Nation's busiest Air Sovereignty Alert unit earns<br />
Meritorious Service Award from<br />
First Air Force/NORAD<br />
<strong>The</strong> District of Columbia National<br />
Guard’s 113th Wing was recently<br />
awarded the First Air Force/Continental<br />
U.S. NORAD Region Meritorious<br />
Service Award for outstanding mission<br />
accomplishment.<br />
One of its major achievements this<br />
year was surpassing 3,000 alert responses,<br />
the highest of any air sovereignty alert<br />
unit in the nation, according to Air Force<br />
Lt. Col. Susan Romano of First Air Force.<br />
“I am very proud of the team effort<br />
that this entire wing puts into defending<br />
the skies of our nation’s capital,” said Air<br />
Force Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Johnson,<br />
113th Wing commander.<br />
“I would like to further recognize the<br />
entire Air Sovereignty Alert Detachment,<br />
commanded by [Air Force] Lt. Col.<br />
Scott Arbogast, for their never-ending<br />
commitment to excellence and air<br />
sovereignty alert readiness.”<br />
ASA’s mission began on 9/11 minutes<br />
after an airliner piloted by terrorists<br />
crashed into the Pentagon. Smoke from<br />
the attack could be seen by an incoming<br />
F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter pilot, who<br />
was ordered to stay airborne by the White<br />
House to protect Washington, D.C., from<br />
other potential attacks that day.<br />
Since that time, the unit has become<br />
the busiest among the 18 ASA sites in the<br />
nation due to its proximity to Washington.<br />
<strong>The</strong> National Guard operates 16 of<br />
18 sites. ASD units nationwide have<br />
responded to about 59,000 alert missions,<br />
according to Romano.<br />
“We stand vigilant and ready to<br />
continue this mission for as long as it<br />
takes,” Johnson said. He added that the<br />
detachment has not failed to respond to a<br />
single alert mission.<br />
“Reaching 3,000 alert responses is a<br />
credit not only to our pilots and controllers,<br />
but also to airmen who maintain and<br />
crew our aircraft,” said Air Force Lt.<br />
Col. Jeffrey Bozard, 113th Maintenance<br />
Group Commander. “<strong>The</strong>y keep the ASA<br />
jets ready for daily sorties 24/7.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> wing’s mission is particularly<br />
important because Washington is considered<br />
to be the most powerful city in<br />
the world. Unfortunately, it makes the<br />
city a target for terrorists. Having a<br />
significant role in protecting the city<br />
adds urgency to the unit’s performance.<br />
“Just as important,” Johnson said, “is<br />
that we are defending our families, friends<br />
and fellow Guard members. We take this<br />
mission personally.”
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS<br />
Wing passes unprecedented<br />
five simultaneous inspections<br />
By Capt. Byron Coward<br />
113th Wing Public Affairs<br />
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – <strong>The</strong><br />
113th Wing, DC Air National Guard,<br />
hosted Air Force and National Guard<br />
Bureau inspectors for its unit inspections<br />
March 3-7.<br />
This was the first time an Air Force<br />
unit participated in five simultaneous<br />
inspections.<br />
Components of the 113th Wing participated<br />
in the Air Combat Command<br />
and Air Mobility Command Inspector<br />
Generals’ Compliance Inspections.<br />
Additionally, National Guard Bureau<br />
inspectors conducted a Logistics<br />
Compliance Assessment Program<br />
inspection. <strong>The</strong> 113th Medical Group<br />
also hosted inspectors from the Air<br />
Force Inspection Agency for their<br />
Health Services Inspection.<br />
“An inspection of this capacity is<br />
unique,” Maj. Matthew R. McDonough,<br />
113th Wing plans officer, said. “Most CIs<br />
or LCAPs don’t exceed 70 inspectors. For<br />
the 113th Wing to handle five inspections<br />
with more than 120 inspectors speaks<br />
highly of our wing’s professionalism<br />
and excellence.”<br />
A typical Air Force wing is associated<br />
with one major command, who sends a<br />
team of inspectors to ensure that the<br />
wing is in compliance with Air Force and<br />
MAJCOM standards.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 113th Wing is unique because it<br />
is associated with both ACC and AMC<br />
MAJCOMS. As such, AMC and ACC<br />
inspectors conducted separate compliance<br />
inspections for their respective gained<br />
units. NGB inspectors conducted separate<br />
inspections in both AMC and ACC-gained<br />
units. <strong>The</strong> HSI consisted of one inspection<br />
of the 113th Medical Group.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 113th Wing successfully completed<br />
all five inspections. Superior performers<br />
were identified, and some units’ practices<br />
were identified by the inspectors as “best<br />
seen to date.”<br />
“Personally, I viewed these inspections<br />
as a progress check on our wing’s journey<br />
toward greatness,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey<br />
Johnson, 113th Wing commander. “We<br />
are already a great unit, with great people,<br />
doing great things. <strong>The</strong>re is no doubt<br />
about that. In order to truly experience a<br />
sense of greatness, we need to set the<br />
standard, not merely meet it. When this<br />
happens, we will have met our goal.”<br />
Although the inspections are complete,<br />
wing organizations will improve, modify or<br />
correct all findings that were indicated in<br />
the inspectors’ final reports. Some unit<br />
members will be selected by other Air<br />
National Guard wings to conduct staff<br />
assistance visits in preparation for their CIs.<br />
Prior to <strong>2011</strong>, the 113th Wing’s last<br />
CIs were in 2002 and 2007 for ACC<br />
and AMC respectively. <strong>The</strong> medical<br />
group participated in an HSI in 2007.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 113th Wing also participated in an<br />
ACC, Phase II, Operational Readiness<br />
Inspection in 2009.<br />
Tech. Sgt. Richard Noon, 113th Communications Flight, discusses his program with<br />
UCI inspector Tech. Sgt. Robert O’Neil from the ACC I.G. team. <strong>The</strong> 113th Wing<br />
participated in five different inspections during the March Unit Training Assembly.<br />
Tech Sgt. Gareth Buckland<br />
<strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong> / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 19
From the desk of the<br />
Command Chief Warrant Officer<br />
By CW5 Ronald Wormsley<br />
Senior Command Chief Warrant Officer<br />
<strong>The</strong> annual joint conference of the<br />
National Guard Association of the<br />
District of Columbia was a great success<br />
for the District of Columbia National<br />
Guard Warrant Officer Corps held at the<br />
National Harbor in March, with the guest<br />
speaker from National Guard Bureau,<br />
Command Chief Warrant Officer, Chief<br />
Warrant Officer 5 Gary Nisker.<br />
<strong>The</strong> top agenda for the speaker was<br />
to discuss promotions, end strength,<br />
PME, recruiting initiatives, goals and<br />
the ARNG CCWO role.<br />
<strong>The</strong> national warrant officer strength<br />
requirement for the National Guard is<br />
10,022 with the current short fall of<br />
2,003 with the NGB goal to reach 100<br />
percent strength. Thanks to the support<br />
of the CCWO, recruiting command,<br />
and the full time support staff, the<br />
District of Columbia National Guard is<br />
number six in the nation with our<br />
current strength at 98.6 percent.<br />
While the DCNG’s warrant officer<br />
vacancies are slowly getting filled,<br />
we are continually looking for the best<br />
and brightest candidates to fill our<br />
ranks. <strong>The</strong> key to our success in<br />
warrant officer strength is the internal<br />
networking within the organization,<br />
identifying qualified personnel.<br />
DCNG hosts prayer<br />
breakfast<br />
By Capt. Loneshia Reed<br />
DC Public Affairs Detachment<br />
<strong>The</strong> DC National Guard hosted its annual Joint Prayer<br />
Breakfast on Feb. 13 with the theme of “Faith in the Face of<br />
Persistent Conflict.” <strong>The</strong> prayer breakfast is a way for service<br />
members of the DCNG to come together in fellowship, focusing<br />
on the spiritual support soldiers and airmen need as a part<br />
of their military experience. Col. Sean Lee, chaplain, delivered<br />
the featured message in which he encouraged the troops, and<br />
reminded them that “our values in the United States are<br />
unique, and when we defend these values around the world,<br />
God goes with us.” As the DC Guard continues to increase its<br />
operational tempo, it is good to remind service members of<br />
the support faith can give.<br />
20 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2011</strong><br />
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Nisker’s<br />
goals are to redirect recruiting and<br />
retention efforts and bonuses, develop a<br />
BAH save pay option/Permanent Change<br />
in Duty Station hardship, establish<br />
distance learning pay and points for<br />
PME, get more warrant officer’s in<br />
professional associations, using civilian<br />
acquired skills credit for predetermination,<br />
and eliminate the chief warrant<br />
officer 5 slotting to attend WOSSC.<br />
Nisker ended his presentation by<br />
addressing professional relationships.<br />
Commanders should expect from their<br />
warrant officers: loyalty, honesty and<br />
integrity, mission dedication, technical<br />
proficiency and being a trusted advisor.<br />
Likewise, warrant officers should expect<br />
from their commander: leadership by<br />
example, honesty and integrity, understanding,<br />
respect and a command climate.<br />
First promotion to chief warrant<br />
officer 5 in the DC Militia<br />
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Betty Brown,<br />
assistant secretary to the General Staff<br />
retired on March 26, <strong>2011</strong>, after serving<br />
more than 30 years in the Armed Forces.<br />
She began her career with the United<br />
States Marine Corps where she was the<br />
“First Woman” to be assigned to the<br />
Provost Marshall’s Office at Marine<br />
Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego,<br />
Calif. She carried that “First Woman”<br />
distinction to<br />
the District of<br />
Columbia Air<br />
National Guard<br />
when she<br />
became the<br />
“First Woman”<br />
to serve in a<br />
combat communications<br />
squadron and the “First<br />
Woman” to function as the fulltime<br />
telecommunications manager. Brown<br />
joined the District of Columbia Army<br />
National Guard and served in the aftermath<br />
of Hurricane Hugo and Desert<br />
Storm as the “First and only editor”<br />
for the 372nd newsletter. After Desert<br />
Storm, Brown was accepted in the Army<br />
Warrant Officer Candidate Program and<br />
graduated as a commandant graduate in<br />
1995. Brown served as military personnel<br />
technician and the personnel services<br />
branch chief before becoming the<br />
assistant secretary to the General Staff.<br />
It is this position from which Brown<br />
retired and received her “First Woman”<br />
distinction once again. She was<br />
promoted to chief warrant officer 5 in<br />
the DC Militia at retirement, by Maj.<br />
Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding<br />
General, District of Columbia National<br />
Guard. Thus she became the first woman<br />
to achieve the rank of chief warrant<br />
officer 5 in the DC Militia.<br />
Spc. Mark Ingutti