November 2011-January 2012 - Wisconsin National Guard ...

@easeExpressNovember 2011-January 2012

2nd Lt. Nathan T. WallinWisconsin National GuardThe Wisconsin National Guardand veterans of all services were thechampions in Green Bay Nov. 14 whenthe Green Bay Packers and more than73,000 football fans honored theirservice as part of the annual MilitaryA fireworks show concludes the halftime ceremony at Lambeau Field in GreenBay during a Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers andthe Minnesota Vikings. The Wisconsin National Guard’s 132nd Army Bandperformed on the field at halftime, part of the Packers’ salute to the military inrecognition of Veterans Day. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan WallinAppreciation Night in conjunction with The night’s festivities began withVeterans Day.country western duo Steel Magnolias“It was just such an awesome singing the national anthem as serviceexperience,” said Wisconsin Air National members and Veterans unfurled a giantGuard Tech. Sgt. Kristine Rupp, of U.S. flag across the playing field. FansFranklin, the Milwaukee-based 128th joined in by holding up placards thatRefueling Wing’s Airman of the Year andone of the service members honoredduring the game.Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDueWisconsin National GuardNearly 30 West Bend-based Soldiers returned hometo family and friends Saturday, marking the end of theiryear-long mobilization and the end of an era for theWisconsin National Guard.Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th GeneralAviation Support Battalion left Iraq early this monthand spent the last several days demobilizing atJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Gov. ScottWalker, Wisconsin National Guard leaders, family andfriends, and other veteran supporters welcomed homeWisconsin’s newest combat veterans during a ceremonyat the West Bend armory Nov. 19.“I want you to know this is the last WisconsinNational Guard unit to come home from Iraq,” saidMaj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin,drawing applause from the crowd. “They were safe, theywere smart, and they did a great job.”The Soldiers, who spent about nine months in northernIraq providing medevac support, hail from detachmentsof companies C, D and E of the 2nd Battalion, 135thGSAB — which is comprised of National Guard Soldiersfrom several states.“I was just with those guys for a whole year and Ishared everything with them,” said Capt. Mark Sier,medevac pilot. “It means a lot and makes me veryproud.”Chief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Beekman, pilot forthe 2nd Battalion, 135th General Aviation SupportBattalion, embraces his daughter at a welcomehome ceremony in West Bend Nov. 19. Roughly 30others spent nearly nine months in northern Iraqproving medevac support for Operation New Dawn.Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. JonLaDue@easeExpress@easeExpress2010 NGB Media Contest winnerNovember-JanuaryVolume 3, Issue 6Official Newsletter of theWisconsin Army and Air National Guardhttp://dma.wi.govThe Adjutant General:Maj. Gen. Don DunbarDeputy Adjutant General Army:Brig. Gen. Mark AndersonDeputy Adjutant General Air:Brig. Gen. John McCoyDirector of Public Affairs:Lt. Col. Jackie GuthrieAt Ease Editor:Vaughn R. LarsonJoint Force Headquarters Public Affairs112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment32nd Infantry Brigade Combat TeamPublic Affairs157th Maneuver EnhancementBrigade Public Affairs115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs128th Air Refueling Wing Public AffairsVolk Field Combat ReadinessTraining Center Public AffairsHow to Reach UsE-mail: vaughn.r.larson@us.army.milPhone: (608) 242-3056 Fax: (608) 242-3051Department of Military Affairs;Attn: Vaughn R. Larson2400 Wright Street; Madison, WI 53708-8111Submissions:For photo or story submissions,please call (608)242-3056or e-mail vaughn.r.larson@us.army.milTwo winning teams take the field in Green BaykosovoDominion of tribal alliances. Territory in the Roman, Byzantine andBulgarian Empires. Contested between regional powers. Conquered bythe Ottoman Empire. Center of the Albanian national awakening andrevolts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Divided between Montenegroand Serbia, then absorbed into Yugoslavia. Occupation by Italy and NaziGermany. An autonomous province of Serbia. A declaration ofindependence. The history of Kosovo is one of conflict and struggle foridentity. Can Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers help the new nationstand on its own?END OF AN ERA• Return of aviation Soldiers to WestBend marks last Wisconsin NationalGuard unit to serve in Iraqdepicted the stars and stripes and166Wisconsin NationalGuard’s last troops inIraq come homeGreen Bay Packers saluteveterans, WisconsinNational Guard at halftime20Remember Kosovo? 157thMEB part of NATO peacekeepingmissionThe on-line, interactive @ease Express offers many featuresyou may not be aware of. Follow the red caption text to see additionalphotos and videos. Click on the blue text to open relatedsites. Click on the opening headlines to view the stories as theyappeared on www.dma.wi.gov. Click on the teasers above to godirectly to that page.The pages are designed to print out at 8.5-by-11 inches, givingyou the option of reading At Ease Express off-line.on the cover32nd Military Police Company Soldierstrain on force protection at Camp Atterbury,Ind., prior to deploying in supportof a NATO peace-keeping mission inKosovo. See Page 20 for more information.157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigadephoto by Capt. Joy Staab3 FROM THE TAG4 MORE TROOPS HEAD TO KOSOVO8 UNIFIED PROTECTOR MISSION ENDS9 128TH ACS NAMED TOP UNIT10 HOMETOWN HEROES HONORED11 CHISHOLM CONCLUDES 4-DECADE CAREER12 NORTH POLE FLIGHT OF FANCY14 ON TRACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS18 NATIONAL GUARD’S 375TH BIRTHDAY26 STORM CLEANUP EFFORT ENDS28 REACTION FORCE VALIDATED30 NEW RECORDS FOR TAKE-BACK EFFORT31 GUARD RESILIENCE UNIVERSITY OPENS32 BERLIN CRISIS CALL-UP REMEMBERED34 BYE-BYE BDU35 82nd ADT PREPARES TO MOBILIZE37 RED ARROW LEARNS NEW TOW SYSTEM38 REPORT REFLECTS BUDGET REALITIES39 CHALLENGE ACADEMY GRADUATION40 WORTHAM IV AWARD PRESENTED42 LAKOTA LUH TAKES FLIGHT43 MERITORIOUS SERVICE44 VETERANS, FAMILIES, RETIREESThe Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard’s At Ease Express newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents ofAt Ease Express are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army or Air Force. The editorial contentof this publication is the responsibility of the Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Officer.2 November 2011-January 2012

Celebrating 375 years of serviceAllow me tojoin in thewell-deservedcelebration of theNational Guard’s375th birthday. Thisis more than ananniversary — it isa testament to thecommitment anddedication of ourcitizens who haveagreed to be readywhen called for astate emergency orfor national defense.That commitmentbegan many decadesbefore the birth ofthe United States, and it continues tothis day.During my first year as governorScott WalkerGovernor of WisconsinI have had manyopportunities tosee the WisconsinNational Guardserving our state andnation, beginningwith a New Year’sDay greeting tothe 724th EngineerBattalion which wasdeployed to Iraq. Afew weeks later, theWisconsin NationalGuard respondedto a severe winterstorm, patrollinghighways andassisting strandedmotorists. In recentmonths, engineer Soldiers — someof whom were serving in Iraq earlierthis year — reported for state activeduty to help cleanup efforts followingdamaging summer storms in northernWisconsin. I saw the selflessness of ourmen and women in uniform as theyleft the comforts of home and familyto serve overseas, and I saw the loveand pride in those families as theirGuard member came back home.There are many responsibilitiesto being governor, and one of thegreatest is that of commander-in-chiefof the Wisconsin National Guard.That burden is made easier to bearby the knowledge that the WisconsinNational Guard is superbly trainedand led by outstanding officers andnoncommissioned officers. I have thehighest confidence in the professionalmen and women who make up theWisconsin National Guard.Today’s Guard members exhibitthe same characteristics found inWisconsin’s Civil War volunteers.When our state was not quite 13 yearsold, thousands of its men answeredPresident Lincoln’s call to preservethe Union. In all, more than 90,000men served in the Civil War becauseof their love of country, their state andtheir fellow man — but also becausethey knew an important job was athand, and their strong Midwesternwork ethic would not allow them to sitidly by when the fate of the nation wasat stake.Here in Wisconsin we have seenfirst-hand the value of the NationalGuard time and again, and over thepast decade so has the rest of thenation.Congratulations to the NationalGuard on 375 remarkable yearsof service, and I look forward tocontinued excellence.The National Guard was establishedon Dec. 13, 1636 in Massachusettsto protect the community. Sincethen, the National Guard has providedenduring value to America. Ourmotto is “Always Ready, AlwaysThere,” which articulates the serviceof America’s Guardsmen who standready, every day, to respond to allthreats — from natural disastersto terrorism — when called by ournation’s governors or our nationalleadership.The National Guard is in America’sDNA and reflects the wisdom of ourfounding framers who included theNational Guard in our constitution.@easeExpressToday, the National Guard iscombat tested, experienced, andreadily accessible. It has exceededall expectations. Recognizing theextraordinary performance of theNational Guard and its criticalimportance to national security inthis post 9-11 world, Congress votedto elevate the Chief of the NationalGuard Bureau to a full seat on theJoint Chiefs of Staff, and the presidentsigned that bill into law.As the National Guard celebrates its375th birthday, our legacy remains thesame. The Citizen Soldier and Airman— the modern minuteman — preparedto move from our civilian occupationsand pick up a “musket” to defend ourcommunity, state and nation. Whenyou call out the National Guard, youcall out the community, the family,and the employer, and they ensure thatthe spirit of America goes with ourNational Guard Soldiers and Airmen.Always Ready, Always There for375 years. Far more than a slogan— it represents a commitment. TheNational Guard is still on pointproviding enduring value for America.Maj. Gen. Don DunbarThe Adjutant General3 November 2011-January 2012

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch presents a Wisconsin state flag to Lt. Col. ChrisKlatt, officer in charge of the approximately 30 Soldiers of the 157th ManeuverEnhancement Brigade who will deploy to Bosnia and Kosovo.@easeExpressSgt. Ira Leslie, a member of the 157th Maneuver EnhancementBrigade, holds his 3-year-old son Braeden prior to a sendoffceremony Nov. 3 at the Richards Street Armory in Milwaukee.Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonApproximately 30 Wisconsin ArmyNational Guard Soldiers from the 157thManeuver Enhancement Brigade leftWisconsin Nov. 4 for about 10 days ofmobilization training at Fort Benning, Ga.,before arriving in Bosnia and Kosovo,where they will serve as part of NATOheadquarters in Bosnia and Pristina,Kosovo.The deploying Soldiers will workfor the U.S. commander assigned tothe Kosovo Forces NATO headquartersoverseeing the international peacekeepingmission, which is to maintain asafe and secure environment and freedomof movement for all citizens in Kosovo.Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar acknowledged,during a sendoff ceremony Nov. 3 at theRichards Street Armory in Milwaukee,that many people may not be aware of theUnited States’ continuing commitmentto Kosovo. He recounted the turmoil theformer nation of Yugoslavia experiencedfollowing the collapse of the SovietUnion.“All heck broke out in the early1990s,” Dunbar said. “There was a lotof bloodshed and a lot of fighting alongreligious lines.”The United States became involved,and helped broker the Dayton PeaceAccord in 1995. Since then, U.S. troopsContinued on Page 54 November 2011-January 2012

157th MEB Soldiers to serve KFOR mission at NATO headquarters in Bosnia, KosovoContinued from Page 4have been helping keep the peace in Kosovo and Bosnia.“This is the United States of America honoring itscommitment,” Dunbar said. “In World War I and WorldWar II, in that very part of the world, millions of peopledied in bloodshed. And since we stepped in, a fewhandful have died. We’ve been keeping the peace.”Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch recognized the Soldiersfor their service.“I am thankful that the brave men and women of the157th MEB are prepared to ensure peace in all waysin Bosnia and Kosovo as guardians of freedom andambassadors of our great country,” she said. “It is withcourage and with pride that they protect a people, makepermanent a calm, spread goodwill, and continue to sowthe seeds of liberty.”She presented Lt. Col. Chris Klatt, officer in charge ofthe deploying Soldiers, with a state flag.“I hope you will fly it with great pride so that theworld knows that champions from Wisconsin don’t justplay in Lambeau [Field],” she said. “They also defend usevery single day in the Wisconsin National Guard.”Klatt thanked the Soldiers taking part in thedeployment and the people of Wisconsin for theirsupport. He also thanked the families of the Soldiers.“They serve right along with us,” he said.Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of theWisconsin Army National Guard, agreed.“When we talk about the Guard family, we talkabout not only those in uniform, but the families andthe children that serve right alongside our Soldiers,” hesaid. “I want to say thank you for your love and supportfor your Soldiers. I know full well, and you know, thatthey could not do what they have done up to this time,and what they are about to embark upon again, withoutyour support, without your love, and without yourcommitment. And my commitment to you and to theSoldiers is that we are not only here for the Soldiers, butwe are here for the families.”Dunbar said that the Wisconsin National Guard has arobust family support network.“I’m giving my personal pledge that everybody athome is here for your family, so that you can focus onyour mission,” he told the troops. “I want the families toknow that there’s nothing too big, nothing too small thatwe won’t give you everything we have. We are a familyand we’re here for you.”Anderson said the deployment experience of the@easeExpressLt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch speaks with members ofthe Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th ManeuverEnhancement Brigade following a sendoff ceremonyNov. 3 at the Richards Street Armory in Milwaukee.Kosovo-bound Soldiers would serve them well. StateCommand Sgt. Maj. George Stopper urged the youngerSoldiers to draw on the deployment experience aroundthem.“Let them guide you through those instances thatyou’re going to come up against,” he said. “The firstbirthday away from home, the first anniversary awayfrom home. They’ve been there, they’ve done it —they’ve made it through. They’ll guide you, also.“I ask you to do what we do best as Wisconsin ArmyNational Guard Soldiers,” Stopper continued. “Go forthand show the rest of the country exactly what you’remade of. Show the world just how phenomenal it is tobe a Soldier in the Wisconsin Army National Guard.The approximately 30 Soldiers will deploy to Bosniaand Kosovo to serve in NATO headquarters supportingthe peace-keeping mission. Wisconsin National Guardphoto by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonGo forth and be great representatives to the rest of theworld.”The 157th MEB has already mobilized approximately180 members for a different role in the KFOR mission.The brigade’s Headquarters Company and members ofthe 32nd Military Police Company left Wisconsin Sept.16, and members of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 238thAviation Regiment and the 248th Aviation SupportBattalion followed Sept. 24. Those Soldiers are trainingat Camp Atterbury, Ind., and at the Joint MultinationalReadiness Center in Germany, in preparation for theirdeployment, where they will serve as the brigadeheadquarters unit for Multi-National Battle Group East,also referred to as Task Force Falcon.5 November 2011-January 2012

• Return of aviation Soldiers to WestBend marks last Wisconsin NationalGuard unit to serve in IraqTech. Sgt. Jon LaDueWisconsin National GuardNearly 30 West Bend-based Soldiers returned hometo family and friends Saturday, marking the end of theiryear-long mobilization and the end of an era for theWisconsin National Guard.Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th GeneralAviation Support Battalion left Iraq early this monthand spent the last several days demobilizing atJoint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. Gov. ScottWalker, Wisconsin National Guard leaders, family andfriends, and other veteran supporters welcomed homeWisconsin’s newest combat veterans during a ceremonyat the West Bend armory Nov. 19.“I want you to know this is the last WisconsinNational Guard unit to come home from Iraq,” saidMaj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin,drawing applause from the crowd. “They were safe, theywere smart, and they did a great job.”The Soldiers, who spent about nine months in northernIraq providing medevac support, hail from detachmentsof companies C, D and E of the 2nd Battalion, 135thGSAB — which is comprised of National Guard Soldiersfrom several states.“I was just with those guys for a whole year and Ishared everything with them,” said Capt. Mark Sier,medevac pilot. “It means a lot and makes me veryproud.”Continued on Page 7@easeExpressChief Warrant Officer 3 Gary Beekman, pilot forthe 2nd Battalion, 135th General Aviation SupportBattalion, embraces his daughter at a welcomehome ceremony in West Bend Nov. 19. Roughly 30others spent nearly nine months in northern Iraqproving medevac support for Operation New Dawn.Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. JonLaDue6 November 2011-January 2012

Wisconsin National Guard’s last troops in Iraq return homeContinued from Page 6Capt. Randall Ramm, officer in chargeof the Wisconsin National Guard Soldierson the deployment, extended thanks to theSoldiers’ family and friends.“Over the last 52 weeks, your Soldiershave accomplished an extraordinaryamount,” Ramm said.Walker recognized the Soldiers’ greatwork as well — citing the unit’s quick sixminutedaytime and nine-minute nighttimeresponse from when they received a callfor help to the time they were in the air.“You got up and made sure someone’slife was saved,” Walker said. “Thank youfor the incredibly well done job.”Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commanderof the Wisconsin Army National Guard,praised the Soldiers for their workoverseas, and also recognized the jobfamilies and friends did at home.“They could not do what they had todo without your support over these last 52weeks,” Anderson said.Part of that support was made possibleby members of the West Bend FamilyReadiness Group, which supports thefamilies of all four aviation units inWest Bend. The FRG kept in touch withfamilies throughout the deploymentprocess — at one point creating an eventon Facebook dubbed, “Deployments suck,let’s eat.” The lighthearted humor goes along way to pulling together as a biggerfamily.“Knowing there is somebody else whounderstands is half the issue right there,”said Mya Brown, an FRG volunteer.There was a multitude of supportshown at the ceremony. In addition toleadership, family and friends, membersof the Patriot Guard, Civil Air Patrol,Employer Support of the Guard andReserve and the 132nd Army Band wereall present to welcome home the Soldiers.Although the West Bend servicemembers are the state’s last to serve in@easeExpressIraq, nearly 10,000 Soldiers and Airmenhave deployed in support of OperationsIraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Since2003, Wisconsin Guard members haveconducted numerous missions in Iraq– including medevac transport, routeclearance, detainee operations, basedefense, close air support for groundoperations and in-flight refuelingmissions. In the eight years sinceoperations began in Iraq, nine WisconsinGuard members made the ultimatesacrifice in Iraq.“As a leader, I believe what we’veaccomplished in Iraq … has beenextraordinary,” Dunbar said.Since Sept. 11, 2001, every unit in theWisconsin Guard has deployed forces insupport of the global war on terror, manymore than once. While operations in Iraqare drawing to a close, the WisconsinNational Guard still has more than 350Soldiers and Airmen on active duty,including approximately 60 in support ofOperation Enduring Freedom and about180 heading to Kosovo for the NATO-ledpeace keeping mission there.But for the Soldiers of the 2ndBattalion, 135th GASB, their mission iscomplete.“We got out of there and did somethingthat’s never been done before — closingdown Iraq.” Ramm said.7 November 2011-January 2012

Capt. John P. Capra128th Air Refueling WingAirmen, friends and family memberswelcomed home their commander andfellow wing members Oct. 14 followinga four-month long deployment in WesternEurope supporting Operation UnifiedProtector.Col. Ted Metzgar, commander of theWisconsin Air National Guard’s 128th AirRefueling Wing in Milwaukee, deployedwith a number of his staff and commandedactive duty, Air National Guard and AirForce Reserve Airmen.“It was an honor to have commandeda wing dedicated to the successfulcompletion of its mission,” Metzgar said.“I was impressed with the professionalismand patriotism of our Airmen.”While deployed, Metzgar commandedthe 313th Air Expeditionary Wingin Western Europe, providing aerialrefueling to aircraft supporting OperationUnified Protector — a NATO-led missionenforcing a no-fly zone over the nationof Libya and providing humanitarianassistance to the Libyan civilianpopulation, in accordance with U.N.Security Council Resolution 1973.The 128th Air Refueling Wing is hometo 12 KC-135R Stratotankers and morethan 900 Airmen with a primary missionof aerial refueling.Col. Ted Metzgar, commander of theWisconsin Air National Guard’s 128thAir Refueling Wing, signals “thumbsup” in Milwaukee as he returnsfrom a four-month long deploymentsupporting Operation Unified Protectorin Western Europe Oct. 14. 128th AirRefueling Wing photo by Capt. JohnCapra@easeExpress8 November 2011-January 2012

Wisconsin Air Guard squadron receives top unit awardThe Wisconsin Air NationalGuard’s 128th Air ControlSquadron, based at Volk FieldCombat Readiness TrainingCenter, has been awarded the AirForce Outstanding Unit Award forexceptionally meritorious servicebetween Nov. 1, 2008 and Oct. 30,2010.Gov. Scott Walker praised theunit during a Dec. 2 ceremony atVolk Field.“This is only the fourth timesince 1948 that this award hasgone to this unit, and this is quitean accomplishment,” Walker said.“On behalf of all of us here inWisconsin, we are exceptionallyproud of that accomplishment. In alarger context, we are proud of allof you.”Brig. Gen. John McCoy,commander of the Wisconsin AirNational Guard, expressed his pridein the 128th ACS.“It’s one thing to talk about howgreat we are,” McCoy said. “Butwhen an inspection comes through… we come through here at Volk.It’s an honor to be here in front ofyou as the head of the Air NationalGuard in Wisconsin — the 2,300men and women of the WisconsinAir National Guard — and be ableto talk about how great Volk is.”The award, presented by thesecretary of the Air Force, citesseveral accomplishments by the128th ACS, including a deploymentto the 379th Air ExpeditionaryWing from May through October2009, where the unit operated theBattlespace Command and ControlCenter; a 97 percent compliantrating for a June 2010 unitinspection; and an “Outstanding”rating for an August 2010information security inspection.@easeExpressLt. Col. Gerard Iverson, commander of the 128th Air Control Squadronbased at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, hoists theAir Force Outstanding Unit Award during a Dec. 3 ceremony atVolk Field. Gov. Scott Walker and Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin, were on hand for the ceremony. 112th MobilePublic Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Alyson Swanke9 November 2011-January 2012

Senior Wisconsin National Guardleaders recognized Airmen fordeployments and meritorious service atVolk Field Combat Readiness TrainingCenter Dec. 3 and the 128th Air RefuelingWing in Milwaukee Dec. 4.“Every Air National Guard familymember has proudly served and supportedthe Air National Guard mission,” masterof ceremonies 1st Lt. Orman House saidat the Volk Field ceremony Dec. 3. “Wehope that every spouse or significantother, child and extended family memberknows the important role they have inwhat we do.”Gov. Scott Walker, commander-in-chiefof the Wisconsin National Guard, thankedthe Airmen at Volk Field for their serviceand sacrifice.“We take it for granted that, comeChristmastime we’ll have our familiestogether, and many of you won’t alwaysbe together with family,” he said. “Weappreciate that sacrifice.“You are the best and brightest we haveto offer in this state,” Walker continued.“Not just when you’re deployed, but forwhat you do every day. Thank you for whatyou’re doing to be willing, prepared andqualified to accept that call when it comes.If we didn’t have the National Guard, wewould not be the country we are today.”Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commanderof the Wisconsin Air National Guard,observed that the term “hometown hero”may call to mind sports legends.“I like to talk about our heroes, andreally America’s true heroes,” McCoysaid. “They don’t have numbers on the frontand back of their uniforms. We truly are theCitizen Soldiers, Citizen Airmen, citizenmilitary that this country depends on.”Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin, told Airmenat Volk Field that Congress recentlyrecommended that the chief of theNational Guard be given a seat on theJoint Chiefs of Staff, and that it was theperformance of the Soldiers and Airmen@easeExpressStaff Sgt. Jacqueline Griffis andStaff Sgt. Ryan Swieter with theirNoncommissioned Officer of theYear and Airman of the Year awards,respectively, at Volk Field. 112th MobilePublic Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt.Alyson Swankeof the National Guard who prompted thataction.“There was a time when our countrythought it was better to do all this withoutthe National Guard,” Dunbar said.“Not today — we are part of that team.And you, each and every person in thisroom, you bring the Air Force values —integrity, service before self, excellencein all we do — to everything you do.I couldn’t be prouder of the men andwomen in this room.”Volk Field Airmen of the year wererecognized as well. Staff Sgt. RyanSwieter was named Airman of the Year,Staff Sgt. Jacqueline Griffis was namedNoncommissioned Officer of the Year,Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Chatham,128th Air Refueling Wing maintenancesquadron superintendent, shakeshands with Command Chief Master Sgt.Joe Parlato during a Hometown HeroesSalute Campaign award ceremony Dec.4 at the 128th Air Refueling Wing,Milwaukee. Wisconsin Air NationalGuard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tom SobczykMaster Sgt. Michael Mullenberg wasnamed Senior Noncommissioned Officerof the Year, and Capt. Anthony Hart wasnamed Company Grade Officer of theYear. They will advance for considerationat the state level.Master Sgt. Kenneth Williamson wasrecognized as the 2011 Honor GuardMember of the Year, and Master Sgt.Brian Gruber received the 2011 Lt. Col.Thomas A. Reis Citizenship Award.“This ceremony is not about thegeneral officers, command chief or specialguests,” Col. Ted Metzgar, commander ofthe 128th Air Refueling Wing, said. I”t isabout you, who have sacrificed so much.”McCoy agreed.“It’s important that we recognize thefact that you’ve deployed,” he said. “Itruly appreciate what you do every day,either here or abroad.“We do the work America asked of us.”Master Sgt. Jeffrey Venus, a 128th CivilEngineering firefighter, said the HometownHero award he received was more for hisfamily than himself. “It’s for their stayinghome while I was over there,” he said.“That’s why we do what we do,” addedMaster Sgt. Mike Schmaling, the firstsergeant of the 128th Mission Group.Schmaling and Command ChiefMaster Sgt. Joe Parlato were presentedwith detailed European swords in woodendisplay cases for their duty and service toboth the 128th Air Refueling Wing and the313th Air Expeditionary Wing.“These guys, in a figurative way, slewa lot of dragons,” Metzgar said, explainingthe “dragons” as continuous and demandingrigors of working in a deployed locationwhile being available to the deployedAirmen of the 313th Air ExpeditionaryWing at all times and for all causes.The Hometown Heroes Salutecampaign began in 2008 to recognizeAirmen, their families and communities.Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze, 128th AirRefueling Wing, contributed to this report.10 November 2011-January 2012

@easeExpressTech. Sgt. Jon LaDueWisconsin National GuardFollowing nearly four years as the Wisconsin AirNational Guard’s top enlisted leader, Chief MasterSgt. James Chisholm transferred responsibly toChief Master Sgt. Greg Cullen following an officialceremony at Joint Force Headquarters earlier thismonth.Cullen became the 12th command chief mastersergeant for Wisconsin as Chisholm prepares toretire following more than 40 years of service in theWisconsin Air National Guard.Cullen, a Milton native who now resides in Tomah,has been dreaming for an opportunity like this for along time. He says he was grateful to be consideredamong the 38 chiefs eligible in the state.“I am very excited but very humbled.” Cullen said.“We have a lot of outstanding chiefs in the WIANG …so to be selected among them is truly an honor.”Challenges that faced Chisholm are still challengesthat Cullen must face today — a task he says he isup to. Cullen will focus on emphasizing in-residenceprofessional military education, civilian educationand recognizing the “outstanding work our Airmen doacross the state.”“I’d like to continue what Chief Chisholm andothers have started,” Cullen said.Perhaps the biggest challenge Cullen faces,however, is something the entire National Guard faces– unyielding budget constraints and the uncertaintyof future missions as the United States reduces itsfootprint in Iraq and Afghanistan for the first timesince 2001.“There are lots of rumors out there and we want tomake sure Wisconsin stays at the top of everyone’s list,to keep us relevant in the Guard organization.” Cullensaid.This is an issue that leaders from the top are payingattention to.“It will be a challenge, because the resource spigotis going to dry up,” said. Gen. Craig McKinley, Chiefof the National Guard Bureau said during a speechin August, “and we’re the first target that the AirForce and the Army always look to in a time of fiscalconstraint.”Cullen, who enlisted as an Air Force air trafficcontroller on active duty in 1989, most recently servedas operations chief enlisted manager at Volk FieldChief Master Sgt. James Chisholm presents a ceremonialsaber to Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin,as part of a transition ceremony at Joint Force HeadquartersDec. 2. Chisholm will retire following more than 40 years ofservice in the Wisconsin Air National Guard and two tenuresas the states command chief master sergeant.Master Sgt. Jennifer Cullen and daughter, Stephanie Cullen,affix new stripes to the uniform of Wisconsin CommandChief Master Sgt. Greg Cullen as part of an official transitionceremony at Joint Force Headquarters Dec 2. Cullenbecomes Wisconsin’s 12th state command chief. WisconsinNational Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDueand also filled a public affairs role. He says he has theutmost faith that Wisconsin Air Guard members willcontinue to serve at the same level as he has seen sincejoining the Wisconsin Guard in 1996.“Without a doubt, it is one of the finestorganizations I’ve been a part of,” he said. “There isa tremendous amount of talent and ability across thestate. Every Airman in every unit seems to exceed thestandard.”Chisholm, of South Milwaukee, shares Cullen’ssentiment on the state of the Wisconsin National Guardand — as an Airman who has served four decades inthe organization — perhaps no one is more versedin the past and current state of the Wisconsin AirNational Guard.“We were pretty rough back when I joined,”Chisholm said. “I think we’re absolutely on par with[the best units in the force in] everything we’re doingand how we perform our missions.“Every single unit that we have, in my estimation,is looked at as one of the tops in their field,” hecontinued. “I think we are the best and we areabsolutely blessed to have the reputation that wehave.”Chisholm, who plans to move to Arizona withhis wife after he retires, ends his second tour as statecommand chief master sergeant, having served oncebefore from 1998 to 2001. Chisholm spent much of hislatest tour working with national-level organizationsso he could bring a vaster wealth of knowledge back toWisconsin , as well as spread word of the great workthe Wisconsin Guard has accomplished to the rest ofthe nation.Although Chisholm served as command chief in atraditional sense, he has helped convert the position toa full-time role in the Wisconsin Guard.“You can see how it is evolving into a full-timeposition, just like the state command sergeant majorsfor the Army Guard are full-time,” Chisholm said.The full time position is something Chisholmsaw other states utilizing and he quickly brought theadvantageous idea to Wisconsin. This is the kind ofleadership Wisconsin has become accustomed to underChisholm, said Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander ofthe Wisconsin Air National Guard.“Chief Chisholm has been an outstanding mentor,leader and friend to the Wisconsin Air NationalGuard,” McCoy said. “He will be missed as hetransitions to his new life in Arizona.”11 November 2011-January 2012

Santa peeks into a gift bag during the “Flightto the North Pole” Dec. 10 at the WisconsinAir National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wingin Milwaukee. Approximately 15 families ofchildren with life-threatening illnesses tookpart in the event. Wisconsin National Guardphoto by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson@ease1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonWisconsin National GuardA flight of fancy brought an earlyChristmas for 15 families of children withlife-threatening illnesses.The annual “Flight to the North Pole”began 27 years ago at the Wisconsin AirNational Guard’s 128th Air RefuelingExpressWing in Milwaukee, in collaborationwith the Silverliners — a group of formerEastern Air Lines flight attendants —and the 128th Community Council. Theconcept has taken off and is now in 20cities nationwide.“How long will the flight take?” askedTorre Engstron, 7, of Milwaukee.“About 20 minutes,” replied one of thevolunteers before the families boarded adecorated KC-135 Stratotanker designated“Santa Liner” for the day. “We have aspecial route.”The “Santa Liner” taxied the familiesfrom one part of the 128th Air RefuelingWing base to another. En route, childrenwere given the opportunity to visit thecockpit where they heard a message fromSanta Claus via headphone, and could“fly” the aircraft with assistance from oneof the pilots. Once at their destination —Sijan Hall decorated as the North Pole— the families were greeted by Santa andMrs. Claus, ushered inside where dozensof carolers awaited, and taken to tables forContinued on Page 1312 November 2011-January 2012

128th Air Refueling Wing hosts annual children’s North Pole ‘flight’ in MilwaukeeContinued from Page 12a meal and gifts from Santa. Each childreceived a gift or gifts chosen specificallyfor them.“Everything we do is for Mannie,”said Michelle Harken, Milwaukee, ofher 3-year-old son. “It’s always excitingfor him to see something new, especiallybecause we can’t go anywhere rightnow. It’s nice for him to feel he’s goingsomewhere and to be with other kids.”Nicole Batzko of Milwaukee heardabout the program from the chairmanof the Milwaukee Against ChildhoodCancer Fund.“I think I’m more excited than theyare,” she said of her children Isaiah, 13,and Kalyn, 5. “It’s really nice havingother people doing this for us.”Up to 50 military volunteers andas many as 50 civilian volunteersjoined forces for this year’s event, andcoordinator Senior Master Sgt. BobbieCoker said it was a team effort.“We start doing this process inOctober,” Coker said.Many of the volunteers are seasonedhands at the “Flight to the North Pole,”with one volunteer — an elf-garbedSandy Busalacchi — returning for her 25year.“You guys are having more funthan the kids,” quipped Lt. Col. GlennEverson, looking at two volunteer elvesplaying with one of the children.“Oh yeah, definitely,” they replied.Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Lychwick, whowill take the coordinator reins for theannual event next year, said the appeal isevident.“Just to see all the smiling faces, howhappy they are to be here,” she explained.“It’s great.”“This is my ninth year,” Coker said,adding that she hopes to continue with theprogram after she retires. “I love doing itfor the kids. The feeling of gratitude —this starts my Christmas.”@easeExpressAirman 1st Class David Lake, a crew chief with the WisconsinAir National Guard’s 128th Air Refueling Wing in Milwaukee,chats with 3-year-old Mannie Harken of Milwaukee duringa “Flight to the North Pole” Dec. 10 at General MitchellInternational Airport in Milwaukee. Wisconsin National Guardphoto by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson13 November 2011-January 2012

At left, a little boy boards the Holiday Express train in Dec. 3 in La Crosse atthe BNSF Railway Company. Above, Warrent Officer Mike Breintenfelt, along withhis wife, Kathryn and son, Johnny, open their gifts from Santa Claus aboard theHoliday Express train. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. AlysonSwanke@easeExpressSgt. Tiffany Addair112th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentThe holiday season took a memorableturn for approximately 300 servicemembers and their families Dec. 3 —including Wisconsin National Guardmembers — thanks to the BurlingtonNorthern Santa Fe Railroad’s HolidayExpress, a vintage passenger train.For the past four years, BNSF hasinvited military members and theirfamilies as guests on board the HolidayExpress, as a gesture of thanks for theirservice and sacrifice.“This program is specifically designedto honor military families,” said AndrewK. Johnsen, assistant vice presidentof state government affairs for BNSF.“[BNSF] recognizes that men and womenin uniform make tremendous sacrificesfor our nation and we also know service isrecognized and praised, but all too oftenthe sacrifices of family members gets lostin the shuffle. This is our way of sayingthanks.”BNSF selects four or five states everyyear for the Holiday Express. This yearContinued on Page 1514 November 2011-January 2012

Maj. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, and Gov. Scott Walkergreet Maj. Scott Southworth’s son Ala’a after a ride on the Holiday Express trainDec. 3. The train boarded in La Crosse at the BNSF Railway Company and wasmobile for about two hours. BNSF Railway has supported the military since theCivil War. 112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Sgt. Alyson Swanke@easeExpressGuard members part of unique tribute to troopsContinued from Page 14the train — consistingof 13 cars and thelocomotives — visitedMinnesota, Wisconsin,Illinois, North Dakota,South Dakota and Kansas.In addition to themilitary member andfamily passengers, Gov.Scott Walker, commanderin-chiefof the WisconsinNational Guard, Maj. Gen.Donald Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin, andMatt Rose, BNSF chiefexecutive officer, were onthe 90-minute train ride.“It was an exciting moment watchingthe reactions of the children as theHoliday Express pulled into the makeshiftstation decorated with a red carpet andholiday scene,” said Lisa Kluetz, familyprogram director and event coordinator.“Once we boarded the train, it wasespecially nice that Gov. Walker tooktime out of his day to say thank you toeach military family for their service andsacrifices and, along with BNSF Railroad,create a special and memorable familyevent.”Rose said the Holiday Express allowsfamilies to put their concerns aside for amoment and enjoy an experience manyhave not had before — riding a train.“We have done it for several years overseveral cities and it is always the sameresult — a lot of kids and parents withsmiles on their faces,” Rose said. “It’s agreat way to kick off the holiday period.”The service members and their familiesenjoyed refreshments, holiday décor anda surprise visit from Santa, who gaveall children on board a commemorativeornament to remember their ride on theHoliday Express.“Each of the vintage train cars hadbeen refurbished to create the wonderfulexcursion along the scenic MississippiGov. Scott Walker greets Samuel David Lowrey aboardthe Holiday Express train.“This is our way ofsaying thanks.– Andrew K. Johnsen,BNSFRiver,” Kluetz said. “Each train hadits own theme, complete with holidaydecorations and refreshments. I am surethat the families will be talking about whata special moment that BNSF Railroadcreated to honor their service.”Tech Sgt. Brian Benzing, a jet enginemechanic with the Madison-based 115thFighter Wing, brought his wife, Fawn, andtheir four children to start off the holidayseason.“It’s a great opportunity to bring ourkids,” Fawn said. “[Brian and I] planned oncoming, but it was a last-minute surprisefor the kids, so they were excited whenthey found out we were doing this today.”Sixteen percent of the BNSF workforceincludes current service members orveterans. The company donated $10,000each to PROUD and Operation HomeFront of Wisconsin, two organizations thatsupport military families. Over the courseof the route, BNSF donated $110,000 insupport of military organizations.15 November 2011-January 2012

2nd Lt. Nathan T. WallinWisconsin National GuardThe Wisconsin National Guard andveterans of all military branches werethe champions in Green Bay Nov. 14when the Green Bay Packers and morethan 73,000 football fans honored theirservice as part of the annual MilitaryAppreciation Night in conjunction withVeterans Day.“It was just such an awesomeexperience,” said Tech. Sgt. KristineRupp, of Franklin, the Milwaukee-based128th Refueling Wing’s Airman of theYear and one of the service membershonored during the game.The night’s festivities began withcountry western duo Steel Magnoliassinging the national anthem as servicemembers and veterans unfurled agiant U.S. flag across the playing field.Fans joined in by holding up placardsthat depicted the stars and stripes andspelled out “Thank You Military” andContinued on Page 17A fireworks show concludes the halftime ceremony at Lambeau Field in GreenBay during a Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers andthe Minnesota Vikings. The Wisconsin National Guard’s 132nd Army Bandperformed on the field at halftime, part of the Packers’ salute to the military inrecognition of Veterans Day. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan WallinExpress@ease 16 November 2011-January 2012

There were no candles — that likely would haveviolated a city fire code — but Wisconsin NationalGuard members and state Department of MilitaryAffairs employees celebrated the National Guard’s375th birthday Dec. 13 at Joint Force Headquartersin Madison.Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander of theWisconsin Air National Guard, reflected on theNational Guard’s status as the oldest military forcein the Department of Defense, joking that one ortwo of the people gathered for the cake cuttingwere at the first muster at the Massachusetts BayColony in 1636.“We do predate the nation,” McCoy said. “Thewell-trained, organized militia was crucial to wherewe are today. Who would have guessed then thatwe’d be here in 2011? Happy birthday to us.”Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of theWisconsin Army National Guard, observed that theNational Guard is unique among American militaryorganizations.“When you think about where our roots lie,where our missions are, really, it’s the communitiesthat we reside in,” Anderson said. “We areContinued on Page 19Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson,commander of theWisconsin Army NationalGuard, and WisconsinArmy National Guardofficer candidate AaronKamnetz use a ceremonialsaber to cut one of twobirthday cakes celebratingthe National Guard’s375th birthday Dec. 13 atJoint Force Headquartersin Madison. WisconsinNational Guard photo by1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson@easeExpressNational Guard born from humble beginningsBill BoehmNational Guard BureauThe Massachusetts Bay Colony wasfounded in 1630. More than 5,000 men,women and children made the two-monthvoyage to the New World, leaving the relativecomfort and safety of England behind in aneffort to break free of religious intolerance,and to manage their communities the waythey saw fit. In doing so, their actions treadnew ground in the country that would becomethe United States of America.The military organization we know today asthe National Guard came into existence witha direct declaration on Dec. 13, 1636. On thisdate, the Massachusetts General Court inSalem, for the first time in the history of theNorth American continent, established that allable-bodied men between the ages of 16 and60 were required to join the militia. The North,South, and East Regiments were establishedwith this order. The decree excluded ministersand judges. Simply stated, citizen-soldierswho mustered for military training couldbe and would be called upon to fight whenneeded.The settlers of the new outpostsexperienced austere surroundings. Withno established or familiar conventionsupon which to rely, the colony relied uponmale pioneers to provide food, shelter, anddefensive protection for the women andchildren present, as well for themselves. Evenwith all available hands working, this was adifficult task. Worse, the nearby Pequot Indiantribe proved a restless and unpredictableneighbor, leaving the Massachusetts colonistsContinued on Page 1918 November 2011-January 2012

kosovoDominion of tribal alliances. Territory in the Roman, Byzantine andBulgarian Empires. Contested between regional powers. Conquered bythe Ottoman Empire. Center of the Albanian national awakening andrevolts of the 19th and 20th centuries. Divided between Montenegroand Serbia, then absorbed into Yugoslavia. Occupation by Italy and NaziGermany. An autonomous province of Serbia. A declaration ofindependence. The history of Kosovo is one of conflict and struggle foridentity. Can Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers help the new nationstand on its own?@easeExpress20 November 2011-January 2012

@easeExpressKFOR timeline1999: First elements of theNATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR)entered Kosovo on June 12, twodays after UN Security CouncilResolution 1244 was adopted.By June 20, all Serbian forceshad withdrawn. KFOR was initiallycomposed of some 50,000NATO troops, with a mandateto deter renewed hostility fromYugoslav and Serb forces,establish security, demilitarize theKosovo Liberation Army, supportinternational humanitarian effortsand support the international civilpresence.2002: KFOR reduced to around39,000 troops.2003: KFOR further reducedtroop levels to 26,000 in June,and to 17,500 by year’s end.2004: Renewed ethnic violenceerupted between Albanians andSerbs. KFOR troops came underattack, and 2,500 additionaltroops were deployed to reinforcethe existing KFOR strength. At theIstanbul Summit, NATO leaderscondemned the renewed violenceand reaffirmed their commitmentto a secure, stable and multiethnicKosovo.2007: Despite acomprehensive proposal and aspecial committee from the UN,no agreement was reached onKosovo’s status. KFOR helpedmaintain safety and stabilityduring negotiations. In December,Continued on Page 22Spc. Michelle Weissinger squintedher eyes as wind and cold rain pelted herface. The weather is typical of Indianain late fall and early winter — but morethan that, it’s typical of where she andapproximately 180 other members of the157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigadewill be deploying, right down to the hillyand wooded terrain: Kosovo.Following sendoff ceremonies inSeptember, the members of the 157thMEB headed to Camp Atterbury, Ind.,for several weeks of training with otherNational Guard units as part of KosovoForce (KFOR) 15, a NATO-led peacesupport mission. The 157th will serve asthe brigade headquarters unit for Multi-National Battle Group East, also referredto as Task Force Falcon. There it willoversee operations for the entire Multi-National Battle Group-East, which alsoincludes units from Armenia, Greece,Poland, Turkey, Romania and the Ukraine.“It’s a three-pronged mission,” saidCol. Jeffrey J. Liethen, an Onalaska, Wis.,native and KFOR 15 commander. “Wemonitor the pulse of the populace, so tospeak, keeping track of the feelings andPreparingfor apeacesupportmissionin Kosovoopinions of the people. We also act asthird responders to demonstrations andriots, and maintain freedom of movementfor other KFOR forces.”According to Sgt. Angie J. Gross —a Bismarck, N.D., native and humanresources specialist with the aviationelement of KFOR 15 — one of the biggestbenefits of coming to train together atCamp Atterbury is that everyone haslearned how to work as one team.“When we all first got here, everyoneContinued on Page 2221 November 2011-January 2012

KFOR 15 members unified through Camp Atterbury trainingKFOR timelineContinued from Page 21 commander of the aviation task force, Spc. Taria Johnson, of the 32ndContinued from Page 21said her team of aviators — who expect to Military Police Company, last deployedhad their own little cliques. We are all get at least three calls a week for patient to Iraq in 2009 where her unit was mostlyfrom different places and even different and medical supply transfer in Kosovo — responsible for detainee operations.states altogether,” Gross said. “Now, you are right on pace with training at Camp She said she is thrilled with the trainingsee the entire KFOR coming together. You Atterbury.accomplished at Atterbury.see little things, like how many people sit “Everyone is doing very well and I’m “It’s actually nice to do actual militarytogether at chow time. We are really all happy with the way things are going,” she police operations.” Johnson said. “Wecoming together.”said.have true scenarios for the mission we’reLiethen agreed.Dooley-Menet said her team has going to do.”“These Soldiers may have come from applied a crawl-walk-run philosophy to The MPs will be responsible for all ofmany different units but, after training their training. The Soldiers, from the West the law enforcement on post. Nine 32ndhere together, they are leaving as one Bend-based 238th Aviation Regiment MP Soldiers have also been selected tocollective unit,” he said. “I am proud of and 248th Aviation Support Battalion, are the protective services detachment andtheir commitment and progress, and I am currently being validated on flying night will be responsible for safeguarding allproud to serve with them as part of Multi- missions by 1st Army — the organization distinguished visitors on the post.National Battle Group-East.”that certifies all units are competent toCapt. Luella Dooley-Menet,perform the mission prior to deploying.Continued on Page 23Col. Jeffery J. Liethen, commander ofthe 157th Maneuver EnhancementBrigade, passes the unit colors tothe incoming Headquarters Companycommander, Capt. Eric Okeson, duringa change-of-command ceremony atCamp Atterbury, Ind., Oct. 5. 157th MEBphoto by Capt. Joy Staab@easeExpressChanging of the guard for 157th HQ CompanyCapt. Joy Staab157th Maneuver Enhancement BrigadeCapt. Bradley Bucher, of Waukesha,formally turned over company commandresponsibilities of the 157th ManeuverEnhancement Brigade’s HeadquartersCompany to Capt. Eric Okeson, Chicago,during an Oct. 4 ceremony at CampAtterbury, Ind.Bucher — who assumed commandin March 2010 and spent a significantamount of time preparing the companyfor its Kosovo deployment — now isa member of the Joint ImplementationCommission, which will focus on bordersecurity and working with internationalforces in Kosovo.“We celebrate the trust and confidenceour leadership has placed in the incomingcommander, Capt. Okeson,” said Col.Jeffrey Liethen, 157th MEB commander.“He has his work cut out for him in thedifficult task of mobilizing and deployingour unit to Kosovo. He will most certainlysucceed if given the same loyalty anddevotion to duty you have provided Capt.Bucher.”“Thank you for all your hard work— it paid off,” Bucher told the companyformation. “Everyone trained hard toprepare for our deployment, and now thatwe are finishing the final phase of ourtraining, everyone can look ahead andfocus on their mission in Kosovo.”“I would like to thank Capt. Bucherfor getting us to where we are today,”Okeson said. “Your hard work is muchappreciated.”“He’ll be missed,” Spc. JessicaConnors said of Bucher. “Capt. Bucherdid a really good job at keeping usorganized and motivated, but this will be agood experience for Capt. Okeson.”Bucher is the son of Patsey and FloydBucher of Denmark, Wis. He graduatedfrom Pulaski High School in 1988 andLakeland College in 2004. He has beenmarried to his wife Jennifer for 13 years;they have two sons, Jake and Ryan.NATO foreign ministers agreedthat KFOR would remain in Kosovounless the UN Security Councildetermined otherwise.2008: Assembly of Kosovodeclared independence of theRepublic of Kosovo in February.NATO leaders agreed at BucharestSummit in April that NATO andKFOR would continue to work withauthorities and to support theUN , European Union and otherinternational actors to develop astable, democratic, multi-ethnicand peaceful Kosovo. In August,45 countries recognized Kosovo’sindependence; Serbia continuedto claim sovereignty of Kosovoas an autonomous province. InDecember NATO foreign ministersreaffirmed the presence of KFORin Kosovo, ending the KosovoProtection Corps and starting theKosovo Security Force.2009: Kosovo Security Forcebegan operations in January, oneday after the Kosovo ProtectionForce ceased activities. NATOdefense ministers decided in Juneto gradually adjust KFOR’s forceposture to a deterrent presence.2010: KFOR reduced to 10,200troops.2011: KFOR reduced to about5,500 troops, provided by 22NATO and 8 non-NATO countries.22 November 2011-January 2012

157th MEB members train for Kosovo missionContinued from Page 22The 157th MEB began its second legof the training in November at U.S. ArmyEurope’s Joint Multinational TrainingCenter in Hohenfels, Germany. Expertplanners and observer controllers (OCs)have made it a number one priority toensure that KFOR 15 is ready to face thecurrent situation.“We sent several OCs from differentteams over to Kosovo to observe the latest[tactics, techniques and procedures] andunderstand the operational environmentthere,” said Capt. John Denney, an OC atJMRC.That information is then given toscenario writers who develop the eventsthat Soldiers will be challenged withduring their training, Denney said.National Guard Soldiers make up the U.S.element of KFOR 15, and they noticedJMRC’s efforts to make training asrealistic as possible right away.“Early on in our training, the focuswas on a relatively steady state and calmenvironment in Kosovo,” Liethen said.“Things have drastically changed. It’svery obvious that the training programhere at Hohenfels has been modified toreplicate what is actually going on inKosovo right now so that will definitelybe a help in us conducting our mission.”The Guard Soldiers also have theunique opportunity to train with partnernations they will work alongside duringtheir deployment.“Anytime that we have the opportunityto train with our multinational partnersis a huge benefit for both understandinghow they operate and understanding theidiosyncrasies of their doctrine comparedto ours,” Liethen said. “Just being ableto communicate with those that speak alanguage foreign to ours is a big benefit.”Another advantage is the priordeployments and skill sets these GuardSoldiers bring to the table that will aidthem in the KFOR mission.“What we are hoping to do is take@easeExpressa lot of the experience theseSoldiers already have out of Iraqor Afghanistan,” Denney said.“We use those basics they haveused and put a Kosovo polish on itspecific to the deployment they aregoing to be seeing here shortly.”The transfer of authorityto KFOR 15 is scheduled forDecember, where these Soldierswill have a chance to implementthe training they’ve received andfurther the peacekeeping missionin Kosovo.Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue, StaffSgt. Matt Scotten and Lynn Daviscontributed to this article.Above, Master Sgt. TraciStehula prepares to throw atraining hand grenade whiletraining at Camp Atterbury,Ind. At left, Soldiers fromthe 32nd Military PoliceCompany rehearse MilitaryOperations on Urban Terrain(MOUT) training. 157th MEBPublic Affairs photos by Capt.Joy Staab23 November 2011-January 2012

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo — A WisconsinArmy National Guard brigade assumed responsibilityof Multinational Battle Group East (MNBG E) during aDec. 10 formal ceremony at Camp Bondsteel.The 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB),based out of Milwaukee, joined 12 other National Guardunits and one Army Reserve unit from throughout theU.S. and Puerto Rico as part of Kosovo Forces 15. Theyassumed responsibility from the New Mexico ArmyNational Guard’s 111th MEB, based out of Rio Rancho,N.M., which arrived in April.The Kosovo Force commander, Maj. Gen. ErhardDrews, transferred responsibility of MNBG E from Col.Michael D. Schwartz, commander of the 111th MEB, toCol. Jeffrey J. Liethen, 157th MEB commander.“As you know, we are one of many U.S. KFORrotations,” Liethen said at the ceremony. “Through theyears, KFOR rotations have changed, just as Kosovohas changed, but one thing remains the same — ourcollective commitment to maintain a safe and secureenvironment and freedom of movement throughoutKosovo.“I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that ascommander, my objective is to continue to build uponthe work done by the Soldiers of KFOR 14 and theirpredecessors,” he added. “We look forward to workingwith our multinational partners and continuing tomaintain a safe and secure environment for the people ofKosovo.”Schwartz spoke of the outstanding relationship forgedbetween the many nations in the battle group.“As I have said many times before to our Soldiers,our multinational partners are not part of the battlegroup — they are the battle group,” he said. “Withoutany one member, our mission would have been muchmore difficult. Together, as a single organization, weaccomplished many remarkable feats. We are truly amore mobile, capable force than ever before.”Drews said he was confident that the future ofMultinational Battle Group East would be in capablehands.“I am more than convinced that you will leadMultinational Battle Group East in the same outstandingmanner as did Col. Schwartz,” he said to Liethen.The U.S. contingent of MNBG E is comprised ofapproximately 700 troops from 10 states and one U.S.territory. Multinational partners in MNBG E includeFrance, Germany, Hellas (Greece), Morocco, Poland,Turkey, Armenia and Ukraine.@easeExpressLeft, Col. Jeffrey J. Liethen, left,and Command Sgt. Maj. BradShields unfurl the WisconsinArmy National Guard’s 157thManeuver EnhancementBrigade’s colors.Below, Col. Michael Schwartz,left, of the New Mexico ArmyNational Guard, Lt. Col. KerryMorgan and Col. JeffreyLiethen of the Wisconsin ArmyNational Guard, and Maj. Gen.Erhard Drews, Kosovo Forcecommander, share a momentprior to a transfer of authorityceremony Dec. 10 at CampBondsteel, Kosovo. WisconsinArmy National Guard photos bySgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner24 November 2011-January 2012

Sgt. 1st Class Jim Wagner157th MEB Public AffairsThe mail clerk is one of the mostpopular people to deployed Soldiers, andat no time is that more true than during theChristmas holiday season — especiallyfor nearly 200 Wisconsin National GuardSoldiers deployed at Camp Bondsteel,Kosovo.Soldiers from the Milwaukee-based157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade(MEB) and Company F, 2nd Battalion,238th Aviation Regiment arrived a fewdays before Thanksgiving in supportof the United Nations peacekeepingmission as Kosovo Force (KFOR) 15.After approximately three months ofmobilization training, mail from home is awelcome sight.Being away from home during theholidays is always tough, according tologistics officer Capt. Johnathan Koeppenof Milwaukee.“This is my third deployment andbeing away from family and friends nevergets any easier,” Koeppen said. “It is sonice to pick up a package sent from myfamily or my friends and read the cardsand see how much support I have. It’s anice break from the action and makes mefeel connected to those at home.”As expected, there is a lot of mailcoming from family and friends, said Sgt.Jessica Simmons, a Multinational BattleGroup East mail clerk assigned to TaskForce Falcon, the headquarters element ofthe battle group. The Macon, Ga., residentis responsible for sorting and processingmail for approximately 400 people in thebattle group.Simmons and her assistant — Pfc.Clinton Glenn, a driver and administrativespecialist on loan from the JointImplementation Commission section@easeExpressCapt. Johnathan Koeppen, a deployed Wisconsin ArmyNational Guard logistics officer from Milwaukee, picks upa large delivery of packages Dec. 12 at Camp Bondsteel,Kosovo. Inset: Army Sgt. Jessica Simmons, mail clerkduring the holiday mail surge — deftlymaneuver through the cramped spaceavailable after Monday’s delivery ofpackages.For the Georgia Army National GuardSoldiers, it’s their daily job to take thelarge stacks of mail that arrive and sortthem by section and individual.Despite being assigned to a hectic dutyaway from his assigned responsibilities,Glenn said he has enjoyed the work so far,and the perks.“I get to get my mail before anyoneelse without waiting,” the Atlanta residentassigned to Multinational Battle Group-East and a memberof the Georgia Army National Guard, processes holiday mailat Camp Bondsteel. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Sgt.1st Class Jim Wagnersaid with a laugh. “It keeps me busy, butbeing occupied is a good thing.”Mondays, according to Simmons, arethe busiest day of the week — with thepost office closed on Sundays, it meansan extra day of accumulated mail. Onthis particular day, there were 41 piecesof accountable mail items — insured,certified or registered mail requiring asignature —and approximately 120 nonaccountableitems.She said the record, currently held byKosovo Forces 14 from last year, is 122accountable items in one day. Since thereis no official tally for non-accountablemail, there is no way to measure what thegrand total might have been.But, Simmons said, she expects tosee her office get close to that amountbefore Christmas comes and goes, and shewouldn’t have it any other way.“Mail is a nice surprise at any time, butduring the holiday season it helps bringa taste of home to us,” according to StaffSgt. Sara Anderson of Eau Claire, Wis.“It’s amazing how receiving mail canimmediately brighten up your day and puta smile on your face.”25 November 2011-January 2012

Just over one month and nearly 175miles later, approximately 50 membersof the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s724th Engineer Battalion have wrappedup work on a storm cleanup project —Operation Blue Ox — in Burnett andDouglas counties in northern Wisconsin.“Those select Guard members of the724th Engineer Battalion have done anoutstanding job on a mission of greatimportance to the citizens of Burnett andDouglas counties,” Gov. Scott Walkersaid. “These highly skilled individualsperformed a valuable service.”“This is the Guard at its finest —serving in the combat zone last yearand answering the call at home today,”said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin. “A magnificentcontribution!”@easeExpressThe Burnett County Board ofSupervisors passed a resolution Oct.20 thanking Dunbar and the WisconsinNational Guard for their response to thecounty’s appeal for support.Capt. Paul Cusick, commander of the950th Engineer Company, 724th EngineerBattalion, said the mission went well.“Soldiers want to serve,” he said.“Helping out in their local community,that’s what they thrive on. Whether abroador at home, that’s why they want to behere.”The northern Wisconsin Soldiersfor this mission came from the 950thEngineer Company, 106th Engineer Teamand the Forward Support Company — allsubordinate units of the 724th EngineerBattalion.Since Sept. 6, Guard membersworked to clear branches and tree limbs stress caused by winds, it’s not veryfrom roadsides in Burnett and Douglas predictable which way a tree’s goingcounties. The powerful July 1 storm to fall or how it’s going to react,” hetoppled trees across 130,000 acres in six explained. “There’s tension built up in thenorthern Wisconsin counties. The storm tree. It’s not just a matter of pushing a treedebris in the rights of ways posed a safety this way — the tree’s got a vote and it’sand fire hazard. Debris clearing efforts going to fall whatever way it wants to.”ended Oct. 7 with identified routes 100 Cusick said that much of the tensionpercent complete. Equipment rented for in the storm-toppled timber dissipatedthis mission was cleaned and returned by between the July 1 storm and theOct. 11.beginning of the Wisconsin ArmyThe 950th specializes in routeNational Guard cleanup project Sept. 6.clearance, which in Iraq and Afghanistan “Every tree was still a uniquemeans finding and removing roadside challenge,” he said. Timber less than 18bombs and other hazards. Cutting and inches in diameter was fed into woodchipping trees blown down by strong chippers and dispersed beyond the ditchwinds, though seemingly safer, has its line. Timber too large for the chipper wasown dangers, Cusick warned.cut into 100-inch lengths and left for local“Tree operations is dangerous becausewhen you are felling a tree that is under Continued on Page 2726 November 2011-January 2012

Continued from Page 26townships to remove.Guard members received chain sawtraining from the Forest Industry Safetyand Training Alliance (FISTA), andlearned to safely operate large woodchippers and other heavy equipment. Theunit had very few injuries to report duringthe mission. Some of the equipment usedfor this mission proved so helpful that itmay be included in future civil supportforce packages.The Soldiers were assembled into twowork platoons, led by platoon leaders andplatoon sergeants who recently returnedfrom the 724th Engineer Battalion’s Iraqdeployment. Cusick said that deploymentexperience paid huge dividends for thismission.“It was a leadership challenge toensure guys were rested and did not fallinto complacency,” he said. “Engineerestimates, engineer recons, fueloperations, maintenance — it was all asmuch of a challenge as being downrange.These four guys had a high level ofcompetence and they were still in therhythm, that deployment atmosphere.”Cusick said platoon leadershipfrequently interacted with local officialswho checked on the progress of the stormdebris cleanup, drawing on skills honedoverseas.“Right now in the encounters you havein Afghanistan and Iraq, strategic objectivesare being handled at the tactical level —platoon leader, platoon sergeant,” he said.“When that local town chairman decidesto stop by to make sure his objectives arebeing met, it’s all the same.”Cusick praised the state Departmentof Corrections officials and inmateswho supplied labor in the cleanup effort.The inmates, supervised by correctionsofficers, hauled wood out of the ditch line,and Guard members would then feed thewood into the wood chipper.@easeEngineer unit finishesstorm cleanup missionExpress“Those guys worked their tail off,”Cusick said of the inmates. “They wantedto be there. It allowed my guys to workmore on the skilled labor side of thingswith the machines. It was just a win-win.From the officers down to the inmates,it was just one of the best experiences Ithink I’ve had.”Overall, Cusick said the experiencesgained from this particular mission wereinvaluable, especially for a unit justreturning from a deployment.“The big thing moving forwardfrom this year is putting the team backtogether,” he said. “Seeing the mettleof the rear detachment Soldiers just putthe 950th much further ahead. Imminentdanger, key leader engagements,interagency coordination — it will beyears before my unit gets the same levelof training value as this mission had. Itwas phenomenal.”The Wisconsin National Guard Soldiersbegan the mission as an InnovativeReadiness Training project, which allowedexisting federal funds in the trainingbudget to be used. The Department ofDefense revoked its IRT approval Sept. 8,and Gov. Scott Walker placed the Soldierson state active duty. Dunbar engagedleaders at the National Guard Bureauto restore federal funding Sept. 9 viaadditional annual training orders.27 November 2011-January 2012

The Wisconsin National Guard’s Reaction Force uses a skirmish line formation,above, to move anti-nuclear “protestors” away from the security perimeteras part of a validation exercise Oct. 14-15 at Fort McCoy, Wis. This particularscenario called for providing additional security at the Kewaunee Nuclear PowerPlant following a notional mechanical failure, and assembling a riot control teamto counter a group of anti-nuclear demonstrators. At left, “protestors” sit asobstacles before the skirmish line. Wisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt.Vaughn R. Larson@easeExpressManning security perimeters and roadblocks, and facing protestors — all in aday’s work, or two, for the National GuardReaction Force (NGRF).The Wisconsin National Guard’sNGRF completed a two-day exerciseOct. 15 at Fort McCoy designed tovalidate its ability to respond in supportof local authorities in the event of areal emergency. In this exercise thescenario called for a security mission atthe Kewaunee Power Station (nuclearpower plant) due to a nuclear emergencydeclaration at the site.Continued on Page 2928 November 2011-January 2012

Wisconsin National Guard validates Reaction ForceContinued from Page 28Maj. Joseph Adamson, plans officerwith the Wisconsin National Guard’sJoint Staff, said the NGRF demonstratedproficiency at roadblocks, check points,vehicle searches and critical site security.“These guys know the task and theyknow it very well,” Adamson said.Part of the scenario involved antinuclearpower protestors who arrived onthe scene and became unruly, requiringa crowd control team to assemble andprevent the situation from escalating.The crowd control team — completewith face shields, body shields, shinguards and riot batons — formed askirmish line and slowly advanced towardthe protestors.“Under the authority of the KewauneeCounty Sheriff, you must vacate the area,”a team leader ordered the protestors over aloudspeaker.Without making physical contact, theskirmish line moved the protestors awayfrom the site to a point down the roadwhere they could safely disperse. Onceat that point, the crowd control teamlowered its body shields but maintainedits line formation, clearly indicating thatno harm was intended to the protestors butthat they would not be allowed past theskirmish line.The NGRF is a ready combat armsforce which, upon request from thegovernor or president, provides an initialforce package of up to 125 personnelwithin eight hours and a follow-on forceof up to 375 personnel within 24 hours.The NGRF mission rotates each year —this year it is shared by Soldiers from 1stSquadron, 105th Cavalry.Lt. Col. David May, deputy director ofdomestic operations with the WisconsinNational Guard Joint Staff, said thevalidation exercise went well.“The preliminary results are extremelypositive,” he said, noting that the officialvalidation was still about one monthaway. “This was a valuable experience for@easeExpressAbove, a team leader instructs a groupof “protestors” to leave the area. At left,the Wisconsin National Guard’s ReactionForce maintain their posture as a group of“protestors” departs a noisy but uneventfulconfrontation, part of a validation exerciseOct. 14-15 at Fort McCoy. This particularscenario called for providing additionalsecurity at the Kewaunee Nuclear PowerPlant following a notional mechanical failure,and assembling a riot control team to countera group of anti-nuclear demonstrators.Soldiers to adjust how they approach tasks thatare used in both wartime and domestic operations.They were quickly able to adopt an appropriateposture for a Wisconsin operation.”29 November 2011-January 2012

The Wisconsin National Guard’s DrugControl Program delivered more than 9.1tons of expired, unused and unwantedprescription medication to the DrugEnforcement Administration’s Milwaukeeoffice following the National PrescriptionDrug Take-Back Day Oct. 29.“That total is an increase of almost 33percent over the last Take-Back event thatwas held in the spring,” said James Bohn,assistant special agent in charge of theMilwaukee DEA office.Col. Mark Greenwood, WisconsinNational Guard Counterdrug coordinator,said the Take-Back effort raisescommunity awareness about the problemof prescription drug abuse and helps tomitigate it.“It appears the Take-Back event this goaroundwas a big success again,” he said.This is the third such collection event— involving more than 110 agencies —designed to reduce the opportunity forillicit use of prescription medication.The DEA intends to conduct collectionsapproximately every six months until theDEA completes a process for safe disposalof prescription medication.Six Drug Control Program memberspicked up pharmaceuticals at State Patrolcollection points in De Forest, Fond duLac, Eau Claire, Spooner and Wausau, anddelivered them to the Milwaukee DEAoffice Oct. 30. Additional Drug ControlProgram members helped build pallets Nov.1 to load the vehicles that would transportall the collected materials Nov. 2 to a DEAapprovedincinerator in Indianapolis.Bohn said the Wisconsin National GuardDrug Control Program has been integral inall three Take-Back collection efforts.“Their commitment to this program wasimmediate and substantial,” Bohn said.“[They] are always prepared, professionaland hard-working — certainly one of themain reasons this program is so successfulin Wisconsin.”The discarded pharmaceuticals wereincinerated in Indianapolis.@easeExpressAbove, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Wagner of the Wisconsin NationalGuard’s Drug Control Program assists the Drug EnforcementAdministration during their Pharmaceutical Take-BackInitiative. At left, members of the Wisconsin National Guard’sDrug Control Program assist agents from the Drug EnforcementAdministration. The national initiative took place Oct. 29.Wisconsin Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Thomas J.Sobczyk30 November 2011-January 2012

1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonWisconsin National GuardThe celebration was ceremonial, but thereason for the celebration was significant.“Today’s ceremony represents thesymbolic opening of the Guard ResilienceUniversity to all members of the ArmyNational Guard,” Lt. Col. AndrewRatzlaff, commander of the 3rd Battalion,426th Regional Training Institute —which operates the Army National Guard’svery first resilience training facility —said Oct. 17.Resilience, in this sense, is a methodof coping with significant challenges andwas originally developed at the Universityof Pennsylvania to help teachers providecoping mechanisms to students. The U.S.Army began teaching resilience skills inrecent years in response to an increasedneed for psychological aid among someSoldiers.“What we’re doing here is adaptingto change again,” said Maj. Gen. DonDunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin.“This is not some namby-pamby feelgoodkind of experience. This is aboutreadiness; this is about defending thiscountry. This is about maintaining thecourage that you and I are privileged toshare in this uniform.”Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, director ofthe U.S. Army’s Comprehensive SoldierFitness program, praised the NationalGuard for embracing the concept ofresilience and pursuing its own trainingfacility, which officially opened at FortMcCoy in August and offers masterresilience trainer courses for up to 60students once per month.“Is this part of pre- and postdeployment?”she asked. “No. Is this partof some kind of therapy? No. This is justmaking people more psychologically fit.Just as we would not wait until someoneflunks a [physical fitness] test for themto become physically fit, why in theworld would we wait until someone@easeExpressThe Guard Resilience University, a resilience training schoollocated at the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 426thRegional Training Institute at Fort McCoy, held a ribbon-cuttingceremony Oct. 17. Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch joined Brig. Gen.has some psychological crisis or somedemonstration of bad coping to give thembetter psychological fitness?”1st Sgt. John Peterson, from theResilience Training Campus at Fort Sill,Okla., and a facilitator for the currentmaster resilience trainer course at GuardResilience University (GRU), saidthat teaching resiliency skills is not anindication that the Army is going soft.“One of the first things I tell theSoldiers is resiliency is not leniency — it’sa process,” he explained. “The process isto make you better. Resilient is not a softword, and they’ll find out when they gothrough this course. It’s mental agility, it’sstrength of character, it’s understandingyour values. There’s nothing soft in thosewords.”Ratzlaff recounted how GRU began asa discussion in the back of the room wherethe ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.“Little did we know the positive resultwe were about to set in motion,” he said,crediting Maj. Sylvia Lopez and Sgt. 1stClass John Battista with the success of themaster resilience trainer courses offered atthe 426th. “Without their tireless efforts,networking skills and long hours, wewould not be standing here today.”Lopez said that the ceremonyrepresented the culmination of much hardwork by many good people.“You have to talk to a lot of differententities,” she said of raising the idea of aNational Guard-operated resilience trainingfacility to the National Guard Bureau.“They all want the same things, but youneed them on the same sheet of music tomove forward. Everybody wants the samething — it’s just how do we get there?”Lopez said that the resilience skillstaught in the course were used to realizeestablishing GRU in Wisconsin. Lt. Gov.Rebecca Kleefisch praised the end result.“In the private sector we like totell people that Wisconsin is openfor business,” she said. “It is truly anRhonda Cornum, director of the U.S. Army’s ComprehensiveSoldier Fitness program and senior Wisconsin National Guardleaders in the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Wisconsin NationalGuard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larsonhonor today to show that, in one moreregard, Wisconsin is open for businessand advancement when it comes to theresilience of our National Guard.”Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Kletzien ofBattery A, 1st Battalion, 121st FieldArtillery, completed the level 1 masterresilience trainer course in August.“It’s something I believe in,” he said,“something I want to be a part of. Overall,it makes you a better leader. You’re able tolook at situations differently and not jumpto conclusions.”Peterson said that having resilienceskills helps him know he’s solving theright problems.“It’s easy to go out there and barkout orders, but am I barking out theright orders to the right audience in theright way?” he said. “If I can be a moreeffective leader, using resilient skills, I canbounce back from anything that’s thrownat me. It’s a win-win — that’s why I lovethis program.”31 November 2011-January 2012

Veterans of the 32nd Division recall the year they spent preparing for a potentialCold War conflagration at a 50th anniversary commemoration hosted at the 32ndInfantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters at Camp Williams Oct. 15. 112thMobile Public Affairs Detachment photos by Staff Sgt. Michelle GonzalezStaff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez112th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentApproximately 150 veterans of the32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division andtheir guests joined Wisconsin NationalGuard leaders and Soldiers assigned tothe 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Teamat the 32nd Brigade headquarters in CampWilliams, Wis., Oct. 15 to commemorate@easeExpressthe 50th anniversary of the year-longdeployment spent in preparation for the1961 Berlin Crisis.The commemoration includedhistorical displays, video footage from themobilization, modern equipment displays,scrapbook sharing and culminated with aceremony.Continued on Page 33Soldiers assigned to the 32nd InfantryBrigade Combat Team display flagsfrom battalions of the 32nd Divisionin a 50th anniversary commemorationceremony of the Berlin Crisis held atthe 32nd Infantry Brigade CombatTeam headquarters at Camp Williams.32 November 2011-January 2012

Red Arrow commemorates Berlin Crisis anniversaryContinued from Page 32For many veterans, the event wasan opportunity to reconnect withfellow service members and share theirdeployment experience from five decadesago to friends, family and current RedArrow Guardsmen.“I like to see the guysand reminisce,” said MaumRollie, a Soldier assigned tothe 32nd Division’s 732ndOrdinance Company fromTomah, Wis., as he lookedover a display recounting atrain crash he was a part of.“There are so many ofmy friends in the 32nd whoare gone,” said GeorgeRosholt, a mail clerk forCompany A, 3rd BattleGroup of the 127th Infantryfrom Milwaukee. “I’m lucky to bestanding here today.”In September 1961, the 32nd Divisionreceived notice of possibly serving oneyear of active duty. The division beganmobilizing Oct. 15 of that year andreported to Fort Lewis, Wash., to train.By February 1962, the division wasdeclared Strategic Army Corps whichmeant the 32nd Division was prepared forjoint Army and Air Force deploymentsto any trouble spot in the world on shortnotice.“For that year, it was hellon earth for some Soldiersbut after it all we were readyto deploy at a moment’snotice,” Rosholt said.“The Cuban Missile crisishappened shortly after theBerlin Crisis and I thoughtwe’d be called again,” headded.During the ceremony,Wisconsin Guard leadershipspoke to the differencesbetween 1961 and 2011 RedArrow Soldiers and applauded the serviceof 32nd Division veterans.“Just like you did 50 years ago,Soldiers spend up to nine months onthe ground executing the most difficultmissions then come home and reintegratelike you did,” said Col. Martin Seifer,32nd Brigade commander. “They try toexplain to their family and friends whythey wanted to go back and in some caseswhy they even considered to serve.”“What you did was magnificent,” saidMaj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant generalof Wisconsin. “I’m proud to be associatedwith you. I’m proud to stand here withyou and I thank you for your service.”Above, Staff Sgt. Matthew Ward, CompanyA, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry inMenomonie, explains weapon systemscurrently used by Soldiers to veterans of the32nd Division during a 50th anniversarycommemoration held at Camp Douglas.112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photosby Staff Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez@easeExpressCarl Birk, a rifle platoon sergeantwith Company C, 2nd Battle Group ofthe 128th Infantry during the BerlinCrisis mobilization stands next toStaff Sgt. Mark Langner, HeadquartersCompany, 32nd Infantry BrigadeCombat Team, who is wearing Birk’sold uniform during a 50th anniversarycommemoration at the 32nd Brigadeheadquarters in Camp Williams.33 November 2011-January 2012

82nd ADT wraps up pre-mobilization trainingRob SchuetteFort McCoy Public AffairsA unique mixture of WisconsinNational Guard personnel who willperform a unique but vital agriculturalmission in Afghanistan conducted predeploymenttraining at Fort McCoy inOctober.The 82nd Agribusiness DevelopmentTeam (ADT) will conduct agriculturaldevelopment planning, assessment andsupport activities in Kunar Province toexpand legal agriculture/agribusiness,services, markets, and education to reducerural poverty, increase employmentopportunities in agriculture serviceindustries and improve agricultureeducation.Col. Darrel Feucht, 82nd ADTcommander, said the unit is comprised ofSoldiers and Airmen from the WisconsinArmy and Air National Guard. Feuchtbrings agricultural know-how to themission with his agriculture degree fromthe University of Wisconsin.Wisconsin joins many other states inproviding an ADT to support the Afghanpeople, he said. Although Afghanistan hasgained a reputation for growing opium,the country produces a wide variety oflegitimate crops, such as wheat, grapes,and tree fruits such as apricots, almonds,walnuts and mulberries.Continued on Page 35A member of the 82nd Agribusiness Development Team test-fires hisM240B Machine Gun before leaving on a training mission at Fort McCoyOct. 15. The 82nd ADT was at Fort McCoy for its last annual training beforedeploying in spring 2012. 82nd ADT photos by 2nd Lt. Stephen MontgomeryMembers of the 82nd Agribusiness DevelopmentTeam fire the M249 Squad Automatic Weaponduring twilight at one of Fort McCoy’s weaponsranges Oct. 11.@easeExpress34 November 2011-January 2012

Agribusiness Development Team prepares for deployment to help Afghani farmers sow seeds of successContinued from Page 34Unit personnel bring a variety ofbackgrounds and experience to themission, he said. The approximately 60members include security and medicalpersonnel, Feucht said. In addition tomilitary skills, members of the ADT alsohave experience in agriculture-relatedfields, including hydrology, veterinaryservices, entomology, forestry, marketingand farming.Female team members also will havethe role of supporting and developingwomen’s cultural programs, he said.“We came to Fort McCoy to fulfill ourcollective military training tasks,” Feuchtsaid. “Fort McCoy is close to home forthe Soldiers here, and we can do all of themilitary training we need to do.”The training at Fort McCoy includedusing the Contingency OperatingLocations (Forward Operating Bases),rural village facilities and weapons ranges,he said. A field training exercise alsoallowed for key leader engagement.“These locations add to the realism ofour training and help get soldiers into thedeployment mindset” said Capt. WilliamBenson, operations officer for the 82ndADT. “This training was about as realisticas you could get to being at a deployedforward operating base.”To further add to the realism,approximately 60 RecruitmentSustainment Program soldiers fromvarious RSP units took part in the fieldtraining exercise, playing the part of localvillagers, key leaders and even enemycombatants.“It was great having a lot of peoplethere; it definitely amped up the stresslevel of the training and made it a lotmore realistic,” said Nicholas Crochiere,a mechanic assigned to the 82nd ADT.“Normally one or two people will playthose parts, but we had an entire villageof people on some of the missions that wedid.”Maj. Paul Felician, S2-Intelligence,@easeExpressMembers of the 82nd Agribusiness Development Team during an early morningpremission briefing at Fort McCoy Oct. 15. 82nd ADT photo by 2nd Lt. StephenMontgomerysaid Fort McCoy offered a number ofgood training opportunities to prepareunit members for their military roles indeployment. Since ADT members arefrom a number of different units, thetraining also provided opportunitiesfor teamwork and cross-training in thevarious skills needed for the mission.“They will learn about every piece ofequipment we have and learn each other’sjob,” Felician said.Spc. Kimberly Flock, a medic, helpedteach a combat life-saver class to othermembers of the unit.“Everyone teaches everybody elsewhat they know,” Flock said. “Everyoneis cross-trained so we at least have basicknowledge of everything that we do.The practical exercises give us hands-onexperience and we can ask questions.”While the Army only require 25percent of deploying members to becombat life saver certified, Feucht wantedto ensure all its member were certified.“Twenty-five percent wasn’t goodenough for us,” said Feucht.”Flock, who has been in the NationalGuard for three years, said after seeingmany of her friends deploy, she wasanxious to get deployment experience.Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Mand, whohas deployed to Iraq, said there weremultiple volunteers for the positions, sothe best personnel were chosen. Mand,who lived on a farm as a youth, alsoknows his way around agriculture.“These are the best of the best,Wisconsin’s finest,” he said. “Ivolunteered to go to this mission to servewith Colonel Feucht and take care of theSoldiers.”Staff Sgt. George Nagel of the AirNational Guard brings his experience inentomology, or pest management, to themission.“I saw this mission as an opportunityto help people,” Nagel said. “It was ahumanitarian mission to better people’slives.”Nagel said he will impart knowledgeabout how to control pests, grow crops,and store crops to have a better food cropfor the Afghan people.As one of two Air National Guardpersonnel in the mission, Nagel said hehad a big training curve to learn the ArmyWarrior Tasks necessary to perform themission, including tasks the Air Forcedoesn’t normally do, and combat drills.He does bring deployment experience ashe has been deployed to Iraq.Capt. Sarah Bammel will serve asa hydrologist. She earned a degree inmeteorology from the University ofMichigan. Bammel’s duties will includedetermining ways to increase irrigationefforts in Afghanistan. Many areascurrently use drip-irrigation methods.Unit members spent an earlier trainingsession learning about their agriculturalmission from various agricultural experts,including personnel from the Universityof Wisconsin Agriculture Department,Feucht said.Mand said after this training the unitwill conduct its mobilization/deploymenttraining at Camp Atterbury, Ind., beforedeploying to Afghanistan in spring 2012.2nd Lt. Stephen Montgomery, an AirNational Guard public affairs officer, willserve as the unit’s public affairs officerand historian.Montgomery will document the unit’smission and tell its story.“As the unit historian, one of my bigjobs will be to document not only themissions we go on, but all aspects of ourdeployment for the Army,” he said. “I alsowill serve in the typical role as a PublicAffairs officer; taking pictures, writingstories and, basically, telling our unit’sstory.”2nd Lt. Stephen Montgomerycontributed to this report.35 November 2011-January 2012

BDU phased out of Airmen wardrobeAirman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel23rd Wing Public AffairsBattle dress uniforms — the standarduniform of the U.S. Air Force sincethe late 1980s — are gone. Tan combatboots are also gone. These new uniformchanges, effective Nov. 1, have generatedstrong responses from Airmen.“With the BDUs, I can wear ablack shirt and you can hardly tellif I get grease on my uniform,” saidAirman 1st Class Joshua Ricker, 23rdEquipment Maintenance Squadronaerospace propulsion apprentice. “TheABUs are terrible for guys who work inmaintenance. The sand shirts get grease allover them and turn gray. Also, my belt hasblack finger prints and smudges all over itfrom aircraft grease.”Another Airman fondly remembersmaintaining BDUs while at the U.S. AirForce Academy.“I remember having to stay up late toiron BDUs and shine boots while at theAcademy,” said 2nd Lt. Chelsea Hendel,23rd Mission Support Group executiveofficer. “There were three people to aroom and we would trade items, so oneperson was ironing and the other twowere shining boots. I was usually the oneironing them.“I will be really sad when they aregone,” she added. “It will be a shock, andI think I’m going to be in denial. I planon saving all my sets of BDUs and maybeputting them in a shadow box.”One NCO got his in Basic MilitaryTraining and will continue to wear themup to the very last day.“I wear my BDUs everyday becausethey are 100 times more comfortablethan the ABUs,” said Staff Sgt. KennethOlmstead, 23rd EMS aerospacemaintenance craftsman.Unlike Olmstead, who was issuedhis BDUs, Ricker bought his because hewanted to be part of a tradition before it’s@easeExpressphased out.“There is a lot of heritage behind theBDUs,” Ricker said. “My parents worethem, and I wanted to be a part of thattradition. When new Airmen get here whohave never seen BDUs, I will be able totell them ‘I remember shining my bootsand starching my BDUs.’”While many Airmen are upset aboutthe new changes, others greet them withenthusiasm.“Personally, I like the ABUs,” saidSenior Airman Johnny Liu, 23rd ForceSupport Squadron assistant storeroommanager. “They are way easier tomaintain, and are warmer in the winter.”The new changes bring an end to auniform era with decades of history.No matter their opinion, all Airmen areexpected to follow the new regulationsthat began Nov. 1.36 November 2011-January 2012

Red Arrow upgradingTOW missiles@easeRob SchuetteFort McCoy Public AffairsThe 32nd Infantry Brigade CombatTeam will be even deadlier on thebattlefield, thanks to an importantequipment upgrade.The brigade recently fielded theM41A4 Improved Target AcquisitionSystem (ITAS) for the Tube-launched,Optically tracked, Wire-command-linked(TOW) guided missile systems at FortMcCoy. The fielding — conducted at theManeuver Area Training Equipment Site(MATES) — included maintenance andoperator training.“The units will take about half theequipment back to their home stations fortheir training needs,” said Maj. MyronDavis, MATES supervisor. “We will keepthe other half here and maintain it. It canbe issued out to the 32nd when they comefor training, or used by other units asneeded. It saves money, time and wearand-tearon the equipment and vehiclesused to transport it by us keeping it here.”Lt. Col. Alec Christianson, a fire forceintegration officer and new equipmenttrainer, said the new equipment is moreaccurate and has a better guidance systemthan the equipment it replaces.“The equipment has been used in[Operation Enduring Freedom andOperation Iraqi Freedom] and helps getthe enemy before [the enemy] realize it,”Christianson said. “It’s also so accurate, ithelps avoid collateral damage to civiliansand buildings.”Greg Mattson of the ITAS FieldingTeam said the new system has simplifiedthe firing rules of engagement for troopsusing TOW.“Because this is so accurate, you canengage the enemy immediately with thissystem without going through all therelease authority steps that used to benecessary since it is a direct-fire weapon,”Expresshe explained. “This is a high-priorityproject to be fielded.”tThe Soldiers who received the newequipment were impressed.Spc. Brian Schroeder, who alsoworks as a technician at MATES, saidhe had trained on TOW during advancedindividual training, which included sometraining on the new ITAS equipment.“This is more in-depth and a biggerupgrade than what I had back in 2007,”Schroeder said. “It’s so much easier to work,and you can diagnose problems quicker andget repairs done quicker. This is a lot moreaccurate and has an improved range, too.”Sgt. 1st Class Brett Newsome, amaintenance shop technician at CampWilliams, said the advanced optic systemon the ITAS makes spotting and engagingthe enemy easy.“You also can get maintenance orreplacement parts done overnight so therewill be less downtime for maintenance,”Newsome said. “The new equipment alsohas an add-on capability to provide forimproved [future] capabilities.”Spc. Nathan Gerke said the ITAS hasan advanced zoom on its target laser rangefield that helps pinpoint the target.“Once you fired the old equipment,the screen went blank for a few seconds,”Gerke said. “This doesn’t, and helps youtrack the missile better — which helpsyou get first-time hits.”Soldiers from the 32nd Infantry BrigadeCombat Team of the Wisconsin Army NationalGuard receive instruction on the ImprovedTarget Acquisition System at a field siteat Fort McCoy. The equipment was fieldedto the units at the Maneuver Area TrainingEquipment Site. Photo by Rob SchuetteSgt. Joe Conway said he had used theITAS equipment during OIF and wasimpressed with the equipment’s sightingcapability.“I thought the new ITAS was awesome,”he said. “You can see they implementedthe ideas we submitted from the field, soit’s even better than what I used.”The ITAS can be mounted on Humveesand Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected(MRAP) vehicles, or it can be used ona tripod — useful for both mounted anddismounted missions, Mattson said.Mattson also said that lessons learnedin combat, videos and other usefulinformation can be found on the TOWITAS website on AKO.37 November 2011-January 2012

State homeland securityreport details impact ofreduced federal funds@ease1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonWisconsin National GuardThough federal funding forWisconsin’s homeland security effortsdecreased roughly 60 percent in 2011 andpromises to drop even more in 2012, stateofficials said that smart planning has putWisconsin in position to move forward.“We consistently have a record of usingthose [funds] effectively and efficiently,”said Gov. Scott Walker. “Obviouslywe’re going to continue to work with ourcongressional delegation and others inthe future so at a minimum we sustainthe federal funding that we have, and thatgood programs we have will be supportedin the future. But we particularlyappreciate — at a time when the federalgovernment has reduced funds — thatwe’ve got a Homeland Security Councilthat has been so effective at taking thosedollars and spending them the right way.”Walker received the 2011 WisconsinHomeland Security Report at the endof December. The report highlightedprogram accomplishments as well asprovided an overview of homelandsecurity funding.As anticipated, federal homelandsecurity funding for Wisconsin decreased— from $10 million in fiscal year 2010to $5.8 million in fiscal year 2011. Thedecline was expected as a change in howU.S. Department of Homeland Securitycalculates funding for states and reductionsin federal program spending. In addition,the Milwaukee area was cut fromthe Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).Last year, the Milwaukee Metropolitanarea received $4.6 million in federalhomeland security funds.“The elephant in the room when itExpresscomes to Homeland Security is funding,”said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin and Wisconsin’sHomeland Security advisor. “We takegreat pride in trying to invest every dollaras carefully as we can.”Dunbar said that stretching equipmentrecapitalization over a longer period oftime was one way to make do with lessfunding.Gov. Scott Walker answers questionsabout the 2011 Wisconsin HomelandSecurity Report during a Dec. 21ceremony at Witmer Hall, Joint ForceHeadquarters in Madison. Maj. Gen.Don Dunbar, adjutant general ofWisconsin, presented the report, whichdetails the impact of a federal fundingdecline, cyber security improvements,intelligence sharing and the FusionCenter, and the Wisconsin NationalGuard. Members of the WisconsinHomeland Security Council were at theceremony. Wisconsin National Guardphotos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson“As the dollars continue to drop, it’sgoing to be a collaborative decision on thepart of the state as to which [programs]we fund and which ones we don’t fund,”he continued. “I can’t answer that forfiscal year 2012 because we haven’tgotten the actual numbers from the federalgovernment. I can tell you that I’m veryproud of the effort of the team led by theOffice of Justice Assistance, as the stateadministrative agent that is responsiblefor management of the grants, becauseeverybody’s voice is heard and it’s acollaborative effort where we check theegos at the door and really try and dowhat’s right for Wisconsin.”The report also highlighted severalsuccess stories, including the WisconsinStatewide Information Center (WSIC)— the state’s intelligence “fusioncenter.” The WSIC works with local,county, state, tribal and federal agencies,along with the public and private sector,to enhance information and intelligencesharing statewide. In 2011, the WSICwas evaluated by the U.S. Departmentof Homeland Security on core operatingcapabilities and received outstandingmarks, making it one of the highest ratedcenters in the nation.Dunbar also pointed to the number ofexercises Wisconsin took part in during2011, including Vigilant Guard — a fiveday,state-based exercise sponsored bythe National Guard Bureau in conjunctionwith the U.S. Northern Command. Inaddition, the state recently released theWisconsin Emergency Response Plan thatincludes an annex on cyber threats.Walker praised Dunbar, the WisconsinNational Guard and the HomelandSecurity Council for their efforts.“Part of the reason why you’re notlikely to see a noticeable change [inWisconsin’s homeland security program],essentially in Wisconsin it was forwardthinking, making investments andupgrades and improvements that are nowin place,” he said. “This was building asystem, putting things in place, continuingto ride the investments that were alreadymade. That’s a credit to the forwardthinking of the members of this counciland others who served on it before aboutmaking those types of prudent, long-termdecisions.”The Homeland Security Council wasformed in 2003 to advise the governor andto coordinate the state’s homeland securityefforts, including collaborating on how tobest use federal funding. The 13-membercouncil is made up of representatives fromvarious state agencies and first respondersgroups. In addition, there are five workinggroups, each focused on key objectives —cyber, critical infrastructure, informationsharing, military support to civil authorities,and interagency coordination.38 November 2011-January 2012

Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDueWisconsin National GuardMore than 100 young adults — from38 Wisconsin counties — celebrated animportant milestone in their lives as theyofficially graduated from the first phaseof the Wisconsin National Guard YouthChallenge Program during an officialceremony Dec. 17 in Mauston, Wis.Senior Wisconsin National Guardleaders, Challenge Academy staff, family,friends and spectators left standingroom only in the Mauston High Schoolgymnasium as each young man andwoman took center stage in celebration oftheir accomplishments.“Most people strive to be good,” saidKevin Krueger, Challenge Academyacting director. “Cadets, you’re on track tobe brilliant.”The graduates — ranging from 16 to 18years old — have taken a concerning labelof “at-risk youth” and have transformedtheir progress in life to that of success andpromise.“We have made such a positive stepin the right direction,” said RaymondSkudlark, of Athelstane, Wis., and Class27’s honor graduate. “We all have thetools to do great things.”Eighty eight of the 103 graduatingcadets earned their high schoolequivalency diploma (HSED). Inaddition to scholastic success, eachcadet received Red Cross certification incardiopulmonary resuscitation and firstaid. Each cadet also received lessons inphilanthropy and community service asthe graduating class logged more than7,000 hours of service work.The cadets now enter into the 12-monthpost-residential phase of the programwhere cadets are encouraged to enterhigher education or enter the military. Thisphase matches each cadet with a mentorfrom their local community.“The mentor is there to help the cadetswith whatever they have chosen to do,”@easeExpressCadets of the 27th graduating class of the Wisconsin NationalGuard Challenge Academy listen to a guest speaker during aformal commencement ceremony at Mauston High SchoolDec. 27. The cadets, from 38 different Wisconsin counties,said Mary DeWitt, Challenge Academyadmission coordinator. “We also keep intouch with them over the next 12 monthsand continue to be a resource.”The goal of the program — by the endof the two-phase, 17-month program — isto have provided graduates with “values,life skills, education, and self-disciplinenecessary to succeed as productivecitizens.”Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin and the ceremony’sspent 22 weeks in the first phase of the program. More than85 percent of the students — once labeled as “at-risk youth”earned their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED).Wisconsin National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDuekeynote speaker, told the cadets they areon their way to reaching that goal.“They call this commencement for areason … it’s just the beginning,” Dunbarsaid.”Cherish this moment — you’veearned it.”39 November 2011-January 2012

A seven-year veteran of the WisconsinAir National Guard is the first recipient ofthe Thomas E. Wortham IV AchievementAward.Tech. Sgt. Robert Garrelts, Sparta,a mechanic with the 128th Air ControlSquadron at Volk Field Combat ReadinessTraining Center, received the awardduring a Dec. 2 ceremony at Joint ForceHeadquarters in Madison. The awardrecognizes Wisconsin National Guardmember accomplishments off duty.Garrelts, who joined the Illinois ArmyNational Guard in 1987 and served invarious units as well as the Army Reservebefore joining the 128th ACS, struggledto express what receiving the Thomas E.Wortham IV Achievement Award meantto him.“I really wish I could have gotten thechance to meet Thomas and serve withhim,” Garrelts said.Garrelts is active with the Sparta Boysand Girls Club, serving as an executiveboard member and helped the organizationraise $40,000 by volunteering for theclub’s annual haunted house fundraiser.“I’ve seen numerous kids grow up inthat house,” he said, explaining that heworks with Boys and Girls Club membersfor months constructing the new hauntedhouse interior. Some youth appreciate theadult mentorship, while others learn howto use tools or build walls for the firsttime, he said.Garrelts volunteers for the SpartaFire Department, where he serves as thetraining officer and fire inspector for a284-square-mile area of responsibility.“I grew up around it,” Garrelts said.“My dad was a firefighter — he still is.My brother is in a fire department. It’s afamily thing.”He noted that he has missed someholiday meals answering fire calls.“I’d rather protect and save life,” hesaid. “Who else is going to do it?”He also volunteers with the MonroeCounty Hazardous Materials Team, and@easeExpressCol. Joanne Mathews reads the orders designating Tech. Sgt.Robert Garrelts as the first recipient of the Thomas WorthamIV Achievement Award, which recognizes the citizencontributions of the Citizen Soldier and Citizen Airman. Theaward’s namesake was a Wisconsin Army National Guardhad volunteered with the Camp DouglasAmbulance from 2008-2010.Garrelts has been a member of theVolk Field color guard team the past threeyears, and said every veteran deservesmilitary honors at their funeral. He is alsoan executive committee member for theWisconsin National Guard Youth Camp,where he serves as assistant securitydirector.The award is named for 1st Lt.Thomas Wortham IV, a member of theWisconsin Army National Guard’s TroopA, 105th Cavalry as well as a memberof the Chicago Police Department. Hewas murdered outside of his parents’officer, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, and member of theChicago Police Department who was killed while preventinga vehicle theft at his Illinois home. Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar andThomas Wortham III were on hand to present the award Dec.2. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. LarsonChicago home May 19, 2010 when fourmen attempted to steal his motorcycle.The Bronze Star recipient and veteran oftwo Iraq deployments as well as a tour ofduty performing airport security as part ofOperation Noble Eagle joined the ChicagoContinued on Page 4140 November 2011-January 2012

Above, Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutantgeneral of Wisconsin, presents Tech. Sgt.Robert Garrelts with the Thomas WorthamIV Achievement Award. Below, ThomasWortham III speaks during the presentationceremony for the Wisconsin NationalGuard award named after his son, ThomasWortham IV, at Joint Force HeadquartersDec. 2. Wisconsin National Guard photos by1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson@easeExpressFallen hero lives on inWisconsin Guard awardContinued from Page 40Police Department in 2007.“As impressive as his uniformed contributionswere to nation, state and community, they don’t paintthe entire picture,” said Capt. Matthew MacDonald,Wortham’s commander in Troop A. Wortham servedas president of the Cole Park Advisory Council inChatham, and worked to make the neighborhoodsafe for children to play in area parks as a youthmentor and community watch coordinator. His fellowSoldiers learned about these accomplishments afterhis death.“In a way, Tom’s humility is the genesis ofthis achievement award,” MacDonald said. “Tomrepresents the best traditions of the colonial militiasgoing back to the days of America’s founding. Hisembodiment of the warrior ethos is enhanced andmade all the more impressive by his spirited embraceof what it means to be a citizen in the fullest sense.”Wortham’s father, retired Chicago Police OfficerThomas Wortham III, was on hand to help present theaward, and thanked the Wisconsin National Guard fordeveloping the award.“It is a great honor to my son and my familyand I,” he said. “It’s truly something that we neverexpected, and we’re truly grateful to all of you fordoing this. I think this will keep my son alive forever.Giving this award out every year, young people noteven born yet will know who he was and what hestood for. And for that, I thank you.”“This is Tommy’s award,” MacDonald added. “I’mconfident that, long after everyone in this room isgone, the Wisconsin National Guard will continue tofind and recognize Soldiers and Airmen in our ranksworthy of his legacy.”The Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Awardwas announced last year during a halftime ceremonyat Soldier Field, part of a Sept. 27 Monday NightFootball game between the Chicago Bears andGreen Bay Packers. The Chicago Police Departmentdeveloped their own version of the Wortham Award,given to police officers.Garrelts said the award lets the public know howGuard members give back to their communities.“I’m going to do my best to get the word out aboutthis award,” he said.41 November 2011-January 2012

Hello, LakotaWisconsin National Guard photos by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson@easeExpressBrig. Gen. Scott Legwold, director ofthe Wisconsin National Guard’s JointStaff, and Brig. Gen. John McCoy,commander of the Wisconsin AirNational Guard, look over downtownMadison during an orientation flightaboard a UH-72 Lakota Light UtilityHelicopter (LUH) during a seniorleader orientation flight Nov. 30 inMadison. The off-the-shelf aircraft,one of two assigned to Detachment 2,Company D, 1st Battalion, 112th AviationRegimentt based in West Bend,will be used for stateside HomelandSecurity, counter-narcotics and stateemergency response missions.42 November 2011-January 2012

Samantha Czerkas of Cross Plains, Ryan Skiff of Mauston, Samuel Puchalla ofSheboygan, Taylor Maciosek of Milladore and Starr Spencer of Eau Claire — allDec. 18, 2010 graduates from Class 25 — completed 10 months of service withthe AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps Nov. 17. Wisconsin NationalGuard photoFive graduates from the WisconsinNational Guard Challenge Academycompleted 10 months of service with theAmeriCorps National Civilian CommunityCorps (NCCC) Nov. 17.Samantha Czerkas of Cross Plains,Taylor Maciosek of Milladore, SamuelPuchalla of Sheboygan, Ryan Skiffof Mauston, and Starr Spencer of EauClaire — all Dec. 18, 2010 graduatesfrom Class 25 — completed variousprojects across the Midwest ranging frombuilding and restoring homes, managinginvasive species, mentoring youth,engaging in disaster response, developingtrail systems, and restoring parks andrecreational facilities.All five earned the CongressionalAward for their achievement in publicservice, personal development, physical@easeExpressMeritorious servicefitness, and exploration activities. Inaddition, Czerkas, Maciosek, Puchallaand Spencer also achieved the PresidentialAward for completing 100 independentservice project (ISP) hours and leadingan ISP. All five also earned a $5,350educational award to use for highereducation.The National Guard Youth ChallengeProgram and AmeriCorps NCCChave developed a partnership with thehopes that more cadets will transitioninto service to community work withNCCC. Currently, there are 15 ChallengeAcademy graduates from Class 22 throughClass 26 who are serving at AmeriCorpscampuses around the country. In addition,16 cadets from the Class 27 residentialclass are preparing to begin their servicein February 2012.Wisconsin’s first provost marshall honoredMaj. JosephAdamson, policechief with theHoricon PoliceDepartment, wasrecently recognizedfor his efforts inestablishing aprovost marshaloffice in theWisconsin ArmyNational Guard.A provostmarshal is a militaryofficer in chargeof military policeor, in this case,installation security.Specifically,Adamson’sresponsibilitiesincludedantiterrorismoperations, physicalsecurity operations,operationssecurity and lawenforcement liaison.“I took a militaryleave of absencefrom my civilianjob to stand up theprovost marshal office,” he explained.“Wisconsin was the 14th state or territoryto establish a full-time provost marshaloffice.”“I can’t thank you enough for allyour hard work,” Lt. Col. David May,deputy director of domestic operations,plans and training with the WisconsinNational Guard Joint Staff, wrote on aplaque presented to Adamson Oct. 21.“Your accomplishments for the state areimmense and lasting. You leave a void onthe full-time staff that will be extremelyhard to fill anytime soon.”During his time as provost marshal,Adamson coordinated and executedsecurity for the National GuardBrig. Gen. Scott Legwold, director of the Wisconsin NationalGuard Joint Staff, presents a provost marshal seal to Maj.Joseph Adamson, the Wisconsin National Guard’s first provostmarshal, during an Oct. 21 ceremony. Adamson returned tohis civilian job as Horicon Police Chief after helping stand upthe provost marshal office. Wisconsin National Guard photoAssociation of the United States annualconference Aug. 26-29 in Milwaukee.The security detail included members ofthe Wisconsin Army National Guard’s32nd Military Police Company, theWisconsin Air National Guard’s 115thSecurity Force Squadron and 128thSecurity Force Squadron, the MilwaukeePolice Department and the WisconsinState Patrol. Adamson also planned andexecuted the first validation exercise forthe Wisconsin National Guard’s ReactionForce.The 28-year military veteran hasreturned to his duties as police chief,which include oversight and managementof the Horicon Police Department.43 November 2011-January 2012

@easeMilitary retireevolunteers neededThe Wisconsin Employer Supportof the Guard and Reserve Committeeis looking for retirees from all branchesof service to become volunteers for theESGR program.ESGR is a Department of Defenseagency, established in 1972, to promotecooperation and understanding betweenreserve component members and theircivilian employers, and assist in resolvingconflicts stemming from an employee’smilitary commitment. The ESGR programcovers the entire United States and alsooversees a committee in Europe.The Wisconsin ESGR committee ismade up of approximately 140 volunteersthat donate, on average, up to 4 hoursper month for ESGR activities. Mostvolunteer time takes place close to ourmembers’ communities. Some activitiesinclude meeting with commanders,first sergeants and service members forreserve component units in Wisconsin —including Army National Guard, ArmyReserve, Air National Guard, Air ForceReserve, Navy Reserve, Marine CorpsReserve and Coast Guard Reserve — afew times each year to explain the basicsabout ESGR, support unit events andprovide briefings if needed.Volunteers can support a number ofdifferent activities, including:• Employer Outreach: Work withlocal employers and educate them aboutESGR. Present Patriot Awards and acquiresignatures for Statements of Support.• Military Outreach: Educate localmilitary units about ESGR.• Ombudsman: Receive formaltraining and resolve employer conflictsthrough informal mediation.• Public Affairs: Work with localmedia regarding ESGR events and newsreleases.Wisconsin is divided into nineESGR areas — areas 1 through 4 coversouthern and eastern Wisconsin, andExpressVeterans, Families, Retireesareas 5 through 9 cover northern andwestern Wisconsin. An ESGR volunteeris assigned to every National Guard andReserve unit in the state.The Wisconsin ESGR committeemeets at least twice a year, with trainingmeetings in the fall and awards banquetin the spring. Volunteers are placed oninvitational travel orders and receiveper diem for food, lodging and mileageto and from ESGR events, where theywill receive training, updates and meetother ESGR volunteers. Volunteerswould also receive basic ESGR trainingupon assignment and attend quarterlymeetings in their area. It is understood thatvolunteers may not be able to attend everymeeting or both training weekends.To become a volunteer, contact theESGR offices. To reach the Madisonoffice, call 608-242-3169, 608-242-3279or 800-335-5147, ext. 3169 or ext. 3729.To reach the Eau Claire office, call 715-858-9676.Tutoring services offeredNational Guard and Reserve familiescan now receive online tutoring andhomework assistance at no charge fromwww.tutor.com/military. This programconnects kindergarten through 12th-gradestudents with live tutors online, anytime,for help with homework, studying,exam preparation, college courseworkand more. The more than 2,500 tutorsare carefully screened experts includingcertified teachers, college professors,graduate students, select undergraduatesfrom accredited universities, and otherprofessionals.This free service is availableregardless of duty status, and is providedas a collaborative effort between theDepartment of Defense Morale Welfareand Recreation (MWR) Library Programand the Department of Defense YellowRibbon Reintegration Program.ACT, SAT tests offered tomilitary familiesA partnership between eKnowledge, agroup of NFL players — including CoreyWilliams of the Green Bay Packers — andthe Department of Defense will distributemore than $16.5 million of eKnowledge’sSAT/ACT preparation programs tomilitary service members and theirfamilies. Active duty, retired, veterans,Guard, Reserve, and all DoD employeesand civilians performing military supportare eligible for this program.The program features 120 interactive,multimedia video lessons. Students canorganize their test preparation into shortstudy periods to maximize study time.Services, hours forRetiree Activities OfficesThe Retiree Activities Office (RAO)provides guidance and information toretirees and spouses of retirees, of allranks and services. The RAO providesinformation on military status, TRICARE,military ID cards, survivor benefits, deathreporting and much more.Retirees may provide an e-mailaddress, to include first name, middleinitial, last name, retired military gradeand branch of service to widma.retiree@wisconsin.gov to be added to the RAO’se-mail data base. The RAO also has awebsite that provides a lot of informationfor retirees and can be found at http://dma.wi.gov/retirees.The Madison RAO is located at JointForce Headquarters, 2400 Wright Street,Room 160, Madison, Wis. 53704. TheRAO is open Tuesdays and Thursdays7:30 to 11:30 a.m. except on holidays.Their phone number is 608-242-3115,1-800-335-4157, ext. 3115, DSN 724-3115. Contact the RAO with questions orfor assistance.The Milwaukee RAO is co-locatedwith the 128th Air Refueling Wing,General Mitchell Air National GuardBase, 1835 E. Grange Ave, Bldg 512,Milwaukee, Wis., 53207. Their phonenumber is 414-944-8212. Their e-mailaddress is rao.128arw@ang.af.mil. TheMilwaukee RAO is manned by volunteerson Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10a.m.-2 p.m.Vets4WarriorsThe Vets4Warriors peer support line,1-855-838-8255 (1-855-VET-TALK),provides easy access to supportive, nonattributionalconversations with trainedveteran peers representing all branchesof the military. This team of veteranpeers has immediate access to behavioralhealth clinicians to respond to potentiallyemergent issues and can offer referralsto local community services, militaryveteran centers, and military healthcareproviders based upon the needs of theService Member. A variety of services willbe provided to include non-clinical (legal,financial) and referrals for clinical services(substance abuse, behavioral health).Post-9/11 GI BillFor all those utilizing Chapter 33Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits, an updateto eBenefits was released that allowsstudents to view their Chapter 33entitlement and enrollment information.eBenefits enrollees, who have a Premiumaccount, can now view their VA educationbenefit enrollment information online.Once logged in, key information isdisplayed such as your Post-9/11 GI Billeligibility date, your delimiting (or end)date, the amount of entitlement used, andthe amount of remaining entitlement. Itwill also display your enrollment history.Complete instructions on how toestablish a basic and the required premiumaccount are located at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal Contact the Wisconsin NationalGuard Education Office with additionalquestions.44 November 2011-January 2012

PartingshotExpressGov. Scott Walker, Brig. Gen. Scott Legwold, director of the WisconsinNational Guard’s Joint Staff, and John Scocos, secretary of the WisconsinDepartment of Veterans Affairs, greet residents of the VeteransHome at King on Dec. 27. The visit — which also included a stop atthe Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove — gave the senior stateand Guard officials a chance to share season’s greetings and presentveterans with ornaments from the Christmas tree at the state capitol.Wisconsin National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan Wallin@ease 45 November 2011-January 2012