Counter Drug team helps make bust - Fighter Wing heads overseas Aviation unit gets spun up for deployment Air Guard recruiter given lifetime ...
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April 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN
Fighter Wing
heads overseas
page 4
Aviation unit gets
spun up for deployment
Counter Drug team page 8
helps make bust Air Guard recruiter given
lifetime achievement award
page 11
page 6
a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
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April 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN
arkansas From the desk of State Family Program Director Cpt. James Nolley
MINUTEMAN
Editorial staff
Capt. Chris Heathscott
State Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Keith Moore
Military Children: Everyday Heroes in Your Community
Agribusiness Development Team
Capt. Heath Allen
Public Affairs Officer As the Family Program Arkansas National Guard out the state but children who
Northwest Office
director for the state of Ar- units in deployment status. have or have had a parent de-
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Durney
Public Affairs Specialist kansas, I interact with peo- Members of the 1037th Route ployed within the past year
Adrienne Brietzke ple who make huge sacrifices Clearance Company, the Ar- are encouraged to attend.
Public Affairs Specialist
Donna Shelton
along with our Soldiers and kansas National Guard’s Ag- Other Youth Program events
Information Officer Airmen - their Families. The riculture Development Team include but are not limited to
Garrick Feldman strain on the Families can be (ADT) and the 188th Fighter First Tee Golf events, Opera-
Editor & Publisher
even more difficult when the Wing are all deployed to Af- tion Military Kids camps, the
Christy Hendricks
Managing Editor servicemember is a parent. ghanistan in support of Op- Youth Council and increased
How to reach us The U.S. military acknowl- eration Enduring Freedom. youth involvement in Fam-
404 Graham Road edged this dynamic in 1986 These brave troops represent ily Readiness Groups (FRGs)
Jacksonville, Ark.
72076 when the Department of De- Families from the Northeast, across the state.
Ph: 501-982-9421 fense (DOD) adopted the ini- Northwest and Central parts To the friends and Fami-
Fax: 501-985-0026
arkansasminuteman@arkansasleader.com tiative, the Month of the Mil- of the state and additional lo- lies of our Soldiers and Air-
Advertising: itary Child (MOMC). April cations in between. The Fam- men, we recognize your com-
arkansasminutemanads@ was designated as the month ilies need our continued sup- mitment and we admire your
arkansasleader.com to recognize the unique sacri- port during these times and courage. Our Family Readi-
Story ideas fices made daily by the chil- their children need encour- ness programs are designed
chris.heathscott@us.army.mil
keith.e.moore2@ar.ngb.army.mil
dren of servicemembers. agement and understand- to be there to help our mili-
According to DOD sta- ing to deal with the long and tary Families at every step
Arkansas Guard tistics, more than 1.7 million stressful separations.
News along the way. We know that
American children under the Our theme for this year is
Published by Leader Pub- the strength of our Soldiers
lishing, Inc. 404 Graham Road, age of 18 have at least one “Military Children-Everyday Captain James Nolley and Airmen comes from the
Jacksonville, AR 72076, phone parent serving in the mili- Heroes In Your Community.” State Family Program Director
number (501) 982-9421, a pri- strength of their Families.
tary. For instance, it is esti- This stresses the heroic sac-
vate firm in no way connect- For more information
ed with the Arkansas National mated that the U.S. Army rifices military children and military child regardless of especially toward children
where they live. and youth. Several Fami- about MOMC events or any
Guard, under written contract (Active, Guard, and Reserve) youth make every day, espe-
with the Adjutant General of has more than 900,000 mili- cially during this time of per- During the month of April, ly Readiness Groups (FRGs) other youth programs men-
the Arkansas National Guard.
tary children with one or both sistent conflict. Over the last we would like leadership at all are having Easter egg hunts tioned, please contact the
This civilian enterprise Na- State Youth Coordinator,
tional Guard newspaper is an parents having deployed mul- few years, we have made great levels to communicate to mil- this year. The annual Minute-
authorized publication for the tiple times. Children of Guard efforts to reach our geograph- itary children through cele- man Youth Camp will be held Russell Hooks at (501) 212-
members of the U.S. military and Reserve servicemembers ically dispersed children and brations, speeches, posters, June 21-25 at Camp Robin- 4037 or visit us online at
services, published under the http://www.arguard.org/
provisions of AR 360-1, AFI 35-
face unique challenges when youth. This is especially rele- outreach efforts, the media, son. The camp is open to all
101 and the Arkansas Military a parent is deployed. Because vant to Arkansas since many and face-to-face contact. We 10 and 11-year-olds through- family/youth.htm.
Department. Contents of the they live in a civilian environ- of our military families live in want them to know that we
VETERANS
Arkansas Minuteman are not recognize their sacrifices.
ment, they are not exposed to rural areas of the state. Rec-
necessarily the official views of,
or endorsed by, the U.S. govern- the same resources that are ognizing the MOMC gives us Though April is the official
ment, the Department of De- available to the child of an ac- the opportunity to highlight month of the Military Child,
fense or the National Guard.
The appearance of advertising
in this publication, including in-
tive duty servicemember.
We currently have three
those programs and servic-
es that are available to every
there are events scheduled
throughout the year geared BENEFITS
APPEALS
serts or supplements, does not
constitute endorsement by the
National Guard or Leader Pub-
lishing Inc. of the products or
services advertised. Everything
advertised in this publication
On the Cover
shall be made available for pur-
chase, use or patronage without Looking Deep.
regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, mar-
The Counter Drug division
ital status, physical handicap, of the Arkansas National
political affiliation or any oth-
Guard’s Director of Military
er non-merit factor of the pur-
chaser, user or patron. Editorial Support applies military skill
No Charge
Mike Smith
photos unless otherwise noted.
and technology to help the Attorney
The Arkansas Minuteman re-
serves the right to edit all items. DEA and local authorities for 425 W Capitol Avenue #3700
Editorial content is edited, pre-
pared and provided by the Pub- in Newton County search Consultations Little Rock, AR
lic Affairs Office of the Arkan- the property of a suspected (501) 375-9151
sas National Guard. All photos
are Arkansas National Guard drug dealer. msmith@ddh-ar.com
Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott,
unless otherwise noted. Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Office Advertisement
a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
Flying Razorbacks head to Afghanistan
By Capt. Heath Allen
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Airmen and aircraft depart for deployment 23, 2009, for additional train-
ing as part of the Green-Flag
about the time we were ro-
tating out. They were talking
West exercise. While there, about setting up about 1,400
FORT SMITH, Ark. -- More aircrews engaged in battle ex- tents before we left.”
than 200 members of the ercises simulating conditions For the 188th Civil Engi-
188th Fighter Wing departed in Afghanistan. neering Squadron, it was an ex-
Fort Smith Monday, March 8, While at Green Flag, the perience they won’t soon forget.
bound for Kandahar Airfield in 188th dropped a diverse ar- “We got to be around a lot of
Afghanistan in support of Op- ray of munitions and bombs, history while we were there and
eration Enduring Freedom. as well as firing 30 MM rounds whether or not the place closes
More than 800 individu- from the A-10’s seven-barrel down eventually or it doesn’t,
als, which included the deploy- Gatling gun. we know we were a part of that
ing Airmen and their families, “Our primary mission is to history,” McConnell said.
filled the 188th’s Consolidated provide close-air support for The 188th CES last de-
Maintenance Facility to enjoy the Army,” Anderson said. “I ployed to Kirkuk Air Base in
their final moments together know it’s not easy for the fami- Iraq for four months in 2005
before the deploying Guards- lies as their loved ones venture in support of Operation Iraqi
men were transported to their into a combat mission. We un- Freedom as part of an Aero-
awaiting airlift on the taxiway. derstand that it’s not only the space Expeditionary Force ro-
The Airmen will be de- 188th members who make tation. The 188th was also the
ployed for more than two the sacrifice but the families lead unit during its stint in
months as part of the 188th’s as well and we’ll all await their Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq.
Aerospace Expeditionary Forc- safe return.” The 188th CES experi-
es rotation. The deploying Air- McConnell said that many enced a surge of deployments
men will join approximately 75 of the efforts to assemble the in 2009. The 188th CES also
members of the 188th already tents were mustered prior to had eight firefighters deployed
in Afghanistan, where they will the earthquake as part of an to Kuwait for six months. They
be attached to the 451st Expe- exercise that was slated for returned last September.
ditionary Wing. February. Five CES members, includ-
“We’ve prepared long and “We had the earthquake in ing one CE officer, three heavy
hard for this moment,” said January so the exercise they equipment operators and one
Col. Tom Anderson, 188th were supposed to have turned power production specialist
Fighter Wing commander. into the real McCoy,” McCo- embarked on a year-long de-
“We have some of the most nnell said. “We geared up for ployment to Bagram Air Base
highly trained, dedicated and the possibility of migrants right in Afghanistan in July 2009.
capable personnel and I know
STAYTON & ASSOCIATES
U.S. Air Force photo by Technical Sgt. Stephen M. Hornsey, 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
they are focused on making
from Top left, clockwise: Maj. Gen. William Wofford, the adjutant general of Arkansas,
this mission a success. I have
shakes hands with members of the 188th Fighter Wing in Fort Smith, Ark., March 8, 2010. The
confidence they will make us Arkansas Air Guard unit deployed more than 200 Airmen to Afghanistan as part of a Aerospace
all proud.” Expeditionary Forces rotation. A member of the 188th enjoys time with his family prior to 405 E. THIRD ST. S • PRESCOTT, AR 71857
This is the first combat de-
ployment for the 188th as a
departing for deployment. The unit will be deployed to Afghanistan for more than two months, 870-887-0550 • 870-397-4014 (Cell)
marking the 188th’s first combat deployment with the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Tech. Sgt. Josh
unit since receiving A-10 Thun- Jones and son, Eli, spend time together before Jones’ departure March 8 at Fort Smith. Family • Practicing law for 26 years.
derbolt II “Warthogs” on April and friends of members of the 188th Fighter Wing wave goodbye as a McDonnell Douglas DC-
14, 2007. The 188th’s last unit 10 with more than 200 Airmen on board takes off at the Fort Smith Regional Airport.
• Primary areas of practice are
AEF rotation transpired in Criminal, Family (Divorce), and
2005 when 267 Airmen and 10 ment,” Anderson said. issues with wing cracks. The its AEF rotation. The wing de-
F-16 Fighting Falcons deployed The 188th surmounted 188th found intuitive solutions ployed approximately 300 op- Personal Injury cases.
to Balad Air Base, Iraq., while
sharing a three-month rota-
myriad impediments follow- and shifted into high gear to erations, maintenance and sup- • Over 200 jury trials.
ing the Base Realignment and meet maintenance and pilot port personnel, along with 13
tion with another Air National Closure Committee’s 2005 training requirements, ensur- A-10s, to Operation Snowbird • Two Deployments, 2004-2005, Rowe Stayton
Guard unit in support of Oper-
ation Iraqi Freedom.
decision to strip the 188th of ing the March 8 departure. at Davis-Monthan Air Force and 2008 OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
its flying mission and its sub- “The amount of training Base in Tucson, Ariz., July 25-
Approximately 50 mem- sequent about-face, which that occurred in that time- Aug. 8, 2009. • (11B) Team leader, Squad Leader, and Platoon Sgt
bers of the 188th deployed Jan.
4 and will be gone for the entire
designated the unit for an A-
10 assignment.
frame is absolutely incredible,”
Anderson said. “It wasn’t easy.
The deployment to Davis-
Monthan afforded the 188th
in 1/153, 39th BCT
four-month rotation, which the According to Anderson, We had many obstacles along the opportunity to conduct • Pilot in USAF and Air National Guard 1973-1987
188th is sharing with the 175th
Fighter Wing, an A-10 unit
much toil and labor went into
the successful aircraft con-
the way. But time and again the
188th stepped up. The 188th
training and gain operational
experience in a mountainous,
(T-37, T-38, F-15, A-7) 2400 hrs.
based in Baltimore, Md. version from the F-16 to the didn’t make excuses; they made desert terrain, which closely
The 188th has deployed pi- A-10A, and later an upgrade it happen even when the odds mimics the climate and con-
“I have a unique perspective
lots, maintenance and support to the A-10C. The modified were stacked against us and our ditions in Afghanistan. The to approach my representation
personnel over the past two C models feature significant backs were against the wall. We 188th flew 186 sorties totaling
weeks to bolster continuity be- leaps in capability. not only met the requirements, 437 hours during its deploy- of soldiers and airmen. I am
tween the 188th and the 175th. The 188th’s ability to meet we exceeded them.” ment to Davis-Monthan. always available for a free
“We have overcome many critical training requirements While the 188th prepares The wing also deployed ap-
obstacles to reach this point for its aviators was severely year-round for its mission, proximately 200 pilots, main- consultation. Call me anytime.”
and now we’re ready to put all hampered in October 2008 it has conducted an intense tenance and support person- Rowe Stayton
of our hard work and training when 168 of the Air Force’s 356 training regimen over the past nel, and 10 aircraft, to Nellis
to use in a combat environ- A-10s were grounded because of nine months in preparation for Air Force Base, Nev., Oct. 9- Advertisement
April 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN
Mortar Fire
Air Guard strikes ‘Silver’ in
green construction project
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau
Left, Pvt. 2nd Class Nicholas ARLINGTON, Va. – A green building cer-
Mitchell of the Arkansas Army tification process that is the industry stan-
National Guard’s 1st Battalion, dard recently recognized the Air National
153rd Infantry, 39th Infantry Guard with its highest Leadership in Energy
Brigade Combat Team, aims a and Environmental Design (LEED) rating to
105mm mortar during a live fire date.
exercise March 6, 2010 at Camp The Arkansas Air National Guard’s aircraft
Robinson Maneuver Training
hanger project at the 188th Fighter Wing in
Center. This was Mitchell’s first
opportunity to fire the weapon
Fort Smith was awarded a LEED Silver certi-
with his Guard unit fication by the U.S. Green Building Council. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Hornsey, 188th Fighter Wing
“It was a very long and arduous process A new hanger at the Arkansas Air National
that involved many individuals, not just from Guard’s 188th Fighter Wing received a Leadership in
BElow, Private 2nd Energy and Environmental Design Silver certificate
Class Nicholas Mitchell the 188th, but from the construction and con-
receives expert instruction on tracting side as well,” said Col. Tom Ander- from the United States Green Building Council.
the finer points of aiming a son, the 188th commander. “Just to secure a of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.”
105mm mortar from Spc. Kyle LEED Silver certification alone is an incred- Officials said the Air Guard has more than
Cooper while Private 1st Class ible achievement … but to be the first in the 100-such construction projects in the LEED
Josh Lambertus waits to “drop Air National Guard to attain such a feat for a certification pipeline, but this is their first
a round.” Members of the 1st maintenance facility speaks volumes of our building to achieve a Silver rating, one of the
Battalion, 153rd Infantry, 39th civil engineering squadron’s professionalism highest ratings awarded. The USGBC has four
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and dedication to executing a very difficult certification ratings with “Certified” being its
got the opportunity to perform plan.” lowest, then Silver, Gold and Platinum.
an all day live fire at Camp According to the USGBC, LEED certifica- “It was a challenging endeavor, but very
Robinson Maneuver Training tion includes “energy savings, water efficien- rewarding,” Anderson said. “What began as
Center. The unit fired 80mm, cy, CO2 emissions reduction, improved in- a lofty goal came to fruition, and we’re very
105mm and 120mm mortars door environmental quality, and stewardship
into the evening hours.
proud of this accomplishment.”
Left, Pvt. 1st Class Josh Lambertus of the
Arkansas Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion,
153rd Infantry, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat
Team, prepares to fire a 105mm mortar during
a day-long live fire exercise March 6 at Camp
Robinson Maneuver Training Center.
U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, 119th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Advertisement
a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
Operational security. A Soldier with the Arkansas Guard’s Counterdrug Program discusses the day’s mission with the Arkansas State Police. Due to security
concerns at the onset of the operations, the Soldiers and Airmen with the Counterdrug Program were required to remove all identifying patches from their uniforms.
Inset, Initial sighting. Within the first four hours of day one, radar detected a large mass underground behind a barn on the property. A piece of the buried
vehicle shown here is quickly uncovered near the surface of the ground. The vehicle had been stolen, stripped, crushed and buried. After all was said and done the
Drug Enforcement Agency reported over $200,000 in stolen property was recovered and six additional felony arrests were made.
Drugs, Money and MURDER
Guard’s Couterdrug Program helps uncover $200,000 in stolen property.
Story and photos by Capt. Chris Heathscott,
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Officer
MOUNT JUDEA, Ark. – In the ear- operation. Finding the body would be no had been murdered as a result of skimming searched the ground, an Arkansas National
ly morning hours of Monday, March 8, this simple task, as it was suspected to be buried money and drugs while working in his role Guard pilot flew others in a UH-72 Lakota in
small town of 833 people in rural north Ar- in a vehicle somewhere on the family’s prop- to distribute methamphetamine across state order to get a good look from the air.
kansas witnessed an unexpected parade erty which spread out over 1,000 acres. lines. “It was pretty intense,” said Mabry. “It was
of roughly 40 police and military vehicles. “The initial request came in for up to 20 “The request also included the 61st Civ- a one week mission which is very unusual for
When the parade ended at the home of a lo- troops, including our ground surveillance il Support Team partly because this family counterdrug unless it’s the marijuana eradi-
cal man suspected of involvement in drug folks, aerial surveillance, and ground pen- had the reputation of producing metham- cation season.”
trafficking, grand theft and murder, the mis- etrating radar,” said Lt. Col. Don Mabry, phetamines,” said Mabry. “We didn’t know Within the first four hours of day one,
sion for the Arkansas National Guard’s coun- Counterdrug coordinator for the Arkansas how they were disposing of that toxic waste radar detected a large mass underground
terdrug program had just began. National Guard. “The request also included so we had the Civil Support Team on stand- which set the Guard’s engineers in action.
While the program’s personnel were very bulldozers and backhoe type of excavator by in case we accidentally stumbled across Members of the Guard’s 1038th Horizontal
familiar with the mission of supporting civ- equipment.” some of the toxic waste that was perhaps Construction Company from North Little
il authorities in the state’s drug interdiction The Guard was called out by the request buried where we were digging.” Rock quickly uncovered the find.
and eradication efforts, this multi-agen- of the Arkansas State Police in coordina- Guard personnel used ground pene- Although this particular site didn’t pro-
cy operation provided the team with expe- tion with the Drug Enforcement Agency, trating radar to scan the areas where cred- duce the Chevy Z71 pickup that was suspect-
rience in a whole new aspect of the war on the Newton County Sheriff, and the 14th ible evidence suggested the possibility of ed to be Middleton’s tomb, it did produce a
drugs. This time they were called upon to as- Drug Task Force, in order to serve an open a buried vehicle. Game and fish personnel different vehicle. This truck had been stolen,
sist in the search for 20 year old Josh Mid- ended warrant in the search for Middle- looked for other possible sites with signs of stripped, crushed and buried, but had no
dleton who was suspected to have been mur- ton’s body. Intelligence suggested that Mid- moved earth or other unnatural humps in sign of a body inside.
dered in relation to his family’s alleged drug dleton, who was reported missing in 2005, the ground. While the majority of personnel “When we hit something, whether it’s a
April 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN
Right, Search
high and low. Game
and fish personnel
roamed the area on four
wheelers looking for
signs of moved earth or
other unnatural humps
in the ground, while
an Arkansas National
Looking for an answer. A crowd of civil authorities and Guard personnel Guard pilot flew civil
look on as a member of the 1038th digs up an area that sparked the sensors on authorities in a UH-72
the Counterdrug team’s ground penetrating radar. “It was great to have so many
Lakota in order to get a
different people from so many different agencies all come together for a common
goal and to succeed at that goal and work together smoothly and seamlessly,” good look from the air.
said Staff Sgt. Sam Hardin, an imagery analyst with the 123rd Intelligence Squad-
ron who provided his expertise for the mission. “I think it was very successful.” Left,Unearthing
a find. A Soldier with
the 1038th Horizontal
Construction Com-
pany from North Little
Rock digs up a vehicle
that was found buried
underground as Drug
Enforcement officials
look on with members
of the Guard’s Counter-
Ground penetration. Guard personnel used ground drug Team.
penetrating radar to scan the areas where credible evidence sug-
gested the possibility of a buried vehicle. “When we hit some-
thing, whether it’s a rock, or it’s a piece of metal, you get this
excited feeling and butterflies in your stomach,” said Staff Sgt.
Tim Smith with the Guard’s Counterdrug
rock, or it’s a piece of metal, you get this excited feeling and
butterflies in your stomach,” said Staff Sgt. Tim Smith with
safety of the law enforcement personnel.”
the Guard’s Counterdrug Task Force. “You just can’t wait to Since the Guard can legally transport
dig it up to see what you found. In some cases you may not prisoners in custody of law enforcement as
find anything, but in our case we did find some things that part of the Counterdrug mission, the UH-
add to the case.” 72 Lakota helicopter and its pilot took on
The search didn’t stop after the initial find, and the dis- that additional role in the operation.
coveries didn’t stop either. The body of Josh Middleton was never
“We found a truck that had a boat hooked to it. Boat and found, but after all was said and done the
truck were buried together,” said Spc. Michael Lynch, who Drug Enforcement Agency reported over
is a member of the Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters $200,000 in stolen property was recov-
Company of the 39th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. “It ered and six additional felony arrests were
was exciting. Definitely got to do things you wouldn’t nor- made.
mally do.” “The sheriff told us at the end of the
Lynch’s team verified the large object buried underground mission, ‘if we would have found the body,
after Game and Fish personnel spotted the unnatural hump that would have been the icing on the cake,
in the saddle between two hills. but we got the cake,’” said Mabry.
“Nobody really wants to see somebody who’s been mur- “The operation was deemed a suc-
dered,” Lynch said after the engineers pulled the Z71 in ques- cess because of all the stolen property we
tion from the site of his team’s find, “but to help law enforce- found,” said Newton County Sheriff Keith
ment close the case on it would have been beneficial, so I had Slape. “We’ve got such limited manpower
mixed feelings” in Newton County. We’re a very rural area
Lynch, who was called in specifically for this mission due and a vast county too. I’d have been here
to his knowledge of the ground penetrating radar, did not with six deputies for several years trying
have to face the sight of a dead body with this discovery since to figure this out. It expedited everything
this vehicle did not contain a body either. with the Guard there.”
As the search continued, the Guard was called upon to “It was great to have so many different
transport Josh Middleton’s stepfather and alleged leader of people from so many different agencies
the drug ring, who was suspected of being responsible for the all come together for a common goal and
younger Middleton’s disappearance. to succeed at that goal and work together Jackpot. A Soldier with the 1038th Horizontal Construction Company unearths
a truck that had been stripped, crushed and buried. The vehicle identification number re-
“Law enforcement had monitored phone calls that he had smoothly and seamlessly,” said Staff Sgt. mained intact however, allowing civil authorities to verify the vehicle had been stolen. Task
made while in jail trying to arrange an ambush of the law en- Sam Hardin, an imagery analyst with Force. “You just can’t wait to dig it up to see what you found. In some cases you may not
forcement transport of the prisoner from the Benton County the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 123rd find anything, but in our case we did find some things that add to the case.”
detention center in Rogers to Jasper in Newton County for Intelligence Squadron who provided his Inset, Heavy equipment. A member of the 87th Troop Command’s 1038th Hori-
his arraignment,” said Mabry. “The request came through as expertise for the mission. “I think it was zontal Construction Company pushes dirt to clear an area where intelligence suggested a
a prisoner transport, but in actuality what we did was for the very successful.” vehicle may have been buried.
a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
For Chaffee provides unique training for deploying Arkansas aviation unit
By Capt. Heath Allen Right: Capt. Brian Taylor, right, addresses the
Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs battle captain in a tactical operations center training exercise
at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center’s Battle Training
FORT CHAFFEE MA- Complex March 2, 2010. Taylor is a member of the 77th
NEUVER TRAINING Aviation Brigade’s Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 1st
CENTER, Ark. – When Battalion, 114th Aviation. The training is to prepare the 114th
Soldiers from the Ar- for an upcoming deployment to Kosovo.
kansas Army Nation-
al Guard’s 77th Theater Below: Master Sgt. Terry Martin, right, engages in a tac-
tical operations center training exercise at Fort Chaffee Maneu-
Aviation Brigade hit the
ver Training Center’s Battle Training Complex March 2, 2010.
ground in Kosovo this Martin is a member of the 77th Aviation Brigade’s Headquar-
summer, they will do so ters, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 114th Aviation. The
running, and flying. training is to prepare the 114th for an upcoming deployment to
A key reason mem- Kosovo, the 114th’s first overseas deployment as a unit.
bers of Headquarters,
Headquarters Company,
1st Battalion, 114th Avia-
tion, and Detachment 1,
Company F, 2nd Battal-
ion, 238th Medevac seem
to be brimming with con-
fidence is the months of
“Someone will and the location allows fore completing training
intense training they are
have to move that us to remain mission-fo- requirements in Germa-
receiving before deploy-
icon to do the mis- cused during the entirety ny prior to entering the-
ment.
sion we planned,” of the exercise. This par- atre operations.
Much of that confi-
Dufour said. ticular place provides a “We’re getting the
dence comes from mis-
“Being able to very good training envi- equivalent of four years
sion-specific training
practice this in a ronment.” of training in less than a
at Fort Chaffee, where
safe environment The 114th conduct- year,” Taylor said. “We’re
the 114th recently spent
ronment. es that commanders will at Chaffee allows ed additional training at getting so much support
12 days. A daily battle
“The training uses real face on the battlefield. It us to knock off the rust Camp Robinson Maneu- to help us be success-
rhythm utilizing real-
places… and real units hones battle planning by so when things happen ver Training Center in ful on this mission. It’s
world intelligence, and
that we know will be go- staging interactive tacti- in theatre, we’ve trained North Little Rock, Ark., a great learning event. A
equipment similar to
ing,” Taylor said. cal-level combat in real like we will fight and we’ll in mid-March to com- captain gets to be a com-
what they will use while
Capt. Bettye Dufour, time using, high-resolu- know exactly what to do plete warrior training pany commander for an
deployed, helped pre-
114th operations officer, tion graphics on digitized and be able to expedite tasks, and will venture entire year on active duty.
pare the 114th for its
said that rehearsing with terrain portrayed in mili- the process and be more to Camp Atterbury, Ind., That’s something you
first overseas deploy-
real-world intelligence tary map format. effective.” and Fort Rucker, Ind., be- can’t get on a weekend.”
ment as a group.
will be a boon to mission “It’s fully interactive,” Taylor, who has been
“This training exercis-
efficiency. said Jennings. “It mod- the 114th commander
es my tactical operations
“This training allows els indirect fire, air and since November 2009,
center, staff planning and
us to prepare using real ground movement, engi- said the training at Fort
the ability of my staff to
maps of real areas not neer and natural obsta- Chaffee helped his battle
refine procedures and
some fictitious place or cles, observation, terrain captains polish their de-
communication,” said Lt.
scenario,” Dufour said. “A effects, logistics, field for- cision making aptitudes
Col. Tim Taylor, 114th
lot of the intel and maps tification and many other amid controlled chaos,
commander. “It also al-
are very current and al- factors that affect tactical and tested their compo-
lows me to assess the
low us to truly under- combat.” sure under duress.
weaknesses and strengths
stand what we’re going The data is translat- “We put them through
of individuals and gives
into. In my last deploy- ed and appears on a Blue scenarios that help ev-
my operators the oppor-
ment in 2003, we trained Force Tracker Emulator, eryone exercise the daily
tunity to become familiar
on maps of Fort Hood which allows each train- battle rhythm that we’ll
with the capabilities and
[Texas] that were made to ee to view the action from experience in country,”
limitations of the equip-
look like Iraq. This train- a computer screen. Each Taylor said. “Chaffee’s a
ment they will be using in
ing is very new, different individual involved in the more controlled environ-
Kosovo.”
and we feel it will be very exercise views the same ment but the training al-
According to Taylor,
effective.” operating picture. lows us to see what works
computer-based battle
According to 1st Lt. Dufour said the Black- for us and what doesn’t.
rehearsals helped bolster
Daniel Jennings, the hawk helicopters the It’s a great environment
chemistry between other
head of Fort Chaffee’s 114th will employ in the- for our staff to get valu-
units on the ground and
Battle Training Complex, atre are simulated in able training that we can’t
in the air with the hope of
the war-fighting simu- training by an icon on get everywhere.
fostering a safer, more ef-
lations mimic challeng- the screen. “It’s very beneficial
fective operational envi- Advertisement
April 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN
Magnolia armory dedicated to former TAG
CAMP JOSEPH T. “One of the main rea- 1981, and again from Jan was commissioned a sec- from active service in Au- tired) James Ryan, a for-
ROBINSON, Ark. – The sons we do this is not just 11, 1983 to Feb. 10, 1984. ond lieutenant in the U.S. gust of 1945. mer adjutant general of
Arkansas Army Nation- to pay tribute to a tru- Jones joined the Ar- Army Air Corps in 1943 “The determination Arkansas, who served as
al Guard’s Magnolia ar- ly deserving man – to a kansas National Guard and flew 30 combat mis- and tenacity that he de- guest speaker during the
mory was dedicated to great civil servant – but in 1938 and entered ac- sions as the lead bombar- veloped during those ear- ceremony. “He was a per-
the memory of a former also as an example to tive service in 1942 as dier with the 93rd Bomb ly years would serve him son of exceptional knowl-
adjutant general during a those Soldiers that come an aviation cadet. He Group. He was released well,” said Maj. Gen. (re- edge and ability.”
ceremony there March 5, after him,” said Maj. Gen.
2010. William Wofford, the ad-
The late Maj. Gen. jutant general of Arkan-
James H. “Jimmie Red” sas.
Jones was honored by Jones died in his home
having his name attached in Hot Springs, Ark., on
to the home of the Guard’s Sept. 1, 2008 at the age
Troop B, 1st Squadron, of 88. He served as adju-
151st Calvary Regiment
of the 39th Infantry Bri-
gade Combat Team.
tant general of the Arkan-
sas National Guard from
Feb. 1, 1979 to June 14,
Offering Families Award Winning Services
SERVICES
Q Largest Arkansas Behavioral Health Facility
A proud widow – Col. (retired) Shirley Jones, the Specializing in Ages 5-17
widow of the late Maj. Gen. James H. “Jimmie Red” Jones,
speaks during a ceremony in which the Magnolia armory
Q Acute and Residential Inpatient Services for
was dedicated to the former adjutant general of Arkansas. ages 5-17 – Pinnacle Pointe Hospital in Little Rock
Q Outpatient services for all ages
Q School-based services in Conway, Mtn. View,
Stuttgart, North Little Rock, Lakeside
Hot Springs & Clinton
Q Day Treatment Services – Little Rock
Only Tricare-certified residential program in Arkansas
serving children of active duty and retired military personnel.
AWARDS
Q 2007 Residential Facility of the Year
Q Therapeutic Recreation Facility of the Year
Q Silver Sponsor of the Children’s Protection
Center, a Children’s Advocacy Center
11501 Financial Centre Parkway • Little Rock, AR 72211
Photo by Capt. Chris Heathscott, Arkansas National Guard State Public Affairs Office
unveiling the name – Soldiers with Bravo Troop, 1st
Squadron, 151st Calvary, unveil lettering on the Arkansas
Army National Guard’s armory in Magnolia renaming the
(501) 223-3322 • Toll Free 800-880-3322
structure in honor of the late Maj. Gen. James H. “Jimmie
Red” Jones, a former adjutant general of Arkansas.
Web: www.pinnaclepointehospital.com
Advertisement
10 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
1037TH Starts mission, OCS takes on
Families bond together Big Dam road march
in their Absence
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark
– Guard leaders and platoon trainers
By Donna L. Shelton with the Arkansas National Guard’s Of-
ficer Candidate School led the way on a
10 mile road march along the Arkansas
River in North Little Rock early Saturday
morning, March 6.
Seven Officer Candidates with the
school’s traditional Class 53 completed
the 10 mile march while 30 other aspir-
ing officers took on the first five miles as across the bridge: Officer candidates from the Arkan-
part of their requirements in the school’s sas Army National Guard’s 233rd Regiment Regional Training
Institute Officer Candidate School participate in a 10 mile road
“Phase Zero.” march that took them across the Big Dam Bridge from North
The road march began at North Little Little Rock to Little Rock March 6, 2010.
Rock’s Burns Park and briefly touched
into Little Rock when the contingent
Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs The group – Soldiers of the 1037th Route Clearance crossed over the “Big Dam Bridge,” which
dad and son – A Soldier with the Company in Afghanistan. spans the Arkansas River.
1037th Route Clearance Company gets While the new cadets completed their
a last minute hug from his son before first arrived in Afghanistan they “Separation can be especially portion of the event back at Burns Park,
boarding a bus Nov. 10, 2009 as the unit spent time completing the the- hard on the children; that’s why
the remaining seven candidates kept
departed Jonesboro for mobilization. ater-specific required training we have all kinds of materials
on IEDs, vehicle rollovers, and that we offer the parents. Books, moving along the river shore until they
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBIN- arrived at the 10 mile point near Ar-
SON, Ark. -- The Soldiers in the the use of specialized route clear- DVD’s and other resources help Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs
ance equipment. While the Sol- reach the child and get them to kansas’ Inland Maritime Museum, by
1037th Route Clearance Company the Main Street Bridge, in North Little Big dam road march: Guard leaders joining in on
officially arrived in Afghanistan at diers are continuing to hone their communicate about their feelings an Officer Candidate School 10 mile road march included,
expertise, their Families are on a and help them find ways to cope. Rock. from left to right, Col. Robert Mason, commander of the
the end of January 2010. While ad-
mission of their own. “I can’t think of a more reward- Other Guard leaders who joined the Arkansas National Guard’s Medical Command, Maj. Rich-
justing to their new surroundings
“We at Family Programs have ing career than serving as a FAC. candidates and their platoon trainers ard Garringer, OCS commander, and Lt. Col. Franklin Pow-
overseas, their relatives, friends ell, deputy chief of staff for personnel.
and supporters here in Arkansas so many resources to deal with My only wish is that more Families on the march included Col. Louis Lan-
look for creative ways to support the stress of separation. Coun- take advantage of the many servic- dreth, commander of the 233rd Regional Lt. Col. Franklin Powell, Deputy Chief
the Families left behind. seling sessions are free of charge es offered by the Arkansas Nation- Training Institute, which oversees OCS; of Staff for Personnel; and Maj. Rich-
One family has a great deal of and available for relatives and al Guard Family Programs. The Col. Robert Mason, commander of the ard Garringer, commander of the Officer
experience dealing with deploy- even friends of the deployed Sol- programs helped me on his previ- Arkansas Guard’s Medical Command; Candidate School.
ments. dier. The Beck Pride Center has ous deployments. Now I have the
“It gets harder each time he been great to us as well. They pro- opportunity to help someone else.”
deploys. But I am so proud of my
Soldier – the commitment I see in
vide Family forums where the
adults can share their experienc-
For more information, Fami-
lies are encouraged to contact the iVÌ}Ê
ÜÌ Ê
him,” said one of the wives. es, counseling is available, and Family Assistance Center near you,
Now serving as a Family As- they provide childcare. call 1-800-446-4645.
Ì>ÀÞÊ>iÃ
sistance Coordinator (FAC), this
is the third time in their ten year
marriage that she has seen her
husband and his brother de-
Sherwood Moose Lodge
ployed overseas. 4000 E. Kiehl • Sherwood • 835-1200
Their mother said she finds
strength by helping both sons’
wives and her grandchildren any
way she can. Her newest daugh-
ter-in-law is expecting a child
soon and dealing with her new
husband’s absence has been dif- -«iV>â}ÊÊiÝ«iÀÌÊÌÀi>ÌiÌÊv\Ê 7iÊ>ÀiÊÌ iÊi>`iÀÊÊ>V Ê>`Ê
ficult for her.
“We (the family) have had a lot Ê ■ *ÃÌ/À>Õ>ÌVÊ-ÌÀiÃÃÊ ÃÀ`iÀÊ*/- ®Ê `ÀÕ}Ê>``VÌÊÌÀi>ÌiÌ\Ê
more experience dealing with the Ê ■ i«ÀiÃÃÊ Ê ■ «>ÌiÌÊ«À}À>Ê
realities of the separations than
she has. She didn’t know what EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY NIGHT Ê
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to expect. Because we have been
through it before, we’re there to
Doors Open Up to $7500 Ê ■ -ÕV`>ÊLi >ÛÀÊ Ê ■ iÌÝwV>Ì
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time for our family, but we are a Minipacks 6:00pm Includes up to 2
strong family unit.” Hardpacks 7:00pm ($1000 Progressive Jackpots)
Meanwhile, the Soldiers of the VÃÌÊ>ÃÃiÃÃiÌÃÊ>Û>>LiÊ Ó£Ê À`}iÜ>ÞÊ,>`
1037th have gotten to work start-
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ing their mission in route clear- Good For One FREE V `ÀiÊÓ{Ê ÕÀÃÊ`>Þ°Ê ÊÊx䣮ÊÇÇ££xää
ance patrols. Training does not
end once the Soldiers start their Back Up Pack ÃÌÊÃÕÀ>ViÊ«>ÃÊ>VVi«Ìi`]Ê £nää , 79ÊÌvÀiiÊ
mission. According to a sergeant Limit 1 per person. Expires 5/1/09 VÕ`}Ê/, , ° ÜÜÜ°/ i À`}i7>Þ°VÊ
with the 1037th, when the troops Advertisement
AdvertisementApril 2010 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN 11
Air Guard recruiter given lifetime award
Has “recruited a wing” over 33 years of service
By Sgt. 1st Class Chief Master Sgt. Normal
Chris A. Durney Gilchrest who served as the
Arkansas National Guard state command chief mas-
Public Affairs ter sergeant until 2009.
“I’ve seen a lot of my re-
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROB-
cruits come in, serve and
INSON, Ark. – One Air-
retire,” says Burns. “I’ve ac-
man can boast that he has
tually seen some recruits
recruited a whole wing of
come in who are grand kids
personnel for the Arkansas
of some of my recruits.
Air National Guard, and for
“When I began my ca-
that he has received a life-
reer I had a $10.00 [Govern-
time achievement award.
ment Services Administra-
Chief Master Sgt. Jes-
tion] briefcase, no desk or
se J. “Buddy” Burns, II was
phone, and a worn out GSA
recognized by the National Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs
Ford Pinto,” explains Burns.
Guard Bureau’s Air Guard new recruiters – Buddy Burns, back row, far left at the Air
Recruiting Service for his
“I managed to find a manual The chief – Chief Master Sgt. Buddy Burns in his office
typewriter and Senior Mas- Force Recruiting school, began his recruiting career in 1977. Actress at Joint Force Headquarters on Camp Robinson.
incredible achievement of Hillary Swank’s father, Stephen, is in the third row, third from the left.
ter Sgt. Bob Arnold let me
having recruited 880 men
use a desk in the Security
and women into the 189th Born in Little Rock in Once he became a that brought the wing’s offi- “It’s the reward of helping
Police unit. I made my re-
Airlift Wing over 33 years of 1953, Burns enlisted into trained recruiter, his career cer strength up to 100 per- people, and of helping kids
cruiting phone calls from a
recruiting service. the Arkansas Air Nation-
pay phone in the hall way.” blossomed. He is known cent. He is also credited get an education, that’s re-
Burns was surprised al Guard after graduating
Burns has come a long for having taken a creative with carrying out a minority ally important to me,” says
by his award Feb. 23, 2010 high school, and became a
way since then, working approach to consistently recruiting program that sig- Burns. “I’ve always loved
during the National Guard Fuels Specialist. Before be-
out of his own office at Joint maintaining 100 percent nificantly improved the Ar- watching them grow as in-
Bureau’s annual Recruiting ing selected to be a Produc-
Force Headquarters on strength in the 189th, the kansas Air National Guard’s dividuals and as citizens.
and Retention Conference tion Recruiter for the 189th
Camp Robinson. 123rd Intelligence Squad- diversity goals. Along the “It’s almost like watching
in Dallas, Texas. in 1976, Burns cross trained
“I have my own private ron, 154th Weather Flight way he has earned a Meri- your own children grow up,”
“Aw jeez, it was neat,” into the 189th Security Po-
office complete with a desk, and the Marksmanship torious Service medal with says the father of four. “But
says the always affable lice and eventually became
multi-line phone with head- one oak leaf cluster, an Air now, it’s fun because I get to
Burns, “it was a great expe- Training Unit.
set, laptop computer, a late- a Flight Supervisor. While
rience to receive an award I Among his notable con- Force Commendation med- sit on promotion boards for
model government vehicle, a with the Security Police, he
didn’t expect.” Since 2003 tributions is an aggressive al and a host of NGB recruit- some of my own recruits.
blackberry and a Mobile Re- created a unit Color/Honor
Burns has served as the Ar- officer recruiting program ing awards. That’s the real reward.”
cruiting Office,” says Burns. Guard.
kansas Air National Guard
Recruiting and Retention
superintendent.
The Arkansas Air Na-
tional Guard’s 188th Fighter
Wing recruiting office was
Protect: 1 Your car.
also recognized by NGB as
the tops in the Air National 2 Your house.
Guard, and the 189th took
home the top retention rate 3 Your bank account.
award for the nation during
the conference.
Burns began his re-
cruiting career in 1977 af-
ter graduating school, and
even then he seemed to
have a way of knowing peo-
ple who would make an im-
pact in the world. One of
Save an average of $696*
his classmates was a Sgt. Protect yourself with America’s #1
Stephen Swank, who had a car and home insurance company**.
three year old daughter at
Give me a call and start saving today.
the time. She’s now an Os-
car winning actress.
Since then he’s kept his
famous connections closer Joseph M Morphis, Agent
1011 W Main Street
to home by recruiting into Jacksonville, AR 72076
the Air Guard some very Bus: 501-982-1200
familiar names, includ- www.joemorphis.com
ing Col. Alice Sander, Col.
Rick Oxner and Command statefarm.com®
Chief Master Sgt. Stephen *Average annual per household savings based on a national 2009 survey of new policyholders who
reported savings by switching to State Farm.
Arnold. One very notable **Based on A.M. Best written premium. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company,
name among his recruits is State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL; State Farm Fire and Casualty Company - Bloomington, IL; State Farm General
1005002 Insurance Company – Bloomington, IL; State Farm Lloyds – Dallas, TX
the now retired Command Advertisement Advertisement12 a r k a n s a s M I N U T E M AN April 2010
Women’s History Month Celebration Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Chris A. Durney, Arkansas National Guard Public Affairs Minuteman Youth Camp
March is Women’s History Month and the Arkansas National Guard’s Equal Op-
portunity/Equal Employment Office of the Human Resources Office paired with
the Little Rock Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission to celebrate this impor-
tant observance.
A special program was conducted March
24 at the Little Rock City Hall that featured
a guest speaker, and an array of awards were
presented to those who have helped expand
women’s roles in business and society.
a special cake
– A special cake
was prepared for the
Women’s History
Month observance
at Little Rock City
The Arkansas National Guard is now accepting applications for the Minute-
Hall March 24. The
program and celebra- man Youth Camp. This is an annual camp conducted at Camp Robinson for 10
tion was produced and 11 year-old youth throughout Arkansas. Children who have or have had a
by the Little Rock parent deployed in the past year are encouraged to attend.
Racial and Cultural Information about the Minuteman Youth Camp can be found at
Diversity Commis- http://www.arguard.org/family/families.htm.
ms watts – Ms. Lynnette Watts, executive director of the sion in association Download your application today!
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas served as the guest speaker with the Arkansas
http://www.arguard.org/family/2010MMYCAPPLICATION.pdf
during the Women’s History Month observance at Little Rock National Guard
Volunteers are also needed. Download your application here!
City Hall on March 24. http://www.arguard.org/family/2010MMJYCvolunteerregistration.pdf.
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