2009 january indiana guardsman

Indiana

Volume 5, Issue 1 www.in.ng.mil January 2009

Guardsman

Guardsman January 20092

Camp atterbury News .............. 18

In this Issue

On the front cover:Indiana Army National Guard Soldiers with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team march into the Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal Civic Plaza at the Indianapolis International Airport Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008. The brigade’s support of Operation Iraqi Freedom marked the largest deployment of an Indiana National Guard unit since World War II. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Indiana Army National Guard

The Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. Deedra Thombleson

Layout and DesignSusan Hawver

PhotographersSgt. Mike Krieg

Spc. William HenryStaff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

Contributing Writers and Staff120th Public Affairs Detachment

Public Affairs Office, Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center

Public Affairs Office, 122nd Air WingPublic Affairs Office, 181st Air Wing

Public Affairs Office, 76th Infantry BrigadePublic Affairs Office, 38th Infantry Division

The INDIANA GUARDSMAN is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-81, and is published by the Joint Forces Headquarters, Indiana National Guard. It is distributed without charge to the members of the Indiana Army and Air National Guard. All material submitted for publication should be addressed to:

Joint Forces Headquarters IndianaPublic Affairs Office

ATTN: Guardsman Magazine2002 South Holt Road

Indianapolis, IN 46241-4839

Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the Joint Forces Headquarters of Indiana or those of the Department of the Army and Air Force.

Guardsman

Have a suggestion for the Guardsman ?If you have information to contribute to the Indiana Guardsman, please contact the JFHQ Public Affairs office by calling 800-237-2850 ext 3220 or emailing to Mrs. Susan Hawver at [email protected].

Indiana

JFHQ NEWS ..................................... 4

Operation Menke............... 27

Wall of Honor .................. 26

Gary LAASF............................................. 13

38th ID ......................................... 12

Governor’s Charity Ride.............................. 8

Back Home Again ............................... 6 Return of the 76th IBCT

Message from the Adjutant General ... 3

Air Guard News ................ 16

On the back cover:Photo collage items selected from contributions to this publication.

Panther Racing........................... 25

Family Programs, Chaplain’s Corner..... 24

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Message from the Adjutant General

Since September of 2008, the Indiana National Guard has enjoyed some signifi-cant events, such as the opening of a new Guard facility in Gary,

the redeployment of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and planning for another new facility, just to name a few.

The Gary Limited Army Aviation Support Facility is a gleaming new jewel in our crown. This state-of-the-art facility was opened to much fanfare on October 24, 2008. The ceremony saw many dignitaries and invitees in attendance. Distinguished visitors included Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, Congressman Pete Visclosky, Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, and Emmy Huffman, a personal representative of U.S. Senator Richard Lugar.

As the 38th ID band played and Sgt. Paul Foster sang out the words of our National Anthem, I was reminded of the blessings we have here in Indiana. Not only do we have the support of our lawmakers and state executive officers, but we enjoy an unparalleled relationship with our Hoosier citizens. We are so lucky in these simple truths.

In November and December, plane-loads of our redeploying Soldiers from the 76th IBCT were reunited with us, and with their families and friends. It was a personal honor for me to greet these outstanding men and women as they came down the steps from those planes. How brave and principled they are; what courage their families showed in supporting their deployment. Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2008 will long be remembered in the homes of our Indiana National Guard.

October saw a change of command at the 38th Infantry Division, as Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony assumed leadership from retiring Maj. Gen. Richard Moorhead. I know the fine operation of the Division that General Moorhead worked hard to achieve is in good hands with General Carmony.

I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Col. Barry Richmond to the position of Deputy Commander, Camp Atterbury Muscatatuck Center for Complex Operations (CAMCCO). He has commanded Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center for the past four years, and has done this in an exem-plary manner. His long hours and personal drive have brought CAJMTC to a new level of preparation and professionalism.

It is also with great pleasure that I announce the new commander of CAJMTC to be Col. Todd Townsend, who has just completed a deployment to Iraq as Safety Officer for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. I look forward to his leadership and expertise at Camp Atterbury while it continues to change and evolve.

We welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Spade to the position of Command Sergeant Major at CAJMTC, and praise Command Sgt. Maj. Walter Lancaster, Jr., for his exceptional service in that position over the past years. My congratulations to all of these fine Soldiers.

As Muscatatuck Urban Training Center and Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center grow in their individual capabilities, they provide incomparable facilities for training and mobilization processing. Together, these separate resources merge into a world-renowned entity to which units from domestic and international military services, first responder agencies, and government agencies are sent for first-class preparation in essential taskings and upcoming missions.

South central Indiana has another reason to be proud as well – the construction of a new facility, soon to be started in Johnson County. Ground has been purchased along 1-65, upon which a multi-function Guard property will be built. This 166,000 sf armory will house Guard and Reserve units. The senior Guard unit, the 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, will be moving from Camp Atterbury, as will other smaller units. The space at Atterbury will be put to good use to enhance our mobilization processing capabilities. Construction is scheduled to begin in August.

The Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy graduated another class, its third, in December. The staff and cadre of HYCA continue to provide stability, discipline, and support to the young people of Indiana through this Academy. Though they may have started with some type of disadvantage, the cadets who graduate soon learn they have strengths and abilities they never realized. Their commitment and hard work will continue to reward them with opportunities in their education and in the workplace for years to come. We at the Indiana National Guard are so proud of the efforts of everyone involved with this remarkable program.

Our Airmen of the 181st Intelligence Wing have moved through their transition so successfully, acquiring a new mission, with joint-force personnel. They continue to operate with the purpose and dedication I have come to expect from them. The 122nd Fighter Wing has garnered national recognition for achieving more than 60,000 hours of accident free flight in the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The Unit Safety Award was presented by Lockheed Martin on January 12.

Rowana and I are proud to represent you around our state and the nation. We consider it such an honor to say that we are a part of this great organization. We understand the sacrifices you have made for the Indiana National Guard, the state and our country. God Bless each of you.


JFHQ Security Force Story and photo bySpc. William E. Henry Indiana Army National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS — Members of the Indiana National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters’ Force Security in Indianapolis were tested on their reactive skills following a shooting and hostage pseudo-scenario on the grounds of Stout Field, Friday, September 26.

These annual t ra in ing exercises were conducted with state Force Protection and the Indiana Department of Homeland Defense.

The Wayne Township Fire Department and members of the Southwest Indianapolis Metro-politan Police Department were also onsite to participate in

the exercise to enhance reactivity for everyone involved.

“It’s very important to work together so we’re all on the same page to respond to these types of incidents,” said Wayne Township Fire Department ’s Battalion Chief, Jerry McWhirter.

Officials stated it was a great run and they learned much about how they can improve security and how successful their security is.

“Everyone says they know what to do when they see it on the paper, but when it comes down to it they really need to run through it two or three times before they really get it down,” said Col. Kenneth Ring, director of training, at an after action review.

“These are always great exer-cises. We got a lot of great lessons out of it,” added Ring.

JFHQ J-9 MovesStory and photo by Spc. William E. Henry Indiana Army National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana National Guard section that contains family programs, chaplain services, funeral honors and ceremonial units, veteran transition assistance advisor and the sexual assault and crisis response team held an open-house at their new location Thursday, October 30, 2008. The new location offers more privacy to families seeking assis-tance and is easier to access from I-70 according to Maj. Cathleen Van Bree , family program director. “It’s very modern and updated, and it also allows the commander to coordinate with the rest of the offices better,” said Van Bree.

Many stopped by for the occasion to get a tour of the new offices,

including Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, who admired a wall of heroes dedicated to Soldiers who died serving their country.

“When I came in here I felt like I was at home. I know that if any of those Soldiers’ families came in here they would be proud,” said Maj. Gen. Um-barger, pointing to the wall of he-roes.

The new facility location is:

3762 W. Morris St. Indianapolis, Ind.

46241 or call

(317) 247-3300 ext. 85454 for more

Members of Joint Forces Headquarters Security Forces, the Indiana National Guard, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Homeland Security, and Wayne Township Fire Depart-ment, all work together during a security exercise at JFHQ, Indianapolis’ Stout Field, Friday, September 26, 2008.

Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, points and speaks of Soldiers on the Wall of Heroes during an open house at the new Indiana National Guard J-9 section offices in Indianapolis Thursday, October 30, 2008.

JFHQ NEWS

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Story by Spc. William Henry38th Infantry DivisionStout Field military warms

hands, heartsStory and photo by Spc. William E. Henry Indiana Army National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS—Four students at the Stout Field Elementary School received a surprise Thursday. Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, presented the students with winter coats along with the adjutant general’s coin. The students were part of a program National Guard employees, state and federal, from the Stout Field area participate in called Warm Hands, Warm Hearts. The program helps provide new coats, hats and gloves for children who may need them and might otherwise go without. Over the last three years it has provided about 40 coats and about 120 hats and gloves to students attending the school according to Stout Field Elementary School home and school advisor, Casey Foust.

Foust said this is her third year participating in the program with the National Guard and believes it made a difference in many children’s lives throughout the winter months. “These kids get excited about the coats and for the kids to be able to go outside and play and not get cold it just makes a huge difference,” said Foust. Foust explained some fami-lies working to get by may be strained for the extra money to purchase coats. So she and other faculty members keep a good lookout for those students who may not have a good winter coat. “If the families don’t have to buy a coat, that’s more money they can use to buy other things they need,” she said.

“These coats are from all of us in the National Guard,” explained Maj. Gen. Umbarger to the students. The adjutant general expressed his concern about the children in the community.

“This is kind of like our school, being that it is right next door to us,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

Stout Field Elementary student, Charlie Trejo, is presented a coin by Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, there Thursday, November 06, 2008. The adjutant general brought coats, hats and gloves for the Warm Hands, Warm Hearts program that provides students at the school with winter supplies who might not have them already.

Indiana goes HollywoodStory and photo by Spc. William E. HenryIndiana Army National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana National Guard Soldiers and their work settings are the focus in a new promotional video campaign for recruiting and retention in the warrant officer field for the National Guard Bureau.

“Indiana was chosen to help promote the video because of its close relationship with the state warrant officer command and it’s willing to always cooperate and open its doors,” said Chief Warrant Officer Bonny Bell, National Guard Bureau warrant officer recruiting manager.

The Hooah Advertising, Mar-keting and Technology Company camera crew was at Combined Support Maintenance Shop #1 and other locations in Indianapolis recording scenes for the promotional video that will be distributed across the country for the warrant officer program December 17, 2008.

Three warrant officers from Vermont, Louisiana, and Missouri were also on location to shoot along side the Hoosier Soldiers, eager to tell others of their success in their field.

“This is a great opportunity to be part of a modern recruiting video. It gets the perspective to the Soldiers who might not be aware of all the warrant officer opportunities out there,” said Chief Warrant Officer Dan Eagan, 27th Recruiting and Retention Command, Mo.

Warrant Officer Jason Kummer, Joint Forces Headquarters Indiana National Guard equipment specialist, agrees, saying it is essential to get the word out.

“I think it’s important for noncommissioned officers in the National Guard to be aware of how extensive the fields really are,” said Kummer.

“You’re respected everywhere you go. You specialize in a particular field of work and it puts you

in a position to make it better for your whole battalion, officers and enlisted,” said Chief Warrant Officer Richard Jakubowicz, an engineer equipment maintenance supervisor with the 113th Engineer Battalion in Gary, Ind.

Chief Warrant Officer Frank Vaughn, Indiana’s top warrant officer, said Indiana was more than honored to help the bureau in its recruiting effort.

“It’s important to stay current and have new, accurate and timely info for our quality NCO’s, looking into becoming warrant officers,” said Vaughn. “We’re going to use this tool to reach out to others to join our corps.”

Indiana National Guard Chief Warrant Officer Belinda Lang, frequency manager at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, assists in the taping of new recruiting officer video for the National Guard Bureau.


Back Home Again in Indiana

6 Guardsman January 2009

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Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff LowryIndiana National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS -- They’re all back in the heartland.

More than 3,200 Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned to Indiana from Nov. 5 to Dec. 8 after a nine-month deployment in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I feel so warm tonight to have them all back home. It’s a great feeling here for the holidays,” said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger after the last flight carrying three Indiana Guard Soldiers arrived at the Indianapolis International Airport.

On Nov. 12, friends, families, dignitaries and travelers greeted 100 Hoosier Soldiers at the airport’s Col. H. Weir Cook terminal, which had opened the previous day.

“It’s great to be back. It’s the freedom, and seeing everyone, and having all these people here; it’s really nice,” said Sgt. Jamie Johnson of Shelbyville, Ind., and a telecommunications noncommissioned officer with the brigade’s headquarters company. She was one of the 100 who returned the day after Veteran’s Day.

The advance party of approximately 50 Hoosier Soldiers kicked off the brigade’s return and arrived a week earlier on Nov. 5.

During the brigade’s deployment, it supported security missions, aerial reconnaissance missions, presence patrols, convoy escorts, and high profile reconstruction efforts to the Iraqi economy known as Iraqi-based Industrial Zone or IBIZ that helps build and sustain the Iraqi economy.

“I can’t help but think, in talking with Iraqis, that we are helping them,” said Spc. Rick Moore, an adminis-tration support specialist with the brigade headquarters company. He also mentioned the IBIZ program. “That’s a huge part of it, trying to build that base (the Iraqi economy).”

Many of the 76th Soldiers were proud of their work while deployed and said they made a positive impact to the war-torn country.

“We’re making a big difference over there. Compared to 2003, when we first got in there, we’re rebuilding the country and are able to talk and be friendly with the Iraqi people,” said Pfc. Jennifer Bowser, who deployed with Headquarter and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 152 Cavalry and is a resident of Indianapolis.

One Soldier who deployed with the brigade that was part of the initial wave of Coalition forces in 2003 agreed.

“What we did in 2003 set us up for success in 2008,” said 1st Sgt. Scott Pepper, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and the top enlisted Soldier for Company B, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry. He noticed a marked improvement in the five years.

“Its’ not as bad as everybody says; not everybody on the street is trying to kill you,” said Pepper.

After the reception ceremonies at the airport or at Stout Field the Hoosier Soldier traveled to Camp Atterbury for briefings and health assessments then it was back home and civilian life.

“These Hoosier men and women responded to their nation’s call and performed admirably while serving in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger. “I am extremely proud of all of them.”

Back Home Again in Indiana


Story by Staff Sgt. Patrick Cloward120th Public Affairs Detachment

INDIANAPOLIS -- In near perfect weather, more than 300 motorcycle riders assembled near the Indiana State House to join Governor Mitch Daniels in the annual Governor’s Charity ride to raise funds for the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund.

“We got the best weather we could hope for, the best roads in America and the best cause,” said Daniels.

Joint Force Headquarters member Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Zeber and Chief Warrant Officer Darryl Zeber of the Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Division in Indianapolis gained the privilege of riding alongside Daniels during the 233-mile tour of some of Indiana’s scenic roads.

“He bought his first Harley before he mobilized five years ago,” said Melissa of her husband Darryl. “When he came back he was still riding.”

“She found it was more comfortable to ride her own bike than on mine,” said Darryl of Melissa, who bought her own motorcycle two years ago. “It’s just fun.”

Zeber was thrilled when she was chosen to repre-sent the Indiana Guard during the event. “When she first told me, she was so excited,” said her husband.

“[Daniels] is very pro-military and is a big sup-porter of the (volunteer) Patriot Guard riders. He’s al-ways out there shaking hands and I’ve always wanted to meet him.”

With Guard members and civilians alike, bikers toured through various towns in southern Indiana, gaining attention and raising money for charity. By noon, October 11, around 100 attendees rolled into the farm of Gary Williams, American Bikers Aimed Towards Education of Indiana’s operations director.

“Down in Shoals, we had people come out of their way to express their support for Guard,” said Daniels.

There, Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger met with riders and Guard members alike. He then accepted a check from ABATE for the money raised during the ride.

Williams joked how he special ordered the weather for the weekend. “You couldn’t have more perfect weather,” he said.

Since 1980 ABATE sponsors the Governor’s ride for various charities. This year, Gov. Daniels and ABATE raised $7,500 for the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund.

The Indiana National Guard Relief Fund, Inc. has provided financial grants to Indiana Soldiers, Airmen and their families that have encountered difficult situations due to mobilizations or financial hardships.

Photos by Spc. William E. Henry

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels prepares to move out of Bloomington, Ind., with Sgt. 1st Class Melissa Zeber and other riders after one of many stops along the way to Washington, Ind.

“To have our commander in chief, Governor Daniels,

take two days out of his time to make the ride with fellow Hoosiers who are so

patriotic, and to give something back for our

Soldiers and their families, it just means everything.”

-Maj. Gen R. Martin Umbarger Adjutant General, Indiana National Guard

WITH THE GOV On the way to Bloomington, Ind.

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Story and photos by Sgt. Michael B. KriegIndiana National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS - As Indiana’s involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan continues, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman wanted troops overseas to know Indiana citizens had not forgotten them, and make sure they knew how much Hoosiers appreciated their sacrifices.

With this thought in mind, Skillman initiated a statewide campaign three years ago called, “Hoosier Cheer for Our Heroes.” It’s an opportunity for anyone

across the state to make, collect and send handmade Christmas cards and letters to the Lt. Governor’s Office before December.

Skillman’s office collected thousands of these holiday greetings and presented them to Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana’s adjutant general, and other Indiana National Guard members during a ceremony at the statehouse on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Joining in the ceremony were members Indianapolis Colts Cheerleading Squad and younger members of the Junior Colts Cheerleaders.

Skillman recognized and praised all Hoosiers who contributed to the success of this year’s campaign.

“I think that this is a great education for the young people”, said Skillman. “They have expressed from their heart how they feel about our service men and women.”

The lieutenant governor’s office received cards and letters from various individuals, organizations and groups throughout the state. Many schools, scout groups, churches, military organizations and 4-H clubs participated in the “Hoosier Cheer for Heroes” letter writing campaign.

“We do not have many Hoosier families and work places that are not affected by these deployments and it’s personal to many Hoosiers,” Skillman said. “This was evident in the heartfelt expressions of support we delivered today.”

Even the very youngest who attended the ceremony understood the impact of the cards and letters.

“I am really thankful for all they (the troops) are doing for us,” said Alexa Oaidt, 8, one of the Junior Colts Cheerleaders, whose father used to be in the military. “What he did was pretty special, and I’m really proud of my dad. He’s my hero.”

“There is heartfelt sentiment in every one of these messages,” said Skillman. “Hoosiers understand that we are thanking these men and women for protecting our life as we know it.”

Alexa Oaidt, 8, a Junior Colts Cheerleader, proudly displays a Christmas card she made for a military service member deployed overseas. She and other Junior Colts Cheerlead-ers were special invitees of Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman to the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008.

“ ...I’m really proud of my dad. He’s my

hero.”- Alexa Oaidt

Children show ‘Hoosier Cheer’ for heroes

“Our Soldiers and Airmen overseas always say

how good and uplifting it is to know that there are

people at home in Indiana who appreciate every

moment that they (the troops) are over

there fighting for our country.”

- Indiana Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman

Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, greets members of the Junior Colts Cheerleaders in her office at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, Dec. 10 2008. The cheerleaders helped Skillman present Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana’s adjutant general and other members of the Indiana National Guard with more than 20,000 handmade Christmas cards and letters to send to the troops overseas for the holiday season.


Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduates its third class

Story by Susan Hawver

FRANKLIN, Ind. - In twos and threes, muffled against a brisk wind, families and friends of 54 amazing young men and women streamed into the Franklin Community High School on December 20, 2008.

They settled into the warm, comfortable sur-roundings of the assembly hall, waiting to see their loved ones make a successful start on a new, better life. This was a graduation ceremony for the third class of the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy. What made this ceremony and these young people so very special was the process through which they had moved to achieve a place at this event.

The Academy is one of several state-run offshoots of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. The Indiana program officially opened in July of 2007 after months of research, development, and strategic planning on the part of the Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Wayne Hill, Director of the Academy and a retired colonel of the Indiana National Guard, and the Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels. It was their vision and commitment that kept the project on the front burner - ever focusing on the needs of the youth of Indiana, especially those who had struggled in educational and behavioral aspects of their lives.

The Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a voluntary, preventive program designed to give at-risk youth a second chance. The seventeen and a half-month program is at no cost to these teens and has three phases, with the first two phases being in residence in a “quasi-military” environment at the academy.

The five and a half-month residential phase provides training for the cadets in the program’s eight core components: academic excellence (with the objective of obtaining a GED), life coping skills, job skills, service to community, physical fitness, health and hygiene, leadership and followership, and responsible citizenship.

Maj. Gen. Umbarger remarked to the audience on the achievement, commitment, and loyalty of the graduates. He spoke of the pride the Guard felt for each of the them - the courage they showed sticking with the program over the long, difficult weeks. “After visiting the academy several times during this class, it was rewarding each time to see their growth and change since starting the program. They have grown in so many ways that I think they amaze themselves with what they have been able to accomplish.”

As Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman, keynote speaker, took the stage, attention turned to the woman who represented all Hoosier statesmen. She spoke of the people in her life who had supported her, encouraged her, and mentored her through many life decisions.

She focused her eyes and the power of her words on the young people sitting before her, the bright sapphire of their caps and gowns shimmering in the soft lights. She challenged them to follow the guidance of their mentors, discover their own strengths, and build on their achieve-ments, not slipping into the ease of their pasts, but the promise of their futures.

As awards and certificates were presented, and combat boot-clad feet crossed and recrossed the stage, it was easy to believe that these young people would go forward into renewed lives with self-confidence tucked into their souls to give them the strength and courage they would need to succeed.

Dream. Believe. Achieve. The mantra of the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy. The faces, smiles and tears of these graduates, and the people who had traveled to this small Indiana town to witness their triumphs, reflected all this and more.

“These cadets have gained respect, values, discipline

and focus while here at the academy. They learned to live by a cadet creed which ... will assist

them in becoming productive citizens of Indiana. As these youth have become young ladies and gentlemen, they have earned the

respect of their friends, families and me.”

-Retired Colonel Wayne HillDirector, HYCA

Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

Graduates celebrate after turning their tassels and being dismissed from the ceremony. For more information, visit www.ngycp.org/in

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“I think it’s of critical importance that we figure out how to help Afghans get out of poverty and improve the livelihood in areas like Khowst province. It’s the

kind of thing that needs to be addressed if things over there are to change politically.”

- Kevin McNamara

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff LowryIndiana National Guard

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Approximately 30 Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team are getting ready for their upcom-ing Afghanistan deployment by going back to school.

The Soldiers honed their agribusiness smarts at Purdue University recently. “I’m a Purdue graduate so it’s great to be back,” said Col. Cindra Chastain, the unit’s deputy commander. Chastain is also in charge of the team’s agribusiness section and has a de-gree in animal sciences from the university. “It’s great working with all these people that have so much expertise and are willing to share it with us.”

During the unit’s school days the National Guard Soldiers received training in irrigation, crop production, pest management , so i ls assessment, livestock management, nutrition and other agribusiness techniques.

“The mission focus is to start projects that improve agribusiness in Khowst province in Af-ghanistan,” said Chas-tain. The knowledge the troops gain here will be applied when they are deployed.

“These National Guard Soldiers are better suited for this mission because our Soldiers have civilian jobs and experiences in agriculture,” said Chastain.

The unit was formed specifically for the deployment and the nearly 60 Citizen-Soldiers were chosen based on their civilian skills. Using those skills is something many of the agribusiness Soldiers are looking forward to as well.

“The opportunity to use our civilian skills for something positive is a rarity in what we do,” said Capt. Brian Pyle. “That region of the world as unstable as it is right now, if we can add a little but of a ray of hope to those everyday lives. They’ll settle down, they’ll move forward, and the whole region will stabilize and bring peace back to here,” Pyle said.

According to Kevin McNamara, a Purdue agricul-tural economics professor, the Hoosier Soldiers will have agricultural obstacles, such as soil production and water availability, to overcome when they arrive in Afghanistan. In addition, Indiana farms are much larger than Afghanistan farms, which are typically one to three acres.

McNamara is also the university’s Afghan-istan coordinator, and from 1972 to 1974 he served in Afghanistan as a member of the Peace Corps.

Agricultural chal-lenges are just one type the unit will have to overcome. “Every member of my team is a Soldier first and an agriculture expert second,” said Col. Brian Copes, the team’s commander. According to Copes, who has already been to Afghanistan and surveyed the area, Khowst province is a particularly hostile area now.

“Our team is very enthusiastic about the (agribusiness) development aspect, but it’s tempered by a very dangerous threat,” he said. “There’s a reason why they’re sending Soldiers with farming skills, as opposed to just farmers.”

McNamara is also concerned about the security issues, and thinks sending Soldiers to help Afghanistan farmers is an ideal solution.

“I think it’s a brilliant idea,” he said of the National Guard’s agribusiness development team model. Missouri, Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas have assembled teams to help Afghanistan, which has an agricultural based economy.

The Indiana team is scheduled to report to active-duty in January.

Purdue University agronomy professor George Van Scoyoc explains the difference between forest and prairie soils to Soldiers of the Indiana National Guard’s 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team at the Beck Agricultural Center in West Lafayette, Ind., on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008. The Citizen-Soldiers will use this training and their civilian acquired skills to help Afghanistan farmers when the team deploys in 2009.

Agribusiness Soldiers train for mission


Story by Spc. William E. Henry38th Infantry Division

INDIANAPOLIS - The 38th Infantry Division held a promotion and change of command ceremony at the Division’s parade field Sunday, October 19, 2008. Division Guardsmen stood in formation and presented their flags as Indiana’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger promoted Brig. Gen. Tod Carmony to major general before the change of command took place.

Carmony was the assistant commander for support of the 38th Division from Ohio before being chosen to head the outfit as the 19th commanding general of the division since World War II.

After the promotion, Maj. Gen. Umbarger had much praise to offer the division’s new leader, stating, “No one has a better pedigree to follow General Moor-head,” said Umbarger.

It’s been almost three years since a new leader has assumed command of the 38th Infantry Division and the outgoing com-mander, Maj. Gen. Richard Moor-head welcomed Carmony to his new duty.

“The future is bright for the division. I know the 38th Division will be in good hands under the command of (Major) General Tod Carmony,” said Moorhead, who is scheduled to retire in December.

Carmony spoke of how change of command ceremonies are like the military’s equivalent of a big family reunion and how great it was to have all the family gathered together in Indianapolis at the home of the 38th Division.

“I am humbled by the faith and confidence that Maj. Gen. Umbarger and Maj. Gen. Moorhead, two great infantry commanders, have placed in me. It’s an honor to join the ranks of 38th Division Commanders,” said Carmony.

38th ID Change of Command

Photo by Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc

Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, commander of the 38th Infantry Division passes the colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Lucas, command sergeant major for the 38th Infantry Division, during the change of command ceremony Oct. 19, 2008, in Indianapolis. During the ceremony, command of the 38th Infantry Divisions was relinquished by Maj. Gen. Richard Moorhead to Carmony during the ceremony.

F r e e d o m S a l u t eInfantry Division honors Soldiers who deployedStory and photo by Spc. Michael Gann38th Infantry Division Public Affairs

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. — Friends, family members and community supporters gathered Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008 in Shelbyville for a Freedom Salute to honor members of the 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion for their service in Iraq.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It is designed to publicly acknowledge our Army National Guard Soldiers, as well as those who have supported them during the recent military operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

“Your sons, daughter, fathers and mothers could not have accomplished the mission were it not for the support of everyone in this room. The hardships that were endured by your loved ones were minimized by your letters, phone calls and care packages,” said Capt. Aaron Fletcher, commander for Company D 2-238th GSAB.

Each Soldier was presented with awards and gifts including a commemorative coin, a framed United States flag, and two service pins. One pin was for the Soldier and the other for each Soldier’s family member.

Indiana National Guard Col. David Wood, commander of the 38th Aviation Brigade, was also given a Patriot Guard Riders flag by members attending the Freedom Salute to honor the Soldiers of the 2-238th GSAB.

While in Iraq, the 2-238th GSAB “logged more that 4,000 flight hours, flew more that 1200 missions with more than 1,500 patients including National Guard Soldiers and Iraqi army, security and citizens, with 100 percent mission execution,” said Capt. Tim Stoner, commander for Company C 2-238th GSAB.

Indiana National Guard Col. David Wood, commander of the 38th Aviation Brigade, displays a flag from the Patriot Guard Riders at the Freedom Salute ceremony Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008.

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Story and photos by Spc. William E. HenryIndiana National Guard

GARY, Ind.--A ceremony was held at the Indiana National Guard’s new Limited Army Aviation Support Facility dedicating its completion Friday, October 24, 2008.

Major General R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana’s Adjutant General, Gov. Mitch Daniels, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh, Indiana Congressman Pete Visclosky and Gary’s mayor, Rudy Clay, were among the many distinguished guests to attend the event.

All speakers spoke about how the facility will be an asset to the state’s emergency mission and adding protection to the surrounding region.

“This facility was well completed, it is mission enhancing. It’ll be a major part of the capabilities now of America’s finest National Guard. It is a testament to the patriotism of Hoosiers and to our commitment to each other,” said Daniels.

The 56,000-square-foot $18.7 million facility will employ 22 full-time workers with three UH 60 Black-hawks and two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters. The helicopters will be ready to respond to immediate emergencies in the area rather than call in one from Shelbyville, an hour’s flight away.

Bayh spoke about how it took teamwork to make the facility a reality.

“America is not divided into red states and blue states, as we can see by our nation’s emblem; we are united as fifty red, white and blue states,” said Bayh.

Visclosky agreed with Bayh and praised the service and selflessness of all the Indiana National Guardsmen.

“The Guard has helped people in the state of Indiana in 70 of our 92 counties this year alone and again we need to be grateful for that,” said Visclosky.

Major General Umbarger attributed the success of the Indiana National Guard to how Indiana has exceeded its recruiting goals for the fourth year in a row and the patriotism of the residents of the state.

“It seems only yesterday when we were together for the groundbreaking ceremony.

But here we are on this rainy but happy autumn day, cutting the ribbon on one of the finest military facilities, state of the art, second to none, in the nation,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

Interior shot of the new Gary LAASF taken during the dedication ceremony, October 24, 2008.

Gary Limited Army Aviation Support Facility dedication took place with congressman Rep. Pete Visclosky, Mayor Rudy Clay, U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh, Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and Emmy Huffman from Sen. Richard Lugar’s office, all cutting the ribbon Friday, October 24, 2008. The 56,000-square-foot $18.7 million facility will employ 22 full-time workers with three UH-60 Blackhawks and two OH-58 Kiowa helicopters.

Gary LAASF


SELFLESS SERVICEStory by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry 120th Public Affairs Detachment

GREENCASTLE, Ind. -- Selfless service is a value Army leaders try to instill in all of their Soldiers.

The leaders succeeded with Spc. Brian Schafer.Driving to his first drill weekend on Saturday

morning, July 12, 2008, Schafer heard his wife, Sonna, calling for help. She was yelling for him because their neighbor, Jamie Broce, was trapped in a culvert and surrounded by a watery vortex.

“I truly believe I wasn’t going to get out,” said Broce. He went into the peaceful-looking flood waters to hopefully clear what he thought was a drainage grill. It wasn’t a drainage grill, but a four-foot concrete tube. And while the water was calm on top, it was swirling and raging underneath.

“I got spun around and sucked in,” said Broce, a Clayton, Ind. resident. “I saw Brian’s wife and yelled for help.”

Arriving on the scene, Schafer saw that Broce was barely keeping his head above water.

“I jumped in without thinking,” said Schafer. “It was an automatic response. I knew I had to try to get him above the water. It’s a part of our selfless service.”

Schafer, 36, an artilleryman with the Indiana National Guard’s Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, had recently returned from basic and advanced training.

“I was probably in the best shape of my life,” said Schafer who is also a manager at a concrete plant.

Although in shape, Schafer was nearly sucked into the vortex too. Yet he finally leveraged himself on top of the pipe and held onto Broce for about 40 minutes, until first responders arrived.

“It was a long time for that kind of thing,” said Sonna. “You could almost feel the seconds.” Everybody involved said they felt that time was moving very slowly.

“It seemed like it took forever,” said Schafer.The two neighbors weren’t out of their watery trap

yet though. According to Broce’s wife, Darci, it took Schafer, Sonna, and four fire fighters to finally pull Broce from the water. Darci also stated Schafer was instrumental in coordinating the fire fighters’ help to free himself and his neighbor.

In a ceremony at the unit’s family day on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, Schafer received Indiana National Guard’s second highest medal for valor, the Distinguished Ser-vice Cross, for his actions on that wet, summer day.

“Brian, you set an example for all of us to emulate,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, 38th Infantry Division commander. “This incident has a good outcome, but it could’ve been very tragic. It’s a cautionary tale of flooding water.”

Broce realizes the tragedy that could’ve been.

Photo by Spc. David P. Bonnell

Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, 38th Infantry Division commander, pins Spc. Brian Schafer with the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross at the Greencastle armory during a ceremony Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008. Schafer, an artilleryman with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, received the medal for assisting in the rescue of his neighbor, Jamie Broce, from flood waters on July 12, 2008.

“If I don’t have a six-foot, five (-inch), 240 pound strong man as a neighbor, I don’t make it out of there,” said Broce. “He (Schafer) deserves whatever honor he got today, and I’m just so glad I could be here and be a part of it. I’ll forever be grateful.”

During the ceremony, Broce thanked Schafer for his efforts.

“It was only 40 minutes, but it seemed like a life-time,” said Broce. “Thank you not only for serving your county, but also serving your fellow man.”

Schafer was humble about receiving the medal and helping his former neighbor.

“It’s overwhelming and unexpected. I was just doing my job,” said Schafer, now of Coatesville, Ind. “I was just trying to help a person who needed help.”

Helping and doing his job, selflessly.

s a v e s neighbor’s l i f e

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Reaper strikes out again Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry 120th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -The Grim Reaper was on the prowl here again looking for Indiana National Guard officer candidates who couldn’t march 10 miles in under three hours, 30 minutes.

Once again he failed.

The six officer candidates finished with time to spare, the slowest finishing in just under three hours at 2:58, on a beautiful Saturday, October 4.

“The Reaper Road March is the signature kickoff event of the OCS training cycle,” said Capt. Eric L. Creviston, the Officer Candidate School’s senior instructor. Creviston lives in Muncie, Ind.

The Reaper Road March, or Reaper Ruck as the march is also known, tests officer candidates’ endurance. They must march 10 miles with a 35-pound rucksack and rifle. Chasing them, their family members and other military guests, was a cadre member dressed as the Grim Reaper, who walked the minimum pace needed to pass.

Passing the 10-mile march is a requirement to graduate the 18-month program.

“You take a requirement, build on it, and make it a great event,” said Col. Paul Grube of the Halloween-inspired march. Grube is the 138th Regional Training Institute regimental commander.

“We do it differently,” said Creviston. “It looks different here than anywhere else.”

Differences in this OCS program itself are what attracted two Citizen-Soldiers. Officer Candidate Grover Smith is a chef for a national restaurant chain. Lately he’s helped open restaurants throughout the Midwest. “There’s not much time in the day; that’s for sure,” said Smith who has been working 12 to 16 hour days.

He’s also been busy at home helping with his first child. “With the little one, I’m looking to settle down,” said Smith who lives in Indianapolis. With his busy schedule at home and at work, it wasn’t feasible for him to attend the eight-week school.

“With my schedule, trying to get restaurants open, it just worked out better,” said Smith about attending the Indiana OCS program.

The other Soldier who chose the Guard route was Officer Candidate Gregory Snipes.

“I wanted to become an officer, but I didn’t have eight weeks to set aside,” said Snipes, who was an active-duty enlisted Soldier and later a reserve Soldier before joining the Indiana National Guard. According to Snipes the Guard and its OCS is better suited for his career goals. Snipes is also an accounting technician at the Defense Accounting and Finance Service in Lawrence, Ind.

Camaraderie was the reason 2nd Lt. Katie Elkins of Bloomington competed in this year’s Reaper Ruck. “I’m doing it to support my alma mater,” said Elkins who graduated the program in July. Last year she finished in two hours, 58 minutes. This year she finished in two hours, four minutes, and the first to finish overall. Elkins, with the Brigade Support Company, 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, is also training for air assault school where the minimum is three hours.

The first officer candidate to finish the 10-miler was Officer Candidate Dan Heiwig who finished in two hours, 29 minutes. “It’s exhilarating,” said Heiwig at the seven-mile mark. “My legs are numb; my feet are numb, at this point it’s mind over matter.”

Heiwig of Greenwood, Ind., was seeking more challenges when he joined the OCS program.

The first family member to

finish was Andrea McAfee Thomas, sister of Officer Candidate Derek McAfee of New Albany, Ind. “I kinda like this stuff,” she said before the start of the march. “Call me crazy.”

Thomas is training for an October 18 marathon in Columbus, Ohio. She finished just seconds before her twin brother at two hours, 48 minutes.

“I’m smarter and cooler; right Derek?” she said as she teased her 11-minute younger brother. Their mother, Doni, also marched in the 10-miler.

“It gives us the opportunity to see what he’s doing, to be a part of what he’s experiencing,” said Thomas. According to Doni, things like this bring the family close together.

Whether seeking camaraderie, challenges or a convenient way to become a second lieutenant, the Indiana Military Academy can do that as long as officer candidates finish before the Grim Reaper.

“In the military you get to seek

more challenges, and OCS is

one of those. OCS is the

quintessential course.”

- Officer Candidate Dan Heiwig

. . .

Reaper stalks his prey


Photo by MSgt John Day, 181st IW/PA

Brigadier General Richard Clevenger, Indiana Air Commander, presents the Air Force Combat Action Medal to the state’s first recipients, Staff Sgt. Tyler Shields and Staff Sgt. Jerod Wright, assigned to the 181st Intelligence Wing, Terre Haute, Ind.

181st AIRMEN AWARDED AIR FORCE COMBAT

ACTION MEDAL

Story by Staff Sgt. Chris Jennings181st Intelligence Wing

Public Affairs

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Two 181st Airmen were presented the Air Force Combat Action Medal on November 1, 2008, at Hulman Field. It was a highlight for the Airmen, the 181st and the Indiana Air National Guard. Staff Sgt. Tyler Shields and Staff Sgt. Jerod Wright, 181st Vehicle Operations, became the first Indiana Air National Guard Airmen to receive the AFCAM for their heroic actions while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. “What these Airmen did and accomplished was amazing,” said Col. Jeffery Hauser, commander, 181st Intelligence Wing. “The AFCAM recognizes their actions and is a good representation of these Airmen’s commitment to their country, their unit, and is a perfect example of our Air Force core values at work.” The Airmen continue to be humble about their ach ievements wh i l e serving in a combat zone, but the story of how and why they received the medal speaks for itself. “Words are too little to describe the meaning of the AFCAM. A sense of humble accomplish-ment is the best I can say,” Shields explained. “Without a doubt serving in combat in Iraq with Jerod Wright , Br ian Gossett, Dereck McClure and Mike Boerner is one of the proudest things I have done in my life.”

It was Aug. 16, 2004 and Wright and Shields, from the 181st Fighter Wing, were escorting an Army convoy between Tikrit, Iraq and Baghdad, Iraq. Shields was driving gun-truck 303 and Wright was manning the M249 machine gun atop the vehicle. Traveling along a hostile roadway, an Army tractor trailer hit a roadside improvised-exploding device which halted that vehicle and the entire convoy began taking small arms fire.

Shields, without hesitation and making a quick decision, pulled alongside the damaged tractor trailer blocking enemy fire. This response saved the lives of the passengers on the tractor trailer. With the injured Army personnel protected from incoming fire, Shields hopped from his vehicle and returned fire with his M-16 while Wright unleashed more than 850 rounds of suppressive fire into a house nearby where the enemy was hiding. Putting themselves in the line of fire to protect their fellow servicemen earned Shields and Wright the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

“The truck in front of us was disabled and we were hit instantly by small arms fire. I reacted in a way that any professional Airman and Soldier would, save the lives of my comrades, get the wounded to safety and secure the area by all means necessary. Jerod Wright and I did just that and completed our mission when the fight was over. It wasn’t until long after the fight I started thinking what could have happened to us. We knew there was a wounded Army private, we knew we were the closest gun truck, and we knew that our job was to protect that convoy so that we may push on with the mission that we were ordered to do. I thank God that there was a protective hedge around all of us in a world that placed upon us challenges that threatened our lives daily.” Recollecting the exact details of that day, while hectic, seemed to just be another day in Iraq for these Airmen. “We traveled nearly 14,000 miles across Iraq together for eight months,” Wright said as he shared his experiences in the combat zone. “We were involved in numerous firefights and witnessed several IED explosions. There was never an easy day in Iraq, but the five of us who came from the 181st supported one another through every situation.”

The 181st Airmen ended up in Iraq through a new joint forces program that had Air National Guard A i rmen augment ing convoy security teams with the Army. After a crash course in combat infantry, vehicles and weapons training at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo., Wright, Shields, McLure, Boerner and Gossett headed for Iraq.

Receiving the AFCAM is special to Wright and Shields, but returning home safely with every-one uninjured was the most important ‘mission accomplished’ for these Airmen.

“To me, the award is a nice reflection of the hard work and sacrifices

that myself, Shields, McClure, Gossett and Boerner went through for 8-plus months in Iraq,” Wright said. “The AFCAM also makes me very proud to have served with these guys. The five of us formed a bond that is still very strong to this day. When one of us was home-sick or down, there were always four other friends to lend a helping hand and help out in any way we could. The five of us all came home together, and for that I am very thankful.” Some 181st Airmen might not know Wright or Shields, but there is one thing that makes them stand out among other Airmen. Both wear the Army’s historically-honored “Big Red 1” on their uniforms. Their supporting role within the Army’s famous 1st Division earned them the right to wear this on all their uniforms.

The ‘Big Red 1’ has a deeply-rooted American military history that began when Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing stepped foot on European soil during Continued next page

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. - “This is incredible!” “What an amazing aircraft!”

These are just a couple of things that could be heard above the sound of the 122nd Fighter Wing’s Heritage Jet as it made several passes for members of the 358th Fighter Group, the “Orange Tails,” and their families.

In October, 2008, the wing hosted 10 original members of the “Orange Tails” and their families for their final reunion. The 358FG was activated in January, 1943, at Richmond Army Air Base in Virginia. Flying P-47D “Thunderbolts,” the 358th flew interdiction and bomber escort missions from England until D-Day. As the Allies advanced, they took on the role of ground support, including “tank busting.”

Following the surrender of Germany, the group redeployed to the United States in July 1945, and were officially inactivated the following November. In May of 1946, the group was redesignated as the 122nd Fighter Group (later to becoming the 122nd Fighter Wing) and assigned with all honors and colors to the Indiana Air National Guard. During the war the 358th, known as the “Orange Tails” for their distinctive bright orange aircraft markings, was awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations, and the Croix de Guerre.

The 122nd Fighter Wing painted an F-16 in the heritage paint scheme of the P-47s to honor the men from the 358th that flew them in WWII. Portions of

the paint scheme also came from the P-47D Tarheel Hal, which was flown by Lt. Davis of the 358th Fighter Group, during WWII. It had to be modified a little bit to fit the shape of the F-16, but all the elements are there, down to the invasion stripes. The stripes were painted on allied aircraft to avoid friendly fire.

During the reunion, members of the 358th and their families visited the National Military History Center in Auburn, IN, and toured the 122nd Fighter Wing. More importantly they were able to reunite with friends and reminisce about days passed. The 10 original members of the 358th also agreed to sit in front of a camera and tell their most memorable stories from WWII. These stories ranged from being shot down and evading the enemy to recalling the announcement over the radio that the war was over and the Allies had won.

Hello

Continued from page 16

WWI, from the beaches of Western France, Sicily, North Africa, Italy and into Germany during WWII, the jungles of Vietnam, and into Operation Iraqi Freedom, where Wright and Shields found themselves earning the right to wear the ‘Big Red 1’ with the Army’s 1st Division. “I still have people ask me why I am wearing the 1st Infantry Division Combat Badge on my battle dress uniform,” Wright said. “Many members of the 181st have no idea as to what the five of us accomplished in Iraq. I feel like we made history and represented the 181st to the best of our abilities and the “Big Red One on our uniforms show that.” Wright and Shields’ company were awarded 10 Purple Hearts, and the five Airmen were awarded Army Driver Badges, Army Commendation Awards, and the 1st Infantry Division Combat Patches.

“I hope the patch to other Airman is a symbol that we represent the United States of America and some-times that representation comes with a price that we must be ready as Guardsmen, at all times, to go just

like the five of us volunteered to go and fight,” Shields said.

“It reminds me that we five helped the entire world in the fight against terrorism. It reminds me that each time I put my uniform on that we are at war, even here in Terre Haute, Ind. A war that we must keep current training and the proper mind frame that we still have a job to do and it is far from over.”

What these Airmen accomplished will be something they will carry with them and remember for the rest of their lives. The AFCAM is merely a symbol to let everyone else know that their courage, commitment to each other, dedication to country and nearly an ultimate sacrifice is appreciated by country and state. They know the story. At times they can still hear the small arms fire, feel the sand blowing against their uniforms and smell the burning vehicles. They’ll never forget and neither will the 181st.

Their story is yet another piece of 181st lore comprised of hard fought battles and valiant Airmen that make up the history of the wing and the entire Indiana Air National Guard.

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Stephen L Vaughn

Ten original members of the 358th Fighter Group pose in front of the 122nd Fighter Wing’s Heritage Jet at their final reunion in October.

“ORANGE TAILS” HONORED

Story by 2nd Lt. Rebecca Metzger122nd Fighter Wing


Military police to assist Iraqi counterpartsStory by Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc Camp Atterbury Public Affairs

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – Military police companies in the Indiana National Guard are banding together to assist Iraqi police in becoming self sufficient and successful.

Soldiers from Evansville, New Albany, Plymouth and Michigan City have joined the 384th Military Police Company, from Bloomington, in order to deploy to Iraq and work with the Iraqi police. While in country, the company will be conducting police transition training.

In order to prepare for their upcoming missions, the 384th has been conducting pre-mobilization training at Camp Atterbury.

Spc. Craig VanDuke, a gunner for the 384th, said his unit is completing the first part of the crawl, walk run process.

“We are doing a lot of in-depth training that we are going to be able to use later when we complete our missions.”

Some of the training VanDuke referred to, that the company has completed so far includes combat lifesaver courses, convoy training, land navigation, combatives training,

military operations in urban terrain training and Humvee egress.

Pfc. Leighanna Torres, a member of the 384th, said that the training at Camp Atterbury has been fun and diverse.

“It’s been good training,” said Torres. “They have worked all aspects of being an MP. On one side, we have worked on searching and detain-ing, and on the other side we have done general warrior task training.”

Sgt. 1st Class Gerardo Gonzalez, an operations sergeant for the company, said that even

though he has 19 years of service and two previous deployments under his belt, pre-mobilization training here and working with new and younger Soldiers from all around the state has been a good challenge.

“We are all learning how to work with each other and are completing a lot of hands on training right now at individual levels. It is a good overview of everyone’s personal skills and will help us gauge what to work on when we get to squad and platoon level training,” he said.

The first part of the 384th’s pre-mobilization training ended Sept. 28, 2008. The company

will complete the next part of their training when they return to Camp Atterbury in October during their second stage of pre-mobilization training.

1st Sgt. Scott MacGregor, first sergeant for the 384th, said that the company has been motivated and hard working throughout the training.

“The hard work and long hours that is being put into training shows that Soldiers have a real interest in heart about the outcome,” he said.

MacGregor added that he hopes the teamwork and skills that have been developing since train-ing started will continue to grow and ultimately help establish and maintain good relationships, not only between Soldiers within the company, but also with Iraqi police they are training.

A l ong w i th ma in ta in ing relationships with Iraqis, the com-pany has made sure to maintain good relationships with families and employers at home. In order to do so, and encourage community involvement in their training and deployment, the 384th held a family day in August and family briefings concerning the deployment in September. The company will host an employers appreciation day Oct. 23.

“Hopefully this day will connect employers to the training that their employees are doing as Soldiers, by seeing first hand what they are doing at Camp Atterbury,” said MacGregor.

“We want them to understand what we are going through to help make the transition back to civilian life and work easier for everybody when we return.”

MacGregor said that the unit members are doing everything they can to incorporate families and employers in their deployment preparation.

“[We want] to thank them for their sacrifices of temporarily separating from family members and employees during training and mobilization time.”

Photo by Sgt. Sheila Holifield

Indiana Soldiers from the 384th Military Police Company make sure their gunner is properly strapped and ready to go during Humvee egress assistance trainer /rollover training. This exercise was part of the com-pany’s pre-mobilization training at Camp Atterbury before deploying to Iraq.

Photo by Spc. Elizabeth Gorenc

Soldiers from the 384th Military Police Company maneuver along the side of the building to approach the entryway undetected during military operations in urban terrain training. The company completed this and other training at Camp Atterbury during their pre-mobilization training, in preparation for their deployment to Iraq.

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Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry Indiana National Guard

INDIANAPOLIS - Nearly 20 general officers and other dignitaries visited central and southern Indiana as part of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee meeting October 13 - 15, 2008.

While in-state, they toured Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, which was of particular interest to the generals.

“It’s much more than I anticipated,” said Maj. Gen. Bill Ingram, North Carolina’s adjutant general and ARFPC chairperson. “Muscatatuck is a great partnership between active Army and the Indiana National Guard.”

In fact it’s a partnership between those two organizations and many others including the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Purdue University, Indiana State Police, and Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center.

According to Ingram, many were in awe of the scope and breadth of the training center.

“Well, coming from operations, training and mobilization, this is a great opportunity for us to see the facilities at Atterbury and Muscatatuck,” said Maj. Gen. Dave Blackledge, deputy operations officer at the Department of the Army Headquarters. Blackledge is

also the deputy chairperson for ARFPC. “It’s a great training area for total-Army training

and joint training,” said Blackledge. “It’s a great example of out-of-the-box training for the persistent conflict.”

In a brief to the generals, Brig. Gen. Omer C. Tooley outlined the basic concept for Muscatatuck. “What we’re doing here is creating a complex environment,” said Tooley. “We’re creating a living, breathing city.”

According to Tooley, that realism is needed in helping military servicemembers and civilian authorities train in the Global War on Terrorism fight.

The Muscatatuck training area has more than 1,000 acres and 70 buildings. It was previously a mental health facility that included a school, a hospital and living areas. The center can be self-sustaining with its own power, water and sewage infrastructure. In addition, areas are being built to resemble global street markets, Iraqi villages and Afghani villages.

“We’re struggling mightily in Iraq and Afghanistan to help them improve their health care systems,” said Brig. Gen. Richard Stone, the 3rd Medical Command medical readiness and training command commanding general. “This site is perfect to asses what a hospital might look like.”

More information about Muscatatuck Urban Training Center can be found at:http://www.mutc.in.ng.mil/

www.in.ng.mil

Indiana Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Omer C. Tooley, center, explains the nearly completed street market to general officers at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center Wednesday, October 15, 2008. The 20 general officers were in Indiana for a meeting of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee.


Close-knit communityprepares for deploymentStory by Spc. Elizabeth GorencCamp Atterbury Public Affairs

CAMP ATTERBURY - Brazil, a small Indiana community, prepares for its family members and citizens to support the Global War on Terrorism effort overseas. The community readies for the deployment of its Soldiers as they train at Camp Atterbury.

Indiana National Guard 1st Sgt. Neal Stough, the 138th Quartermaster Company’s top enlisted Soldier, said the unit has received a lot of support from the town and surrounding areas during its pre-deployment training. Stough said the community was determined to show their support in every way imaginable. From the fire department to the police department to the mayor and American Legion, the response was one of steadfast support.

“We are a family-oriented company from a family-oriented community. My father was a first platoon sergeant of the company that I am now in,” said Stough. “There are also others in the unit whose fathers were here before them.”

The military tradition and history of the people within the community that form the National Guard unit creates a camaraderie that extends past training weekends.

Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Paul Wetnight, the second platoon sergeant for the 138th, said living in a close-knit community creates an environment for people to go through years of experience and grow together.

“We have a camaraderie and rapport that is outstanding,” said Wetnight. “Not only are we Soldiers together, we work and live together as civilians.”

Wetnight credits the strong bond of the unit and excellent team work to the success in pre-mobilization training and preparation.

“There are a lot of changes and updates to the training since I was last deployed during Desert Storm,” he said. “While I can use some previous deployment experience to prepare for this one, I feel not only more comfortable on this deployment because of the new technology, but also because of the ability and reliability of my comrades in the unit.”

While here at Camp Atterbury, the 138th trains together every day to perfect their deployment skills. They have been conducting basic Soldier training such as land navigation and tactical move-ments in addition to making sure the Soldiers’ files are in order.

Sgt. Kimberly Calkins, the unit public affairs representative, said the unit was in the “crawl” stage of training.

“We arrived at Camp Atterbury on September 6th. Right now we are creating a base and correcting any logistical or administrative issues individual Soldiers might have,” she said.

To help create the skill base, Soldiers have participated in land navigation, combat training, combat live saver courses and military operations on urban terrain training.

“We are trying to get everything squared away. That way when we come back to Camp Atterbury in November to complete our pre-mobilization training, we don’t have any distractions,” said Calkins.

Throughout the pre-mobilization training, Calkins said the overall troop morale has been high.

“We are excited not only to serve our country,” she said, “but to also make a difference.”

While serving their country, members of the quartermaster unit will be receiving, storing, issuing and possibly transporting supplies to support other units deployed to Iraq.

Calkins said, “Even though we are mainly supporting other units, I know that we are making a difference because when we get there, that means someone gets to come home.”

Spc. Susan Romero, 138th Quarter-master Support Company, kisses her two-year-old son Brent before leaving North Clay Middle School after a departure ceremony Friday, January 2, 2009. About 120 Soldiers in the unit will be deployed to Iraq to perform logistics-type operations such as issuing, receiving, transport-ing and storing supplies.

Photo by Spc. William E. Henry

Photo by Sgt. William Hill

Soldiers from the 138th Quartermaster Company out of Brazil, Ind., plot points on a map during land navigation training.

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Aviation unit scheduled for take off early 2009Story by Sgt. Sheila HolifieldCamp Atterbury Public Affairs

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. – After flying more than 3,500 hours during their deployment to Bosnia in 2004, the 2nd Battalion of the 238th General Support Aviation from Shelbyville, Ind., is ready for take off again. This time the Indiana National Guard aviation unit is deploying to Kuwait in early 2009.

“Our mission is to provide general support aviation for the Coalition Forces Land Component, Kuwait and Southern Iraq,” said Lt. Col. Bernard Kruse, commander for the 2-238th.

More than 150 Indiana troops and approxi-mately 40 from California will make up the general support aviation team.

“The majority of our Soldiers have previous deployment experience and do a lot of the same thing during our drill weekends,” said Kruse.

The unit provides aviation support for the state of Indiana, primarily Indianapolis, Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.

“A lot of what we will be doing in country is similar to what we do here in Indiana and that gives our Soldiers confidence in knowing we can complete the mission,” said Kruse.

No matter the country or the terrain, providing aviation support is not only a busy one, but a very important one.

“When the commander of the CFLCC and his staff need transportation, they look to us because driving takes too long and it’s not as safe,” said Kruse.

As with any mission, there are many unknowns but the 2-238th is ready for whatever may lie ahead.

“Flexibility is going to be vital to our success,” said Kruse. “We will have eight [types of ] aircraft and we need to have them ready to respond at a moment’s notice.”

“Not only do we have to be ready to respond imme-diately, but we have to maintain perfection,” said Maj. Chuck Yingst, operations officer for the 2-238th.

“We are going to be flying a large number of VIPs and when you have that type of precious cargo on board our only mission will be to keep them safe,” said Yingst.

“Everyone’s excited,” he added. “It’s always satisfying to do our job.”


Indiana Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Eric Cornelius stands during the invocation at the departure ceremony for the 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation while his son Jordan Cornelius waves his American flag at the Army Aviation Support facility in Shelbyville, Ind., Friday, Novem-ber 7, 2008. Soldiers will be in to Kuwait during the duration of their deployment to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Indiana Army National Guard Spc. Jason Moon, 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation, holds his son, Rylan Moon, 17 weeks, as he listens to Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, address his unit during its departure ceremony at the Army Aviation Support facility in Shel-byville, Ind., Friday, November 7, 2008. Soldiers will be in Kuwait for the duration of their deployment, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.


Sibert of Mooresville. Others on his team said he was a lifesaver for helping them with their rucksacks during the march. Sibert is scheduled to leave for basic train-ing in two weeks.

During the obstacle course Det. 11 Soldiers watched other teams’ performances as they waited their turn. Scouting the other teams they came up with a plan for each obstacle. “We got a game plan right?” said Sibert. “Nobody gets left behind.”

That idea was key during the obstacle course be-cause the team couldn’t move onto the next obstacle until all members finished the current one.

“It’s all about teamwork,” said Barnekow.The detachment didn’t turn in the best time during

the obstacle course, but the Soldiers drew praise from their readiness sergeant.

“I’m proud of you guys,” said Sgt. 1st Class Simon Hernandez of Carmel to his Soldiers. “You showed a lot of teamwork.”

New Soldiers learn value of teamwork, physical fitness

Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, 120th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. -- Indiana Army National Guard recruits, most of whom have been to basic train-ing, participated in Warrior Challenge, a one-day event to test Soldiers’ physical ability and help them build teamwork.

“It builds camaraderie. It builds teamwork,” said Staff Sgt. Eddie Embry, sergeant in charge of the Re-cruit Sustainment Detachment 5 in Evansville.

During the day’s events, Guard Soldiers competed in push-ups, sit-ups, a two-mile run, a four-mile road march and an obstacle course. The state’s 10 RSDs represented all regions within Indiana, from Evansville to Fort Wayne and from South Bend to Madison.

“It’s very competitive,” said Embry of the challenge. “You have 18-year-olds from all walks of life, and they want to compete.”

Embry was the de facto motivator during the day, peppering the recruits with rhetorical questions and drill sergeant-like commands.

“Down, up! Down, up! Let’s go Det 5,” he called during the push-ups. “Get up, private!” he yelled encouragingly to a Solder who was having difficulty during the sit ups. “Get up off my mat, private!”

“What’s not an option, privates?” Embry asked before the road march. “Failure, Sergeant!” the Soldiers answered in unison.

“If you put the thought in their head that failure is not an option, then they’ll be successful in anything they do,” said Embry. The state’s tenth detachment, De-tachment 11 headquartered in Noblesville, is the newest in the state, and its six Soldiers at Warrior Challenge haven’t been to basic training yet. The detachments start at two, which is why the tenth is Det. 11.

While some of the Det. 11 Soldiers credit the van ride from Noblesville to Camp Atterbury as the team-bonding experience, others credit the road march.

“We came together on the four-mile road march,” said Pvt. Leah Barnekow, of Noblesville. “We saw other teams fall apart on the march.” They were determined not to do that.

The Det. 11 Soldiers finished seventh, in 58 minutes and 19 seconds. “We’re a new detachment, and we weren’t last,” said Pvt. Reba Kindrick of Green-field.

“It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t bad,” said Pvt. Josh

Indiana Army National Guard Pvt. Josh Sibert of Mooresville, Ind., runs as he and his team, Recruit

Sustainment Team 11, finish the four-mile road march as part of Warrior Challenge at

Camp Atterbury Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.

arrior

22 Guardsman January 2009

23www.in.ng.mil

Hobson Farm donates money to military family members

Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

ROCKVILLE, Ind. -- In the movie, “Field of Dreams,” Kevin Costner’s character heard voices in a cornfield. One Indiana farmer looked at his fields and envisioned a maze in a field of maize.

Not quite.

But Corey Hobson, a former teacher, wanted a way to instruct children and get back to farm life, which is how he was raised.

“It was the best of both worlds. I could teach and work on the farm,” he said.

Since 2004 Hobson’s Farm has created a maze in seven acres of corn. This year’s maze is special to Hobson. His cousin, Sgt. Rodger Smith, is deployed with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Hobson wanted some way to honor him, the 76th, and the National Guard. So this years maze features the minuteman logo and the brigade’s unit crest.

“It was the least we could do to honor and thank the military,” said Hobson.

Hobson’s Farm donated a dollar for every per-son who attended that Sunday. The donations are then planned to be used to ship care pack-“I always try to do something that people can relate to,” Hobson said of the maze designs. “I know that with the 76th deployed it would affect a lot of families.”

The Indiana National Guard has more than 4,600 troops deployed in the Global War on Terrorism, about 3,400 are deployed with the 76th.

“It’s amazing,” said Melissa Smith of maze in the maize field. “It’s a huge honor to Rodger,” she said. Melissa, wife of Rodger, is also in charge of the fam-ily readiness group for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, which is headquartered in Rockville.

Rodger was home on leave from Iraq and was over-whelmed by the support he and his troops, and their families.

“It’s a major undertaking,” he said of his cousin’s work. “I appreciate everything he’s done.”

Rodger didn’t know when his leave from Iraq would happen. “I’m glad I could be here for the opening,” said Rodger. It’s just how my leave got scheduled.”

Amaizing .... amazing

Photo courtesy of Hobson’s Farm


Family Programs, Chaplain’s Corner“Steeling” Your Mind:

The Battlemind ProgramBy Capt. Jim StaggersFull-Time Support ChaplainJoint Forces Headquarters-Indiana

The Army, in recent years, has realized that it can not just throw its Soldiers back into family life without some information/training. It is no different than not training Soldiers before they go into the battlefield. With each family comes a different set of issues and degrees of how the transition affects the family. For some the transition is fairly smooth, but with others it’s not.

You may have heard of the Chaplain Corps’ program called “Strong Bonds” to help strengthen relationships, but there is an equally important p r og ram en t i t l e d “Battlemind.”

Battlemind is the Soldier’s inner strength to face fear and adversity in combat, with courage. Battlemind Training focuses on building on your proven strengths and consists of two critical components: Self-confidence and mental toughness.

Battlemind Training helps Soldiers maximize the Battlemind skills they demonstrated in combat so that they can then use them effectively upon their transition home. This training consists of ten combat-related skills and compares them with common Soldier reactions to returning home.

The nature of combat for a Soldier is sudden, intense, and life threatening. It is the Soldier’s job to kill the enemy. No Soldier knows how he/she will perform in combat until the moment he/she arrives. All Soldiers are affected by combat—as well as their spouses and families.

The Battlemind program is also available to families to focus on the ability to face deployments with resilience and strength, allowing easier separations and smoother reunions.

Key components of the program inc lude: Independence - the capability of having a fulfilling and meaningful life as part of a National Guard Family; and Resiliency - the ability to overcome setbacks and obstacles and to maintain positive thoughts during times of adversity.

The effects of deployments on families can vary amongst family members. Deployments may also have a positive impact and bring you closer together and/or introduce issues that may affect your family’s well being.

The Battlemind skills increase your family’s resiliency throughout the military deployment cycle. The components of the program follow along the acronym BATTLEMIND:

Buddies (Social Support)Adding/Subtracting Family RolesTaking ControlTalking it OutLoyalty and CommitmentEmotional BalanceMental Health and ReadinessIndependenceNavigating the Army SystemDenial of Self (Self-Sacrifice)

With each module, the family member is given an action to take and also the Soldier is given an action to take. For example, the final module on “Denial of Self” begins with discussion on how Soldiers are literally putting their lives on the line for their fellow Soldiers in service of their country.

This is followed by discussion on how spouses and family members are also sacrificing their own needs and placing desires on hold such as careers, educational goals, family and friends.

After this groundwork has been laid, discussion about potential concerns such as when both Soldier and family are sacrificing so much each may not feel fully appreciated.

This is where the action part of the program begins. An action for a family member to take would be to verbally show appreciation for the Soldier’s sacrifice and to recognize that being a Soldier is no easy task. Additionally, a Soldier’s action is to be aware that he/she is not the only one making sacrifices by encouraging spouses and family members to pursue their own interests.

If you would like a chaplain to attend one of your Family Readiness Group meetings to provide this training, feel free to contact Chap-lain Jim Staggers at [email protected] or (317) 508-2573.

Operation Play Baseball: Families cover the basesStory and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry120th Public Affairs Detachment

GREENWOOD, Ind. - Children of deployed 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers competed in a baseball game on a bright Sunday in October, 2008.

It was an offensive and error-prone affair as the home team 76th Slammers tied the visiting Brigade Bombers, 15-15.

“It was fun; I really liked it,” said Alex Honeycutt, 5.

The final score was secondary to the real reason they were there, which was to raise money and baseball equipment to be given to Operation Play Baseball. That organization then sends the equipment to Iraq in the hopes of bringing baseball to Iraqi youth.

“It gives them (children) playing baseball) a sense of helping their dads and other family members in helping them (Soldiers) make a connection with the citizens of Iraq and their children,” said Cody Honeycutt, 16.

Alex and Cody’s father, 1st Sgt. Charles Honeycutt, is deployed with the 76th, which includes nearly 3,400 troops from the brigade. His other sons, Chad, 13, and Nick, 8, also competed in the game, and their mother, Tammy, was instrumental in organizing the game.

“There are so many reasons why this is important,” said Tammy. “They (the children) got to meet other kids whose parents are deployed.

They were able to raise equipment for Iraqis. They see the community support them and their deployed parents.”

Other family members agreed.Continued on bottom of next page

Equipment collected during the baseball festivities.

25www.in.ng.mil

The Indiana National Guardand Panther Racing

In May 2009, families (to include their Service Member when possible) will be invited to attend a fun filled day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Have lunch with the owner of Panther racing, John Barnes and

Indy car driver, Dan Wheldon. The dates will be announced at a later time.

To be considered for the invitation please fill out the required information below. Only 50 seats are available. Qualifying applicants will be chosen at random.

Name of person applying: _______________________________________________

Service Member’s Name and Rank: ________________________________________

Children (must be dependents enrolled in DEERS):

Name: _______________________ Age: _________

Name: _______________________ Age: _________

Name: _______________________ Age: _________

Name: _______________________ Age: _________

Address: _______________________________________________

Phone Number: (home): (___) _____-_______ (cell):(___) _____-_______

My Service Member is deployed to (country)__________________ and will return on approximately (month/year)_________________.

My Service Member is currently in the Warrior Transition Unit: Yes__ No___

Copy this form, complete and mail to: Family Programs, Attn: SPC Boaz, 3762 W. Morris Street, Indianapolis, IN 46241

are pleased to announce a unique, one of a kind opportunity for families of wounded or deployed Service Members of the Indiana National Guard.

Continued from previous page

“It’s not only a way for us to support Russ and the troops, it’s a way for family members (of deployed Soldiers) can come together,” said Jennifer Jackson, wife of Capt. Rusty Jackson.

They have three children Olivia, 6, Ben, 4 and Madison, 6 months. Olivia and Ben played. Madison sat this one out.

After the game Andy Bass, Greenwood High School baseball coach, asked the children if they had fun by a

show of hands. All raised their hands. He then asked if they had parents deployed. All did.

“What they’re doing in Iraq is allowing us to do what we’re doing today” said Bass to the children. “Be very proud of them.”

Andy Bass, Greenwood High School baseball coach, slaps hands with 76th Slammers playersafter the game.


Indiana Guard honors two fallen SoldiersStory and photos by Staff Sgt. Patrick Cloward120th Public Affairs Detachment

BLUFFTON, Ind. -- In accordance with a new regulation allowing individual armories an opportunity to honor those who served or gave their lives for their country, members of Troops A and B, 2nd Squadron, 152nd Cavalry, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squad in Bluffton, Indiana gathered for the unveiling of the first Wall of Honor for two fellow Soldiers in a ceremony Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008.

Here at the armory the 152nd troops joined with distinguished members of the community and military to remember two men who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony was attended by the families of the memorialized, Capt. Michael “Todd” Fiscus of Churubusco, who last served as the transportation officer with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 76th Infantry Brigade and Master Sgt. Michael Heister of Bluffton, last serving as the assistant operations sergeant with the 76th Infantry Brigade, before both were killed March 26, 2005, by a roadside bomb in Kabul, Afghanistan.

For them, two velvet-l ined shadowboxes , containing their photos and awards they earned, were unveiled for per-manent display on a wall of honor at the Bluff-ton Armory.

Members o f the community also present were Bluffton Mayor Ted Ellis and former comrades of Heister who served with the Bluffton Fire Department: Fire Chief Robert Plummer, William France, Chris Wolf and Brandon Shadle.

One of the distin-guished visitors, Brig. Gen. Dav id Har r i s , commander of the 81st Troop Command, had only words of praise for Fiscus and Heister.

One of the Soldiers’ peers, Staff Sgt. Greg Kessie of Indianapolis, remembered working with both Heister and Fiscus. “He was the epitome of the NCO,” said

Kessie of Heister. “You always knew if it was going to be done, it would be done right, and Capt. Fiscus was always very professional. Even during a physical training test you could always tell he enjoyed pushing himself and us harder.” Fiscus was posthumously pro-moted by the state of Indiana to the rank of major.

After the ceremony, unit officers, in dress blue, wearing traditional Cavalry Stetsons, served the noon meal to Soldiers and their families for their a n n u a l f a m i l y day celebration.

Indiana National Guard Brig. Gen. David Harris, center, poses with the families of Capt. Michael “Todd” Fiscus of Churubusco, left, and the family of Master Sgt. Michael Heister of Bluffton, right, on Satur-day, Dec. 6, 2008, at the Bluffton Armory.

“I’ve had the honor of knowing both of them. I knew I could give them

a job to do and they would know how to think outside the box to get a solution. They were true leaders in every sense of the word.”

- Brig. Gen. David HarrisCommander, 81st Troop command

Indiana National Guard

27www.in.ng.mil

Operation Menke: Tribute to an American heroStory and Photos By Sgt. Vickey Jones 38th Military Police Company

BAGHDAD, Iraq - On August 4, 2008, Spc. Jonathan “Jon” Menke made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Most will remember Jon by his infectious laughter, zest for life and sense of compassion for all. The loss was not only felt by his fellow Soldiers, family and friends, but the entire Madison County, Indiana, community where he grew up.

When Jon would call home to talk to his father, Daniel Menke, he would tell him stories about the Iraqi children and request toys and shoes for them. He explained to his father that the 38th Military Police Company’s mission was to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people. What better way to do this than thru the Iraqi children?

Jon often expressed his concern of the living conditions of the Iraqi children that he interacted with on a daily basis. So every Friday as Daniel Menke would pack up a care package for his son, he would include beanie babies and hot wheels. This soon became a family affair. Jon’s younger brother, Matthew, donated his beanie baby collection.

Just days after the loss of Jon, Daniel was telling the story to a local newspaper, sharing the stories of the Iraqi children and Jon’s desire to bring happiness to them. After reading this, a local woman, Lindsie Wilson, who works in the Human Resources Department of Grote Industries, approached her supervisor with the idea of helping. Her supervisor told her to run with it and that she did.

Toy drives were conducted all over Madison County. There have been over 5,500 beanie babies and 2,500 hot wheels collected. However, Grote Industries did not stop there – they packaged up the beanie babies and covered all shipping cost of the toys to Iraq.

With the overwhelming collection of the toys, not only have the packages been shipped to Jon’s fellow Soldiers in the 38th Military Police Company in Iraq to hand out but also to other units throughout Iraq to help carry out the mission that Jon so believed in.

On October 4, 2008, Soldiers of the 38th Military Police Company who were with Jon during the attack on August 4, delivered the Operation Menke bags and hot wheels to a local orphanage in Eastern Baghdad.

Upon entering the orphanage and meeting the staff, Sgt. Spencer

Edgington gave the head master of the orphanage, Aber Mahdy Al-Galby, a flyer from Jon’s memorial.

He wanted everyone to understand the sacrifice that Jon made and his love for the Iraqi children.

Aber Mahdy Al-Galby expressed her deep gratitude for Jon’s sacrifice and her admiration to his family for still believing a difference could be made, and their selfless giving, even as they grieve.

As the children entered the room, the looks on their faces were priceless as they stood in astonishment at all the toys in front of them. Each child walked to the pile of toys and graciously picked out one, expressing appreciation before turning and heading back to his or her room.

After much encouragement from the Soldiers, some of the children sat on the mound of toys and dug into the pile looking for the perfect bag of beanies or coolest pack of hot wheels.

Daniel Menke stated in a phone interview that, “If we can touch one child’s heart and change the direction of their life, then Operation Menke has been a success.”

For Jon’s fellow Soldiers still serving in Iraq, Operation M e n k e h a s touched each of them. Still struggling thru the hea l ing process, Op-eration Menke has bestowed upon them a new strength with which to continue the daily mission. They will continue to spread Jon’s kindness, keeping his memory alive - in turn mak-ing the world a better place.

Specialist Jon Menke is a true American Hero. His mission is complete. Jon’s family, friends, and fellow Soldiers will now proudly stand in for him, continuing the mission that he was so passionate about.

Photographer unknown

Spc. Jon Menke and Spc. Amy R.Griggs, 38th Military Police Company, playing with the local Iraqi children near the base in Baghdad.

Photo left: Children of the Salhiya Orphanage in the Karadah district of central Baghdad, Iraq, decked out in their best for their visitors. The children are special to Soldiers of the 38th Military Police Company, 38th Infantry Division, Indiana National Guard.

Photo left: 3rd Platoon, 38th Military Police Company, 38th Infantry Division, Indiana National Guard Soldiers (from left to right: Sgt. Christopher P. Garlinger, Spc. Robert D. Edwards, Sgt. Spencer E. Edgington, 2nd Lt. Bradley B.Ingram) and interpreter Cody, visit the Salhiya Orphanage in the Karadah district of central Baghdad, Iraq, October 4, 2008.


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