oregon and canadian soldiers train together during maple
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VOL. 17, ISSUE NO. 2 SUMMER 2019
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In this issue...
Story and photos by Master Sgt. John Hughel,142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Oregon Air National Guardsmen assigned to the 116th Air Control Squadron work together during an afternoon mission in the Combat Reporting Center (CRC) April 15, 2019 at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia, during Sentry Savannah 19-2.
SAVANNAH, Georgia - Resiliency and constant preparation is nothing new for residents of the oldest city in Georgia. Since 1733, Savannah has survived the British occupation of the city during the American Revolution and endured General William Tecumseh Sherman’s ‘March to the Sea,’ as the American Civil War drew to a close in late 1864. Most recently the region sustained the rampages of Hurricane Matthew in October of 2016. For the participating units that arrived here to take part in Sentry Savannah 19-2, the area serves as an appropriate training location for traditional Drill Status Guardsmen (DSG) preparing for the unforeseen assignments in a deployed environment.
More than 60 members of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 116th Air Control Squadron (ACS) taking part in Sentry Savannah 19-2, April 8-19, the exercise is designed to build upon established skills and focus on key areas of readiness prior to deploying later this year. As other Air National Guard units took part in flying and fighting in the airspace, the 116th ACS meticulously orchestrated the airspace during their two-week annual training period.
“Crew coordination is the most important part of this mission as we prepare for deployment,” explained 116th ACS Director of Operations Maj. Colin Wyatt. “There’s a great deal of information flow when we get downrange with a very saturated and active airspace, this is why we get our Airmen as much training time as possible.”
There are nearly a dozen appropriate metaphors that help define the job of a Control and Reporting Center (CRC): football coach, strategy analyst, and communication directors to name a few. As Wyatt described the work environment and components of the career, ‘Orchestra Conductor’ was one such comparison he presented.
‘Sentry Savannah’ prepares 116th ACS for deployment
Story continued on Page 14
Oregon and Canadian Soldiers train together during Maple Resolve Exercise
A HH-60M Blackhawk medevac helicopter from G co. 1-189 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, waits on the tarmac, ready to launch at a moments notice, if the call for medical air support comes during Exercise Maple Resolve 19.
ALBERTA, CANADA - Nearly 80 Soldiers from G Company (co.), 1-189 AVN and HHC 2-641 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, rotated through Canadian Forces Base Wainwright over a period of 25 days for Exercise Maple Resolve 19 in Alberta, Canada, beginning on May 4. Maple Resolve is an annual combined U.S. Army exercise with Canada that serves as
Story continued on Page 5
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden,115th Mobile Public Affairs a brigade-level validation for the Canadian
Army.Air crews from G co. fl ew four HH-
60M Blackhawk helicopters more than 800 miles from Salem, Oregon to Wainwright, Alberta, Canada to provide exercise and real-world medevac support. By the end of the rotation, the Oregon National Guard Soldiers had completed approximately 45 missions totaling more than 140 fl ight hours.
Standardization Instructor Pilot with G co.The increased attention from the
exercise controllers also added to the overall authenticity of the training scenarios. Professional actors and make-up artists were brought into the exercise to act as victims during emergency medical scenarios.
This years exercise was smaller in scale overall from previous year’s, allowing those responsible for designing the training scenarios to narrow their focus and tailor the training more specifi cally to the participating units.
“They’ve been able to give us some really good mass casualty exercises, and quite a few missions to respond to, and that’s been really valuable for us,” said Chief Warrant Offi cer 4 Devin Wickenhagen, a
SUMMER 2019
U.S. Navy trains with Oregon military, civilian partners Page: 12
Military Police realign companyand trainingPage: 7
SALEM, Oregon – For 101 years the Army has employed warrant officers as experts, leaders, trainers and advisors, to administer, manage, maintain, operate, and integrate Army systems and equipment across unified land operations. Warrant officers lead the Army’s incorporation of emerging technologies, teach dynamically, and warfight confidently, while developing specialized teams of Soldiers.
In the Oregon Army National Guard, warrant officers serve chiefly (pun intended!) in the fields of Aviation (pilots, unmanned aerial systems, and maintenance), Ordnance (a collection of maintenance specialties, ammunition, and allied trades), Adjutant General (Human Resources and Bandmaster), Signal, Military Intelligence, and Quartermaster (property accounting, supply systems, and food service). We also have positions within the branches of Engineer, Field Artillery, Cyber, Judge Advocate, Transportation, and Air Defense. Warrant officers serve around the state at every level of the organization.
Warrant officers come from widely varying backgrounds and serve in many different fields, but all work toward the common goal of mastering their profession
to ensure the Army brings maximum “fight” when called upon.
We recruit warrant officers from our pool of excellent enlisted Soldiers, but not everyone realizes that warrants are also recruited from regular officer ranks, and from sister services. The Army recently opened recruiting in ways previously possible only by “exceptions to policy.”
As just one example, we can consider applications for Signal or Cyber Corps warrant officers based on civilian-acquired-skills regardless of the Soldier’s Military Occupational Specialty, and the same is true for many other fields. Also, Army accession policies offer recognition of the military-based skills and talents of Soldiers across the broad spectrum of branches. For example, Infantry and Cavalry Soldiers could become Field Artillery Technicians, and Military Intelligence Soldiers can appoint as Geospatial Engineering Technicians.
As mentioned earlier there are paths from sister services, such as Air Force Operations Intelligence into Army warrant officer Engineer and Military Intelligence fields.
The process of appointing as a warrant officer generally follows a common pattern regardless of the applicant’s background and chosen specialty. There is an assessment of the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, followed by an interview with senior officers to confirm the applicant’s suitability to serve as a commissioned officer.
Finally, the applicant is designated as a Warrant Officer Candidate and attends Warrant Officer Candidate School followed by specialty training relevant to the appointed job specialty. Military education and promotions occur at regular intervals as experience, development, and performance increase.
You can be certain that your service in our organization is both greatly needed and highly appreciated no matter the capacity in which you choose to serve, but do you feel that service as a commissioned Army warrant officer could be the right move for you? Do you strive to give your best effort, aspire to be a leading member of our team, and to enjoy the camaraderie of brothers and sisters in arms? If so, let your unit leadership know, and contact me or any other warrant officer, or a member of the recruiting force, and we’ll work together to identify your way ahead.
COMMAND
The Oregon Military Department
State Commander-in-ChiefGovernor Kate Brown
The Adjutant GeneralMaj. Gen. Michael E. Stencel
Interagency DirectorMr. David A. Stuckey
Asst. Adjutant General - AirBrig. Gen. Mark A. Crosby
Joint Domestic Ops. CommanderBrig. Gen. Gregory T. Day
Air Component CommanderBrig. Gen. Donna M. Prigmore
Land Component CommanderBrig. Gen. William J. Perendergast IV
State Command Chief WarrantChief Warrant Offi cer 5 Scott D. Brundidge
Command Senior Enlisted AdvisorCommand Sgt. Maj. Robert Foesch
State Command ChiefChief Master Sgt. Mark W. McDaniel
Oregon Sentinel Editorial Staff
Director of Public AffairsStephen S. Bomar
Deputy Director of Public Affairs Leslie M. Reed
Deputy State Public Affairs OperationsChristopher L. Ingersoll
Sentinel Editor:John R. Hughel
Staff Writers:Jason van MourikZachary HoldenUrsulla Bischoff
Contributors:41st Inf. Bde. Combat Team Public Affairs115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Unit Public Affairs RepresentativesOregon Emergency Management
Editorial Offi ces:503-584-3917
Oregon Military DepartmentAttn: Editor, Oregon Sentinel
P.O. Box 14350Salem, OR 97309
The Oregon Sentinel is the offi cial publication of the Oregon Military Department, authorized un-der the provisions of Army Regulation 360-1. It is designed and published by the Oregon Military Department’s Public Affairs Offi ce. The views and opinions expressed in the Oregon Sentinel are not necessarily those of the Departments of the Army and Air Force, the Department of De-fense or the National Guard Bureau.
The Oregon Sentinel is distributed to members of the Oregon Army and Air National Guard, and other interested persons by request, free of charge. Circulation: 13,500. The Oregon Sen-tinel is published by Eagle Web Press, a private fi rm in no way connected with the DoD, Depart-ments of the Army or Air Force, or the State of Oregon, and is under exclusive written contract with the Oregon Military Department. The Or-egon Sentinel is also distributed electronically, and can be found online at www.oregon.gov/OMD/AGPA/publications.shtml.
Paid advertising is prohibited in the Oregon Sentinel. Announcements which benefi t Oregon Guard members and their families are allowed, at the discretion of the editorial staff.
Oregon National Guard members and their fami-lies are encouraged to submit articles and story ideas. Stories and letters to the editor from any source, military or civilian, are accepted. All sub-missions must include the author’s name, mail-ing address and daytime phone number. Names may be withheld in print upon request. All sub-missions are subject to editing prior to publica-tion, and the Public Affairs staff reserves the right to print or reprint submissions at any time. The Oregon Military Department Public Affairs Offi ce and Oregon Sentinel staff are not accountable for factual errors presented by contributing au-thors or photographers.
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Story fi les must be submitted in Microsoft Word format, with no formatting. Photos must be high-resolution color JPEG fi les, accompanied by caption information containing the following: full name, rank, and unit of person(s) depicted in the photo, and a short description of what is happen-ing in the photo. All hard-copies submitted to the Oregon Sentinel become the property of the Or-egon Military Department unless prior arrange-ments are made with the Public Affairs staff.
Send electronic submissions, story ideas or questions to: [email protected]. Hard copy submissions can be sent via U.S. Mail to: Oregon Sentinel Editor, P.O. Box 14350, Salem, OR, 97309.
2019 Oregon Military DepartmentAll Rights Reserved
SUMMER 2019 Page 2
Commentary by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Scott D. Brundidge,
State Command Chief Warrant OfficerOregon National Guard
Major General Michael E. Stencel, Adjutant General,Oregon National Guard
Oregon National Guard ready for a busy, productive summerWith summer upon us, I want to once again
emphasize the importance of being mindful of safety practices and adhering to known precautions. The months ahead provide an opportunity for great fun and recreation with family and friends, but seasonal excitement can be quickly diminished by one unforeseen accident. As a wingman or battle buddy we can often pick up threats better than we can ourselves. Please ensure you are taking steps to remain safe and healthy and look out for friends and family around us.
Past summers have presented us with water issues, forest fires, rescue missions and intense training. Approach the next several months prudently and remain vigilant and ready for the call. Not only here in preparation for our state mission, but for upcoming deployments as well. While other units are in place training for forward mobilization, we should all be ready for an unforeseen deployment.
With more than 1,400 of our Soldiers and Airman deploying around the globe over
the next several months, it is keenly important to maximize our training and ensure we are ready to perform our missions. It is also important that we set up our families for success while we are gone, making sure they have what they need and that they know where to go for help and resources during our absence. Finally, making sure that our employers are notified long in advance of upcoming deployments and that they have ample time to adjust to the loss of their employees is important to our homefront.
Lastly, I anticipate another exciting Best Warrior Competition. I am extremely proud of everyone that takes part in this competition and would like to acknowledge the two Oregon soldiers that took the top spot in state and will be moving on to compete at the regional level in Oklahoma. Staff Sgt. Paul Mannelly of HHC/2-162 Infantry was awarded Oregon Army National Guard (ORARNG) and Region VI Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year
and Spec. Roger Spain of D/741 Brigade Engineer Battalion earned the ORARNG and Region VI runner up Soldier of the Year. Let’s wish them both the best of luck and know that they will represent our state with physical and mental strength, determination and tenacity.
I wish you and your families a fun and safe summer and look forward to all that the next several months has to offer!
Great Leaders Needed - Are you one of them?
Military Chaplains develop new skills to serve and assist service members
Photos by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
WARRENTON, Oregon - Military Chaplains from both the Army and Air National Guard from across the state of Oregon gathered to train together, as they work to become an even more effective combat multiplier during a three-day assembly at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon, March 22-24, 2019.
During the training the overarching question of “When we think about chaplains, what normally comes to mind?” Most notably are Chapel services, working with family programs events, and officiating over military funerals and sometimes performing last rites.
Now, Oregon National Guard Chaplains are incorporating new skills to assist not only with religious services but also serving right on the front of the fight. Whether as an extra set of hands carrying a litter, assisting injured service members or helping out with on-the-spot assistance with combat medics, these chaplains are integrating as a more cohesive part of the total fighting force.
Attending the training was Brig. Gen. Kenneth Brandt, National Guard Bureau Joint Chaplain who met with Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, at Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, before attending the training with the Oregon Chaplains and Chapel Assistants at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Reserve Center.
Left photo: Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, greets Brig. Gen. Kenneth Brandt during his visit to Oregon.Right photo: Chaplains and Chapel Assistants gather for a group photo during the open day of training at Camp Rilea, Mar. 22.
Photos: Chaplains and Chapel Assistants work under the guidance of Combat medics during training at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Reserve Center, Mar. 23-24, 2019. Chaplains and Chapel Assistants are incorporating new skills to assist service members on the front lines of the fight.
Photos by Jason van Mourk, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
SUMMER 2019 Page 3
COMMAND
Photos by Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ORANG Leadership recognize 142nd Honor Guard team
Left Photo: State Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark McDaniel (left) and Oregon Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore (center) talk with 142nd FW Honor Guard NCOIC Staff Sgt. James Whittle (right) during the team’s monthly training. Right photo: Prigmore coins Col. Jonathon Vinson and other team members at the Portland Air National Guard Base.
is passed from the outgoing commander to the new. This formal protocol shifts the authority and responsibility of the command in a single moment and finds its roots in military history.
After accepting the guidon Edwards addressed his assembled Airmen saying, “You can rest assured that when America calls on Kingsley Field, America is calling on their absolute best.”
Once complete, the wing completed another tradition common to Air Force fighter wings—revealing the name
of the new commander on the flagship aircraft of the fleet. As the newly minted commander, Edwards looked on as a crew chief peeled back a covering revealing a fresh stencil reading Col. Jeff Edwards beneath the cockpit.
Edwards is a command pilot who has logged more than 3,000 flight hours and has commanded several 173rd organizations including the maintenance squadron, the 114th fighter squadron, and fighter group. He steps into the position at a unique time in the history of the base. Currently Kingsley Field is gearing up for one of the most active summer’s of construction and maintenance projects to occur at any given time.
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon - A change of command ceremony marked a major transition for the 173rd Fighter Wing when Col. Jeff Smith relinquished command to Col. Jeffrey Edwards who stepped into the top post on June 1, 2019.
Edwards was selected for the position after serving as the vice-commander for more than two years.
“These two officers have quite a bit in common,” said commander of the Oregon Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Donna M. Prigmore, the reviewing officer for the ceremony. “These are two of our very finest Airmen; men who lead by example and are the reason so many of the American people still have faith and confidence in us today.”
In her remarks she noted one top priority for Edwards is to develop future leaders
within the wing both at the officer level and enlisted level.
“You have many talents to lead this very fine organization, your positive attitude, your compassionate nature, your selflessness, your humility and your intellect are the perfect ingredients to bring this organization forward into the future,” she said addressing him directly during her remarks.
The heart of the change of command ceremony is the passing of the guidon, a flag representing the wing, which
Edwards welcomed as new commander of 173rd Fighter Wing
Brig. Gen. Donna M. Prigmore, Oregon Air National Guard Commander delivers formal remarks to those attending the 173rd Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony.
Story by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson,173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Edwards and Smith share similar career paths dating to the U.S. Air Force Academy where they graduated in the same class, tracked to the F-15, and chose to transition to the Air National Guard at Kingsley Field within a year of each other.
The ceremony, often the most consequential for the wing, brings to a close the 24-year-career of Smith who would formally retire later the same day.
Oregon Air National Guard Col. Jeffrey Edwards addresses 173rd Fighter Wing Airmen, along with family and others in attendance as he assumes command of the unit, June 1.
Outgoing 173rd Commander Col. Jeff Smith is presented The Legion of Merit from Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore.
An F-15 Eagle with incoming 173rd FW Commander Col. Jeffrey Edwards name is revealed as he assumes command of the unit.
Mentorship forum promotes important feedback for Oregon National Guard
BEND, Oregon - With a change in leadership and with a new President of the Oregon Trail Chapter Army Aviation Association of America (OTC4A) the group decided to go out with a bang! What better way to address as subject that we all feel passionate about then the topic of MENTORSHIP!
Within the military, often the topic of mentorship is defined by formal and informal communication development styles. The OTC4A group felt the most effective approach to opening up the topic of mentorship would be in a relaxed group environment, and where a broad conversation on the topic could be considered during the Oregon National Guard State Conference.
Both Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore (Oregon Air National Guard Commander) and Col. Patricia Hagan (Officer for the USPFO (Unites States Property and Fiscal Office) were extremely eager to lead and steer the discussion when OTC4A pitched the idea to them. Drawing upon their own military background’s, they opened-up the subject and encourage feedback from the group. The forum took place in a hospitality suite the OTC4A reserved during the State Conference on April 27, providing pizza and other snacks as the group invited everyone attending the Conference to take part in the mentorship discussion.
After a brief informal period of food and conversation, Prigmore and Hagen began the event by introducing themselves and talked about some of the “hurdles” that that they had to overcome; particularly about some of the mentors that helped them navigate through some of the tough situations in their careers.
After the formal introductions the conversation quickly transitioned to others, encompassing the entire group as service members where enthusiastic to talk about their experiences and personal challenges too. Command Sgt. Major Scott Stimpson provided the unique experience with running a family business while balancing his long term Army career in the Recruiting Command, while Lt. Col. Brian Dean talked about his Battalion Command, experiences during an assignment in Washington D.C., and the small mentorship group he started
with co-workers. The productive group
conversation was a livelily round table of topics; as tough questions were asked, and frank answers returned by those offering direct and poignant feedback. The open discussion environment seamlessly passed from one person to another -- for well over an hour and a half, only to be brought to a halt to allow those attending the Military Ball later in the evening, enough time to change into their formal dress uniform.
“Why don’t we take the time to do these types of
discussion more often? …a question that was asked by more than one member…. Let’s make this an annual event,” was another suggestion coming from the group.
In the finally assessment, I discovered that Mentorship can come from anyone at almost any time, and in many forms. I challenge everyone to not fall into the trap of, “I don’t have time for mentorship.” It is important to reach out to your peers, junior ranking Soldiers and Airmen, as well as senior ranking leadership to establish effective dialogues and straightforward discussions. Invest time into your fellow service members and build an environment for open dialog
Story by Adam Lulay,Outgoing President, Oregon Trail Chapter
Army Aviation Association of America
Col. Patricia Hagan (right) describes her military career and personal challenges to those attending the mentorship forum.
The mentorship forum allowed Oregon National Guard leaders a relaxed setting to discuss leadership challenges.
Photos by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
PORTLAND, Oregon - Oregon Air National Guard Commander Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore and Oregon Air National Guard State Command Chief Master Sgt. Mark McDaniel took the opportunity to meet and recognize members of the 142nd Fighter Wing Base Honor Guard team during the Regularly Schedule Drill (RSD) May 5, 2019. Both Prigmore and McDaniel stressed the important role the Air Force Honor Guard plays in supporting civic events, conducting military funerals and in many cases, being the public face for the Air Force and the Oregon National Guard in the regional community. “Chief McDaniel and I wanted to personally thank you each of you for all extra time and effort you give,” Prigmore said during the conclusion of the morning practice. “This is an important part of our Air Force culture and heritage, especially for our Veterans.” The 142nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard team supports full-time funeral services at Willamette National Cemetery and conducts nearly 75 Color Guard details around the state each year with a current membership of 17 Airmen cover all ceremonies and events.
about the lessons you have learned, either from personal mistakes or the advice you received from others along the way.
During my time as Aid De Campe, Brig. Gen. Charles Yarte told me to “Never skip your PME (Professional Military Education) to attend AT (Annual Training). Nobody gets promoted solely based off their AT performance, but I guarantee people get promoted for being educated.”
That statement resonated with me and I agree; advancing in rank is hard enough so never give the military an excuse to not promote you. Don’t let me be the only one to share with you their mentorship experience, whether here in the Sentinel or
other publications. It is an important part of our military development and should be shared and conversed. In the end, influential leaders are remembered for their lasting contributions to an organization and the path they left for others to follow.
An F-15 Eagle with incoming 173rd FW Photo by Senior Airman Emily Copeland, 173rd FW Public Affairs
Outgoing 173rd Commander Col. Jeff Smith is presented Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Brig. Gen. Donna M. Prigmore, Oregon Air National Guard
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Oregon Air National Guard Col. Jeffrey Edwards addresses Photo by Senior Airman Emily Copeland, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SUMMER 2019 Page 4
NEWS
Oregon Guardsmen assemble and receive instructions from U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Seven Morrison (right) a grader with the Army Interagency Training and Education Center.
Oregon CERFP Guardsman sharpen skills during course trainingStory by Sgt. Jennifer Lena,
115th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentPhotos by John Hughel,
Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
WARRENTON, Oregon – A select group of Soldiers and Airmen of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) Responder Operations Course as part of the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) initiative May 17-20, 2019 at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon.
Students attending the course learned the basics of how to analyze a hazardous material incident, plan for an emergency response, and implement action toward alleviation of a human-caused or natural disaster involving toxic materials.
“The purpose of this training is for the participants to become part of a CERFP team,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Knight Jr., the noncommissioned officer in charge of the course. “We want them to use these skills to go and perform the function of protecting people, property and equipment.”
The students, most of whom specialized in search and extraction and fatality search and recovery operations, were also trained to be able to integrate into a disaster response scenario lead by civilians.
“For example, if there were an incident in downtown Portland, the state would have assets that can augment forces like fire departments, police departments and hospitals,” said Knight. “No matter the scenario, these soldiers will be trained to the same civilian standards so that they can incorporate seamlessly into the incident command system.”
Attendees also expanded their knowledge on hazardous material markings, labels, containers and packaging and well as the chemical and physical properties of substances they could potentially encounter.
“I believe this training will help me take the initiative when coming into contact with hazardous situations,” said Pfc. Elizabeth Aldama Gandara of the 1186th Military Police Company. “I know that not a lot of people are willing to do this because it takes extra time, but it is important to me to be able to help people.”
The 36-hour course included classroom time coupled with a practical portion where
students will become more familiar with donning and operating personal protective equipment.
“The instructors are really good at involving us, keeping us on our toes and asking questions of us,” said Master Sgt. Jessica Caldwell, one of the NCOICs for the Fatality Search and Recovery Team, assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing.
“The material is great, but the networking and exposure to how other teams do things is also very valuable.”
The student’s ultimate goal during the course is to achieve an accredited hazardous material operations certificate along with the basic knowledge to support and sustain fellow first responders.
Oregon Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jessica Caldwell (right) and Tech. Sgt. Carson Mather (left) work together to remove protective gear during the CBRN training.
Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen conduct procedures during the decontamination process as part of their yearly training as part of the 36-hour CBRN Responder Operations Course, May 20, 2019, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon.
Oregon Army and Air Guardsmen process through a decontamination tent during their yearly CBRN Responder Operations training.
Crosby leaves legacy for thriving Oregon National Guard State Partnership Program
HANOI, VIETNAM – Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, the Assistant adjutant general, Air for the Oregon Air National Guard and director of Oregon’s State Partnership Program (SPP), showed emotion and pride when he took his last trip to Vietnam under the auspices of the Oregon National Guard (ORNG) SPP. It is not only significant for Crosby on a personal level, but also for the program that he has led for most of its existence in Oregon. It has become a successful, diplomatic program that has given many Oregon National Guard members profound cultural experiences.
Crosby, along with other Oregon Soldiers and Airmen, visited Vietnam for the 2019 Disaster Management Engagement Activity June 2-7, 2019. It is an annual, signature event in humanitarian assistance and disaster response with to goal of providing enduring commitment and friendship between Vietnam and the Vietnam Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, with the Oregon National Guard through the State Partnership Program.
“The State Partnership Program is awesome, it is the National Guard’s foreign affairs program and it really allows us to engage with other countries in subject matter expert exchanges, and exercises mostly focused on emergency management or humanitarian assistance, or disaster relief, which is what it’s called in other theaters,” said Crosby as he began to reminisce about his time in the program.
“I’m very fortunate to be a part of the State Partnership Program now for over 11-years. We had our first partnership with Bangladesh in 2008, and in 2009 I was contacted to be a subject matter expert for them in their airport and seaport security because that’s what I did in my civilian job.”
Crosby, who recently retired from the Port of Portland after serving many years as director of public safety, said he went on a couple missions and learned a lot from his exchanges.
“I loved it and had a real passion for it. It’s critically important because (just as in business and life) relationships break down barriers.”
Crosby mentioned that most countries don’t have a FEMA (Federal Emergency
Management Agency) equivalent and use their military to support emergency, crisis and disaster response which is why he feels the National Guard is the perfect partner to help with a dual purpose mission.
“The National Guard is the right partner because we are the dual purpose military branch in the U.S., and we’re the first responders to our citizens during a time of disaster, said Crosby.
While Crosby was proud to talk about the importance of learning and sharing knowledge, talking about his personal knowledge and the experiences of others who have been able to participate in the SPP, is what elicited an emotional response.
“Over the years I’ve been very fortunate to go on multiple missions overseas to both Bangladesh and Vietnam, and the best part about it is taking Oregon Airmen and Soldiers to these countries (who have never been overseas) and expose them to new cultures.”
Crosby thinks the program is also good for morale and retention.
“It happens the same way every time—the first couple of days people sit in pockets together with people they know—but by the end of the week they’re exchanging Facebook accounts and telling stories about their kids or their families, and they come back refreshed,” he added. “It allows our Soldiers and Airmen to do something
Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, assistant Adjutant General for Oregon Air National Guard and State Partnership Program Director, meets with a leader from the Vietnam Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue, June 7, in Hanoi Vietnam.
Oregon National Guardsmen meet with members from Vietnam during a State Partnership program group training session as part of a day of briefings and working groups.
they normally wouldn’t get to do that supports something other than our wartime training—it’s peacetime training, it’s learning new cultures and breaking down barriers regarding what we think about other people—from what we’ve seen on TV or read in books, and actually learning other cultures and making friendships can last a long time.”
Story and photos by Sgt. Cory Grogan, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs
Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, shakes hands with a Vietnamese Soldier during State Partnership visit to Vietnam, June 7, in Hanoi, Vietnam.
SUMMER 2019 Page 5
NEWS
A number of the actors were actual amputees, with moulage prosthetics designed to simulate actual trauma such as a blast injury, providing a level of realism not often scene.
“It was real looking, I was really surprised. It was one of the best things I’ve ever scene,” said Staff Sgt. Darrin Culp, a flight medic with G co. After 26 years of service, Culp said noting it had been one of the best training exercises he’s ever participated in. “They went all out.”
During the exercise, Soldiers from G co. and HHC also had the opportunity to work and train with Canadian medics. The Canadian Army doesn’t have dedicated medical evacuation air units. Instead they will temporarily convert multi-purpose helicopters for air ambulance missions and use field medics with a higher level of training as needed.
The U.S. Army has dedicated units for air ambulance missions, and trains air crews on specially configured aircraft for that specific purpose. By imbedding several Canadian medics into their missions, G co. aircrews were able to teach allies their techniques and methods, as well as learn from the Canadian’s experiences.
“I know where I can be, what I should do, and where my position and responsibilities would lie if working with an American Blackhawk crew,” said Master Cpl. Daniel Macfarlane, a medical technician with 1 Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces.
When deployed to overseas missions,
Above Photo: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Darrin Culp, a flight medic with G co. 1-189 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, assesses mock patients with simulated injuries during a mass casualty scenario.Left Photo: Air crew with G co. 1-189 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, practice rescue hoist training from their HH-60M Blackhawk medevac helicopter.
Continued from Front Page
Oregon and Canadian Soldiers train together during Maple Resolve Exercise
Canada Army Master Corporal Dan Macfarlane, a medical technician with 1 Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces, and Sgt. Chayanne Kohler, a flight operations sergeant with G co. 1-189 AVN, receive training on personnel recovery.
U.S. Forces often work alongside allied nations, and training together before going overseas is invaluable in insuring mission success.
Exercises like this one provide an opportunity for different countries to come together and learn each other’s procedures, and build off of each other’s strengths.
“Coming up here and working with the Canadians in Maple Resolve is a great way to practice those NATO interoperability techniques,” said Wickenhagen. “They’re great coalition partners, it’s always a pleasure to come up here and work with the Canadian Forces.”
Above Left Photo: A role player with simulated injuries feigns distress during medevac training. Above Right Photo: U.S. Army Spc. Patrick Frare, a flight medic with G co. 1-189 AVN, Oregon Army National Guard, prepares to be lowered on a rescue hoist from a HH-60M Blackhawk medevac helicopter.
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NEWS
CAMP GRAFTON, North Dakota - A big shout out to Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Paul Mannelly, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment for winning the Region VI Best Warrior title on May 9, 2019.
The regional Best Warrior competition was held at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Soldiers competing for the title of “Best Warrior” hailed from Wyoming, Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Buy winning the regional, Mannelly will travel to the Oklahoma Regional Training Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Camp Gruber Training Center (CGTC), July 13-20 to compete for the most outstanding Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer (NCO). The mission is to select the most outstanding NCO and Soldier to represent the Army National Guard at the All Army Competition.
Also competing at the Region VI Best Warrior competition was Spc. Roger Spain, assigned to 741st Brigade Engineer Battalion. He placed second overall in the Soldier category.
Congratulations again to our Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers on representing the State of Oregon with two excellent results!
Now it is on to Oklahoma!
Mannelly Wins Region VI Best Warrior
Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Paul Mannelly receives the Best Warrior NCO of the Year from Maj. Gen. Alan Dohrmann and Command Sgt. Maj. David Lien during the 2019 Region VI Best Warrior Competition at Camp Gilbert C. Grafton, North Dakota, May 9, 2019.
U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Tyler Wall, 116th Public Affair DetachmentU.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Tyler Wall, 116th Public Affair Detachment
Team Kingsley strives for excellence
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon - The 173rd Fighter Wing completed a Unit Effectiveness Inspection Capstone, the face-to-face portion of the Air Force Inspection System’s evaluation of the wing’s effectiveness in mission execution, April 4-7, 2019.
A team of Air Education and Training Command inspectors made their way from Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio to the small Southern Oregon base, and there they put the finishing touches on an inspection process that happens continuously in the virtual realm and every four years cumulates in an in-person evaluation.
The 173rd Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Jeff Smith, explains why this process is critical to the success of Kingsley Field.
“First, it is an opportunity for us to showcase our strengths while up-channeling challenges where we could use some help,” he said. “Second, external observations and critiques are vital to the health of all high-performing organizations. Just like individuals, organizations can grow “blind” to certain shortcomings over time, and an external look often highlights those shortcomings so we can eliminate or improve them.”
This process provides a full-spectrum analysis of the wing’s performance as a whole and seeks to avoid a single snap shot in time, as previous versions of the inspection such as the Operational Readiness and Unit Compliance Inspections did.
“AETC IG team was here to look at the four major graded areas – this is
Story by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson,173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
173rd Medical Group Commander Lt. Col. Ed Tuhy (left) briefs Col. Phillip Layman, Air Force Inspection Agency, on the status of the Medical Group during the Unit Effectiveness Inspection, April 5, 2019.
focal point of the inspection process itself, and those are managing resources, leading people, improving the unit, and executing the mission,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Bocchi, 173rd FW Inspector General. “On the other side of it is to get the overall culture of the wing; that is a highlight in AETC.”
Over the course of four drill days, what Kingsley Airmen call the “Super Drill”, four major graded areas were evaluated as well as sub-programs beneath them.
Smith expresses what he wanted inspectors to take away from their time at the wing saying, “I hope the inspectors recognize the unique culture of excellence we have. I have never been a part of a wing that cares this much—about our Airmen, about our community, and about our impact on our primary mission of generating pilots for America’s Air Superiority.”
Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The AETC Inspection Team will now take all of the data they pulled, as well as the information gleaned during their time at Kingsley Field and provide a report to the wing on its overall effectiveness, focusing on their successes and areas that improvements can be made.
“I think the biggest thing they (AETC IG) were impressed with was the morale,” said Bocchi. “People want to come to work here, and it showed when they talked to the Airmen.”
234th Army Band prepares to commemorate 100 years of music
CLACKAMAS, Oregon - The 234th Army Band of the Oregon Army National Guard celebrates their centennial birthday this year during their annual Summer Concert Series, featuring a full program performed by several ensembles.
Chief Warrant Officer Ashley Alexander and Staff Sergeant Dave Williams will be conducting an exciting program of music, sharing the history of the band over its 100-year existence.
All of the Band’s performances are free and open to the public, and are one
of the ways in which the Oregon National Guard gives back to our communities for their support in our missions within the State of Oregon as well as throughout the United States and the world.
This year’s program features music by Irving Berlin, Frank Ticheli, and Glen Miller, mixed in with rousing marches, patriotic selections, and a tribute to all Service Members of Oregon and beyond.
Featured musicians will include retired and past members of the 234th Army Band, soloing with and conducting the current members of the band.
For a full schedule of performances by the 234th this summer, visit:
www.facebook.com/234tharmyband
Photos by Staff Sgt. Zach Holden,
Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
Spc. Roger Spain (left) and Sgt. Trent Marnell (right) were the Best Warrior Soldier and NCO of the Year runners-up during the 2019 Region VI event.
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NEWS
Oregon National Guard Military Police realign company, training
PORTLAND, Oregon - The 1186 Military Police Company, Oregon Army National Guard, based in Salem, experienced changes in 2016 due to a force structure realignment and consolidation. The Milton-Freewater Detachment, home to 45 MPs, was moved to the Hood River armory. Soldiers from Eastern Oregon and Southwest Washington areas must travel further to attend drill weekends. This caused the leadership to adjust their training schedules from a 2-day to a 4-day training weekend and extending their annual training time block to almost three weeks rather than the traditional two weeks.
First Lt. Meleji Meekisho, the company’s executive officer, said “Often, on our two-day weekends when we have a large mission set we really don’t get into the groove until its half way through the second day. The change from two to four days allows more training time and training value out of the time we are allotted.”
Extending the training days also allows the unit to train together every drill providing a larger percentage of time for unit integration, team-building and cohesion.
Sgt. First Class Ammon Benedict, acting 1st Sergeant and unit readiness noncommissioned officer, said, “Our standards and readiness were suffering.
We only trained together maybe two times per year and for annual training. Now, we can increase readiness and be better prepared to respond to fires and as the National Guard Reaction Force.”
The realignment also offered changes to personnel to the unit. Soldiers living further from their new armory were given the opportunity to re-class or transfer out to another unit closer to their home of record.
Meekisho said, “We changed the unit set-up and trainings to help reduce hardships
on Soldiers traveling long distances.”
Dedication and desire to stay or become MPs continues to be a motivating force for the Soldiers.
Benedict said, “A lot of Soldiers pass by five or six other units on their way to drill. We are the only MP company in the state and our Soldiers travel from all over Oregon to be a part of our unit. They want to be MPs.”
Soldiers straight from basic training and their military police school are also making their way into the unit.
Sgt. Robert Frey, a squad leader, said, “There are seven to eight new Soldiers in each platoon.”
The extended annual training brings the main company and the
detachment, new and experienced MPs together in one place for one purpose.
“We have an influx of new soldiers coming into the unit especially right before this training,” Meekisho said.
“We are able to build a unit from the ground up with specialized lanes, training and team-building at the squad level, and really focusing on troop leading procedures. Team building starts with every Soldier, from the driver, truck commander, and the gunner knowing their exact role and going through rehearsals.”
The success of training and missions depends on teamwork.
“The new members have not developed a skill set, yet. Some are experienced but may not have worked previously together. It takes four to five days to mesh as a team. Once they mesh, then there is no problem,” said Frey.
Pvt. 1st Class Joshua Norris, a driver and one of the newest members in the MPs, is on his third drill with the unit. He said, “I have adapted pretty well into my squad and platoon. It was hard at first but they are very, very helpful in taking me in and teaching me all the things I need to know.”
Developing a skill set and learning the responsibilities of the job is a hard part of being a new member of a unit including
the Soldiers who support the unit as a whole.
Private 1st Class Ada Isom, a supply specialist, is another of the newest Soldiers to join the company, having this annual training as her training period with the unit.
Soldiers with the 1186th Military Police Company, Oregon Army National Guard, perform convoy operations and personal security training June 2, 2019, during annual training at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center, Warrenton, Oregon.
Military Police Soldiers reacted to an ambush with incoming fire from role-playing Soldiers from an opposition force along the route, June 2, 2019, Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon.
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Anita Stratton,
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Spc. Shaun Culver (left), a medic with the 1186 MP Company, Oregon Army National Guard, looks for notional injuries on a Soldier while training May 31, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon.
Isom said, “They are welcoming and patient. They make it fun which makes it less stressful for me.” She added, “If I am unsure of what I am asking, they explain it to me. One thing I didn’t know I would be doing is getting licensed to drive various vehicles including the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) and the bus.”
Realignment and consolidation, blending the seasoned with the untested gave the MPs a new foundation to rebuild.
Sgt. Jason Hyden, an acting platoon sergeant, said, “This is literally a new company.”
Reenlistment/Extention Bonuses:2-Year Extention $4K6-Year Extention $15K
Other Incentives:Student Loan Repayment up to $50K
MOS Conversion Bonus $4KMontgomery G.I. Bill $375
Montgomery G.I. Bill Kicker $350
BONU$! BONU$! BONU$!
For more information contact: Retention Operation Center (ROC)
Office: (503) 584-2909Cell: (503) 932-7519
Tuition Assistance helps Guardsman gain degreeEUGENE, Oregon - The new
Oregon State Tuition Assistance Program, which was signed into law by Oregon Governor Kate Brown in 2018, was designed to help pay and assist Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen working towards completing degree programs at Oregon colleges and universities.
Oregon Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Taylor Ingersoll recently completed her Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Oregon. Ingersoll is one of the first Guardsmen to graduate with the help of the Oregon State Tuition Assistance Program that grants Military members serving in the state of Oregon educational benefits to complete up to a (4 year) Bachelors Degree.
Ingersoll is assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing, 116th Air Control Squadron (ACS) at Camp Rilea, in Warrenton, Oregon and works as a Surveillance Technician.
Photo courtesy of Alexa Whitehead
Oregon Air National Guard Sfaff Sgt. Taylor Ingersoll offers a proud salute as she poses for a photo at the University of Oregon.
SUMMER 2019
OREGON NATIONAL GUARD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND REGIONAL EVENTS
Armed Forces DayOregon Governor Kate Brown and Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjuant General, Oregon were amoung the official members attending Armed Forces Day at the Oregon State Capital, May 14.
The Sons of the American Revolution Musket Team pause as the invocation is delivered during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Beaverton Veteran Memorial Park, Beaverton, Oregon, May 27, 2019.
SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon National Guard honored all military members and veterans during the annual Armed Forces Day ceremony held at the State Capitol Mall in Salem, Oregon, May 14, 2019.
Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Maj. Gen. Mike Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon both spoke at the ceremony that included an F-15 Eagle fly over by the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter, and other Army National Guard equipment on display along with a howitzer salute by the “Governor’s Own” Bravo Battery, 2-218th Field Artillery Battalion.
The theme for this year’s event was honoring World War II era veterans and those who supported the war effort at home.
Memorial Day
University of Oregon Spring Game
B E AV E R T O N , O r e g o n – Oregonians remembered their fallen citizens on Memorial Day around the state at ceremonies held at Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park, the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Willamette National Cemetery on May 27, 2019.
Brig. Gen. William J. Prendergast, Oregon Army National Guard Land Component Commander delivered official remarks as the Keynote speaker at the Beaverton Veterans Day Memorial Park ceremony.
EUGENE, Oregon – The Oregon National Guard took part in the University of Oregon Ducks Football Spring Game at Autzen Stadium, April 20, in Eugene, Oregon. Veterans from every branch of service participated in Military Appreciation Day activities during the game.
Two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon perform a flyover during the halftime break and Soldiers took part in the National Anthem to kick off the game.
Armed Forces Day photos by Army Maj. Chris Cline, 41st Brigade Public Affairs
Univ. of Oregon Spring Game photos by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Perkins, 142nd FW Public Affairs
Top photo: Two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field perform a flyover during the halftime break. Bottom left photo: An Oregon Army National Guardsman sings the National Anthem, opening the University of Oregon annual exhibition Spring Game. Bottom right photo: University of Oregon Army ROTC Cadets holds the large unfolded American flag to honor fallen Oregon Guardsmen prior to the start the annual exhibition Spring Game, April 20.
“Beaveron Veterans Memorial” photos by Staff Sgt. Zachary Holden, OMD Public Affairs
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OREGON NATIONAL GUARD COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND REGIONAL EVENTS
Left photo: Rory Jensen, from Camas, Wash., displays his WWII-era camera again this year during the 23rd annual Living History Day held at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon, May 18, 2019. Right photo: A restored WWI Ford Model-T Ambulance from the Vancouver Barracks Military Association allows visitors an up close look at the display.Top Right photo: Visitors young and old pays tribute to those with military service during U.S. Armed Forces Day, which expands public knowledge of the military’s role in our communities.
Oregon National Guard families took part in the Kids run and 5K ‘Run 2 Remember’ held at the Salem Waterfront Park on May 18, 2019. Over 350 participates took part in the 5K Run/Walk events.
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon National Guard family members and others took part in the 2019 ‘Run 2 Remember’ 5K race at the Salem Waterfront Park, Salem, Oregon, May 18, 2019.
The remembrance run/walk was in honor of Fallen Service Members from all branches of the Armed Forces. In addition to the run/walk events, a resource fair was open for surviving family and Service Members. Speaking before the event, Army National Guard Brig. Gen. William J. Edwards, Assistant Adjutant General Army, delivers remarks to those in attendance. Edwards ran both the kids’ fitness run and the 5K events.
The Sons of the American Revolution Musket Team pause as the invocation is delivered during Memorial Day ceremonies at the Beaverton Veteran Memorial Park, Beaverton, Oregon, May 27, 2019.
‘Run 2 Remember’ 5K‘Run 2 Remember’ photos by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
“Living History Day” photos by Jason van Mourk, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
“Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial” photos by John Hughel, OMD Public Affairs
Living History DayCLACKMAS, Oregon – The Oregon Military
Museum held the 23rd Annual Living History Day as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations throughout the country on May 18, 2019.
Visitors young and old enjoy the interactive displays at Camp Withycombe, in Clackamas, Oregon. The Armed Forces Day celebration, pays special tribute to those with military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, expanding public knowledge of the military’s role in our communities, our nation, and the world.
PORTLAND, Oregon - Durability, Reliability and Solidity: for more than 30 years the F-15 Eagle has been flown by the 142nd Fighter Wing, defending the Pacific Northwest homeland from the Canadian border to Northern California. This no-fail mission encompasses not only the reliability of the F-15 fighter jets but also the pledge of the Airmen who support this critical duty.
In recognizing this three-decade accomplishment, the unit paused to acknowledge those who have sustained this enduring commitment during the Regularly Scheduled Drill (RSD) weekend on June 1, 2019, here at the Portland Air National Guard (PANG) base. The 30-year celebration allowed members from the past to interact with Airmen presently serving during a day of activities around the base.
The first Eagles arrived at the PANG base on May 24, 1989, replacing the F-4 Phantom II the unit had been flying prior to the conversion. Most of the early planes came from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Group at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, which was being disbanded. For the next 20 years, the 142nd flew F-15 A and B models, including the last A model in the U.S. Air Force inventory (retired Sept. 16, 2009) before phasing in upgraded C and D models in late 2007. These newer models featured improvements in fuel efficiency, boosting radar advances and avionics capabilities.
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Brig. Gen. (ret.) Steven Gregg along with his wife Linda listens to symposium speakers.
Lt. Col. Paul Shamy has been flying Eagles since 2002, both as a member of the Oregon Air National Guard and intervals on active duty deployments and temporary duty assignments. In his current assignment, he is the Assistant Director of Operations for the 123rd Fighter Squadron and serves as an instructor pilot. He volunteered to be the Project Officer for the 30-year celebration to reach out to members past and present.
“With all our roots that we have here in Portland, I felt that it was important to reconnect
with our past members and introduce them to our current service members in a meaningful way,” said Shamy.
The daylong celebration was set up with tours of the air base; to include mission
debriefs, visiting aviation veterans from the Korean and Vietnam Wars to the F-4 flying period, all the way up to the present, and concluded with the weapon loading competition and panel symposium.
“Looking at where we are, it is more than just an aircraft, it’s about the people because we have the best maintainers on the planet who work here,” he said.
Most of the Airmen in the unit that maintains the fleet of 21 Eagles are younger than the aircraft themselves. Shamy rebuffs the claim
The 142nd Fighter Wing celebrates 30 years of flying F-15 Eagles
Oregon Air National Guard Lt. Col. Paul Shamy (left) shares a lighter moment with Maj. Gen. (ret.) David E.B. Ward (right) while sharing stories during the symposium.
that some critics make about the F-15 C/D Airframe being past its prime.
“New planes are great but if you look at other airplanes the Air Force is still flying like the KC-35 (Stratotanker) B-52 (Stratofortress) and even A-10 (Warthog), our Air Force has done a great job of maintaining and upgrading these planes.”
The unit has deployed with their F-15’s to support Operation Atlantic Resolve twice since 2015. Four years ago in Romania and Hungary, and last year in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria, not to mention nearly a dozen other training exercises around the country during this same period.
“Most of the pilots feel confident in executing the mission,” Shamy explained as he described the broader mission over time. “We can be tactically relevant when we go to a Red Flag (exercise), a Northern Edge exercise or anything big because we are still on the leading edge of air-to-air superiority when we go out the door.”
During the panel discussion that concluded the day, Shamy introduced nearly a dozen former and current pilots, and maintenance technicians, both retired and still actively serving. The themes ranged from significant memories to important miles stones reached during their careers. Retired Maj. Gen. David E.B. Ward highlighted the transformation passage from the F-4 to the F-15 with personal accounts from a dual pilot and leadership perspective.
“I was the oldest pilot in the Air Force flying the F-15 when we made the
Story by Master Sgt. John Hughel,142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
(Left to Right) Air Force Staff Sgt. Melissa White along with Senior Airmen Lauren Simmons and RaeVonne Powell, 757th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, are congratulated as they take home the ‘Best in the West,’ weapons loading trophy.
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon - On June 1, 2019 Col. Jeff “Sled” Smith stepped down as the Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing, and Col. Jeff “Thug” Edwards became the new commander of the wing. It marked the final chapter in their careers which began when they stepped off the same bus at the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1991.
“June 27, 1991…you kind of remember that date,” says Smith with a smile on his face.
An electrical engineering class sat them side-by-side where they grew more familiar. Although, with two different degree paths, Edwards pursuing studies in Aeronautical Engineering and Smith in Operations Research, several years intervened before their next meeting. That happened when both earned coveted flying billets in the F-15 Eagle at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
“We just high fived…I was just finishing up in ’97 out of the First Fighter Squadron when he rolled in,” said Edwards. After earning their Eagle Driver patches, their paths diverged with Edwards heading to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska and Smith to Kadena Air Base, Japan.
Once again, the Air Force brought them together when Smith received orders to Elmendorf Air Force Base. “As I was leaving Elmendorf we high-fived again as he showed up,” notes Edwards.
“I was out in the snow, I think I was cross-country skiing, and I come across Jeff and
Theresa coming the other way and we stopped and talked for a bit,” said Smith. “Everywhere we went, we overlapped for short periods of time.”
Their career paths grew closer in the mid-2000s when both pilots joined the ranks of instructor pilots at a small Air National Guard fighter training unit, the 173rd Fighter Wing. Kingsley Field is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon and consisted of about 1,000 assigned Airmen. Although they had really just met in passing they now worked side-by-side every day and their career paths looked decidedly similar.
The two now work more closely than ever after Smith took the reins of the 173rd Fighter Wing in 2016 and Edwards joined him as the vice commander about six months later. Today, as Smith prepares to retire from the service, it’s in keeping with the theme that Edwards will step in behind him. He has been selected to assume command of the 173rd Fighter Wing as Smith relinquishes the position.
“I think there’s going to some people on this base who are going to be like, ‘Isn’t he the same guy that was our commander?’” jokes Smith has he looks towards the upcoming change of command ceremony.
However, they both agree that their shared experiences have helped make them a stronger command team, and they have learned a lot from each other.
“From Thug I have learned, patience,” says Smith. “I admire his ability to listen to people, to hear their perspectives, contemplate, and then in a calm, rationale, unemotional fashion help and guide the discussion.”
“I learned a couple of big things,” adds Edwards. “One is how to care for people, he is very good at making connections with people. Second thing is his energy; and the biggest thing I have learned is follow up.”
Smith will retire in June and passing the guidon of command to Edwards, as he steps in to his new leadership role at the 173rd Fighter Wing.
“I think Kingsley is in good hands,” says Smith. “I will be on the sidelines rooting him on.”
173rd Fighter Wing Commanders reflect on their two decade friendship
They would work together as F-15 instructor pilots and then as commanders, Smith preceding Edwards as the maintenance squadron commander.
In fact, many people thought they were the same person.
“We have been confused our entire lives…at least since we’ve gotten to Kingsley,” Smith laughs. “I have been called Thug a million times, he’s been called Sled a million times; we jokingly call each other Slug.”
They share a car insurance agent who has repeatedly mixed them up and even put Smith’s records in Edwards file.
Story by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar,173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Captain Jeff Smith (left), pauses for a photo with other F-15 pilots prior to a mission at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska in early 2000s. Smith and Col. Jeff Edwards careers have overlapped since the both arrived at the Air Force Academy on the same day.
Courtesy photo from Col. Jeff Smith
Young visitors enjoy an F-15 take off during a tour of the Portland Air National Guard Base as part of the 30 year celebration of flying F-15 Eagles by the 142nd Fighter Wing.
conversion,” said Ward, during the panel symposium. “I kept thinking that I would have loved to had flown the Eagle when I was a younger man.”
When the 142nd started receiving F-15’s from other units, some of them were ready for extended phase maintenance since many of the A and B model Eagles were being handed off from active duty units to their Air Guard constituents.
“Some of the airplanes were pretty rough when we got them,” Ward noted. “But having been the Maintenance Group commander here, I knew our team was looking forward to having the upgraded F-15 airframe to support our alert mission.”
The durability for supporting the flying mission while also having a lasting affiliation with the unit was reflected in other key leaders returning during the celebration. For previous and now retired 142nd Fighter Wing Commanders, like Brig. Gen. Steven Gregg and Col. Brad Applegate, the day was a chance to see old friends and wander the airbase again.
“It was good to come back and catch up with so many people I served with,” said Applegate, as he encountered familiar Airmen on the flightline during the weapons loading competition. “In some ways, the (PANG) base has changed a lot, but in other ways, it still feels very familiar too.”
Photo by Tech. Sgt. Steven Conklin, 142nd FW Public Affairs
Photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd FW Public Affairs
Photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd FW Public Affairs
Photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd FW Public Affairs
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OREGON AIR NATIONAL GUARD
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon – A 173rd Fighter Wing F-15 Eagle drops into the pattern over Kingsley Field making its final approach in what promises to be a very dramatic and unusual landing, March 7, 2019.
This aircraft is performing a test of the system designed to help a damaged aircraft make a safe landing, a critical emergency system called a barrier arrestor. The very first indicator that anything is amiss is the tail hook extended toward the ground, stretching below the landing gear wheels, as the aircraft settles toward the surface.
It’s rare to see an F-15C with a tail hook like a Navy aircraft, but today it descended—tail hook deployed—and after touching down caught the arresting cable and came to a very rapid stop.
“He hit it at 138 knots, his weight was 32,500 lbs. and we stopped him in 971 feet,” said Staff Sgt. Eduardo Calderon, who is the sole certifier at Kingsley Field for barrier arresting system. He adds that it is exactly what the system is designed to do, and that it could withstand far greater forces than that, repeatedly.
The basic set up consists of a cable attached at either end with a flat nylon webbing “tape”, which is wound onto large, metal drums housed in underground, bunker-like rooms located on either side
of the runway. When the cable is engaged these drums function as brakes allowing the cable to spool out, slowing the aircraft, but not so quickly as to injure the pilot or damage the airframe.
“When the system hasn’t been engaged in 12 months we conduct an engagement,” said Calderon. “What we are looking for is that both units are very close to each other, they should allow the nylon webbing tape to play out an a nearly identical rate.”
Other parts of the system include a system, which raises the cable just above the runway surface when an aircraft is making an emergency landing and two four-cylinder gas motors needed to retract the cable following its use.
He went on to say that this engagement was unusual.
“Typically a certification engagement happens with the aircraft on the ground, but the way he took it was just like a real-world scenario, right after he touched down,” said Calderon. “You don’t get to experience that very often.”
After the engagement he and a group of firefighters, who also fall under 173rd Civil Engineering Squadron, reset the system for the next engagement. It may be a year away when the next test is due, but if it’s before that in an actual emergency Calderon has ensured the system is ready.
Story and Photos by Tech. Sgt. Jefferson Thompson,173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Kingsley Field Firefighters reset the center cable of the barrier arresting system where an F-15 Eagle took the cable March 7, 2019.
173rd FW Eagles “take the cable” when testing emergency arresting system
Staff Sgt. Eduardo Calderon, the sole arresting system certifier at the 173rd Fighter Wing describes the checks he conducts to another member of the civil engineer squadron to the braking mechanisms located in underground rooms on the runway.
PANAMA CITY, Florida - April 8th kicked off of the Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) 2019, a two-week long exercise designed to test and assess weapon systems and pilots in air-to-air combat scenarios in an operation is known as “Combat Archer.”
Over 150 aircraft maintainers, operations specialists, weapons loaders, and pilots from the 142nd Fighter Wing, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon participated in the evaluation at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
Per U.S. Air Force requirement, pilots must qualify through WSEP every three years. The program offers a unique and highly valuable training experience for those involved.
Lt. Col. Nicholas Rutgers, 123rd Fighter Squadron Commander, appreciates the challenges WSEP presents for the pilots.
“In and of itself, WSEP is a challenging program,” said Rutgers. “There’s a lot of stress. The program is specifically designed to create the most realistic and stressful combat representative environment as possible.”
The high-stakes nature of this program ensures pilots get the most out of the experience by learning how to perform efficiently and effectively under pressure.
In addition to putting pilots to the test, WSEP allows the people on the ground to have a hand in how the mission is carried out, attributing directly to mission success or failure.
Aircraft maintainers and weapons loaders alike play important roles in ensuring the safety and functionality of the F-15 Eagles. Weapons loaders in particular stand to benefit from the real-world experience the evaluation has to offer.
Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Harbert, non-commissioned officer in charge of 142nd FW participants at Tyndall, sees the program as an opportunity for weapons loaders to be evaluated and have their abilities and performance tested.
“It gives them a chance to really flex their technical muscles in fully functioning within the role and what they would do in a real world situation,” said Harbert.
Both weapons loaders and maintainers alike get to see the results of their labor when the F-15s leave the ground and pilots are able to complete their missions safely and with full functionality of the aircraft and the weapon system.
“Typically, our weapons loaders practice their skills with training missiles, but WSEP offers Guardsmen in this career field the chance to perform their duties with “lives” or live missiles,” said Harbert.
The 2019’s WSEP came at a challenging time for Tyndall AFB and the surrounding area. Having endured Hurricane Michael only six months earlier, sections of the base were still in a state of disrepair. In spite of the irregular working conditions this presented, 142nd Airmen worked diligently to carry WSEP through to its successful completion.
142nd FW Airmen participate in WSEP 2019Story and photos by
Tech. Sgt. Steph Sawyer,142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Aimee Lonadier, 142nd FW Maintenance Group checks fluid levels on an F-15, April 10, 2019.
An Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing takes the cable during an annual test of the emergency landing system, March 7, 2019, Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Col. Adam Sitler, 142nd Fighter Wing Commander prepares for an afternoon sortie in his F-15 Eagle, during WSEP training, Tyndall AFB, Florida, April 8, 2019.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Adam Smith, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Story by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar,173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Photo by Airman 1st Class Adam Smith, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Aircrews from Little Rock Air Force Base unload a Humvee from a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules during the Cascadia Airlift exercise June 3, at Astoria, Oregon. The Airlift exercise is designed to show that Kingsley Field is a valuable staging point for relief and emergency response operations in the Pacific Northwest.
ORANG hosts ‘Cascadia Airlift’ exercise
KLAMATH FALLS, Oregon – Aircrews from Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas and Yokota Air Base, Japan teamed up with the 173rd Fighter Wing for the second “Cascadia Airlift” exercise, June 3, 2019 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
“The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate a proof-in-concept that Kingsley Field is capable of hosting large-scale cargo aircraft in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone natural disaster,” said Lt. Col. Chris Wright, the exercise planner for the 173rd Fighter Wing. He added that as part of the Oregon Air National Guard, it is important that the wing is prepared to assist the State if called upon by the Governor.
In the event of such an earthquake, Kingsley Field could be a valuable staging point for relief and emergency response.
Kingsley Field is geographically separated from the majority of high-risk areas, meaning that the base should continue to be operational and accessible during relief operations. Additionally,
Kingsley’s relatively central location would enable quick access to affected areas.
In response to the simulated disaster, two C-130 aircraft made their way from as far as Japan to Kingsley Field to practice staging on the airfield. The flights crossed 300 miles of steep, mountainous terrain to deliver cargo to an affected area. Aircrews practiced loading and unloading equipment at a coastal airfield as well as simulated low-altitude cargo airdrops to prepare for the eventuality that a disaster damages runways beyond use.
The C-130 brings a unique ability to access problematic areas other aircraft cannot. A disaster would most likely render roads and bridges unusable. This airlift capability allows for cargo transport of vital relief into affected areas quickly, no matter the condition of the roads below.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a fault that extends more than 600 miles up the Pacific Coast. Starting in Northern California and ending in Canada, an earthquake from this fault could register at more than 9.0 on the Richter Scale. An event like that would devastate the entire coastline and damage vital infrastructure.
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A U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC-75) hovercraft jets toward Sunset Beach, south of Warrenton, Oregon, June 3, 2019 as part of a Defense Support of Civil Authorites (DSCA) training exercise.
Photo by Jason van Mourk, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
Oregon National Guard host Defense Support of Civil Authorities training
Top left photo: U.S. Navy crewmembers off-load heavy equipment from LCAC-31 during training on Sunset Beach, Oregon. Top right photo: U.S. Navy Lt. Commander Chris McCurry gives a breifing to visitors touring of the U.S.S. Anchorage, June 3.
CLATSOP COUNTY, Oregon - The U.S. Navy launched two Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) hovercrafts from the U.S.S. Anchorage as part of ongoing Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) readiness training conducted at Sunset Beach State Recreation Site, south of Warrenton, Oregon, near Camp Rilea on June 3, 2019.
The two LCAC’s transported supplies, heavy equipment and crewmembers ashore, demonstrating how naval assets could be used to deliver important supplies and support essential emergency operations to the region in the wake of a Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) earthquake and tsunami.
The Oregon Military Department, local first responders from Clatsop County Emergency Management, and other State and Federal agencies co-sponsored the joint instructional training exercise, continuing to building multi-partner relationships and help raise public awareness for emergency operations following a CSZ event.
In response to a catastrophic earthquake and possible tsunami in the north coast region, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Governor can request to use forces for assistance from civil authorities for emergencies, law enforcement support, and other domestic activities. DSCA conducts training with the Armed Forces and is a core area of operations for the Navy with responsibility along the U.S. West Coast. With the possible widespread damage to infrastructure, roadways, bridges and other vital resources to the region, the frequent training with the Navy is essential to the development of rescue and recovery efforts.
Developed for military operations, the LCAC is a distinct amphibious ship with the ability to travel over both water and land and is able to transport a payload up to 60 tons. In response to a substantial Cascadia event, they could be used to deliver important supplies, equipment and resources to cut off areas between the coastline and the western Cascade mountain range.
The LCAC’s made two beach runs during the three-hour demonstration period, taking local media, key first responders, and other officials to the U.S.S Anchorage for a tour of the ship and then returned back to the beach. During the tour, visitors were given access to a wide range of the ship’s operations and received briefings on many of the emergency capabilities that could be conducted by the nearly 300 full-time crewmembers.
U.S. Navy Capt. Dennis Jacko, commander of the U.S.S. Anchorage told many of the visitors that the Sailors train not just for combat operations but also for emergency operations and humanitarian assistance situations like a Cascadia earthquake and tsunami episode.
“Often a U.S. Navy ship, depending on the event, can be the first group to respond for help,” he said.
The U.S.S. Anchorage has nearly 25,000-square feet of vehicle space and can hold up to 10 helicopters. While Jacko briefed the group on the flight deck, he said that the “landing area can handle nearly every rotary aircraft the Navy and others can fly.”
As the group touring the ship split into two groups, Lt. Commander Chris McCurry was eager to interface with the 30 plus members he chaperoned around the U.S.S. Anchorage.
“I am a native Oregonian so I have a real connection and genuine interest in how we could support emergency operations to the Pacific Northwest,” he exclaimed over the noise of the flight deck. The former Beaverton resident answered questions and shared a few stories with the group about his Navy career as they moved throughout the multiple decks of the ship.
“We have the ability to have 800 on the ship if there was a major catastrophic event and if we need to bring people aboard for treatment or evacuation,” he said, showing the medical facilities of the ship. When asked by one of the visitors how they go from 300 serving Sailors to 800 citizens, McCurry promptly exclaimed, “It’s called ‘Navy Ingenuity’; we brainstorm viewpoints from nearly everyone, and then make it happen based on the best ideas.”
In assessing mass causality scenarios, McCurry reintegrated that this type of quick thinking ‘outside the box’ produces results that saves lives. The ship hospital has two operating rooms, a full intensive care unit, bunk beds for survivors care, a dental staff, and a staff of nearly two-dozen doctors, health professional and medical corpsmen.
“To be able to provide emergency assistance from food, water, industrial equipment, medical supplies and other capacities is extraordinary,” he said, summarizing the Navy’s mission and his role with the Third Fleet. “It makes me very proud both of my state (Oregon) and the United States Navy that I’ve been part of for 25 years.”
Nearly as quickly as the tour was, it was soon time to load up again in the LCAC’s and make the short 3 nautical mile trip back to Sunset Beach landing area. As impressive as the hovercrafts landings were and the organizational capacity with the staff aboard the U.S.S. Anchorage, Navy officials stressed that residents of the Pacific Northwest need to be prepared, especially for local citizens who might have to evacuate the tsunami zone.
Early on before help arrives, people are going to have to take care of themselves,” said Commander Brian Sauerhage, who serves and the Naval Expeditionary Force and DSCA planner for the U.S. Third Fleet.
When speaking to reporters, Sauerhage reinterred what many emergency managers have been saying about being prepared for any major disasters in the area. “You need to have a plan and resources for several days because it will take time for the Navy to get here.”
“In time the Navy will be coming,” said Andrew Phelps, Director of the Oregon Office of Emergency Management. “That’s why the message to Oregonians is you need to be ready for (up to) two-weeks for any disaster; let alone a Cascadia earthquake or tsunami.”
Along with the LCAC training exercise, a C-130 Hercules, assigned to the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan, conducted simulated air drops of supplies as part of this joint exercise.
“The interagency cooperation from the Oregon Military Department, the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Clatsop County Search and Rescue, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers and other local agencies made this exercise a real success,” said Stephen Bomar, Public Affairs Director for the Oregon Military Department.
Story by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
Army National Guard photos by Maj. John Farmer Photo by John Hughel, OMD Public Affairs
A U.S. Navy Capt. Dennis Jacko gives a briefing aboard the U.S.S. Anchorage flight deck to those visiting the ship as part of the DSCA training exercise, June 3.
National Guard Photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public AffairsNational Guard Photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
U.S. Navy crewmembers reload equipment onto LCAC-31 during training at Sunset Beach, Oregon as part of a DSCA demonstration, June 3, 2019.
A U.S. Navy Landing Craft, Air Custioned (LCAC-31) moves off of Sunset Beach, Oregon, back onto the Pacific Ocean as the craft returns to the U.S.S. Anchorage during a DSCA demonstration, June 3, 2019.
National Guard Photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs
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Oregon Air National Guard Capt. Kevin Lindsey (left) and Capt. Vincent Faustino (center) along with other volunteers discuss team operations during the Pathfinder Exercise, June 13.
WARRENTON, Oregon – Members of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing Medical Group, along with civilian medical first responders from Oregon Disaster Medical Team (OMDT) and other military and government agencies, took part in the annual Pathfinder Exercise held at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center, from June 11-14.
The scenario for the event begins 36-hours after an earthquake and tsunami has overwhelmed most coastal communities in the region. As in past years, the exercise site for the four days of training is at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon, the mid-point between the two popular west coast tourist destinations of Astoria and Seaside.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) is more than 1,000 kilometers long (620 miles), stretching from Northern Vancouver Island, in British Columbia, Canada, south along the Washington and Oregon coast to Cape Mendocino in California. Because of the fault line’s excessive length and sloping plates, the CSZ has the potential to produce an enormous earthquake and subsequent tsunami along the Pacific Northwest coastline. The annual Pathfinder Exercise generates a variety of scenarios for first responders to encounter when faced with the devastating effects of a CSZ event.
Oregon Air National Guard Capt. Kevin Lindsey, a medical plans officer with the 142nd Fighter Wing Medical Group and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) briefed all the first responder’s teams on the situations they would encounter for the final day’s assessment.
“We begin the exercise at the point where resources are spread thin, many of these smaller towns and cut off areas have become overwhelmed with difficulties so you’re going to encounter victims that could be very distraught,” he said.
Responding to individuals in the disaster zone is the principal challenge, both for the search and rescue teams finding casualties in cut off areas, to the patient care and medical groups triaging, treating and transporting them to available hospitals.
Addressing this point, Lindsey emphasized to the groups, that they should to work together and take care of themselves in the field and not take unnecessary risks. “It’s important to remember, work closely together, practice safety and think about what is ‘closest, easiest and fastest’ to solving situations you encounter.”
“Often this means thinking outside the box,” Lindsey reiterated. In stressing the need for consistent communication, he explained that the Incident Operations Center will regularly make decisions, such as moving strike teams from one area to another, but will get questioned from the field coordinators about why resources are being moved.
In an exercise training scenario the day before, Lindsey role-played a strike team leader in the field, calling into the operations center for answers. “I wanted to see what that ‘better answer’ was, so I pushed back on some of these demands being made,” he explained.
“In the end, the solution was to move resources that were not in play and ultimately it was determined that those recourses should be moved into that critical area,” Lindsey summarized, crediting the operations team members working the problem together for an improved result.
Bobbie O’Connell, working in a dual status with OMDT and with the National Director Medical Systems (NDMS) on this exercise, echoed this need for clear and concise communication.
“Communication is always first,” as she described the significance of collaboration with other team members in mass casualty events. “Getting people activated, getting people to interact, and getting people to respond. Communication is the biggest challenge not only here but in my full-time job in the hospital environment too.”
Terminology is critical. Bridging the gap between military and civilian first responders lingo is vital. Confusion can lead to delays, or not providing the correct resources where they are desperately needed.
“The communication piece is not only for common up-to-date information, but understanding a common language,” O’Connell said. “There’s ‘hospital speak’, ‘military speak’, ‘fire
and rescue speak’—each has its own language. But here, we have broken it down and find a common vernacular.”
In years past, civilian response teams like ODMT drove the exercise, but for Pathfinder 2019, the military took the lead role. This flexibility is nothing new for O’Connell, a full-time nurse and trauma operations officer when not volunteering her time for training and real-world relief missions.
“Just like in real life, somebody has to jump-start the process,” she said. “Brokering relationships and wanting to work with multiple partners is really the goal of the whole operation.”
In a disaster scenario, any organization could end up leading the response effort. The exercise allowed teams to take on various responsibilities and build best practice solutions.
Leading up to the final day’s exercise, a variety of specialized teams broke out into training groups or attended forums to share past experiences and real-life lessons learned. This included members from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, local law enforcement, Fire and EMT providers and
agencies outside of the Pacific Northwest. Last September, when Hurricane Florence impacted
the Atlantic coastline of the Carolina’s, it also tested first responder’s capabilities over a prolonged period. Kimberly Clement, a Health Preparedness Program Manager from North Carolina briefed key leaders on the response effort as part of the Pathfinder Exercise.
“The storm just sat in place for what seemed a month,” describing the massive volume of rain. “It depleted not only the resources but the plans for dealing with a storm that lingered far beyond practiced scenarios,” she said.
In detailing the timeline of the storm she interjected the issues that hampered pieces of the recovery. As difficult as the nature-made obstacles were to surmount, staffing was also a concurrent problem.
“Often it was not the plan or the resources, but we found that we had human issues,” she explained. “At some of our emergency shelters it was the role someone had, other times it was leadership or having ‘too many leaders’ coming to a head.”
Overall she said the people affected by the storm were well taken care of but having the right balance of specialties on teams was one of the biggest lessons learned.
Using a well-trained and equipped Medical Rapid Response Team (MRRT) the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Air Lift Wing helped bridge some of those gaps. Maj. Bruce Gallio, a Physician Assistant (PA) with the unit was making his third trip to Oregon in support of the Pathfinder Exercise.
“This year the lead is more military driven,” he said. “The exercise, for military members feels more familiar with the organization and chain of command structure already established.”
This is one of the built-in advantages with the hierarchy recognized within the military structure, Gallio explained. “For other military units outside of Oregon, jumping in with support roles for Pathfinder, the leap (as military members) was easier to make.”
Nevada is in FEMA Region II and typically partners with National Guard units in California and Hawaii. The Pathfinder Exercise allows neighboring states to build in rapid flexibly to assist within hours.
“With the MRRT concept, we think we can get out the door in four hours unlike the CERFP element, which has 72 hours to respond,” Gallio described. “We’re prepared, but the biggest question is how to get here in an actual emergency, whether it is vehicle, helicopter, airplane… when it happens we’ll figure that (part) out.”
In a CSZ event, Oregon and other west coast regions will be looking for help from a variety of places. Units like the 152nd Air Lift Wing could be relied upon for their air transport mission and medical services.
“Nevada is close and we can inject as a strike team or medical team. And the way our teams are constructed, we can arrive with a larger group or just as a 12-member team,” said Gallio.
The team’s make-up is established with military members working in partnership with their civilian counterparts, Gallio reiterated, describing the makeup of team leaders working together during the exercise.
“A well-organized team will have a variety of skill sets in each group, to include search and rescue specialist, medical staff, and often radio and security personnel,” he said.
This is the type of flexibility that Lindsey described in thinking ‘outside the box,’ in the aftermath of an actual emergency.
“We teach each other in these types of exercises; we’ve learned some best practices from our civilian partners, even in command and control--which is something we do really well in the military,” said Lindsey.
Overall the exercise tested what team leaders set up to achieve: combining multiple first responder groups, partner them in teams, and challenge them on those ‘best practice’ and time-saving solutions.
“Ultimately the only way we can work together (in mass causality conditions) is to break down some of the problems and look at them through different points of view, this is how we’ll ensure successful outcomes,” said Lindsey.
“When time is of the essence, the established support structure with flexibly built-in, can drive resources and help save lives.”
Pathfinder Exercise integrates military and civilian first respondersStory and photos by
Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Nevada Air National Guard Maj. Bruce Gallio, (right) along with other civilian medical volunteers discuss the next phase of training.
Megan Braze along with her dog Atticus recover in a medical holding area for injured survivors during Pathfinder Exercise, June 14, 2019.
Oregon Disaster Medical Team members assist a victim to a medical treatment area to receive care during the Pathfinder Exercise, June 14.
Oregon Air National Guard and Oregon Disaster Medical Team members provide medical care to a simulated victim during the Pathfinder Exercise June 13, at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon.
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“There really is an atmosphere of everyone contributing simultaneously and in harmony during a mission,” Wyatt elaborated. “The Mission Commander or Section Lead functions as a conductor; gathering information from external agencies or crew members while listening to the pilot’s communication over the radio and processing every action that needs to be accomplished for mission success.”
The preparation for each exercise during Sentry Savannah 19-2 begins well in advance. The team members arrive hours before, preparing the mission and key objectives. Each member is assigned a specific area for the mission; from air surveillance technicians to blue air (friendly) and red air (hostile) controllers, so as the battle starts, they provide tactical fluid control as quickly and accurately to the airborne pilots. Airspace, aircraft tactics, call signs, and the weather is just some of the key aspects that need to be factored into the plan. With units flying from different locations and entering the same airspace provides a realistic training environment within the exercise, similar to what the Airmen will experience when deployed downrange.
The potential mission includes an infinite variety of scenarios in the air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, which include tankers, reconnaissance aircraft, cargo transportation, and search and rescue.
Technology has come along way in the past several years. Desktop computers systems have replaced the outdated Operations Modules where teams worked in separate areas. The new weapons system is called the AN/TYQ-23A Tactical Air Operations Module (TAOM) which provides much more situational awareness of the battlespace and allows the crew members the ability to coordinate amongst themselves much easier.
Oregon’s 116th ACS fine-tune deployment skills during Sentry Savannah 2019-2Georgia during the exercise. The 116th ACS was able to use long haul communication and ‘feeds’ to control two of the missions from Oregon in airspace three thousand miles from where the mission was taking place, no small feat by the highly skilled maintenance team the 116th ACS has.
Team members working here in Georgia were quick to find one of several workstations in the CRC designated for their role in the exercise. Executing the mission for the ‘Red Air’ training, Airman 1st Class Soriah Curtis is eager to see how the mission planning would match the actual engagement.
“This is not our normal role but for the exercise it allows us to communicate with the aggressor team,” she explained, while other members prepared for their part in the mission. “The schools and upgrade training is one the reasons why I find this job exciting. There is no such thing as a ‘perfect mission’, but our goal is to make each mission successful and learn from the assignment.”
The mission begins to take shape as Fighter Jets; F-15 Eagles from Florida and F-16 Falcons from the Alabama Air National Guard moved into the airspace. Team members begin to coordinate with the Section Lead and coordinate with the tactical assets under their control. While crew members make the ‘call outs’ to the team lead, there is a common language between everyone, whether they are pilots or members of the CRC.
“It’s a proactive and interactive language,” Curtis said. “This allows all of us to be clear and concise as we identify targets while increasing situational awareness during the mission.”
While the mission is taking place in the CRC, other 116th Airmen are running critical support tasks around the site, all part of the total-team approach for the ACS; to include radar and network support, radio transmissions, Power Pro, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, vehicle maintenance, supply specialists and headquarters. Each of these functions is run through the Mission Operations Center and Communications Focal Point. It truly becomes a complete team effort when all
the pieces synchronize together.
When the 116th Vehicle Maintenance team arrived in Savannah they found plenty of work that needed to be done on the 117th trucks and other support vehicles. While performing some of the basic routine maintenance, more extensive work that needs extra time was accomplished. From changing oil and fuel filters, to tire rotation, and repairing air conditioning units, the Oregon Airmen facilitated their Georgia counterpart’s vehicles
during the extensive annual training period after the 117th ACS’ return from a recent and lengthy deployment.
“As we’re about to be--their team was deployed over the past year so they haven’t had extensive time to perform some of the more involved and regular maintenance procedures,” said Master Sgt. Jeff Wiford, 116th ACS vehicle maintenance supervisor. “This has been a really good annual training period, especially for many of our newer members because they have a chance to learn, stay busy and leave things better than they found them.”
Master Sgt. Jeff Wiford (left) vehicle maintenance supervisor works with Senior Airman Thomas Moore (right) as they repair a trailer at Hunter Army Airfield.
Oregon Air National 116th ACS Airmen Maj. Colin Wyatt (left) and Airman 1st Class Olivia Cappelli (right) work an afternoon training mission during Sentry Savannah 19-2, April 17.
Staff Sgt. Daniel Woodward, replaces fuel filters on a 5-ton vehicle, Hunter Army Airfield, April 16.
Continued from Front Page
Air Force F-16 Falcons assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing, prepare for an afternoon flight from Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia, April 16.
Capt. Tyler Birman leads a briefing following an afternoon mission performed by 116th Airmen at the Hunter Army Airfield, April 17.
In recent deployments, many of the Vehicle Maintenance technicians have cross-trained with power production used in deployed environments. This has allowed the 116th to take more of their own members downrange to support the assignment objects.
“Because we are not taking our own trucks, we now become part of a larger team deploying with our unit as there are critical positions in Power Pro that need to be filled,” said Wiford.
When the 116th arrives in theater later this year, most of the equipment will already be in place so the training scenario of arriving and working on gear that is “not their own” was a big part of the training plan.
“With this annual training period, we are training on how our actual deployment is going to take shape with gear that’s already established with a short overlap from the previous group that will be departing theater,” said Lt. Col. Victoria Habas, 116th ACS commander.
With approximately 100 people ready to deploy, the 116th has been taking advantage of every training opportunity along the way. With the makeup of the CRC being primarily enlisted members, the unit brings an established resume to the fight. This allows DSG’s extra time to fine-tune their skill sets before deployment.
“This has been a real boost for the CRC team, we’re known for bringing the best controllers and most seasoned team in the career field to overseas environments,” said Habas.
The mission growth for the CRC has pushed the need for more controllers in the career field. “Being any part of the CRC is by far one of the best and most rewarding jobs in the entire Combat Air Forces, said Wyatt.”
“On the horizon, the Air Force is retiring the JSTARS aircraft, and you can expect that the CRC can pick up a portion of that mission in the future,” said Habas.
Airman 1st Class Soriah Curtis and Chief Master Sgt. Stan Brawly work on a mission debrief, April 15.
“The current weapons system we have now is only two years old and it’s ‘night and day’ from the operations modules that we just turned in this past year,” said Wyatt, as he described how all the operators function in one work area during the mission. “It allows for much easier crew coordination--where in the past, we had weapons and surveillance in two different operation modules.”
Similar to how the team will arrive overseas, the Oregon ACS Airmen are utilizing the home station and equipment of the 117th ACS at Hunter Army Airfield,
This is why the unit is adding more skilled Airmen and building enhanced training environments like those comparable to the Sentry Savannah exercise. Quality of training is equaled to the quantity to training, with the current operational tempo of Air National Guard units deploying every three to four years, making the need of training in environments outside of Oregon important.
“We have one of the most extensive mission qualification training programs, I believe in the entire Air Force. We spend months and months preparing our DSG’s for crew coordination and the longer downrange mission,” said Wyatt.
To complete Mission Qualification Training (MQT) the Air Force Instruction only requires two missions and a ‘check ride.’ The 116th ACS, on average, conducts 30-35 MQT missions with their DSGs to prepare them for any contingency operation they may be required to support.
“We go above and beyond with our MQT program and some may say too much but I don’t,” Wyatt summarized. “There are a ton of opportunities outside of the one weekend a month and two weeks a year requirement for our (DSG’s) Airmen. There are continual opportunities to support Air Combat Command training exercises such as Red Flag or Weapons School support that our DSG’s take advantage of on a regular basis--we have a group of extremely driven individuals.”
In the overall synopsis, Wyatt said the key to preparing for future missions is an entire team effort within the unit; “Nothing can get accomplished without all the Maintenance support and Administration functions.”
“We are really fortunate to have not only talented Airmen in the 116th but a group that is excited and motivated to be part of the broader chorus and the larger Air Force picture.”
Impoverished people; the eyes here had seen too much of that. Perhaps it was something I myself had seen during the long 24-hour shifts in the desert, somewhere in between combat and aggression there was tedious boredom, the unwrapping of rations, rifle cleanings and steady cadence of gallows humor that resonate even today.
Although all were welcome at this Memorial Day ceremony, the open arms of America have sometimes been crossed in more difficult times of political turmoil and unrest.
“I’m out here today because in 1968 when I got out, there was no crowd like this saying hello or goodbye. This cemetery was a mess in 1968; nobody was taking care of it. It was slipshod, it was muddy, and it was muddy trails. When that started to change, when Iraq and the War on Terrorism all started, the cemetery changed during that time too,” said Jim Pernetti, Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran and now a member of the 1st Marine Division Association.
That missing welcome left a mark across a generation of veterans, not always visible but somewhere beneath. Muddy trails were mended when a groundswell of support returned. In the case of our National Cemeteries, the solemn duty of funeral rights and ceremony is often taken up by those lucky enough to survive the battle of time.
As the ceremonies began and the downpour lifted on the rolling hills of Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, a different feeling emerged, something unexpected.
I became one of them; a Vietnam veteran, a Gulf War warrior in desert BDUs, running up the beaches of the Pacific in WWII. The campaigns stretched across the globe and across decades defined by skirmishes and confrontation.
When the battle banners had been rolled up and put away in storage, after weathered boots and uniforms were put into bins, discarded or forgotten. One element remained: brotherhood.
There was just an understanding that was unwritten, but seen in the weary eyes that had seen too much. Battle after battle, survivors of multiple wars and eras were here, standing at attention, duty surpassed any injury or remnant of injustice.
Eyes met that had seen the best and the worst of human nature. It was unwritten and the air was poignant.
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Story and Photosby Tech. Sgt. Brandon Boyd
142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
CLACKAMAS, Oregon - This was supposed to be an easy assignment. As a Marine Corps Fallujah veteran, now a photojournalist for the Oregon Air National Guard, it was my first time at a Memorial Day ceremony. And to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much.
Pageantry, maybe a few overly patriotic Lee Greenwood songs, some pleasantries and the photographs I planned to shoot. Then the rain began; a steady sheet of water, unrelenting, as I headed up to the highest point of the grounds with camera in tow at Willamette National Cemetery. The band crescendos, playing a John Philip Sousa march and I realized I was marching in step to the music.
I made a decision to let down my guard and to truly engage in a drenched uniform, in this hallowed ground and talk to as many veterans as possible across multiple generational lines. I wanted to learn why they were here, when they could be taking the day off, firing up the BBQ or kicking their feet up. Why here and why now?
“So I come to pay my respects. I have brothers up here that are buried. With the 1st Marine Division Association, we do every Marine Corps Funeral that we can. So I spend a lot of time here.”
“Why do you come here on Memorial Day?” I asked.
“It’s way bigger than just me. It’s the camaraderie that we have as a group, and we’ll never let down another Marine or his family: ever. It’s important stuff.”
No Marine left behind. A hero’s welcome offered at the final resting place with respect freely given and acknowledgements made. For those still serving, the memory is carried, sometimes through a family connection that’s passed on through generations.
“This celebration is really about freedom and about respect for all those who died for us. Even my Great
Military veterans and other family members arrive with Sunflowers for the Memorial Day ceremonies held at Willamette National Cemetery, Clackamas, Oregon, May 27, 2019.
Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Everett Mayers (left) and U.S. Navy Electronics Technician 2nd Class Chris Seul (right) prepare to present Colors and other official service flags as the Memorial Day service at Willamette National Cemetery begins, May 27, 2019.
A Marine Corps veteran salutes the posting of Colors during the Memorial Day ceremonies held at Willamette National Cemetery, May 27. ““There was a consciousness always of the presence
of his comrades about him. He felt the subtle battle brotherhood more potent even than the cause for which they were fi ghting. It was a mysterious fraternity born of the smoke and danger of death.”
— Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage
““There was a consciousness always of the presence ““There was a consciousness always of the presence “There was a consciousness always of the presence of his comrades about him. He felt the subtle battle “of his comrades about him. He felt the subtle battle of his comrades about him. He felt the subtle battle
Uncle, he’s buried here and served many years in WWII, even if he didn’t talk about it over the years. Just respect for all Airmen and Soldiers who fought over there,” said Tech Sergeant Doug Martsolf of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Maintenance Squadron.
Families and military supporters were here. They wore American flag shirts, camouflage, cowboy hats, and kids on laps, handing out sunflowers as tokens to those with ties to family members who had served. Motorcycle engines roared in as leather-vested veterans pulled in to pay their respects.
“It’s amazing because there’s so much pageantry and recognition of our veterans here and gone. We come every year we can and help out the veterans. It’s a big thing we look forward to every year,” said Diane Wheatley, Oregon State Curator for the Oregon State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Through the ceremony and fanfare, often dubbed “the dog and pony show,” in jocular enlisted language, some here longed merely for a viable
excuse to stand shoulder to shoulder with others who served, if just for a moment in time, whether living or gone.
Specialist Peter Jubitz from Alpha Battery, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard said, “I think it’s pretty important to be here. There are a lot of people who have lost family members and loved ones. I have a relative here as well. One of our sergeants was saying that during the Vietnam War, a lot of Vet’s didn’t get a good welcome back, so
Members of the Oregon Army National Guard A Battery, 2-218th Artillery fire a howitzer salute during Memorial Day ceremonies at Willamette National Cemetery, May 27, 2019.
Veterans, families of fallen service members and others in attendance listen to speakers and dignitaries during the Memorial Day program at Willamette National Cemetery, May 27, 2019.
this means a lot for them. We just want to respect and honor them.”
As I approached and asked for a photograph, two veterans who had never met before, from the Marine Corps and the Army, glued together for a photograph, their smiling faces spanned across the two branches of service.
WWII veterans came to pay their respects and I was fortunate enough to hear the story of one who survived the largest amphibious assault in the Pacific
Theater of World War II on the Island of Okinawa.
“I got clear up to the rank of PFC before I got shot during the battle of Okinawa. That’s when he got it. No more on the line than 5 minutes and my buddy got shot. We landed on the beach but the beaches were secure by then. The Japanese spent two years so that they could defend every bit of that island, no matter where you were, they had it covered. They
let everybody get off the landing craft, on the beach. As soon as they got on the beach, then, they opened up,” said PFC Don Hoyt.
To be honest, I didn’t think my experience in Iraq had much in common with other veterans groups. There were different locales, new technology and a different age and time. But on this Memorial Day, I felt something deeper, which hadn’t been expressed before; through the lens of a camera and through the stories we shared as fellow service members.
Commentary: The Presence of Comrades on Memorial Day
SUMMER 2019 Page 16
AZUWUR
The 371st Fighter Group in Operation Overlord: Remembering Normandy at 75
Story by Lt Col Terrence G. Popravak, Jr.USAF (Retired)
142nd Fighter Wing Historian (Volunteer)
PORTLAND, Oregon – This year marks the 75th anniversary of Operation Overlord, the Allied landings on the beaches of Normandy, France, commencing the western land effort to liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny. Over 150,000 Allied soldiers, including over 13,000 airborne troops, landed from aircraft and ships on or behind five heavily defended Normandy beaches; some 9,000 of them became casualties that day.
Although the initial landings took place on June 6, 1944, they commenced a military campaign for Normandy that lasted from 6 June to 24 July 1944, a seven-week series of battles to establish and defend the beachhead and prepare for the actual movements outward from the beachhead to liberate the continent. The 142nd Fighter Wing, then designated as the 371st Fighter Group, played an integral role in the preparation of the battlespace before the landings, on the day of the landings and in the following Normandy Campaign.
The group commenced combat operations in Northwest Europe from Bisterne Airfield in England in the spring of 1944 with the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighter. It flew its first combat mission on April 12, 1944, described in the article titled “The Curtain is raised for the 371st Fighter Group in the European Theatre of Operations,”
The 371st continued combat operations leading up to the D-Day air efforts over Western Europe, conducting fighter sweeps, armed reconnaissance, interdiction and escort of heavy and medium bombers. The group lost its first two pilots in this early period. As D-Day began on June 6, the group was postured for operations on call by the Ninth Air Force. Personnel waited nervously through the day, listening to reports of the landings over the radio, waiting and wondering, chomping at the bit to join in and do their part.
They were not denied, and by late morning orders came in; the first P-47 took off for Normandy at 1241 in the afternoon. Of the 8,700 sorties flown by Allied fighters, bombers and transport aircraft that day, the 371st Fighter group flew two combat missions of 112 sorties, dropping 275 bomb weighing 500 pounds each (over 68 tons) and firing nearly 50,000 rounds of .50-caliber machine gun ammunition on enemy targets. One aircraft was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on the second mission of the
day with the pilot, 2nd Lt. Joseph E. LaRochelle, being captured as a Prisoner Of War (POW) by the Germans; he was the group’s first POW.
The euphoria of the day soon gave way to a sort of routine, sometimes turned deadly, as the group sustained efforts supporting the beachhead. After the D-Day landings, from June 7 to 17, the group provided combat air patrols over the landing beaches and seaward approaches. It was during this period the unit’s first air combat took place, with both losses and aerial victories occurring on June 8, and afterward as the German Luftwaffe responded to the landings. The radio communication in one dogfight gives a sample of the dynamic nature of aerial combat:
“Hey, Augarten, where in the hell are you?” exclaimed flight leader Capt. Uno Salmi after his Largo Blue flight broke into a pair of approaching FW-190 fighters with Salmi knocking down one. “I’m 500 yards behind an FW-190!” exclaimed his element leader Lt. Rudolph “Rudy”Augarten as he pursued the other.
As things turned out Augarten didn’t get that FW-190, but during the Normandy campaign pilots of the group were credited with ten aerial victories. For a more detailed look at this first day.
On June 14, the group went into the expeditionary mode, deploying an advanced echelon from England by sea and land to Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) A-6, just outside the famed village of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. It arrived on 17 June at ALG A-6, also known as Beuzzeville-au-Plain, La Londe, or Manche. From this airfield carved out of the farm fields and hedgerows of Normandy, the group continued the fight.
On June 18, the 371st commenced armed reconnaissance missions inland against German ground forces, hammering much enemy equipment and many troops. This
coincided with a strong American effort to seal off the base of the Cotentin peninsula and cut-off German forces within. After one particularly effective mission that day which
ambushed an enemy convoy trying to leave Cherbourg by the last road left open, the Commanding General of the Ninth Air Force, Lt. Gen. Lewis H. Brereton, commended the group’s performance: “…In the course of these operations the 371st Fighter Group killed from eight hundred to one thousand enemy troops, destroyed 98 motor vehicles and one flak tower. In addition, extensive damage was done to radar stations, gun emplacements, artillery batteries, railway equipment and barracks.”
With the ferocious German response to the Allied landings, the fighting in Normandy was heavy, at times savage, and the 371st experienced its share of pilots and planes lost in combat, with others wounded and damaged. Fourteen pilots were shot down by fighters or flak, or forced to bail out over enemy-held territory due to engine failure, their aircraft lost. Seven were killed, two were taken as prisoners of war, two evaded capture on land and returned to friendly lines, one was picked up by a British destroyer at sea and two, though initially captured, managed to effect escapes and evaded back to friendly-controlled territory.
On June 21, the fighters left England and deployed into ALG A-6 to continue operations on the continent – by the end of the month all remaining personnel were on their way to France. Now safely ensconced on liberated French soil, the group continued to generate airpower for the Normandy campaign. It was at A-6 that the group celebrated its first birthday on July 15 that year.
At a celebration that afternoon, group commander Col. Bingham T. Kleine announced that the group had become a “father,” as it temporarily “adopted” a grievously wounded
French farm girl transferred to the group from a nearby Army field hospital that moving up near the front lines. Mme. Yvette Hamel was doted on by members of the group and her heartwarming story of survival and recovery is told in: “The French Farm Girl of the Flying Field: Yvette Hamel and the 371st Fighter Group,”
The campaign in Normandy continued on until the breakout from Normandy began on June 24, with Operation Cobra, with the 371st in the thick of the action. For its role in the Normandy campaign the 371st Fighter Group was awarded the second of its six campaign credits in World War II, by War Department General Orders 102, (Dated) 9 November 1945. After Normandy, over nine months of hard fighting remained before the war in Europe ended in Nazi defeat. And the 371st Fighter Group played an important role in achieving that outcome, earning credit for participation in four more military campaigns and being awarded the highest level of unit award, the Distinguished Unit Citation (Presidential Unit Citation today).
On this 75th anniversary of the landings in Normandy, we salute the personnel of the 371st Fighter Group, today’s 142nd Fighter Wing, and its attached units that generated 112 combat sorties to help make these landings successful and the thousands of sorties flown over the course of the campaign. Their efforts also prevailed in completing the campaign in an epic defeat of Nazi forces.
“BLACK JACK” was another 405th Fighter Squadron P-47D Thunderbolt (8N-O), shown here being serviced in an expeditionary setting between missions.
“MUMBLIN JOE,” a Republic P-47D-20-RE Thunderbolt, serial number 42-76452, was assigned to the 371st Fighter Group’s 405th Fighter Squadron (squadron code 8N).
Photo courtesy Capt Tom Silkowski, 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard
The Normandy Campaign was one of six military campaigns credited to the 371st Fighter Group during World War II. A total of 19 military campaigns took place throughout the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre during World War II.
Photo courtesy Capt Tom Silkowski, 190th Fighter Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard
Special awards ceremony honors Veterans who served from WWII to present Story and photos by Les Gehart,
courtesy re-printing from the Lebanon Express
LEBANON, Oregon - A dozen veterans who are currently residents, employees or volunteers at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home were honored Wednesday, May 22, in a ceremony at the home.
“These veterans range from World War II to Korea right to present day, just in the last 10 years,” said Mike Allegre, the quality of life coordinator at the home, who led the event. “Typically, we’ve done residents only, but we’ve found we have a lot of veterans who are volunteers who give of their time, and of course employees who give of their time as well.”
Each of the veterans received a commemorative shadow box filled with the medals they earned during their years in the armed forces. Many of these awards were the originals, but when necessary, staff at the veterans home worked with the various branches of the armed forces to acquire replacement medals for those, which had been lost over the years. Those revieving awards were:
U.S Army Tec 4 Miles R. Abel. He served from 1944 to 1946 a.s a cryptographic technician in the Army Air Force stationed in the South Pacific.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert “Robin” Barrett. From 1943 to 1945, Barrett served as a Marine Corps Paratrooper and saw action in Iwo Jima.
U.S. Army Specialist Gordon D. Foster, serving in logistics and supply stateside and in Europe from 1954 to 1957.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Randy Holcomb. He was a career law enforcement airman from 1975 to 1995.
U.S. Army Cpl. Charles E. Jager served during the Korean War- era as a postal operations specialist. Rita Jager accepted the shadow box on behalf of her late husband.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Adam J. Minnozzi served as a metalsmith aboard three ships during WWII from 1943 to 1946 and during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952.
U.S. Marine Cpl. Karen D. Morrison served for three years and worked as a vehicle repair specialist attached to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion.
Navy Seaman Rosemary Nastasi served from 1984 to 1985 as an electronic equipment repair specialist.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Schneider served in Vietnam. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Randall L. Snider served from 1966 to 1968, primarily in Vietnam.
Army Specialist 4 David E. Spicer served from 1966 to 1969 in the Pacific Theater of Operations as a Military Police soldier and a combat veteran.
Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Chad D. Westbrook served from 2008 to 2016.
After receiving his shadow box and admiring it for a moment, Minnozzi said “I didn’t know I did that good.”
Allegere said that in many cases, veterans are not awarded their medals in a ceremony, which properly recognizes the services they have performed. Through these events at the veterans’ home, the goal is to provide this long-overdue recognition.
The home has been open for about five years and this is the third event at which veterans have been honored in this way.
The awards were presented by two current members of the Armed Forces: Army Major Stephen Bomar, spokesman for the Oregon National Guard, and Air Force Master Sgt. John Hughel, with the 142nd Fighter Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base.
Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Steven Bomar address those attending the veterans award ceremony at the Edward C. Allworth Veterans’ Home, Lebanon, Oregon, May 22.
Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Steven Bomar presents shadow boxes.