the dispatch

4 Camp Mabry, State, Local Officials Welcome Petraus After a stop at Camp Mabry Wednesday, the Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas invited Mrs. Holly Petraeus, Director of BBB Military Line - www.bbb.org/us/Military and wife of General David H. Petraeus. Mrs. Petraeus announced the launch of an innovative nationwide program aimed at promoting financial readiness educa-tion among military service members.

8 SJAITF Changes Hands Army Col. William A. Hall’s Assumption of Command ceremony marked a new era in the legacy of the Standing Joint Inter-Agency Task Force - Texas.

10 Roles of the Guard: 72nd IBCT in Iraq As the nation enters its ninth consecutive year of war, the National Guard routinely is called up for overseas deployments and combat duties. Members of the National Guard were once dis-missed as “weekend warriors.” Recruiters now emphasize the likelihood of lengthy tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

14 White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011 The White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve treatment, combat homelessness, more.

16 International PAO Conference Builds Bridges This international event presented a remarkable opportunity for military experts to share their experiences and values with each other in an open workshop environment.

2 THE DISPATCH March 2010

Cover- Brig. Gen. Joyce l. Stevens address the crowd at the Texas Independence Day Celebration at the Alamo in San Antonio. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

Vol. 5, No. 3 March 2010

Public Affairs Officer TXARNG Col. William Meehan

Public Affairs Chief

TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada

Public Affairs Staff

TXANG Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer Atkinson

TXARNG Sgt. Malcolm McClendon Spc. Maria Moy John Thibodeau

Managing Editor TXARG Chief Master Sgt.

Gonda Moncada

Design and Copy Editor TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson

Contributing Writers and Photographers

TXANG Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada

TXARNG Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego TXARNG Sgt. Melissa Shaw TXARNG Sgt. Jeremy Spires

TXARNG Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson Lindsay Wise Mayra Beltran

Commander in Chief Gov. Rick Perry

Adjutant General of Texas

TXARNG Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga

The Dispatch is a funded monthly newsletter published in the interest of the members of the Texas Military Forces. Contents of The Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of De-fense, the National Guard Bureau, the State of Texas or the Adjutant Gen-eral’s Department of Texas. Content is edited, prepared and provided by the Texas Joint Military Forces Public Affairs Office, Bldg. 10, 2200 W. 35th Street, Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. 78703.

Articles and photography are welcome and may be submitted to JFTX-PAO, P.O. Box 5218, Austin TX 78763-5218, or by e-mail to [email protected]. Deadline for submissions is the 10th day of the month for the issue of the following month.

March 2010 THE DISPATCH 3

Army Debuts iPhone Application The Army's official science and technology blog (http://armytechnology.armylive.dodlive.mil/) has released a free iPhone application, which puts Army technology news, social media and job postings in one location. The appli-cation is a made up of syndicated news feeds from various sources including the Army Tech-nology Live blog, the official RDECOM homepage, job listings, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. Future versions will include more news sources. The application is available for free at the iTunes Store. Search Army Technology Live in iTunes. Follow the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) on Twitter (http://twitter.com/rdecom), become a fan on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/usarmyrdecom), and visit the RDECOM homepage (http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/rdecom/index.html)! A Look at Social Security If you served on active duty anytime between 1957 and 2001, you may qualify for a higher Social Security payment because of your military service. Under certain circumstances, spe-cial extra earnings for your military service during those years can be credited to your record for Social Security purposes. Special earnings credits are granted for periods of active duty or active duty training. For additional information, visit the Social Security website at http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/military.htm. Antiterrorism Family Awareness From now through March 31, the Army's antiterrorism (AT) awareness theme will focus on enhancing family awareness about the indicators of possible terrorist activity and how to re-port suspicious behavior. As antiterrorism awareness products and tools are developed to sup-port local communities, they will be posted and available on the Army Antiterrorism Enter-prise Portal (ATEP) at Army Knowledge Online (AKO). Implementation of revised terrorist threat reporting procedures and publication of an Antiterrorism Field Manual (FM 3-07.2) will continue. For more information, visit Army Knowledge Online (AKO) at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/605757 (login required). Operation Military Child Care Operation Military Child Care is a DoD initiative to support the child care needs of parents who are activated or deployed. This program helps eligible families locate child care options in local communities and reduces child care fees for eligible families who are already using licensed or legally-operating community child care programs and providers. Eligibility is during the activation or deployment and for 60 days after the return of the deployed military parent. The fee assistance program is intended to help support military spouses’ employment, education, or special medical circumstances. Fee assistance will only be provided to single military families, dual military families, and military families with a spouse who is working or enrolled in school. It will also be provided to military families where the spouse is looking for work for a period of up to 60 days. Fee assistance will vary for each family depending upon total fam-ily income, location, DoD child care fee policies and available funding. For more information contact the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) at (800) 424-2246 or visit http://www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/operation-military-child-care.php or email [email protected]. Free Theme Park Admission "Here's to the Heroes," a program sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, provides free admission in 2010 for any active duty, active reserve, National Guardsman or ready reserve servicemember represent-ing any of the five service branches and as many as three of his or her direct dependents. All ser-vicemembers need to do is register online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense (DoD) photo identification. Each pass is valid for a one-day admission per person per year to five of Anheuser-Busch's seven theme park brands.


Until Every One Comes Home

Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas (25 Feb 2010) -- After a stop at Camp Mabry Wednesday, the Better Business Bureau serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas invited Mrs. Holly Petraeus, Director of BBB Military Line - www.bbb.org/us/Military and wife of General David H. Petraeus. Mrs. Petraeus announced the launch of an innovative nationwide program aimed at promoting financial readiness education among military service members. Mrs. Petraeus’ visit to Texas took place during Military Saves week, a national campaign to persuade, motivate, and en-courage military families to save money every month in order to reduce debt and build wealth over time. Since its inception in 2007, over 58,000 individuals, including nearly 22,000 military servicemen and women, have taken the pledge toward financial readiness through Military Saves. During Mrs. Petraeus’ visit to Camp Mabry she met with among other dignitaries, Brig. Gen. John F. Nichols, Com-mander Texas Air National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Joyce L. Ste-vens, Commander Texas Army National Guard. During the evening assembly, and after the welcome by Mrs. Carrie Hurt, President and CEO of BBB, General Stevens introduced Mrs. Petraeus: “It is my honor and privilege to intro-duce Mrs. Holly Petraeus. Mrs. Petraeus has over thirty-three years of experience as an advocate leader in promoting financial readiness for our military families. Mrs. Petraeus has reached over 22,000 military service-men and women, and over 3,600 in the coastal region of Texas in the past year. The unique resources the BBB Military Line of-fers means that our Servicemen and women and their families are better prepared.” At her conclusion she said: “We were honored to welcome Mrs. Petraeus this morning to Camp Mabry to unveil the latest plans for the BBB Military Line. The class offered to our Soldiers, Airmen, family members and Family Support Group members, was received very well, so it is my distinct honor to introduce to you Mrs. Holly Petraeus.” “I thank General Stevens – we had a lot of fun at Camp Mabry today teaching the class, “ said Mrs. Petraeus and contin-ued: “I also would like to say that the Petraeus family likes the

Texas National Guard because they have been flying my husband all over Iraq, so thank you.” She explained that she got involved with the National Military program because at the onset of the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, leaders began to notice that some young troops or family members were beginning to make some terrible financial decisions. “Unbeknownst to me”she said: “When I went to Vir-ginia to explain my views, I was conducting a job interview and they said, ‘what we really want you to do is run this program.’ So,” she said, “after I picked myself off the floor, I realized that this is really something I would love to work on. This is a non-for-profit organization that really wants to do something good for our service members and their families.” While Mrs. Petraeus had to get used to the military regi-ment of getting up at 0600, breakfast at 0700 hours and having meetings scheduled at ten hundred hours and beyond, she comes from a background that is well versed on military times and pro-tocol because not only is her husband a four-star general, her father was as well.

Camp Mabry, State, Local Officials Welcomed Mrs. Holly Petraeus

Brig. Gen. Joyce L. Stevens, commander of the Texas Army National Guard, welcomes Mrs. Holly Petraus to Camp Mabry.

Story and photo by Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Texas Military Forces Public Affairs


FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The U.S. Army, with oversight by TRI-CARE Management Activity (TMA), has created an interactive Web site that allows service members and their families to ex-plore behavioral health information. The site launched Aug. 5, 2008 at http://www.afterdeployment.org, and development continues. “Afterdeployment.org serves as an interactive, self-help solution to assist with behavioral health needs following deploy-ment,” said Army Maj. Gen. Elder Granger, deputy director, TMA. Authorized by legislation, the site is a pilot project to help service members deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other behavioral health conditions. Visitors to afterdeployment.org will notice the user-friendly environment. By clicking on a video link play button, users can watch veterans, spouses and other family members tell real-life stories about how war changed their lives and how they dealt with the demands of readjusting after combat deployment. In addition to these first-person accounts, a tool bar on

the left side of the Web site links beneficiaries to educational topics that include: Getting Help, Check How You’re Doing, Staying Healthy Where You Live, Stories from Home and Far Away, and Links, Books, Blogs & Pods. In each of these areas, additional links offer detailed information on chosen subjects. A user-friendly environment is not all that matters to service members. Privacy is of paramount concern, and users don’t have to register to access the site. Afterdeployment.org provides confidential education on sensitive issues such as stress and triggers, conflict at work, reconnecting with family and friends, moods, anger, sleep, substance abuse, stress manage-ment, kids and deployment, spiritual guidance, living with physical injuries and health and wellness.

afterdeployment.org Explores Behavioral Health Information

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the award of two contracts totaling $41.5 mil-lion to create a “polytrauma center” that cares for the most severely injured Veter-ans and to improve the existing wards at the Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center. “A top priority for VA is provid-ing greater access to VA’s health care sys-tem and higher quality of care for the na-tion’s Veterans,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “America’s Veterans have earned the very best that this nation as to offer.”

One contract announced by Secre-tary Shinseki provides $37.2 million to Robins and Morton of Birmingham, Ala. The contract calls for construction of a three-story, 84,000-square foot “polytrauma center.” It would include physical medicine, rehabilitation services, prosthetics service and research. “Polytrauma” refers to health care for Veterans who have more than one se-vere, life-threatening medical problem. Many of VA’s polytrauma patients are recent combat Veterans injured by road-side bombs and other explosives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A second contract, valued at $4.3 million, went to Strategic Perspectives Development of San Antonio. It provides for upgrades and expansion to ward 4-A, including electrical work, utilities, fire alarm and fire protection systems, tele-phone and data systems, and asbestos abatement.

Last year, VA spent more than $7.8 billion in Texas on behalf of the state’s 1.7 million Veterans. VA operates 11 major medical centers in the state, more than 40 outpatient clinics, 14 Vet Centers and six national cemeteries.

State-of-Art “Polytrauma Center” Funded in San Antonio


TEXAS- Task Force Deguello service members have completed combat opera-tions in Afghanistan, ridding the country of more than 500 enemy combatants, dozens of weapon caches, and large amounts of munitions.

Comprised of Soldiers of the 636th Military Intelligence Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, TFD used innovative military intelligence techniques to assist ground forces in collecting intelligence from the battlefield.

“The number of high value targets and other enemy combatants (who) were killed and captured based on the intelli-gence collected by our teams was remark-able,” remarked Maj. Gregory Pollock, the battalion executive officer during the de-ployment. “It’s just an incredible story.”

TFD service members began their deployment in early 2009 in the harsh en-vironment of Afghanistan with the intent of making history by using specially de-signed teams to collect tactical and strate-gic intelligence for the United States and

coalition forces in theater. TFD established their headquarters at Forward Operating Base Bagram and assumed intelligence responsibility for Regional Command East (RC-East) during January 2009.

“When the call came out for a military intelligence unit to be sent to Af-ghanistan, (the 636th MI Bn) stood up and answered the call,” said Col. Suzanne Ad-kinson, commander of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade. TF Deguello had little time to get ready for the deployment. With a vast majority of its Soldiers previously trans-ferred to various units across Texas, the battalion quickly recalled them and trained them up in time for the deployment. Only through the dedication of the Texas Mili-tary Forces and their headstrong leadership capabilities, was the 636th MI BN able to meet the deadline for deployment and de-velop the military intelligence unit needed in theater to succeed.

The concept for the battalion was developed by Lt. Col. Michael Dietz, for-mer commander of the 636th MI BN.

Multi-functional teams centered on experi-enced, combat tested Soldiers being paired with the ‘first timers’, which allowed the younger field intelligence collectors to learn from the veterans of their craft. Similar MFTs were used in past Iraq de-ployments, but this would be the first time in Afghanistan.

“The 636th MI Bn formed and deployed on very short notice and it took a lot of guys with prior experience,” said Spc. Matthew Buntrock, a native of New Braunfels and a member of a Human Intel-ligence team. “I think it gave everybody a more mature focus. I think that was one of the biggest assets that the unit had for be-ing so new is that everybody had some prior experience to bring to the table.”

The MFT pairings enabled a more secure tactical environment for the teams, which in turn allowed for an increase in personal safety and intelligence collection capability.

Various teams within TF De-guello were trained and certified by sev-

Task Force Deguello Completes Combat Operations Story and photos by Sgt. Jeremy Spires 36th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

Above left- Lt. Col. Thomas Kleis address the Color Guard, and the 636th Military Intelligence Battalion during the Change of Command ceremony held at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, on February 7, 2010. Above right- With the assistance of Lt. Col. Thomas Kleis, Brig. Gen. Stephen Sanders places a unit award up the battalion colors during the change of command ceremony on February 7, 2010 in front of the Alamo, in downtown San Antonio, Texas.

See DEGUELLO, next page


Look for the Texas National Guard on facebook

at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin/Texas-

Army-National-Guard/171437136571?ref=mf

eral-high level agencies prior to deployment, including the Na-tional Security Agency and the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command. In addition, many of the Soldiers from the battalion reported to Fort Carson, Colo., where they were trained on advanced intelligence gathering techniques and addi-tional combat skills that would be invaluable in the battlefield. “Multi-functional teams were the jacks of all trades,” said Maj. Paul Hernandez, the S3 officer in charge during TF Deguello’s deployment. “They (performed) SIGINT (Signal Intelligence), and HUMINT (Human Intelligence) collections. They did a little bit of everything.”

The HUMINTS were responsible for the collection of reportable intelligence throughout the provinces of Afghanistan, as well as the screenings and interrogations of potential intelli-gence targets. SIGINT teams gathered intelligence by intercept-ing communications, whether between people talking face to face, or by electronic signals such as cell phones that might be used in the communication between enemy forces. Through the use of MFTs and other intelligence collec-tion teams, task force Soldiers provided commanders with in-

creased situational awareness in the areas of operation they con-trolled. Intelligent decisions, based on reliable and current battle-field information, resulted in less causality for American and Coalition Forces. During the deployment, task force personnel had to overcome different environments throughout the region. Each team focused on the local aspect of each region. Where one team may have prioritized the fight on combating improvised explo-sive devices (IEDs), another team may have made that their pri-mary objective.

Other teams throughout the region may have the ardu-ous task of balancing everything from the hunt for anti-aircraft weapons to the capture of high-value human targets. According to Maj. Hernandez it all depended on the location of these special teams. The task force also operated a Remote Operations Cryp-tological Center and a Joint Interrogation Facility, which greatly increased its ability to take advantage of enemy targets through-out the mountainous area. The ROCC provided higher level signal intelligence while the JIF personnel conducted interrogations and utilized the gathered information for potential follow on missions, explained Maj. Hernandez.

Soldiers of TF Deguello returned home during Novem-ber 2009 after passing command to the 321st MI BN from Aus-tin. The unit earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation award and the Governor’s Unit Citation for their services in Operation Enduring Freedom IX-XI. The awards were presented during a change of command ceremony in front of the Alamo in San An-tonio on February 7, 2010. “Over the course of our mission we have achieved tre-mendous success and made major contributions to the efforts of Combined Joint Task Force 101 and 82,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Kleis, the outgoing commander, while addressing the Soldiers of the task force. “(We) collected more intelligence than any unit since October 2001. Each of you has made history and contrib-uted to the future success for follow on forces that have yet to be identified. “

“Your contributions were numerous, your accomplish-ments significant, and your place in history is secure…” said Kleis. “Never before and never again will Task Force Deguello take to the field of battle. The chapter of this history book is closed.”

DEGUELLO, cont. from previous page

Col. Suzanne Adkinson, Commander of the 71st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade says a few parting words to Lt. Col. Thomas Kleis during the Change of Command ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, on February 7, 2010.

BEE CAVES ARMORY- AUSTIN, TEXAS - The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu once said, "the journey of a thou-sand miles begins with one step.” For Army Col. William A. Hall, whose Febru-ary 6 Assumption of Command ceremony marked a new era in the legacy of the Standing Joint Inter-Agency Task Force - Texas, this ambitious journey began with a celebration of history and excellence, cou-pled with a pledge for unsurpassed great-ness. "Like the Minutemen of 1636, this brigade will rapidly transform from citizen to Soldier, manning its designated assembly points in order to protect the citizens of our communities, state and na-tion," said Hall as he assumed command. The SJIATF is the Adjutant Gen-eral's executive agent for the major deploy-ment of Texas Military Forces within the United States. It is a brigade-level unit tasked with command and control of desig-nated Texas forces as well as the defense support to civil authorities. "We provide support to the lead agency," said Hall. "For example, we could go to a county where there is a flood and we would work for the county judge. The good portion of that is that we bring to the table a team of well-disciplined, mili-tary members who also possess civilian skill sets, so we provide a lot of capabil-ity." Hall, an officer for more than 20 years, brings a unique blend of experience and perspective to the command position. "I've been real fortunate in my career to have had many different jobs," he said. "It's broadened my horizons and I think bringing that fresh perspective in will help us." Formerly the 71st Troop Com-mand, the SJIATF was re-designated in 2007 to combat the increasing threats of natural and made-made disasters within the state and nation. Army Major General Jose S. Mayorga, the Texas Adjutant General, highlighted this responsibility as guest

speaker during the ceremony. "The unit's road to vali-dation," he said, "has required

Soldiers to learn new skill sets involving DSCA (defense support to civil authori-ties) operations, the fielding of new equip-ment, participation in numerous staff and field training exercises and the develop-ment of invaluable working relationships with city, county, state and federal agen-cies." In its short time of operation, the brigade has already serviced the state nu-merous times over. "The JIATF has participated in 45 separate local, regional and state training exercises," said Mayorga, "to include the planning for and execution of a myriad of disaster preparedness scenarios." At the root of its service, training and accomplishments lay the troops of the SJIATF. “The biggest asset, I believe, of the brigade is its people," said Hall. Be-cause we’re such a large state and we have such a pool of talent to draw from, people understand that this is really a good place to serve." Beyond the disaster relief ele-ments, the brigade also boasts two special-ized reaction teams: the Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) and the CBRNE (chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear and high-yield explosive) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP). “The CST," said Hall, "is a joint unit, about 20 plus people made up of pri-marily Army but Air Guard as well. Their mission is to determine the nature and ex-tent of an attack or incident and provide expert, technical advice on WMD response operations."

Working in concert with the CST, which can deploy to a location within one hour of the incident, the CERFP reacts shortly thereafter and supports relief ef-forts from the six hour to 72 hour marks, performing possible victim extractions, decontamination and medical support. With such a wide spectrum of responsibility and specialization, the SJIATF requires a special brand of leader-

ship to maintain proficiency. "The biggest priority of the adju-

tant general is getting our CERFP to a point that it is certified and has the capabil-ity it’s designed to [have]," said Hall. "Additionally, we’ve got to hone those command and control skills in such a way that we can operate not only with the forces that we have assigned today, but the forces that may come to us in the form of additional Texas Army National Guard units, Air Guard units, or, in the case of a regional disaster, forces from other states.”

The journey that lies ahead for the Standing Joint Inter-Agency Task Force is not taken alone. This unique brigade took its first, collective step as a unified force of dynamic servicemembers that Saturday afternoon with the support of family, friends, command elements and the com-munity.

"We live in a violent, unpredict-able world," said Hall. "I believe that when we have to deploy in support of a crisis, my Soldiers and Airmen will have the training and the tools required to make good decisions [in service of] the commu-nity, the state and the nation.”


Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

SJAITF Changes Hands: Hall Takes Command, Marks New Era

Col. William A. Hall address Sol-diers, friends and family during the change of command ceremony

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis cen-ters across the country, our mission is to provide immedi-ate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. Para obtener asistencia en español durante las 24 horas, llame al 1-888-628-9454. From immediate suicidal crisis to information about mental health, crisis centers in our network are equiped to take a wide range of calls. Some of the reasons to call 1-800-273-TALK are listed below. • Call to speak with someone who cares. • Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting your-

self. • Call to find referrals to mental health services in your

area. • Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're

concerned about.


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Why should I call the Lifeline?

Dept. of Veterans Affairs- Today, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced that the department’s Gulf War Vet-erans’ Illnesses Task Force has nearly completed a comprehen-sive report that will redefine how VA addresses the pain and suf-fering of ill Veterans who deployed during the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. “At VA, we advocate for Veterans – it is our overarch-ing philosophy and, in time, it will become our culture,” Secre-tary Shinseki said. “Every day we must challenge our assump-tions to serve our Nation’s Veterans.” The mission of VA’s Gulf War Task Force is to identify gaps in services as well as opportunities to better serve Veterans of the Gulf War. Of the almost 700,000 service members who deployed to Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation De-sert Storm in 1991, there have been 300,000 Gulf War Veterans with claims decisions, over 85 percent were granted service con-nection for at least one condition, and over 14 percent were not granted service connection for any condition. “We must learn from the past and take the opportunity to anticipate the future needs of our Veterans,” Shinseki said. “This new approach is the first step in a still unfolding comprehensive plan of how VA will treat and compensate Veter-ans of the Gulf War era.” The chairman of the Gulf War Task Force is John R. Gingrich, Chief of Staff at Veterans Affairs and retired Army officer who served during the Gulf War. “Reaching out to Gulf War Veterans is not only essential to our transformation of VA, for many of us it is also personal,” Mr. Gingrich said. “Having commanded troops in Gulf War, and then witness some of them fall to mysterious illnesses has been very difficult to watch. With

this Task Force, I am hopeful we can provide these men and women a better quality of life.” VA’s Gulf War Task Force recommendations build on the findings from the 2008 VA Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses. The Task Force’s recommendations include: • Improve data sharing with Department of Defense to notify

Veterans of potential exposures, monitor their long-term health and inform them about decisions regarding additional follow up.

• Improve the delivery of benefits to Veterans with Gulf War-related disabilities by

a. Reviewing, and if necessary, updating regulations affecting Gulf War Veterans. b. Expanding training for VBA examiners on how to administer disability claims with multiple known toxin exposure incidents. • Improve VA healthcare for Veterans through a new model of

interdisciplinary health education and training. • Increase number of long term, Veteran-focused studies of

Veterans to enhance the quality of care VA provides. • · Transition from reactive to proactive medical surveil-

lance to help better manage Veterans’ potential hazardous exposures.

• · Find new treatments for Gulf War Veterans through new research.

• · Enhance outreach to provide information and guid-ance to Veterans about benefits and services available to them for injuries/illnesses associated with Gulf War service

VA: Report Defining Treatment for Gulf War Vets Nearly Done


BAGHDAD — When Ricardo Monreal enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard, there was no doubt in his mind he'd soon be headed to Iraq or Afghanistan. “I knew we were getting deployed,” said the 22-year-old specialist from Pharr. “We just didn't know where. We were just waiting for the date.” Monreal left nursing school at the University of Texas-Pan American to deploy to Iraq in December with Houston's 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. His friends and family did-n't understand. “They were like, ‘Why? It's the National Guard,' ” Monreal said. “I told them it's still the Army.” As the nation enters its ninth consecutive year of war, the National Guard routinely is called up for overseas deploy-ments and combat duties. Members of the National Guard were once dismissed as “weekend warriors.” Recruiters now empha-size the likelihood of lengthy tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. “There was a bubble of time when they were saying, ‘You're probably not going to have to go to war,' ” said Col. Mark Campsey, commander of the 72nd. “And then about five years ago, we started saying, ‘It's not if you go, it's when you go. You're going to go to war.' ” Since 2001, more than 291,000 National Guard troops have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 20,000 from Texas. As of December, when the 72nd arrived in Iraq to start a nine-month deployment, there were about 42,500 Guard soldiers serving there and 11,000 in Afghanistan. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the National Guard has moved from a reserve force called on when needed to an integral part of military operations, especially overseas, said Randal Noller, spokesman for the National Guard Bureau.

As a result, the Army turned on the funding streams, Campsey said. “Since I joined the Guard (in 1981), the first 10 years I was in Vietnam-era Jeeps, World War II trucks,” he said. “It took us a long time to get Humvees. The Army got Humvees. We didn't get Humvees, but we weren't deploying. Now I don't have a single set of wheels or weapon that isn't new within the last 18 months.” Expanding roles Guard troops lead dual lives by nature as citizen-soldiers, but with the U.S. military taking on more nation-building projects in Iraq and Afghanistan, they're expected to play other parts as well, from diplomats to correctional officers. In Iraq, the citizen soldiers of the 72nd guard detainees, protect convoys, provide security and run military bases. Some work as liaisons with the Iraqi Army, drinking sweet tea and learning a little Arabic. Others gather intelligence in high-tech operation centers, or visit Iraqi schools to start an International Scouting program — a mission Campsey sees as combination community outreach and stress relief. “The civilian skill sets our people bring the Army make us a tremendous value for the U.S. taxpayer dollar,” the colonel said. “We have the teachers, the lawyers, the judges, the cops, the engineers, all the services you need to help a country that has gone through the floor, back up.” Inevitably, some Guardsmen wind up learning entirely new skills to accomplish tasks assigned to them. As an infantry-man, Monreal's job in Iraq is a vast departure from his chosen medical profession. On a recent foot patrol along the perimeter of Victory Base in Baghdad, Monreal and seven other National Guardsmen trudged past groves of palm trees and furrowed fields of dark brown dirt. The early-morning wind whipped the tall reedson the banks of a canal to their left. “Looks like South Padre Island from here,” Monreal said. As the troops approached a cluster of farm buildings, a flock of birds startled into the air. A dog barked. “There's a man outside the last house over there,” Mon-real said. Everyone dropped to one knee. Monreal peered through the scope of his M-4 rifle. “He went back inside,” he said at last. The soldiers got up and started walking again. “I mean, they live here, but still, you gotta call it in,” Monreal said. Walking point, a few dozen yards ahead of Monreal, Sgt. Narciso Zapata, 28, of San Benito, concentrated on calming his nerves. Half an hour later, when a controlled detonation goes off without warning on the other side of the base's walls, he's the first guy to hit the dirt. “I have to tell myself constantly, ‘Hey, this is not '03,' ” Zapata said. “Even though I know it's a controlled det, my body reacts to it.” He shrugged. “It's kept me here this long. So far.” Visible changes

The Roles of the Guard: 72nd IBCT in Iraq By Lindsay Wise The Houston Chronicle

Sgt. Narciso Zapata, 28, looks through his scope at a house near the Victory Base Complex where Sgt. Zapata and his team patrol the inside of the base on Jan. 23, 2010 in Bagh-dad, Iraq. The 72nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Quick Response Force in Camp Cropper surveyed the perimeter for any signs of tampering with the exterior wall during a foot patrol, and also patrol the inside of the base. (Photo by Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle) See ROLES, next page


Zapata enlisted in 1998. He's seen many changes since the days when his most exciting outing with the Guard was a weekend at a firing range. “I compare it now to when I joined in '98, and we've come a long ways,” he said. “Everything from experi-

ence to technology to equipment to the funds. Everything has pretty much im-proved for the better.” At the same time, stretches away from work and home have gotten longer and more frequent. This is Zapata's third overseas deployment with the Guard. Zapata is grateful for the relative peace and quiet now that U.S. forces have

begun to reduce the number of troops on the ground. But the sergeant has two little daughters at home now, and that's hard. “That's what makes this the hard-est deployment, because I've gotten so attached with them,” he said. “I'm kind of hoping I can have at least a two- or three-year break (before the next deployment), just so I can see my daughters grow up.”

ROLES, cont. from previous page

Stevens Honors Guard, 174 Years of Texas Independence

Brig. Gen. Joyce L. Stevens addresses members of the Daughters of the Republic, Army National Guard Soldiers, and other guests at the Texas Independence Day celebration at the Alamo in San Anto-nio on March 2. She thanked the Soldiers in attendance for their service and compared them to the volunteers responding to the call to defend freedom at the Alamo in 1836. “We honor the past and look to the future and all the young Americans who do a great job,” said General Stevens. She also praised the work the Army National Guard Soldiers did, promising they stand ready to defend and serve the state and nation. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

The Six Flags Flown Over Texas

France 1685-1762

Spain 1519-1821

Mexico 1821-1836

United States of America-

1848-Present

Confederacy 1861-1865

Republic of Texas

836-1848


The dawning of each new age brings with it new threats and dangers. As global technology grows, so too must our nation's ability to combat any hazards brought about from that technol-ogy. To this end, the Army has taken new and impressive steps to respond to our enemies' offenses. Among the most responsive of these initiatives lies the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Pack-age, or CERFP. CBRNE refers to the threats of chemical, biological, radio-logical, nuclear and high-yield explosive agents that troops face on the modern battlefield. At the forefront of CERFP are the committed men and women of the 436th Chemical Company, located in Laredo, Texas. This band of seasoned troops spent a long and engaging week in February training to standard on all components and equipment of the CERFP, which serves as the primary means of decontamination in the event of an incident. "In the case of a disaster where we need to decontaminate patients," said 1st Lt. Jose A. Perez, Commander of the 436th Chemical Company, "we would set up an actual assembly line with stations to decontaminate the patients." The primary function of CERFP is mass decontamination through an efficient and speedy system of "decon" tents, set up within 6 hours of the start of an incident and lasting through hour 72. "We understand that even though there may not be a terrorist incident," said 1st Sgt Paul Torres, 1st Sgt for the 436th Chemical Company, "it could happen as an accident. It could be either an emergency, some sort of natural disaster, any kind of HAZMAT, all the way to a terrorist incident." HAZMAT means hazardous materials and encompasses a wide spectrum of agents that are dangerous to human life. "We learn how to control the situation first of all," said Spc. Matthew Candelas, a chemical operations specialist with the Bio-logical Integrated Detection System (BIDS) platoon. "We make sure that it doesn't get out of control." Training during this week included full rehearsal exercises assembling the decon tents, fitting and engaging Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear, and a wealth of certifi-cation classes to provide the proper foundations for the Soldiers' training. "Our focus this particular drill period has been to conduct FEMA courses, hazardous materials courses and fire prevention courses," said Perez. "The individuals who provide the class are civilian; they're coming and providing us with the certification. Same kind of training you would get if you were going to a po-lice department or fire department so it's exciting." "I think the FEMA training and the HAZMAT training is something that is real good," said Spc. Brittney A. Messelt, a fueler with the decon platoon. "It's real life situations that we have to deal with at some point in our generation, it's good to train and grasp the concepts." Messelt, who also serves on the federal border patrol mission, especially appreciates the HAZMAT training for its applicability in her full time position. "I think that it's beneficial," she said, "because in my job

sometimes I have to deal with radiation detection or things like that, so for me anything to do with HAZMAT is helpful. I think having a general knowledge of HAMAT materials and different classifications is good to know." Still relatively new to the Army, CERFP has only been an active program for about five years. As the standard now, many chemical servicemembers must retrain on old procedures with new elements. "I've been involved with it since it originally started in 2004 and I'm excited," said Staff Sgt Jose F. Casas, acting platoon ser-geant for the 2nd decon platoon. "[The Soldiers] have been recep-tive of course," he said. "When anything new comes up, every-body wants to jump on the band wagon." "If anything happens," said Perez, "the Soldiers of this par-ticular unit will respond and perform very admirably and that's because they know what's at stake: family members, friends. They all count on them to get this done." A unit with a rich and respected history, the 436th returned from Afghanistan only 14 months ago after spending a year serv-ing as force protection. "They're very open to this," said Torres. "They want to do this." "The leadership is great," said Candelas. "Our NCOs are al-ways on key." Soldiers maintained high morale and energy throughout the training as they supported and helped each other through each step of their certifications. "It is interesting and it's exciting because it's completely new to me," said Messelt. "The biggest asset is the personnel," said Casas. "As long as you give them the guidance of what needs to get done, the unit will be able to perform the mission." In the end, the dedicated troops of the 436th Chemical Com-pany understand and appreciate what's at stake. A new generation of threats looms over everything we do and this crew welcomes the opportunity to counter those threats. "My vision is to be fully operational on the CERFP process by August of 2010," said Perez. "We owe it to the citizens of the state to be up and operational."

Texas Prepares for the Worst by Training With the Best Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Soldiers of the 436th Chemical Co. assemble and prepare a decontamination tent for their annual training exercises.


72nd IBCT

Snapshots NCO Induction

Superbowl 2010


WASHINGTON (Dept. of Veterans Af-fairs) – To expand health care to a record-number of Veterans, reduce the number of homeless Veterans and process a dramati-cally increased number of new disability compensation claims, the White House has announced a proposed $125 billion budget next year for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our budget proposal provides the resources necessary to continue our aggressive pursuit of President Obama’s two over-arching goals for Veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shin-seki. “First, the requested budget will help transform VA into a 21st century organiza-tion. And second, it will ensure that we approach Veterans’ care as a lifetime ini-tiative, from the day they take their oaths until the day they are laid to rest.” The $125 billion budget request, which has to be approved by Congress, includes $60.3 billion for discretionary spending (mostly health care) and $64.7 billion in mandatory funding (mostly for disability compensation and pensions). “VA’s 2011 budget request cov-ers many areas but focuses on three central issues that are of critical importance to our Veterans – easier access to benefits and services, faster disability claims decisions, and ending the downward spiral that re-sults in Veterans’ homelessness,” Shinseki said. Reducing Claims Backlog The president’s budget proposal includes an increase of $460 million and more than 4,000 additional claims proces-sors for Veterans benefits. This is a 27 percent funding increase over the 2010 level. The 1,014,000 claims received in 2009 were a 75 percent increase over the 579,000 received in 2000. Shinseki said the Department expects a 30 percent in-crease in claims – to 1,319,000 – in 2011 from 2009 levels. One reason for the increase is VA’s expansion of the number of Agent Orange-related illnesses that automatically qualify for disability benefits. Veterans exposed to the Agent Orange herbicides during the Vietnam War are likely to file additional claims that will have a substan-tial impact upon the processing system for benefits, the secretary said. “We project significantly in-

creased claims inventories in the near term while we make fundamental improvements to the way we process disability compen-sation claims,” Shinseki said. Long-term reduction of the inventory will come from additional manpower, im-proved business practices, plus an infusion of $145 million in the proposed budget for development of a paperless claims process-ing system, which plays a significant role in the transformation of VA. Automating the GI Bill The budget proposal includes $44 million to complete by December 2010 an automated system for processing applica-tions for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. VA also plans to start development next year of electronic systems to process claims from other VA-administered educational programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill authorizes the most extensive educational assistance opportunity since the passage of the origi-nal GI Bill in 1944. Over $1.7 billion in regular Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments have been issued since the implementation of the program on Aug. 1, 2009. In 2011, VA expects the number of all education claims to grow by 32 percent over 2009, going from 1.7 million to 2.25 million. “To meet this increasing work-load and process education claims in a timely manner, VA has established a com-prehensive strategy to develop industry-standard technologies to modernize the delivery of these important educational benefits,” Shinseki said. Eliminating Homelessness The budget proposal includes $4.2 billion in 2011 to reduce and help prevent homelessness among Veterans. That breaks down into $3.4 billion for core medical services and $799 million for spe-cific homeless programs and expanded medical care, which includes $294 million for expanded homeless initiatives. This increased investment for expanded home-less services is consistent with the VA secretary’s established goal of ultimately eliminating homelessness among Veterans. On a typical night, about 131,000 Veterans are homeless. They represent every war and generation, from the “Greatest Generation” to the latest genera-tion of Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, VA operates the largest system of homeless treatment and

assistance programs in the nation. Targeting Mental Health, Preventing Sui-cides “The 2011 budget proposal con-tinues the department’s keen focus on im-proving the quality, access and value of mental health care provided to Veterans,” Shinseki said. The spending request seeks $5.2 billion for mental health, an increase of $410 million (or 8.5 percent) over current spending, enabling expansion of inpatient, residential and outpatient mental health services, with emphasis on making mental health services part of primary care and specialty care. The secretary noted that one-fifth of the patients seen last year in VA’s health care facilities had a mental health diagnosis, and that the department has added more than 6,000 new mental health professionals since 2005, bringing to 19,000 the number of employees dedicated to mental health care. The budget request will enable the department to continue expanding its programs for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with the diagnosis and treatment of depression, substance abuse and other mental health problems. Shinseki called PSTD treatment “central to VA’s mis-sion.” The proposed spending will con-tinue VA’s suicide prevention program. Since July 2007, the department’s suicide prevention hotline has received nearly 225,000 calls from Veterans, active-duty personnel and family members. The hot-line is credited with saving the lives of nearly 7,000 people. Reaching Rural Veterans For 2011, VA is seeking $250 million to strengthen access to health care for 3.2 million Veterans enrolled in VA’s medical system who live in rural areas. Rural outreach includes expanded use of home-based primary care and mental health. A key portion of rural outreach – which shows promise for use with Veter-ans across the country – is VA’s innova-tive “telehealth” program. It links patients and health care providers by telephones and includes telephone-based data trans-

White House Seeks $125 Billion for Veterans in 2011

See BUDGET, next page

Support the troops! Donate blood through the armed

forces blood program. Www.militaryblood.dod.mil

Donation centers located at ft. hood, ft. sam Houston and

lackland air force base. Donate today!


mission, enabling daily monitoring of patients with chronic prob-lems. The budget provides an increase of $42 million for VA’s home telehealth program. The effort already cares for 35,000 patients and is the largest program of its kind in the world. Serving Women Veterans The 2011 budget provides $217.6 million to meet the gender-specific health care needs of women Veterans, an increase of $18.6 million (or 9.4 percent) over the 2010 level. Enhanced primary care for women Veterans remains one of the Depart-ment’s top priorities. The number of women Veterans is growing rapidly and women are increasingly using VA for their health care. Shinseki said the expansion of health care programs for women Veterans will lead to higher quality care, increased coor-dination of care, enhanced privacy and dignity, and a greater sense of security among women patients. Among the initiatives for women in the 2011 budget proposal are expanded health care services in Vet Centers, in-creased training for health care providers to advance their knowl-edge and understanding of women’s health issues, and imple-menting a peer call center and social networking site for women combat Veterans. This call center will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Delivering World-Class Health Care During 2011, VA expects to treat 6.1 million patients, who will account for more than 800,000 hospitalizations and 83 million outpatient visits. The total includes 439,000 Veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, for whom $2.6 billion is included in the budget proposal. That’s an increase of $597 million – or 30 percent – from the current budget. The proposed budget for health care includes: • $6.8 billion for long-term care, an increase of $859 million

(or 14 percent) over 2010. This amount includes $1.5 billion for non-institutional long-term care;

• Expanding access to VA health care system for more than 99,000 Veterans who were previously denied care because of their incomes;

• $590 million for medical and prosthetic research; and • Continuing development of a “virtual lifetime electronic

record,” a digital health record that will accompany Veterans throughout their lives.

VA is requesting $54.3 billion in advance appropriations for 2012 for health care, an increase of $2.8 billion over the 2011 enacted amount. Planned initiatives in 2012 include better lever-aging acquisitions and contracting, enhancing the use of referral agreements, strengthening VA’s relationship with the Defense Department, and expanding the use of medical technology. Preserving National Shrines “VA remains steadfastly committed to providing access to a dignified and respectful burial for Veterans choosing to be buried in a VA national cemetery,” Shinseki said. “This promise requires that we maintain national cemeteries as shrines dedicated to the memory of those who served this nation in uniform.” The requested $251 million for cemetery operations and maintenance will support more than 114,000 interments in 2011, a 3.8 percent increase over 2010. In 2011, the department will maintain 8,441 acres with 3.1 million gravesites. The budget request includes $37 million to clean and realign an estimated 668,000 headstones and repair 100,000 sunken graves. Building for the Future $1.15 billion requested for major construction for 2011 includes funding for medical facilities in New Orleans; Denver; Palo Alto, Calif.; Alameda, Calif.; and Omaha, Neb. Also budgeted for 2011 are major expansions and improvements to the national cemeteries in Indiantown Gap, Pa.; Los Angeles; and Tahoma, Wash., and new burial access policies that will provide a burial option to an additional 500,000 Veterans and enhance service in urban areas. A requested budget of $468 million for minor construction in 2011 would fund a wide variety of improvements at VA facilities.

BUDGET, cont. from previous page


AUSTIN, Texas— Scientist and inventor Alexander Graham Bell once said, "Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds." For the military public affairs practitioners of Texas, Chile, The Czech Republic, Puerto Rico and various U.S. states, this cooperation came in the form of the annual Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Conference. Held Feb. 23-24, this international event presented a remarkable opportunity for military experts to share their experi-ences and values with each other in an open workshop environ-ment. "Communication is what we do," said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Gonda E. Moncada, Public Affairs Chief for the State Public Affairs Office. "The importance of doing that right cannot be overstated. Coming together this week with other communicators from other states and other countries gave us the opportunity to hone our skills and benchmark those ideas that have worked for others." Activities for the two-day conference included public affairs presentations from the representatives, future mission planning, and discussions on the role of public affairs in military operations. Sharing creative briefings and video projects, the participants all learned new things about their international brethren. "What I find interesting," said Capt. Jan ŠULC, public affairs officer for the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces, "is that you are able to make the message serious but you can deal it in a funny way that's perfect. You will find the audience this way." It wasn't all classroom discussion, as day two offered attendees a special tour of the Texas Military Forces Joint Op-

erations Center via two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Throughout the conference, all participants came to learn they had more in common in their military roles than they initially thought. "The most important for me," said ŠULC, "is we are working on the same issues and we find similar challenges. You need to deal with internal public. You need to show how we are here for the public." "Our job, our mission, is to help them," said Lt. Col. Pablo Müller Barberia, public affairs officer for the Department of Communications - Army, in Santiago, Chile. "We give peace, security and defense." The conference, which capitalizes on the State Partner-ship Program pairing Texas and the Czech Republic in 1993 and Texas with Chile in May of 2009, reinforces the established strong bonds of training and cooperation. In their almost 17 years of partnership, Texas and the Czech Republic have shared host duties, training opportunities and troop commitments in such exercises as medical certifica-tions, combat instruction and F-16 aircraft demonstrations. In addition to the Czech and Chilean dignitaries, the conference also boasted a representative from the Puerto Rican Army National Guard. "I get to network with more public affairs professionals in my field," said Staff Sgt. Luis E. Orengo, Operations NCO for the 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Orengo also serves as the public affairs specialist for the Puerto Rican National Guard, working directly for the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico. "I'm very glad," said Orengo. "Having this kind of ex-perience that bonds us together gives us also the freedom of mind to do our stuff and you have somebody to rely on. If I have a problem now, I have the confidence to call Col. Meehan or anybody here." Beyond attending the conference as a public affairs practitioner, Orengo also served as translator for the Chilean team. Attendees, during their week-long stay in the country, also got the opportunity to explore central and south Texas, visit-ing Austin, San Marcos and San Antonio. "It's a good experience for me," said Müller. "This my first time in Austin; it's a great city." "First time for me not only in Texas, but also the U.S.A.," said ŠULC. "It was really beneficial for me." Having enjoyed the journey and contacts made, our international partners look forward to sending their peers and comrades to future goodwill events. "I think that it will also be important for my col-leagues," said ŠULC, "to have the chance to come next time." With fresh contacts made and old friendships renewed, this year's conference successfully sustained the benevolent rela-tionships that will only continue to grow. "We were delighted to welcome our State Partnership Program partners from Chile and the Czech Republic," said Moncada, "and hope that they enjoyed themselves as much as we did."

Building International Bridges During Conference Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Daniel Griego 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Capt. Jolana Fedorkova, Capt. Jan Sulc, Capt. Miroslava Stenclova and 1st Lt. Denisa Smitalova, of the Czech Repub-lic Armed Forces, look at some materials during the annual Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Conference.


It's No Secret! OEF/OIF post-deployment readjustment is challenging for Veteran Military Service Members and for their Families Reintegration can be difficult and peer support groups have proven to be beneficial for anyone who has experience one or multiple deployments. Operation Resilient Families of-fers basic education and skill development around some of the issues most common to the post-deployment readjustment experi-ence. It also offers considerable opportu-nity to identify and incorporate strategies for strengthened personal and family resil-ience. That's why a team of military personnel, veterans, families and their ad-vocates recently joined together to develop "Operation Resilient Families." This peer-led program offers the opportunity for veterans and their family members to reconnect with one another as a family unit, as well as with other families sharing similar experiences. By participat-ing in this program, you will experience a

safe, confidential, and peer-supportive environment designed to help you:

• Develop greater understanding of some of the common experiences of returning combat veterans and their families

• Explore your personal and family strengths, resources and resilience strategies

• Enhance personal and family skills in communication, goal-setting and prob-lem-solving.

• Make new friends who understand and share the bond of having served - whether on the battlefield or on the home-front.

POC: Deborah Evans, State Family Pro-gram Director, 512-782-5322 to sign up! Additional Information: If you are interested in becoming a peer facilita-tor to help lead a group, please contact the POC listed above. Who: Operation Resilient Families is open

to OEF/OIF: Veterans, Spouses, Significant Others, Parents and Other Adult Family Members (including "family-like" friends).

NOTE: While veterans and their family members are encouraged to jointly participate in Operation Resilient Families, this program equally welcomes veterans or family members who attend alone. What: Operation Resilient Families (PILOT PHASE) is peer-run education and support group for OEF/OIF veterans and their fami-lies.

When: Thursdays, 7-9pm, beginning 2/4/10

Where: Bell County Help Center, 201 E Avenue D, Killeen

Operation Resilient Family Support Group

Jokes about lawyers abound, but legal questions are no laughing matter. When faced with a stack of papers from an at-torney's office, even the bravest Soldier or Airman might need someone to help navigate through an endless sea of complex, specialized language or help file a tricky tax exemption. To help with sticky legal situations and simple questions, and everything in between, Capt. Sergio Tristan and Staff Sgt. Jennifer L. Candate, of the Legal Assistance Tax Cen-ter are standing by. Located in Bldg. 34, on Camp Mabry, the Center is open to all Texas Military Forces members, as well as spouses, for personal legal and tax questions. The Legal Assistance Tax Center can help with a wide range of problems, said Captain Tristan. Personal legal matters, such as questions on family law and divorce are also within the scope of the office. "The Legal Assistance Center on Camp Mabry helps soldiers, airmen, and retirees deal with civilian legal issues through counseling, advise, document review, and referral," said Captain Tristan. We are capable of handling estate issues such as wills and trusts, power of attorneys, tax issues, landlord/tenant issues, reemployment rights, and creditor disputes."

Coming to the office when a situation has just come up is always the best idea, said Captain Tristan, since it's usually smaller and more manageable. Waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress and pain, and may create more problems than it solves, as well as costing more money and time. "Additionally, the Legal Assistance Center runs the first ever Tax Center for the Texas Military Forces," Captain Tristan said, and "the Tax Center will provide free tax services to our clients.” The Legal Assistance Tax Center is open Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Center will also be open during 36th Infantry Division Special Troops Bn. drill periods. Before coming to the Center, military members or spouses should have all needed paperwork, including W-2s, sup-porting documentation and a completed intake interview form. The form is available though email or at the Texas Military Forces website at http://www.agd.state.tx.us/. For questions, contact Staff Sgt. Jennifer L. Candate at 512-782-1169 or [email protected].

“Legal Eagles” Stand Ready to Serve TXMF


This Month in Military History: March The Siege of the Alamo is the most famous fight in Texas history, though not its most decisive. In 1836, around 225 Texas revolutionaries sacrificed their lives defending a post they believed essential to their cause. For many Ameri-cans, and most Texans, the Alamo is a symbol of patriotic sac-rifice, bravery and loyalty. In December of 1835, Texian revolutionaries had taken the city of San Antonio de Béxar from Mexican Central-ist troops. Defending one of the main roads from the interior of Mexico to the American colonies, it was—after much debate—deemed worthy of defense. Within the city stood its mission, known as the Alamo. It was the town’s strongest fortification. In all, around 225 colonists were at the Alamo under the dual leadership of Col. James Bowie and Lt. Col. William B. Travis. The defenders resolved to offer as thick a barrier as possible between the Mexican government and their colonies up the road. Their resolve was tested on February 23rd, as Santa Anna’s Army—eventually swelling to 2,500—arrived in Béxar to enforce government policy. When Santa Anna sent a courier demanding the Alamo’s surrender, Travis replied with cannon fire. Correspondence swiftly left the Alamo by horseback. “The enemy in large force is in sight”, Travis wrote in a mes-sage to Gonzales, “We want men and provisions. Send them to us.” Vowing to never surrender or retreat, he pledged: “Victory or Death!” But help would not come. Santa Anna’s forces lay siege to the Alamo for 12 days before a final assault on March 6th when 1,800 Centralist troops stormed the walls in service to their government. Travis

was among the first to die. Jim Bowie, in bed with pneumonia, was also among the fallen. All Texian fighters were killed or executed, taking about 600 Centralists with them. Santa Anna treated the women and children with honor and respect. He provided passage through his lines, as well as giving each a blanket and two dollars (a sum significant enough to travel on at the time). The Alamo defenders remained at their post, fighting for Texas Independence until the last and buying time for the young government to organize. Their memory fueled spirits on the Battlefield of San Jacinto, and beyond—inspiring courage in Americans in any situation demanding patriotic sacrifice. (San Jacinto Museum of History, 2010)

The Fall of the Alamo (1903) by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk, depicts Davy Crockett wielding his rifle as a club against Mexican troops who have breached the walls of the mission.

WASHINGTON — The federal departments of Veterans Affairs, Labor and Defense unveiled today an improved Web site for wounded warriors. “VA is committed to tapping into the full powers of the Internet to provide accurate, timely, easy to find and easy to understand information that improves the lives of Veterans, service members, their families and all who care for them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shin-seki. The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, free, online tool for wounded, ill and injured service members, Veterans and their families. Visitors to the site can find an extensive range of infor-mation about Veterans’ benefits, including

disability and pension benefits, VA health care and educational opportunities. The site also provides information for those who care for Veterans, such as access to emotional, financial and community assis-tance. The Web site has been enhanced to provide a single point of access to a wealth of information from more than 10,000 sites by federal, state and local gov-ernments and organizations offering ser-vices for wounded warriors. “This online directory is an in-valuable resource for those involved in helping service members and Veterans,” Shinseki said. “Reliable information about government and private-sector programs can be a priceless tool.”

A recent addition to the Web site is a specialized section where users can find help for homeless Veterans. These resources will help end Veteran homeless-ness over the next five years. The new design will help visitors find needed resources easily. Other en-hancements include a fast, accurate search engine; a “bookmark and share” capability that allows users to share valuable re-sources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; and a news feature with updates on relevant information and events. Resources are added daily. Visit the site at www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

Web Site Offers Single Access Point for Wounded Warriors


A copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence on dis-play outside the Alamo in San Antonio on March 2, Texas Independence Day. (Photo by Sgt. Jennifer D. Atkinson, Texas Military Forces Public Affairs)

the dispatch

Documents

state of texas

jennifer atkinson txarng

southwest texas

public affairs officer

gonda moncada txarng

copy editor txarng

eric wilson txarng

daniel griego txarng