New Mexico Minuteman - Fall 2011

150th Fighter Wing
moves forward with
new commander
Page 2
Joining the
offi cer ranks
Pages 14-15
Proud to become
an American
Page 27

Governor
Susana Martinez
Bob Ulin
Publisher
Justin Ritter
Graphic Designer
The Adjutant General
Maj. Gen.
Kenny C. Montoya
Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera
Editor
Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez
Public Affairs Specialist
Joseph Vigil
Contributors
150th Fighter Wing Public
Information Office
2251 Air Guard Rd. SE
KAFB, N.M. 87117
Public Information Officer
1st Lt. Brian Raphael
200th Public Affairs Detachment
47 Bataan Blvd.
Santa Fe, N.M. 87508
Commander
Capt. Elizabeth Foott
ON THE COVER: Officer
candidates from class 54-11
complete the first obstacle on
the obstacle course before
being pinned to second
lieutenants at the Onate
Training Complex, in Santa Fe, N.M.,
Sept. 11, 2011. Photo by: Capt.Elizabeth
Foott, 200th Public Affairs Detachment
Marie Lundstrom
Editor
Chris Kersbergen &
Darrell George
Advertising Sales
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no way connected with the New Mexico Department of
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and military members of the New Mexico Department
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The appearance of advertising in this publication,
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Fall 2011
C O N T E N T S
150th Fighter Wing moves forward with new commander
New Mexico National Guard secures Los Alamos during wildfire
226th Military Police Battalion trains for law and order
Bump assumes command of the 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Engineers conduct AT on the border 6▼
New Mexico National Guard team completes “Toughest event on the Planet” ▼
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111th MEB hosts Bataan Liberation Prayer Breakfast
Forty years and state command chief looks for a fishing hole to call his own
B Co., 1st Bn. races away with TAG Challenge trophy
Joining the officer ranks
www.nm.ngb.army.mil
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Officer Candidate School Class 55-12 9▼
Rael shares leadership qualities with newly commissioned second lieutenants
Youth ChalleNGe begins training in Santa Fe
Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduates 32 Cadets
Sexual Assualt Prevention and Response Program
116th Transportation Company drives its way to a successful AT
New Mexico National Guard hosts high school football camps
Soldiers display true meaning of Citizen-Soldier 21
150th Fighter Wing honors their hometown heros 22
Warrant officers gather to discuss professional development 22
News Briefs 24
Camp Defy aims to keep children out of trouble 26
Drug Demand Reduction educates youth on tough subjects
Proud to become an American
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2011 Youth Adventure Camp gives children a sample of military life
Chaplain Corps ready to support the needs of our Soldiers
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Everything advertised in this publication shall be made
available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital
status, physical handicap, political affi liation or any other
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by
the Offi ce of Public Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters –
New Mexico, New Mexico Department of Military Affairs.
All photographs and graphic devices are copyrighted to
the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs unless
otherwise indicated.
All submissions should pertain to the New Mexico
National Guard and are subject to editing. Contributions
and reader comments should be sent to:
suzanna.y.dominguez@us.army.mil
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 1
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150th Fighter Wing moves forward with
new commander
By Tech. Sgt. Kathee Mullins, 150th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
In view of recent events, The Adjutant General, Kenny C. Montoya,
spoke with members of the 150th Fighter Wing at Kirtland
Air Force Base, in Albuquerque, N.M. He emphasized about
learning from our past, gaining insight as leaders, and why the
decision for the new wing commander is a solid choice for the
bright future of the wing and the multiple missions entrusted to
the (150th) defenders.
That new wing commander is Col. Joe Martinez.
“The fi rst time I saw Col. Joe Martinez, he was coming from
his F-16. He shook hands with his crew and he treated them like
equals. From Princeton to combat, he is the perfect guy to lead
this wing,” said Montoya. “I want to tell you how proud we are of
you and how great you are, but I also want to challenge you to be
better, ‘Beyond the Standard,’” said Montoya in closing.
Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, Brig.
Gen. John D. Bledsoe took the podium to thank the family and
friends in attendance for being present and for their continued
support.
“We selected ‘Jo-Mart’ (Martinez) for his expert, capable leadership
abilities. He is quite a visionary and will take us to new
heights,” said Bledsoe. “We have every confi dence in his abilities
as a leader.”
Martinez then took the opportunity to address the wing defenders
for the fi rst time as their commander.
“I will lead from the front,” he said. “Col. Gallegos set the path.
We have gone from F-16s to multiple missions. That’s a big change
and with change comes uncertainty and doubt. We now have four
great missions and we are moving forward.”
The 150th FW is a classic associate wing with the 58th Special
Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base. New Mexico
Air National Guardsmen work side by side with members of the
58th SOW instructing combat aviators in aircraft such as the HC-
130P/N Combat King, MC-130P Combat Shadow, UH-1N Huey,
and HH-60G Pave Hawk.
Along with the classic association, the 150th FW has two additional
missions. The fi rst mission is to be an Intelligence Target
Production Center performing imagery and computer analysis for
target planning. The second is to be a highly mobile civil engineering
response force to support contingency operations worldwide
known as Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair
Squadron Engineers, or RED HORSE.
“We have tremendous opportunities before us…we have a great
heritage, and we are not looking back; we are moving forward,”
said Martinez. “We are fi ghting the fi ght. Our greatest resource is
our people.
2 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Brig. Gen. John D. Bledsoe, left, hands off the command of the NMANG
150th Fighter Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base to the newly appointed commander,
Col. Joe A. Martinez on Aug. 6, 2011. Photo: Staff Sgt. Roberto Bilbao
“We won’t lose our identity; we are Citizen-Soldiers—New
Mexico National Guardsmen and women. We have a long heritage
of helping our communities, and a proud legacy as Citizen-
Soldiers. We will keep our identity and move forward.”
Martinez most recently was the commander of the 150th
Operations Group and has extensive fl ying and leadership experience.
His previous assignments include fl ight commander, chief
of standardization and evaluation for squadron and group levels,
assistant operations offi cer, chief of wing plans, and deputy commander
of the 150th Maintenance Group.

New Mexico National Guard
secures Los Alamos during
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
The New Mexico National Guard was
activated June 26, 2011, by Gov. Susana
Martinez to assist local law enforcement
agencies within Los Alamos due to the Las
Conchas Fire.
The Las Conchas Fire started on private
property in Los Alamos County and
quickly spread in the extreme drought conditions
of the entire state of New Mexico.
Soon after fi re crews realized the severity
of the fi re, they requested the assistance of
many state and county agencies, including
the New Mexico National Guard. Martinez
ordered the Guard to assist emergency
management agencies to brace for oncoming
wildfi res and to prepare the town of Los
Alamos for possible evacuations.
The following day, a mandatory evacuation
was ordered and the National Guard
was an integral part of the evacuation
effort, manning traffi c control points and
assisting citizens to leave in an orderly and
effi cient manner.
According to Capt. Ben Soveranez,
the offi cer in charge, Soldiers and Airmen
manned traffi c control points and conduced
roving patrols with local and state law
enforcement to ensure that the residences
and local businesses of Los Alamos were
safe and secure.
“Our role as National
Guardsmen is to assist
the community in any
way needed,” said Soveranez.
“When the governor
called us out, it was part of
our duty to come here to
assist the residents of Los
Alamos.”
Soldiers also assisted
with the identifi cation and
marking of all residences
and citizens who were left
in the city to ensure that
local offi cials had an accurate
accounting in the event
of an imminent evacuation
of all personnel in the city.
Soldiers and Airmen
were required to stop every
non-emergency response
vehicle to identify the occupants and their
purpose for being in and around the city.
“We checked to make sure they were
DOD employees and that they were going
to where they were supposed to be and
not hindering the fi refi ghters’ efforts,” said
Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth Griego, 150th
Operation Group.
Because many routes were closed
completely and others restricted due to
security concerns, it was extremely important
for the New Mexico National Guard
to assist local law enforcement
and emergency responders with
accountability and traffi c control.
“If they were not authorized
personnel, we turned them
around and directed them to an
alternate route,” said Griego.
With the fi re being unpredictable
and the uncertainty of the
residents’ return, the citizens of
Los Alamos were assured that
their personal properties and the
city of Los Alamos were
in good hands with the
partnership of the local
and state law enforcement
agencies and the
New Mexico National Guard.
Because of the burn scar left by the Las
Conchas Fire, the New Mexico National
Guard was asked to assist with erosion
management by emplacing concrete barriers
to try to channel projected runoff during
the monsoon season.
Other fi res the New Mexico National
Guard assisted with were the Wallow Fire in
Luna and Reserve, the Track Fire in Raton
and the Donaldson Fire in Hondo.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 3

226th Military Police Battalion
trains for law and order
Story and photos by Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
Military Police units serve an important
role in the New Mexico National
Guard. MPs are trained in fi ve main
functional areas: police intelligence
operations, internment and resettlement,
law and order, area security and
maneuver and mobility support, which
makes an MP unique. MP units are
ready to deploy at a moment’s notice,
whether keeping law and order during a
fi re in our communities, or deploying to
combat performing internment/resettlement
missions.
With the 226th Military Police Battalion
being called to communities throughout
the state for various missions, it is
important, now more than ever, to train
with an emphasis on law and order.
With the new battalion commander, Lt.
Col. Steve Garcia, the MPs did just that
during their annual training.
During the 226th annual training,
which included the 126th Military Police
Company, the 919th Military Police
Company and the 226th Headquarters
Detachment, they concentrated on the
law and order function that is vital to
being an MP.
“This year’s annual training was
broken into two distinct phases,” said
Capt. Isaac J.Tenorio, commander of the
126th MP Co. “We had a military phase
and a police phase.”
The fi rst week of annual training
focused on the police phase, which was
conducted in Deming, N.M., and focused
on law enforcement certifi cation.
The military portion was conducted
at Stallion Range on White Sands Missile
Range, N.M., and focused on small
arms qualifi cation and weapons familiarization.
According to Tenorio, the purpose of
conducting AT this way was to ensure
that every MP was given an opportunity
to get their law enforcement certifi cation.
“Part of the law enforcement certifi -
cation are two blocks of instruction on
4 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
the use and employment of oleoresin
capsicum spray and the X26 taser,” said
Tenorio.
One of the MP requirements of
learning to employ both weapons was
to experience their effects fi rsthand by
being sprayed across the forehead and
being tasered for fi ve seconds.
Although some traditional Soldiers
from the 226th are civilian police offi cers,
the battalion asked two highly qualifi ed
New Mexico State Police offi cers to conduct
the taser and OC spray training.
“We have all the confi dence in the
world that our Soldiers could accomplish
the task,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jose
A. Chavez, 226th MP Bn. training and
operations noncommissioned offi cer.
“We wanted our Soldiers to get the
best training available from the best
instructors available, and we believe we
accomplished that.”
According to Chavez, a law enforcement
certifi cation has never been
done in the state, and the MPs from
the 226th Bn. accomplished the task
while having fun.
In addition to law enforcement certifi
cation, the battalion wanted to provide
individual training for cooks, mechanics,
and administrative Soldiers in their
military occupational specialty sets.
The battalion qualifi ed 100% of their
Soldiers on SAQ, while expending a
huge amount of ammunition on some
quality training to include .50-caliber,
M-203 grenade launcher, and M-500
shotgun.
“We had max participation from all
Soldiers who went to AT this year,” said
Tenorio. “We had “non-MPs” volunteer
to be tasered and OC’d which refl ects
the overall commitment and dedication
of Soldiers in the battalion. We accomplished
all these events and training
objectives while always keeping safety
at the top of our priority list.”

New Mexico National Guard
Bump assumes command of the
111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, NMARNG
Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, Land Forces Component commander, hands the 111th MEB guidon to Col.
Thomas Bump, incoming commander, during a Change of Command ceremony at the Rio Rancho
Armory July 9, 2011. Photo: Staff Sgt. Tony Olmos, 920th Engineer Company, Detachment 1
The 111th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade kicked off July drill with an early
morning Change of Command ceremony.
Col. Thomas Bump replaced Col. Severo
Martinez as the brigade’s commander July
9, 2011, at the Rio Rancho Armory, where
the 111th is headquartered.
To assume command of the 111th,
Bump relinquished command of the 515th
Regiment (Regional Training Institute), in
Santa Fe, N.M., to Col. Eric Judkins.
Martinez, who had commanded the brigade
since November 2009, stepped down
to complete his resident course at the U.S.
Army War College before deploying to Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Juan Griego, Land Forces
Component commander, presided over
the passing of the brigade colors from
Martinez to Bump. Griego also presented
the Meritorious Service Medal to Martinez
for his tenure as commander of the 111th
MEB. Griego said that Martinez earned the
trust and confi dence of his Soldiers and
oversaw the integration of infantry into the
brigade while supporting forward elements
of the 111th in Kosovo and readying other
units for multinational force and observers
duty in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt.
Griego then reassured the audience
that the 111th remains in capable hands.
“Col. Bump is a proven leader. He has
consistently stepped up to provide his
knowledge and experience to successfully
accomplish the mission,” said Griego.
“It has been an honor and a privilege
to command this brigade,” said Martinez.
“One of the great things about command
is getting to meet talented young Soldiers
like Sgt. Fabian Martinez (a New
Mexico Guardsman seriously wounded in
combat). I’m a better person for getting to
know this strong man.”
“To the Soldiers of the 111th,” said
Bump, “always remember that offi cers
come and go. The legacy of this unit is in
your hands.”
During the ceremony, Martinez presented
Army Commendation Medals to
Sgt. 1st Class Gary Griego, Staff Sgts.
Cruz Castro, Eric Mares, Michael Yardman,
and Sgt. Manuel C de Baca.
Besides Griego, Martinez, and Bump,
the offi cial party consisted of Chaplain
1st Lt. Timothy Martin, who delivered the
invocation and benediction, and 111th
MEB Command Sgt. Maj. James Rivera.
Distinguished guests at the ceremony
included Mahlon Love, the civilian aide
to the Secretary of the Army; Maj. Gen.
Kenny Montoya, the Adjutant General of
New Mexico; Brig. Gen. Paul Peña, deputy
adjutant general; retired Maj. Gen. Melvin
Montaño, former adjutant general; and
retired Brig. Gens. Robert Martinez and
George Treadwell.
The 111th MEB has two assigned battalions:
1st Battalion, 200th Infantry, headquartered
in Las Cruces, N.M., and the
717th Brigade Support Battalion, based in
Roswell, N.M. Both battalions had representative
elements in the ceremonial formation,
which also included the headquarters
and headquarters company and Soldiers
of the Recruit Sustainment Program.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 5

Engineers conduct AT on the border
By 2nd Lt. Ernest B. Carlson IV, 2nd Detachment, 920th Engineer Company
The New Mexico National Guard’s 920th
Engineer Company conducted road and
fence repair missions for the U.S. Border
Patrol as part of their 2011 annual training.
The training began July 11, 2011, and was
composed of three rotations that worked
day in and day out to complete the missions
handed down.
Soldiers from Rio Rancho, Hobbs and
Carlsbad traveled in large convoys with
heavy construction equipment to a small
farm owned by Bill Johnson, who was contracted
to supply the Soldiers of the 920th
with meals and lodging.
The unit had two missions—the fi rst was
to knock out some low water crossings
right on the border road. The second was
to move the border fence to more stable
ground and weld it back in place.
The low water crossings were V-shaped
concrete slabs that were completely ineffective.
The Soldiers installed water culverts
to both raise the road and allow water
to pass without dead-lining the road after
a heavy rain. The 920th rebuilt a total of
seven water crossings.
This accomplishment was an amazing
achievement for the unit due to the fact that
the rock quarry was an hour away from the
project site. The dump truck operators had
a two-and-a-half- to three-hour turnaround
depending on the weather. It was because
of the hustle of the lower enlisted that the
water crossing mission was so successful.
6 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
The second task was to move the border
fence to more stable ground. The existing
fence had either sunk into the ground over
time or was damaged by individuals determined
to get across with vehicles. The Soldiers
used a HYEX to lift the sections of fence
that resemble Normandy barriers onto the
lip of the border road in order to keep it from
eroding into the ground. Once they set the
fence into place, the Soldiers welded it back
together, while making sure that individuals
trying to break through the fence would have
to redefi ne their dedication if they wished to
be successful in breaching the new fence.
The Border Patrol was pleased with the
completion of both missions.
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya,
the Adjutant General, Command
Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Adair, the
state command sergeant major,
Col. Mark Arellano, counterdrug
coordinator, and Chief Warrant
Offi cer Lawrence Jiron, director
of information management
and recruit sustainment program
commander, visited the working
sites and boosted the Soldiers’
morale. The Soldiers were briefed
by Montoya and Adair, and a few
Soldiers were awarded coins for
their performances which were
“Beyond the Standard.”

Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 7

New Mexico National Guard team completes
“Toughest event on the Planet”
By Tammy Scarlott-Maynard
Want to test your physical and mental toughness? How about
your team skills? How about all three at the same time on a grueling
12-mile obstacle course? That’s the pledge a team of New Mexico
National Guard Soldiers made when they entered a unique event
called “Tough Mudder” June 25-26 in Beaver Creek, Colo.
Staff Sgts. Joshua Maynard, David McCloud, Aaron Garcia,
Sgts. Monterey Herrera, Nicolas Escandonroguett and Spc. Mark
Currier from the 1st Battalion, 515th Regional Training Institute
Warrior Leader Course, entered this year’s event as Team Tracer
Burnout 2011.
Tough Mudder has been termed the “toughest event on the
planet” by many. This 12-mile event was designed with the help of
British Special Forces and is intended to test physical and mental
strength beyond what most typical endurance races do. It is not
a timed race and tries to avoid identifying with the term “race” as
they consider the event to be a personal challenge for each participant
to complete the grueling course. The company Travlete
awarded Tough Mudder the “Best Adventure Race” for 2010 (http//
travlete.com/2010/12/28/year-in-review/). The philosophy behind
the event is to support camaraderie among the participants, as
many of the 23 military obstacles in the 12-mile course require the
help of a fellow teammate. With the focus of not fi nishing for time,
many of the teams begin and end the challenge together.
While the event itself attracts many U.S. military for its inventive
series of obstacles, its main focus is to raise money for a most
worthy cause, the Wounded Warrior Project. Each Tough Mudder
event raises millions of dollars through entry fees and spectator
donations. This year’s Beaver Creek event was said to have raised
$3,000,000 on this occasion alone.
Team Tracer Burnout pledged to begin and fi nish this Tough
Mudder as a team.
8 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Tammy Scarlott-Maynard, wife
of Staff Sgt. Josh Maynard, said
she is proud of each and every
one of them for their commitment
to one another and their professional
goals. For some of them, it
was their fi rst long distance obstacle
course.
Initially, many of these instructors took on the challenge to participate
because of the absurd obstacles and the enticement of
an event that appeals to their adventurous spirit. However, after
fi nishing the course, they each earned a new sense of pride and
a desire to further their physical and mental fi tness. Their hope is
to challenge more men and women of the New Mexico National
Guard to commit to a course of physical training that places an
emphasis on team building and accountability. They also plan to
have a large representation of
New Mexico National Guard
Soldiers at the event planned
for Albuquerque in 2013.
Watching these men cross
the fi nish line together was
a proud moment for a wife
as well as a proud moment
for the New Mexico National
Guard. They truly embrace
what it means to be an
American Soldier and to live
“Beyond the Standard.

Offi cer Candidate School Class 55-12
Back row, from left, Benjamin Jensen, Michael Simpson, Katherine DePalo, Jose Cabezuela, Thomas Etterling.
Front row, Jordin Martin, Jerome Bustamante, Daniel Soliz, Antonio Garcia, Keely Wells.
The Offi cer Candidate
School Class 55-12 completed
the consolidated Phase I in
Salina, Kan. June 10 – 24 , 2011.
The class consists of 220 offi cer
candidates from eight different
states. Phase I is the fi rst step
in the OCS commissioning
process in which candidates
are evaluated in various leadership
positions. They must also
complete a 5-mile foot march
with a 35-pound ruck sack,
conduct day and night land
navigation, cover operations,
training management and leadership
doctrine.
New Mexico led the way
by having the fastest female,
Offi cer Candidate Katherine
DePalo, complete the 5-mile
foot march with a time of one
hour and 21 minutes. All ten
candidates completed Phase I
successfully and advanced to
Phase II.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 9

111th MEB hosts Bataan
Liberation Prayer Breakfast
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, NMARNG
The 111th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade of the New Mexico Army National
Guard hosted the 2nd Annual Bataan Liberation
Prayer Breakfast at its headquarters
in Rio Rancho Aug. 7, 2011. Honorees
included two Bataan survivors who were
joined by approximately 130 Soldiers for
the event.
The distinguished guests included
William Overmier and his wife Ann, John
Love, Margaret Garcia, Mahlon Love, and
Ty Teel. Overmier and John Love are both
Bataan survivors, having served in the
200th Coast Artillery. Garcia represented
her father, Evans Garcia, another Bataan
and 200th Coast Artillery veteran, who
died earlier this year. Mahlon Love is the
civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army
for New Mexico, and Teel is the commander
of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
5890 in Rio Rancho.
Maj. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the Adjutant
General of New Mexico, and Col. Thomas
Bump, commander of the 111th MEB, also
attended the breakfast.
Overmier was the guest speaker, sharing
how he joined the New Mexico National
Guard for gas money and how he and his
comrades were outfi tted with World War I
equipment as they fought on the Philippine
Islands during the fi rst few months of U.S.
involvement in World War II.
On April 9, 1942, approximately 12,000
American Soldiers, including members of
the New Mexico National Guard’s 200th
and 515th Coast Artillery regiments, were
ordered to surrender to the Japanese at
the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines.
The Japanese then forced their prisoners
to walk 65 miles to prisoner-of-war camps
during the now infamous Bataan Death
March. In the POW camps, these Soldiers
endured degrading and horrifi c treatment,
diseases and malnourishment. Many of
the prisoners were shipped to Japan for
10 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
William Overmier, a Bataan veteran and former prisoner of war, studies a historical display at the 2nd
Annual Bataan Liberation Prayer Breakfast held Aug. 7, 2011, in the Rio Rancho Readiness Center.
The event, hosted by the New Mexico Army National Guard’s 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade,
honored Bataan veterans and commemorated their freedom. Overmier was the guest speaker.
Approximately 130 National Guard Soldiers attended the breakfast with Bataan survivors and their
family members as well as other dignitaries. Photo: Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 111th MEB, NMARNG
forced labor. Of the 1,800 soldiers that
were sent to the Philippines during World
War II as members of the 200th and 515th
– many from New Mexico – only some
900 returned.
Overmier bluntly stated that some of his
fellow Soldiers died aboard the “hell” ships
en route to Japan as American planes
attacked the vessels.
“The pilots had no way of knowing that
there were Americans on those ships,”
said Overmier. “I know that sounds negative,
but that’s what happened.”
Overmier witnessed more of his brothers-in-arms
falling to sickness, starvation
and abuse at the hands of their Japanese
captors, who routinely confi scated anything
of value from American prisoners.
During the breakfast, all present
recited the Pledge of Allegiance. They
were treated to the playing of “America
the Beautiful” and “God Bless America”
after Bump’s opening remarks. Maj.
Danny Olson read Psalm 23 and Capt.
Richard Turk read Psalm 91. Newly promoted
Spc. Emily Gallo recited the Bataan
“motto” written by Frank Hewlett in 1942:
“We’re the Battling Bastards of Bataan; no
mama, no papa, no Uncle Sam; no pills,
no planes, no artillery pieces; and nobody
gives a damn!”
Besides honoring the Bataan veterans
and commemorating their liberation, the
prayer breakfast united past and present
warriors, since many of the Soldiers there
were veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq.
In his benediction, Chaplain 1st Lt. Timothy
Martin said, “We ask that you instill in
each of us the fi ghting spirit of the Battling
Bastards of Bataan.”

Forty years and
state command chief
looks for a fi shing
hole to call his own
By Tech. Sgt. Kathee Mullins, 150th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
When the Air Force split off from the Army and became their own branch of the
military, the Army lost a great Soldier and future sergeant major. At least, that is what
some believe happened with State Command Chief David T. Griego.
And after 40 years of meritorious service, Griego, hangs his hat up one last time
in a place that has been home for four decades. He has seen a lot, accomplished a
lot and has acquired a very large family, all because he could fi re a musket qualifying
as an expert.
In 1971, a very young Griego held his hand up and took an oath to defend and
protect his country. He traded his grocery store job for working at, what was the
188th POL (Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants) and a chance to go overseas. From
airman basic to state command chief, Griego gained knowledge and respect from
his peers and superiors, but he never lost his title of a thrifty, generous, caring, go-to
guy. Exactly 40 years later he ends his career; but he won’t be gone, he still has
family here.
“At 41 years old I became adjutant general and he has 40 years in the Air Guard.
When I think of Chief Griego, I think of his loyalty to the offi cer corps and his
dedication to his Airmen. And he is never afraid to say what he thinks when
it comes to his Airmen. He is truly a symbol of a great senior NCO. We
will all miss him. Thank you for everything you have done,” said Maj. Gen.
Kenny Montoya, Adjutant General of the New Mexico National Guard.
Griego’s younger brother, Adam, also a member of the 150th Fighter
Wing, told the audience how thrifty his brother was through the years.
“When David was younger, he would buy dented cans of food and bring
them home to Mom. He was always thrifty, but generous. In fact he is the
only one I know that would walk three blocks to the Lobos game to save the
$5 parking,” said Master Sgt. Adam Griego. “Once when his battery needed
to be replaced, he went to the automotive store and bought the cheapest
battery, putting it in the trunk of his car. He changed the battery out one
night in the pouring rain when the old battery would no longer crank. He
was so happy that he got the very last crank out of the old battery.”
“Yet as thrifty as he was, he was always generous. He would get a new
truck or vehicle and pass the old one down to Dad or one of the nieces or
nephews. We are proud of you. We love you. And thank you for everything,”
added Adam Griego.
The fi rst sergeants, represented by Master Sgts. Cupp and Lamb, said they
couldn’t ask for a better command chief, adding that the chief always kept
them entertained by yelling at Gorman (Senior Master Sgt. James Gorman).
Griego began his farewell speech by saying, “Thanks to my family for
your love and support.”
Then he went on jokingly to clear the record one last time about himself.
“I do have a little green in me, my father was in the Army,” Griego said. “I
get my soft attitude from my mom. And as far as being accused of being
anti-offi cer…my wife is an offi cer.
“To my boss, I don’t have the words to express my gratitude. To my
fellow Guardsmen, thank you for being here today. My fi nal salute goes to
you,” he said in closing.
New Mexico Army National Guard State Command Chief
David T. Griego retired after 40 years of service with the
150th Fighter Wing on Kirtland Air Force in Albuquerque,
N.M., Aug. 7, 2011. Photos: Staff Sgt Roberto Bilbao.
The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, honors State
Command Chief David T. Griego by pinning the Distinguished Service
Medal on Griego at a retirement ceremony at the 150th Fighter
Wing on Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 11

B Co., 1st Bn. races away with TAG Challenge trophy
By Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Mallary, 111th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Spc. Eric Martinez, 200th Public Affairs Detachment
The New Mexico Army National Guard
held its fi nal TAG Challenge of the year
at the Onate Training Complex Sept. 11,
2010.
This Challenge saw the largest turnout
yet with 18 10-member teams competing,
six more teams than last year. Also in
attendance at this year’s competition was
Gov. Susana Martinez and fi rst gentleman
Chuck Franco. Martinez took in the opening
ceremonies, observed the APFT and
spent time speaking with the Soldiers and
Airmen.
“The events and the competition from
the other teams was tough,” said 1st Lt.
12 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Tommy Truex, executive offi cer, Company
B, 1st Battalion 200th Infantry. “Our team
and the two Air Guard teams were neck
and neck the whole time.”
The two-time defending champs from
Company B, 1-200th Infantry once again
bested their competitors by winning three
of the fi ve events to take home the TAG
Challenge’s traveling cup.
“The 2nd and 3rd place teams were
really close, but 1st was a run away—Bravo
Company. 1-200th earned 400 points, Alpha
Company 1-200th earned 290 and Air 2
earned 250 points,” said 1st Lt. Michael
Roybal, Company B, 1-200th Infantry.
“This one was extremely important
because we wanted the traveling cup. You
can only win it once a year,” said Truex.
“That’s why we pushed ourselves so hard.”
The biggest hurdle for most of the competitors
was the Challenge’s four-and-ahalf-mile
ruck march with a 35-pound ruck.
“The ruck is the toughest event for most
teams because it’s not just you. The time
recorded is the time it takes for the last
man on your team to cross the fi nish line,”
said Roybal. “So you’re pushing yourself
to keep up with the rest of the team, and
everyone else is taking care of the last man
by pulling him along. It’s pretty brutal.”

“It was our biggest kick in the pants for
sure,” said Truex. “We had two guys help
pull whoever was struggling.”
The top three overall scores in the APFT
competition were not from Company B, but
no other team could beat their average.
“We had seven different individuals in
the extended scale, although we didn’t have
anyone with the top three overall scores,”
said Truex.
The men’s top three APFT scores were
earned by Pfc. Hugo Diaz-Maya (389), Company
A, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry; Tech. Sgt.
Nathaniel Bartnick (370), Air 2; and Master Sgt.
Billy Martinez (367), Air 2. The extended scale
was used for competitors who scored more
than the normal maximum of 300 points.
The top three women for the APFT (and
their scores) were Sgt. 1st Class Anna Vigil
(299), Joint Forces Headquarters; Spc. Traci
Woodard (289), 111th Maneuver Enhancement
Brigade; and Pfc. Krisha Armada (279),
919th Military Police Company.
Company B only lost two events: the relay
race to the New Mexico Air National Guard’s
Air 2 Team and the marksmanship range to
1/171st Aviation Battalion team.
“We did not win the marksmanship event,
which was surprising. That shows that we
still have stuff to work on,” said Truex. “We
are going to get in some more range time,
but we’ll stick with our PT plan and continue
to dominate.”
Awards were presented after closing
remarks by Maj. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the
Adjutant General of New Mexico, and State
Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Adair.
With the last TAG Challenge of the year
completed, Company B looks forward to
defending their title next year.
“We are going to continue to dominate
and bring the heat. We are planning on
bringing more than one team next time and
we’ll get 1st and 2nd place,” said Truex.
Fall 2011 / / NEW NEW MEXICO National Guard 13

Joining the offi cer ranks
Six candidates accept commission
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs, JFHQ
After 18 rigorous months of training, six candidates from the Offi cer Candidate
School class 54-11 accepted their commission into the New Mexico Army
National Guard as second lieutenants Sept. 11, 2011, at Onate Training Complex
in Santa Fe, N.M.
Offi cer Candidates Carlos Chavez, Heather Macdonald, Jose Martinez, Laura
Martinez, Erin Montoya, and Anthony Ulibarri took the oath of offi ce that initiated
their service as commissioned offi cers.
The day’s events began with a ruck march led by the Adjutant
General, Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, followed by completion
of the obstacle course and rappel tower.
Gov. Susana Martinez surprised the candidates at the rappel
tower when she arrived and pinned the new second lieutenants.
“It was truly an honor to have Gov. Martinez take the time to
pin all of us and welcome us into the offi cer ranks,” said 2nd Lt.
Erin Montoya, a graduate of class 54-11. “I really respect her
for taking an interest in our Soldiers and the organization.”
After getting into their dress attire, the second lieutenants
were joined by their families and friends for an offi cial ceremony
where they were pinned by loved ones and reaffi rmed the oath
of offi ce administered by Maj. Gen. Montoya.
“We were focused, driven, and inspired by each other to
push through the obstacles that were in front of us,” said 2nd
Lt. Jose Martinez, class president.
According to Martinez, because of the shared experiences
gained from four branches of the Armed Forces: Army, Marines,
Navy and Air Force, the graduating class will have the opportunity
to make a difference as leaders and Citizen-Soldiers.
Col. Richard Rael, guest speaker for the ceremony, addressed
the new offi cers. Rael offered the new offi cers words of wisdom
to assist them in their journey as leaders.
Maj. Chirstopher Garcia also addressed the offi cers and their
families, assuring the family members that their Soldiers’ hard
work and dedication to the program helped mold them from fi ne
Soldiers to young offi cers.
“We made them work long hours, we took them out of state
to train and kept them away from home for days at a time,” said
Garcia. “They came home grouchy, tired and sore; but after 18
months of grueling training and 243 hours of classroom instruction,
the fi nal product is what you see today.”
Garcia went on to announce the winners of the Physical Fitness
Award, Academic Excellence Award, Leadership Award and
the Erickson Award.
Winning the Physical Fitness Award and the Leadership
Award was 2nd Lt. Jose Martinez. The Academic Excellence
Award and the Erickson Award were awarded to 2nd Lt. Anthony
Ulibarri.
The lieutenants have been assigned to various units throughout
the state where they will implement the training they have
learned over the past 18 months.
14 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Offi cer Candidate Carlos Chavez is
pinned to the rank of second lieutenant
by Gov. Susana Martinez at the Onate
Training Complex in Santa Fe, N.M.
Offi cer Candidate Laura Martinez is pinned to
the rank of second lieutenant by her daughter
Rory Martinez during the OCS graduation
ceremony at the Regional Training Institute in
Santa Fe, N.M.
Offi cer Candidate Heather
Macdonald struggles over
one of the many obstacles
on the obstacle course
before being promoted to
second lieutenants at the
Onate Training Complex
in Santa Fe, N.M..
Governor Susanna Martinez and the fi rst gentleman, Chuck Franco, pose for
a picture with the newly promoted second lieutenants at the Onate Training
Complex in Santa Fe, N.M. Sept. 11, 2011.

Rael shares leadership qualities with
newly commissioned second lieutenants
The following keynote address was delivered by Col. Richard Rael (USPFO)
at the OCS graduation Sept. 11, 2011, at the Onate Complex, Santa Fe, N.M. Maj.
Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, The Adjutant General, wanted to share this with you, the
members of the New Mexico National Guard.
As you start your careers as leaders today, I
would like to offer some brief thoughts on what
I believe are the qualities a young leader must
have to be successful.
For starters, great leaders must have vision,
the ability to get your eyes to see beyond the
day-to-day tasks and problems; to be able to look
beyond tomorrow and discern a world of possibilities
and potential. You must see what others
do not or cannot, and then always be prepared
and ready to act on your vision.
An additional quality necessary for leadership
is self-confi dence. Not the chest pumping, inyour-face
bravado that we read about or see in so
many war movies. Rather, it is the quiet self-assurance
that allows a leader to give others both real
responsibility and real credit for success. A leader
is able to make decisions but then delegate and
trust others to make things happen. This, by no
means, means turning your back after making a
decision and hoping for the best. It means trusting
in your Soldiers at the same time you hold
them accountable.
Another essential quality of leadership is integrity.
Without this, real leadership is not possible. Too
many times in today’s world, it seems like integrity,
or honor or character, is kind of quaint, a curious,
old-fashioned notion. How many times do we have
to read about the successful and intelligent people
in and out of government who succumb to the
easy wrong rather than to the hard right?
Inattenti on, a sense of entitlement and the
notion that rules do not apply to you is a proven
path to failure.
A real leader must have personal virtues: selfreliance,
self-control, honor and morality.
A further quality of leadership is courage: not
just physical courage, (I have no doubt that any
of you would, without hesitation, jump on that grenade
if need be) but moral courage!! The courage
to do what is right and not just what is popular;
the courage to stand alone if need be; the courage
to act; the courage as a military offi cer to “speak
truth to power.” Understand this: for everyone who
becomes a leader, the time will inevitably come
when you must stand alone. When alone, you
must say, “This is wrong; I disagree with all of you.
Because I have the responsibility, this is what we
will do.” Don’t fool yourselves. It takes real courage.
And will you be ready when you are tested?
A fi nal quality of real leadership, I believe, is
simply common decency, treating those around
you and, above
all, your subordinates,
with fairness and respect. A true test of
leadership is how you treat those you outrank, or
as President Truman once said, “How you treat
those who can’t talk back.” Besides, as a second
lieutenant, you really don’t outrank anyone. You
will learn this very soon.
I also ask you to remember that the true backbone
of the Army is the enlisted soldier, the NCO.
Depend on them, believe in them, and always
support them…but don’t cuddle them…develop
them and prepare them for both peacetime and
war, if need be. The most powerful weapon in
the U.S. arsenal is not the F22 Raptor, the M1A2
battle tank, or even the mighty aircraft carrier; it is
the well-trained and ready Soldier. And this will
be your charter, your responsibility.
Whatever your military occupational specialty
may be, use your authority over others for constructive
purposes. Help them to watch out and
care for their families, help them improve their
skills and advance, and ease their hardships
whenever possible. All of this can be done without
compromising discipline or authority.
Common decency builds respect and in a
true democratic society, respect is what prompts
people to give their all for a leader, even if it means
great personal sacrifi ce.
And know this… At some point along your path
you will surely encounter failure or disappointment
of one kind or another. Most of us have. If
at those times you hold true to your standards,
then you will always succeed, if only in knowing
you stayed true and honorable.
In the fi nal analysis, what really matters are not
the failures and disappointments themselves; but
how you respond, how you learn, how to move
forward and how you improve.
The qualities of leadership I have described
today do not suddenly emerge fully developed
overnight or as a revelation after you become a
leader. These qualities have already started to show
once you chose to become an offi cer; it is now up
to you and throughout your career to strengthen
them and resist the temptation of self before service.
I hope you keep these thoughts with you as you
advance in your careers. Above all, remember that
the true measure of leadership is not how you react in
times of peace or times of peril. The true measure of
leadership is how you react when your Soldiers look
you in the eye and say, “Sir, what do we do next?”
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 15

By Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera, State Public Affairs Offi cer
The New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 20
graduated 32 cadets June 18, 2011, at Bates Hall on the
campus of New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, N.M.
Over the previous fi ve months, the graduates were
challenged by cadre, teachers, and members from the
New Mexico National Guard to exceed in academic
excellence (GED/high school attainment), life-coping
skills, leadership/followership, and physical fi tness. On
graduation day the cadets exemplifi ed those expectations
set before them.
Gov. Susana Martinez and the fi rst gentlemen, Chuck
Franco, attended the graduation and Martinez delivered
keynote remarks for the ceremony.
Also in attendance were Roswell Mayor Del Jurney,
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, Adjutant General of the
New Mexico National Guard, Brig. Gen. Paul Pena,
deputy adjutant general, and retired Brig. Gen. Jack
Fox, who serves as the Youth ChalleNGe director.
The graduates will continue the fi nal phase of the
program, which includes a 12-month post-residential
mentor phase.
16 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Youth ChalleNGe begins
training in Santa Fe
Story and photos by Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
The New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe
Academy Class 21 began their oneweek
pre-challenge phase at the Onate
Training Complex in Santa Fe, N.M., July
25, 2011.
The pre-challenge phase began when
52 student candidates arrived in Roswell,
N.M., and were in-processed, received
haircuts, were issued equipment and
formed into a platoon where a cadre of
instructors began to train them.
With the help of Soldiers in the New
Mexico National Guard, the academy
will transition candidates into cadets
before leaving for Roswell to complete
their 22-week resident course.
During their stay in Santa Fe, the candidates will be challenged physically
and mentally in an environment that encourages camaraderie, leadership and
responsibility.
The candidates will learn several basic common skill tasks, in addition to completing
confi dence and team building exercises. Some of the skills the candidates
will learn include military protocol, rank recognition, marching maneuvers, chain
of command, and uniform inspection.
Youth Challenge Academy graduates 32 Cadets

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program –
victim advocates can help
By 1st Sgt. Cecilia R. Chavez
The purpose of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program is to reinforce
the New Mexico National Guard and the Department of Defense commitment to eliminate
incidents of sexual assault through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness, prevention,
training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability.
The policy on the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program applies:
• Both on and off post and during duty and non-duty hours.
• Working, living, and recreational environments (including both on- and off-post housing).
The goals of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program are to:
• Create a climate that eliminates incidents of sexual assault, which impact New Mexico
National Guard’s men/women, civilians, and family members. If an incident should occur,
ensure that victims and subjects are treated according to DoD or military policy.
• Create a climate that encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault without fear.
• Establish sexual assault prevention training and awareness programs to educate service
members.
• Ensure sensitive and comprehensive treatment to restore victims’ health and well-being.
• Ensure that leaders understand their roles and responsibilities regarding response to sexual
assault victims, thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual assault, and take appropriate
administrative and disciplinary action.
Sexual assault is a crime defi ned as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of
force, physical threat, abuse of authority, or when the victim does not or cannot consent.
Sexual assault is
• Rape • Indecent assault (unwanted, inappropriate sexual contact or fondling)
• Non consensual sodomy (oral or anal sex) • Attempts to commit these acts
If you are interested in supporting the Sexual Assault Response Program by being a
victim advocate please contact 1st Sgt. Cecilia Chavez. An advocate provides quality support
and assurance to rape / sexual assault victims. Victims turn to victim advocates for a
great deal of support during a critical time of need. If you or someone you know has been
sexually assaulted and needs assistance, listed below are victim advocates who are trained
and can support our New Mexico Soldiers in the time of need.
615th Trans Bn., Taos.............. SFC Norman Martinez
111th Bde., Rio Rancho........... SFC Crystal Romero
111th Bde., Rio Rancho........... CPT Mack Stanford
HHC 111th, Rio Rancho........... 1LT Jose Arellano
HHC 111th, Rio Rancho........... SFC Cesar Ceja
HHC 111th, Rio Rancho........... MAJ Stanford Mack
HHC 111th, Rio Rancho........... SFC Ronette Martinez
As your sexual assault response coordinator, my goal is to ensure that service members
who are victimized receive the sensitive, confi dential and immediate comprehensive care
and treatment they need to restore their health and well-being.
For more information contact:
Cecilia R. Chavez
505-474-1515 (offi ce phone) • 505-274-1139 (BB)
Cecilia.chavez@us.army.mil
717th CSB, Roswell................ MAJ Victor Santos
HHC, 717th CSB, Roswell........ SFC Annabelle Gasca
JFHQ, Santa Fe........................ SSG Donna Sullivan
RTI, Santa Fe........................... MSG Andrew Spears
150th WING, Albuquerque....... SMSgt John Singletary
150th WING, Albuquerque....... MAJ Tracy O’neal
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 17

1116th Transportation Company
1116th Transportation Company
drives its way to a successful AT
By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Castillo, 1116th Transportation Company
The 1116th Transportation Company participated
in the 27th Annual Golden Coyote multicomponent
annual training exercise with Army
National Guard units from fi fteen different states,
including Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North
Dakota and South Dakota, as well as a Colorado
Air National Guard unit, a Navy medical unit and
a United States Army Reserve unit. More than
2,100 Soldiers participated in the exercise at
Custer State Park, the largest state park in South
Dakota, spanning 71,000 acres of mountainous
terrain and known for its wildlife.
The Golden Coyote mission was twofold.
In phase one, the 1116th participated in warrior
lanes training, conducting land navigation,
leader reaction course, mobility operations
in urban terrain, Humvee egress assistance
trainer, virtual convoy operations trainer and
convoy lanes. The warrior lanes training was
supported by trained observer controllers from
the South Dakota National Guard.
In phase two, the Golden Coyote Task Force worked in conjunction
with the Sioux Indian Reservation and the U.S. Department
of Forestry to provide the Sioux Nation with fi rewood for the
long South Dakota winters. This humanitarian mission required
the Soldiers of the 1116th and other transportation companies
to conduct convoys through hundreds of miles in the Black Hills,
with individual missions involving one day of picking up the timber
and a second day of dropping off the timber on the reservation.
The timber hauling missions were requested by the higher headquarters
12-24 hours in advance, and all proper documentation
had to be submitted prior to the mission. Golden Coyote was an
operational mission making it fantastic real world training.
The 1116th convoyed approximately 1,000 miles one way from
Gallup and Farmington, N.M., to Camp Lancer with 33 M-915A3
tractor trailers, 42 M-871 trailers, one lowboy trailer, two LMTV’s,
eight Humvees, and a water buffalo. The 1116th was completely
self-suffi cient for both the timber hauling mission and the warrior
lanes training.
The 1116th Soldiers were dedicated to ensuring the safety of
their Soldiers, sensitive items and all their equipment. The truckmasters,
Sgt. 1st Class Jefferson Henio and Sgt. 1st Class Julian
Chino, worked diligently to coordinate the mission packets and
the warrior lanes training packet to provide the convoy commanders
and assistants complete convoy packets for mission accomplishment.
The maintenance section completed several scheduled
services and repaired a number of vehicles during AT. All the
assigned Soldiers stepped up to ensure the overall success of the
Golden Coyote humanitarian mission.
18 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
The 1116th was also able to train all tasks on the mission
essential task list. A transportation company is required to conduct
convoy operations, redirect vehicle operations using movement
tracking systems, conduct truck platoon operations, establish
areas of operations, perform composite risk management
procedures, conduct unit supply & administration operations,
manage transportation operations, manage maintenance operations,
and deploy and redeploy. This full spectrum METL training
is a major advantage for a unit preparing for deployment to a
combat theater.
Sgts. Everett Gilbert, Irvin Livingston and Paul King earned the
Army Achievement Medal for putting their U.S. Forest Service training
to use immediately after arriving in South Dakota and ensuring
that all timber loads were completed safely for the Soldiers’ safety
and the safety of the civilian community. They spent the majority
of the annual training attached to 516th Engineer Company
at Camp Custer Forward Operating Base deep in the Black Hills
of South Dakota. Sgt. 1st Class Terrance Paden was awarded an
Army Commendation Medal for hauling a mission critical 10K forklift
with the only lowboy trailer available to each of the timber drop
sites throughout the Sioux Indian Reservation.
Staff Sgt. Terrill Lee and Sgt. 1st Class Dean Schultz were
awarded ARCOMs and a South Dakota TAG coin for stopping
and assisting a stabbing victim outside Ellsworth Air Force Base
where Camp Lancer was located. Lee and Schultz rendered fi rst
aid, diverted traffi c and waited for the Rapid City fi rst responders to
arrive, then continued on to complete their mission.

New Mexico National Guard hosts
high school football camps
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez, State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
The New Mexico National
Guard Recruiting and Retention
Offi ce hosted high school development
football camps June 20
– 24, 2011, in Santa Fe and Albuquerque,
N.M.
The camps were tailored
to high school football teams
throughout the Albuquerque Metro Area and were designed to improve
individual and team development. Participating teams included La Cueva
High School, St. Pius High School and Manzano High School.
Throughout the week, football teams traveled to Santa Fe to participate
in the National Guard High School Team Building Course held at the Onate
Training Complex. Teams participated in a fast rope run, team relay, rappel
tower operations and a confi dence course.
The National Guard also teamed up with The National Football League
to host the High School Player Development Program for high school players
throughout Albuquerque. The camp was held at the University of New
Mexico Practice Fields throughout the week.
The camp focused on character development and life skills as well as
football fundamentals.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 19

20 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011

Soldiers display true meaning of Citizen-Soldier
Story contributed by Company B, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry
Before any training can take place in the
New Mexico National Guard, there are several
hours dedicated to planning. We plan
according to the location, weather and terrain.
But there are those few incidents we
don’t plan for but are always prepared for.
On June 24, 2011, Company B, 1st
Battalion, 200th Infantry, troops were conducting
a unit training event in the Jemez
Mountains near the Valles Caldera at the
East Fork of the Jemez River. During the
training the Soldiers were approached
by a frantic civilian who explained that a
rock climber had fallen off a rock that was
roughly 40 feet up and landed on his back.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Poccia and Staff Sgt.
Danny Theragood grabbed fi rst aid bags
and headed to the scene of the accident.
Upon Poccia and Theragood’s arrival
at the accident, they were met by 20 children
who had witnessed the horrifi c fall.
The children were participating in a guided
climb, when the lead guide had fallen
from the rock face. Theragood and Poccia
immediately determined that the climber
had sustained signifi cant injury to his right
side, and was having problems breathing.
Spc. Shane Keno and Pvt. Shaun Kelly
secured VS-17 panels along with additional
supplies, and Spc. Ivan Urioste contacted
the local hospitals in Los Alamos and
Jemez Springs to report the incident and
provide them with the closest mile marker
and grid coordinates of the accident.
Company B troops activated their
emergency plan and jumped into action.
As Theragood and Poccia began assessing
and rendering aid, Sgt. Andrew Lucero
stabilized the injured person’s neck to prevent
additional injury. Urioste and Pvt. Jose
Rodriguez began to cordon off the area
and move the children to a secure spot.
While Theragood, Poccia and Lucero
worked on the injured civilian, Keno and
Kelly moved to the entrance of the trail
head to set up VS-17 panels to guide fi rst
responders into the location and to clear
the parking lot of civilian vehicles to make
way for emergency personnel. When EMS
arrived on scene approximately 15 minutes
later, they found Company B Soldiers
waiting for them at the trail head to guide
them in and carry their EMS gear down the
quarter-mile trail to the injured climber.
When EMS reached the
injured man, again they
found Company B Soldiers
had already conducted a
thorough assessment, had
secured the patient in a
stokes litter, cervical collar
and backboard and had him
ready for transport to the
trail head and into the waiting
ambulance. Sgt. Seth
Heath and Keno then carried
the injured man the quarter
mile up a ravine, and to the
ambulance, where care was assumed by
an arriving paramedic ambulance. Once
care was assumed by paramedics, the
Soldiers of Company B then ensured that
the children from the guided tour were
accounted for and safe.
These Soldiers displayed the type of
personal courage, willingness to serve,
and professionalism which encompasses
the values of the Company B, 1st Battalion,
200th Infantry “Gunslingers,” the
New Mexico Army National Guard and the
United States Army.
The following Soldiers’ actions on that
day should be emulated by all, and are
in keeping with our closest traditions and
values as Citizen-Soldiers: Staff Sgt. Danny
Theragood (paramedic), Staff Sgt. Christopher
Poccia (paramedic), Sgt. Andrew
Lucero, Sgt. Seth Heath, Spc. Ivan Urioste,
Spc. Shane Keno, Pvt. Shaun Kelly, Pvt.
Jose Rodriguez.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 21

150th Fighter Wing honors their hometown heroes
By Tech. Sgt. Kathee Mullins, 150th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
The Air National Guard recognized 401 members of the 150th
Fighter Wing during the Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony Saturday,
Aug. 6, 2011, at Kirtland Air Force Base. The HHS is one of the Air
National Guard’s largest Airman Recognition endeavors in history. The
purpose of the campaign is to honor Airmen, their families and others
who do not wear the uniform but sacrifi ce nonetheless for our nation.
“Our entire nation thanks you for your service. To those of you that
own one of these fi ne Guardsmen or women, our nation can’t thank
you enough. My hat goes off to you all for your tenacity and sincerity
of service for your country. It is no small task, personally I give you a
heartfelt thanks,” said Brig. Gen. John D. Bledsoe, Assistant Adjutant
General of the Air National Guard.
Hometown Heroes is a great way to celebrate and commemorate
our veterans, their selfl ess contribution toward the freedom of our
nation, and to let them know how grateful we are for their service.
The Hometown Heroes program recognizes and awards Air National
Guard members who deploy for more than 30 continuous days in
support of contingency operations worldwide.
The program recognized 150th Fighter Wing members who have
been deployed for more than 30 consecutive days from September
2001 to January 2010. Many of the 150th Fighter Wing members have
deployed multiple times in support of contingency operations with the
majority of them completing tours nearer to 365 days.
Warrant offi cers gather to discuss professional development
By Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 Anna Hall, Joint Forces Headquarters Property Book Offi cer
Thanks to a generous invitation from retired
Brig. Gen. Jack R. Fox, the warrant offi cers of
the New Mexico Army National Guard had the
opportunity to get together for a barbecue
luncheon, a Warrant Offi cer Advisory Council
meeting and a tour of the New Mexico National
Guard’s Bataan Memorial Museum.
Joining the warrant offi cers for lunch was
Maj. Gen. Kenny C. Montoya, the Adjutant
General, Brig. Gen. Paul J. Pena, deputy adjutant
general and Col. Brian E. Baca, chief of
staff. Montoya thanked special guests Chief
Warrant Offi cer (Ret.) Salvador Soto and Chief
Warrant Offi cer (Ret.) Kenny M. Fernandez
for their past contributions to the New Mexico
National Guard and for their continued effort in
making the Guard successful.
Addressing the 23 warrant offi cers present,
Montoya spoke openly, stating that “I
don’t think you guys brag about yourselves
enough—you’re really amazing.” He urged
the warrant offi cers to focus on leadership
and to maintain a good attitude.
“I want you to become a more diverse Warrant
Offi cer Corps. I need for you to continue
to build a Guard that is open to everybody
that wants to be great,” Montoya said.
22 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
Montoya commended several warrant
offi cers for their dedication. After a civilian
aircraft tragedy in May, Montoya, Chief Warrant
Offi cer Jesse Espinoza, Chief Warrant
Offi cer Dominic Esparza, Lt. Col. Raphael
Warren and 1st Lt. Mario Tafoya hiked to
over 11,000 feet in the mountains between
Angel Fire and Taos, N.M. and recovered the
remains of the civilian pilot. It was a diffi cult
trek; however, the chiefs were well prepared
for the mission.
Montoya also commended Chief Warrant
Offi cer Art Buhl, who recently brought
the state to a ranking of fourth in the nation
regarding the timely management of fi nancial
loss investigation for lost property. Montoya
commended the property book offi cer team
for their efforts with the turn-in of excess equipment
across the state. He also applauded
Chief Warrant Offi cer Juan Espinosa for his
recent achievement of attaining the National
Guard Bureau’s coveted Green Plus rating,
the highest rating possible, during the Annual
Statement of Assurance for Internal Controls
Program assessment.
In closing, Montoya reminded the warrant
offi cers that, “It should be deeds before
More than 23 million military veterans live in the U.S. today. They
are our neighbors, parents, co-workers, employees, grandparents,
PTA members, baseball coaches, grocery store workers, teachers,
fi remen, friends. They live, work and play in our hometowns.
The blanket of freedom under which we live was woven by our
veterans, their sacrifi ces and those of their families, friends and for the
Citizen-Soldiers and their employers.
The Air National Guard Hometown Heroes Salute recognition program
began in August 2008 as a way to acknowledge the Airmen,
families and communities answering the call of duty to deploy and
protect the nation. It is a National Guard Bureau funded program. For
more information about the program, go to http://www.goang.com/
HometownHeroes.
words with your Soldiers. Never ask them to
do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.”
Following the lunch provided by the
WOAC, the meeting commenced covering
several topics such as upcoming offi cer
development programs, fund raising events,
newly implemented warrant offi cer committees
and future retirements.
The special event for the afternoon was
a guided tour of the museum, led by Fox,
Soto and Spc. Charles Martinez. Fox told
the group that “Our [Bataan Museum’s] sole
purpose is to preserve your history.”
The warrant offi cers spent the afternoon
revisiting the history of the New Mexico
National Guard from The Minuteman days
to the current areas of operation in Iraq and
Afghanistan. He urged the warrant offi cers to
continue to support the museum and contribute
items of historical value so that the history
of the New Mexico National Guard stays alive
in the hearts and minds of future generations.

Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 23

NEWS BRIEFS
The NMNG welcomes a
new commissioned offi cer
By 2nd Lt. Andrew Talbott,
University of New Mexico Army ROTC
James Raschel’s life-long dream
to become a commissioned offi cer in
the United States Army and become a
Black Hawk pilot came to fruition when
he was commissioned a second lieutenant
in aviation on Dec. 17, 2011 in
front of family and friends at the University
of New Mexico’s Continuing Education
Building.
Raschel joined the Army National
Guard at the age of 17 and attended
Basic Combat Training at Ft. Knox, Ky.,
followed by Advanced Individual Training
in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon
returning to New Mexico, he attended
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
His ultimate goal was to become a Black
Hawk pilot and a commissioned offi cer
in the United States Army. Unsure of
how to obtain his goal, a friend referred
him to the Army Reserve Offi cer Training
Corps at the University of New Mexico.
Being committed to the ROTC program
is not easy work; it requires personal
sacrifi ces and commitment to the
program. With all the work that cadets
put in to the program, they receive a
benefi t that the majority of students
graduating from college will never
experience. Learning Army Values and
fundamental leadership skills helps
ROTC students in their Army careers
and civilian life.
While taking ROTC classes, Raschel
learned a variety of things—from what
the Army Values are to land navigation.
24 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
He attended fi eld training exercises
and learned basic rifl e marksmanship.
Taking classes and attending labs
as well as physical training, students
grow stronger, both physically as well
as mentally.
Since Raschel joined ROTC while
still in the National Guard, he qualifi
ed for the simultaneous-membership
program. This enabled him to have
his school paid for under the National
Guard’s tuition-assistance and the GI
Bill. He also had the opportunity to
shadow a platoon leader during drill.
The UNM Army ROTC program allowed
him to graduate from Embry-Riddle
and pursue his dream of becoming
a commissioned offi cer in the United
States Army.
Grant County Forerunners
send care packages to
deployed troops
By Leon Pearce, PNM Forerunners
Bob Garrod and Leon Pearce of
Silver City, who represent the PNM
Forerunners, sent 22 care packages to
Soldiers of the New Mexico National
Guard’s Company C., 1st Battalion,
200th Infantry, out of Santa Clara, who
are currently serving a one-year deployment
in Kosovo.
The 22 boxes contained snacks,
foodstuffs, green chili, beef jerky, candy,
cookies, toiletries, tooth brushes and
other items donated by Grant County
Forerunner members.
Postage for the 22 boxes will cost
the group approximately $250, which
will be paid by Forerunner members.
Any amount not donated by members
will be picked up by the Forerunner
organization.
The Forerunners in Grant County
are a group of 52 retirees from PNM
and TNMP (Texas-New Mexico Power
Co.) employees who help people in
the community.
They also collect supplies for area
schools and aluminum tabs from cans
which are given to Ronald McDonald
House in Albuquerque.
Garcia takes charge of
226th MP Bn.
By 1st Lt. Tabitha Baker,
919th Military Police Company
The 226th Military Police Battalion
commander, Lt. Col. Rick Ryczkowski,
relinquished command of the battalion
to Lt. Col Steve Garcia June 5, 2011, at
the Veterans Park in Farmington, N.M.
Ryczkowski, who stood up the
226th Battalion in 2008, started with
one company and left with two fully
functional MP companies with approximately
350 Guardsmen strong.
Garcia is excited to be the second
battalion commander for the 226th
MP Bn.
“Battalion command is an extreme
honor to me,” said Garcia. “My father
regretted not getting his opportunity to
command a battalion. So I promised
him I’d be the best one if I was granted
the honor.”

Garcia has many expectations for
his MP Bn., with special emphasis in
police and law enforcement training
with local and state agencies.
“I am focused on doing the right thing
all the time. I’m surrounded by the most
professional Soldiers in New Mexico,
and I’m truly humbled to be their battalion
commander,” said Garcia.
Romero promoted
to colonel
By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez,
State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
Lt. Col. Carla Romero, Human
Resources offi cer, was promoted July
18, 2011, to the rank of colonel at the
Regional Training Institute in Santa Fe.
Romero joined the New Mexico
National Guard in May 1982 and wascommissioned
in August 1990 through
the State Offi cer Candidate School
program. After accepting her commission,
Romero became a platoon leader
for the 3631st Maintenance Company
and has held various positions since
then including commander of the 804th
Maintenance Company and the 1115th
Transportation Company, S1 and S3
offi cer for the 515th Corps Support Battalion,
executive offi cer for the 804th
Quartermaster Battalion, Active Guard
and Reserve manager and her current
position as the human resources offi cer.
“When I joined the National Guard
in 1982 as an E1 (private), I never in
my wildest dreams thought I would be
standing here today as a colonel,” said
Romero.
Romero was pinned by Maj. Gen.
Kenny C. Montoya, The Adjutant General,
her husband Tom, and her two
children, Connor and Camryn.
“I am thankful for the many excellent
NCOs and offi cers who have worked for
or with me throughout the years. It is
because of them that I am able to be
promoted to this rank,” said Romero.
Command Sgt. Maj.
Eicherly retires
By 1st Lt. Tabitha Baker,
919th Military Police Company
After a successful career, Command
Sgt. Maj. Richard Eicherly retired from
the New Mexico Army National Guard.
“Sgt. Maj. Eicherly always wanted to
do the right thing. Even when he was
sick he was still coming in to work,
making the New Mexico National Guard
the great organization it is today,” said
Maj. Gen. Kenny Montoya, the Adjutant
General.
Eicherly was awarded several
medals in his retirement ceremony
including the Legion of Merit for his
selfl ess service during his military
career. Soldiers from the G3 staff, and
even more dear to his heart, recruiters
from all over the state, attended the
ceremony, presenting him awards and
praise for all his hard work and dedication
throughout the years with the New
Mexico National Guard.
NEWS BRIEFS
Judkins assumes
command of 515th RTI
By Lt. Col. Jamison Herrera,
State Public Affairs Offi cer
Col. Thomas Bump relinquished
command of the Headquarters 515th
Regiment to Col. Eric Judkins during a
change of command ceremony July 10,
2011, at the Regional Training Institute
in Santa Fe, N.M.
Judkins, a West Point graduate,
joined the New Mexico Army National
Guard in June 2000, and has held various
positions since then. He has served
in many capacities, including Joint Task
Force commander at Plaquemines
Parish for Hurricane Katrina, battalion
commander for Operation Jump Start
on the Southwest border. He led the
relief effort for the Hatch fl ood recovery.
Judkins also deployed to Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba, in 2008 and served as Joint
Task Force GTMO director of commissions
support and as the operations
offi cer for the Joint Detention Group.
Judkins praised his staff for their
efforts in providing the very best training
available to the Soldiers that walk
through the RTI doors and produce
better Warriors upon completion of that
training.
“The RTI has a critically important
mission and training is core—integral to
mission accomplishment. We are a force
multiplier in combat,” said Judkins.
Judkins is married to the former
Monica Young and has two children:
Marcus 14 and Thomas 12.
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 25

CAMP DEFY aims to
keep children out of trouble
By Sgt. Joseph Romero,
Youth Mentorship coordinator
The New Mexico National Guard partnered
with the city of Las Cruces Weed and Seed
program to host the 2011 Camp DEFY—Drug
Educations for Youth—in Las Cruces, N.M.
Weed and Seed is a community-based
strategy aimed at preventing, controlling and
reducing violent crime, drug abuse and gang
related activity and is sponsored by the United
States Department of Justice.
Camp DEFY is a big part of the Weed
and Seed initiative and has been planned
and coordinated by Soldiers from the New
Mexico National Guard Counterdrug Support/
Drug Demand Reduction program for
over a decade. They continue to serve and
support the Weed and Seed project.
The week-long summer camp is designed
to create a bond and a strong foundation for
young children between the ages of 7-11
and instill in them the importance of positive
Drug Demand Reduction Educates Youth
on Tough Subjects
By Spc. Brad Beitler, Youth Mentorship coordinator
The New Mexico National Guard Drug
Demand Reduction Section set a goal to
reach out to as many youths in the Albuquerque
community as possible in order to spread
the awareness and knowledge of gangs,
drugs, alcohol and tobacco. DDR continued
their partnerships with the Albuquerque
Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s
Department, United States Attorney’s Offi ce,
150th Security Forces Squadron, Detachment
1, 342nd Training Squadron—Pararescue &
Combat Rescue Offi cer School, New Mexico
Boys and Girls Clubs and Police Athletic
League to broaden the mission to educate
more children about these tough subjects.
These agencies hosted the Gang Resistance
Education and Training camp. The
seven-week program reached out to approximately
350 children, ages 11-14, to educate
them about gangs. GREAT camp also
educated the children about the dangers
of drugs, alcohol and tobacco by not only
providing them with preventive educational
26 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
values, good decision
making and a drug-free life
style within our society. The
camp provides drug awareness
classes, mentorship,
and several fun activities
that children from the Weed
and Seed area rarely get to
participate in. Camp DEFY
was originally started by the
U.S. Navy and has been
held in Ruidoso, N.M., for
the past seven years.
Camp UNITY is another
Weed and Seed initiative planned and coordinated
by the New Mexico National Guard.
This two-week camp was divided into two
phases. Phase one provides various life skills,
drug-awareness, and goal-setting classes
with the objective of overall UNITY and togetherness
to achieve team and individual goals.
Phase two is the reward for participating in
classes, but also providing them with activities
they could enjoy that would not involve
drugs or negative life consequences. The
camp was deemed a huge success.
The preventive classes these children experienced
included overall dangers of drugs,
alcohol and tobacco; dangers of methamphetamines;
gang prevention; and leadership
skills. By using many community resources,
the success of the camp was heightened and
received great feedback from children, parents
and other community members.
The activities that the New Mexico National
Guard’s DDR program and their partners
provided children were plentiful and diverse.
Some of the activities and games included,
but were not limited to rock wall climbing;
gauntlet activities (an apparatus that acts as
a fun maze); competitive and noncompetitive
athletics; dodge ball; swimming; rappelling;
fi shing; simulated weapons training;
paintball games; archery; water games; and
numerous others.
a year-round/summer-long program at the
Weed and Seed. This year the DDR program
ventured to Denver, Colo., with a stop in
Santa Fe, N.M. to visit with Gov. Susana Martinez
and the fi rst gentleman, Chuck Franco.
Teens were able to take in a rare luncheon at
the governor’s mansion followed by a state
Capitol tour led by the governor.
The New Mexico National Guard’s DDR
program participants are proud to play a large
role in the community’s efforts to increase
the level of awareness of drugs, alcohol and
tobacco. Abasic premise of the program is
that drug prevention starts with the community’s
youth. DDR is proud to team up with
Albuquerque citizens to keep young men and
women off substances that can ruin lives,
families, and possibly whole communities.

PROUD TO BECOME AN
AMERICAN
By Staff Sgt. Anna Doo, 200th Public Affairs Det.
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Just days after America celebrated
her 235th birthday, Pfc. Jose Manuel Valdez was sworn
in as a citizen of the U.S. in a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy
in Pristina.
Valdez, an infantryman with the U.S. contingent of Kosovo
Forces 14 rotation, had been working on the administrative process
to offi cially become a citizen for about six months and completed
the interview and offi cial ceremony while on a yearlong
deployment to Kosovo.
The process of obtaining citizenship for Valdez, who has been
living in the U.S. for more than 22 years, was relatively quick.
Valdez said he was relocated to California from his birthplace of
Ceballos, Durango, Mexico, when he was just 2 years old. He lived
in California for the next 11 years and then moved to Roswell, N.M.,
where he has spent the past 12 years.
Valdez enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 2007 and has been
an infantryman ever since. He said his cousin was in the military,
and while on a tour to Iraq, earned his citizenship. Learning that
Soldiers serving in the military, while on deployment can earn citizenship,
prompted Valdez’ interest in travelling the same path to
naturalization. Valdez is currently serving in Company C, 1-200th
Infantry, based in Las Cruces, N.M., as part of KFOR14 in Multinational
Battle Group East.
The reasons for Valdez to work toward citizenship were numerous,
but a couple stood above the rest. Valdez said he wanted to
make sure he prepares for future possibilities and is eligible for
as many jobs as possible. He is looking forward to being able to
plan for the future. Right now, he plans to complete this current
tour of duty and return home to his civilian job as a supervisor with
Penasco Valley Telecommunications.
“Just the fact of being able to vote, and looking down the road
toward jobs in law enforcement or border patrol are the best reasons
to get citizenship,” Valdez said. “I’m looking forward to reenreenlisting, do at least three more years, and then we’ll go from there.”
Valdez said he had been preparing for the interview process
and the ceremony since he learned the application paperwork
was complete. Before the ceremony, Valdez said, “I’m not nervous
about the ceremony; I’m actually nervous about the interview proprocess; I don’t know what that’s going to be like.”
With the application complete and the interview process
behind him, Valdez stood in front of the American fl ag, ready to
take the Oath of Allegiance. MNBG-E commander, Col. Michael D.
Schwartz, and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, Christopher
W. Dell, assisted Valdez in the fi nal steps to becoming a citizen.
Pamela Hutchings, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Field Offi ce director, Vienna, administered the Oath of Allegiance
to Valdez who repeated each word. Valdez was presented with a
certifi cate and received congratulatory remarks and well wishes
from both Dell and Schwartz.
“We are all glad you took the effort, and took that leap, and did
all the things you needed to do to become a citizen of the United
States of America,” said Schwartz.
Schwartz then presented Valdez with two commander’s coins—
one from pre-mobilization from N.M. and one from the deployment
in Kosovo.
Dell echoed Schwartz’s remarks and the satisfaction and pleasure
those in attendance were feeling on the occasion.
“You had a choice, a choice that you exercised to become an
American,” said Dell. “We are all extremely proud of you—proud
of your service, grateful for it, and very simply proud to call you an
American.”
Finally, Valdez, full of conviction and pride, led his fellow Soldiers
in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. His platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt.
Luis R. Sandoval, summed up the occasion with a few words.
“Every time you have somebody that looks for citizenship,
especially someone who’s been in the U.S. for his whole life, it’s
just something special,” said Sandoval. “Especially with him being
a Soldier and serving his country, it’s just a perk for him. He’s
already an American; he’s lived his whole life in the U.S.; he’s serving
his country, and now he can voice his opinion by voting. One
more great American Soldier.”
N.M. leadership visits Kosovo
The New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kenneth
C. Montoya, center, along with the State Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth
Adair, right, visited Soldiers from the New Mexico Army National Guard
stationed in Kosovo Aug. 9-11, 2011. Montoya and Adair, along with the
state human resources manager, Col. Carla Romero, spoke with Soldiers
on Camp Bondsteel, Camp Novo Selo, and near Camp Nothing
Hill, Kosovo. The Soldiers are currently serving as part of the NATO-led
peacekeeping operation of Kosovo Forces 14. Photo: Staff Sgt. Anna Doo
Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 27

By Sgt. Suzanna Dominguez,
State Public Affairs NCO, JFHQ
The New Mexico National Guard and
Family Support Program hosted its annual
Youth Adventure Camp July 7- 9, 2011, at
the Onate Complex in Santa Fe, N.M.
The annual youth camp is open to relatives
of New Mexico National Guard servicemembers
who are between the ages of 7 to
14 years old. The children are separated by
age into their respective groups and have
the opportunity to have a military experience
by wearing a uniform that includes a
team t-shirt and hat, learning drill and ceremony
and making up cadences.
“The campers were very involved in all
the activities that the camp offered,” said
Sgt. Maj. Brenda Mallary, commander of the
13-14 year olds and a 3rd year volunteer.
28 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011
2011 Youth Adventure Camp
gives children a sample of military life
The Chaplain Corps of the New Mexico National Guard is
fully staffed and ready to support the needs of our soldiers and
their families. With the recent appointments of Chaplin Capt. Will
Pasieczny as the chaplain for the 717th Brigade Support Bn. in
Roswell and Chaplin Capt. Timothy Martin as the chaplain for the
1st Bn., 200th Infantry of Las Cruces, the Chaplain Corps has
reached staffi ng capacity.
In February, Chaplain Capt. T. C. Broom was appointed as
chaplain for the 615th Transportation Bn. Chaplin Lt. Col. Bruce
Farrell transferred into the New Mexico National Guard as the Joint
Forces Headquarters chaplain last fall.
All of these chaplains have served in support of contingency
operations in theater.
Chaplain Candidate 1st Lt. Stephen Jimenez of Albuquerque,
transferred into the New Mexico National Guard and is slated to
appear before the November Chaplain Accessioning board. He
will be assigned to the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Bn.
in Belen.
Chaplin Maj. Michael Lindsay is currently deployed in Kosovo.
“The campers were kept busy the entire
time. The campers had a great time.”
The teams participated in hands-on
weapons familiarization, museum visits, rappelling,
paint ball, and water survival activities.
New Mexico law enforcement personnel
also volunteered their time and expertise
for the youth by presenting drug and alcohol
awareness and prevention training.
The New Mexico National Guard Youth
Adventure Camp experience enables participants
to better understand and appreciate
their relatives’ service to our state
and country.
According to Mallary, this year’s camp
was yet again a success for all involved.
“The overall camp was a success. I
enjoy working with all the volunteers during
the camp. It is great how we all work
together to make the camp a success,”
said Mallary.
Chaplain Corps ready to support the needs of our Soldiers
Story and photo contributed by the Chaplain Corps
Photos: Senior Airmen Jamie Emerson, Family Programs
With Chaplin Capt. Ben Yazzie assigned to 226th Military Police
Bn. and Chaplin Capt. Ricardo Russo assigned to the Onate Training
Complex, the chaplain positions for the organization are fi lled.
The organization is currently recruiting chaplain candidates for
the future needs and is focusing their efforts on Roman Catholic
priests.

Fall 2011 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 29

30 NEW MEXICO Minuteman / Fall 2011